Just Out of Reach

If you ask me what my favorite tool in my house is I'm going to have to go with the "Gopher grab & reaching" tool. It of course is one of those "As Seen On TV" products. I am forever more needing something off a top shelf or dropping something behind the stove or washer or dryer. So I keep this hanging in my kitchen. I can just grab it and then use it to grab whatever has fallen out of my reach. I think it's a must have for every home. I have even used it to reach for stuff back under the bed. It retails for around seven to ten dollars so it's really not all that expensive and to save one aggravation when something seems lost, it really seems well worth the cost to me. So next time something is just out of reach are you going to have your Gopher? I'm just asking...

My Update...

Progression is the key we all look for when we are doing anything. I have been avoiding the scale as per my doctors directive as I have been working on the toning of my body to where I have it at this time. I have started back on the heavy cardiovascular and weight loss as of this past week though and I am loving every minute of it. A great portion of that is walking outside and as mother nature shines down on me there is nothing to clear the old cob webs out of ones mind like a nice brisk walk. I love it and I highly recommend it to everyone. I feel great for the most part, bar having done way too much exercise recently and my muscles revolting with soreness, but I still forge on. People ask me constantly how I do it. I mean how do I do the weight loss and how do I push myself to continue on this path. It's simple to me. I have a vision and a goal. Just like anything you want in life if you want it badly enough you'll push yourself and work for it. Also, if there is anything I've learned over the past couple of years journey is that I am capable of doing about whatever I set my mind to. A little pain isn't going to stop me from getting what I want. After all life isn't suppose to be easy and pain free. It's always a little amusing to me when people ask me how I'm doing the weight loss and toning and I say diet and hard exercise. I know they want me to say some magical surgery or some diet pill, but that just isn't so. I put in at least 5 days a week and anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at a time at the health club. I also take several walks, right now as of this past week about 20 miles a week and working up to more. To be quiet honest I don't think I would appreciate it as well as I have if it had been some magical concoction rather than my own hard work and determination. It's not easy... I mean when you've got an option of sleeping your full eight hours or waking up after five or six so you can get to the gym and work out before work it's awfully tempting to give into sleep and I'd be lying if I said on occasions I didn't do just that. I also carry a picture that I laminated with me at all times to remind me of where I have been and never want to go back to. It's just one of my little ways of keeping on track. I have found that on days I don't get to the health club to do workouts I don't feel quiet as good as I do on the days where I do make it. This is another incentive to me to get up and go. I know once I've been there I'm going to be rewarded with a calm and feeling of good health. One thing that never ceases to amaze me at the gym is how many people are not truly there to work out. I mean you have the seniors club that is there to socialize and get out of the house and God bless them for moving and keeping fit in the process. Then you have the ones who go to the health club and hope that somehow by looking at or sitting on the equipment they will automatically reap the benefits of hard exercise and get in shape. Following these are the ones who use the health club as a dating tool. I have never been hit on or asked out so much in my entire life and I'm not really that great of a catch in looks, at least I don't think. One definitely finds a wide array of characters lurking about while there. Me? I don't mind talking to people or even having a friendly conversation, but I am there to work out and get healthy. I make sure I hit my machines and I stay active while I am there. If you want to talk to me you'll more than likely have to follow me from machine to machine and station to station. Then heaven help me, but guys I am going to let you in on a secret... I don't know if what I am about to say is true for all women, I somehow so think it is, but if I'm exercising it is not a good pick up line to come over and act all macho and try to show me how to do what I am doing, especially when I am doing it the way my trainer has told me to. It's also not wise to call me little lady or sweet heart and pretend like you have more right to be there than I do. I just don't get that one at all. I can see my friends right now that know me so well rolling on the floor laughing at the image of what was said to and how it was received of the guys who've tried this crap with me. Go ahead, laugh, take a minute and compose. So if you're done laughing? I'm hoping this summer will find me hitting my goal weight and getting in the best physical condition I can possibly get in. I know what I want. I have a goal and my eye is on the prize. Anyone care to join me?

*** Plan B ***

Let me start by saying it is my opinion that everyone is entitled to their
opinion whether they are right or wrong. Seriously though the opinions
expressed in this blog are mine and are not meant to insult anyone or upset
anyone, just to make you stop and think and to give you the opportunity to
express your opinion on the topic as well. This just happens to be on my
mind. --- If you’re super sensitive to this topic you may want to sit this
one out.

