Today is my mother's birthday. She would have been 88 today. She gave piano and organ lessons in our home. Music was a big part of my life growing up. Dad would be 116 today since he was born in 1890. Time marches on.
This morning at Weight Watchers, I gained point 4 pounds or .4. Not too bad.
Penny in the meeting that when she wants to eat she goes outside. Sounds like a great idea.
Kathy lost 25 pounds so far and received her star refrigerator magnet. Judy has lost 10 pounds and received her 16 week award. Valarie has lost 15 pounds so far and says when she's hungry, she fills up on no point foods. Great idea to fill up on vegetables. One woman lost 55 pounds so far. She said she feels great and has an altogether different feeling inside. Another woman reached goal today with a loss of 27 pounds. She said that before she started coming to Weight Watchers, she counted calories and lost 15 pounds but gained it all back.
Nancy celebrates her two year anniversary on June 8th of achieving her goal weight. She told us that she set a goal of reaching goal weight before her trip to England and she did it.
This is such an inspirational meeting and Nancy is a great leader who inspires and gives so many great tips. Today she discussed the motivating strategy of imaginging yourself having already achieved your goal.
I've been thinking about Weight Watchers this week. I think there should be Weight Watcher T-shirts. I also think there should be Weight Watcher Restaurants where you can walk in the door and eat healthy. The menu would have all the point values and amount of servings. The menu would feature all their great recipes from the Weight Watchers cookbooks. It would be delicious and you could count on eating healthy while remaining in your daily points or core food program. I wonder why the Weight Watcher Smart Ones delicious frozen dinners don't have the serving amount on the box--like so many servings of veggies, etc. Sweet Tomatoes is one of the best restaurants with healthy choices but the only location I know about is clear up in Portland. We need one in Corvallis or Weight Watchers needs to start their own chain of restaurants, which would be a big hit.
My exercise for the week:
Today Bodies in Motion by Gilad on FitTV, 45 minutes in the pool with my snorkel, 15 minutes exercise bike
Tuesday nothing
Monday Two hours gardening and planting
Sunday 40 minutes water running, 20 minutes swim, 30 minutes elliptical runner, and 10 minutes weights
Saturday One hour moving furniture and books
Friday 30 minutes swim and 30 minutes elliptical runner
Thursday 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes exercise bike, 30 minutes swim, 10 minutes weights
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
A Dream
In the mail today we got Ben's Northwestern University Alumni Magazine. I love reading the magazine and learning about the cutting edge technology or new ideas taught. I see that they are starting a new MFA in screenwriting. I'd love to go learn from the BEST, with the BEST at the BEST university.
It would be a dream to work on my MFA at the same time as Daniel is working on his MBA at Northwestern. His first choice is Northwestern too, where his brother, Ben went. Daniel is hard at work studying for his GMAT.
Daniel is working for Battelle in Mountainview, CA as a project manager with NASA. My brilliant son also spent time in Berlin working for Berlex to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry and attended Copenhagen Business School during a summer before graduating from OSU. A Sigma Pi President who worked his way through college working at Office Max, Daniel comes with extraordinary experience uncommon to the entry level MBA student. He also has heart and always has the time to be kind and listen to me. He's the one who ran beside me in three 5K races when I made the decision to turn my life around to be healthy in October, 2002. I'm so proud of his character, values, and person that Daniel is inside. His work ethic is rare these days when so many sluff off responsibility and don't care about learning or solving problems. On top of all that, Daniel runs and lifts weights. If he put his mind to it and worked hard, I doubt there isn't anything he couldn't accomplish in life.
It would be a dream to work on my MFA at the same time as Daniel is working on his MBA at Northwestern. His first choice is Northwestern too, where his brother, Ben went. Daniel is hard at work studying for his GMAT.
Daniel is working for Battelle in Mountainview, CA as a project manager with NASA. My brilliant son also spent time in Berlin working for Berlex to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry and attended Copenhagen Business School during a summer before graduating from OSU. A Sigma Pi President who worked his way through college working at Office Max, Daniel comes with extraordinary experience uncommon to the entry level MBA student. He also has heart and always has the time to be kind and listen to me. He's the one who ran beside me in three 5K races when I made the decision to turn my life around to be healthy in October, 2002. I'm so proud of his character, values, and person that Daniel is inside. His work ethic is rare these days when so many sluff off responsibility and don't care about learning or solving problems. On top of all that, Daniel runs and lifts weights. If he put his mind to it and worked hard, I doubt there isn't anything he couldn't accomplish in life.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Worlds Passing
When I drove into Corvallis yesterday, I stopped at Winco to spend my two bucks on healthy snacks since I was hungry. As I walked in the door, I saw a couple who was talking to a university student. It was obvious that the man was a beloved professor with his wife shopping in a grocery store. Two other times as I was walking around in the store, I came upon this couple from behind to see admiring students pay their respects to a popular professor. What a tribute to see for a lifetime of work serving students and helping them learn about life's greatest ideas and mysteries.
I regret not walking up to them and asking what subject he taught. At the time I was painfully aware that we weren't friends, that I didn't know who they were, that we didn't roam in the same circles, that we didn't have regular times where we met to talk about life's mysteries over coffee or at a party.
