Wednesday is a good day to write about depression. Fifteen years ago I never would have imagined that I’d have anything personal to write about depression. I had formed my views on it from television, movies, and novels, and I guess that’s why it took me over three years to even figure out what it was that I was suffering from.
In my early 20s I associated depression with crying, staying in bed all day, suicidal thoughts, grief and having a negative outlook. I’d been taught that anyone could overcome mental illnesses by pulling themselves up by the boot straps and by making up their mind to conquer it. All my life I’d been told that effort yields results.
Then I had children. And while having children didn’t cause my depression, the onset of the illness coincided so closely with childbearing that sometimes I wondered if being a mother made me miserable. I no longer felt like the woman my husband had married. She became buried in a sea of fatigue, irritability and frustration.
I went to doctors with my complaints and symptoms. They seemed to think that once my children were sleeping better, I would too. They suggested exercise. I upped what I’d already been doing. I kept a gratitude journal which was a wonderful experience, but still didn’t solve my depression. One doctor finally diagnosed an under-active thyroid. And while taking synthroid helped, something still wasn’t right.
I felt stressed out all the time. Little things became monumental. I read articles and books and tried everything they suggested as a means to reduce my stress. Relief came in an unexpected way.
I had gone in for a follow-up appointment with my family practice doctor regarding some dizziness I’d been experiencing. Towards the end of the exam, he asked, "So how do you think you’re doing?"
"Fine," I said.
"And how are you doing up here?" he asked and pointed to his head.
I thought a moment and began to tear up. "Probably not fine."
"Look," he said, "I know you haven’t been feeling great, and everything we’ve tested for comes out normal. I’d like to have you try some anti-depressants and see if they help at all." Noticing my hesitancy, he continued, "They have few side effects. Try them for a month and see if you notice a difference. If not, we’ll take you off them."
I left his office with a month’s worth of samples and began taking them that very day. When I told my husband that I was taking anti-depressants, he was a little puzzled. Like me, he didn’t think that my problems were related to depression. We were both wrong.
The doctor said that I would probably notice a difference in as soon as two weeks, and I did. I no longer felt overwhelmed. I was sleeping all through the night. I didn’t wake up with puffy feet, hardly able to hobble to the bathroom. And I felt happy.
I asked my husband if he’d noticed a difference. "Yeah," he said, "you’re just a lot nicer."
Only hindsight made it possible for me to see that I had been suffering from depression for almost four years. Once I was feeling better I wanted to know more about my illness. That was over six years ago, and my life has been a constant learning experience ever since.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Depression Journey #2 -- Medication Soapbox
In today’s log of my journey with depression, I’d like to say a little something from my soapbox about medication for depression. I have two words for those with on-going depression symptoms wondering whether or not to take prescription medication. Take it!
Most health professionals recommend staying on anti-depressants for at least one year. For 75% of treated patients, going off the medication after a year seems to keep depression at bay. But 25% of those who tried medication for a year and then went off it will need to take medication again. And statistics show that if you’re in that group of 25% like I am, you’ll probably need to stay on anti-depressants for the rest of your life.
I’m constantly surprised by the comments I hear from people with depression. One woman explained that she took medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes but that she just didn’t want to take another medication. Instead, she tried to manage her symptoms with exercise and St. John’s Wort. Her efforts weren’t always effective.
Another friend I have hit the year mark for taking his anti-depressants and then went off of them. He acknowledges that while he was on them he was more patient with his family, and now has trouble controlling his frustration and irritability. He’s looking to other health issues as the root cause of his symptoms and is not open to trying anti-depressants again.
And finally, another woman I know seems to feel that she can conquer depression on her own. A therapist said things about her family members that offended her, so she quit going. Didn’t look for a new therapist, just quit going. And she took herself off anti-depressants too. I’ve watched her withdraw from social interactions and activities that she used to enjoy.
It took me four years of suffering with depression before I tried medication. My hesitancy was partly due to not recognizing my symptoms as depression, and partly because of my upbringing. I was taught to only take medication when absolutely necessary. For instance, if we had a headache we were advised to lay down and rest, even nap. If the headache still persisted, then we’d take medicine. Also, my family was raised to be up and doing. I never had PMS before I was married -- I wasn’t allowed to. Bad moods and off days were something to get over. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and move on. No wallowing, no how!
Once I began taking anti-depressants, I could see that I hadn’t been the only one suffering from depression. My family had suffered too. Because two of my main symptoms were irritability and frustration, my six-year-old son’s self-esteem was in the gutter. I remember him saying, "I’m stupid. I can’t do anything right. I wish I were dirt."
Because my depression left me wiped out, I’m afraid my interactions with him were often tense and nit-picky. Thank goodness I got help. I’m happy to report that grace applies to parenting. When we’re doing all we can do, the Lord makes up the rest. My son is now a happy and healthy 13-year-old. He occasionally has age-related angst, but usually has plenty of self-confidence and some to spare.
I stayed on my first round of anti-depressants for a year and a half. (My doctor felt that given our long, dark winters it would be best to go off the medication in the spring.) After four months unmedicated, it became obvious that depression had returned. I had enjoyed eliminating one prescription from my list and would have been delighted to keep it that way, but my particular brand of depression requires more than therapy, exercise and a good tug on the bootstraps.
I’ve found it helpful to compare depression with diabetes. For diabetics, lifestyle modifications can help regulate blood sugar, but even with lifestyle modifications some patients require medication and often insulin. We would never dream of advising a diabetic under the care of a physician to ditch their insulin. "Just gut it out and think yourself well," is advice that won’t miraculously make the pancreas function properly. Same goes for depression. While lifestyle modifications and counseling are helpful for depression, for some it comes down to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, taking anti-depressants should not be viewed any differently than taking insulin.
There will always be a few people who will believe that someone suffering from depression brought it upon themselves. But the fewer who believe that, the better!
Most health professionals recommend staying on anti-depressants for at least one year. For 75% of treated patients, going off the medication after a year seems to keep depression at bay. But 25% of those who tried medication for a year and then went off it will need to take medication again. And statistics show that if you’re in that group of 25% like I am, you’ll probably need to stay on anti-depressants for the rest of your life.
I’m constantly surprised by the comments I hear from people with depression. One woman explained that she took medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes but that she just didn’t want to take another medication. Instead, she tried to manage her symptoms with exercise and St. John’s Wort. Her efforts weren’t always effective.
Another friend I have hit the year mark for taking his anti-depressants and then went off of them. He acknowledges that while he was on them he was more patient with his family, and now has trouble controlling his frustration and irritability. He’s looking to other health issues as the root cause of his symptoms and is not open to trying anti-depressants again.
And finally, another woman I know seems to feel that she can conquer depression on her own. A therapist said things about her family members that offended her, so she quit going. Didn’t look for a new therapist, just quit going. And she took herself off anti-depressants too. I’ve watched her withdraw from social interactions and activities that she used to enjoy.
It took me four years of suffering with depression before I tried medication. My hesitancy was partly due to not recognizing my symptoms as depression, and partly because of my upbringing. I was taught to only take medication when absolutely necessary. For instance, if we had a headache we were advised to lay down and rest, even nap. If the headache still persisted, then we’d take medicine. Also, my family was raised to be up and doing. I never had PMS before I was married -- I wasn’t allowed to. Bad moods and off days were something to get over. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and move on. No wallowing, no how!
Once I began taking anti-depressants, I could see that I hadn’t been the only one suffering from depression. My family had suffered too. Because two of my main symptoms were irritability and frustration, my six-year-old son’s self-esteem was in the gutter. I remember him saying, "I’m stupid. I can’t do anything right. I wish I were dirt."
Because my depression left me wiped out, I’m afraid my interactions with him were often tense and nit-picky. Thank goodness I got help. I’m happy to report that grace applies to parenting. When we’re doing all we can do, the Lord makes up the rest. My son is now a happy and healthy 13-year-old. He occasionally has age-related angst, but usually has plenty of self-confidence and some to spare.
I stayed on my first round of anti-depressants for a year and a half. (My doctor felt that given our long, dark winters it would be best to go off the medication in the spring.) After four months unmedicated, it became obvious that depression had returned. I had enjoyed eliminating one prescription from my list and would have been delighted to keep it that way, but my particular brand of depression requires more than therapy, exercise and a good tug on the bootstraps.
I’ve found it helpful to compare depression with diabetes. For diabetics, lifestyle modifications can help regulate blood sugar, but even with lifestyle modifications some patients require medication and often insulin. We would never dream of advising a diabetic under the care of a physician to ditch their insulin. "Just gut it out and think yourself well," is advice that won’t miraculously make the pancreas function properly. Same goes for depression. While lifestyle modifications and counseling are helpful for depression, for some it comes down to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, taking anti-depressants should not be viewed any differently than taking insulin.
There will always be a few people who will believe that someone suffering from depression brought it upon themselves. But the fewer who believe that, the better!
Friday, March 19, 2010
On Spring, Bliss and Throwing Out All My Diet Books!
Before I get to the part about throwing out my diet books, I'd like to focus on bliss for a moment. Bliss, according to my Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, is defined as complete happiness. Which pretty much sums up what I experienced this morning -- bliss on a bike.