Abstinence is the safest form of birth and disease control. That is what they say, right? Well, one would have to agree and could hardly argue that they are correct. The problem here is it is not happening. You know it and I know it. I’m not for promoting sex in teenagers so don’t even go there with me; however, I do feel it’s a parent’s responsibility to talk to their children about sex and to teach them and prepare them to keep them safe. My parents, God I do love them, but they never had any form or fashion of a sex talk with me. Heck my mom didn’t tell me about my menstrual cycle until I had all ready been on it a year and using her pads. Guess she didn’t notice. My parents are and always have been and will be old fashioned. Nothing wrong with it, except with society the way it is today we can not afford to not inform our children of the facts. The fact is that Aids is real. The fact is that once you have a girl pregnant, there is no turning back, no matter the choice you make. Yes I said choice. I know it’s a word that gets the pro-life folks standing in line to beat down doors and yeah to an extent I’m with you because I am pro-life, but I am also pro-choice. So how can I be both? That is an easy answer. I don’t believe I or anyone else has the right to make choices for anyone else or to tell them what their relationship with God is or how their body should have to suffer. And before you go there I have all ready heard the argument about watching a child be neglected and no I wouldn’t stand by and watch someone beat a kid, but I don’t see this as the same thing, sorry, save your breath. I would never dream of asking a girl who was the victim of rape or incest or who might die while doing so to carry a baby that she couldn’t possibly want. On the other hand if she aborts it she’ll have that cross to hang on to for I’m sure it has to be an emotional roller coaster. I seriously don’t think there is anything that could make me abort a baby, but I’ll also tell you that at this point in my life I don’t want children of my own. As much as that probably is to the dislike of my mom and dad I don’t. I don’t even know if I want a husband, let alone kids. A partner to share life is a wonderful thought, but finding that right person is tricky. I like my life for the most part the way it is. So with that said, we know people are not going without sex, but are they being safe with sex? I have talked to several people that claim they just can’t stand to have sex using a condom. So I suppose they like the idea of and STD? I’m here to tell you that if the choice is no sex or using a condom most people will use one so girls don’t let the guys tell you that and guys don’t let the girl hood wink you. While we are on that subject guys really you do need to know if you can trust your partner. I mean just because a girl says she’s on the pill don’t make it so. I had an ex room mate who purposely got pregnant knowing the guy was from a hard core Catholic family and that the guy would marry her. I think it was wrong and I doubt it ever came with a happily ever after the way she might have thought, but I’m telling you there are girls out there that will do it. And girls you need to be doubling up on your security too. Just because he wears a condom doesn’t mean it won’t break or he hasn’t damaged it or lubes might make it less effective. Seriously sex is not to be treated lightly. It comes with emotional and physical ramifications. Now, if you do find yourself in a bind ladies where the condom breaks or you’re in a “hurry” and don’t ask him to wear one or oops didn’t take my pill today, there is a product out there you can buy called “The Plan B Pill”. It’s not meant to be a permanent form of birth control and trust me when I say you wouldn’t want it to be. Walgreen's sells it for around $45, Wal-Mart’s around $55. The difference is that Walgreen's is a two pill taken at 12 hour intervals where Wal-Mart’s sells a single dose pill. What is this pill? Simply put it is a pill that prevents fertilization and ovulation. Yes I said prevents fertilization, so if you take it you are not killing a living human being because one hasn’t been created yet. I know there are still people out there that think it’s wrong because you should allow God to decide, but this pill is no different than using a condom or taking the pill to me. Even with that said though there are several pharmacies that refuse to carry this pill simply because of the religious up roar that it comes with. It is often referred to as a morning after pill, but is not exactly the same pill. This one works to stop fertilization from ever happening in the first place. This pill needs to be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex or from the time of whatever occurred to make you suspect you need it. The longer you wait the less likely it will work and ladies there is only an 89% change it will work in the first place. I know that sounds like a good number, but it leaves 11% odds in favor of becoming pregnant. I’m just saying. This pill does have some side effects that can occur and I would highly recommend you read up on it long before ever needing it to make sure it’s an option, but it is out there and it is available should the need arise and for those that are thinking it’s expensive, well how much does it cost to raise a child these days? So if you’re in doubt you might want to take a chance and roll the dice, or see your Walgreens or Wal-Mart’s pharmacists and get “The Plan B Pill”. It’s just another option for you. So if you hadn’t heard, I wanted you to know there was one available. Again, this is all only my opinion.

Technology or Life?

