Licking my wounds and moving on......

I have been dealing with a lot of emotions lately.  I have closed some chapters, shut some windows, and gone looking for those other doors to be open.


There was the friend who was working out of state........and out of the country.  There were words of wanting to settle down.  He was tired of working all over the place.  I took him at his word.  That is what I do......I am a believer; a glass half full kind of girl.  As this last project was coming to a close, he got a request to review yet another project for him to be away.  I was tired of waiting.  All the words could not fill the gap between here and wherever the next job was to be.  I offered to continue to chat but I was emphatic that I was not waiting any longer.  When he gets back to IL he can look me up if he chooses.  I got some of the 'I don't believe this' and 'I will be home, I promise' but those types of promise were thin and wearing on me and my heart.  CHAPTER CLOSED.

The 90 days have passed with the food sensitivities.  I thought I would be more excited.....well, actually I was.  The first thing I tried was pasta.  I was doing the happy dance.....one of my most favorite comfort foods is pasta with tuna, onions, and mayo.  OMG.....did my stomach hurt.  I started to wonder what was making me hurt.  A few days later I tried angel air pasta with butter and cheese.  Again I had the achy belly.  Digestive enzymes was about the only thing that gave me relief.  I wondered if it was the cheese.....surely it would not be the pasta!  I let a few more days go by and again I made a pasta dish (how many Italians can pass up a good pasta dish) and had the same reaction.  It most likely is the gluten in the pasta.  I might have to try quinoa pasta instead.  I do know that because of the reaction, I will let another 60 days go by and let my stomach lining continue to heal.  I have had a similar reaction to cashews (boo!) so again, letting time pass will allow the stomach to heal and eventually I will be able to enjoy all the 'hit list' foods!  WINDOW SHUT.


I am looking for something new to be passionate about.  One thing I did was renew a dating website profile.  I have decided that if there is not an immediate interest, I will bow out nicely and say no.  I am not desperate to have a man in my life.  I want a man in my life but it does not make me who I am.  I am much more than a gal with a man.  Heck.....that what BOB is for, right?!  DOOR OPEN


I have made inquiries about dance lessons.  I am not sure if I can wear heels for dancing so that is my biggest concern.  I have asked the question and am waiting for an answer back.  I have been reading the book "A year with Eleanor" (Roosevelt) and how Eleanor faced her fears and the lead in the story is doing the same thing.  I don't feel as graceful as I once did but I know I can be again!   DOOR OPEN


I have searched out a physical therapist for a consult on my knee and ankle.  They can't continue to hurt and me not do something about it.  I have to try.  If there is nothing else I can do, so be it; if I don't ask I will never know and then just complain.  I saw a picture the other day that said "complaining without a solution is whining"......and I don't want any cheese with that whine!  Time to seek and conquer.  DOOR OPEN



I found a store that will help me finish 2 quilts I have been working on AND offers knitting lessons too!
 BONUS........so I am hoping over the next weeks to get my quilt to the point I can get their input.  I am also looking forward to hearing from the knitting instructor......then I can join my cyber friends in knitting! DOOR OPEN




I am very excited to see what the future holds and what 'trouble' I can get into.  I will be in Italy in a few weeks and for that I am truly excited.  Choir will be coming back together soon.......I love singing in the choir!  Summer will come to an end and Fall will arrive, followed by Winter and snow (my favorite).  I am not wishing time away but am looking to the future, one event at a time, to savor what is being brought to me!

Lessons I have learned.........Part 1

Wow........it has been awhile since I took the time to write.  It feels good to put thoughts to paper (even if it is cyber paper!)


Life has been crazy but I have the choice of falling for the crap and wallowing in it or going in a different, sometimes more difficult but fulfilling , path.  All choices...


It has always been a struggle for me to keep a pristine house.  It is not me.....it is my mother.  She is a great house keeper.  Everything is always put away.  I have tried......truly.  The last time my mother was here she commented on how I did not keep house.....I told her I keep house, just not like she does.  My lesson:  Hire a cleaning lady!  Angie is a keeper, and I don't have to stress about having a messy place.  I have been purging and I do have stuff to put away before she gets here.  I now keep the kitchen table clean all the time.  Mail is sorted daily and taken care of.  It feel freeing.  I do what feels like the easy stuff and I don't stress about it anymore.  Angie does a much better job than I did because all I did was resent having to do it!!


Eating well has always been a challenge for me.  I, for the most part, do a good job.  I am lucky that I love fresh fruits and veggies.  I struggle with portion control.  I need to stop being resentful of eating healthy.  It does not happen often but when those voices in my head (appropriately named DEVIL WOMAN) encourage me to eat something else, a little more, a smidge of this.....she does not have my well being.  She has all my negativity and insecurity.  My lesson:  Keep these times at a minimum.  When DW gets loud, I am learning more to tell her shut the hell up!  I am so worth everything I do for myself and I DO have my best interest at heart.  When they do happen, forgive it and move on.  I can't change what I just did but I can move forward in a better attitude and state of being.