I dusted off my bike seat after a long winter, put the dog's harness on and went for a short ride up to my parents' house. Annie, my three-year-old Golden Retreiver/German Shorthair mix, loves going for bike rides. When she saw me put on my bike helmet and reach for her harness, I had her complete and devoted attention. Once I'd checked the tire pressure, adjusted my rear-view mirror and secured my pant leg with a band, we were read to go.
And go we did! At the start of every ride Annie has oodles of energy. I encourage her pulling efforts by ringing my bike bell like crazy. I'm sure some hapless observer would think we were nuts, but really, I've got her under control.
I've been riding my bike with Annie since she was about 7 months old. It was a lot slower and more cautious in the beginning. I also taught her some important commands. To slow down I say "whoa." My command for left is "left." (Propper mushers use haw for left and gee for right.) For right-hand turns I say, "this way," as she's following my lead.
I didn't read any articles on bike mushing like this one. I just did what came naturally. We don't use genuine musher equipment, but we both have a great time. In fact, I think that part of what makes the whole experience blissful for me is watching Annie completely enjoy herself. It's as if her enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but smile and whoop for joy.
Bliss on a bike -- the most fun I've had in weeks!
And now onto those old diet books. . .
About a year ago I read a book called Health at Every Size: The surprising truth about your weight, by Linda Bacon, PhD. I even wrote a couple blog entries about it such as this one and this one. At that time I was going to give up on dieting, but my anti-dieting resolution didn't last long. I've tried both low-carb and WeightWatcher's momentum plan since then. With little results.
But this time I'm serious. This time I bought the book Live a Little: Breaking the rules wont' break your health, by Susan M. Love, M.D. and Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. Once again, it confirms what my body has known all along -- everyone's body is different, and no one is completely in control of their own health or weight either. These two authors have anazlyzed the research on health, wellness and living a longer life, and they report what is and is not really going to help women live longer, healthier, happier lives. (This really is a great book!)
One of my favorite parts debunks the calories in, calories out myth. They write, "According to this theory, big people are big simply because they eat so very much more than their slender counterparts--and weight gain is inversely proportional to the amount of a person's self-control. But Sims's studies, and other like it, suggest this is not necessarily the case. It's far more likely that each of us has a genetically programmed weight range of about ten to twenty pounds. One person's natural range might be from 160 to 180 pounds, while another's might be from 115 to 130. Yet both people may eat the same amount of calories and perform roughly the same amount of exercise." (emphasis added)
There it is in black and white -- what my body has been trying to tell me for years. I am not genetically programmed to be thin. Yes, I'm bummed about that. (Literally.) But just because I carry more weight than others my height, it doesn't mean that I can't be healthy. On the contrary. After a discussion about BMI (Body Mass Index), Love and Domar state, "A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that overweight people tend to live longer than those in the obese or normal categories."
So live a little! And love the body you're in.
Instead of focusing on my weight, I'm going to do what I can to be healthy and be more appreciative of my body. It may not be January, but these are my resolutions.
--------------------
Side Note: I just went on Amazon.com to buy Health at Every Size. Apparently it's out of print. A USED paperback copy (only two available) goes for $124.00 or more. I guess it's time to issue a new edition. I'd buy one! (But not for $124.)
I dusted off my bike seat after a long winter, put the dog's harness on and went for a short ride up to my parents' house. Annie, my three-year-old Golden Retreiver/German Shorthair mix, loves going for bike rides. When she saw me put on my bike helmet and reach for her harness, I had her complete and devoted attention. Once I'd checked the tire pressure, adjusted my rear-view mirror and secured my pant leg with a band, we were read to go.
And go we did! At the start of every ride Annie has oodles of energy. I encourage her pulling efforts by ringing my bike bell like crazy. I'm sure some hapless observer would think we were nuts, but really, I've got her under control.
I've been riding my bike with Annie since she was about 7 months old. It was a lot slower and more cautious in the beginning. I also taught her some important commands. To slow down I say "whoa." My command for left is "left." (Propper mushers use haw for left and gee for right.) For right-hand turns I say, "this way," as she's following my lead.
I didn't read any articles on bike mushing like this one. I just did what came naturally. We don't use genuine musher equipment, but we both have a great time. In fact, I think that part of what makes the whole experience blissful for me is watching Annie completely enjoy herself. It's as if her enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but smile and whoop for joy.
Bliss on a bike -- the most fun I've had in weeks!
And now onto those old diet books. . .
About a year ago I read a book called Health at Every Size: The surprising truth about your weight, by Linda Bacon, PhD. I even wrote a couple blog entries about it such as this one and this one. At that time I was going to give up on dieting, but my anti-dieting resolution didn't last long. I've tried both low-carb and WeightWatcher's momentum plan since then. With little results.
But this time I'm serious. This time I bought the book Live a Little: Breaking the rules wont' break your health, by Susan M. Love, M.D. and Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. Once again, it confirms what my body has known all along -- everyone's body is different, and no one is completely in control of their own health or weight either. These two authors have anazlyzed the research on health, wellness and living a longer life, and they report what is and is not really going to help women live longer, healthier, happier lives. (This really is a great book!)
One of my favorite parts debunks the calories in, calories out myth. They write, "According to this theory, big people are big simply because they eat so very much more than their slender counterparts--and weight gain is inversely proportional to the amount of a person's self-control. But Sims's studies, and other like it, suggest this is not necessarily the case. It's far more likely that each of us has a genetically programmed weight range of about ten to twenty pounds. One person's natural range might be from 160 to 180 pounds, while another's might be from 115 to 130. Yet both people may eat the same amount of calories and perform roughly the same amount of exercise." (emphasis added)
There it is in black and white -- what my body has been trying to tell me for years. I am not genetically programmed to be thin. Yes, I'm bummed about that. (Literally.) But just because I carry more weight than others my height, it doesn't mean that I can't be healthy. On the contrary. After a discussion about BMI (Body Mass Index), Love and Domar state, "A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that overweight people tend to live longer than those in the obese or normal categories."
So live a little! And love the body you're in.
Instead of focusing on my weight, I'm going to do what I can to be healthy and be more appreciative of my body. It may not be January, but these are my resolutions.
--------------------
Side Note: I just went on Amazon.com to buy Health at Every Size. Apparently it's out of print. A USED paperback copy (only two available) goes for $124.00 or more. I guess it's time to issue a new edition. I'd buy one! (But not for $124.)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Eating My Words (Calorie-Free)
I'm going to be eating my words. The ones about being fine with being a traditionally built woman. The ones about how I'm not going to diet the rest of my life. Fortunately, words are calorie-free.
Here's the thing -- I just can't give up on trying to lose weight. Not because I want to be thin, but because I want to feel healthier. I've had four knees surgeries on my left knee. Weighing less would benefit my knees. Type II diabetes also runs on both sides of my family. I don't want to get it, and being overweight is one of the causes of type II diabetes. I'd also really like to avoid having to buy clothing in the Women's section again. Most of all, I'd like to keep my heart healthy. I felt guilty somehow being an overweight patient at the cardiologist's office recently. I wanted to hang a sign around my neck that said, "I exercise and try to watch what I eat. I work really hard to look like this!"
So, here's what I'm doing . . . South Beach. I've been doing the Weight Watcher program for more than a month with no significant results. So I'm going back to low-carb living. Permanently.
I have an uncle who has lost 50 pounds by cutting out all sweets, only eating at meal times and exercising for 70 minutes on a tread mill most days. Yes, he's a man, and it seems like men have an easier time of dropping weight. But the most impressive thing about his weight loss is that it's a lifestyle. He fully intends to avoid sweets/sugary foods for the rest of this life. (Once he gets to his weight goal, he plans to cut back a bit on the treadmill time.) He's already been living healthier for 2+ years.
Like my uncle, I've noticed that eating sweets begets eating more sweets or more food. Can I live the rest of my life without any refined carbs or sweets? Maybe not, but I'm sure that I can live without them for at least a few years. Right now I'm doing phase one of the South Beach Diet. I'm eating lean proteins, low-carb vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts and healthy fats. No fruit or whole-grains just yet, but I'll add them back in after at least two weeks.
That's what I like about the South Beach plan -- it doesn't forever outlaw fruits and whole grains. And once I've reached my goal weight (which isn't "skinny" -- just healthy), I can even indulge in an occasional treat.
Right now the possibility of reaching my goal weight seems remote, if not impossible. Most of the past year has been extremely frustrating in the weight department. I've had many moments when I wanted to give up on ever losing weight. But here's the thing, the moment I give up, weight gain is an inevitability. That's not okay.
Maybe I'll lose weight, or maybe I'll just maintain. But I'm not quitting.
Here's the thing -- I just can't give up on trying to lose weight. Not because I want to be thin, but because I want to feel healthier. I've had four knees surgeries on my left knee. Weighing less would benefit my knees. Type II diabetes also runs on both sides of my family. I don't want to get it, and being overweight is one of the causes of type II diabetes. I'd also really like to avoid having to buy clothing in the Women's section again. Most of all, I'd like to keep my heart healthy. I felt guilty somehow being an overweight patient at the cardiologist's office recently. I wanted to hang a sign around my neck that said, "I exercise and try to watch what I eat. I work really hard to look like this!"
So, here's what I'm doing . . . South Beach. I've been doing the Weight Watcher program for more than a month with no significant results. So I'm going back to low-carb living. Permanently.
