Summer Vacation

A couple of weeks ago, I asked my son (soon to be 21) where he wanted to go for summer vacation. It's summer vacation time...and he'll have a week before summer school begins.

When the children were younger, we would take cruises. I've always liked cruising because the children and I could enjoy all of the amenities the ship offers, and I didn't have to worry about them being bored while trying to accommodate everyone's wishes. Most cruise lines have camp counselors to entertain the children. I don't know how much money the counselors make, but whatever it is, they are probably vastly underpaid...which is why I was more than happy to tip them.

As the children got older, we still enjoyed cruises. When they became teenagers, I allowed each of them to bring a guest on the cruise. The first time I made this offer, I told the parents of their friends that I would charge the cruise on my credit card, and they can pay it off. We've always been a family that plans vacations early. My intent was that the parents would have about 7 months to pay off the cruise for their child (less than $500 each). The reality was, I ended up paying for my 3 children as well as 3 friends. Needless to say, I learned my lesson after that first year.

This year, my youngest will reach the age of maturity. He's still undecided between, Florida (one of our favorite places for shopping and cruising), Vegas (the most popular spot for 21 year old birthdays), or San Diego. We'll probably end up flying to FL and cruising to the Bahamas...at least that's my choice.

Butt What?

A few months ago, I noticed that my "butt" was really getting big. I decided that I would change my workout routine to include more cardiovascular exercises and less weight training.

Although I know that muscles can build mass (especially if you use heavy weights), I didn't realize how much impact the squats and sit ups were having on my body. My waist was getting smaller, my obliques (side) was becoming more defined, and my "butt" was getting bigger.

It's always hard for me to find jeans, usually much too big in the waist...yet snug in the hips and thighs, but this was getting ridiculous; so I decided that I was going to get on my own personal "soon to be summer" workout program.

I began by having black coffee (my favorite morning beverage) with a plethora of vitamins and minerals, and a handful of nuts for breakfast. Lunch usually consists of a nice salad, with spring lettuce, garbanzo or red beans, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and any other vegetable I have handy, as well as some shredded cheese. I like blue cheese dressing, and vinagrette -- I usually choose between those two. Before dinner, I usually take a power walk...and sometimes will go for a walk with my daughter-in-law as well. For dinner, I usually eat whatever I have a taste for...however, I do think about calories, and carbs, and treat myself once a week to dessert.

When I have a taste for a snack, I will usually grab a handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans) or I will make my own trail mix with the 3 above and some raisins. I gave up sodas years ago...and will indulge in a martini or mojito about once a week as well.

I don't think it's a good idea to deprive ourselves of what we really love. I try to indulge in what I love (not what I like), and eat all of the healthy (and good for you) foods I can stand. For example, I don't love of cobblers or cakes, so I don't eat them, however, I really love ice cream from a favorite ice cream shop, and cheesecake from a well known restaurant, so I indulge in those treats when I really want to splurge (certainly not weekly).

Now, I'm not saying that I have the best diet (or body) in the world...however, I'm happy with my body and my lifestyle. I pray that the same holds true for you.

4th of July Fun

Behind Memorial Day, Independence Day is my favorite summer holiday. It's still early enough in the summer to enjoy the holiday...and the weather is usually quite favorable for barbecuing and picnics and then enjoying the fireworks.

Hosting summer barbecues is a favorite thing for me. I like to get up early, begin cooking around 4am and setting up everything for my guests (most family and Toastmasters). This year will not be different.

Happy Independence Day!

Another 3 Day Holiday

It's Memorial Day weekend -- and President Obama has asked all American's to pay tribute to our soldiers.

Earlier this morning, (before my run), I did something that I haven't done in many years...I went to the cemetery to pay tribute and bring flowers to fallen arms.

Unlike some people, I don't go to the cemetery to "visit" my late husband and brothers on their birthday, holiday's, or other significant dates. I find the experience very depressing. Sure, I love my late husband, as well as my brothers, however, it's not my intent to depress myself.

When my late husband died, I found out without a doubt, that these things that we work so hard to keep in shape and take care of...are truly only a shell for our soul. I saw my late husband's shell shortly after he made the transition. Although he wasn't a man of tall stature (he was about 5'10"), when I viewed his body, it seemed as if I could have carried the shell in my arms like a baby. It was then, that I realized with certainty, that our souls fill us up...our bodies become almost deflated when our souls rise to heaven.

I have no remorse about not "tending the graves of the dead", because I know in my heart, that the only thing left of the people we love is the decaying flesh that encompassed their soul.

