Together We Lost 5lbs

Yes it is true.......together we lost 5lbs. I can only account for one of those pounds. lol. But that was a much better outcome than I was expecting after my bad week. So yahoo, one pound closer to my goal. Also, I am so proud of Mike. He is doing terrific. And he is looking quite handsome these days, I must say. In my opinion he shouldn't lose any more weight. lol. But I know he is not totally happy were he is at yet. He said maybe once he got into the 240's he would consider slowing things down. Hopefully next week's weigh in will be just as exciting as this week. Wish us luck. And on another note. I just e-filed Mike's income tax return to the government. I am so proud of myself for being able to do his return. It saves us atleast $50. We will count how many days it takes to get processed. We are at the beginning of the busy time, so they may surprise us. lol

Weigh Day Tomorrow!

So yes tomorrow is weigh day. I used to be excited about Mondays, but I am a bit timid right now. Yes, I have been going to the gym still, very regular and dedicated. But I did happen to eat more than I should of this last week. Mike tries to comfort my worries by reminding me that getting muscle weighs more than fat. So that if I did happen to gain any weight, just means I now have more muscle. So this sounds like a pretty good reason to me, so I am going with it. I still must thank Mike for being the most dedicated person there is for going to the gym. It is because of him that I make it 3 times a week. But if it is a kick in the butt that gets me there, then that is fine with me. We are going to try and go for a swim soon as well, and take the whole family to the pool. Especially since our gym is right above the pool, we see it every day, and I long to just go jump in. But right now I can't fit into my bathing suit..lol. So I will try to lose a little more before making an appearance. I had fasting blood work done on Friday, with my return appointment on this Wednesday. So it will be good to see where my blood sugar level is at. Hopefully right in the middle of normal. And that my cholesteral is normal as well. My heart rate seems to be more towards the 110 bpm then the 120 bpm that it has hovered around for the last year. So I do believe that the exercise and slight weight loss so far, has had a good effect on my heart. By the time I get closer to my goal weight, my heart should be beating healthy like a childs. lol Well here is hoping anyway. But speaking of my heart, I have my referral to the heart doctor to run more tests, to see exactly what the Sarcoidosis is doing to my heart. I will keep you all posted on any interesting news, good or bad. Well wish me luck at weigh in time. Hopefully I will be changing my weight loss ticker tomorrow. And going down, not up. lol

A New Tattoo

Well it has been awhile since my last tattoo. I can't exactly remember how long, but I think close to one year. But that is my birthday present this year from Mike. Unfortunately I have to wait till June for my birthday. lol. I don't know what it is about tattoos, or why they hold such a fascination to me. I use them as a healing process. With every painful ink spot, I am able to release negative energy, and unwanted issues. I am able to go into a meditation of sorts and calm my spirit, and leave a very relaxed and at ease person. I have 5 tattoos so far, and they all mean something special to me. It is still funny to see how people look at me and how they try to figure me out. I guess this is my way to wear my emotions on my sleave. lol. Way out in plain sight. I have so many ideas running through my head. So many pictures just waiting to seep out and onto my skin. People ask me what I think about being old and having the tattoos. My answer is always the same. I will love them just as much then as I do now. And all I will have to do, is stretch my skin out and freak my grandchildren out. lol.

Here is a picture of one of my tattoo ideas. This may be the winning choice for this birthday present.

What shows more love then Jesus comforting a baby!!

Sylvia Browne

I am reading one of Sylvia Browne's new books....."The Mysterious Life of Jesus". I am half way through it so far, and am very intrigued. It brings light to many things that I believe in, which others ignore. I am planning on passing the book over to my Dad. I really think he will find it controversal and entertaining. Then I can find out what his view point is. Sylvia also has two new books called...."Father God", and "Mother God". Can't wait to start those. I love reading her books. I feel like I know her personally. She makes sense of different topics, shows proof to many things that I believe in. I would love to have a reading done by her. I think (and hope) to go see her in conference when she comes to Detroit or Toronto next time. For anyone looking for more, seeking the truth about life, Angels, Heaven, God. She has a direct link to the "Other Side", and brings things into perspective. I would like to thank those who have left a comment on my blog. What a great feeling knowing that someone has read what you have wrote and they are interested in it. Also thank you to my wonderful husband who left a comment under the "under the weather" blog. You should check it out to see what a loving partner that I have. I thank everyone for bringing me to him.

Even though I am in remission with my lungs, my Sarcoidosis still reminds me that it is around and live and kicking. I am trying to become healthy again. Lose the weight that I have gained from all my medication. Stop the Diabetes dead in its track. But every day I am also having to fight the affects of this disease. We have been working out at the gym now going on 4weeks. It is great. But over the last week, my body has been telling me that it is not wanting to go. Walking on the treadmill, which I really enjoy, now is causing great pain in my ankles and up my legs. To the point of tears when I push myself. The weight training, which is starting to produce some nice muscles, is becoming harder and harder. But I thank Mike for motivating me to continue to go. I get frustrated watching him working out so well, burning loads of calories each time, and here I am feeling like I am stumbling my way at a back of a race. I am not giving up though, I still have a fair bit of weight to lose. But it does get depressing when I have to push myself harder each day I go. Wish me luck...... I frequently visit another blog, by a woman who is a mother and has Sarcoidosis. She is a writer, and seems to put down in words what I am always thinking or feeling. Her last blog topic was about being afraid. Afraid of all the aspects of the disease. For any of you who may be interested in ready this blog, the address is http://www.rs.4030.com The blog is called 'Chronic Town'. So if you are interested in how I am doing emotionally, this is a good read. It is like she is in my head sometimes, but just writes it down better than I could. Well tomorrow is another day at the gym, and I am going to make it a good one......!

