This "blogging once a week" stuff is harder than I thought! I certainly have enough thoughts to keep up a blog, but the habit and practice of sitting down to write is another issue!
The "skinny" on the new health routine...
The food part is going pretty well. I think I'm pretty good about sticking to my "diet." I'm keeping a log each day, marking off each item at each meal (fruit/whole grain/protein/water/veg/etc.) and that really helps me to stay aware of what I have or haven't eaten. It makes eating more intentional. I find am much better about what I eat if I keep up this log. The days I slip in using it are the days I slip in eating. And if I haven't taken the time on the weekend to meal-plan, then I am really up a creek each night when trying to get dinner ready for the clan. Doing pretty well with the "3 sweets a day" thing as well as the "3 drinks a week."
What I've been awful about the entire time is the exercise part! I'll tell you, it helps when you have a child that can read and understand your chart and she says, "Mommy, you haven't exercised at all this week!" (I hadn't even explained my log to her, she just understood it.) OK, my excuse for part of one week was the heat....it really was 102 degrees here one day. Stockton weather, for sure, here in the Bay Area. So what's my excuse one week later when the high was 58 degrees? No excuse at all. Got out of the habit, and so hard for me to get back in. And today I have a sore throat and the sniffles. So I really have some work to do still on this aspect.
And the poundage? At one point I had lost 4 lbs. Not quite the 2 a week I was hoping for, but a start. But without the exercise part of it, I know the pounds are only going to barely eek off me. But it's a start and I'm happy about that. I think visualizing myself in that skinny brown dress I bought at New Year's will help. The goal of being "slender" (or at least "slenderer") by the end of August is the key to keeping food out of my mouth (the wrong foods that is) and a kick to get me back outside.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Grow the Roses! (or "Trim the Roses!")
I'll be 47 next month. That's been harder to say than saying I am 46. I'm not sure why.
I've decided to once again try and lose some weight. Especially since I just gained 10 pounds last December. Yes, it all seemed to come on in one month.
I am a vegan, mind you, and I have a weight issue. (So much for the image of a skinny, pale undernourished vegan, huh?)
What I struggle with these days, in addition to the addition of pounds, is the need to not make a huge deal about pounds and weight in front of my little sponge I call my daughter. I doubt she will have the same body issues as the rest of the Pearson clan, since her genetics seem to have blessed her with the "tall and slender" genes. But I still don't want her to obsess over her body. Those issues can swing far either way.
What I am trying to emphasize these days is being in shape and eating a healthy diet, vs. losing weight. I am a sloth, yes, so if I actually get out and move my tuckus, I will probably lose weight. I eat a pretty healthy diet already, but it seems that the big "M" or the "pre-M" is hitting and my body thinks it needs to store up for a long winter. Doesn't it realize that there will be global warming, not cooling?
My body has also been going on strike now and then in the form of muscle spasms in the back and neck and other muscle issues. All, I'm sure, related to the fact that I don't use them much. So here's the plan, and you, my friends and family can help me stick to it.
The goals:
Weight: Around 135 would be ideal. (Which means losing about 25 lbs.) I'd feel thin, even though I know I weighed much less than that in high school at the same height (5'5"). If you can believe it, at one point I weighed about 105 lbs, but was usually around 120 lbs. And I always thought I needed to lose 5 lbs. Talk about distorted body image! But I don't need to be that skinny again. After all, the wrinkles start to show if there's no fat to plump them up!
Health: No more muscle spasms would be great! Feeling fit and healthy and able to walk and run and bike and walk upstairs easily!
When: Well, that greatest of all incentives, the high school reunion is around the corner! It will be my 30th reunion, and I am assuming it will be in August or September, I haven't heard yet. So I'd like to be at or darn near my goals by then.
