OMG!!!!! The Grove Park Inn Spa is the most amazing, tranquil, peaceful, relaxing place in the world. (Or at least the parts of the world I have seen.) So, sorry, R, K, J, M, and R that you did not get a blog for yesterday and sorry this one is soooooo late tonight. But thanks for noticing. It is nice to be missed.
My day at the spa on Monday began with a robe and a pair of slippers. Not just any robe, I might add, but the most wonderful robe that has ever touch my body. I had tears in my eyes when I had to put it in the "Return robe here", container when I started to leave last night. I would have bought one at the spa shop but was afraid to even look at the price tag. After being introduced to the robe and slippers, we were given a tour of the facility. After the tour, we were escorted to the Fireside Lounge where I just sat for about 30 minutes sipping herbal tea and snacking on a cup of healthy something. Whatever, it was the best herbal tea and healthy something I had ever put in my mouth. It took me those 30 minutes to make my self relax and realize I had all day to do, nothing or anything. So I decided to put on my bathing suit and head underground to the pools. Before you even go to the pool area there is a yen garden where all you do is rake sand with a wooden rake. Sounds kinda lame, I know, until you actually try it. It was soooooo relaxing. The transition pool was a little scary but I tried it. Not successfully. You get into a hot tub and I do mean hot, 103 degrees, for about 7 minutes then you jump into a hole that is about 3 feet in diameter and 5 feet deep and the water is icy cold. It is supposed to be good for your circulation, but my circulation is just fine, thank you, so I just stuck my foot in the cold hole. Several of the others in my crowd were braver than me. Then there were the two saunas and a breathing room. In the breathing room, you just go in there and breath. Easy enough. I liked that. The saunas were a bit overwhelming after about 5 minutes but nice. My favorite part was the hot tub adjacent to the pools. It has these water falls from about 8 feet above you that fall really hard and when you stand under it, the pressure is very, very soothing. It was great. Outside on the patio there was another hot tub but it was very, very, hot out and a little crowded.
Now, this may sound kinda strange, but I did go to the gym. It was amazing. Not a very large gym, but great. No one else wanted to go with me. Wimps. So, I went upstairs to the locker room and changed into walking clothes and shoes. (I hugged my robe before hanging it in my locker. I'm telling you, that robe was great.)I went to the spa reception area where a young man was summoned to escort me to the gym. I was the only one in there and after about 10 minutes this man came in and made me feel like I was the queen of Sheba. "Can I get you a cool towel? How about some more water? Can I change the TV channel for you? I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you." Amazing......
Now I did cheat little bit yesterday at the spa. I was supposed to walk 3 miles, easy. But I just stayed on the treadmill for 38 minutes. I don't remember how far that was, but I was missing lunch and, well, I ain't gonna miss lunch. Especially at the Grove Park.
After I left the gym, and on my way to the locker room to return to bathing suit and wonderful robe, I passed through the fireside lounge and grabbed another cup of that healthy stuff. While changing, I accidentally popped off one of my nails. No, not a real nail, a fake one I had put on Sunday before church. Well, I couldn't very well go to the Grove Park with my toes looking great and my finger nails looking like I had been working in the yard all summer, now could I? But anyway, there went my nail, somewhere. Oh well, I had extras at home. But on the way down to the patio to join the others for lunch, I bit into something that wasn't part of healthy stuff in cup. Guess what? It was my nail, safe and secure. So, since I didn't want to throw it away, I stuck it in the pocket of my robe. This proved to be a very wise thing to do. Everybody in the spa has the same robe, so when getting out of the pool and trying to find your robe, its easy if yours has a fingernail in the pocket.
Lunch was fabulous. You can go to the Spa Cafe in your robe or order from a roaming waiter and have it brought to the terrace, or patio or one of the inside lounges. We decided to eat outside on the patio. I had the Grilled and Chilled Veggie Wrap. Delicious!!!!!!
Oh, if you ever go to the spa, you don't need to take anything. I packed my big Vera Bradley duffel bag with, hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, everything I might need. I didn't even need to open that bag the whole day. They had everything there. It was awesome.
A big storm hit about 4:00. It was beautiful. One area I haven't mention (because, for obvious reasons, I didn't spend much time there) is the quiet lounge. It is a room with huge windows that open with no screens, Birds and butterflies were passing through there all day. It was spectacular. And, you can't talk out there. Get real. Me be quiet??? No way. But during the storm, I did go out there for a little while, then I returned to the fireside lounge and curled up with a cup of herbal tea and a magazine in my wonderful robe.
Anyway, spa day was one of the highlights of my summer. A truly great experience. It took me until about 4:00 today to get to where I could function normally. So thank goodness today's instructions were for a low-intensity activity for 30 minutes. Tonight after Bible school, the hubs, and Miss Priss and I went for my neighborhood walk. It was much cooler than earlier today.
Hopefully I'll be back to my regular activities tomorrow. I think I have to walk three miles. I hope I can find a flat, cool, place. I thought about joining Jodi's gym but I'm not crazy about treadmills (except when someone is waiting on me hand and foot) and stationary bikes. I like to be outside too much even if it is hot. And like I've said before, the heat doesn't really bother me after I get going. But, we'll see.
Until then......
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day Seven
I can not believe that I have made it for seven whole days on this program. But I am here to tell you right now that there is no way in this world I will ever be able to run three miles. There will have to be a major, and I do mean major, change in my body's function.
My instructions for today said "Off". Well, you know by now that I'm not taking a day off. One of my personal goals is to do something daily. After church, and preparing a wonderful lunch for hubby, I decided to walk my neighborhood path. Hot, hot, hot. I just groaned as I walked out the front door. There is one thing that I have noticed and that is that after I get going pretty good, I don't really notice the heat that much. I think I am just more focused on getting to the mid-way point. After I get to the mid-way point, I start feeling a bit of relaxation or a burst of adrenaline or something. I don't really know what it is I feel.
Nothing really exciting happened on today's walk. No barking carseats, no strange packages. Even though it was hot today, after getting up all the major hills in my neighborhood, I was relieved that there was a good breeze blowing. I do tend to walk with my head down, kinda looking at the next step in front of me and before I even knew it, I was a the top of the big hill on Maner Road. And I thought, Dang, that hill wasn't so bad today.