Walking with my head up high is NOT something I do.  I am always looking at the ground like I don't want to make eye contact.  In my defense (just a little) I have no depth perception so I think of it as guiding myself.  I am practicing walking with my head held high, shoulders back, walking with purpose (even if it is just laps around the lab).  My lesson:  Walking with my head up I am not missing out on the beautiful scenery.  I am not missing seeing people smiling and laughing.  I am not missing so many things.  Just remember, no laughing if I trip because I did not see the crack in the sidewalk!  LOL!


Well, this is all I have for now.  There will be future installments of Lessons I have Learned!

Putting me first.....why is this such a challenge?

First, I cannot believe it has been almost a month since I have been here.  Life has been crazy busy.  I guess that is good......but I have not been taking as much time for me as I once did.  How did that wonderful habit go by the wayside?!


I am putting my health first.  I took a leap of faith for trying a new functional medicine doctor.  It sounded scary.....not an MD but an OD.  Is that like a voodoo doctor?  The answer honestly is no.  She is very thorough and we are making changes that I can feel some of the differences.  I asked for food sensitivity testing.  I am tired of belching after most meals. WHY?!  It is not an attractive habit!  Who wants to be out on a date and suddenly hear BRRRAPPPP....(even when you cover your mouth and excuse yourself!)


I am now gluten, grain, dairy free, avoiding most nuts, apples, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, oysters, EGGS.....these were all things I showed sensitivity to.  They are not gone forever, but will not be daily staples any more.  I am almost half way through the healing/detox......45 days down, 45 days to go.


I also have not been taking the time to exercise like I want to.  I feel tired all the time.  WHY??  Because I am not moving.  Why is it an oxymoron?  We need to move to get more oxygen which increases our energy.  Why have I been slacking?  I don't feel like it!  Why?  Dig deep......well some of it is frustration, some of it is depression, some of it is lazy.  Looking at each of these, what can I modify?  Actually all 3.

First, I remind myself I am not perfect.  I am not meant to be perfect.  I can do the best I can at any given moment.....and as long as I don't give up on me all is good with the world!  Let's say that again.....AS LONG AS I DON'T GIVE UP ON ME.  Where does that come from?  That ugly voice in our head.



I personally have named that voice so I have someone to yell at.  She does not have control.  She never will as long as I put her in her place.  So this witch is encouraging me to slack and sometimes I listen.  More often than I like to admit.  We had a chat that I am in charge.  I have struggled with the fact that most of my life I have had particular exercises that I enjoy.  I keep going back to the fact that it is more difficult to do them since ankle surgery.  WHY do I let her defeat me?  There is more to life than Jazzercise.  There is more to life than boring walks.  There is more to exercise too.  She was put in her place this week.  I put me first.  I have a timer set at my desk to prompt me to get up and walk every hour for 5 minutes to break up the monotony of work.  In the morning I have been trying to get the dog out early to do a quick jaunt through the complex.  I got up and went to the gym......I hated getting up but once I got there and put my tunes on I forgot about the hate and had a good time.  I put me first!

At work, we have been busy.  I have a lot of responsibility but that does not mean I should get lost in the fray.  I am eating regularly and not ignoring my need for water and food because I am working on a project.  I prepare on the weekend for food.  I have found with my eating restrictions, life is much easier having go to foods ready.  I am enjoying them.  I LOVE the energy I have.  I put me first!

It does not always work out that way though.  I am sort of in a newer relationship.  He is on the road....not in the continental US either.  There is a big time difference.  I am not patient.  He is very patient.  This is one place I am not so good about putting me first.  I have been taking baby steps at it.  Distance is hard.  When he was in Alaska, we talked all the time.  He called, I called.  He sent texts, I sent texts.  We skyped.  When he was in London we still talked all the time.  He called, I called.  Texting was more expensive but when you can pick up the phone it was not a big deal.  He has been in China for a few weeks.  For whatever reason, he did not activate his international calling.  He was actually only supposed to be there less than a week.  It made sense.  We correspond through yahoo messenger.  It is not as good.  Internet sucks, his computer crashed, internet sucks.  Sometimes his headset cuts out so I can't hear him.  I am frustrated and I am not verbalizing it.  I am NOT putting me first.......not until the other day.  I talked briefly of my expectations.  Chatting daily should NOT be a big deal.  I am not asking for much yet.  WAIT UNTIL HE GETS HOME!  He will be surprised what my expectations are AND I will be #1 again.  Not in a bad way but how many times have we hear if mama ain't happy, no body is happy.  I am mama....right now I am not happy and I am not making me a priority.  It is something I am working through.