I have an uncle who has lost 50 pounds by cutting out all sweets, only eating at meal times and exercising for 70 minutes on a tread mill most days. Yes, he's a man, and it seems like men have an easier time of dropping weight. But the most impressive thing about his weight loss is that it's a lifestyle. He fully intends to avoid sweets/sugary foods for the rest of this life. (Once he gets to his weight goal, he plans to cut back a bit on the treadmill time.) He's already been living healthier for 2+ years.
Like my uncle, I've noticed that eating sweets begets eating more sweets or more food. Can I live the rest of my life without any refined carbs or sweets? Maybe not, but I'm sure that I can live without them for at least a few years. Right now I'm doing phase one of the South Beach Diet. I'm eating lean proteins, low-carb vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts and healthy fats. No fruit or whole-grains just yet, but I'll add them back in after at least two weeks.
That's what I like about the South Beach plan -- it doesn't forever outlaw fruits and whole grains. And once I've reached my goal weight (which isn't "skinny" -- just healthy), I can even indulge in an occasional treat.
Right now the possibility of reaching my goal weight seems remote, if not impossible. Most of the past year has been extremely frustrating in the weight department. I've had many moments when I wanted to give up on ever losing weight. But here's the thing, the moment I give up, weight gain is an inevitability. That's not okay.
Maybe I'll lose weight, or maybe I'll just maintain. But I'm not quitting.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Heart of the Matter . . .
Just thought I'd post a quickie about what's been happening lately.
I've had a couple incidents of tachycardia (rapid heart rate) lately. It's a really, really awful feeling, a crushing pressure in the chest that leaves me feeling breathless and a bit nauseous too. Once again, I'm having things checked out. So far the more in-depth echocardiogram they did this time looked good. Today I'm having a nuclear stress test done. I'm fairly confident that will be normal too. Which means that I may have a heart electrical problem. If both of the tests (echocardiogram and nuclear stress test) come back normal, the cardiologist says that chances of having a "negative outcome" from future tachycardia events are rare. Meaning, I'd have the green light to resume more intense exercising. (Like hiking, aerobics and doing cardio at the gym.)
Watching my reaction to this chain of events, I've come to the conclusion that I've been planning my life and thinking that planning is the same as controlling. Not so. I'm hoping that this latest health hiccup can help me remember to live in the moment -- really savor all that the present has to offer. Part of my planning/dreaming/scheming habit keeps me from appreciating what I've got. Where I am. Who I'm sharing my life with.
I'm going to stop wishing the present away. How does one wish away the present? By pining over the past, spending too much time reliving the glory days. (The days of wearing a size 8, not having love handles, and having loads of energy). Another way to wish away the present is to engage in "I can't wait until..." kind of thinking. A similarly fruitless phrase is, "I'll be happy when ..." I'm guilty of falling into that mode of thinking as well. Both rob the present of its pleasures. I'm going to work hard to counteract the mental ruts I've fallen into.
Instead of thinking, "I can't wait until all the yard projects are done," I'm going to think, "It's so nice to have a lawn to relax on, to play with the kids and the dog on. And we're so spoiled to have a sprinkling system." I'm not going to put off happiness until I can drop a few more pounds (which doesn't seem to happen anyway) or until there's a little more give in the family budget. I'm going to find ways to enjoy life now. Here are some things that make me happy: (Note to self -- none of them have anything to do with what I weigh)
-- helping others
-- talking with friends and family
-- walking the dog
-- riding my bike with the dog
-- watching movies
-- laughing at myself
-- writing
-- reading
-- writing letters and cards
-- being creative
I'm thinking that now might be a good time to recommit to keeping a gratitude journal.
I've had a couple incidents of tachycardia (rapid heart rate) lately. It's a really, really awful feeling, a crushing pressure in the chest that leaves me feeling breathless and a bit nauseous too. Once again, I'm having things checked out. So far the more in-depth echocardiogram they did this time looked good. Today I'm having a nuclear stress test done. I'm fairly confident that will be normal too. Which means that I may have a heart electrical problem. If both of the tests (echocardiogram and nuclear stress test) come back normal, the cardiologist says that chances of having a "negative outcome" from future tachycardia events are rare. Meaning, I'd have the green light to resume more intense exercising. (Like hiking, aerobics and doing cardio at the gym.)
Watching my reaction to this chain of events, I've come to the conclusion that I've been planning my life and thinking that planning is the same as controlling. Not so. I'm hoping that this latest health hiccup can help me remember to live in the moment -- really savor all that the present has to offer. Part of my planning/dreaming/scheming habit keeps me from appreciating what I've got. Where I am. Who I'm sharing my life with.
I'm going to stop wishing the present away. How does one wish away the present? By pining over the past, spending too much time reliving the glory days. (The days of wearing a size 8, not having love handles, and having loads of energy). Another way to wish away the present is to engage in "I can't wait until..." kind of thinking. A similarly fruitless phrase is, "I'll be happy when ..." I'm guilty of falling into that mode of thinking as well. Both rob the present of its pleasures. I'm going to work hard to counteract the mental ruts I've fallen into.
Instead of thinking, "I can't wait until all the yard projects are done," I'm going to think, "It's so nice to have a lawn to relax on, to play with the kids and the dog on. And we're so spoiled to have a sprinkling system." I'm not going to put off happiness until I can drop a few more pounds (which doesn't seem to happen anyway) or until there's a little more give in the family budget. I'm going to find ways to enjoy life now. Here are some things that make me happy: (Note to self -- none of them have anything to do with what I weigh)
-- helping others
-- talking with friends and family
-- walking the dog
-- riding my bike with the dog
-- watching movies
-- laughing at myself
-- writing
-- reading
-- writing letters and cards
-- being creative
I'm thinking that now might be a good time to recommit to keeping a gratitude journal.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Overweight Housewife Hiking to Health
I sent the following write-up to the features editor of my local paper. I'll let you know of they print it. (Keep your fingers crossed.)
---------------
Everyone has a claim to fame. Mine is that I’m Google’s number one overweight housewife. Meaning, if you type the terms “overweight housewife” in a Google search, my blog will be the first result listed. I should be embarrassed about that, but I’m not. Something in my personality makes me perfectly willing to look bad if it will help someone else feel better. For example, when I end up at the grocery store without my hair done or make-up on, I put a big smile on my face and tell myself that I’m making someone’s day. When other women see me, I just know they’re going to feel a whole lot better about themselves.
I’m bringing my strange sense of altruism to the pages of this newspaper. This year I’m planning to go on two showshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsville Mountains in early September. Basically I’ve subscribed to the idea that things which don’t kill you will make you stronger. Or at the very least, they’ll help you drop a few pounds.
My journey to the top of the Wellsville Mountain range started with a little hike up Green Canyon. I chose this hike first for two reasons. One, I’m familiar with it. I’ve done it before. And two, it’s fairly easy. I didn’t want to keel over from a heart attack on my first outing.
As I pulled into the parking lot at the mouth of Green Canyon, I could see three women just starting to snowshoe up the hillside trail. A couple cars up from my parking spot another woman seemed to be converting a bike trailer into a ski trailer. I’ve never seen anyone pull their child behind them up the canyon while they cross-country skied. Just the thought of it made me break out in a cold sweat.
While my sister and I waited for my friend Tina to arrive, I checked the contents of my fanny pack: two bottles of water, three plastic bags for collecting doggy doo, a hat, gloves, wallet and small emergency mirror to be used for flashing sunlight into the eyes of search pilots sent to rescue our party of hikers should we somehow lose our bearings and become lost. All appeared to be in order. Moments later Tina arrived, and before long our all-female group of three hikers and three dogs headed up the trail.
We left the snowshoes in the truck and trudged cheerfully up the packed, icy slope. The dogs alternated between racing ahead and charging straight back at us. Every time they ran at me I’d stop for a second and brace myself for impact. Four knee surgeries are enough for me, thank you very much. I wasn’t about to let an exuberant dog disable me at the beginning of my hiking career.
From time to time we’d stop for a breather and a little water. My dog, Annie, continued trying to get her new found friends to engage in a little dog-wrestling in the snow, but had no takers. Tina told us the story of how Senator Bob Bennett’s office came to her rescue when she kept getting the run around from the U.S. passport application people. Time flew by, and after almost an hour my knees spoke up and told us it was time to head back down the canyon. They continued to complain as we made our way back to our vehicles.
It was just one hike, but already I’m feeling stronger. Not physically, per se, but mentally. I’m proving to myself one hike at a time that being an overweight housewife with a bum knee can’t stop me from living a healthy life.
---------------
Everyone has a claim to fame. Mine is that I’m Google’s number one overweight housewife. Meaning, if you type the terms “overweight housewife” in a Google search, my blog will be the first result listed. I should be embarrassed about that, but I’m not. Something in my personality makes me perfectly willing to look bad if it will help someone else feel better. For example, when I end up at the grocery store without my hair done or make-up on, I put a big smile on my face and tell myself that I’m making someone’s day. When other women see me, I just know they’re going to feel a whole lot better about themselves.
I’m bringing my strange sense of altruism to the pages of this newspaper. This year I’m planning to go on two showshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsville Mountains in early September. Basically I’ve subscribed to the idea that things which don’t kill you will make you stronger. Or at the very least, they’ll help you drop a few pounds.