I notice that I seem to talk about hills a lot. I guess that has been the hardest part of my walks, as I'm sure it is for everybody. It's like I see the hill in front of me as a major obstacle simply there to torture me. "The hills are alive with the sound of groaning." Since I started this program, I set little goals for myself. All of which are attainable, but will certainly require work and a lot of effort. One such goal is to walk to my parent's house. I think it is about 6 miles or so . The only problem is that they live on the biggest hill in the world. Actually a mountain. So the last 1/2 mile with be straigh up. Week 4 of this plan has me walking 5 miles one day, so my goal is to go there that day. (Oh, one of them will most definitely have to bring me home.) I actually dreamed about walking there. I've also dreamed about the Jingle Bell Run too. In that dream, I am the last one finished and it is getting dark and some street cleaner with no teeth, holding a broom in one hand and a big black dog on a leash in the other hand is standing there grinning at me. Go figure.
Margrace Road is a scarey place. No sidewalks. I discovered this after deciding to lengthen my distance today. Fortunately, I only had to walk .2 of a mile down the that road. After I got back to my neighborhood, I began thinking about this running thing. Now let's get this straight, I do not know how to run. I do not know how my feet should land. What do I do with my arms? Hold them up, let them droop, what? And what about the tripping over long feet possibility? Do they make a book "Running for Dummies"? I bet they do. I'll look for it the next time I'm at the book store. But anyway, I am serious about this. After I got on the downhill home stretch, I decided to give this running thing a try. Nope!! It did not work for me. I gave up after about a block. Then I tried again. Still nothing. Loving daughter will have to accompany me the next time I get the sudden urge to try.
Anyway, I'm off to the Grove Park tomorrow for a day at the spa. I hope there will be time to go to the gym and walk on the treadmill for 3 miles. Or maybe I can just go for a 3 mile walk on the grounds. I'll bet there is a path somewhere. (What has gotten into me, I'm going to the Grove Park and want to walk on a treadmill? I must be losing it.)
Until then......
My instructions for today said "Off". Well, you know by now that I'm not taking a day off. One of my personal goals is to do something daily. After church, and preparing a wonderful lunch for hubby, I decided to walk my neighborhood path. Hot, hot, hot. I just groaned as I walked out the front door. There is one thing that I have noticed and that is that after I get going pretty good, I don't really notice the heat that much. I think I am just more focused on getting to the mid-way point. After I get to the mid-way point, I start feeling a bit of relaxation or a burst of adrenaline or something. I don't really know what it is I feel.
Nothing really exciting happened on today's walk. No barking carseats, no strange packages. Even though it was hot today, after getting up all the major hills in my neighborhood, I was relieved that there was a good breeze blowing. I do tend to walk with my head down, kinda looking at the next step in front of me and before I even knew it, I was a the top of the big hill on Maner Road. And I thought, Dang, that hill wasn't so bad today.
I notice that I seem to talk about hills a lot. I guess that has been the hardest part of my walks, as I'm sure it is for everybody. It's like I see the hill in front of me as a major obstacle simply there to torture me. "The hills are alive with the sound of groaning." Since I started this program, I set little goals for myself. All of which are attainable, but will certainly require work and a lot of effort. One such goal is to walk to my parent's house. I think it is about 6 miles or so . The only problem is that they live on the biggest hill in the world. Actually a mountain. So the last 1/2 mile with be straigh up. Week 4 of this plan has me walking 5 miles one day, so my goal is to go there that day. (Oh, one of them will most definitely have to bring me home.) I actually dreamed about walking there. I've also dreamed about the Jingle Bell Run too. In that dream, I am the last one finished and it is getting dark and some street cleaner with no teeth, holding a broom in one hand and a big black dog on a leash in the other hand is standing there grinning at me. Go figure.
Margrace Road is a scarey place. No sidewalks. I discovered this after deciding to lengthen my distance today. Fortunately, I only had to walk .2 of a mile down the that road. After I got back to my neighborhood, I began thinking about this running thing. Now let's get this straight, I do not know how to run. I do not know how my feet should land. What do I do with my arms? Hold them up, let them droop, what? And what about the tripping over long feet possibility? Do they make a book "Running for Dummies"? I bet they do. I'll look for it the next time I'm at the book store. But anyway, I am serious about this. After I got on the downhill home stretch, I decided to give this running thing a try. Nope!! It did not work for me. I gave up after about a block. Then I tried again. Still nothing. Loving daughter will have to accompany me the next time I get the sudden urge to try.
Anyway, I'm off to the Grove Park tomorrow for a day at the spa. I hope there will be time to go to the gym and walk on the treadmill for 3 miles. Or maybe I can just go for a 3 mile walk on the grounds. I'll bet there is a path somewhere. (What has gotten into me, I'm going to the Grove Park and want to walk on a treadmill? I must be losing it.)
Until then......
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Day Six
Instructions for today said "walking, easy, 3 miles". Hottest day of the year. I decided to walk from my house to Patriot's Park where my church is holding our Bible School Kickoff. Hubby measured it on his way to take Little Miss Priss to breakfast and it is 1.9 miles. So round trip will be 3.8 miles. Do I dare? I dare.
After dressing appropriately, I head out and boy is it ever hot. How I want to turn and go back in to my couch and airconditioning. After conquering the hills on my street, the trip to the high school is not so bad but there is a lot of traffic today. Something big going on at the high school. Anyway, I cross Phifer Road to the sidewalk side and head toward town. I am now facing the big hill on Phifer and decide that if I look down, it want be so intimidating. This works but I begin to notice that the sidewalks in this town are any terrible shape. It's a good thing I was looking down or I would have possibly tripped several times. Also, while looking down you can notice other things that are closer to you. Like wild flowers beside the sidewalk, various messages so and so loves so and so, and baggies of marijuana. What???? I stop in my tracks and back up 3 paces and sure enough, that 's what I found. I bend over for a closer look to make sure that's what it really is. And I'm positive that's what it is. Oh well, I keep going, forgetting about the contraband, and I have to say that the sidewalks on Gold Street are in extreme need of repair. If you live on Gold Street, you need to contact your city council person. It is ridiculous. Now I know that some of those big trees have pushed up the sidewalk but that is not the problem everywhere.
I arrive at the festivities at the park and hang out for a while. Passing up the hotdogs and sugary drinks, by the way. I think that park is one of the greatest things this town has ever done. The kids were having a blast. Fortunately, I thought to send Miss Priss' bathing suit and she was having a blast in the fountains. Our church rented these blow up things for children and some willing adults, I, not being one, to crawl through and jump on. It was great.