I remember in the last few days telling someone that I thought the greatest pain in life is not being who you are inside. As a result of my life's choices, I didn't get my Ph.D. or teach at a university. I didn't go to medical school and become a psychiatrist to help people. I remember in college wanting to go to the University of Chicago to study with Bruno Bettelheim since I was interested in autistic children. I didn't go to law school to champion great causes. I didn't run for the U.S. Senate to help shape public policy and law. I think there are many like me out there who didn't reach the mark or accomplish their dreams so that at 58, they are living a life different than they had hoped.
I've chosen later in life to be a writer and to write about what can be. I've chosen a life that's never boring, forever challenging and always learning.
My best friend in college is a member of the country club in Salem, has millions, and lives her dream of travel or whatever her heart desires. We don't walk in the same circles.
Now I write about possibilities and how life would be if I could do anything. I'm taking three novel writing courses at the same time and I plan on taking on the challenge of a second Nano Novel for National Novel Writing Month in November 2006. I plan on writing tons of books, staying healthy, and living a long life to do it all.
I regret not walking up to them and asking what subject he taught. At the time I was painfully aware that we weren't friends, that I didn't know who they were, that we didn't roam in the same circles, that we didn't have regular times where we met to talk about life's mysteries over coffee or at a party.
I remember in the last few days telling someone that I thought the greatest pain in life is not being who you are inside. As a result of my life's choices, I didn't get my Ph.D. or teach at a university. I didn't go to medical school and become a psychiatrist to help people. I remember in college wanting to go to the University of Chicago to study with Bruno Bettelheim since I was interested in autistic children. I didn't go to law school to champion great causes. I didn't run for the U.S. Senate to help shape public policy and law. I think there are many like me out there who didn't reach the mark or accomplish their dreams so that at 58, they are living a life different than they had hoped.
I've chosen later in life to be a writer and to write about what can be. I've chosen a life that's never boring, forever challenging and always learning.
My best friend in college is a member of the country club in Salem, has millions, and lives her dream of travel or whatever her heart desires. We don't walk in the same circles.
Now I write about possibilities and how life would be if I could do anything. I'm taking three novel writing courses at the same time and I plan on taking on the challenge of a second Nano Novel for National Novel Writing Month in November 2006. I plan on writing tons of books, staying healthy, and living a long life to do it all.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Pool Running
I stopped in Corvallis before going home and joined Paula's running class in the pool. It was fun and I was able to keep up. First in the shallow end, we ran back and forth twisting this way and that, backwards and forwards, one way and then another. Then in the deep end for ten 30 second sprints as fast as we could run in the water. The other women runners are serious runners. One is going to run a half marathon soon. I wish I could be part of the group.
Running is the hardest sport. I admire runners for everything that it takes to train, the hard work, and persistence. I wish I could be part of Paula's running group. I don't know what they thought of me but I thought it was great fun to be able to keep up with them. It may sound like a silly dream but I would love to be in the Olympics. I wouldn't care what event. Something I could do. They should have Senior Olympics for the older folks who still want to reach goals and strive to live a healthy life.
I wish I could be a real runner who runs marathons every year. I'd do the Portland Marathon every year because of the glorious fun, the bands on every corner, and the beauty of Portland. Running is Oregon. I'd also do the Walt Disney World Marathon on New Years Day, at least a couple of times so I could run with Tigger and Mickey. I'd be healthy and thin. I'd live to be a 100 without any need for a doctor or a pill.
Since I am obese, an orthopedic surgeon said that I should stick to the elliptical runner, the exercise bike, and deep water to prevent injury to my knees with so much weight on me. It's wise since I don't have health insurance. I would love to run fast and run races. It would be glorious fun. I'll run in my mind when my dreams take me to another place.
Running is the hardest sport. I admire runners for everything that it takes to train, the hard work, and persistence. I wish I could be part of Paula's running group. I don't know what they thought of me but I thought it was great fun to be able to keep up with them. It may sound like a silly dream but I would love to be in the Olympics. I wouldn't care what event. Something I could do. They should have Senior Olympics for the older folks who still want to reach goals and strive to live a healthy life.
I wish I could be a real runner who runs marathons every year. I'd do the Portland Marathon every year because of the glorious fun, the bands on every corner, and the beauty of Portland. Running is Oregon. I'd also do the Walt Disney World Marathon on New Years Day, at least a couple of times so I could run with Tigger and Mickey. I'd be healthy and thin. I'd live to be a 100 without any need for a doctor or a pill.
Since I am obese, an orthopedic surgeon said that I should stick to the elliptical runner, the exercise bike, and deep water to prevent injury to my knees with so much weight on me. It's wise since I don't have health insurance. I would love to run fast and run races. It would be glorious fun. I'll run in my mind when my dreams take me to another place.
Memorial Day
Today I put $20 in the gas tank at Safeway at $3.02 a gallon and then bought orange Asiatic lillies to remember Aaron and my parents. First I stopped in South Salem to put the orange lillies in water for Aaron with an American flag on his crypt. I miss you, Aaron every day.
As I drove by Liberty School, I saw they were going to have a talent show and I remembered how Aaron played the drums and Ben played the guitar years ago. Before that the four years in Arroyo Grande, CA where the BEST of times took place, glorious times with my children.
Then on to Portland to Willamette National Cemetery to A1755 to see my parents, John H. and Irene M. Appelgren. I miss you and wish there were still opportunities to talk to you.
It's important to remember loved ones on Memorial Day who have gone before us and show respect. Mom and Dad always visited the graves of family members and friends with flowers.
