Spring Cleanse Your Body

[I did not write this.  I just pulled it off Facebook 'Living Healthy with Lisa' and found it interesting.]

Yes another post about water :) But if you really want to cleanse then DRINK, DRINK, DRINK
Here are eight (8) home made vitamin water recipes to help you keep the water flowing!


As a rule, you should try to avoid as much as possible industrial food and beverages

1) The classical : lemon/cucumber:

Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.



2) The granite: Strawberry/Lime or Raspberry/Lime

Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 6 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime + 12 finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.



3) The digestive: Fennel/citrus

First: infuse 1 to 3 grams of dried and crushed fennel in 150 ml of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool.

Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + lemon juice (put the leftover lemon in the mix) + a small thinly sliced orange + 12 fresh chopped mint leaves + the infusion of fennel seeds. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.



4) The antioxidant: Blackberry/Sage

Note that a part from the berries, sage leaf is the herb that has the highest antioxidant content.

Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of blackberries that have been very slightly crushed + 3-4 sage leaves. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.



5) Watermelon: watermelon/Rosemary

Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of watermelon cut into cubes + 2 rosemary stems. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.



6) The exotic: Pineapple/Mint

Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes + 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.



7) The traditional : Apple/cinnamon

Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of apple cut into cubes + 2 cinnamon sticks + 2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.



8.) The zingibir : Ginger/tea

In advance: heat 1 teaspoon of ginger in two cups of tea, let it cool down.



Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water with two cups of the ginger tea + 4-5 pieces of fresh ginger cut into cubes. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Biorhythms

I don't know how much stock I put in this kind of thing.  But sometimes I find it interesting to compare what my biorhythms reading shows compared to how my day is actually going.  This is my reading for today...

Okay, so I'm not looking forward to my run tonight.  And this might explain why my running didn't feel good last week either.  Also, the Physical wave is nearly right on with my monthly cycle...not that you cared to know that.  But hey!  Intellectually and emotionally, I'm at my best right now.  Just give me an algebra problem...and I promise not to cry about it!

[from the Facade website]
Explanation
      Our biorhythm charts depict a range of days centered on the target day. The numbers -14, -7, +7, and +14 across the top mark dates ranging from the past to the future. The numbers from +100% (maximum) to -100% (minimum) indicate where the rhythms are on a particular day. In general, a rhythm at 0% is thought to have no real impact on your life, whereas a rhythm at +100% (a high) would give you an edge in that area, and a rhythm at -100% (a low) would make life more difficult in that area. There is no particular meaning to a day on which your rhythms are all high or all low, except the obvious benefits or hindrances that these rare extremes are thought to have on your life.

 
The three primary biorhythm cycles are:

Emotional: This cycle tracks the stability and positive energy of your psyche and outlook on life, as well as your capacity to empathize with and build rapport with other people.
Intellectual: This cycle tracks your verbal, mathematical, symbolic, and creative abilities, as well as your capacity to apply reason and analysis to the world around you.
Physical: This cycle tracks your strength, health, and raw physical vitality.

The three secondary cycles that derive from the primaries are:

Mastery: This is the composite of the Intellectual and Physical cycles. Mastery encompasses your ability to succeed at tasks and to obtain what you desire. This cycle also tracks athletic ability and the focus required to learn physical skills.
Passion: This is the composite of the Physical and Emotional cycles. Passion encompasses your motivation to act, and the drive that allows you to continue a difficult pursuit. This cycle also tracks sexuality in its purest form.
Wisdom: This is the composite of the Emotional and Intellectual cycles. Wisdom encompasses your understanding of the world, your role in it, and the things that are truly important to your life. This cycle also tracks the presence of mind that you need to make crucial decisions.

So, my 'ability to succeed at tasks and to obtain what I deisre' and my 'athletic ability', my 'motivation to act', my 'drive that allows me to continue a difficult pursuit', and unfortunately my 'sexuality' are pretty much unaffected positively or negatively over the next few days according to these waves.  But it appears that this is as wise as I get.  Hmmm, not sure if that's good or bad.

John 13:34-35

[from the Gospel at mass this weekend]

Seven Word Status

 

I love that pretty little red-haired girl.

Well I Never...

A list of things I've never done.
You may be surprised by some of these.
I don't know why it crossed my mind to come up with this list.
But here it is.  Enjoy!