My journey to the top of the Wellsville Mountain range started with a little hike up Green Canyon. I chose this hike first for two reasons. One, I’m familiar with it. I’ve done it before. And two, it’s fairly easy. I didn’t want to keel over from a heart attack on my first outing.
As I pulled into the parking lot at the mouth of Green Canyon, I could see three women just starting to snowshoe up the hillside trail. A couple cars up from my parking spot another woman seemed to be converting a bike trailer into a ski trailer. I’ve never seen anyone pull their child behind them up the canyon while they cross-country skied. Just the thought of it made me break out in a cold sweat.
While my sister and I waited for my friend Tina to arrive, I checked the contents of my fanny pack: two bottles of water, three plastic bags for collecting doggy doo, a hat, gloves, wallet and small emergency mirror to be used for flashing sunlight into the eyes of search pilots sent to rescue our party of hikers should we somehow lose our bearings and become lost. All appeared to be in order. Moments later Tina arrived, and before long our all-female group of three hikers and three dogs headed up the trail.
We left the snowshoes in the truck and trudged cheerfully up the packed, icy slope. The dogs alternated between racing ahead and charging straight back at us. Every time they ran at me I’d stop for a second and brace myself for impact. Four knee surgeries are enough for me, thank you very much. I wasn’t about to let an exuberant dog disable me at the beginning of my hiking career.
From time to time we’d stop for a breather and a little water. My dog, Annie, continued trying to get her new found friends to engage in a little dog-wrestling in the snow, but had no takers. Tina told us the story of how Senator Bob Bennett’s office came to her rescue when she kept getting the run around from the U.S. passport application people. Time flew by, and after almost an hour my knees spoke up and told us it was time to head back down the canyon. They continued to complain as we made our way back to our vehicles.
It was just one hike, but already I’m feeling stronger. Not physically, per se, but mentally. I’m proving to myself one hike at a time that being an overweight housewife with a bum knee can’t stop me from living a healthy life.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Great Hiking Plan
Here's the general plan for upcoming snowshoe/hiking outings. I've got dates assigned for each outing and will be happy to e-mail you the detailed plan if you'd like to join me for any/all of the hikes. My e-mail is: hansenchristie@yahoo.com.
January
Mouth of Green Canyon / Bunchgrass to White Pine Creek Trail
February
Blind Hollow Trail / Jardine Juniper
March
The Wind Caves / climb to the reflectors on the East mountains
April
The Crimson Trail / Preston Valley to Beirdneau trail
May
Green Canyon to Mt. Elmer trail / Willow Creek to Little Cottonwood Creek loop
June
Richards Hollow trail / High Creek trail
July
Bloomington Lake / Tony Grove to Wood Camp Hollow
August
Mt. Naomi / Cherry Creek Canyon trail
September 12th
The Wellsville Cone via Deep Canyon trail
And here's the pitch I e-mailed to the Herald Journal this morning. Think they'll go for it? (I'll let you know.)
--------------------
Dear Editor (personalized, of course)
This year I’m planning to go on two showshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsville Mountains in early September. I’ll be blogging about this experience but also thought that your readers might enjoy reading about the hiking exploits of a fairly average overweight homemaker.
I’m using my 2004 edition of Cache Trails as a starting point but also plan to utilize the folks at the Cache Ranger District and USGS maps.
Last year you featured the fitness stories of three men who were trying to lose weight. As a HJ reader, I found it personally motivating. Maybe my quest to conquer the Wellsvilles could serve a similar function for other readers. I’m referring to the Wellsville hike as my personal Everest, and the great thing about making them a part of a fitness goal is that I can look out my window and see them every day. Believe it or not, I’m even open to tracking my weight and fitness stats in the pages of the Herald Journal. (If Oprah can share her weight on national television, I can share mine in my local paper.)
This may be a good fit for your Health page or Thursday’s Outdoor section. I’m open to either option and would be happy to provide you with twice-a-month articles and photos. Of course I also realize that reduced frequency may be an easier fit for your editorial plans.
Let me know if you’re interested.
January
Mouth of Green Canyon / Bunchgrass to White Pine Creek Trail
February
Blind Hollow Trail / Jardine Juniper
March
The Wind Caves / climb to the reflectors on the East mountains
April
The Crimson Trail / Preston Valley to Beirdneau trail
May
Green Canyon to Mt. Elmer trail / Willow Creek to Little Cottonwood Creek loop
June
Richards Hollow trail / High Creek trail
July
Bloomington Lake / Tony Grove to Wood Camp Hollow
August
Mt. Naomi / Cherry Creek Canyon trail
September 12th
The Wellsville Cone via Deep Canyon trail
And here's the pitch I e-mailed to the Herald Journal this morning. Think they'll go for it? (I'll let you know.)
--------------------
Dear Editor (personalized, of course)
This year I’m planning to go on two showshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsville Mountains in early September. I’ll be blogging about this experience but also thought that your readers might enjoy reading about the hiking exploits of a fairly average overweight homemaker.
I’m using my 2004 edition of Cache Trails as a starting point but also plan to utilize the folks at the Cache Ranger District and USGS maps.
Last year you featured the fitness stories of three men who were trying to lose weight. As a HJ reader, I found it personally motivating. Maybe my quest to conquer the Wellsvilles could serve a similar function for other readers. I’m referring to the Wellsville hike as my personal Everest, and the great thing about making them a part of a fitness goal is that I can look out my window and see them every day. Believe it or not, I’m even open to tracking my weight and fitness stats in the pages of the Herald Journal. (If Oprah can share her weight on national television, I can share mine in my local paper.)
This may be a good fit for your Health page or Thursday’s Outdoor section. I’m open to either option and would be happy to provide you with twice-a-month articles and photos. Of course I also realize that reduced frequency may be an easier fit for your editorial plans.
Let me know if you’re interested.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Healthy and Wellness Report . . .
I am VERY happy to report that the echocardiogram (also called an echo stress test) I had on Monday was normal. I have the green light to exercise away!
As for what I experienced a couple weeks ago, I'm not sure. It could have been a random incident of SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) or a result of too much thyroid medication. (My doc now has me on the lowest dose possible.) Whatever it was, it galvanized my resolve to get rid of my extra weight. For good!
So the snowshoe trips are back on. My plan is to go on 2 snowshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsvilles on September 12th. Got that? September 12th. Put it on your calendar and plan to come with me!
I hope to sit down soon with my Cache Trails book and come up with a schedule of outings. When I get it all figured out, I'll post it. If any work with your schedule and you'd like to join me, I'd LOVE to have you come along. I'm referring to the Wellsville hike as my personal Everest. Hmmm. Maybe I'll even re-read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Or maybe not.
The cool thing about making the Wellsville Mountains a part of my fitness goal is that I can look out my front windows and see them everyday. See them when I'm running errands in my car. See them when I'm taking the dog on a walk. I've always loved them, but I'm guessing that now they'll mean even more to me!
Have a Happy New Year!
As for what I experienced a couple weeks ago, I'm not sure. It could have been a random incident of SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) or a result of too much thyroid medication. (My doc now has me on the lowest dose possible.) Whatever it was, it galvanized my resolve to get rid of my extra weight. For good!
So the snowshoe trips are back on. My plan is to go on 2 snowshoe/hiking outings each month in training to climb the Wellsvilles on September 12th. Got that? September 12th. Put it on your calendar and plan to come with me!
I hope to sit down soon with my Cache Trails book and come up with a schedule of outings. When I get it all figured out, I'll post it. If any work with your schedule and you'd like to join me, I'd LOVE to have you come along. I'm referring to the Wellsville hike as my personal Everest. Hmmm. Maybe I'll even re-read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Or maybe not.
The cool thing about making the Wellsville Mountains a part of my fitness goal is that I can look out my front windows and see them everyday. See them when I'm running errands in my car. See them when I'm taking the dog on a walk. I've always loved them, but I'm guessing that now they'll mean even more to me!
Have a Happy New Year!
Friday, November 07, 2008
Crappy Schlappy . . .
This is not a fun Friday. This is a crappy Friday. A miserable (sniff), mopey (hack!), I've-got-a-cold Friday.
I shouldn't complain. It's been a good five years since I've had a real head cold. Maybe even longer. But that only makes it worse. I'd forgotten how miserable they are.
Guess I'll just lounge about sniffing, coughing, and breathing through my mouth. Good thing I made a big pot of Southwest Chicken Soup yesterday. I'm counting on it to keep me going. The kids found it a bit too spicy. Guess they'll just have to fend for themselves. Corndogs. Mac-n-cheese. They know the drill.
Oh, before I forget, you might want to check out the comments to the Adoption post from this week. Here I thought I'd written something warm and uplifting. Apparently someone didn't think so. How'd I do in my response to her? What would you have said?
I shouldn't complain. It's been a good five years since I've had a real head cold. Maybe even longer. But that only makes it worse. I'd forgotten how miserable they are.
Guess I'll just lounge about sniffing, coughing, and breathing through my mouth. Good thing I made a big pot of Southwest Chicken Soup yesterday. I'm counting on it to keep me going. The kids found it a bit too spicy. Guess they'll just have to fend for themselves. Corndogs. Mac-n-cheese. They know the drill.
