The Wow Life: Will It EVER End? (yes it will, this is Part 3 of 3)

For those who need a focus date in sight, go ahead and set a date for completion….but do not determine how much weight you will lose – just tell yourself that you will diet up to a certain date and then reassess…..but you have to really commit to give it your all during that time frame. I told myself that I would diet until October 31st. By then, I was on a roll and extremely happy, so I moved my date to after the holidays. Again, I was happy, so I gave myself permission to go just a little longer because my goal was just around the corner. For some, this will be the way to keep from getting discouraged (you never have to ask ‘when will it end?’….you already know). For others, this may just encourage you to quit completely when you get to your date….but again, if you were honest and stuck to your full commitment, you should have made enough progress to make a real difference in your life.

So, obviously, this system worked for me, but not without a few bumps and bruises along the way. I wayyyyyy underset my caloric intake at 1,000 - 1,200 calories a day. I know, I know. I went in with my eyes open on that one, but it’s a vast improvement over the days when I limited myself to 650 a day (eating disorder, remember?) Well, I suffered for it by developing gallstones. It turns out that this is a common ailment for people who lose weight too fast, making it impossible for their bodies to slough off the fat compounds and leftover minerals quickly enough. It was a painful lesson, eventually rectified by having my gall bladder removed. A little extreme by anyone’s book, I assure you. Here is a link to a page maintained by the National Institute on Health and the US Dept., of Health and Human Services regarding gallstones. Look towards the middle of the page for information on weight loss as a cause of gallstones:


http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gallstones.htm#weightloss

- so everyone repeat after me: "I will NOT try to rush losing weight. Slow and steady means good and healthy....and more success! Those who lose weight at a steady pace will be more successful at maintaining a long term weight loss than those who dodn't.



As mentioned, I successfully lost the weight and improved my overall health with rigorous exercise. The results are beyond my wildest dreams. Low cholesterol, excellent health, my joints are no longer ‘degenerating’, my asthma is practically nonexistent, and best of all – no acid reflux I’m completely off the four medications I was taking. I feel soooooo much better. I can climb my 1/2 mile driveway without stopping. I even feel pretty.....except right after I exercise. Yuck.

I've mentioned the fact that I've gained a little back. It's true, and I'm not happy about it, but there seems to be a rule of thumb, at least in my life. I can slowly slip back into my old habits without much trouble, and when I do - and this may shock some of you - I GAIN WEIGHT!


This brings me to one last piece of advice. If you can find it, I HIGHLY suggest you find the book entitled "Making Peace With the Image In the Mirror" by Steven R. Hawks. It's still listed on Amazon.com in their USED BOOKS. I purchased four of these books when it first came out to share with friends like me who were dealing with negative body issues and wondering why they couldn't just buckle down and lose the weight. I've talked to Dr. Hawks, a university professor who has conducted international studies regarding body image and eating disorders, on a few occasions. Amazing man.

Well, I hope this information is helpful. It's just my experiences. But it's been a lifetime of learning and I think.....just maybe......I'm almost there.

End of part 3

Our Special Day during this Special Season

Merry Christmas - Joy to the World!

This year circumstances have conspired to put together a Christmas I've thought about for a long time......a (practically) giftless day. No, we're not hurting for money. We're fine - thanks for the concern.

What happened was that we've invited my brother (since I work for him now, I get to cal him my "bossy brother" - ha ha ha) and his wife Terri up for the week (don't get too excited....it's a work week). Terri suggested that we gift ourselves permission to relax and agree not to exchange gifts. Instead, she suggested we buy our own gift, wrap it, put it under the tree and unwrap it Christmas morn for all to see. Mom was thrilled! I was willing, Ron was noncommittal - which meant, of course, it was a go!

So, I got the grandbabies covered. I got the kids covered. Made the treats for all our friends and yesterday....I got MY present.....but I'm not telling you what. It's my only surprise of the day and I'm keeping it.

