Friday, March 22, 2013

I've been considering this thought a lot as of late.  I've had an issue with exercise and diet.  My issue is this:  I don't like to do it!  Neither one.  Nope!  But now I am starting to reap the consequences of not wanting to behave in these areas and do those things that I've known for a lot of years that I need to do.  My cholesterol is HIGH - on medication now.  My doctor just checked me for diabetes.  I refuse to take medication for that one.  If the results come back positive, I am determined to make those needed changes through - gasp - diet and exercise.  I've had some other issues in my life the last few years that have made exercise painful and most of the time, not worth the effort for the pain I endure afterwards.  BUT - I know if I can be persistent with my exercise, I would likely lose some weight, (which is needed), and in the process alleviate some of the painful side-effects I am having to trying to be more healthy.  

I may even need to seriously consider a surgery on my neck.  I went to a neurosurgeon two years ago who told me that I was a prime candidate for surgery at that time, but that it wasn't an absolute at that point....he told me I would know when it was time.  I'm almost there I think.  But it terrifies me.  Everything about it terrifies me.   The surgery itself - the risk of serious complications - the pain - the recovery - the 'what if's'.  That's what I have to work through before I can get to the point of having it done.   I'm getting closer....to even talk about it is getting closer!

I see so many elderly people who are using walkers, or the little motorized carts or who just sit and do nothing.  I. Don't. Want. That. To. Be. My. Life!!!   So --- it's time for some changes.  Aerobic exercise - 150 minutes/week to start.   (I know some of you probably do that in one or two days time - yay for you!  Keep it up!)   More fruits and vegetables (been doing this for several weeks now).  Lean protein.  High fiber (I'm ok here - I make my own granola and add freshly ground whole wheat to many of my recipes).  More water - less soda (as I'm eyeing my can of Mr. Pibb......  Cut down on artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup - and that's hard - because those two things are everywhere.  It means that we will be eating more home-made things - and less processed foods.  Nothing wrong with that!

And so this journey of persistently doing begins.  And I'm striving to have faith that with that persistence will come the power to continue forward, making those changes that I know will benefit me - not only now - but in my future.  

Monday, March 18, 2013

Happy is.....

 Happy is....
Spending time with family.   When we were in Utah two weeks ago when Don's mother passed away - we did get to spend time with family, and that's the BEST!

I love them all so very much.  I'm grateful for the 'sons' that I now get to enjoy and for all that they have added to our family.  And of course, this grand-baby is the best.  Looking forward to another one in June!


She had a runny nose - but isn't that a happy face?!  

She's standing on her own, and we saw her take her first solo step.  Soon she'll be running!

She LOVES phones, and Auntie Millie's was especially enthralling!

Playing with cousins - Abigail

and Savannah.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

The dash....1921-2013

How do you measure a life?  We had an opportunity two weeks ago to consider that question.  My sweet mother-in-law passed quietly from this life to the next on Sunday, March 3.  When we knew her passing was imminent, we began remembering.  My mother passed away right before Don and I became engaged and his mother - Dorothy Daines Miller welcomed me into her family with no reservations.  She made me feel like I mattered - and often called to talk with me during the day when Don was at work - just to see how things were going.

She loved her family - her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren completely.  She loved their spouses equally as well.  She reached out to friends and neighbors, always making each one feel important.  She showed that care and concern with visits, treats and knitted slippers!

She will be missed - so very much.  But that 'dash' - the time between her birth and her death will be a part of each one who had any contact with her.  She was that kind of wonderful.  

Reading with grandchildren at a family reunion.  They all loved her.  She made each feel as though they were her favorite!
Ice cream was always the go-to treat when at grandma's house!
These grand-daughters had a sleep-over at grandma's house.  They wanted to spend time with her - and the patio was the perfect place to gather - not just for sleep-overs, but for family gatherings of all kinds.
And then there was Yellowstone!  It was a favorite place for the family to go when my husband was a child and it became a favorite place for the generations to follow!  We do love our Yellowstone trips!
As a final tribute of love, respect and devotion - her grandsons who served as pallbearers - lay their boutonnieres on her casket.
We'll miss you mom, grandma, grandma great, friend and neighbor, but your influence will live on in each of our lives.