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.