When Dad was State Commander of the VFW in Montana and Mom was State Musician, I remember sitting outside on the stoop with 10 funny books and a $1 worth of penny candy to keep me busy. Family members are always alive in your heart when you remember them.
As I drove by Liberty School, I saw they were going to have a talent show and I remembered how Aaron played the drums and Ben played the guitar years ago. Before that the four years in Arroyo Grande, CA where the BEST of times took place, glorious times with my children.
Then on to Portland to Willamette National Cemetery to A1755 to see my parents, John H. and Irene M. Appelgren. I miss you and wish there were still opportunities to talk to you.
It's important to remember loved ones on Memorial Day who have gone before us and show respect. Mom and Dad always visited the graves of family members and friends with flowers.
When Dad was State Commander of the VFW in Montana and Mom was State Musician, I remember sitting outside on the stoop with 10 funny books and a $1 worth of penny candy to keep me busy. Family members are always alive in your heart when you remember them.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
American Idol Finales
I sit with a Diet Coke to celebrate the American Idol extravaganza and the New American Idol for 2006, Taylor Hicks. The entertainment that showcased all the amazing talent of the year and the special guest stars made the evening special to lead up to the best moment when the winner, Taylor was announced. I couldn't be happier!
This season I cared about all the participants on American Idol. I enjoy seeing talent do so well and grow over time. It felt like each were one of my own children on stage and I had fun seeing their dreams come true.
Taylor has a kind heart and it shows in how he treats people. He is worthy of the title of American Idol and he's amazing on stage. God bless the South for rallying behind their own and showing love for Taylor. What heart!
May God bless all those so rich in talent who entertain and make people happy, and God bless Taylor Hicks to go on to make millions happy each year on stage throughout his life. I'm so happy he won and I look forward to next year.
I see FOX has another show this evening that's going to be great with SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE! I look forward to seeing the talent that will be showcased.
This season I cared about all the participants on American Idol. I enjoy seeing talent do so well and grow over time. It felt like each were one of my own children on stage and I had fun seeing their dreams come true.
Taylor has a kind heart and it shows in how he treats people. He is worthy of the title of American Idol and he's amazing on stage. God bless the South for rallying behind their own and showing love for Taylor. What heart!
May God bless all those so rich in talent who entertain and make people happy, and God bless Taylor Hicks to go on to make millions happy each year on stage throughout his life. I'm so happy he won and I look forward to next year.
I see FOX has another show this evening that's going to be great with SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE! I look forward to seeing the talent that will be showcased.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Weight Watcher Wednesday
This morning at Weight Watchers, I lost 4 pounds! I'll take it! Last night I didn't eat after 7 p.m. and I didn't eat before the meeting that starts at 9:45 a.m., like I did last week. For the last few days I have also been trying to imagine myself as being at normal weight again. I'm thinking, "I weight 130 pounds. I can cross my legs. I can run fast!" It's working. So far I've lost 17 pounds.
Inspiration has come to me from my new friend at Weight Watchers, Penny who started at the same time as I did. She's doing amazing. She stopped drinking soda pop, eating chips, and candy. She received her key chain today for reaching her 10% goal. I'm proud of her. She's an inspiration to everyone. I want her to win. She's lost 35 pounds so far.
Judith reached goal weight today for losing 22 pounds. Her husband told her, "You're getting so slender." She used the point system and walks everyday.
Mary reached goal weight weeks ago and continues to faithfully sit in front at all the meetings. She's an inspiration to all Weight Watchers.
Geri made it to 16 weeks and received the award. This is the fourth time that she has started Weight Watchers and the 1st time to make it to 16 weeks. Good for her and may she win this time. It's so important to keep going and go to meetings in order to achieve success.
Nancy, our leader, gave another great inspirational meeting for everyone. She talked about lapses today. She said you must take responsibility, get rid of guilt when you overeat, get right back on the program, reframe the setback, get support, attend meetings, and figure out what caused the lapse so you can learn from it. Great suggestions and inspiration are part of every meeting at Weight Watchers. It's so important to go to meetings every week so you can have that check and balance system to keep you on program.
Each individual coming to Weight Watchers either has or have had a problem with food. That's just a fact. I certainly do. I love food. I learned growing up to celebrate with food and at any crisis use food to console. I think about food all the time and what I'll eat next. With Weight Watchers, I'm kept in line. It's the healthy eating program where you have choice and encouragement to eat healthy.
Anther incentive that my sons, Ben and Daniel have set up for me is to create the 20/50 Club. At each 20 pound weight loss, I get a trip up to Seattle to see Ben and at each 50 pound weight loss, I get a trip to Mountainview, CA to see Daniel. They know that the gift of time with them is the most important gift and incentive for me. They said that since I don't have health insurance, that it is much cheaper for them to provide incentive for me to prevent future medical problems. Ben has been so kind to send the Weight Watchers coupons to make sure I can come to the meetings. I couldn't have better sons. They are so kind to me and I'm so grateful.
My exercise for this last week hasn't been the best but I'll do better this next week.
5-24-06 nothing
5-23 nothing
5-22 nothing
5-21 1 hour gardening
5-20 1 hour gardening, 15 min. NuStep, 15 min. weights, 30 min exercise bike, 30 minutes elliptical runner
5-19 nothing but I had a wonderful day with my granddaughter, Lizzy
5-18 2 hours and 45 minutes gardening and planting
5-17 15 min. weights, 1 hour elliptical runner, and 1/2 hour swim
Gas prices going up and 45 minutes away from Timberhill Athletic Club, sometimes make it hard to exercise but I'll try harder this next week.