I have always been an enabler or caregiver.  It is time to turn that inward and be a caregiver to myself....and enabler to myself to achieve all my dreams.  Without dreams, what do we have to work towards?

Change is good

I took a leap of faith and made an appointment with a Functional Medicine doctor.  I am tired of belching all the time when I eat.  This is not normal......not for anyone.  I went on my insurance company website and did the search.

Why did I choose this moment in time?  I had a couple of friends have similar testing done and they seemed to be satisfied with the information and results.  I had a nice consult with the doctor and we decided to do some food sensitivity testing along with a regular blood panel.  It has always been my intention NOT to walk down the road my parents have with health issues and to this point, thanking God, I had been successful.

It is amazing what movement does for a body.  For the last 18 months I have not been exercising like I once did.  I wonder why my cholesterol, glucose and other markers were always in a good place.  Besides watching my food quality, I WAS MOVING.  I enjoyed exercise.  It felt good, I felt good.

Coming back into the present....my numbers were not what I had hoped they would be.  Although most of the numbers are still in the normal range, they are higher than they have been in a long time.  Thinking back, I did not see a doctor regularly before I started losing weight so I have no idea how bad the numbers used to be.  Ignorance is NOT bliss and I used to keep my head buried in the sand.  As long as I felt ok, everything must be ok, right?

My glucose number showed that I could be pre-diabetic.  That scares me A LOT.  I will do everything in my power to avoid that scenario.  So movement is high on my list of priorities....even if it is walking the dog or taking laps in the office.  I even got out a couple of days last week to walk the loop around the office....it is about 1 mile.  It was hard the first time ....but the first time back in the groove of anything is hard.

My cholesterol is still normal but again jumped 30 points.  My eating has not changed so what is the scoop there?  EXERCISE.  Damn how exercise will kick you in the ass.   I guess getting to the gym and riding the bike is in my future too!  I have such grand ideas and I have been letting that little voice in my head tell me that I need sleep.  My sleeping patter has been slightly off but not enough to not get to the gym.  I am recommitting to Jazzercise 2 days per week, 2 days at the gym ....and if I miss the gym I have to do the mile loop at the office.  I refuse to go on medication.

On to the food sensitivities......OMG, the list is long!  Right now, trying to avoid the highlighted foods on the list, my breakfast foods have been in complete turmoil.  No eggs, no oatmeal, no bread, no grain.  Suggestion of avoiding starches because of the glucose situation.....grrrr.

Today I see the dietician.  I will get better clarification as to what I am working towards.  Breakfast has been combinations of lunches and dinners.  No pasta, no potato, lots of steamed or sautéed veggies.  Different proteins, trying different seasoning combinations.  I am hoping for an option of making a protein shake for a breakfast option.  I never thought I would be the person saying that some sausage, yellow beans and a nice mango salsa was boring for breakfast.....I want EGGS!!

Because I am dealing with sensitivities, these foods can be reintroduced.  That is hopeful.  It is all timing.  But as my friends know, I am not a patient person.  Lessons I keep learning........

Funny things is, if I remember to take my digestive enzymes, I have not been belching except for the turmeric in the inflammation shake (yes, turmeric is on my 'hit' list!)  Progress is a good thing!!

Listening.......

Listening is an art.  Some days I feel it is a lost art.....I am just as much at fault.

We listen to people when they talk.....or do we? Are we looking to guess what they are going to say next or really, REALLY listen to them and their thoughts?  We can guess what is going on inside them but unless we listen do we learn. We can only help by being present when they speak.  We also need to be present when WE speak.  Our friends can't listen or help (if that is what you are asking for) if we can't open up and tell them what is happening.

Being in the moment is so crucial.  We spend time in the past and dream of the future.....and we lose one of the best things ever.....THE PRESENT.  What a gift it is!

Listening to people is not the only thing......we need to listen to ourselves.  Reflection is HUGE.  What are we looking to achieve?  What do I want right now?  I don't mean food (at least not yet) but in reality, where are you pointing your compass?

There is listening to our bodies too.  Our body is such a smart cookie......ok, smart entity.  She can tell us when we are hungry and thirsty; she will tell us when she wants to exercise (ignore the voices in your head!) and she will surely tell us when to rest!  Listen to your body and it will guide you to the foods you need for nutrition and health.  Ok, sometimes she will say she wants chips...but in moderation there is no harm.

There is listening to a greater being too.  I love listening to the choir at church; listening to the readings of the week and contemplating how it fits in to my life.  It might not fit today, but I know someday it will.....it always does.  God has such a way of bringing us what we need when we need it.  Listening makes it happen.  One of my favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand....