The truth is that from time to time, when I find myself at the cemetery, I will visit the place where the bodies of those I love are lain.... but the truth of the matter is, the connection I have with those I love remains with me each and every day.

At What Point Do We Give Up

A few weeks ago, I began to wonder abou the process of aging, and why it seems that certain people give up on themselves after a certain age. For some people that age is 40, for others it's 50, and still for others it may be 60 or 65. Perhaps the age has more to do with a mental milestone other than a physical occurrence or even a place in their life. It' s rare to hear of a person (at least in my unofficial survey) giving up the quest to live life to the fullest at the age of 21 or even in their 30's.



I remember when I had my 30th birthday, it didn't affect me any more than my 24th birthday I didn't think of the magical age of 30 as the beginning of the end of my life. I'm happy to say with each subsequent birthday, I've felt the same as my 24th. Sure, there have been some health challenges along the way; a coule of years ago, I blew out my knee while cruising to Nova Scotia with my Mom and sister, and last year I fell down at work and messed up my back, however, those two occurrences didn't steal my zeal for living and life.



A few months ago, I began looking at people of various ages, (mostly at church) as that is when most people seem to want to look their best (even though the loose translation of the Bible says, 'come as you are'). Let me digress a bit -- sure I want to look good when I go to church, so I spend more time preparing for church than I do when I go out on a date, to a Toastmaster meeting or event, or to work.



Back to my original point, I look at both the men and women and church. It seems that those people (both sexes) who have a real zest for life, seem to be in better shape (not necessarily slim and svelte, but most certainly lighter in pounds than others), dress with more style and panache (just my opinion), and seem to smile brighter and step with a bit more pride in their stride.

For me, I've decided not to give up on life, my health, or my happiness. I want to live my life to the fullest. My belief is strong that by giving loving, respect, and admiration, you will get that in return (10 fold).

I challenge each person reading this, to be thankful for every good thing that they have, and have respect for the lesson learned as we go through our trials and tribulations.

When Is Your Birthday?

Stevie Wonder's birthday song has become the anthem for most birthday parties. We even rock to it at church.

Why is today a special day for us, when we should be honoring our mothers on our birthdays. After all, it was our birth mothers who actually did the hard work. We only had to allow the doctor to pat our bottoms...and then the antics began.

So what's the plan for birthday celebrations. A friend of mine told me that for his birthday, he had a milk and cookies party. He and one of his female friends, decorated his house, bought a variety of milk products (fat free, low fat, whole milk, soy, etc, etc, etc), and expensive cookies (some costing as much as $4.00 each).

I've also had friends who had theme parties for their birthday celebration: 70's Throwback, Inspector Gadget parties, It's Not Halloween Costume Party, etc.

Since my birthday falls in the winter, (yes, it does sometimes rain in L.A.) it's difficult for me to give the kind of party I love. I love to barbecue, and have the celebration start during the daylight hours and go on through the night. Having friends over, enjoying music, good food, playing cards (mostly BidWhist and Spades), and toasting the birthday girl with champagne, washed down with cake from Hansen's bakery.

It really doesn't matter, when your birthday is...because every day is a blessing. To that end, I wish you a Happy Birthday, and a fantastic life, filled with good health, great love, and peace.

How Do You Feel About Liposuction?

A few days ago, I watched an episode of Nip/Tuck. In this episode, an older woman (I'm guessing late 60's) underwent a beauty makeover. (I think that's what they call it). The gist of the story is that her husband was dying and he wanted to make it easier for her to find her next husband -- talk about an unselfish act of love. At the end of the show, she was shown in a form fitting dress -- I must admit, she looked good for a soon to be 70 year old.

Isn't it interesting how things just cross your mind. I guess it's true what they say about idle minds...so I guess I'll share a bit of the devilish side of me. I've seen the results of liposuction first-hand on a few friends. In the first case, two sisters decided to undergo liposuction and body resculpturing. Their results were fantastic. Prior to the surgery, they released a predetermined amount of weight (I don't use the word diet). The surgery was simply used to tighten their abs and slim down their thighs.

In the second case, the patient thought she could use liposuction and body resculpturing to make her thinner. Unfortunately, that never works. There is no way that surgeons can remove significant (15 - 20 lbs) amounts of fat from your body. The second patient looked just like she did before the $8k was given to the surgeon. Why didn't the surgeon share this information with her before he took her money? If he did, why did she still elect to undergo the procedure?

Sometimes, I wonder about people and their thought processes, don't you?