One other bit of big news.....under much pressure from the husband and daughter, I have tossed away the plastic Christmas tree and we got one off our land. Okay, I love it. LOVE IT!!!!








One other thing....we had the COLDEST week last week. We had a smattering of snow, barely anything - but the cold turned it into the 'kewl'est crystals. So pretty!










So, here's our opportunity to wish all a wonderful holiday. We're most grateful for our blessings -

Most of all......each other (33 years today!) I LOVE my husband. He is so amazing and still makes my heart flutter.

Yeah, the pics didn't scan too well, but their still fun!

We're BAACCCKKKK

What can be better than visiting a beautiful grandchild?

Visiting 9 beautiful grandchildren!






Here is a shot with 7 of em' (from left to right):
James (Roni's), Mattie (Trina's), Samuel (Trina's), Amber (Roni's), Harley (Roni's), Katie (Trina's), Jade Tyler (Roni's)


And what, I ask you, can be finer than having your own personal dresser? This is Breanna with her very nice and artistic boyfriend.

















And here is something that makes us feel EXTREMELY old - we have a grandchild that owns her own house now......










Yes, if you're counting.....there's one grandchild missing - the ever elusive Richie. Luckily Roni has some shots that include him, so....more pictures to follow.............

4 months later.....

Okay, I admit it. I'm a slacker. I have a good excuse. I've been BUSY!

So, here are a few shots.........with captions:


Traveling a lot....been to Salt Lake City twice, Oakland three times.... Napa, San Jose and Victoria Canada.






In the meantime, my grandaughter Amber visited - this is her on the Ferry with me












...as well as my sister, Audrey. This is her, Mom and I at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada - and the yummy afternoon tea we had



























And some beautiful old totum poles at the museum in downtown Victoria














...and Ron at the Lavendar Festival here in Sequim. What a GORGEOUS guy, yes?












Ron and I are heading off to Las Vegas and then to North Carolina at the end of this month. I'm hitting my goal of seeing ALL of my grandbabies in 2009. Woo hoo!!!!

Master Ronan Christopher Jones

After much anticipation, I am very pleased to announce that Ronan Christopher Jones made a safe landing onto Planet Earth on June 5th at 5:59 pm weighing in at 8 lbs. 7 1/2 ounces. Mother and baby are happy and healthy. It appears that Ronan sports a lovely head of auburn hair. What a treat!







Well, yes, these pictures do, in fact include my OTHER two adorable grandchildren from the Michael and Havilah Jones conglomeration. Here, let me share a few more pics of pure adorableness....





















There was a petting zoo at the library. Gareth was certain the big animals would eat him. It took a lot of patience to get him to the point where he would actually get up close, but he was happy once he did.









Ruthie just couldn't get enough of them....














The park was fun. Gareth had much tromping around to do......

















Ruthie could be entertained at any minute of the day. She MUST have some Polynesian in her somewhere. She has learned how to shimmy up doorways.

















Here's a pic of Ron and I with our son, Mike. He's a great son and we love him. What more can I say (oh, except that he married the perfect wife and has a real talent at making adorable AND highly intelligent children - but that goes without saying now, doesn't it?)

My impressions of Lubbock TX

Lubbock Texas is a dry, flat place. Very dry. Very flat. Very brown.

Not a place I would pick for summer vacation. But the decision as to where I would be spending the next few week were made for me when my son and his wife announced last winter that our 12th grandchild was going to make their appearance this June. I flew into town on Tuesday, May 26th. 15 long hours of travel. 4 airplanes. 1 delay. Not as bad as it could have been, all considering.

I got in after the two current children belonging to this particular clan were in bed. I was told I would have to wait until morning before the hugging could begin. No amount of pouting seemed to work.

It's alright. I'm getting my fill now.

So, on top of waiting for baby, I am busy with three big chores.