How wonderful is the thought that I am never left alone.  When I feel at my lowest, someone has picked me up to bring me through the storm to the other side!

I sat in reflection this morning.....wondering what my day would be like.  Would I want to pull out my baseball bat and start swinging or could I calmly take care of business.  Would I be patient today?  Would I help others get what they need in the moment?

Today I realized I am not listening to myself enough.  My body tells me she wants to move and I let the voices in my head over rule me.  That will stop today (reflecting on past post.....not being one of the Buts....).  I did listen to my body when I packed a lunch today.  There is some fresh fruit, avocado, oatmeal....good things that my body enjoys and uses well.  I have been taking laps around the office for movement and am drinking lots of water.  I actually heard my body say thank you!!

I will continue to listen to me, listen to my friends and really be in the present.

Maybe I will even sit down with one of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and listen to Andy Williams serenade me.  There is so much world to see and I hope I get to do more of that....being in the present!

((hugs)) to all.....

Don't be one of the 'BUT' people

I am Catholic and it is Lent.  Yesterday during Mass, they had a priest in to encourage us to do one of the Missions the church was sponsoring.  It is looking at the sacraments and how they enrich and make our every day life what it is.

Every Catholic knows the sacraments are:

Baptism
Reconciliation/Penance
Communion
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy orders
Anointing of the sick

I have experienced some of these and I know how they affect my life....but Father Mark yesterday had everyone using his tag line.  It went something like:

'God sent me to tell you to come tonight, tomorrow night and Tuesday night; starts at 7 and will last about an hour (make it an hour and a half) and you will have fun'.  It was more the come for a little more than an hour (make it an hour and a half) that everyone was using on their way out.  He had his audience......we listened.  He talked about those who would say 'do you know how busy I am?'.......well God knows.  If you can't come....don't.  He talked about those who wanted to come BUT....what is your but?

Last night I was sitting with a friend who came home from the rehab center.  I was helping her get settled.  Her cat would not come out from hiding; I helped her sister put her bed to a height she could get in and out of while she is still in her boot; we did some laundry and after he sister left we just chatted.  It was so good to see her home.

Tonight, my but is my stomach is in knots.  There were lots of things going on at work and I just let it all get to me.  That is my fault.  I cannot fix everything but fell back into an old pattern of  trying to.  What did it get me?  An upset stomach and a headache.  Could I work past this and have gone tonight?  I am sure if I really was motivated I could have.  What was I afraid of?  Feeling silly about talking of our sacraments and the religion I am embracing and enjoy?

I don't always feel so smart.  I know my basics but become intimidated when others start going really deep.  It is not that I am not interested, I just have not gone deep into meaning and full practice.  It is something that I am working on.

This brought up all other feelings about when we say BUT.  BUT (in my mind) means there is some fear.  What am I trying to avoid?  Can I find a reason not to do something?  Why do I need to find a reason?  Who really cares if I am there or not?  I guess the answer is me.

I play the same game (more recently) with whether I should exercise or not.  I have been cleared....BUT my foot hurts.  Yea, so?  Put my big girl panties on and just do it.  What the hell is going to change if I ignore it?  NOTHING.  Do I want to see change?  YES.  I want to be more active; I want to get strong again; I want my old life back....well the active part of it.

Tomorrow is the last in the 3 day series.  I plan not to use BUT as my excuse.  I want to hear Father Mark engage me in whatever sacraments are left to talk about....and I will stop using BUT in my sentences.  Either I want to do it or not.  NO BUTS.  Make a choice and live with it....and if I regret the decision, change it next time.

We are exactly where we are supposed to be.  We are with the people we are supposed to be.  If we want change we have to invite it in and manifest it.  It won't happen because we dream of it.  We have to be a willing participant.

I will strive to no longer be one of the BUT people........care to join me?!

Writers block?!

I am sitting here on a Sunday afternoon.  Laundry is going, sheets have been changed.  Knock going to church off the list too.  It was an awesome Mass.  We had the Little Sisters of the Poor to ask for donations.  Sister got up to tell a story and explain how their group work with the elderly.  They give them a place to stay, food to eat, keep them well and if nobody comes forward when they pass, they give them a nice burial.

As we all know, we women kill off our men......plain and simple there are more elderly women than men.  One day they realized this in their new home that was built and renovated.....so the nuns started praying for men!!  Now how funny is that?!

Well, I guess it is funny that nuns were doing it, but I have been tired of being alone.  My life is great...no doubt about it but I would LOVE to share it with someone.  So I looked to see who the patron saints of the single people were.  At the top of the list was Blessed Virgin Mary......well why not?  She has God's ear!!  There were a few others too, but I figured if I have to ask for help, besides going to the Big Guy, I would have a chat with his mother too!