Oh, before I forget, you might want to check out the comments to the Adoption post from this week. Here I thought I'd written something warm and uplifting. Apparently someone didn't think so. How'd I do in my response to her? What would you have said?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Visit my new blog . . .
I don't have enough to do. So I decided to write another blog in addition to this one. See what you think.
At my visit to Dr. Danee Young yesterday she said I need to eat differently. Apparently Weight Watchers isn't cutting it for me. I need to eat a low-carb type diet. So I've started a low-carb blog. Its official web address is:
http://losingthelowcarbway.blogspot.com
I'm writing it in the hopes of teaching myself how to live a new lifestyle. Wish me luck. And pray for me. I'll need it.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
At my visit to Dr. Danee Young yesterday she said I need to eat differently. Apparently Weight Watchers isn't cutting it for me. I need to eat a low-carb type diet. So I've started a low-carb blog. Its official web address is:
http://losingthelowcarbway.blogspot.com
I'm writing it in the hopes of teaching myself how to live a new lifestyle. Wish me luck. And pray for me. I'll need it.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thoughts on Maintaining a Positive Body Image
Dove has a commercial that addresses female body image through a young girl being bombarded with TV commercials, billboards and magazines featuring stick-thin models. Then it shows her attending a feel-good Dove seminar with her mother where she states, "I am beautiful." Or something close to that.
For me, this is the most sobering commercial on television. Mainly because it hits close to home. One morning while waiting for her ride to school my nine-year-old had her foot up on the window seat cushion and was pushing the relaxed muscle of her calf. She said, "Look at all this fat." I showed her that it wasn't fat, just relaxed muscle tissue, but she didn't look like she believed me.
That wasn't the first time I've heard my youngest express the belief that she thinks she's fat. But what really worries me is, she's not overweight at all. Not by any stretch of the imagination. What's a mother to do?
I'd like to think that I'm very proactive in combatting unhealthy body image beliefs in my children. In all my weight loss efforts I've tried to talk about my goals as a means to improved health -- not a means to get skinny. There are no forbidden foods at our house. I've discussed the diseases of anorexia and bulimia with my kids too -- even pointed out a family member who has struggled with bulimia. We've discussed how people are built differently and how body shape is not just an outcome of how much you eat. I hope that it's all sinking in.
Despite all I know about keeping a positive body image, I have body image struggles of my own. Here are some things that I do to maintain my grasp on reality and find contentment in my own skin:
Chat with my mom. She's a woman who is large and in charge! We talk about overweight ancestors and laugh about what we can't change. I always come away feeling proud to be her daughter, no matter what my size.
Repeat the mantra, "Not everyone is a giraffe." God loves variety. How disappointed He'd be if a polar bear sighed all the time thinking, "Oh, if I could only have long thin legs like a giraffe." I can't be just like someone else. I'm me, and I'm one of God's precious creations.
Avoid magazines and shows that focus on style/celebrities/superficiality. Really, they're tools of the adversary. He loves it when we focus completely on our physical self to the exclusion of our emotional health and spirituality.
Make a point of acknowledging physical traits I like about myself. My nose. My haircolor. A wonderful spleen.
Put on a LARGE pair of earrings and a smile. No one will even notice my hips.
Go out in public as myself. Sans makeup, pre-shower. Hold my head up and cheerfully greet people who recognize me. I tell myself that they're going to feel so good about themselves in comparison to me. I am making their day!
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
For me, this is the most sobering commercial on television. Mainly because it hits close to home. One morning while waiting for her ride to school my nine-year-old had her foot up on the window seat cushion and was pushing the relaxed muscle of her calf. She said, "Look at all this fat." I showed her that it wasn't fat, just relaxed muscle tissue, but she didn't look like she believed me.
That wasn't the first time I've heard my youngest express the belief that she thinks she's fat. But what really worries me is, she's not overweight at all. Not by any stretch of the imagination. What's a mother to do?
I'd like to think that I'm very proactive in combatting unhealthy body image beliefs in my children. In all my weight loss efforts I've tried to talk about my goals as a means to improved health -- not a means to get skinny. There are no forbidden foods at our house. I've discussed the diseases of anorexia and bulimia with my kids too -- even pointed out a family member who has struggled with bulimia. We've discussed how people are built differently and how body shape is not just an outcome of how much you eat. I hope that it's all sinking in.
Despite all I know about keeping a positive body image, I have body image struggles of my own. Here are some things that I do to maintain my grasp on reality and find contentment in my own skin:
Chat with my mom. She's a woman who is large and in charge! We talk about overweight ancestors and laugh about what we can't change. I always come away feeling proud to be her daughter, no matter what my size.
Repeat the mantra, "Not everyone is a giraffe." God loves variety. How disappointed He'd be if a polar bear sighed all the time thinking, "Oh, if I could only have long thin legs like a giraffe." I can't be just like someone else. I'm me, and I'm one of God's precious creations.
Avoid magazines and shows that focus on style/celebrities/superficiality. Really, they're tools of the adversary. He loves it when we focus completely on our physical self to the exclusion of our emotional health and spirituality.
Make a point of acknowledging physical traits I like about myself. My nose. My haircolor. A wonderful spleen.
Put on a LARGE pair of earrings and a smile. No one will even notice my hips.
Go out in public as myself. Sans makeup, pre-shower. Hold my head up and cheerfully greet people who recognize me. I tell myself that they're going to feel so good about themselves in comparison to me. I am making their day!
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mindful Eating
This morning the Wall Street Journal had a Health Journal article on mindful eating. I needed the reminder. I clipped the article for future reference, but for today’s blog I wanted to remind myself that when I pay attention to my hunger signals and don’t mindlessly munch, I can maintain my weightloss—even lose a bit.
The following is an entry from my Fitness Journal from March 30th.
I guess you could say that this week was my first week of trying to overcome my desire to overeat with the Lord’s help. So far, so good.
I got on the scale this morning and had lost a bit from last week. But the best thing is, I’m not constantly obsessing about food.
There were three days this week when I knelt down in the morning and asked Heavenly Father to bless me with the desire to do His will and to eat only when I’m hungry and not overeat. All three days were great days!
On the other days of the week I got into a morning rush and forgot to pray. Although I said silent, quick prayers in my heart throughout the day, it was not the same as when I took three to five minutes of time on my knees at the start of the day and poured my soul out to the Lord.
I need to remember that my spiritual needs (prayer) are just as, if not more, important than my physical needs (shower, dressing, breakfast).
Prayer is the ultimate way to start the day!!
Note: It is freeing not to have to measure and write down every little thing I eat. And cooking and shopping are much simpler too. With the extra mental energy I have, I feel better able to focus on my family, fun hobbies and even my writing. That’s certainly a blessing of eating only when I’m hungry and stopping when I’m full.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
The following is an entry from my Fitness Journal from March 30th.
I guess you could say that this week was my first week of trying to overcome my desire to overeat with the Lord’s help. So far, so good.
I got on the scale this morning and had lost a bit from last week. But the best thing is, I’m not constantly obsessing about food.
There were three days this week when I knelt down in the morning and asked Heavenly Father to bless me with the desire to do His will and to eat only when I’m hungry and not overeat. All three days were great days!
On the other days of the week I got into a morning rush and forgot to pray. Although I said silent, quick prayers in my heart throughout the day, it was not the same as when I took three to five minutes of time on my knees at the start of the day and poured my soul out to the Lord.
I need to remember that my spiritual needs (prayer) are just as, if not more, important than my physical needs (shower, dressing, breakfast).
Prayer is the ultimate way to start the day!!
Note: It is freeing not to have to measure and write down every little thing I eat. And cooking and shopping are much simpler too. With the extra mental energy I have, I feel better able to focus on my family, fun hobbies and even my writing. That’s certainly a blessing of eating only when I’m hungry and stopping when I’m full.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Friday, May 02, 2008
More on Modest Swimwear
I’ve been thinking about modest swimwear again. Years ago when we lived in Layton, Utah I went visiting teaching with Shirley. She had grown up in a very conservative Baptist household who had Mennonite friends and leanings, but she had converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons. Shirley was big on modesty, especially for herself and her girls. The girls in their household dressed much like the FLDS women that we’re seeing so much of in the news lately – long pioneer-style dresses with opaque socks and sensible shoes. Only Shirley and her girls also wore scarves on their heads.
On one of our visiting teaching outings Shirley and I got talking about modest swimming suits. I was curious to know what her girls wore when they went to the local Surf N’ Swim. She explained that they simply wore their dresses. If I were still in contact with Shirley, I’d show her the website for Wholesomewear’s slimmer suits. I think they would have fit the bill for her ultra-conservative modesty standard.
Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to modesty, but I like what Sister Lori Watts taught us in Relief Society a few years ago. She demonstrated modesty by singing, “Head shoulders, knees and toes.” When she sang “head,” she raised her hands above her head and demonstrated no midriff should be showing. When she came to “shoulders,” she pointed out that coverage should come over the shoulders – no bra straps exposed. “Knees” meant that shorts and skirts come near the knees. When Sister Watts bent to touch her toes, she pointed out that no cleavage or midriff should show. I actually use this handy little song when shopping with my kids. If the clothing they’re trying on can’t pass the head, shoulders, knees and toes test, we don’t buy it.