After a while, I decided to take the return trip home. Heading back the way I had come, with my eyes to the path in front of me, the baggie with is contents was still in its original spot. I couldn't believe someone else hadn't come by and picked it up or it's rightful owner hadn't realized it had been dropped and come to retrieve it. But no, there it was. Now I have a choice, pick up baggie and contents or let it be. If I let it be, maybe the rightful owner will find it, or a stranger, such as myself, will get it and dispose of it, a child could find it and ingest it somehow, a dog or other animal might get hold of it. On the other hand, if I pick it up, what am i going to do with it? If I put it in my pocket and die, (it is hot and my knees are wobbly) MT up at the funeral home will have to tell my loved ones about the contents of my pockets. "Rest her soul, and here are the contents of her pockets, one 5$ bill, a wet paper towel, and a baggie of marijuana. Have a nice day." Or, better yet, what if I get arrested. I can just see it in the paper now, "Local church member arrested for possession of marijuana after attending church bible school kick off", or "Local teacher arrested for wobbling in public and possession of an illegal substance". Life would not be good.
Hills, hills, hills. The hill coming up Maner Road is horrible. I thought once about cutting through my neighbor's back yard at the end of the cul-de-sac. It backs up to the new building at the high school but he has a big dog PLUS I don't want to get my new shoes dirty. So I keep going and going and going (like the energizer bunny) up Maner road to the entrance of my hood. It's down hill the rest of the way. 3.8 miles.
Until tomorrow....
After dressing appropriately, I head out and boy is it ever hot. How I want to turn and go back in to my couch and airconditioning. After conquering the hills on my street, the trip to the high school is not so bad but there is a lot of traffic today. Something big going on at the high school. Anyway, I cross Phifer Road to the sidewalk side and head toward town. I am now facing the big hill on Phifer and decide that if I look down, it want be so intimidating. This works but I begin to notice that the sidewalks in this town are any terrible shape. It's a good thing I was looking down or I would have possibly tripped several times. Also, while looking down you can notice other things that are closer to you. Like wild flowers beside the sidewalk, various messages so and so loves so and so, and baggies of marijuana. What???? I stop in my tracks and back up 3 paces and sure enough, that 's what I found. I bend over for a closer look to make sure that's what it really is. And I'm positive that's what it is. Oh well, I keep going, forgetting about the contraband, and I have to say that the sidewalks on Gold Street are in extreme need of repair. If you live on Gold Street, you need to contact your city council person. It is ridiculous. Now I know that some of those big trees have pushed up the sidewalk but that is not the problem everywhere.
I arrive at the festivities at the park and hang out for a while. Passing up the hotdogs and sugary drinks, by the way. I think that park is one of the greatest things this town has ever done. The kids were having a blast. Fortunately, I thought to send Miss Priss' bathing suit and she was having a blast in the fountains. Our church rented these blow up things for children and some willing adults, I, not being one, to crawl through and jump on. It was great.
After a while, I decided to take the return trip home. Heading back the way I had come, with my eyes to the path in front of me, the baggie with is contents was still in its original spot. I couldn't believe someone else hadn't come by and picked it up or it's rightful owner hadn't realized it had been dropped and come to retrieve it. But no, there it was. Now I have a choice, pick up baggie and contents or let it be. If I let it be, maybe the rightful owner will find it, or a stranger, such as myself, will get it and dispose of it, a child could find it and ingest it somehow, a dog or other animal might get hold of it. On the other hand, if I pick it up, what am i going to do with it? If I put it in my pocket and die, (it is hot and my knees are wobbly) MT up at the funeral home will have to tell my loved ones about the contents of my pockets. "Rest her soul, and here are the contents of her pockets, one 5$ bill, a wet paper towel, and a baggie of marijuana. Have a nice day." Or, better yet, what if I get arrested. I can just see it in the paper now, "Local church member arrested for possession of marijuana after attending church bible school kick off", or "Local teacher arrested for wobbling in public and possession of an illegal substance". Life would not be good.
Hills, hills, hills. The hill coming up Maner Road is horrible. I thought once about cutting through my neighbor's back yard at the end of the cul-de-sac. It backs up to the new building at the high school but he has a big dog PLUS I don't want to get my new shoes dirty. So I keep going and going and going (like the energizer bunny) up Maner road to the entrance of my hood. It's down hill the rest of the way. 3.8 miles.
Until tomorrow....
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day Five
If you happened to have been in Gastonia on Cox Road today and saw a crazy woman in denim capris, hot denim capris, a brown top and some pretty awesome shoes walking aimlessly, well, that would have been me.
This morning, after ditching all my plans for the day, I called my girl friend and told her she had exactly 45 minutes to get ready. I was picking her up, taking her cell phone and telling her father (she and her hubby just moved in with him due to his recent illness) that she would see him later. She needed a girlie day and so did I.
We shopped, ate a wonderful lunch, shopped, had pedicures, shopped, lounged at the book store, shopped, and she had ice cream. I had a diet pepsi. Ain't I good???? We had sooooooo much fun. We laughed, joked, and told stories all day. I told her that I had made a discovery about big black dog of Ark Street. Big black dog of Ark Street is actually a big black car seat. Long story, but I rode through that neighborhood yesterday to see how far I had riden my bike and discovered this. Now as far as the barking, I did hear that. Now I know what toothless old man was grinning about. But I promise, that car seat looks just like a dog. I'm serious. Oh, I have an appointment at the eye doctor next week.
My favorite purchase of the day, besides lunch and the pedicure, is my new Brooks walking/running shoes. Omega Sports is the stuff. They fit the shoe to your foot. Now, when we went in, the cute guy that was assisting me asked me to remove my sandals, and boy do my toes look good so this was not a problem for me. Anyway, he had me doing little tricks. Stand on one foot, now stand on the other foot, walk ten paces and turn around, place feet a shoulder's width and squat. Wait, I have not been drinking. I only had water at lunch and NO lemon even. It was kinda wierd but everyone else was doing the same thing. Oh, and they have a tread mill for you to try out your new shoes. Anyway, I got the greatest shoes ever.
By the time all this was over, it was time for girlfriend to go get stitches out of her head. Her brain surgery, as we like to call it, was a little surgery she had last week. Nothing serious. Just some thing she had cut off the back of her head. I forget what it's called. Anyway, while she is having stitches removed, and I did offer to go in with her but she understands that I don't do blood and guts and stuff, I decided to try out the new shoes and walk.
Now, through the course of my day, I am remembering that my instructions for today are for a "low-intensity activity, 30 minutes". Now shopping, pedicures, etc. definitely rank as low intensity, but I don't think that is what is meant. So since I have the shoes on hand, actually foot, I can walk up and down the parking lot. And I mean up and down. Hills, hills, hills. That's all that there is in this world. Ups and downs. Ain't that the truth!!!!!! 16 times through this parking lot on Cox Road for a total time of 33 minutes. It was so hot. 90 degrees according to my car thermometer. But my shoes are great!!!!! Oh, and her stitches are out..