To clarify, I am not asking her for a specific man.  I am asking for a man that has a faith like mine; that he is hard working; he will cherish me as I will him; looking for a man that will not mind going to church with me on Sunday while I sing in the choir.  I am also looking for the man that will not mind that I take care of him equally; support and love him; lift him up and walk with him on his journey.......to make it our journey.  So I have not prayed for George Clooney or any other hunk of the week!

At the same time I had reopened a dating profile I had from a long time ago.  I updated my story and pictures and peeked around.  Most of what they were matching me up with was not what I was looking for.  They were too old (and a few too young); most appeared to be unemployed or at least underemployed when I looked at their salaries posting.  I understand that can be a lie but if they lie about that in the profile, what else is fabricated?  Most were separated.......seriously?  In my mind that is a license to cheat and I can't deal with that.  So it used the delete button frequently......more than frequently.....ALL THE TIME!

Then I had received a wink and an email from a gentleman who told me he was on only for the free weekend.  He gave me his email address and asked me to reach out to him.  He is a cutie....and my first thought was why did he pick me, but that was quickly put to rest.  I sat on the email for the better part of a week.  I really was not sure.........now I was continuing my prayers.  On my way to work, on my way home from work, in the shower, and before bed.  Then it hit me, was this part of the answer to the prayers?  So I wrote to him.

Here is where my paranoia kicks in!  I thought I would be smart and set up a new email address to fly under the radar and give only the information I wanted to give.....well, I forgot that gmail shows your full name!  I went through all that effort to be thwarted by an email service!!  Even funnier, when I asked the gent if I had given him my last name, he said "um, yes.  You emailed me!"

I have been journaling about the things I have been worrying about.  I have no idea if this guy will do or say any of the things that have been poor in the past AND I cannot sit here an wait for that stuff to happen.  If I choose to manifest those poor qualities, that is what I will get.  I don't want a repeat of the past......

This gentleman has surprised me with his eloquent writing style, he has dazzled me with his knowledge.  He has blown me away with his good looks, and he is trying to win my heart.  It is hard working through the online dating crap.  He did not understand why I was surprised that he looked like his picture (we have video chatted while he is out of town on business).....I need to let go of the past junk.  I need to let go of the past junk.  I NEED TO LET GO OF THE PAST JUNK.

I am quietly optimistic that he is the real deal.  I don't feel the need to know what he is doing every moment because he is a very busy guy (again....leave the crap in the past).  He has woken me up with a text message (which really surprised me as he is 3 hours earlier than I am right now), he has video chatted with me, called me on the phone.  He has given me is bio (before I did....I was holding back) and has been very open about who he is.  No secrets.  I ask a question and he answers it.  WOW.

I am still holding my breath a little until we formally meet sometime after next Saturday.  That is when his contract ends and he comes back home to IL.  When I went to church today I asked the Blessed Mother for a sign that he is the one.....or at least the leading contender.  I thanked her and God for listening to my prayers.  I thanked them for guiding me and taking care of me.  I showed my thanks and gratitude by singing particularly well in the choir loft as we had a number of people out sick.  When I got to my car after Mass there was a very lovely text message waiting for me.....maybe it is my sign!

As things move along I will give you all a peek as to what is going on but right now I am thankful and grateful for all that has been presented to me.  Now I need to now how to handle it and nurture it.

Writing is therapy............

Today was a crap storm, borrowing the phrase from one of my favorite country singers Reba McEntire.  I did not blow up at anyone; spent a lot of time counting to 10.

It started with the receptionist being a little late and customers coming in much earlier than expected.  The combo was not good.  It is our policy that all customers are escorted to the cafeteria OR their designated testing area first thing in the morning UNLESS we have secured testing in house.  Then they need to be escorted everywhere.

There was a foyer full of people and most of them were with one of our customers.  They are having their testing witnessed by various agencies.  This is not uncommon except our customer is running 2 projects and has 2 sets of witnesses.  This accounts for about 15 people.  If I have not mentioned it before, we are running out of space in our office just for US!  These groups of people were using 7 of our 9 lunch tables for setup and discussions.  Three of the customers came in and decided they were just going to walk back where they wanted to be.  The receptionist and I were trying to explain what we were doing (paging the test engineer to come up and get the group) but were ignored.  That set my friend off.

When she went into the kitchen to get coffee and saw that they had taken up so much space, she took it upon herself to say something, AFTER I HAD REQUESTED HER NOT TO.  Come on.....yes it is inconvenient but good customers are not to be treated poorly.  THEN one of the engineers was whining said customer was on credit hold (not to be talked about with the customer); THEN someone else complained that said customer was coming in the side door and the shipping guy was expected to be their doorman.