How I plan to do it: I think I have found two things I like to do: play tennis and walk or jog on a nature trail. Both are near my house. I've already started this, just have to keep it up. And actually, I'm not playing tennis, but just hitting against a backboard, which is much more actual exercise than playing with someone. Bicycling is a third option. The bike is in need of new tires, so that is on the list of "to do's." I'm hoping my tail-bone can survive riding a bike. I bought a new seat, (wish I could do that to my body as well!), but the bike needs a huge tune-up first. Hmmm, also like me....
Eating: Well, of course, I am sticking to my vegan diet. I need to keep it simple and I have started a log to keep myself honest. Each meal will have a whole grain (which I've been slowly including anyway--the best kind of carbs around--brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta), a protein, a fruit and two glasses of water or other low-no-calorie liquid. Lunch and dinner will include a veggie, too, and for breakfast I will add another fruit or juice. Our fruit trees will help me out soon with plums, Asian pears, peaches, Bartlett pears and apples soon. Snacks I'll try to keep to fruit and nuts. Sweets I'll keep to three a day (like 3 cookies or 3 small pieces of dark chocolate) and limiting alcohol to 3 a week. We'll see about that one!
I'm hoping that all of this will mean a loss of 2 lbs (or a little less) each week. I won't beat myself up if I don't reach that each week, just keep on plugging. Check out the "Roses of Success" video from Chitty Chitty Bang! Bang! at the bottom. I used it on my business blog, but I like how inspirational it is.
So, if any of you out there have great ideas for exercise that have worked for you, or found wonderful foods you love that are still healthy and low-ish on calories, SHARE! And if any of you need a buddy in a similar venture, let's do it together! Call me, email me or leave comments on this post.
I've decided to once again try and lose some weight. Especially since I just gained 10 pounds last December. Yes, it all seemed to come on in one month.
I am a vegan, mind you, and I have a weight issue. (So much for the image of a skinny, pale undernourished vegan, huh?)
What I struggle with these days, in addition to the addition of pounds, is the need to not make a huge deal about pounds and weight in front of my little sponge I call my daughter. I doubt she will have the same body issues as the rest of the Pearson clan, since her genetics seem to have blessed her with the "tall and slender" genes. But I still don't want her to obsess over her body. Those issues can swing far either way.
What I am trying to emphasize these days is being in shape and eating a healthy diet, vs. losing weight. I am a sloth, yes, so if I actually get out and move my tuckus, I will probably lose weight. I eat a pretty healthy diet already, but it seems that the big "M" or the "pre-M" is hitting and my body thinks it needs to store up for a long winter. Doesn't it realize that there will be global warming, not cooling?
My body has also been going on strike now and then in the form of muscle spasms in the back and neck and other muscle issues. All, I'm sure, related to the fact that I don't use them much. So here's the plan, and you, my friends and family can help me stick to it.
The goals:
Weight: Around 135 would be ideal. (Which means losing about 25 lbs.) I'd feel thin, even though I know I weighed much less than that in high school at the same height (5'5"). If you can believe it, at one point I weighed about 105 lbs, but was usually around 120 lbs. And I always thought I needed to lose 5 lbs. Talk about distorted body image! But I don't need to be that skinny again. After all, the wrinkles start to show if there's no fat to plump them up!
Health: No more muscle spasms would be great! Feeling fit and healthy and able to walk and run and bike and walk upstairs easily!
When: Well, that greatest of all incentives, the high school reunion is around the corner! It will be my 30th reunion, and I am assuming it will be in August or September, I haven't heard yet. So I'd like to be at or darn near my goals by then.
How I plan to do it: I think I have found two things I like to do: play tennis and walk or jog on a nature trail. Both are near my house. I've already started this, just have to keep it up. And actually, I'm not playing tennis, but just hitting against a backboard, which is much more actual exercise than playing with someone. Bicycling is a third option. The bike is in need of new tires, so that is on the list of "to do's." I'm hoping my tail-bone can survive riding a bike. I bought a new seat, (wish I could do that to my body as well!), but the bike needs a huge tune-up first. Hmmm, also like me....