Inspiration has come to me from my new friend at Weight Watchers, Penny who started at the same time as I did. She's doing amazing. She stopped drinking soda pop, eating chips, and candy. She received her key chain today for reaching her 10% goal. I'm proud of her. She's an inspiration to everyone. I want her to win. She's lost 35 pounds so far.
Judith reached goal weight today for losing 22 pounds. Her husband told her, "You're getting so slender." She used the point system and walks everyday.
Mary reached goal weight weeks ago and continues to faithfully sit in front at all the meetings. She's an inspiration to all Weight Watchers.
Geri made it to 16 weeks and received the award. This is the fourth time that she has started Weight Watchers and the 1st time to make it to 16 weeks. Good for her and may she win this time. It's so important to keep going and go to meetings in order to achieve success.
Nancy, our leader, gave another great inspirational meeting for everyone. She talked about lapses today. She said you must take responsibility, get rid of guilt when you overeat, get right back on the program, reframe the setback, get support, attend meetings, and figure out what caused the lapse so you can learn from it. Great suggestions and inspiration are part of every meeting at Weight Watchers. It's so important to go to meetings every week so you can have that check and balance system to keep you on program.
Each individual coming to Weight Watchers either has or have had a problem with food. That's just a fact. I certainly do. I love food. I learned growing up to celebrate with food and at any crisis use food to console. I think about food all the time and what I'll eat next. With Weight Watchers, I'm kept in line. It's the healthy eating program where you have choice and encouragement to eat healthy.
Anther incentive that my sons, Ben and Daniel have set up for me is to create the 20/50 Club. At each 20 pound weight loss, I get a trip up to Seattle to see Ben and at each 50 pound weight loss, I get a trip to Mountainview, CA to see Daniel. They know that the gift of time with them is the most important gift and incentive for me. They said that since I don't have health insurance, that it is much cheaper for them to provide incentive for me to prevent future medical problems. Ben has been so kind to send the Weight Watchers coupons to make sure I can come to the meetings. I couldn't have better sons. They are so kind to me and I'm so grateful.
My exercise for this last week hasn't been the best but I'll do better this next week.
5-24-06 nothing
5-23 nothing
5-22 nothing
5-21 1 hour gardening
5-20 1 hour gardening, 15 min. NuStep, 15 min. weights, 30 min exercise bike, 30 minutes elliptical runner
5-19 nothing but I had a wonderful day with my granddaughter, Lizzy
5-18 2 hours and 45 minutes gardening and planting
5-17 15 min. weights, 1 hour elliptical runner, and 1/2 hour swim
Gas prices going up and 45 minutes away from Timberhill Athletic Club, sometimes make it hard to exercise but I'll try harder this next week.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Running
My son, Ben Haber has his picture on the Seattle Running Club website, www.seattlerunningcompany.com/Club/team.html for winning the Cougar Mountain Trail Run on Sunday with a 1st place of 34:30 for the 5-mile race.
Yes, I'm so proud of Ben. He's amazing. He started the running club at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern with a degree in biomedical engineering. He's working for Zymo Genetics in Seattle now.
On the wall of my dining room, I have two plaques. One is from the Chicago Marathon with Ben coming in with a 244:05 on October 11, 1998 with a finish of 174th place. Another is the 100th Boston Marathon on April 15, 1996 with a time of 3:13:54. In July, 1999 Ben came in first place in the marathon in Hawaii, the Kilauea Volcano Run with a time of 3:11:53. Last year Ben ran cross country for Seattle Running Company at the National Championships in New York.
When Ben was tested at the University of Washington by his running coach, he was compared to PreFontaine at his best.
Ben has accomplished so many amazing things in life and on top of his accomplishments, he is such a good person with great character.
This is only the beginning for Ben. There are great things in store for Ben. He has the persistence, hard work, and dedication plus the talent to win whatever running goal he wants.
Yes, I'm so proud of Ben. He's amazing. He started the running club at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern with a degree in biomedical engineering. He's working for Zymo Genetics in Seattle now.
On the wall of my dining room, I have two plaques. One is from the Chicago Marathon with Ben coming in with a 244:05 on October 11, 1998 with a finish of 174th place. Another is the 100th Boston Marathon on April 15, 1996 with a time of 3:13:54. In July, 1999 Ben came in first place in the marathon in Hawaii, the Kilauea Volcano Run with a time of 3:11:53. Last year Ben ran cross country for Seattle Running Company at the National Championships in New York.
When Ben was tested at the University of Washington by his running coach, he was compared to PreFontaine at his best.
Ben has accomplished so many amazing things in life and on top of his accomplishments, he is such a good person with great character.
This is only the beginning for Ben. There are great things in store for Ben. He has the persistence, hard work, and dedication plus the talent to win whatever running goal he wants.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Gardening
Yesterday I planted more vegetable starts in my garden--eggplant, spaghetti squash, winter squash, and giant pumpkins that are supposed to weigh 100 pounds. I thought these pumpkins will be fun for my grandchildren.
Now I have watermelon, cantelope, lemon cucumbers, birpless cucumbers, radishes, sunflowers, tomatoes, corn, green peppers, and zucchini in my garden. The corn and sunflowers are four inches high so far.