When it comes to swimming suits, I don’t think it’s necessary that they come near the knee. But you can buy ones that do – even modern looking ones. The coolibar website is probably where I’ll purchase my next swimming suit. As someone with a family history of skin cancer, I like the added sun protection that these swim styles offer in addition to modesty.
I was surprised, however to see that some popular Utah-based clothing lines that tout themselves as being modest don’t really deliver when it comes to swimwear. DownEast clothing company and Lime Ricki Swimwear both have belly baring tankinis. The Shade Clothing Company does have tankini tops that are longer, but the bottoms are slung low on the hips – not my definition of modest.
My favorite place to buy modest swimsuits is Lands' End. You can find them on-line at http://www.landsend.com or in Sear's stores that carry clothing. Best thing is, the suits are made to last!
If you want to go ultra-modest (even by my friend Shirley’s standards), check out Jelbab.com’s line of Islamic swimwear. Now that’s coverage!
On one of our visiting teaching outings Shirley and I got talking about modest swimming suits. I was curious to know what her girls wore when they went to the local Surf N’ Swim. She explained that they simply wore their dresses. If I were still in contact with Shirley, I’d show her the website for Wholesomewear’s slimmer suits. I think they would have fit the bill for her ultra-conservative modesty standard.
Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to modesty, but I like what Sister Lori Watts taught us in Relief Society a few years ago. She demonstrated modesty by singing, “Head shoulders, knees and toes.” When she sang “head,” she raised her hands above her head and demonstrated no midriff should be showing. When she came to “shoulders,” she pointed out that coverage should come over the shoulders – no bra straps exposed. “Knees” meant that shorts and skirts come near the knees. When Sister Watts bent to touch her toes, she pointed out that no cleavage or midriff should show. I actually use this handy little song when shopping with my kids. If the clothing they’re trying on can’t pass the head, shoulders, knees and toes test, we don’t buy it.
When it comes to swimming suits, I don’t think it’s necessary that they come near the knee. But you can buy ones that do – even modern looking ones. The coolibar website is probably where I’ll purchase my next swimming suit. As someone with a family history of skin cancer, I like the added sun protection that these swim styles offer in addition to modesty.
I was surprised, however to see that some popular Utah-based clothing lines that tout themselves as being modest don’t really deliver when it comes to swimwear. DownEast clothing company and Lime Ricki Swimwear both have belly baring tankinis. The Shade Clothing Company does have tankini tops that are longer, but the bottoms are slung low on the hips – not my definition of modest.
My favorite place to buy modest swimsuits is Lands' End. You can find them on-line at http://www.landsend.com or in Sear's stores that carry clothing. Best thing is, the suits are made to last!
If you want to go ultra-modest (even by my friend Shirley’s standards), check out Jelbab.com’s line of Islamic swimwear. Now that’s coverage!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Modest Swimwear
I've been thinking a lot about a recent post by Flashlight Girl. In my comment to her post I stated my desire to purchase a modest tankini, possibly from Land's End. Maybe something like this one. (Click on the shot of the woman with her arms raised in the air. Notice how her belly is still covered. That's my criteria for a modest tankini.)One part of my comment on Flashlight Girl's post that has caused me to re-think my swimsuit position, was my reference to underwear in a comment that was about swimsuits. I don't know how many times I've been looking through ads with my girls and pointed out that wearing a bikini is like wearing your underwear to the beach. And yet for me, a tankini is less coverage than my underwear. I've often longed for a return to swimsuit styles from the 1920s. (The photo at the start of this blog is from 1918, I believe.) Don't look now, but it's possible to get a modest swimsuit that offers more coverage than your underwear!
Check out this site. Now that is a lot of coverage! Modest, modern, and I'm guessing much more comfortable than what I've been wearing. I'm going to get one!
But I've got to love a few pounds first.
Original Joke by Beans:
Knock, knock
Who's there?
Robin.
Robin who?
Robbin the bank, of course. Shhh. Don't tell.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Golf Mania at Belly Acre Farm
Hubby and Bug love to golf. And since we have a long, narrow lot, they often use it as their own personal driving range. What should I infer from a toolbox that is mostly filled with golf balls? Should I be worried about Hubby getting distracted when he goes out to work in the garage?
I've taken a couple photos to show where they tee off from and where the back of our proberty is, but I'm having trouble getting them to upload to my blog. Suffice it to say that I found 12 golf balls in the back pasture this morning on my way home from the morning walk with the dog. It felt like an Easter egg hunt all over again. I'm actually quite proud of my tally.
In other news, I'm also proud of the clever disguise I've made for the Metamucil container that I leave by the sink. (Despite following the Weight Watcher program and eating high-fiber foods, my body needs more. Hence the necessity of Metamucil on my countertop.) Anyway, at our last activity day meeting we covered containers in contact paper to use as desk accessories. Well, I decided that I could apply the same concept to camoflauging my fiber needs. What do you think?
Fiber, anyone?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Help me, I'm eating again . . .
I need the Lord’s help to conquer my over-eating, but I need to be humble and ASK. Pray at the fridge – or better yet – flee the kitchen like Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife. (Do you think it would help to post a photo of an Egyptian looking woman on my fridge to remind me to flee from food temptations as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife?) When I’ve fled the kitchen, I can pray and ask for inspiration to distract me from emotional eating.
While I’m on the topic of emotional eating, I’ve been thinking about what roles food plays in my emotional well-being.
I’ve been using food to provide:
Comfort
Fun
Pleasure
Distraction
Those are all things that I need in my life, but food is NOT an appropriate outlet for those needs. (Reminder to self: food is fuel for my physical needs.) If I am to overcome emotional eating, I need to seek to have my emotional needs met by something other than food. Here are some ideas I’ve come up with.
I can find COMFORT through:
The Lord (praying to Him, being grateful for all He’s provided for me to enjoy as I go for walks).
Writing.
Talking with a family member or close friend.
Hanging out with my dog.
I can have FUN without food by:
Focusing my attention at social gatherings on people – interacting with them, learning more about them, listening to their funny stories, laughing with them.
Observing the children at family gatherings (watching as they make a mess while eating, listening in on their innocent conversations) and by playing with them too.
Playing more games with my kids and hubby.
Doing crafts with the girls.
Playing with the dog. Teaching her new tricks. Going on hikes/outings with her during the day when the kids are at school.
Being sure to have a date each week with my sweetie.
Having game nights and inviting other couples.
Working on projects that are just for fun – my chalkboard, the tree mural and birdhouses.
Writing goofy stuff (Annie entries, Chicken Scratch)
I can find PLEASURE by
Walking with the dog
Arranging for Hubby to come home for lunch more often.
Listening to Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Sting and the tracks on my PlayFour playlist on my i-pod.
Spreading a blanket on the grass and lying in the sun!
Buying wonderful smelling body lotion
Investing in nice leg shaving tools and using sunless tanner, then buying clothing that show off my nice smooth legs.
Wearing clothing that makes me feel WONDERFUL! (And not putting off buying the clothes in the hopes of losing more weight.)
Getting a pedicure and then maintaining it with kicky nail colors.
Taking a long, quiet soak in the Jacuzzi.
Doing yoga at the Rec. center on Thursday mornings.
Visiting local art galleries and savoring the emotional response the pieces generate.
I can counter-act boredom and find DISTRACTION without eating by:
Going for a walk.
Blogging or writing in a journal.
Tackling a job that needs doing (like sorting and putting away the winter hats and gloves).
Taking some outdoor photos to use as desktop wallpaper or for blog posting.
Working on making a music/photo DVD.
Updating my books at goodreads.com.
Adding songs / deleting dumb ones on my i-pod. Downloading ones that I’ve been wanting.
Reading a book (but NOT munching). Instead, I can read outside or at the library, or even drive to a bookstore/cocoa shop and read there.
Cutting up old jeans for future sewing projects.
Playing the piano.
Trying to write poetry.
Practicing new songs on my penny whistle or recorder.
Using one of the girls’ digital recorders and cackling like a witch, then posting it on my blog.
Whistling and recording a few classics to post.
Looking for publishing opportunities on-line.
Calling Lauri or another girlfriend.
Trying to sketch something.
Selecting a quote to have Angie do in vinyl.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
While I’m on the topic of emotional eating, I’ve been thinking about what roles food plays in my emotional well-being.
I’ve been using food to provide:
Comfort
Fun
Pleasure
Distraction
Those are all things that I need in my life, but food is NOT an appropriate outlet for those needs. (Reminder to self: food is fuel for my physical needs.) If I am to overcome emotional eating, I need to seek to have my emotional needs met by something other than food. Here are some ideas I’ve come up with.
I can find COMFORT through:
The Lord (praying to Him, being grateful for all He’s provided for me to enjoy as I go for walks).
Writing.
Talking with a family member or close friend.
Hanging out with my dog.
I can have FUN without food by:
Focusing my attention at social gatherings on people – interacting with them, learning more about them, listening to their funny stories, laughing with them.
Observing the children at family gatherings (watching as they make a mess while eating, listening in on their innocent conversations) and by playing with them too.
Playing more games with my kids and hubby.
Doing crafts with the girls.
Playing with the dog. Teaching her new tricks. Going on hikes/outings with her during the day when the kids are at school.
Being sure to have a date each week with my sweetie.
