nanpoodle

Happy Thanksgiving Buddy Slimmers:

I thank all of you for your honesty in your adventures to stay fit and healthy. I am thankful for all of you. Let us take time to thank our loved ones all year.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I think of the many things that I am thankful for in my life. Those of you that really know me, know that I treasure my solitude, mostly because I grew up practicing saxophone so many hours in the milkhouse. Of course, that meant hours to myself, uninterrupted, searching for the perfect tone within, to flow from the saxophone. But seriously, that time alone really did allow me to search deep within to fully grasp my existence in many ways. On the way to the milkhouse, I would often watch the sun rise and then, often at the end of those late evening practices, I would see the moon glare at me to remind me of the solitude that had held me inside of that practice room. Many of my saxophone and clarinet students won’t be able to relate to the love of practicing in this story, but they can relate to the end result of such solitude. The time one must search, whatever that may be to find what we are most thankful for. What one is most thankful for is never complex, as the complexities of life really end up to be quite simple.

So, you may ask, what am I thankful for?

Knowing God.

Really, family - and yes, I really mean that. Sure, I am not real big on the huge gatherings; but, now as I age, I know it is OK to enjoy everyone else’s gregarious ways, while I don’t have to talk so much HA HA!

Friends: Being a very private person, I treasure the few friends I have.

Lessons from living with my loving standard poodles. Allegro will never be an official “therapy dog” like I am working Louie to be, but she has been the best therapy dog for me. Just today, she honestly had those looks with me as if to say, “all is well, life is good” and then, she falls asleep on my lap again.

Recently, I posted a question about the weight loss program CURVES and I really appreciate the comments I received from many of you - thanks for taking the time to write replies. I decided to gear up my nice treadmill at home and use my free weights instead of going to CURVES. This way, I can work-out at home, while watching either educational videos or the Today Show, etc. Sometimes, one needs a jump start into a smart program that works for them. I am sure Curves is great for some woman, but I value my precious time at home, so working out on my equipment here will work - treadmilly, biking, nordic track and free weights.

Anyhow……here I go…..my eyes on my goal with far more exercising again.

Hello Friends:
I received one month free at the local CURVES and wondered if many of you attend a Curves program. Basically, it is a 30 min. workout just for women, using different strengthening machines. My first thought is that it is expensive for $39.95-45.95 per month since it is NOT open on Saturday after noon or all day Sunday. Any comments would be appreciated…thanks so much!
Nancy

Hello Buddy Slimmers:

As I look at people’s profiles, there are so many that stop using this sight, though I think it is wonderful sight! But then, it has been 2 weeks since I lost 2 pounds and I too got a bit lazy in working hard enough to lose some more wt. and tone up my body. So, I think it is impt. to at least write a blog once a week to be accountable!

How are all of YOU doing on your diets? If you get off, start new instead of being so hard on yourself (I tend to do that) and think about your goal to be healthier and more energetic by eating right!

Have a great week!
Nancy

OK, so after more then a week of not working hard at my diet, but not really blowing it either, I am motivated again. I think sometimes it is OK to be a bit slow as long as it doesn’t last forever HA! I met a friend for coffee instead of breakfast (save money and calories) and we still chatted 2.5 hours without food. It is rainy here in MN., so nice time to clean house, a good distraction from food too. The key - to stay busy without food! Have a great weekend, everyone and thanks for all the great blogs that people share! You are all great people!

Today, I weighed myself in the middle of the day, because I thought I felt a bit lighter. I had not lost for a few weeks and was not going to give up, so I just worked harder and tried to stay busier so I would not eat anything unhealthy. Anyhow, I also drank far more water/liquids in the last week. So, I was excited when I found that I had lost 2 pounds. I think once you lose those first hard pounds, it is easier to stay focused on reaching the goal.

All of you diet buddies, don’t give up, because our weight comes off sometimes when you least expect it.

Well, I certainly know that I must step up my pace on the exercising, which of course I knew before I wrote this. My great-niece Elianna spent the weekend here for her birthday and as I ran along side of her while she rode her bike without training wheels, it became obvious as to how OUT OF SHAPE I really am. She is 4 and just recently took those training wheels off and we live where there is little traffic, so she could ride quite far without cars. Then, as I walk briskly to work on obedience training with my dog, I am awakened to my lack of strong legs too. Whoa……I better get moving like so many of you already are doing. Thanks for the motivation!!!!

Hello All of you Buddy Slim People:

I think that it is always interesting to read how others are staying on their journey to healthy eating and often, weight loss. For me, I often write either poetry or write little excerpts from the minds of my two standard poodles, Allegro and Louie. I hope I can encourage other people to lose the weight to reach their goal weights.