Eating: Well, of course, I am sticking to my vegan diet. I need to keep it simple and I have started a log to keep myself honest. Each meal will have a whole grain (which I've been slowly including anyway--the best kind of carbs around--brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta), a protein, a fruit and two glasses of water or other low-no-calorie liquid. Lunch and dinner will include a veggie, too, and for breakfast I will add another fruit or juice. Our fruit trees will help me out soon with plums, Asian pears, peaches, Bartlett pears and apples soon. Snacks I'll try to keep to fruit and nuts. Sweets I'll keep to three a day (like 3 cookies or 3 small pieces of dark chocolate) and limiting alcohol to 3 a week. We'll see about that one!
I'm hoping that all of this will mean a loss of 2 lbs (or a little less) each week. I won't beat myself up if I don't reach that each week, just keep on plugging. Check out the "Roses of Success" video from Chitty Chitty Bang! Bang! at the bottom. I used it on my business blog, but I like how inspirational it is.
So, if any of you out there have great ideas for exercise that have worked for you, or found wonderful foods you love that are still healthy and low-ish on calories, SHARE! And if any of you need a buddy in a similar venture, let's do it together! Call me, email me or leave comments on this post.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I survived Disneyland
I survived.
This is what I learned...
Disneyland is not vegetarian (and certainly not vegan)-friendly.
(Walt, fruit is a snack, not a meal to be eaten three times a day.)
Disneyland is a long ride from home.
The town of Buttonwillow is not as cute as it sounds.
Disneyland is a long ride from home. Oh wait, I said that already!
"It's a Small World," the only ride I was looking forward to, is closed for rehab until November.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" (OK, so I was looking forward to that one, too) is pretty cool, even though it has been rehabbed too since the movies came out. Look for Captain Sparrow in at least three places. He looks so real it's creepy. Or is it just because he is creepy?
Churros are really yummy. (Not vegan as I later found out.)
Mary Poppins (in her full "Jolly Holiday" outfit was absolutely beautiful. Or should I say, 'practically perfect.'
I'm anxious to go back....in another 5-10 years!
This is what I learned...
Disneyland is not vegetarian (and certainly not vegan)-friendly.
(Walt, fruit is a snack, not a meal to be eaten three times a day.)
Disneyland is a long ride from home.
The town of Buttonwillow is not as cute as it sounds.
Disneyland is a long ride from home. Oh wait, I said that already!
"It's a Small World," the only ride I was looking forward to, is closed for rehab until November.
"Pirates of the Caribbean" (OK, so I was looking forward to that one, too) is pretty cool, even though it has been rehabbed too since the movies came out. Look for Captain Sparrow in at least three places. He looks so real it's creepy. Or is it just because he is creepy?
Churros are really yummy. (Not vegan as I later found out.)
Mary Poppins (in her full "Jolly Holiday" outfit was absolutely beautiful. Or should I say, 'practically perfect.'
I'm anxious to go back....in another 5-10 years!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Margaret is a-Musing
I so could kick myself for not thinking of that pun until long after I had created this blog and captured my blogspot URL. Oh well. (That's a deep subject.)
Puns are on my mind at the moment, not just because I think myself a-musing. I read a book today (a sure sign I am procrastinating about something else. In this case, it is a talk I am to give in a week.) The book is Maybe. (Maybe not.) by Robert Fulghum. (The same guy who wrote All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Also a Unitarian minister.) I recommend this book highly. When I wasn't laughing, I was in tears. (Good tears.)
Anyway...in one chapter he talks about a friend playing a trick on him and signing him up for all these weird organizations (which really do exist). One of them was the International Save the Pun Foundation.
Well, that got my attention! I joined right away. (I think I joined. It's hard to tell.)
I submitted my first pun, which by the way, is original and created while on our first trip to Cape Cod. Here it is:
Q. What did the Language Professor wear when she went to the beach?
A. Why, a diphthong, of course!
I submitted it in the name of the "Original Pearson Punster," Hal Pearson. (Easter Sunday was the 5th anniversary of his passing.)