Having game nights and inviting other couples.
Working on projects that are just for fun – my chalkboard, the tree mural and birdhouses.
Writing goofy stuff (Annie entries, Chicken Scratch)
I can find PLEASURE by
Walking with the dog
Arranging for Hubby to come home for lunch more often.
Listening to Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Sting and the tracks on my PlayFour playlist on my i-pod.
Spreading a blanket on the grass and lying in the sun!
Buying wonderful smelling body lotion
Investing in nice leg shaving tools and using sunless tanner, then buying clothing that show off my nice smooth legs.
Wearing clothing that makes me feel WONDERFUL! (And not putting off buying the clothes in the hopes of losing more weight.)
Getting a pedicure and then maintaining it with kicky nail colors.
Taking a long, quiet soak in the Jacuzzi.
Doing yoga at the Rec. center on Thursday mornings.
Visiting local art galleries and savoring the emotional response the pieces generate.
I can counter-act boredom and find DISTRACTION without eating by:
Going for a walk.
Blogging or writing in a journal.
Tackling a job that needs doing (like sorting and putting away the winter hats and gloves).
Taking some outdoor photos to use as desktop wallpaper or for blog posting.
Working on making a music/photo DVD.
Updating my books at goodreads.com.
Adding songs / deleting dumb ones on my i-pod. Downloading ones that I’ve been wanting.
Reading a book (but NOT munching). Instead, I can read outside or at the library, or even drive to a bookstore/cocoa shop and read there.
Cutting up old jeans for future sewing projects.
Playing the piano.
Trying to write poetry.
Practicing new songs on my penny whistle or recorder.
Using one of the girls’ digital recorders and cackling like a witch, then posting it on my blog.
Whistling and recording a few classics to post.
Looking for publishing opportunities on-line.
Calling Lauri or another girlfriend.
Trying to sketch something.
Selecting a quote to have Angie do in vinyl.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Dog Writes Blog Entry
Woof! (Pant, pant, pant.) It’s me, Annie. That nice lady that cleans out my kennel and waters me every morning is letting me write this entry. Hee, hee!
What to write? What to write? (Pant, pant.) I have to say that this internet socializing stinks. Or doesn’t stink, is the problem. How am I supposed to get a feel for you, the reader, if I can’t smell you? Or lick you? Or try jumping on you? (My master doesn’t like it when I jump on people, but if you don’t act like it bothers you, I’m all for it!)
My master and I took a walk this morning. It seemed early. Maybe she woke up with a headache, took two Excedrin and couldn’t go back to sleep. I don’t really care what her reasons were for walking early, I was just happy to get out! I love walking with my master. And running alongside her when she rides her bike. And playing catch with her. And playing tug with her. And wrestling with her. Would you like to wrestle with me? I’d be nice. Promise.
There were many good smells this morning. The pee and poop that other neighborhood dogs deposited. (I made some pee markings of my own). A dead robin. A discarded burger wrapper. A cute little puppy let me sniff her. And play with her. I was extra nice ‘cause she was small. We stopped in at Chip and Grandpa’s house. Chip smelled the same as usual – pretty strong. I also sniffed Grandpa’s newest horse. His nose had tickly little hairs on it, but his breath didn’t stink. Smelled like alfalfa. Boy did I wish my master would let me off the leash so I could go roll in some horse manure. It’s the best!
Nugent barked as we jogged by on our way home. My master said, “Hi!” I wagged my tail. I have a nice tail. Sometimes I chase it. I’ve even caught it a time or two. (Pant, pant.) We met Marty and Glen Israelsen too. Their hands smelled like gasoline. I guess they’d been filling a chain saw with fuel. There weren’t many cats out and about this morning. Dang. I like cats. But they don’t seem to like me. They get all puffy and hissy when I introduce myself and want to play with them. Why do you think that is? I’m nice enough, aren’t I?
All too soon our walk was over. I went into my kennel just like my master likes and waited for her to take off the pinch collar. (The pinch collar isn’t as bad as it sounds. It’s just harder for me to really pull on the leash when I wear it, but that’s okay. Pulling is overrated.) She put my regular collar back on my neck, and I drank some water. Aaah! There’s no place like home.
-------------------
Christie’s Present Pleasures (from our walk this morning):
The squeaky wings of a pair of Mallard ducks as they flew over us
A Mourning Dove’s sad call
The strut of a beautiful ring-neck pheasant
The tippity-tap of a flicker hammering on a tree somewhere
The soft under belly of M.J., the cute Border Collie puppy we met
What to write? What to write? (Pant, pant.) I have to say that this internet socializing stinks. Or doesn’t stink, is the problem. How am I supposed to get a feel for you, the reader, if I can’t smell you? Or lick you? Or try jumping on you? (My master doesn’t like it when I jump on people, but if you don’t act like it bothers you, I’m all for it!)
My master and I took a walk this morning. It seemed early. Maybe she woke up with a headache, took two Excedrin and couldn’t go back to sleep. I don’t really care what her reasons were for walking early, I was just happy to get out! I love walking with my master. And running alongside her when she rides her bike. And playing catch with her. And playing tug with her. And wrestling with her. Would you like to wrestle with me? I’d be nice. Promise.
There were many good smells this morning. The pee and poop that other neighborhood dogs deposited. (I made some pee markings of my own). A dead robin. A discarded burger wrapper. A cute little puppy let me sniff her. And play with her. I was extra nice ‘cause she was small. We stopped in at Chip and Grandpa’s house. Chip smelled the same as usual – pretty strong. I also sniffed Grandpa’s newest horse. His nose had tickly little hairs on it, but his breath didn’t stink. Smelled like alfalfa. Boy did I wish my master would let me off the leash so I could go roll in some horse manure. It’s the best!
Nugent barked as we jogged by on our way home. My master said, “Hi!” I wagged my tail. I have a nice tail. Sometimes I chase it. I’ve even caught it a time or two. (Pant, pant.) We met Marty and Glen Israelsen too. Their hands smelled like gasoline. I guess they’d been filling a chain saw with fuel. There weren’t many cats out and about this morning. Dang. I like cats. But they don’t seem to like me. They get all puffy and hissy when I introduce myself and want to play with them. Why do you think that is? I’m nice enough, aren’t I?
All too soon our walk was over. I went into my kennel just like my master likes and waited for her to take off the pinch collar. (The pinch collar isn’t as bad as it sounds. It’s just harder for me to really pull on the leash when I wear it, but that’s okay. Pulling is overrated.) She put my regular collar back on my neck, and I drank some water. Aaah! There’s no place like home.
-------------------
Christie’s Present Pleasures (from our walk this morning):
The squeaky wings of a pair of Mallard ducks as they flew over us
A Mourning Dove’s sad call
The strut of a beautiful ring-neck pheasant
The tippity-tap of a flicker hammering on a tree somewhere
The soft under belly of M.J., the cute Border Collie puppy we met
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Enduring Health Problems . . .
I’m getting started. Today is the day I start writing my book on adversity. I’ve thought about it for a long time, but now is the time to quit thinking and start writing. Wait. That’s not quite what I meant. I’ll be thinking a lot as I write. It’s just that thinking won’t be the only activity associated with my book on adversity. I’ll be writing as well.
Apparently a prerequisite for writing about adversity is living with it. Perhaps that’s the reason my health has been on-again off-again lately – to help get me in the proper emotional frame of mind. Actually, that’s not what I really believe.
I believe that health problems are part of our mortal lives. They’re not a blessing or a curse from God, but rather a by-product of having bodies of flesh and blood. God, in his omnipotence, can cure all diseases of the mind and body, but most of the time He doesn’t. They’re part of our mortal testing, part of what we agreed to endure as part of our decision to follow the Son’s plan and come to earth.
Some people handle health problems (adversity) better than others. When I’m having poor health days I often throw myself a Poopy Health Pity Party. No one else ever shows up. Even my family avoids joining in my wallowing. Usually it’s just me moping on the couch or sleeping away the afternoon.
Last night while watching TV with my husband, I became the reality commentator for the commercials. I followed an ad that combined Wendy’s fast-food restaurant with the Utah Jazz basketball team with, “That’s right folks, come watch the Jazz sweat and play while you sit on your duffs and clog your arteries. Maybe even raise your cholesterol.” Another advertisement was for the Utah Blaze – an indoor arena football team. I talked over their promo with, “This sport is made for all you men who can’t stand staying at home with your family. Come watch another sport you never play with your kids and spend even more money and time on something that doesn’t really matter.”
After a few more tart-minded comments my husband said, “You’re not feeling well, are you?”
How did you know?
I know that no one handles health problems perfectly, but my neighbor, Wanda, sure seems to. I look up to her as a terrific example of how to endure adversity with grace and dignity. I came across a poem last week that reminded me of her.
On His Blindness
When I consider how much my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er the land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
-- John Milton
Wanda has expressed frustration at not being able to do more, serve more. And yet she regularly attends church with a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye despite on-going pain and illness. As an outsider looking in, it seems to me that her best service is doing exactly what the above poem mentions – bearing her mild yoke, standing (in her case, sitting) and waiting.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Apparently a prerequisite for writing about adversity is living with it. Perhaps that’s the reason my health has been on-again off-again lately – to help get me in the proper emotional frame of mind. Actually, that’s not what I really believe.
