On the EVE..

Of the Eve, of the eve of my Birthday...
I don't know why.. but I am really excited about my birthday this year.
WHAT.. am I crazy.. I am going to be another year older!!!

So that you know, I have been celebrating all week long.
You know the BIRTHDAY WEEK CELEBRATION approach.

Although I wish (with every ounce of my being) I could change my situation in life, I have to say my  state of being (both physical, mental and spiritual) is on solid ground.

Here is a reflection on where I was 2 years ago...
Yes two years ago I was younger but was also:

• almost 80 pounds heavier and 7 sizes larger (from a size 22 down to a 10)
• Eating Pizza like it was my job,
• 3 bra cups sizes smaller, yes somethings were manipulated since then
• not as blonde, thank you L'oreal
• on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Grey Goose to the resuce
• about to venture out on a journey to change my physical being not knowing whether this thing called a gastric band would work or not..

Today, so much is so very different for me in every way imaginable.
I am entering this new year, with renewal of my mind, body and soul.

The warmth of the winter sun lets me know its all going to be OK.
It's OK to get older, to feel younger, to be your best.

It's OK to cry, to love, to be yourself.

Yes, on the eve of the eve of the eve of my BD.. it's all going to be OK.

Hugs!

WANTED: A Rich Man!!!

You don't have to be young Or handsome You don't need to be able to sing or play the guitar. Being able to drive at night and rely on only one hearing aid is a bonus. Prefer to have a man with his own teeth vs. dentures. Ability to climb ladders to change light bulbs would be nice. Mushy food desires are OK Pants should be able to stay up on their own and not rely on suspenders for support. But most importantly. If you have the ability to financially support my desired lifestyle of living on the beach and QVC shopping till my fingers drop off then I am the girl for you!!! Please respond to this posting with pictures.

No More Obsessing!!

Everyone is picking their word for the year. I too have given this some thought. After coming off one horrific emotional year, I have decided on the following: to do nothing. No Obessing about weight, goals, or anything. In 8 days I will turn 55. To tell you the truth I don't care to obess about one damn thing. I just want to live my life on my terms under my command. I want to just thrive on life. It has been a difficult and wonderful holiday. I am in a very good place right now. I am content. I have made a commitment to go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week, work with my trainer and put myself on a financial diet. I am going to simplify my life,uncluttered!! I have already sold a number of items on Craigslist. It feels good to reduce the clutter. My social/love life is very good. It is going to be a good year. Be well all. Let's embrace 2012!

It was hard to leave

I really really really did not want to leave Key West.

It's been a long time since I truly had a vacation with no worries no problem and no commitment.

K and I flew first class to Miami where we grabbed a mustang convertible and headed for the drive through the Florida Keys. We stopped for a great lunch and mojitos in Islamorada. And then we headed right in to the incredibly lavish casamarina hotel. Let the pampering begin!!!

We met a great couple from VA. And had some of the absolutely most scrumptious meals.

So here are some snip its from the vacay!!

Of course in the Florida Keys.. they celebrate Christmas just a tiny bit different than the rest of the world.. no snow.. but we did have a bubble machine running non stop to mimic the effect of snow on the beach..

Here is a glimpse of the paradise..

and then there was this guy chillin

We did some crazy stuff..
Like jet skiing 50 miles an hour out in the gulf and flipping over!!!

And then we went deep sea fishing

What would deep sea fishing be unless you caught a champion fish

and VOILA.. here is what K caught

We did up Duvall street a few nights and on the last night we took a catamaran sunset cruise.. we had perfect and I mean  absolutely perfect weather.

And now we are home .. can you say Weather Shock!!!  WHAAA.. I want to go back.

On the NSV side, I wore my swim suit proudly and looked great!!

Hugs to all and a belated Happy Holidays??

Busy, Busy.. BUSY BEEEEEE

yep, that's me...
I have been running in circles just trying to stay on top of things.

I have taken a few days vacation and have packed them with all kinds of fun things from home repairs, to mani/pedi appt and hair appt.

Christmas is going to be very understated, quiet and reserved this year.. and that's OK, its actually how I want it to be.

 On the weight loss front. UGH...  I gotta lay off on the celebration.. this weekend I had friends over and all we did was eat drink and be merry... at this pace, I will be casting for Mrs. Santa Claus.. jeans are TIGHT.. the band .. not so much..

I am still being faithful to my gym PT workouts.. my butt cheeks hurt from squats.. so I am hoping that I make it through the holiday with minimal collateral damage..

I am not sure if I will get to posting before the Christmas holiday.. if I don't I want to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.. I will definitely post before the new year.. headin' south baby!!!

The Gym Weight Gain Syndrome

Can you relate to this??
I am busting my butt at the gym and am now 5lbs up!!!
To put it mildly....
wTF
I know what it is that is causing the gain but I just hate seeing the number go up on the scale.
I figure that the shock of new muscles being used is playing havoc on my body.
New muscle is being built while existing muscles are being challenged

I know if I give it some time I wil see that scale start to move in the right direction

So that's the thing. I know all of this and I still fret!!!

Why??

Cause I want it now. I want results now.
Geez. It just doesn't work that way.

Back to the gym tomorrow.
I think I am liking this.

Hugs

Need the Green Jacket

How I knew I would dread these next two months
My mind has been racing these past few days
Completely revisiting last year
Where we were
What was going on
And how terribly bad Mark suffered

A total blanket of sadness surrounds me and weighs on me

I can only think to reach for Marks Green Jacket

I need that memory and the comfort of his arms

I know it is a happy season for all. I don't mean to take away from the beauty of the season. Its just not for me anymore.

I will never be able to associate this time of year with joy.

I just will not be able to leave the memory of Marks last days
And by the thoughts of how Mark suffered.

I wish you could all have known him

My sweet loving gentle Mark.

How I cherish his green jacket.

I miss his voice. And his goodnight kisses.

There will never be another Mark.