OK, so my next pun is (thought of today):
Q. What do you call a liaison with a mental health professional?
A. A psyhchia “tryst.”
Groans are expected. It's just as good as applause to punsters.
Good day. Have a pun weekend.
Thanks, Dad.
Puns are on my mind at the moment, not just because I think myself a-musing. I read a book today (a sure sign I am procrastinating about something else. In this case, it is a talk I am to give in a week.) The book is Maybe. (Maybe not.) by Robert Fulghum. (The same guy who wrote All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Also a Unitarian minister.) I recommend this book highly. When I wasn't laughing, I was in tears. (Good tears.)
Anyway...in one chapter he talks about a friend playing a trick on him and signing him up for all these weird organizations (which really do exist). One of them was the International Save the Pun Foundation.
Well, that got my attention! I joined right away. (I think I joined. It's hard to tell.)
I submitted my first pun, which by the way, is original and created while on our first trip to Cape Cod. Here it is:
Q. What did the Language Professor wear when she went to the beach?
A. Why, a diphthong, of course!
I submitted it in the name of the "Original Pearson Punster," Hal Pearson. (Easter Sunday was the 5th anniversary of his passing.)
OK, so my next pun is (thought of today):
Q. What do you call a liaison with a mental health professional?
A. A psyhchia “tryst.”
Groans are expected. It's just as good as applause to punsters.
Good day. Have a pun weekend.
Thanks, Dad.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The (little) Free Things in Life
I'll add to this list as life goes on. But here are a few things I love:
- That first moment of a hot shower.
- That steam facial when opening the dishwasher.
- The first sip of beer on a hot day.
- "Beer ice" when you put beer into one of those frozen mugs.
- That moment in Yosemite Valley as you drive in when you can see both sides of the walls at once and it takes your breath away. Even when you work there and you see it 5 times a week.
- Daffodils blooming in February. They just seem so optimistic.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Musing about Monkee Music
I am no expert on music, but I've been enjoying it quite a lot lately, especially since I have discovered iTunes, taking individual songs from "old" CD's already in my collection and burning my own "mix" CD's. Yes, I know it took me a few extra years to be finally "in" the 21st century. Better late than never.
Today's musing is about the Monkees. The "Pre-Fab Four." Yes, the "Hey, Hey We're the Monkees!" Monkees. You didn't think I had misspelled the other kind of monkey, did you? (SpellCheck thinks so.)
I am a true child of the 60's. Meaning, I was a child in the 1960's. My older sister and I raced home to watch Dark Shadows, and we didn't miss The Monkees, The Partridge Family or Lost in Space. (Or the Smothers Brothers if Mom and Dad let us stay up that late. No wonder we're all Democrats now! Butterfly alert: I have been personally kissed and hugged by Dick Smothers--in full view of my husband and elderly parents, I might add.)
Back to the Monkees. For years, I was in love with Davy Jones. He was little, cute and British. What was not to love? I was little, cute and, well, American. His instrument of choice (after his voice, that is) was the tamborine--something I imagined, that I, too could play. I swooned over the song I Want to be Free. It was pretty, had the word bluebird in it, and of course, Davy sang it. What more could an eight year old want? Well, when I heard it again as an adult (and actually listened to the lyrics), my whole image of Davy was shot straight to heck. I realized what a schmo he was being. Wanted a girl to be there for him, and yet wanted his "freedom" too, eh? Geez, what a loser. Girls, run from this kind of schmuck, please. Who buys the cow when you can get the milk for free, huh? (Such an ironic phrase for me to use considering I'm a vegan and I hate referring to women as cows. Maybe "Why buy the soybean field when you can get the soymilk for free? Or...Why buy the vineyard when you can get the wine for free? or... Why grow the wheat when you can get the seitan for free?" I think you get it. I'll have to work on getting those into the popular vernacular.)
So, my love affair from afar ended with the little guy. My thoughts turned to Mike Nesmith, the only purported "musician" in the bunch. But really, he held no interest. (Sorry, Mike.)