1. I've never gotten a tattoo.  And probably never will, except maybe permanent eyeliner.
2. I've never seen an episode of CSI...any of them.
3. I've never seen an episode of Survivor.
4. I've never seen any of the Monty Python movies.
5. I've never been to Disney World or Disneyland.
6. I've never been out of the country.  Not even to Mexico or Canada.
7. I've never been to jail.  Probably no surprise there.  But I never even went to detention in school.
8. I've never taken Calculus or Trigonometry.
9. I've started writing more than two dozen books.  I've never finished any of them.
10. I've never been kissed at midnight on New Year's Eve...not that I remember anyway...so it may as well have never happened.
11. I've never swum in an ocean.
12. I've never eaten a brussel sprout.
13. I've never eaten a beet.
14. I've never danced a tango.
15. I've never tipped a cow.
16. I've never been a blond.
17. I've never been proposed to...even though I was married once.
18. I've never done an illegal drug.
19. I've never had a hangover and have only been drunk once.
20. I've never seen or read the Twilight series.
21. I've never wished I had a different first name.
22. I've never been to Mardi Gras.
23. I've never sung 'Oh Danny Boy', even though I've sung other songs to that melody.
24. I've never finished a beer.  In fact, I never taken more than one drink...because I think it tastes yucky.
25. I've never been ice skating.
26. I've never run a marathon...or a half-marathon.  I've never even run a full 5k, though I've finished two in the last year...just walked nearly half of them.
27. I've never played a role playing game.
28. I've never planted a tree.
29. I've never had a full-body massage.
30. I've never learned how to truly forgive myself.
31. I've never hit the bulls-eye on a dart board.
32. I've never hit a home run.
33. I've never lost 100 lbs.  I've never lost 50 either.
34. I've never hired a maid...though I really want to sometimes!
35. I've never seen a Broadway show.
36. I've never been on a mission trip.
37. I've never made potato salad.
38. I've never been to the Indy 500.
39. I've never found a buried treasure.  I've never found the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow either.  Or a unicorn, for that matter.
40. I've never picketed for a cause.
41. I've never been to Las Vegas.
42. I've never photographed lightning.
43. I've never won more than $3 in the lottery.
44. I've never hosted 'Saturday Night Live'.
45. I've never played golf...outside of putt-putt.
46. I've never been scuba diving.
47. I've never ridden a mechanical bull.
48. I've never seen a platypus.
49. I've never been to the Grand Canyon.
50. I've never ordered anything off E-bay.
51. I've never been to Craigslist.com.
52. I've never seen the Statue of Liberty.
53. I've never been in the St. Louis Arch.
54. I've never learned to play bridge or pinochle.
55. I've never learned to juggle.
56. I've never read the complete works of Shakespeare.
57. I've never read the Harry Potter series, but I've seen the movies.
58. I've never really discovered what makes me truly happy.
59. I've never learned to release feelings of inadequacy.
60. I've never discovered my life's purpose...which is probably why I'm still here.
61. I've never gotten a PhD...or finished my Masters.
62. I've never been debt-free as an adult.  But it's definitely a goal of mine.
63. I've never been a day trader...or know enough to even consider it.
64. I've never found the love of my life...nor has he found me.
65. I've never been engaged or been on a honeymoon...even though I've been married.
66. I've never been in the audience of the Pope.
67. I've never been in the audience of the President.
68. I've never had an article published...and I've written quite a few.
69. I've never been to the Kentucky Derby.
70. I've never eaten fried green tomatoes.
71. I've never visited a psychic or had my palms read.
72. I've never had a martini.
73. I've never decorated my apartment...and I've lived here for two years.
74. I've never recorded anything on TV using my DVR.
75. I've never called a number I read on a bathroom wall.
76. I've never seen the 'new' Star Wars movies.
77. I've never really embraced LinkedIn or Pinterest.
78. I've never been to Lark Ranch.
79. I've never worn heels higher than 2 1/2".
80. I've never learned CPR.
81. I've never owned a gun.  And I probably never will.
82. I've never watched 'Duck Dynasty'.
83. I've never watched 'Honey Boo Boo'.
84. I've never had a cup of coffee.  I don't even like the smell of coffee.
85. I've never watched the 'Lord of the Rings' movies...or read the books.
86. I've never gotten a passport.
87. I've never planted a garden...vegetable OR flower.
88. I've never read a comic book from cover to cover.
89. I've never read the Wall Street Journal.
90. I've never joined a Veteran organization like the American Legion...even though I am a Vet.
91. I've never watched an episode of 'Sex and the City'.  In fact, I thought it was titled 'Sex IN the City' for years.
92. I've never hung wallpaper.
93. I've never owned or listened to a rap CD.
94. I've never had cancer.
95. I've never had a hamster.
96. I've never ridden a bicycle built for two...though I think that would be so cool!
97. I've never waxed anything except my eyebrows...and I'll NEVER do that again.
98. I've never owned an Apple computer or an iAnything (iPad, iPod, iPhone, iEtc).
99. I've never been a soccer mom.
100. I've never owned a dog.

Happy Earth Day!