Until tomorrow.
This morning, after ditching all my plans for the day, I called my girl friend and told her she had exactly 45 minutes to get ready. I was picking her up, taking her cell phone and telling her father (she and her hubby just moved in with him due to his recent illness) that she would see him later. She needed a girlie day and so did I.
We shopped, ate a wonderful lunch, shopped, had pedicures, shopped, lounged at the book store, shopped, and she had ice cream. I had a diet pepsi. Ain't I good???? We had sooooooo much fun. We laughed, joked, and told stories all day. I told her that I had made a discovery about big black dog of Ark Street. Big black dog of Ark Street is actually a big black car seat. Long story, but I rode through that neighborhood yesterday to see how far I had riden my bike and discovered this. Now as far as the barking, I did hear that. Now I know what toothless old man was grinning about. But I promise, that car seat looks just like a dog. I'm serious. Oh, I have an appointment at the eye doctor next week.
My favorite purchase of the day, besides lunch and the pedicure, is my new Brooks walking/running shoes. Omega Sports is the stuff. They fit the shoe to your foot. Now, when we went in, the cute guy that was assisting me asked me to remove my sandals, and boy do my toes look good so this was not a problem for me. Anyway, he had me doing little tricks. Stand on one foot, now stand on the other foot, walk ten paces and turn around, place feet a shoulder's width and squat. Wait, I have not been drinking. I only had water at lunch and NO lemon even. It was kinda wierd but everyone else was doing the same thing. Oh, and they have a tread mill for you to try out your new shoes. Anyway, I got the greatest shoes ever.
By the time all this was over, it was time for girlfriend to go get stitches out of her head. Her brain surgery, as we like to call it, was a little surgery she had last week. Nothing serious. Just some thing she had cut off the back of her head. I forget what it's called. Anyway, while she is having stitches removed, and I did offer to go in with her but she understands that I don't do blood and guts and stuff, I decided to try out the new shoes and walk.
Now, through the course of my day, I am remembering that my instructions for today are for a "low-intensity activity, 30 minutes". Now shopping, pedicures, etc. definitely rank as low intensity, but I don't think that is what is meant. So since I have the shoes on hand, actually foot, I can walk up and down the parking lot. And I mean up and down. Hills, hills, hills. That's all that there is in this world. Ups and downs. Ain't that the truth!!!!!! 16 times through this parking lot on Cox Road for a total time of 33 minutes. It was so hot. 90 degrees according to my car thermometer. But my shoes are great!!!!! Oh, and her stitches are out..
Until tomorrow.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day Four
Today's instructions simply say "Off". And as sore as I was last night I thought that would be great. Wrong. I couldn't take the day off! I've got my groove on and they can't make me take the day off... Are they crazy? I am a creature of habit. If I take today off, I may want tomorrow off and the next day and the day after that. So no way Jose. Lane wanted to go out of town this week-end. He must be in cahoots with Jose 'cause we ain't going. I'm not ready to get out of my routine yet. Maybe next week I will be a little more flexible, but not now. This is all so new to me and I can't mess it up. I'm still in the excited stage of this conditioning thing. I hope it never ends.
Loving daughter gave me a gift certificate for a massage for Mother's Day and I finally scheduled it for this morning. It was awesome!!!! And after that I had family for lunch to discuss our upcoming family reunion. They are some of the greatest women I know. Tough women. One of my aunts has been through more in her life than can be imagined and she is so strong and wonderful. I love her sooooo much. Actually, I love them all.
Are there any flat neighborhoods in this town? I'm determined to find at least one. I'm going to get in my car and drive around and find it. Why don't I just go to the track, you ask. Well, I'd get bored out of my mind. Remember, I have to critique yards. So if you have a life size statue of Elvis or something in your yard, expect to hear from me. Anyway, after my lunch and our tour of the facility where this reunion will be held, I had to make a decision. Do as instructed and take the day "Off", or get out there and do something. I thought about my neighborhood stroll again but that's another day. I DO have the Jaguar in the garage. Hmmmmm. Am I gain? Can I really do it on these hills? Will I wreck, blow out a tire, run in a ditch, pass out, get hit by a trash truck? Maybe, maybe not. Oh, my jaguar is actually the type of Schwinn bicycle I have. The hubs and I have a matching set. Ain't we cute??? We have actually ridden them together before. We took them to the beach. The kids rode them.
I dressed appropriately, pulled my hair back, took out my earrings, and put on some lipstick. Oh I ain't going anywhere without my lipstick. And yes, I know that's a true sign you're a women from the south. At least I didn't touch up my makeup and make sure my hair was teased. I mean what's up with that? On my walk the other morning I passed two other walkers and they looked like they had just stepped out of a magazine. They had on their cute little, tight walking shorts and their sports bra/tops and cute little visors and head phones, and flawless makeup. Me? I looked like I had just stepped out of a food processor. I was sweating like a dog in my capris (I don't show my fat knees) and tank top and I don't want anything stuck in my ears. The only thing I have decided to be a necessity is a paper towel for wiping my eyes and a bottle of water. Now, after wrestling the Jag out of the garage and locating the tire pump, which I knew I was going to need, I started looking for somewhere to put my water bottle. No such place to be found. So, I went inside and got a piece of ribbon and tied water bottle to whatever that thing is called between your legs. Well, it didn't work. I finally just stuck the bottle between two bar things and hoped for the best. It did work but I'm going to figure something out for that. Maybe I can make something cutsie out of a nice paisley print with velcro. And I can make the hubs one out of a coordinating plaid. Ohhhhhh. He would just love that, I'm sure. The next thing I had to do was to blow up the front tire. The back one seemed to be ok. Whatever ok is. Let's just say it felt harder than the front one. It took me about 10 tries to get the little thingy on the pump to stay in place on the little thingy on the tire. I think I got some air in there. It sounded like I did and I think it felt a little harder now. Next step, chase dog. I love my dog and he loves me. I know he does because he never wants me to leave the house and I wasn't about to take him with me on this adventure. So three times around the house and I finally got him and carried him inside. Next, I got on the Jag and was about to leave and thought that it might be a good idea to let someone know where I was going in case, well, just in case. So, I call hubby. He is so supportive, caring and compassionate. His comment was, "Be careful, people will run over old women on bicycles".
Thanks honey!!!!