Finding My Religion

What is my religion? Most people would have a quick, distinct answer. But I am having a hard time stating just one belief. I still consider myself Christian, and believe that Jesus will be there welcoming me in heaven. But I am having problems with some of the bible beliefs, and all the hidden information and outlook on women. Things that were changed by priests, not by God. I can see why people start studying Buddhism. It is a very simplistic religion based on being a good person and doing good things and helping people out. I also believe in some of the Wiccan beliefs, such as their connection with nature, and natural healing. I believe in Chi, Chakras, and meditation. I believe in reincarnation. If I could only find a religion that could combine all of these beliefs, I would be ecstatic. But for now I have to take time to look over each one, and take out of them what I want. So today I am learning more on Buddhism and have included the beliefs and meanings for all to enjoy. Core beliefs of Buddhism: The Three Trainings or Practices: These three consist of: Sila: Virtue, good conduct, morality. This is based on two fundamental principles: The principle of equality: that all living entities are equal. The principle of reciprocity: This is the "Golden Rule" inChristianity -- to do onto others as you would wish them do onto you. It is found in all major religions. Samadhi: Concentration, meditation, mental development. Developing one's mind is the path to wisdom which in turn leads to personal freedom. Mental development also strengthens and controls our mind; this helps us maintain good conduct. Prajna: Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment. This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm. The Four Noble Truths: The Buddha's Four Noble Truths explore human suffering. They may be described (somewhat simplistically) as: Dukkha: Suffering exists: (Suffering is real and and almost universal. Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence of pleasure.) Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. (It is the desire to have and control things. It can take many forms: craving of sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; the desire to avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy.) Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. (Suffering ceases with the final liberation of Nirvana (a.k.a. Heaven). The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation and non-attachment. It lets go of any desire or craving.) Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path. The Five Precepts: Do not kill. This is sometimes translated as "not harming" or an absence of violence. Do not steal. This is generally interpreted as including the avoidance of fraud and economic exploitation. Do not lie. This is sometimes interpreted as including name calling, gossip, etc. Do not misuse sex. For monks and nuns, this means any departure from complete celibacy. For the laity, adultery is forbidden, along with any sexual harassment or exploitation, including that within marriage. The Buddha did not discuss consensual premarital sex within a committed relationship; Buddhist traditions differ on this. Do not consume alcohol or other drugs. The main concern here is that intoxicants cloud the mind. Some have included as a drug other methods of divorcing ourselves from reality -- e.g. movies, television, the Internet. The Buddha's Eightfold Path consists of: Panna: Discernment, wisdom: 1) Samma ditthi Right Understanding of the Four Noble Truths 2) Samma sankappa: Right thinking; following the right path in life Sila: Virtue, morality: 3) Samma vaca: Right speech: no lying, criticism, condemning, gossip, harsh language 4) Samma kammanta Right conduct by following the Five Precepts 5) Samma ajiva: Right livelihood; support yourself without harming others Samadhi: Concentration, meditation: 6) Samma vayama Right Effort: promote good thoughts; conquer evil thoughts 7) Samma sati Right Mindfulness: Become aware of your body, mind and feelings 8) Samma samadhi Right Concentration: Meditate to achieve a higher state of consciousness

Feeling Under the Weather

Well I don't know if it is the cold weather, the lack of Vitamin D (sunlight), or maybe my body still getting used to exercising. But the last couple of days have had a toll on my body. I couldn't pinpoint any one discomfort, but all in all, I am just feeling yucky. My body is achy, I have a fever, no energy (not that I have much of that to begin with lol). Well I guess the first thing I can do to help myself out, is to stop whinning. But even the best of patients needs a little whin time every now and then. I guess the next best thing to do is eat a couple oranges, and get a little more sleep. The difficult thing is always placing blame on the Sarcoidosis. Maybe I am just getting a normal little bug. And not that my lovely disease is creating havoc once again. And how I am feeling emotionally, maybe my Bi-polar is deciding to start a rollercoaster ride. Like I need anymore peaks and valleys to control. Well I should head to bed now, especially since I didn't sleep well last night. But on a good note. Tomorrow is Friday. And a whole new day to live. “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddha

Tai Chi

Historically, T'ai Chi Ch'uan has been regarded as a martial art, but some call it a form of moving meditation. Chi is considered the energy that surrounds us all, and Tai Chi is the moving of this energy to better control it and focus on it. I was lucky enough to go to a Tai Chi workshop on Saturday. I found it wonderful, but it is definitely an exercise that takes practice. There are many different steps and forms remember. Which arm goes up with which leg etc. I can truly see the emotional strenght and healing that can come from Tai Chi. You are able to focus on yourself and get right into the movements. It seems Tai Chi is not for everyone. Kathie went with me to the workshop and didn't really like it. But she is looking forward to Yoga starting on Sunday. There is a Tai Chi class being offered up at the Senior's Centre here in Ridgetown every Friday morning at 10:00am. I think I am going to go up there this Friday and see how the class is. This looks like something that I would like to learn more off and perfect it. But I wonder, is it going to be too confusing for me to do Tai Chi and Yoga at the same time? We will just have to wait and see. On a different topic (but a happy one). I lost another 2 lbs last week. I was very happy this morning on weigh in day when I saw the scale go down. Lets hope next week is just as wonderful. Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean. Christopher Reeve