I'm starting to have fun with my garden. I have plans to create a minigreenhouse using a metal frame with shelves and covering it with plastic. It should work great and provide the potential to start plants early.
I've always loved to garden but it's hard when we have lived in so many places. Once you invest time and effort in a garden, it's hard to leave. We are living in the 7th house that we bought. In each house, I had a garden that I loved.
Our first house was on Cullison Lane in Grants Pass. We built it new in 1976. Then we were transferred to central California and lived on Tierra Street in Arroyo Grande. After four years, we moved back to Salem and bought a house on Crown Court, then moved to the corner of Summerfield Drive and J David, and then to Burlwood Loop where we spent 13 years. After Salem we moved to Thistledown Lane in Gates where I had a greenhouse, sprinklers, and lots of faucets outdoors for automatic drip systems. I took the OSU Master Gardening course in Salem in 1999 so I would have the knowledge to garden on our one acre parcel. I loved it in this house because it had such a great view. We were at the top of the hill. I had great plans. Now in our 7th home and after five years, I'm just now starting to have fun with my garden.
Here's to a new beginning every day with plants growing in my garden................
Now I have watermelon, cantelope, lemon cucumbers, birpless cucumbers, radishes, sunflowers, tomatoes, corn, green peppers, and zucchini in my garden. The corn and sunflowers are four inches high so far.
I'm starting to have fun with my garden. I have plans to create a minigreenhouse using a metal frame with shelves and covering it with plastic. It should work great and provide the potential to start plants early.
I've always loved to garden but it's hard when we have lived in so many places. Once you invest time and effort in a garden, it's hard to leave. We are living in the 7th house that we bought. In each house, I had a garden that I loved.
Our first house was on Cullison Lane in Grants Pass. We built it new in 1976. Then we were transferred to central California and lived on Tierra Street in Arroyo Grande. After four years, we moved back to Salem and bought a house on Crown Court, then moved to the corner of Summerfield Drive and J David, and then to Burlwood Loop where we spent 13 years. After Salem we moved to Thistledown Lane in Gates where I had a greenhouse, sprinklers, and lots of faucets outdoors for automatic drip systems. I took the OSU Master Gardening course in Salem in 1999 so I would have the knowledge to garden on our one acre parcel. I loved it in this house because it had such a great view. We were at the top of the hill. I had great plans. Now in our 7th home and after five years, I'm just now starting to have fun with my garden.
Here's to a new beginning every day with plants growing in my garden................
Sunday, May 21, 2006
A New Gifted Writer
I woke up this morning at four with the urgent need to finish a critique project for Janelle Bitikofer. Last month I critiqued her cast of characters and novel synopsis and this morning I finished critiquing her chapter outline. Janelle has a winner on her hands. I'm excited for her and her book project. I expect a best selling book and a movie that will captivate young and old.
Janelle had the courage and the confidence in her book to talk to professionals at a writer's conference who showed interest in the project. It's fun to see a gifted writer soar. I expect great success from her. She already has plans for more books. I have no doubt that she will win BIG.
Janelle had the courage and the confidence in her book to talk to professionals at a writer's conference who showed interest in the project. It's fun to see a gifted writer soar. I expect great success from her. She already has plans for more books. I have no doubt that she will win BIG.
American Inventor
I'm still excited about the television show American Inventor on ABC. What an inspiration to all inventors! I'm an inventor who doesn't have the money for patents or prototypes so this show is of special interest to me.
What a grand finale to have all four finalists win the opportunity to develop their invention. Francisco with his DeTrak 2x2 bike has the opportunity with Trek bicycles with a product development internship. Erik who developed The Catch is going to be working with Jerry Rice, the 3X Super Bowl winner to finish his invention to help football players learn to catch. Ed from Chicago who developed the Word Ace is going to be working with Hasbro Games until his game is in stores. The American Inventor for 2006 is Janusz who invented the car seat to save babies will be working with Evenflo and their engineers to bring his invention to the market to save lives plus he won a million dollars.
The four judges and mentors are also an inspiration. Peter Jones, Doug Hall, Ed Evangelista, and Mary Lou Quinlin put their heart and soul into the stories, inventions, and the inventors who came before them to mentor, listen, and help. This is one of the best shows on television. It gives hope for America, encourages the spirit of invention and the spirit of what founded this country.
What a grand finale to have all four finalists win the opportunity to develop their invention. Francisco with his DeTrak 2x2 bike has the opportunity with Trek bicycles with a product development internship. Erik who developed The Catch is going to be working with Jerry Rice, the 3X Super Bowl winner to finish his invention to help football players learn to catch. Ed from Chicago who developed the Word Ace is going to be working with Hasbro Games until his game is in stores. The American Inventor for 2006 is Janusz who invented the car seat to save babies will be working with Evenflo and their engineers to bring his invention to the market to save lives plus he won a million dollars.
The four judges and mentors are also an inspiration. Peter Jones, Doug Hall, Ed Evangelista, and Mary Lou Quinlin put their heart and soul into the stories, inventions, and the inventors who came before them to mentor, listen, and help. This is one of the best shows on television. It gives hope for America, encourages the spirit of invention and the spirit of what founded this country.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Taylor Hicks
I tivo American Idol and I learned that Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee made it to the final two. Elliott Yamin is also a great talent and can sure sing the blues. I have no doubt, he'll have a great career in the music business.
I also love Katharine. She has been one of my favorites. It's been Katharine and Taylor from the beginning that I have wanted to win.
