The Biggest Loser Update

I really didn't think I would lose weight. First, because in the back of my mind I am still skinny like I have always been, and second, because I am not highly motivated to lose weight--I love food too much. But after deciding this was something I could do, I began the uphill climb to svelteness (is that a word?). Since I don't particularly enjoy running - I would rather play racquetball or tennis or hike - I had to start somewhere and walking was it. I do this routine - walk 100 steps, run 100 steps, walk 100 steps, run 100 steps. It really works for me. I have been #2 on the losing chart for 2 of the 4 weeks (and there are about 45 people involved). Carson is starting soccer season and I talked him into training with me. So now I have a partner (we start tonight) and hopefully this 13-year-old boy/man and I can do something together besides bug each other. Svelteness, here I come. Photos to follow.

My girls - One Voice

Music, Music, Music

I have discovered that I would rather sing, play the piano, or play the guitar than do anything else. I have some of the most spiritual moments when I am at the piano singing and playing. I have some of the funnest moments when I am singing with my group "One Voice." I have some of the most frustrating moments when I am playing my guitar, but then some of the most satisfying moments when I can actually make the chords my teacher wants me to. (I have also discovered that old fingers cannot move in ways that young fingers can.) Performing is a kick and I think I am hooked on it, although in certain situations I must admit I am almost paralyzed with fear and my throat tightens up.

I credit my parents with this love of music I possess. Some of my earliest memories involve music--either my father singing to me at night as I went to sleep (Mona Lisa my favorite), waking up on Saturday mornings to the smell of breakfast and the sound of Porgy and Bess on the record player, sitting at the piano with my mother as she played and sang to me, listening to Dave Brubeck, the Kingston Trio, the Grand Canyon Suite, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on the record player (to name a few).

Life is better with music. One of my favorite quotes from the scriptures (it's over my piano): Praise the Lord with singing, with music and with a prayer of thanksgiving.

To Exercise or Not to Exercise

A group of 20 or so people where I work have formed their own reality show - The Biggest Loser. I decided to join - it was only a small $10 fee - to see if I could lose some of this menopausal belly fat. Rules are simple: pay your fee, weigh in on Wednesdays, do whatever form of dieting/exercising you want, weekly winners, and $150 grand prize at the end of 6 weeks.

I was feeling pretty good about the first week because I walk/run a few times a week and I had been trying to watch what I eat. I went to weigh in and got the shock of my life. I had gained 1 pound in the first week. How did this happen? Maybe it was the chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls on Sunday, or maybe it was the dinner at Pizza Factory. Who knows? But if I am going to win this thing, I need to do something different - like take it seriously and really exercise. I wish I could play racquetball regularly like I did in my other life. Maybe I just need to accept the fact that I will never be skinny again - but who knows? Maybe I will be the Biggest Loser and not the "Biggest Loser." (if you know what I mean) And NO I am not posting before and after photos.

Granddaughters Are Great!!!

We have another granddaughter - what could be better. I'm late in reporting, but Adree was born April 4th and she's beautiful. Can't wait for the next one in July.

She Made It!!!

Graduation Congrats

My daughter, Lana, likes to write letters on her blog to family members. So I think I will copy her and write her a letter.

So Lana - congratulations on your graduation (almost) from college. I know you have 2 classes to finish, but I want you to know how very proud I am of you. You have worked for a long time and made many sacrifices to complete your associates and then your bachelor's degree. I am slighty jealous because I never finished my degree. I wanted to, but it never worked out for me. Maybe I will be one of those who becomes a non-traditional student. Anyway, I know at times it was hard to see your friends and roommates with a lot more freedom than you had. They didn't have to work like you did. I hope this made you appreciate your education more and helped you to understand how vitally important it is that we work hard for that which we want most. You have learned so many lifelong lessons over the course of the past 7 years and I am so very proud of you.

Actually, I am proud of Taylor and Shannon too. They earned their degrees while they were married and raising kids and working. I am always amazed at how my children accomplish what they do. Good work!!