Do you see where this is going?  After I heard about the credit hold issue, I sent a company wide email stating that our staff NEVER has the right to talk to the customer about credit issues.  The staff should do their job, save their time and if they cannot post their time, I will take care of it.  END OF STORY.  I make the decisions with the help of the lab managers if we want to cut someone off at the knees and not let them test.  It is NEVER my intention to lose lab time because downtime does not get us paid.

While this was going on, Kathy (receptionist) came back to tell me she had talked to the customer about consolidating their use of the tables.  REALLY?  Seriously after I said not to??  Kathy thought because she tried to be nice about it, it was ok.  IS IT EVER OK TO HURT SOMEONE'S FEELINGS??

At this point the customer leader came to the scheduler and laid it on the line.  Were they welcome there?  Were there credit issues?  We had to fight hard to get this testing done at our facility.  Sheesh......suffice to say tomorrow will be a MAJOR suck up day.  I have directed the scheduler to order lunch for the whole group as a mea culpa.

Then there was the issue with the employee told his co-worker that he was taking Monday off.  Said co-worker was sent offsite for testing so we never got the message.  I had words with the employee about letting his MANAGER know what his intention was whether it would have been by email, text, or phone.  Oh and he won a little something on the football pool.....I initially did not give it to him. I told him he forfeited it by not showing up to work.  About 20 minutes after I gave him his winnings he comes up to me to tell me I paid him wrong.  REALLY??!!  I am so anal about getting the winners right....so he comes waving a paper in my face....he had the AFC and NFC mixed up!  I told him to turn around and go get some work done....grrrr.

What did this do to me today?  I had a crap storm day and did not eat my way through it.  I may have raised my voice once to the employee who accused me of paying him wrong on the football pool....but I did not raid the chocolate bowl on my desk; I did not eat bags of nuts; I did not go hunting for salt (a good bag of chips).  I DID sip water and coffee during the day; I took my laps around the office; I got the billings for the month finished; I got filing done..........these are all huge accomplishments for me, who by nature, is a stress eater.

Writing this here (and in my journal) have afforded me the chance to express it and let it go. I have a lot of work to do on the Brelon (the poor black man ......his words, not mine) thing.  I can't respect a man that cheated on his wife for 12 years with another woman (who he just married); he tries to get everything for free or walks around rubbing his belly saying 'the baby is hungry'......this I will continue to journal about, pray about and let go so that maybe God will help me forgive and let go.  It is the right thing to do but I am not there yet.

On the way home it started to snow again......I love winter and I love snow.  This freaking below zero weather is for someone else.....not me.  A friend commented someone should take that darned rodent and bake him in a pot pie of sorts......6 more weeks of winter.  Tonight up to 6" of fresh snow to be followed by a low of -7* in the the morning to a high of 15*.  I have never had a problem with winter or SAD but it is making me wonder what a good place to hide for a couple of day that is warm!!......did I mention the snow will come back on saturday?  Another 6".....followed by negative temperatures again.  **sigh**

Keeping the positive in my head will get me through it all.......and it is NOT Groundhog Day again like the movie so tomorrow will be a better day!

Finding Mr. Close Enough......

I have not given up on finding my knight in shining armor; I think his armor will not be so shiny....let's face it we are getting older!  And according to my grandmother, there were plenty of fish in the sea....(oh I hope he is not rusty....)

Over the years, starting in my twenties, I tried the video dating service.  I made a video to which they asked questions and I answered them with my witty fashion (or so I thought). They took a bunch of pictures and I answered all kinds of profile questions.  I told them the age range I was looking for, ethnicity, income, and education level....and how far I was willing to drive.  It started out as a good idea except their closest office was by a big mall in Schaumburg.  Their hours were not totally convenient; and I was lazy about the drive.  When I would call and ask why I was not getting any 'hits' so to speak, they would encourage me to come out an go through the books myself.  Lo and behold, they had several items wrong on my profile.  One was ethnicity.  I am not a prejudiced person but I knew that I could not bring home an African American to meet my very old fashioned Italian father!  I finally gave up and figured there were other fish to fry......

A few years had gone by and I had met a young man and was very much in love; so much so that I was willing to give up my job in the big city and move to a farm town in Iowa.  I was going to take his job at the same company (transfer) and he was going to run his father's farm.  Did I mention that when I lived briefly in Iowa, it was the worst 3 years of my life?  This was true love!!  Unfortunately, he was killed in a car accident.  I ended up changing jobs (downsizing at a most inopportune time) and trying to move on with my life.