Back on the Jag, turn right out of driveway immediately up hill. I made it to the stop sign and across the street and about 50 feet before I thought I was going to die. No need for the trash truck, I could die by myself. So, I cheated and pushed the bike to the crest of the hill about 100 feet or so. Who cared if all the neighbors were peeking out their windows and laughing. I just couldn't do it. My poor thighs felt like they were solid stone. The one thing that kept popping into my head was "Off". I was supposed to be "Off" today. Whatever. I got back on and didn't have to get off anymore. I did stop a couple times but I didn't have to push. I headed onward to big black dog street. Yes, he was home. Right where he was last time but toothless smiling man was nowhere in sight. Big black dog didn't even bark at me today so I passed him and made a left at the next street. By this time I am extremely winded and behind me there is a vehicle that stops and starts, stops and starts and continues this for a while. I'm thinking, idiot, go around me. When I get to the stop sign, I turn around and it is the mail carrier. Not really an idiot. Ooops. Sorry. I thought she was stopping because of my slow pace but she was just delivering the mail. She didn't really care about me at all. Never mind I'm about to pass out right there in front of her, all she cared about was the mail. And yeah, she knew me. She won't be getting homemade cookies from me for Christmas.
Biking is different than walking. Can't critique yards. Might fall off bike. Not good.
The trip home was a breeze. Before heading back I made a stop under a beautiful pin oak tree just to get close to nature. Well actually, to breath and drink water but the tree is beautiful. I pass it in my car all the time and never really paid it any attention. It has a great limb for a swing. Too bad the swing would be in the middle of the road. Why do they call them pin oaks? Their leaves don't look anything like pins. Onward....I went to a lower gear or higher gear, which ever makes it harder to pedal, because I didn't want to coast all the way home. I WANTED to pedal? I must be losing it. I need to check and see how far that was?
Until tomorrow.......
Loving daughter gave me a gift certificate for a massage for Mother's Day and I finally scheduled it for this morning. It was awesome!!!! And after that I had family for lunch to discuss our upcoming family reunion. They are some of the greatest women I know. Tough women. One of my aunts has been through more in her life than can be imagined and she is so strong and wonderful. I love her sooooo much. Actually, I love them all.
Are there any flat neighborhoods in this town? I'm determined to find at least one. I'm going to get in my car and drive around and find it. Why don't I just go to the track, you ask. Well, I'd get bored out of my mind. Remember, I have to critique yards. So if you have a life size statue of Elvis or something in your yard, expect to hear from me. Anyway, after my lunch and our tour of the facility where this reunion will be held, I had to make a decision. Do as instructed and take the day "Off", or get out there and do something. I thought about my neighborhood stroll again but that's another day. I DO have the Jaguar in the garage. Hmmmmm. Am I gain? Can I really do it on these hills? Will I wreck, blow out a tire, run in a ditch, pass out, get hit by a trash truck? Maybe, maybe not. Oh, my jaguar is actually the type of Schwinn bicycle I have. The hubs and I have a matching set. Ain't we cute??? We have actually ridden them together before. We took them to the beach. The kids rode them.
I dressed appropriately, pulled my hair back, took out my earrings, and put on some lipstick. Oh I ain't going anywhere without my lipstick. And yes, I know that's a true sign you're a women from the south. At least I didn't touch up my makeup and make sure my hair was teased. I mean what's up with that? On my walk the other morning I passed two other walkers and they looked like they had just stepped out of a magazine. They had on their cute little, tight walking shorts and their sports bra/tops and cute little visors and head phones, and flawless makeup. Me? I looked like I had just stepped out of a food processor. I was sweating like a dog in my capris (I don't show my fat knees) and tank top and I don't want anything stuck in my ears. The only thing I have decided to be a necessity is a paper towel for wiping my eyes and a bottle of water. Now, after wrestling the Jag out of the garage and locating the tire pump, which I knew I was going to need, I started looking for somewhere to put my water bottle. No such place to be found. So, I went inside and got a piece of ribbon and tied water bottle to whatever that thing is called between your legs. Well, it didn't work. I finally just stuck the bottle between two bar things and hoped for the best. It did work but I'm going to figure something out for that. Maybe I can make something cutsie out of a nice paisley print with velcro. And I can make the hubs one out of a coordinating plaid. Ohhhhhh. He would just love that, I'm sure. The next thing I had to do was to blow up the front tire. The back one seemed to be ok. Whatever ok is. Let's just say it felt harder than the front one. It took me about 10 tries to get the little thingy on the pump to stay in place on the little thingy on the tire. I think I got some air in there. It sounded like I did and I think it felt a little harder now. Next step, chase dog. I love my dog and he loves me. I know he does because he never wants me to leave the house and I wasn't about to take him with me on this adventure. So three times around the house and I finally got him and carried him inside. Next, I got on the Jag and was about to leave and thought that it might be a good idea to let someone know where I was going in case, well, just in case. So, I call hubby. He is so supportive, caring and compassionate. His comment was, "Be careful, people will run over old women on bicycles".
Thanks honey!!!!
Back on the Jag, turn right out of driveway immediately up hill. I made it to the stop sign and across the street and about 50 feet before I thought I was going to die. No need for the trash truck, I could die by myself. So, I cheated and pushed the bike to the crest of the hill about 100 feet or so. Who cared if all the neighbors were peeking out their windows and laughing. I just couldn't do it. My poor thighs felt like they were solid stone. The one thing that kept popping into my head was "Off". I was supposed to be "Off" today. Whatever. I got back on and didn't have to get off anymore. I did stop a couple times but I didn't have to push. I headed onward to big black dog street. Yes, he was home. Right where he was last time but toothless smiling man was nowhere in sight. Big black dog didn't even bark at me today so I passed him and made a left at the next street. By this time I am extremely winded and behind me there is a vehicle that stops and starts, stops and starts and continues this for a while. I'm thinking, idiot, go around me. When I get to the stop sign, I turn around and it is the mail carrier. Not really an idiot. Ooops. Sorry. I thought she was stopping because of my slow pace but she was just delivering the mail. She didn't really care about me at all. Never mind I'm about to pass out right there in front of her, all she cared about was the mail. And yeah, she knew me. She won't be getting homemade cookies from me for Christmas.
Biking is different than walking. Can't critique yards. Might fall off bike. Not good.
The trip home was a breeze. Before heading back I made a stop under a beautiful pin oak tree just to get close to nature. Well actually, to breath and drink water but the tree is beautiful. I pass it in my car all the time and never really paid it any attention. It has a great limb for a swing. Too bad the swing would be in the middle of the road. Why do they call them pin oaks? Their leaves don't look anything like pins. Onward....I went to a lower gear or higher gear, which ever makes it harder to pedal, because I didn't want to coast all the way home. I WANTED to pedal? I must be losing it. I need to check and see how far that was?
