Fifty Year Old Milkshake

I went to the other side of the hill today... in Montana.  We went for a ride on the Hiawatha Trail for my 50th birthday.  I wanted to go Fit-in-2-Fifty so I decided instead of sitting around eating cake and ice cream I would have an "Activity Party".  When I first thought of this idea I was going to have a Zumba Party but when I mentioned this to a few choice friends it created rolling eyes and gnashing teeth.  I knew is was going to be on Labor Day weekend and people would have plans, so I dropped it like a hot rock.  I have always wanted to ride the trail so it was a perfect match!  I did not know what to expect for the "riding substrate" my mind imagined hardpacked dirt.   Let me just warn you it is 90% rocks and the 10% dirt is what holds the rocks together!  Needless to say, the combination of a old time rigid bike frame (no shock absorbers) with street tires made me into a milkshake ~~~~ for 15 miles......

Pack It In - Pack It On

There is a funny thing that happens in the brain when you lose a good chunk of weight.  Your brain tells you "its ok to eat that _____ ,  you lost lots of weight, its ok, enjooooy"   That is a very bad brain you have, (I have).  It is the same evil twin that tells you to "exercise later", or "you have plenty of time to get it done".  It is all just another form of,  "go ahead and EAT that!"  I hate that twin, I thought I had conquered that evil twin.  I should call this summer, "The Summer of Lost Control" because I feel like a snowball rolling down hill, gathering speed and size.  I have been packing it in and packing it on.  The smaller sizes I have bought are tighter, after all, I do this all the time... I am a pro at losing weight and gaining it right back!  The Queen, the Queen, the royal Queen she eats the food all day.... then she went for a walk...

If I am Lucky

Today was a very long day.  I spent my first full day on the phone taking calls with an assistant listening and helping me with all the right words and requests.  I was proud of myself for going all day and my brain was mushy by 5 o'clock, but I did it!  Tomorrow is Friday September 3rd and I am another day closer to turning fifty years old.  I feel absolutley certain that the next 10, 20, or 30 (if I am lucky) years will go past all to quickly.  What is a mere 30 minutes of exercise compared to 30 more years of time to learn more, play more and love more... I went for a walk tonight and it was coolish in temperature and again, moonless.

Moonless Mile

Could it be true?  Is it possible to have a moonless night?  I could not find the moon tonight.  I went out for a walk jog at 9:30 pm and it was very dark and cold.  I noticed how difficult it was to see the pavement and when I looked up the stars were bright.  I enjoyed seeing a shooting star and I also saw Venus but, I could not find the moon.  The hood was very quiet.  All the houses were closed up and everyone was inside because of the cold temperature.  I actually ended up jogging a full mile and walked a half mile.  I am very proud to have run my first mile on a moonless night.

Fast Fall Walk

The weather has turned suddenly cold.  The bumble bees appear to be frozen in the morning on the flowers waitng for the sun to warm them.  Note to Self.....It gives a photographer perfect opportunity to macro a bumble bee!  Today it was cloudy cold and windy.  I came home from work and did a fast fall walk jog as the sun went down.  The days are definitely shorter in day light and the feel of Fall is in the air.

Sunday Valley Cruz

Valley Cruz 2010

Today we had a car show at our church and I walked around getting pictures of beautiful old cars.  These cars are lovingly restored and proudly displayed.  It was a beautiful day and I spent it in photographic solitude among friends and strangers.  Did I count it as exercise?..... No, it does not count as 30 minutes of intentional exercise!  I came home and went for a walk around the hood before heading off to see the movie Eat Pray Love with my friend Stephanie.  It was a great movie, offering beautiful scenery, divine culture and plenty to reflect on.....

SetBacks

Such a rough week emotionally and I feel drained of emotion of any variety.  My husband and I walked over to the Middle School to watch an Agility Dog Contest.  Immediately our eyes found the small dogs and a Papillion breeder was there with 4 puppies.  We held one called "Big Jake", and although I had fleeting thoughts of getting another dog, we refrained, and was content to just hold the little guy.  After the dog trials we walked over to Subway and talked about our little "Shmupps" and how much we miss him.  I feel like I have let go of control over my food choices and it is starting to get the upper hand....it is definitely a setback.