This was a point in time where newspapers had personal ads.  I wrote a really nice and short ad.  I remember one line was something like 'I may not be a cover model but I have not broken any clocks either!'.  I ran the ad for 3 weeks; and I waited.  People had to write to the ad.....no phone calls, no internet.  I was in my glory.  I got to see if people could put full sentences together!  Did they have real ideas and know how to express themselves?  Every Wednesday and Friday I would run home during lunch to grab the big envelope I would receive from the newspaper.  It was our entertainment!!  I shared the fruits of my ad with the other girls in the office and boy did we laugh.

Let me think, I was sent notes from boys as young as 19 and as old as 65.  My ad said I was looking for someone between 28-35 (I had just turned 30 so I figured I could go a little older if I wanted to but no younger....there was an unspoken rule not to date anyone younger than my younger brother!)  I think I went on 2 dates.  One guy spent the night telling me about his divorce and tried to get me in a Ponzi type scheme.  I passed on that!!  One guy could not look me in the eye while we met for lunch.  Did not hear from him but did end up meeting him a year or two later when I was on a temp assignment when I was between jobs...imagine his surprise!  Sorry, I regress.....

I did an analysis of people who wrote to me.  65% were in jail.  Yep......each and everyone of them told me they were in jail by mistake.  One shot his brother in law in the ass for being a jerk...could I really wait for him?  Would I write to him?  There was the man who was an ice skating coach who loved coffee enemas.  Yes, that is not a typo!  I faxed that letter all over the world because I could not believe he wrote to me!!  I also responded to ads and more often than not got zero response.  One guy did write me a number of times and initially I thought it was just junk mail and did not answer him.  When I realized that he was a real person I responded.  Well, he sent me a bunch of pictures of himself....posing in suits, jeans and sweater....kind of like a Christian Grey before there was a Christian Grey!!  I did send a picture and he wrote me to tell me I was not in his league and not to bother writing again.  Well.....I NEVER!  A co-worker wrote him back because she was more upset than I was!  Told him that he was a jerk and that he would be lucky to find a gal like me.  I agreed with her but was not going to waste time or energy on him.

I let a few years go by again.  I was a busy gal.  I was bowling in a league; out with friends; moving into my own place; visiting family on the east coast and taking trips to California, Texas, Maine....dropping in on friends.  I was working on my masters; learning to knit (I knew how to crochet), took ice skating lessons with one friend.....I was a busy gal.

I then tried dating websites.  The internet was upon us.  I met a guy that brought his daughters with him on the date.  I was shocked when I walked into the mall (food court was a safe place to meet) and saw him NOT alone!  To this day, I have a friend who cannot walk by the one food court where the water fountain is....she can visualize him trying to kiss me with his kids in the background.  I told him I was not interested (background, retired military, going to school to learn a trade, divorced, lived with 2 friends in a small apartment....) and he became offended.  Then there was the gentleman (term used loosely.....he taught ROTC in a local high school and talked about romance....I thought I hit the jackpot!).  We met at a bookstore for coffee and talk.  Bookstore was busy.....we walked over to Starbucks.  I am asking him questions about himself, etc.  He keeps asking me about romance.  Now I am not stupid but after about 15 minutes I figured out romance to him = SEX.  Well, I basically told him it was not going to happen.  Before I even consider something like that I have to know a person.  He told me he had to go blow his nose and would be right back.  20 minutes later I figured I got ditched.  IN A BOOKSTORE!  For the record, I did ask my guy pals at work what their definition of romance was and ONLY 1 said SEX.  He got slapped in the back of the head and the others all got special gifts from me!!

Since then I have tried several other websites.  I met one guy that I thought was a sweetheart.....yeah, after a few months and a few hundred miles (long distance does not always work) I had to give up.  I met another guy that was on strike with is job, living with friends, no money and going to school.  He wanted me to make everything right in his world......not my job hon!  Oh, and the guy who would only meet in bars that were inside hotels......NOT HAPPENING in this lifetime!

My biggest complaint with the websites and they do not listen to my profile requests. I want a man who can take care of himself AND maybe some of my wants.  I already take care of my needs (home, car, job).  I want him to be local (15 miles local.....NOT Canada, NOT California, NOT Wisconsin.....good old local IL in the far western suburbs would be ideal).  I want him not to feel the need to drink daily (that signals a problem to me); don't tell me that you are separated and she does not get you.  When you are divorced, give me a call.  Don't tell me you are between jobs....I am not Chateau Russo.  Don't tell me you are agnostic or don't believe in God.....I am a practicing Catholic.  I don't expect you to attend mass with me (would be nice) but there is someone greater than all of us......believe that!  Don't tell me you want me to give up my worldly possessions to follow you and your godly ways...what does that even mean?