Taylor not only sings using his diaphram but he sings all the way down to his toes and dances at the same time. Taylor Hicks knows how to make people happy and he has a great time on stage. Yes, I want Taylor to win. I hope he does. He is magic on stage.
I also love Katharine. She has been one of my favorites. It's been Katharine and Taylor from the beginning that I have wanted to win.
Taylor not only sings using his diaphram but he sings all the way down to his toes and dances at the same time. Taylor Hicks knows how to make people happy and he has a great time on stage. Yes, I want Taylor to win. I hope he does. He is magic on stage.
Change Through Weight Watchers
Yesterday at Weight Watchers, I gained 1.2 pounds. Not what I would like but that isn't too bad. Since I have started, I have only had this gain plus one other time when I gained .4 pounds. I'm determined to turn things around. Weight Watchers is a life style change. It doesn't happen over night. I didn't put on this weight over night and it won't come off overnight. I'm following the program and I'm exercising. Weight Watchers is the one program that allows you choice in diet and encourages healthy eating. There's so much to this program and it's all positive to encourage you to meet your weight loss goal.
I talked to a friend at the meeting who started at the same time. She has already lost 30 pounds. She's doing a great job. I asked her for some tips. She said that she doesn't eat three hours before going to bed and she plans all her meals at least a day ahead of time. She drinks Chrystal Light throughout the day. Great tips and a nice person.
My exercise for the week:
Today I was sweating out in the garden planting vegetable starts that I bought yesterday for 2 1/2 hours.
Wednesday: 1 hour elliptical runner, 15 minutes weights, 30 minutes jogging in deep water.
Tuesday: nothing
Monday: 60 minutes elliptical runner, 15 minutes weights, 30 minutes exercise bike, 15 minutes NuStep, 45 minutes swimming
Sunday: nothing
Saturday: 1 1/2 hours weeding at Alsea School and walked home 2 miles. Yes, I was sweating!
Friday: nothing
Thursday: 45 minutes elliptical runner, 15 minutes NuStep, 1 hour hydrofit in deep water, 1/2 hour exercise bike, 1/2 hour on the newest Precor Elliptical machine at the club.
Wednesday: 1/2 hour exercise bike, 1/2 hour weights, 1 hour pool, 1 hour elliptical.
Next week I'll do better. I'll drink more water. I'll do more weight training. I'll plan my meals. I'll try to exercise EVERY day. I'll count EVERY thing that I eat. I'll drink more green tea.
I talked to a friend at the meeting who started at the same time. She has already lost 30 pounds. She's doing a great job. I asked her for some tips. She said that she doesn't eat three hours before going to bed and she plans all her meals at least a day ahead of time. She drinks Chrystal Light throughout the day. Great tips and a nice person.
My exercise for the week:
Today I was sweating out in the garden planting vegetable starts that I bought yesterday for 2 1/2 hours.
Wednesday: 1 hour elliptical runner, 15 minutes weights, 30 minutes jogging in deep water.
Tuesday: nothing
Monday: 60 minutes elliptical runner, 15 minutes weights, 30 minutes exercise bike, 15 minutes NuStep, 45 minutes swimming
Sunday: nothing
Saturday: 1 1/2 hours weeding at Alsea School and walked home 2 miles. Yes, I was sweating!
Friday: nothing
Thursday: 45 minutes elliptical runner, 15 minutes NuStep, 1 hour hydrofit in deep water, 1/2 hour exercise bike, 1/2 hour on the newest Precor Elliptical machine at the club.
Wednesday: 1/2 hour exercise bike, 1/2 hour weights, 1 hour pool, 1 hour elliptical.
Next week I'll do better. I'll drink more water. I'll do more weight training. I'll plan my meals. I'll try to exercise EVERY day. I'll count EVERY thing that I eat. I'll drink more green tea.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother's Day
I always said that I had the BEST kids in the world and that is true. I'm proud of each of my children and the kind of person they are inside. This is the best gift of all for Mother's Day. Yes, I wish they were all young again so I could have fun with them more often but I am proud of how they turned out.
All of us, except for Joe in Florida, spent time together last weekend to make Mother's Day special. Dan came up for work from California and Ben drove down from Washington. We spent last Sunday at Gretchen's house.
I have lots to write about in my new journal for Mother's Day from Leslie, my husband of 34 years. I'm blessed with the gift of health for Mother's Day with Weight Watchers coupons from Ben, and the gift of the arts from Daniel with dinner and a visit to see the Corvallis Symphony. Joe sent his amazing CD of original songs and lyrics and Gretchen gave me an American Express gift card. How can it get better than this? Ah...For all of us to live on the same street!
On Friday Les and I spent time with Jack and Lizzy our grandchildren. We watched them the whole day and had a glorious time. Yes, Jack, Lizzy, and Alexander are the BEST grandchildren in the world. I'm proud of all of them.
All of us, except for Joe in Florida, spent time together last weekend to make Mother's Day special. Dan came up for work from California and Ben drove down from Washington. We spent last Sunday at Gretchen's house.
I have lots to write about in my new journal for Mother's Day from Leslie, my husband of 34 years. I'm blessed with the gift of health for Mother's Day with Weight Watchers coupons from Ben, and the gift of the arts from Daniel with dinner and a visit to see the Corvallis Symphony. Joe sent his amazing CD of original songs and lyrics and Gretchen gave me an American Express gift card. How can it get better than this? Ah...For all of us to live on the same street!