Until tomorrow.......
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day Three
Confession.......I am an addict. There, I said it. I really am. I am totally and completely addicted to diet cola. It's the first thing I must have in the morning. I do brush my teeth first because I don't want that yucky morning mouth taste to ruin my diet cola. If at night I notice I don't have one for the morning, don't think I won't go to the store in my pajamas to get one. Sad, isn't it. So this is something I really need to work on if I'm going to get fit for jingle bell. I'm one of those people who have to make themselves drink water. Now I really do like water but if I have a diet cola that's what I prefer. My plan for this change is to write down everything I drink for a week and see if that helps. It certainly can't hurt.
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I had made a major diet change. Let me explain. I gave up meat. All meat. Even chicken. Now, on occasion I will eat fish but not much and I did have some chicken salad a few weeks ago. And I am severely allergic to shellfish. I carry an Epi pen and Benadryl at all times. I never really cared that much for red meat. Now don't think that I didn't go to Five Guys on occasion for those wonderful, juicy, greasy burgers. But that was pretty much all the red meat I ate for a long time. Those who know me know that I was "raised" in the country. And we country people raised our own cows, pigs and chickens. And come fall of the year it was slaughter time. Now, what I'm about to say is not for the weak at heart so you may need to go on to the next paragraph. But for the leather hides this is what would transpire on that cool fall morning. I would waken to the sound of a single gun shot. That meant that Bessie was dead. Well, me, wanting to get right in the middle of the excitement, would dress and race as quickly as possible down to the barn. By the time I would get there, Ole Bessie would be hung up by her hind legs with a big gash down her middle and her guts would be spilling out into a big aluminum tub. Oh now this was a big deal in the community. My uncles and aunts and cousins would all be gathering for the excitement of fresh Bessie meat. And so the morning would continue with the butchering of Bessie. Daddy would take Bessie, now dead and in big chunks, over to the meat processor and he would usually let me tag along for the educational benefit. And I loved it. I'm not really sure what he did with the guts. I'll have to remember to ask him that. With all due respect, this is just what people did. It was just the way of life.
The reason I told this little story is because of a book I recently read titled "Skinny Bitch". Two skinny Yuppies out in California wrote it and a lot of it really hit home. They talk about farms and slaughter houses where animals live and die for our consumption. If you would read that section, I doubt you would eat meat either. I don't really believe God created us to be meat eaters. Our teeth aren't right for eating meat because we have to use a knife. We don't have claws for shredding our prey. And when God sent Adam to the Garden of Eden, (this was before he made Eve), he told him he could eat from any tree in the garden except the one in the middle. We all know what happened with that. He didn't say anything about eating the animals. Anyway, I don't eat meat and totally gave it up in May. And guess what, I have actually lost 10 pounds and I know it was from absolutely nothing I did except the meat thing. Believe me, I still get plenty to eat. I love pasta, bread and potatoes almost as much as I love my diet colas. But when I think about it, not only have I given up the meat but I gave up other things vicariously. Most meat dishes, like the burgers from Five Guys, are fried and served with those amazing fries. Casseroles with meat are full of fatty cheese and other yuck and there are other meats that must be eaten with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice. So, there you go.
Today I was instructed to walk at a "moderate pace" for 3 miles. Moderate is defined as "you have to catch your breath occasionally". I made a plan last night. I would start out at 9:00. Should be much cooler. WRONG. Since the midpoint of my 3 mile path is near the laundromat, I would take my comforter there to wash and while it was washing, I would walk to original starting point, met up with loving daughter and return to laundromat. Simple plan. Attack hills first and walk down hill for most of the way back. Sounded great to me and loving daughter. And I took my own water. Just as I am about to lock car and begin journey, cell phone rings. Loving daughter #2 is in a panick because I told her how to make icing for a cake and it flopped. She is in tears and it is, of course, all my fault. After she explains I then realize she did not follow my instructions but it is still my fault that her friend at work will not have a beautifully iced cake for her birthday. But deep down I feel it will be just as yummy even though the icing is a little runny. But that does not change the fact that everything bad in the life of my children is my fault. A good friend of mine and I often argue over who is responsible for the war in Iraq. Me or him. Lesson learned? Don't let people stress you out before a 3 mile moderate walk. So I finally get off the phone and begin the journey onward. All I have to say is hot, hot, hot. I think it was hotter this morning than it was yesterday evening. Anyway by the time I get to daughter's house, plans have changed, or so it appears. Little Miss Priss and son-in-law have now decided to join us. Well, here I am walking and can't stop. What am I supposed to do while I wait on them? I just walk in circles for 10 minutes waiting, and waiting, and waiting. I refuse to stop since I've got my groove on. Finally daughter comes out the door in a huff without the two tagalongs and we head back in the direction of my comforter. I don't know what happened there and refuse to ask. Going down hill for a mile is not all it's cracked up to be. My knees were wobbly and I was a bit dizzy (I attribute this to walking on an empty stomach). 2nd lesson learned? Don't walk on an empty stomach.
We finished our trip and retrieved my sparkling clean comforter. Oh, and I had to drive daughter back to her house. Wimp!!!!
The plan says I'm off tomorrow. I almost feel guilty about that. We shall see.
Until then.......
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I had made a major diet change. Let me explain. I gave up meat. All meat. Even chicken. Now, on occasion I will eat fish but not much and I did have some chicken salad a few weeks ago. And I am severely allergic to shellfish. I carry an Epi pen and Benadryl at all times. I never really cared that much for red meat. Now don't think that I didn't go to Five Guys on occasion for those wonderful, juicy, greasy burgers. But that was pretty much all the red meat I ate for a long time. Those who know me know that I was "raised" in the country. And we country people raised our own cows, pigs and chickens. And come fall of the year it was slaughter time. Now, what I'm about to say is not for the weak at heart so you may need to go on to the next paragraph. But for the leather hides this is what would transpire on that cool fall morning. I would waken to the sound of a single gun shot. That meant that Bessie was dead. Well, me, wanting to get right in the middle of the excitement, would dress and race as quickly as possible down to the barn. By the time I would get there, Ole Bessie would be hung up by her hind legs with a big gash down her middle and her guts would be spilling out into a big aluminum tub. Oh now this was a big deal in the community. My uncles and aunts and cousins would all be gathering for the excitement of fresh Bessie meat. And so the morning would continue with the butchering of Bessie. Daddy would take Bessie, now dead and in big chunks, over to the meat processor and he would usually let me tag along for the educational benefit. And I loved it. I'm not really sure what he did with the guts. I'll have to remember to ask him that. With all due respect, this is just what people did. It was just the way of life.