I believe that health problems are part of our mortal lives. They’re not a blessing or a curse from God, but rather a by-product of having bodies of flesh and blood. God, in his omnipotence, can cure all diseases of the mind and body, but most of the time He doesn’t. They’re part of our mortal testing, part of what we agreed to endure as part of our decision to follow the Son’s plan and come to earth.
Some people handle health problems (adversity) better than others. When I’m having poor health days I often throw myself a Poopy Health Pity Party. No one else ever shows up. Even my family avoids joining in my wallowing. Usually it’s just me moping on the couch or sleeping away the afternoon.
Last night while watching TV with my husband, I became the reality commentator for the commercials. I followed an ad that combined Wendy’s fast-food restaurant with the Utah Jazz basketball team with, “That’s right folks, come watch the Jazz sweat and play while you sit on your duffs and clog your arteries. Maybe even raise your cholesterol.” Another advertisement was for the Utah Blaze – an indoor arena football team. I talked over their promo with, “This sport is made for all you men who can’t stand staying at home with your family. Come watch another sport you never play with your kids and spend even more money and time on something that doesn’t really matter.”
After a few more tart-minded comments my husband said, “You’re not feeling well, are you?”
How did you know?
I know that no one handles health problems perfectly, but my neighbor, Wanda, sure seems to. I look up to her as a terrific example of how to endure adversity with grace and dignity. I came across a poem last week that reminded me of her.
On His Blindness
When I consider how much my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er the land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
-- John Milton
Wanda has expressed frustration at not being able to do more, serve more. And yet she regularly attends church with a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye despite on-going pain and illness. As an outsider looking in, it seems to me that her best service is doing exactly what the above poem mentions – bearing her mild yoke, standing (in her case, sitting) and waiting.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Patience Report #6: Endless Weight Loss Plateau
Last night before I fell asleep I thought about my plan to learn patience this year. By and large I’ve been doing well. In fact, I’ve discovered that once you choose something to work on, to focus on, all sorts of solutions, ideas and lessons present themselves.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from trying to be more patient is that it helps not to focus entirely on the here and now. When I try to view life with the end in mind, the little day to day annoyances don’t seem to niggle at me quite so much. Maybe that’s what Scarlett O’Hara meant when she so famously said, “Tomorrow is another day.”
I’m finding that I don’t lose my cool with my kids quite as much as I used to. I don’t obsess about what I can’t wait to purchase, and I’ve reduced the amount of expectations I have for almost everyone. (On really good days, that includes me.)
But I haven’t fully conquered impatience yet. Especially as it pertains to my weight loss goals. I’ve been on a plateau – meaning my weight has hovered right around the same weight (or gone up) -- for a full year. Plus a few months. I’m finding it difficult to stay motivated. Part of me wants to throw up my hands and say, “See. I told you my body couldn’t do it.” But then I’ll attend a Weight Watchers meeting and listen to others share how they’ve dealt with their struggles, and I decide to persevere.
A thought that seems to help me stick it out is, “Weight Watchers is like church for my body.” And since I’m getting a bit tired of paying $7.00 per week for the last 14 months, I’ve added a new clause: “I’ll never even come close to paying as much for Weight Watchers as I pay in tithing.” (Don’t analyze that last phrase. It just works for me.)
Part of patience, I’m discovering, is doing what you can do and living with, even accepting, what’s not in your power to change. I have a body that doesn’t function perfectly. It affects my weight loss efforts. It does not good for me to dwell on my health problems. Instead, I’ve come up with a list of “can do” phrases that I’ve written on a stack of cards. I try to review them once a day. Here’s what they say . . .
I can do this . . .
Take my dog for a walk instead of snacking.
Take the time to prepare healthy meals.
Be stronger than my carbohydrate cravings.
Forgive myself.
Make healthy choices a part of who I am.
Ask the Lord to help me transform my weaknesses into my strengths.
Pray for strength.
Eat less to feel better.
Write what I bite.
Enjoy being active in the great outdoors!
Play!
Be happy now. (Don’t put if off until I reach my goal weight.)
Ask for what I need.
Believe other when they say I look great.
Call a friend when I’m bored instead of snacking.
Look for ways to burn more calories.
Push myself further – especially at aerobics.
Become a fit woman!
Keep at it until I become a Lifetime Member at Weight Watchers.
Ask for support from family and friends.
Stay for weekly W.W. meetings.
Play with my husband and kids. (Basketball with Bug)
Plan out my day’s menu (what/quantity/points values) in the morning
Think positively and then listen and follow the voice inside my head.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from trying to be more patient is that it helps not to focus entirely on the here and now. When I try to view life with the end in mind, the little day to day annoyances don’t seem to niggle at me quite so much. Maybe that’s what Scarlett O’Hara meant when she so famously said, “Tomorrow is another day.”
I’m finding that I don’t lose my cool with my kids quite as much as I used to. I don’t obsess about what I can’t wait to purchase, and I’ve reduced the amount of expectations I have for almost everyone. (On really good days, that includes me.)
But I haven’t fully conquered impatience yet. Especially as it pertains to my weight loss goals. I’ve been on a plateau – meaning my weight has hovered right around the same weight (or gone up) -- for a full year. Plus a few months. I’m finding it difficult to stay motivated. Part of me wants to throw up my hands and say, “See. I told you my body couldn’t do it.” But then I’ll attend a Weight Watchers meeting and listen to others share how they’ve dealt with their struggles, and I decide to persevere.
A thought that seems to help me stick it out is, “Weight Watchers is like church for my body.” And since I’m getting a bit tired of paying $7.00 per week for the last 14 months, I’ve added a new clause: “I’ll never even come close to paying as much for Weight Watchers as I pay in tithing.” (Don’t analyze that last phrase. It just works for me.)
Part of patience, I’m discovering, is doing what you can do and living with, even accepting, what’s not in your power to change. I have a body that doesn’t function perfectly. It affects my weight loss efforts. It does not good for me to dwell on my health problems. Instead, I’ve come up with a list of “can do” phrases that I’ve written on a stack of cards. I try to review them once a day. Here’s what they say . . .
I can do this . . .
Take my dog for a walk instead of snacking.
Take the time to prepare healthy meals.
Be stronger than my carbohydrate cravings.
Forgive myself.
Make healthy choices a part of who I am.
Ask the Lord to help me transform my weaknesses into my strengths.
Pray for strength.
Eat less to feel better.
Write what I bite.
Enjoy being active in the great outdoors!
Play!
Be happy now. (Don’t put if off until I reach my goal weight.)
Ask for what I need.
Believe other when they say I look great.
Call a friend when I’m bored instead of snacking.
Look for ways to burn more calories.
Push myself further – especially at aerobics.
Become a fit woman!
Keep at it until I become a Lifetime Member at Weight Watchers.
Ask for support from family and friends.
Stay for weekly W.W. meetings.
Play with my husband and kids. (Basketball with Bug)
Plan out my day’s menu (what/quantity/points values) in the morning
Think positively and then listen and follow the voice inside my head.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Monday, November 05, 2007
Overweight Housewife on Wheels . . .
Don’t look now, but I dug out my pair of Rollerblades. I haven’t been on them since August of 2001. I wish I could say that it’s like riding a bike, you never forget. I didn’t forget, exactly. Instead, I tried something new. Added a challenging element. My dog. (That’s us in the photo to the left. Note my hand in the “stay” position. Yet dog is somewhat blurry due to movement.)
After a couple spins around the driveway, we were off to visit my parents – an uphill climb all the way. (I took a pair of shoes in a plastic bag so that I could walk home. It’s hard enough to stop just going downhill without adding a dog to the mix.)
What a rush!
I got a little giddy. Even found myself humming a few bars of, “I’m Alive” from Xanadu. (Xanadu is a cheesy movie from my childhood. Anyone else know the song I’m talking about?) Anyway, once wasn’t enough. Later this afternoon I strapped on my blades again. The second time was even better.
I’m seriously considering getting Annie a halter to wear instead of a collar so I can train her to pull me. (Mush, Annie. Mush!) Hey, I could get a used pair of cross-country skis at the ski swap and Annie and I could mush on the fields behind our house this winter. Or up Green Canyon. (I’ve found that running is a great way for her to burn off some of her puppy exuberance prior to obedience training sessions.) I wonder if she’ll be able to pull me in one of the kid’s snow sleds?
After a couple spins around the driveway, we were off to visit my parents – an uphill climb all the way. (I took a pair of shoes in a plastic bag so that I could walk home. It’s hard enough to stop just going downhill without adding a dog to the mix.)
What a rush!
I got a little giddy. Even found myself humming a few bars of, “I’m Alive” from Xanadu. (Xanadu is a cheesy movie from my childhood. Anyone else know the song I’m talking about?) Anyway, once wasn’t enough. Later this afternoon I strapped on my blades again. The second time was even better.
I’m seriously considering getting Annie a halter to wear instead of a collar so I can train her to pull me. (Mush, Annie. Mush!) Hey, I could get a used pair of cross-country skis at the ski swap and Annie and I could mush on the fields behind our house this winter. Or up Green Canyon. (I’ve found that running is a great way for her to burn off some of her puppy exuberance prior to obedience training sessions.) I wonder if she’ll be able to pull me in one of the kid’s snow sleds?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)