[this information was pulled from Earth Day Network > Frequently Asked Questions]

When is Earth Day?


Earth Day is honored around the world on April 22, although larger events such as festivals and rallies are often organized for the weekends before or after April 22. Many communities also observe Earth Week or Earth Month, organizing a series of environmental activities throughout the month of April.



Why do we need an Earth Day?

Because it works! Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities. Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in our campaigns every year.



Who is responsible for Earth Day?

Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin and organized by Denis Hayes in 1970. Earth Day Network manages and organizes Earth Day and related environmental education and policy activities, such as school greenings, year-round.



What can I do for Earth Day?

The possibilities for getting involved are endless! Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event in your community. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. Do something nice for the Earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.

But you needn't wait for April 22! Earth Day is Every Day. To build a better future, we all must commit to protect our environment year-round.



What is Earth Day Network?

Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes year-round environmental citizenship and action, worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force, steering environmental awareness around the world. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact and impact their communities, and create positive change in local, national, and global policies. EDN's international network reaches over 22,000 organizations in 192 countries, while the domestic program assists over 30,000 educators, coordinating thousands of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year.

John 10:27-30

[from the Gospel at mass this weekend]

Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”

Seven Word Status

9-pin tap to support Relay for Life.
(ok, I didn't really bowl.  but I stopped by and made a donation!)

Seven Word Status

Gray covered.  Laundry done.  Run/walk accomplished!

Dark Brown (Natural), this time.

Happiness is clean laundry!

One day, I'll actually look like this when I run.

Seven Word Status

St. John's Lutheran Church Relay for Life Fundraiser!

 

I absolutely LOVE Hot Rod Relay Day!

Tiredness

Okay, so I didn't sleep well Sunday night.  Actually, I struggled to even get to sleep.  I slept better, but not great, Monday night.  Tuesday and Wednesday nights, I felt like I slept well, but I still woke up tired and felt tired much of the day.  Then last night I woke up several times during the night.  Luckily, I was able to fall asleep every time, but I felt exhausted all day long.

It's becoming the norm for me that I rarely sleep well Sunday night and that I get more and more tired as my week drags on.  By Thursday and Friday after work, I just want to come home and take a nap!  I have got to find a way to get more sound sleep.

It's amazing how exhausting it is to yawn all day long.  I spent more time rubbing my eyes and doing full-body stretches today than I did walking.  Strangely, lack of sleep also makes me feel battered...not that I've literally been battered.  But still, sore and bruised.  I know my whole body suffers when I don't get good sleep.  And I'm getting a little tired of it!

So I'm breaking out the CPAP again.  I know, I know, I should have been using it all along.  But I can't use it when I have a head cold.  If I can't breathe through my nose, I can't use the CPAP.  So when I stopped using it this winter during my three weeks of Mucinex-induced sleep, I just never plugged it back in again.

Tonight that changes.  I've already dismantled it and cleaned it out.  I've refreshed the water that's in it.  And it's already put back together and ready for use tonight.  Hopefully I can tell a difference in the morning.  I should be able to use it nightly again...until cold season next year.

Sleep well, my friends!  I know I plan to!

My Two Favorite Prayers

Dear God, Your will.  Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.  Amen.  -- attributed to Bobby Richardson, NY Yankees second baseman in the '50s and '60s

Lord, thank You for all the blessings You've given me.  And thank You for all those blessings I prayed for that You didn't give me.  Amen.

Psalm 30

[from the Psalm at mass this weekend]

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper.
You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Seven Word Status

 

I LOVE the show, "Too Cute Kittens"!

 

 

Confirmation Mass

Tonight was the Confirmation mass for the Martin County Catholic Churches.  During his sermon, Bishop Thompson said that he asked each of the Confirmation students to answer three questions.  The first was, 'why do you want to be confirmed?'  The second was, 'how/why did you choose that Saint's name?'  The third was, 'how/why did you choose your sponsor?'



Saint Catherine of Bologna

The Bishop said that the students' answers to the first question would show whether or not they were taking this initiation seriously.  The second question indicated how in depth they studied the Saint that they wanted to try to emulate.  And their third question showed that they recognized good and moral behavior in the adults in their environment.

