Thoughts for Thursday

Nothing tastes as good a being thinner feels.
I accidentally skipped lunch today. And I didn't die of hunger.
Pilates floor exercises are very hard when you have no ab strength.
It's easier to keep focused when I start my day in prayer.

Weigh in Wednesday

Did another workout video from spark people. Com.  Chair cardio!  I know it sounds wimpy but it totally fatigued my legs!  Tomorrow I'll try a standing one.
You could also call this weigh in Wednesday as I'm back at weight watchers Jenny's noon class. Up just two pounds from the holidays.  Time to get serious!
Going for power foods.  Bought an exercise mat.  Let the fitness begin!

New year - new you - new me?

Just beginning to keep track of my healthy comeback.
Started yesterday, Monday.   Trying to eat right.
Today, eating better, mainly though, I exercised my core and abs.   Whoa! Where did my strength go? I want it back!
I found some good video workouts on Sparkpeople.com starting with sitting on a chair.
Probably will record this on "work out" Wednesdays.
What should Tuesday be?  "Try something new" Tuesday.  Well the computer exercise video was new.  It was doable and free. So far so good!

Saying goodbye to August

Saying goodbye to August

August means  so many things

The last barbecues of summer.  

The final trip to the beach or days at the pool

The fleeting days of no school

The last few long summer days

August reminds us to take a few moments to reflect on the pause that summer brings

Remember the lazy mornings

The shorts and t shirts

The swims and beaches

The vacation to new  places

The times with family

Remember the summer fruits and veggies

All that watermelon and key lime for pie

Savor the barbecues with juicy burgers and salty chips

Shish ka bobs and ice cream

Soft drinks, cold beer, frozen daiquiris

Reminisce for a brief time the slow pace that is summer

Perhaps you had a chance to change your pace if not for the whole summer 

Then for a brief vacation time.

As August wanes

I reflect on summer.  Fun things I did to  entertain kids and grand kids

The zoo, the dog park, the pool, 

amusement rides, mini golf, movies, 

baseball games, horseback rides 

August also means beginnings

New school year

New clothes for fall

New calendar datebook

New plans to get me to the holidays.

August

A long, hot  month, sometimes surprising us with hurricanes.

Always dumping afternoon rain showers.

August lasts just long enough for me to get really tired of  my summer clothes.

Then comes September.

Caregiving

Caregiving
Giving care
Of course I care
That's
My mom
My son
My husband
My daughter
My friend.
Giving - that's the word.
I give a lot.
Give time
Consolation
Love
Pep talks
Explanations
Food
Clean clothes
Medicine
Advice
Money
Shopping trips
Car rides
Dog walks
Instructions.
Those are a few things I give
All wrapped up in the name of " care".
I give what is needed
Not always what is wanted.
But I will give
Of myself as much as I can
Because I am a caregiver.
I give
Because
I care .

Why Do I Look?

W h y   d o   I   l o o k ?

W h y   d o   I   l o o k
A t   y o u r   e m p t y   h o u s e ?
I   p a s s e d   i t   b y   a g a i n   t o d a y
T h e   h o u s e
O n c e   v i b r a n t   a n d   a l i v e
W i t h   k i d s ,   t o y s   a n d   p l a n t s
W i t h   t o o l s   a n d   c h a i r s
T h a t   I   k n e w
T h a t   I   h a d   t o u c h e d
T h a t   I   u s e d   
T h a t   I   s a t   u p o n.
B u t   t h e y   a r e   g o n e
A n d   s o   a r e   y o u.
M o v e d   a w a y
S o   w h y   d o   I   l o o k ?
I   a l w a y s   l o o k   
W h e n   I   p a s s   b y
I   a l w a y s   l o o k.
O t h e r s   a r e   t h e r e
I n   y o u r   h o u s e
O n   y o u r   l a w n
W a l k i n g   t h e   h a l l s
I   h a d   c o m e   t o   k n o w .
O t h e r s .
W h y   d o   I   l o o k ?
I   m i s s   y o u .
I   m i s s   u s .
S o   I   l o o k
J u s t   i n   c a s e
Y o u ' r e   t h e r e
B u t   y o u ' r e   n o t.
A n d   I   r e m e m b e r   o n c e   m o r e
W i t h   s a d n e s s
T h a t   y o u   a r e   g o n e .

So   
W h y   d o   I   l o o k ?

Life Poems

Mom's pain

Is it real
Is it imagined
Does it matter?
It is pain
Her pain
So much pain she will curse
She will question why
She will cry
She will become like a child
not knowing what to do.
I have a pill
It takes time to work
I have another pill
I have a soothing voice
Suggestions to lie down
I have no answer.
But I must steel myself
Not be drawn in to the pain
Not be offended by the cursing
Not be saddened by the tears.
I can no longer be the child
Though she is my mother
I must be her caretaker
Her companion
Her nurse
I must help her deal with the pain
Together we fight the pain
Not so much her daughter any more
But she will always be
My mom.