Technology or life? Sounds like a simple enough question doesn't it? Every day people are making this choice though. Do we spend our hours in front of a computer, a television or a video game or do we actually get out and enjoy everyday life? All through the winter I have read approximately three books a week. I love reading and have sort of lost touch with the old boob tube so to speak. Between work and the health club and reading I have a full schedule, even though I do find time to see my friends as well. With summer coming on I will definitely cut way back on the book reading. I love the outdoors! I have gotten to take walks outside all week under a blue and sunny sky. What perplexes me is that people choose to hide away behind closed doors in such wonderful weather. Even if there is chilling to the bone wind though I still don't find it healthy to sit at home and never get out among the living. As human beings to thrive we need socialization and interaction with others even if it's walking alone and watching the world exist, we need that insight. I never feel more alive than on a pretty day when I've got my IPOD on (yes I know it's loud and it may harm my hearing) and I'm walking and thinking and feeling. In the winter months before I joined the health club I felt blah and almost depressed because I was stuck inside with little means of exercise. I must admit that joining the health club did help that some though and I have friends that swear by the "fake" sun to help brighten ones life too. I have never been to a tanning salon in my life, but must admit to thinking about it. Who has time in our busy schedules to lay out in the sun? Of course there are health concerns with the "Fake-n-bake", but then what isn't there a warning label on these days. I'm pretty sure we aren't suppose to breath because it could damage our lungs. I am extremely happy at the thought of walking again though and hope it will help me peel off the rest of this weight I have to loose. I know technology has it's place, but I do feel it has hindered our health somewhat. I mean now we sit in offices and barely move from our desk or heck even at our desk. Back before all this technology we actually had to get up and walk across the room if we wanted to retrieve a file or ask someone a question. I miss those days to tell you the truth. As a matter of fact, even though I'll admit to being addicted to my cell phone somewhat I miss the days when technology couldn't find us if we went camping in the woods. I have laid aside my cell and not bothered with it when spending quality time with friends and such though. I think a little technology goes a long way on so many levels. I say we all get back to living life and loving nature. Nothing wrong with technology if you remember you rule it and it doesn't rule you. So which one are you choosing technology or life?

Colgate Wisp

I'm sure there are other brands of this same type of product, but the only one I have tried to this point in time is the Colgate Wisp in Cinnamint. I have to say this is a clever little product and if you haven't tried it you really should. I keep them in my car. They are wonderful for if you've eaten something and you need to freshen your breath and make your mouth feel more human. It's a product I have to say I'm quiet addicted to at this point in time. So pick some up today... Trust me you've got nothing, other than money ;-), to lose.

Happy Birthday Joe!

Facing the Fear

Walking in on one’s worst fear and attempting to stay is something I can attest to is not an easy task. I have been all about trying to conquer my own fears over the past year. I have faced things I thought I never would and dared to do things I never cared to even contemplate. Imagine if you will being confronted with a haunting memory from the past, something that gripped you so badly that it controlled you for more than a decade. The scene you walk into very similar and the feeling in the bottom of your stomach that of sickness and fear. You can feel every inch of your spine tighten and every breath seems like a chore. You consciously are aware of every time you move about the room your brain has to be told to move your arms or your legs. Your hands tingle with a numb awareness that you are ready to grab the car keys and find the nearest exit. You bite your lip at the awareness that your legs may not support your flee. It’s almost as if a slow motion picture is playing out in front of you. You’re physically there, but somehow it’s not real. Inside you are filled with memories of days long gone by and of a time and place that no longer exists except for in your fears. Can time repeat itself? You are faced with the decision of staying and facing your fears to finally put them to bed or turning on your heals and running back into the safety of your own private world. Should a person stay and face it so that it will no longer control them or should they tuck their tail and run? I suppose one could say I’ve done a little of both. I am a firm believer these days that you must face life head on and that wallowing in self pity and fear gets you absolutely nowhere. There are no nights in shinning armor that are going to ride in on their white steeds and save the day. It’s up to each and every one of us to live our lives and to make the best of what we have. I’ve preached this before I know, but it’s not changed in that you can choose to wallow in self pity or you can pick yourself up and make the most of each and every day. I personally think if a person hides the way I did for so long they truly are not living, but are merely existing. One could argue they are merely taking up space on an all ready overly crowded planet. Then there are always regrets and mistakes. Good Lord knows I make enough of them that if they were the pre-requisite for giving up on life I would have long jumped in the open grave and let someone shovel the dirt on top of me. We all make bad choices and we all have regrets. It took me many years to realize that. Sometimes it can feel as if the world is only beating us up and that the rest of the world hums along without any problems. I know that isn’t the truth, but it would be easy to believe especially when a bunch of issues and problems all seem to accumulate at our door step at the same time. Ever have one of those dreams that you are running and going nowhere as the monster creeps slowly up behind you? Your feet just aren’t getting you away fast enough or they are moving but it seems like no matter how fast you run the monster gains ground. Yeah we all have those don’t we. Sometimes life can feel that way to. Next time you’re having that dream take control of it, stop in your tracks, spin around and kick the monsters a**. Go ahead you can do it. The same as you can face your fears in real life. You can choose to forge on and be the best and have the best life you can possibly make it out to be. Everyone has problems, fears and regrets. It’s how we handle them and how we live that makes the difference.

"I don't believe in self-pity. It only brings you down.
I may be the queen
of broken hearts, but I don't hide
behind the crown. When the deck is stacked
against me, I just play
a
different game, My roots
are planted in the past and though my
life is changing' fast, Who I am is who I
wanna be" - Reba McEntire's
"Survivor"