On Friday Les and I spent time with Jack and Lizzy our grandchildren. We watched them the whole day and had a glorious time. Yes, Jack, Lizzy, and Alexander are the BEST grandchildren in the world. I'm proud of all of them.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Lost 2.2 pounds this week
At Weight Watchers this morning I lost 2.2 pounds for a total of 14.4 pounds so far since I started. I'll take it. It was a great meeting today with one mother and daughter who have lost weight together. The mother received her certificate for losing 100 pounds. She has a great attitude and realizes that this is a life style change. Another woman reached goal weight today and three women received the 16 week award charm. This is an active meeting with lots of inspiration for everyone.
After the meeting I scooted on over to Timberhill to exercise. I love Timberhill Athletic Club. It has everything and is the nicest exercise facility I've seen. I did 1/2 hour on the exercise bike, 1/2 hour on the weight machines, 1 hour on the elliptical runner watching C-Span Senate coverage on Cardio Theater, and 1 hour in the pool swimming in deep water. That's pretty good! Three hours total.
So far this last week, here's my exercise schedule:
Yesterday or Tuesday: 30 minutes elliptical runner, 30 minutes exercise bike, and 30 minutes swim.
Monday: 1 hour and 20 minutes up South Mountain Road. This is an old logging road and it goes up at a steep grade.
Sunday: 1 hour elliptical runner
Saturday: 1 hour and 45 minute walk up South Mountain Road.
Friday: 15 minutes exercise bike and 15 minutes walk
Thursday: 1 1/2 hours walk
Wednesday: 1 hour elliptical and 1 hour swim
Yesterday I was checking out books at the Regional Cancer Center for research for my juvenile book manuscript, I noticed a display of healthy food choices to prevent cancer. I didn't see flaxseed on the list. The top 10 food choices listed by the Clinical Oncology Dietitian, Leanne Chiavini RD. LD.
1. Cruciferous family: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, swiss chard, collard, and mustard greens.
2. Berries and cherries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, currants, raspberries, cranberries, pomegranate, and red grapes.
3. Allium family: garlic, chives, leeks, onions, shallots, scallions.
4. Carotenoid-rich foods: spinach, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, bell peppers, carrots, mangoes, guava, oranges, papayas, peaches, cantelope, nectarines.
5. Lycopene-rich foods: tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots, pink guavas.
6. Mushrooms: shitake, maitake.
7. Beans and soybeans: pinto beans, black beans, lentils, soybeans.
8. Fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring.
9. Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds, cashews. Okay maybe the flaxseed is on this category. I was standing there copying down this list and I didn't read the fine print.
10. Green tea
I'm going to try to make sure I drink extra ice water this week and try to do more strength training.
After the meeting I scooted on over to Timberhill to exercise. I love Timberhill Athletic Club. It has everything and is the nicest exercise facility I've seen. I did 1/2 hour on the exercise bike, 1/2 hour on the weight machines, 1 hour on the elliptical runner watching C-Span Senate coverage on Cardio Theater, and 1 hour in the pool swimming in deep water. That's pretty good! Three hours total.
So far this last week, here's my exercise schedule:
Yesterday or Tuesday: 30 minutes elliptical runner, 30 minutes exercise bike, and 30 minutes swim.
Monday: 1 hour and 20 minutes up South Mountain Road. This is an old logging road and it goes up at a steep grade.
Sunday: 1 hour elliptical runner
Saturday: 1 hour and 45 minute walk up South Mountain Road.
Friday: 15 minutes exercise bike and 15 minutes walk
Thursday: 1 1/2 hours walk
Wednesday: 1 hour elliptical and 1 hour swim
Yesterday I was checking out books at the Regional Cancer Center for research for my juvenile book manuscript, I noticed a display of healthy food choices to prevent cancer. I didn't see flaxseed on the list. The top 10 food choices listed by the Clinical Oncology Dietitian, Leanne Chiavini RD. LD.
1. Cruciferous family: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, swiss chard, collard, and mustard greens.
2. Berries and cherries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, currants, raspberries, cranberries, pomegranate, and red grapes.
3. Allium family: garlic, chives, leeks, onions, shallots, scallions.
4. Carotenoid-rich foods: spinach, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, bell peppers, carrots, mangoes, guava, oranges, papayas, peaches, cantelope, nectarines.
5. Lycopene-rich foods: tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots, pink guavas.
6. Mushrooms: shitake, maitake.
7. Beans and soybeans: pinto beans, black beans, lentils, soybeans.
8. Fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring.
9. Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds, cashews. Okay maybe the flaxseed is on this category. I was standing there copying down this list and I didn't read the fine print.
10. Green tea
I'm going to try to make sure I drink extra ice water this week and try to do more strength training.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Flaxseed
Several months ago I was watching a doctor being interviewed. She was asked what one food she would take to a desert island. She said "flaxseed." I thought that was odd and wanted to know why.
When reading a magazine article listing the six essential foods, flaxseed was among the list.
Later I looked at a website listing the medicinal benefits of whole foods and learned that flaxseeds and oil are "used primarily for constipation. In cases of gastritis, colitis or other inflammations of the digestive tract. Lowers blood fat levels often associated with heart attacks and strokes. Reduces harmful blood cholesterol levels with its soluble fibers. Prevents colon and breast cancer through its rich source of lignins, a documented anti-cancer agent. Improves moods, diminishes allergies and produces healthier skin."