There there's Peter Tork. Poor old Peter, always a befuddled look on his face. Always a few steps behind his Monkee-mates. And the rumors that he had gotten into drugs. But in reality, this was the best and classically trained musician of the group. Yes, he had taken a turn into drugs and alcohol, which got him into trouble. Seems he's out of it now and has been for years. In an interview he said he was most proud of "Riu Chiu," sung acappella by the four in a Christmas special. See it below for a real Monkee-treat.
But really, start listening to Micky Dolenz. A wonderful voice and another true talent. In the Davy-shrouded fog of my youth, I didn't realize that Micky sang lead vocal on so many of their songs. (Last Train to Clarksville, Pleasant Valley Sunday) Yep. Micky's my favorite to listen to now.
In my research for this essay, I ran across a petition to have the Monkees inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I signed it. Will you?
Even though Davy fell out of my favor all over the lyrics to "I Want to be Free," I still love these guys and I know that each one of them is a real talent. We can thank the Monkee's producers for their creation (Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson), who according to Peter, bankrolled the movie "Easy Rider" with Monkee-money.
Go figure. Only in America.
Today's musing is about the Monkees. The "Pre-Fab Four." Yes, the "Hey, Hey We're the Monkees!" Monkees. You didn't think I had misspelled the other kind of monkey, did you? (SpellCheck thinks so.)
I am a true child of the 60's. Meaning, I was a child in the 1960's. My older sister and I raced home to watch Dark Shadows, and we didn't miss The Monkees, The Partridge Family or Lost in Space. (Or the Smothers Brothers if Mom and Dad let us stay up that late. No wonder we're all Democrats now! Butterfly alert: I have been personally kissed and hugged by Dick Smothers--in full view of my husband and elderly parents, I might add.)
Back to the Monkees. For years, I was in love with Davy Jones. He was little, cute and British. What was not to love? I was little, cute and, well, American. His instrument of choice (after his voice, that is) was the tamborine--something I imagined, that I, too could play. I swooned over the song I Want to be Free. It was pretty, had the word bluebird in it, and of course, Davy sang it. What more could an eight year old want? Well, when I heard it again as an adult (and actually listened to the lyrics), my whole image of Davy was shot straight to heck. I realized what a schmo he was being. Wanted a girl to be there for him, and yet wanted his "freedom" too, eh? Geez, what a loser. Girls, run from this kind of schmuck, please. Who buys the cow when you can get the milk for free, huh? (Such an ironic phrase for me to use considering I'm a vegan and I hate referring to women as cows. Maybe "Why buy the soybean field when you can get the soymilk for free? Or...Why buy the vineyard when you can get the wine for free? or... Why grow the wheat when you can get the seitan for free?" I think you get it. I'll have to work on getting those into the popular vernacular.)
So, my love affair from afar ended with the little guy. My thoughts turned to Mike Nesmith, the only purported "musician" in the bunch. But really, he held no interest. (Sorry, Mike.)
There there's Peter Tork. Poor old Peter, always a befuddled look on his face. Always a few steps behind his Monkee-mates. And the rumors that he had gotten into drugs. But in reality, this was the best and classically trained musician of the group. Yes, he had taken a turn into drugs and alcohol, which got him into trouble. Seems he's out of it now and has been for years. In an interview he said he was most proud of "Riu Chiu," sung acappella by the four in a Christmas special. See it below for a real Monkee-treat.
But really, start listening to Micky Dolenz. A wonderful voice and another true talent. In the Davy-shrouded fog of my youth, I didn't realize that Micky sang lead vocal on so many of their songs. (Last Train to Clarksville, Pleasant Valley Sunday) Yep. Micky's my favorite to listen to now.
In my research for this essay, I ran across a petition to have the Monkees inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I signed it. Will you?
Even though Davy fell out of my favor all over the lyrics to "I Want to be Free," I still love these guys and I know that each one of them is a real talent. We can thank the Monkee's producers for their creation (Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson), who according to Peter, bankrolled the movie "Easy Rider" with Monkee-money.
Go figure. Only in America.
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