The reason I told this little story is because of a book I recently read titled "Skinny Bitch". Two skinny Yuppies out in California wrote it and a lot of it really hit home. They talk about farms and slaughter houses where animals live and die for our consumption. If you would read that section, I doubt you would eat meat either. I don't really believe God created us to be meat eaters. Our teeth aren't right for eating meat because we have to use a knife. We don't have claws for shredding our prey. And when God sent Adam to the Garden of Eden, (this was before he made Eve), he told him he could eat from any tree in the garden except the one in the middle. We all know what happened with that. He didn't say anything about eating the animals. Anyway, I don't eat meat and totally gave it up in May. And guess what, I have actually lost 10 pounds and I know it was from absolutely nothing I did except the meat thing. Believe me, I still get plenty to eat. I love pasta, bread and potatoes almost as much as I love my diet colas. But when I think about it, not only have I given up the meat but I gave up other things vicariously. Most meat dishes, like the burgers from Five Guys, are fried and served with those amazing fries. Casseroles with meat are full of fatty cheese and other yuck and there are other meats that must be eaten with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice. So, there you go.
Today I was instructed to walk at a "moderate pace" for 3 miles. Moderate is defined as "you have to catch your breath occasionally". I made a plan last night. I would start out at 9:00. Should be much cooler. WRONG. Since the midpoint of my 3 mile path is near the laundromat, I would take my comforter there to wash and while it was washing, I would walk to original starting point, met up with loving daughter and return to laundromat. Simple plan. Attack hills first and walk down hill for most of the way back. Sounded great to me and loving daughter. And I took my own water. Just as I am about to lock car and begin journey, cell phone rings. Loving daughter #2 is in a panick because I told her how to make icing for a cake and it flopped. She is in tears and it is, of course, all my fault. After she explains I then realize she did not follow my instructions but it is still my fault that her friend at work will not have a beautifully iced cake for her birthday. But deep down I feel it will be just as yummy even though the icing is a little runny. But that does not change the fact that everything bad in the life of my children is my fault. A good friend of mine and I often argue over who is responsible for the war in Iraq. Me or him. Lesson learned? Don't let people stress you out before a 3 mile moderate walk. So I finally get off the phone and begin the journey onward. All I have to say is hot, hot, hot. I think it was hotter this morning than it was yesterday evening. Anyway by the time I get to daughter's house, plans have changed, or so it appears. Little Miss Priss and son-in-law have now decided to join us. Well, here I am walking and can't stop. What am I supposed to do while I wait on them? I just walk in circles for 10 minutes waiting, and waiting, and waiting. I refuse to stop since I've got my groove on. Finally daughter comes out the door in a huff without the two tagalongs and we head back in the direction of my comforter. I don't know what happened there and refuse to ask. Going down hill for a mile is not all it's cracked up to be. My knees were wobbly and I was a bit dizzy (I attribute this to walking on an empty stomach). 2nd lesson learned? Don't walk on an empty stomach.
We finished our trip and retrieved my sparkling clean comforter. Oh, and I had to drive daughter back to her house. Wimp!!!!
The plan says I'm off tomorrow. I almost feel guilty about that. We shall see.
Until then.......
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day Two
I have my greatest thoughts in either the shower or the middle of the night. Now we all know it is not a good idea to keep a note pad and pencil in the shower but I do keep one on the table beside my bed. So, when I have these great thoughts I can just make a note. Sometimes my notes are things I forgot to do, things I want to do, or things i just think about. So last night, or should I say this morning, at 2:01 a.m. I leaned over and by the glow of my little clock wrote "DDD". Fortunately when I woke this morning I was able to interpret this code. It meant "don't ditch daughter".
Following my experience from yesterday, I had decided to go at this alone. But I got to thinking last night that if it had not been for loving daughter, I would have turned around midstream and took cover. She was my inspiration yesterday and has already asked when she gets to walk with me again. Are we taking the puke master? Who knows. But there are some things I will insist on doing differently: 1) take my own bottle of water, 2) start at the opposite end of the path so that is down hill on the way back, and 3) walk in the morning before the heat rises.
As for today's activities, I was instructed to participate in any low-intensity activity for 30 consecutive minutes. This sounded great since my foot was hurting worse than ever. Some examples provided were gardening, house work and bike riding.
I gave this some serious thought and made myself a list of possibilities. (I am a list maker, by the way.)
1. gardening
2. housework
3. clean fish pond
4. clean out cabinet in garage
5. pedicure
6. trip to the mall
7. work in my classroom at school
8. nap
9. bake a cake for a friend
10. sew
I scratched off gardening because this is something I do every day and feel like I need to do different, more challenging things for this conditioning process. Housework I did on Monday. The fish pond only took me 10 minutes and I cleaned out the garage two weeks ago. Pedicure? I decided to put that off until next week and I can go to the mall anytime. My team mate backed out on me for that project at school today. Nap - check. (Well, I was up late last night!) Didn't bake that cake because I couldn't decide what kind to bake her and I like to sew at night when hubby is downstairs watching his dumb cop shows. Soooo, I decided on a stroll around the neighborhood for 30 consecutive minutes.
Here is what I discovered on said stroll. After donning my not-so-very-comfortable shoes, I headed off. I decided to take on the hills first so that when I got tired and hot, I would be coming down hill. So I took a right at the end of my street and headed onward past the neighbors on the corner who are obsessed with grass. I am very serious here. His grass dies all the time. The hubs says he worries it to death but he actually gets out there with a blow torch and burns it. He has done this several times and he has these huge black spots all over his yard. Then he resows it and lays these huge plastic snakes all over his yard. People from miles around ride by to see his snakes. One such person even called me to ask me if the snakes were real. I assured her they were not. Today I noticed he had some strange contraption sitting beside his house sort of hidden by a bush and it was making a loud humming noise. It was about the size of a chest type freezer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I haven't seen his wife lately.
I continued on my stroll up yet another hill and was stopped and asked to please take a cute little black kitten. Well, my answer was no. I have two cats and don't want another. This person was almost insisting I take the cat. She was a little scarey so I quickened my pace and told her to have a good afternoon. Finally I reached the crest of the hills in my hood and continued a little farther on than I had planned. By this time I am hearning thunder and watching as the sky around me begins to darken. But no fear, I love storms. I don't want to be out in one but I will sit on my back porch and enjoy it. Those of you who experienced the bad storm back in June may have a different feeling but I was out of town when that happened. Anyway, I continued on and that is when I met up with the big black dog of Ark Street. Many of you may not even know there is such a street as Ark Street. I didn't until I look at the street sign today. Ark Street connects to Mini Street. But big black dog lives there and he apparently didn't like it that I was visiting. He begins barking very deeply and loudly. So I freeze.... and slowly begin to back away and turn for home. That is when I noticed the older, toothless man watching me and grinning from ear to ear. Had I scratched something without realizing it or was he amuzed about my impending dog attach? Who knows.