Then I knew why Bruce had to be airlifted off Survivor Exile Island. He forgot to bring his pouch of flaxseed.
Now I buy flaxseed in bulk at the grocery store. I grind wheat for whole wheat bread and add a few tablespoons of flaxseed into the wheat kernals for my flour to make bread.
I figure it's important to keep learning things that will help move my goal of healthy eating and weight loss forward. Now onto the next.......
When reading a magazine article listing the six essential foods, flaxseed was among the list.
Later I looked at a website listing the medicinal benefits of whole foods and learned that flaxseeds and oil are "used primarily for constipation. In cases of gastritis, colitis or other inflammations of the digestive tract. Lowers blood fat levels often associated with heart attacks and strokes. Reduces harmful blood cholesterol levels with its soluble fibers. Prevents colon and breast cancer through its rich source of lignins, a documented anti-cancer agent. Improves moods, diminishes allergies and produces healthier skin."
Then I knew why Bruce had to be airlifted off Survivor Exile Island. He forgot to bring his pouch of flaxseed.
Now I buy flaxseed in bulk at the grocery store. I grind wheat for whole wheat bread and add a few tablespoons of flaxseed into the wheat kernals for my flour to make bread.
I figure it's important to keep learning things that will help move my goal of healthy eating and weight loss forward. Now onto the next.......
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Weight Loss
This morning at Weight Watchers, I lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 12.2 pounds. It was a great meeting and it was fun. The message was the importance of a positive attitude. Weight Watchers meetings are positive and inspirational to help guide you to the goal of weight loss.
It's urgent for my health to lose the weight with 125 extra pounds on me. I have this extra person hanging on and it's time for her to get off! When one has the resources to attend Weight Watchers, exercise everyday and have the healthy food to eat, it can only be interpreted as a death wish to not follow the road to good health. Life is cut short by ignoring the symptoms of obesity.
Another topic discussed in the meeting today was the importance of positive self talk. I recommended the website: www.thinkrightnow.com and the tapes that you can buy with positive messages about healthy eating and exercise. I have three tapes that I bought in 2002 and they have helped me. I have the one on setting goals, healthy eating, and exercise. They work and they are worth the money.
It's important to understand the day to day struggles of weight loss by looking at the big picture and not get caught up in the discouragement of not meeting daily or weekly goals. When you permanently change your life, it takes time. Concentrate on the accomplishments you have already achieved. I figure that if I center on learning more about nutrition, health, and fitness, it will help me work towards my goal of a healthy weight. Weight Watchers, daily exercise, and healthy eating are the key elements.
This is a permanent lifestyle change. It is important for me to attend Weight Watchers for the rest of my life because I have a problem with food. I love good food. I've never been one of those people who doesn't eat when they are sick. I can eat any time. I celebrate with food. I'm sad with food. When I have fun, I think of food. I'm always thinking or planning what I will eat next. Now I have the tools with Weight Watchers to keep this under control.
Exercise helped me to reach my weight loss this week. This is what I did this last week:
5-3 1 hour elliptical runner, 1 hour swim in deep water
5-2 1 1/2 hours elliptical runner, 1 hour swim/jog in deep water, 15 min. weights
5-1 zip, nada, nothing.
4-30 30 min. walk
4-29 1 hour exercise bike, 1 hour gardening
4-28 30 min. exercise bike, 45 min. swim deep water, 30 min. elliptical
4-27 zip, nada, nothing.
4-26 1 hour swim, 1 hour elliptical
It's urgent for my health to lose the weight with 125 extra pounds on me. I have this extra person hanging on and it's time for her to get off! When one has the resources to attend Weight Watchers, exercise everyday and have the healthy food to eat, it can only be interpreted as a death wish to not follow the road to good health. Life is cut short by ignoring the symptoms of obesity.
Another topic discussed in the meeting today was the importance of positive self talk. I recommended the website: www.thinkrightnow.com and the tapes that you can buy with positive messages about healthy eating and exercise. I have three tapes that I bought in 2002 and they have helped me. I have the one on setting goals, healthy eating, and exercise. They work and they are worth the money.
It's important to understand the day to day struggles of weight loss by looking at the big picture and not get caught up in the discouragement of not meeting daily or weekly goals. When you permanently change your life, it takes time. Concentrate on the accomplishments you have already achieved. I figure that if I center on learning more about nutrition, health, and fitness, it will help me work towards my goal of a healthy weight. Weight Watchers, daily exercise, and healthy eating are the key elements.
This is a permanent lifestyle change. It is important for me to attend Weight Watchers for the rest of my life because I have a problem with food. I love good food. I've never been one of those people who doesn't eat when they are sick. I can eat any time. I celebrate with food. I'm sad with food. When I have fun, I think of food. I'm always thinking or planning what I will eat next. Now I have the tools with Weight Watchers to keep this under control.
Exercise helped me to reach my weight loss this week. This is what I did this last week:
5-3 1 hour elliptical runner, 1 hour swim in deep water
5-2 1 1/2 hours elliptical runner, 1 hour swim/jog in deep water, 15 min. weights
5-1 zip, nada, nothing.
4-30 30 min. walk
4-29 1 hour exercise bike, 1 hour gardening
4-28 30 min. exercise bike, 45 min. swim deep water, 30 min. elliptical
4-27 zip, nada, nothing.
4-26 1 hour swim, 1 hour elliptical
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