I found all of that very interesting.  I made me think back to why I chose my Saint's name... Catherine.  I have to admit, after nearly 30 years, I honestly don't remember why I chose that Saint to try to live up to.  There are actually multiple Saints with the name of Catherine:

1. Blessed Catherine of Pallanza - recited the Hail mary 1,000 every Saturday
2. Saint Catherine of Alexandria - denounced Maxentius for persecuting Christinas
3. Saint Catherine of Bologna - determined to live a life of perfection in holiness
4. Saint Catherine Chong Ch'oryom - Korean Martyr, canonized by Pope John Paul II
5. Blessed Catherine of Cottenceau - Beatified by Pope John Paul II
6. Saint Catherine di Ricci - had a reputation for absolute moral perfection
7. Blessed Catherine du Verdier de la Soriniere - martyr, beatified by Pope John Paul II
8. Blessed Catherine Jarrige - beatified by Pope John Paul II
9. Saint Catherine Laboure - received visions of the Virgin Mary
10. Saint Catherine of Sweden - spent her days in prayer and meditation, working with the poor
11. Saint Catherine of Siena - began having mystical experiences at six, seeing guardian angels
12. Blessed Catherine Troiani - called by God to be a missionary in Egypt
13. Saint Catherine Yi - canonized by Pope John Paul II

Saint Dymphna

[pulled most of this information from Catholic Online: Angels and Saints]


I'm pretty sure I chose Catherine after reading up on the life of Saint Catherine of Bologna.  But I wouldn't swear to that.  If I had to choose a Saint to help guide my life today, I'd probably choose the Patron Saint of Mental Illness - Dymphna.  She didn't suffer from mental illness herself, but her father did...and ultimately took her life.

Infused Water

[I did not write this.  I don't know who did.  I got in on Facebook and found it interesting enough to save.]

 

There are many benefits of fruit-infused waters, specifically with detoxification, energy, and hydration. Just put as much fruit in water as you like and let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

 

Recipes: 

1. Green tea, mint, lime --- excellent for fat burning, digestion, headaches, congestion and breath freshener. 
2. Strawberry, kiwi --- excellent for cardiovascular health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation, and digestion. 
3. Cucumber, lime, lemon --- excellent for water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration, and digestion. 
4. Lemon, lime, orange --- excellent for digestion, vitamin C, immune defense, and heartburn.  Drink this one at room temperature.

Do not keep the fruit longer than 48 hours.  You can add more water using the same fruit, but discard after 48 hours.

Honey and Cinnamon

[I did not write this.  I don't know who did.  And I have not researched this information for accuracy.  I got it from Facebook and found it interesting enough to save.]

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:




HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

John 20:19-31

[from the Gospel at mass this weekend]

 



On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Seven Word Status

Spending the day spring cleaning the apartment.

Rest Day

I ran/walked Monday.  46 minutes, 2+ miles, 420 calories burned.
I ran/walked Tuesday.  53 minutes, 3.37 miles, 454 calories burned.
I ran/walked Wednesday.  53 minutes, 3.1 miles, 475 calories burned.

(miles according to my Fitbit, calories according to my Polar4T heart rate monitor)

Today, my body is screaming!  So I plan to take the night off from working out.  I'll get back on the road tomorrow.

Early Bedtime

Did you know that an earlier bedtime can facilitate weight-loss?  It can also result in more productive mornings.  Not to mention, there's a better opportunity to get more hours of sleep...and still get to work on time.

I worked a full day, went to the dentist, gave blood, and got a run/walk workout in.  I'm thinking this is the PERFECT day for an early bedtime!

On the Road Again

Last year, I started running and walking for fitness.  And I was surprised to find that I loved it.  No exaggeration -- I was 235 lbs when I started out, yet I found that I could run.  And I ran/walked regularly...and ultimately lost 27 lbs in four months!

Then I hurt my foot.  I had a bursa sack on the bottom of my left heel.  The doctor treated it by giving me a couple of shots directly into my heel and told me to stay off of it for six weeks.  I got busy (and lazy) and the weather started to cool down...and well, six weeks turned into six months.

I'm ashamed to say that I gained every last one of those 27 lbs back.

But yesterday, I put on my running shoes!  There is a group of women (actually, there are probably a few groups of women, but there's this one group of women in particular) that I run/walk with.  They meet at one of a few locations every Monday and Wednesday and run/walk a 5k course.  It allows us to get used to that distance for when we sign up to run an official 5k.

I've been doing my Les Mills Pump (weights) and Les Mills Combat (martial arts/cardio) for several weeks now...inconsistently.  So I'm not starting at ground zero.  But still, yesterday was my first day running again.

And it felt GREAT!  I was out there for 46 minutes and had three really good running stints in there.  I forgot to set my FitBit, so I don't know exactly how far I ran.  The course is 3.1 miles if I would have done it all, but I only did three laps instead of four for this one particular part of the course.  Nevertheless, I'm confident that I did more than two miles.  We're doing it again tomorrow and I'll remember to set my FitBit, so I'll know exactly how far I've gone.

At any rate, in 46 minutes, I burned 420 calories and felt really good about the workout.  I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's run/walk with the girls...and I'm seriously considering getting another run/walk in by myself tonight...between my chiropractor appointment and the girls' softball game.

I may not look like it yet, but I AM a runner!