Monday's Magnet

 

In honor of all those people who live in Wisconsin and are in support of their state leaders balancing the budget, I decided to select this magnet. This is another one from John. He has moved back to WI and as the spouse of a school teacher, he has been protesting at the capital. I love you, John, but I'm still anti-union. Thanks for the magnet though. ☺

Middle School Theater

Last night was the West York Middle School's presentation of "Shoestring Theater." You're never quite sure of what you're going to get with middle school plays, however, I must admit that the last two years of performances have been pretty good. This year performance was even more enjoyable because the sound glitches from last year were resolved.The cast did great. The moral of the story was that a theater budget was supposedly being cut by 80% so the director decided to do the worst possible production of Cinderella he could. Remember, he only had a 20% budget to work with. The show was very funny and you could tell the kids really had a fun time performing it.Here are three of my favorite actresses. Rachel, Brie, and Chelsey. Aren't they cuties?!Rachel and Brie.... buddies since they were 18 months old. Good job tonight, girls. You guys all did a terrific job.

Baby's Got a New Ride

 

Another milestone has been reached. Emile now has her own car. Last week she got a 99 Saturn SC1. It's dark black and when the sunlight hits it a certain way, it's purple. It's three door with a nice sized trunk. The body is in good shape, as is the interior. All in all the car is nice and should serve her well. I'm not as worried now about her getting back and forth to college in Pittsburgh this fall. Dang, I really have to get used to saying that. My baby is going off to college in a few months.Enjoy your car, Emile. Drive carefully and remember how much I love you.

Em & Lesa's Bond

As some of you know, Emile has a tattoo on her left shoulder blade. It's the name, date of birth and death, and a tiny heart between. It is in memory of Charlie, a very special friend (and father figure) of hers. She now has a second tattoo. This one is on the inside of her left arm, just above the wrist. While many do not agree with getting a tattoo, this is Emile's choice, not mine or anyone else's. She and Lesa talked about it before Lesa passed away last May. They decided together what Em would do. And here it is....

Click on image to enlarge.

Emile actually got the tattoo on Lesa's birthday, Feb. 11th. Ironically she went to a tattoo shop just across the street from the funeral home where Lesa's body was prepared for burial. I cried. It was a tough memory as emotions are still raw at times.

Like it or not, I personally think it is beautiful. I know the reason it's there and I'm glad it brings some measure of comfort to Emile. I love my daughter with all my heart. I know Lesa does too.

Monday's Magnet

In honor of President's Day I thought a good choice would be this magnet. Obviously it's Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's beloved mountain top home. I was watching a program about Jefferson today on the History Channel. There are so many things I never knew about this man... and more I now want to learn. We live in an amazing country and I'm glad we are able to honor our presidents today.

Monday's Magnet

In honor of Valentine's Day, here's my pick for today. I think this is pretty self explanatory and I need not say more. ☺ I purchased this in Lancaster County several years ago...hehehehe

Happy Birthday Lesa Lu

I'm thinking of you today and missing you more than ever.....♥

Four Down, Two to Go

Yesterday I attended my fourth weight management class. It was probably my favorite class in my preparation for gastric bypass surgery so far. The theme of this month's class was physical activity. I learned so much about exercise and how to keep it from being something to dread (or thinking of it as a *dirty* word). To begin, we were encouraged to consider the following....

WWCD?

What would cavemen do?

Back in cavemen days men and women lived and worked under extreme conditions. Nothing came easy or was handed to them on a platter. Throughout the ages life has gotten "easier," and environmental factors, such as a lack of physical activity and technological advances have led to a more sedentary lifestyle. In the United States, it is estimated that 93 million Americans are obese. Being overweight, obese or morbidly obese significantly increases the risk of developing many other diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and much more. I am living proof that this is 100% accurate. I could be the poster child for these risks. I am choosing to change this.I learned what "Energy Balance" is. To be honest, I'd never heard that term before. Makes lots of sense. What goes in must be equal to that which is being used up or you end up either too fat or too thin. Unfortunately most of us are on the too fat end of the spectrum. How do I incorporate that information into meaningful change? By looking at...I learned the difference between the different types of physical activity as well as how much exercise the human body really needs to stay healthy. Here are the current guidelines:

AEROBIC ACTIVITY

• Moderate level of activity ~ do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week
• Vigorous level of activity ~ do at least 1 hour and 15 minutes a week
• Do at least 10 minutes at a time
• You can combine moderate and vigorous activity
  

MUSCLE STRENGTHENING ACTIVITY

• Do these at least 2 days a week
• Include all major muscle groups such as legs, hops, back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and arms
• Exercise for each group should be repeated 8 to 12 times per session

I have handouts listing the different types of activity, goal sheets, and logs. This way I can see concrete accomplishments. That is super important to maintaining success! All these baby steps will eventually pay off with improved health and stamina. Time to get my booty in gear!

Monday's Magnet

 

Even though I'm in the hospital... again... I thought I'd better keep in the habit of blogging. Today I selected this magnet for several reasons. First, it really is cute. But more importantly, if I had stopped using my refrigerator as my personal filling station, it's safe to say I'd be much healthier. Additionally, I'm hungry at the moment because I've been NPO (nothing by mouth) since last night at 10. I'll eat again after my stress echo-cardiogram. Anyway, here you have it....

Negotiations

Brie's laptop charger cord stopped working the other day. Not a huge problem; it's still under warranty. Em's cord is working fine, which leads to this sisterly exchange:

Brie: Can I use your cord to charge my computer?
Em: Maybe.
Brie: Why maybe?
Em: Cause I won't let you use it... lol.
Brie: Come on now.
Em: Nope.
Em: Go up to my room and turn my heater up, please.
Brie: I will if you let me use your laptop charger.
Em: Fine.

I'm pleased to report that Brie's laptop is charged. Well done, ladies.

Oh, NO!

I'm in total turmoil today. I'm beside myself with stress and confusion. I don't know what to do or how to proceed. My day has been turned completely upside down and I don't know how to fix it.

What am I to do?

The cause of my panic???? Groundhogs! Yes, you read correctly. Groundhogs.Today is Groundhog Day. Now that's fine. I have no problem at all with this day. Historically it has been just another day for me. Until this year. For some reason I seriously paid attention this time.

Could it be that we've had so many storms this year? Perhaps.

Is it because the temperatures have been so bone chillingly cold? I suspect that is part of the reason.

Or is it just because I decided to seek out the wisdom of a groundhog as I look to the next 6 weeks of my life?

Whatever the reason, I'm more distressed now than ever.Puxatony Phil predicted an early spring. Great news! So why am I fretting? Because the other area groundhogs predicted 6 more weeks of winter! There, I said it. Now instead of going forth on solid ground, assured of how to proceed, I remain in my seasonal dilemma.

Do I plan for this....or this....????Oh, the unfairness of life.