Friday, March 23, 2012

SHOULDER PADS OF HUMILITY

 God has a way of keeping me humble.

Once there was the time when I was very broke but had an award ceremony in front of 1,200 people.  I was SO proud of myself and my "achievement" and feeling pretty smart (and not in a good way).  Since money was very very tight, I made my own dress and even put in shoulder pads.  It was a black and shiny and lacy short sleeved cocktail dress.  I felt tall.  I had to sit through several other award presentations until they finally called my name.  I got up from my seat, received a few hugs from my friends, and bounded down the aisle.  It was during this walk that time stood still.  ..... Oh Oh Oh
I realized that my shoulder pads had become free and had worked their way down my arms.



Yeah... looked something like that only down further on my arms.  In fact that photo is kind of the look I had on my face too.  I sort of looked like I had football gear on.


I knew that ANY minute those shoulder pads were going to FALL out of the sleeves and ON to the stage floor in front of 1,200 people.  I very carefully reached for my plaque and wrapped my arms around it conveniently wrapping myself in a hug to keep the pads in place.  I said a very quick "Thank Yew!" and hurried back to my seat.. still hugging the award. I held my head up and just sat there a few more minutes until all attention was back on the the stage.  I made a quiet exit and went to "fix" myself.  I was humbled. lol.

HUMILITY

Putting others first.

So... about this diet cruise ...



We are about to go on the 5th Annual Low Carb Cruise.  This is what I want:
1.  No judgments or criticism or negative talk. (stay nice)
2.  To make new friends and share laughs. (have fun)
3.  Everyone to find someone they can relate to and enjoy their company. (make friends)
4.  That everyone walks away with information that will help them live a healthier life. (learn something)
5.  More fun and relaxation. (rest)
6.  And finally, that I be accepted just like I am, shoulder pads and all. (love)

We are not perfect, but we are sure giving it our best shot ... in an humble kind of way.






Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Slap Jack

Oh dear Dr. Jack Kruse,

I have a decision to make and depending on my mood, it could go either way.  This CT thingy you are preaching?  I dunno.  To slap Jack or pat Jack?



I've been reading your posts about the MIRACLES of "cold water".  People are plunging themselves into ICE water.  Sort of takes your breath away, doesn't it?



Cold Thermogenesis?  Link: Jack Kruse: Cold Thermogenesis  How about Cold Thermogenesis for the timid & tender?  I am NOT an athlete nor do I care to be one.  I am NOT a cavewoman, nor do I care to be one.  BUT...  I remember back in the early 70's - about the time Atkins was taking off - there was a "Swedish Dip" pool at the local gym & Spa (President's and First Lady Spa, later bought out by Bally's)  It was a small round deep pool full of cold water.  You would grab a rope and either plunge in or slowly lower yourself into the water.  I LOVED it.  Of course I was in my twenties and LOVED that too!!

But soon the cold pool was replaced with --



THE STEAM SAUNA!!  Woohoo... sweat it out!!

Okay -- fast forward, and I do mean FAST forward (where did that time go??) Now I am in my fifties.  I like long hot showers.  I like being comfortable.  I like fuzzy slippers that keep my feet warm.  I also hate my physical state of being.  I am actively seeking change and fighting aging with every means available.  NOT that I mind getting older, I just don't want to feel old.

So Jack... seriously???  You recommend that we all do what???  Dip our face in ice water and work our way up to our body?

Should I slap you on the back or in the face (which is what the ice water feels like)?

Perhaps you have hit on something.  PERHAPS you have reminded me of the cold dip pool I used to love and had forgotten about.  That dip pool also brings back the memory of a body that I thought was too big at 130 pounds.  Boy was I stupid.  I want that dip pool and that body back.

So.. the best I have to offer right now is a cold water rinse at the end of my shower.  I started that last week by turning the water to cold as I rinsed the shampoo out of my hair.  At first it lasted all of about 2 seconds and only a few squeals.  Today I actually turned around and put my face in the cold water.  We have worked our way up to 4 seconds.  I would call that progress.

I think I will go fix myself a cube of ice and join Wesley --


Maybe it's crazy, maybe its real ... but it is certainly different.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Our friends, Rob and Celina Christiansen, were traveling home to Texas after attending Daytona Bike Week.  Celina was a short distance behind Rob when a trucker ran a red light and tragically killed Rob.


Rest in His arms, Rob Christiansen.  You will be missed.  Although I haven't seen you guys in a few years and we have always had plans to visit with you 'soon', I still hear your voices and remember the fun rides we had together.  Celina, our prayers are with you.


We will see you again, Rob.

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