Anyway, I escaped and now know why people carry sticks when walking. There was a great breeze blowing and with the darkening sky, it was somewhat cooler so I decided to take the long way home. Remember, I'm trying to stroll for 30 minutes consecutively.
Another observation I made on this stroll was that people, especially teenagers, will run over you if given the chance. They never slow down, and they never hang up the phone. So I have learned to always be alert and pay attention to oncoming cars. If you are a teacher, as I am, it may be a good idea to wear a disguise. Some kid I may have taught in the 8th grade may try to put me out of the misery of other poor unsuspecting students. I need to give this disguise thing some thought.
People can put some really tacky *&%# in their yard. This includes, but is not limited to, plastic flowers. They do fade in the sun and turn blue. Get a grip!!! If you can't have real flowers, do without. Statues. Now I like statues within reason. But a lifesize statue of the Virgin Mother is a bit much in a small yard in my neighborhood. It looks like it should be in a cathedral. It needs to go, quickly. A fish pond the size of Lake Michigan in a tiny, very tiny, back yard. What's up with that? It's enough that the house is too oversized for that tiny lot and now the lake. Oh well.
I finally was on the downhill swing of my stroll and was beginning to get a little winded. But you know what? It felt pretty good and my foot was not aching as much as before. I got home, kicked off my shoes, checked my clock and realized I had participated in a low-impace activity for not just the 30 required consecutive minutes but 39 consecutive minutes. But, who's counting!!!!!
Until tomorrow....
Following my experience from yesterday, I had decided to go at this alone. But I got to thinking last night that if it had not been for loving daughter, I would have turned around midstream and took cover. She was my inspiration yesterday and has already asked when she gets to walk with me again. Are we taking the puke master? Who knows. But there are some things I will insist on doing differently: 1) take my own bottle of water, 2) start at the opposite end of the path so that is down hill on the way back, and 3) walk in the morning before the heat rises.
As for today's activities, I was instructed to participate in any low-intensity activity for 30 consecutive minutes. This sounded great since my foot was hurting worse than ever. Some examples provided were gardening, house work and bike riding.
I gave this some serious thought and made myself a list of possibilities. (I am a list maker, by the way.)
1. gardening
2. housework
3. clean fish pond
4. clean out cabinet in garage
5. pedicure
6. trip to the mall
7. work in my classroom at school
8. nap
9. bake a cake for a friend
10. sew
I scratched off gardening because this is something I do every day and feel like I need to do different, more challenging things for this conditioning process. Housework I did on Monday. The fish pond only took me 10 minutes and I cleaned out the garage two weeks ago. Pedicure? I decided to put that off until next week and I can go to the mall anytime. My team mate backed out on me for that project at school today. Nap - check. (Well, I was up late last night!) Didn't bake that cake because I couldn't decide what kind to bake her and I like to sew at night when hubby is downstairs watching his dumb cop shows. Soooo, I decided on a stroll around the neighborhood for 30 consecutive minutes.
Here is what I discovered on said stroll. After donning my not-so-very-comfortable shoes, I headed off. I decided to take on the hills first so that when I got tired and hot, I would be coming down hill. So I took a right at the end of my street and headed onward past the neighbors on the corner who are obsessed with grass. I am very serious here. His grass dies all the time. The hubs says he worries it to death but he actually gets out there with a blow torch and burns it. He has done this several times and he has these huge black spots all over his yard. Then he resows it and lays these huge plastic snakes all over his yard. People from miles around ride by to see his snakes. One such person even called me to ask me if the snakes were real. I assured her they were not. Today I noticed he had some strange contraption sitting beside his house sort of hidden by a bush and it was making a loud humming noise. It was about the size of a chest type freezer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I haven't seen his wife lately.
I continued on my stroll up yet another hill and was stopped and asked to please take a cute little black kitten. Well, my answer was no. I have two cats and don't want another. This person was almost insisting I take the cat. She was a little scarey so I quickened my pace and told her to have a good afternoon. Finally I reached the crest of the hills in my hood and continued a little farther on than I had planned. By this time I am hearning thunder and watching as the sky around me begins to darken. But no fear, I love storms. I don't want to be out in one but I will sit on my back porch and enjoy it. Those of you who experienced the bad storm back in June may have a different feeling but I was out of town when that happened. Anyway, I continued on and that is when I met up with the big black dog of Ark Street. Many of you may not even know there is such a street as Ark Street. I didn't until I look at the street sign today. Ark Street connects to Mini Street. But big black dog lives there and he apparently didn't like it that I was visiting. He begins barking very deeply and loudly. So I freeze.... and slowly begin to back away and turn for home. That is when I noticed the older, toothless man watching me and grinning from ear to ear. Had I scratched something without realizing it or was he amuzed about my impending dog attach? Who knows.
Anyway, I escaped and now know why people carry sticks when walking. There was a great breeze blowing and with the darkening sky, it was somewhat cooler so I decided to take the long way home. Remember, I'm trying to stroll for 30 minutes consecutively.
Another observation I made on this stroll was that people, especially teenagers, will run over you if given the chance. They never slow down, and they never hang up the phone. So I have learned to always be alert and pay attention to oncoming cars. If you are a teacher, as I am, it may be a good idea to wear a disguise. Some kid I may have taught in the 8th grade may try to put me out of the misery of other poor unsuspecting students. I need to give this disguise thing some thought.
People can put some really tacky *&%# in their yard. This includes, but is not limited to, plastic flowers. They do fade in the sun and turn blue. Get a grip!!! If you can't have real flowers, do without. Statues. Now I like statues within reason. But a lifesize statue of the Virgin Mother is a bit much in a small yard in my neighborhood. It looks like it should be in a cathedral. It needs to go, quickly. A fish pond the size of Lake Michigan in a tiny, very tiny, back yard. What's up with that? It's enough that the house is too oversized for that tiny lot and now the lake. Oh well.
I finally was on the downhill swing of my stroll and was beginning to get a little winded. But you know what? It felt pretty good and my foot was not aching as much as before. I got home, kicked off my shoes, checked my clock and realized I had participated in a low-impace activity for not just the 30 required consecutive minutes but 39 consecutive minutes. But, who's counting!!!!!
Until tomorrow....
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