1. Help with the children. FUN!
2. Cook dinner every night - utilizing my handy dandy knowledge of low fat cooking. My daughter-in-law is thrilled. My son? Not so much.
3. Help pack. Why? Because two weeks after the baby is due.....they're moving from hot ol' Texas to....hot ol' Salt Lake City (yup, they're crazy)

So - it's a busy time, especially since I'm working at night (brother....attorney....marketing.....on-line).

So the BIG focus for me, of course, is baby #12.

Michael and Havilah (the aforementioned parents) decided that this time around they didn't want to know whether they were having a boy or a girl. Being that this is their last child, they decided they wanted the fun experience of having it as a surprise. Havilah was due on June 8th, but was positive she'd go early like the last two. We've spent the last week staring at her belly, chanting encouragement and minor threats. It hasn't worked so far.

Neither has long walks, running around the park, swimming at the pool or chocolate Lots of chocolate - though Havilah appreciated that special effort anyway.

This article is more about my trip to Lubbock than tardy grandbabies anyway.....so, here is everything you could POSSIBLY want to know about Lubbock, Texas and never thought you'd ask:

The county of Lubbock was founded in 1876. It was named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger and the brother of Francis R. Lubbock, the governor of Texas during the Civil War.

The settlement that is the present-day city of Lubbock was not formed until late 1890.

Downtown Lubbock has taken quite a beating. Tornados. Duststorms. It ain't pretty.

There is an ancient dig site where they have found evidence that some group already discovered that living in Lubbock might not be the best plan. They left over 2,000 years ago (smart!).

In 1925, Texas Technological College (today Texas Tech University) opened its doors. They are called the Raiders. They love football.

There are a couple claims to fame here. For instance, this is the birthplace of Buddy Holly

...and of course, there's always the barbecues (like on EVERY corner!)

Oh, alright.....some are much better than this, but you get the picture.

Now you might think I'm unfairly painting Lubbock as an undesirable town. I'm not trying to....really! In my defense, I even looked up the words "Lubbock" and "pretty" on Google. The statement that came up was as follows:

"Lubbock is still pretty bad"

They were talking about their freeway system, but you get the picture.

Now if any of my readers are from Lubbock, have family from Lubbock, met their true love in Lubbock or for some reason have fond memories of Lubbock, I tip my hat to you. I, for one, am really looking forward to seeing green again.

But first, I'm heading to Austin, TX for a week.......to see the bats.

And the adventure continues.........

Holy smokers, Batman. It's been a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG time since I've blogged.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to download and pictures so you're going to have to IMAGINE the pictures (trust me, it exercises the brain cells).

Okay - imagine the first image which is a bat!

Honest, I've been swamped!

I went to Dallas, where I found tornadoes

Really cool tornado picture here

Thunder and Lightning

Really cool lightning picture here!

Schools closed due to the flu formerly known as Swine

School with a closed sign on it

and crushed dreams at a football training camp (that was scary and sad)

Heck, let's put the whole video clip of the Dallas Cowboy's training building blowing down

Then I came home and did something I haven't done in decades! GARDEN!

Imagine the greatest vegetable garden here, then cut it down in size by at least half. That's my garden!

Last week I moonlighted over at Jefferson General Hospital on a planning team.

People sitting around a table talking and pointing

After a glorious weekend with friends, I was off to Lubbock, TX (Texas AGAIN???) for the birth of my 12th grandchild. I arrived an hour ago - Yippee!!!!!!

Pictures of the CUTEST, SMARTEST, MOST TALENTED g'babies in the world goes right here!

Except the kids are asleep....so I have to wait until tomorrow morning until I get to start the kissin' and the huggin' and the spoilin'

Me....pouting.

Then to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law in Austin, TX

Me vacationing

And I'm back home on June 16th where I get to....go ahead.....guess.

...

Yup...weed!

Think dandelion weeds and thistles, cause that's what's going to be there by the 16th!