Short of spending an amount equal to a good down payment on a Ford Focus (stolen from the movie 'The Wedding Date') I know he is out there.  I will try a few more websites.  I will keep my eye on who I respond to and who goes into the whirling vortex of evil never to be seen again.  I am going to keep taking cooking classes, sign up for some dance lessons.  I am going to hang with my peeps and go to the occasional movie.  I am going to have fun and live my life......whether that takes me to Arizona to visit my mom, to Massachusetts to go on a stealth mission to visit friends and NOT family, or if it takes me to my motherland of Italy and finally see the town where the Russo's all began.  Grass will not grow under my feet.  I will go back to jazzercise, the gym......maybe take some long walks but really focus on who I am and not sitting around waiting.  Life is too short.

My Christian Grey (for those who have read the trilogy 50 Shades of Grey) might be looking for me and then again he might not.  It's all ok.  I am becoming more comfortable in my skin every day and I am pretty awesome!!  (despite lack of activity on my dating profiles).  Someone once told me that I might find who I am looking for while I am doing what I love.....who knows!

As a final parting note.....Mr. I am Ditching you in the Bookstore popped up on a website I have been lurking on.  He sent me a note to meet.  I asked if he was 'Joe' and he said yes.  I said we have already met once before.  He wanted to meet again.  I said no, I don't need your kind of romance.......I wonder if he remembers?!

I will let you know how the prospects look.....could be a lot of fun!!  I recently watched the movie 'See Jane Date'.....maybe I can be me too!!  Got my fishing pole ready Grandma.....send them down!

Movement, Fear, Forgiveness.....and figuring it all out!

I have been participating in the 21 Get Moving Challenge with Nichole Kellerman.  It is a simple concept of JUST MOVE.  If today it feels like just walking......do it; if a mind/body workout is calling your name....do it; if a good stretch is shouting to you.......do it; and if your body asks you to rest......just do it.

For the last 18 months, my movement has been curtailed by a few foot/ankle surgeries and pre-surgery procedures and post-surgery procedures....grrr.  It has been very frustrating that I was a very active woman.  I went to Jazzercise 3 times per week, to the gym a time or two to work with my favorite trainer nicknamed Helga, and I walked my favorite fur baby for miles every night..  I logged mile after mile and was so happy.  One Sunday morning, my fur ball of energy decided she needed to go out walking in the snow.  It was a pretty, light, fun  and soft snow.  We got about 4 blocks from the house and I slid on black ice.  It appears that I dislodged a small piece of bone in the heel and did some damage to the tendons.  My fabulous podiatrist suggested I try spending time in a boot.  I did that for a few weeks.  I did get some relief.  Got out of the boot....it got worse.  Pain was shooting up my leg and the calf muscle was permanently (or so it felt) tight.  Surgery was suggested after enduring months of multiple shots of medication trying to resolve the pain.  It was the longest, dark time in my life.  I was on crutches, stuck in the boot for MONTHS.  Funny thing is walking the the boot, dancing in the boot, was impossible. I gave up

 That was the sad part.  I gave up.  I only understood movement as being jazzercise, walking and working with the trainer.  It was hard to hobble in the boot as my stride (for what little it was) was off.  My whole body ached.  It was suggested that I get regular massages to make it feel better.  It would feel better for the moment but it did not last long.  I did not spend much time out of the boot so I thought I could not try the stretches or movement the massage therapist suggested.  I did not try yoga, I did not try things that I could do.

As I have been working through a program for the last year I am now realizing it was fear stopping me.  Fear of the unknown.  I only knew the movement I was used to.  It was fear of failure.......what happened if I did not successfully do something.  Was I a failure?  That scared me most of all.

I have learned that failure is NOT failure.....it is a stumble along the way.  The true failure is in not trying.  If I hid from life I did not have to try so I did not have to fail.

So, after much time, more surgery and NOT being AFRAID of the exercises the doctor gave me (funny how he should know what is best for me......isn't that what I am paying him for?!) my foot is feeling better.

I have taken time to work through the fear.  I have written many notes and letters to myself in forgiveness.  The list is endless but it started with, I forgive myself for not listening to my body; I forgive myself for not trying the simple exercises ; I forgive myself for not honoring my body with nutrition that it needed to heal; I forgive myself for being afraid to fail; I forgive myself.  I have also taken the time to tell myself how proud I am of my progress.

The best part of all of this......I have been taking the dog for short walks (it has been brutally cold and snowy....and when the snow is almost over her head it is not a great idea to wander too far!).  I have been doing some great mind/body workouts (easy versions with modifications I am comfortable with).  I have gone to the gym to ride the recumbent bike.  I have been stretching and doing the resistance band exercises the doctor gave me....and today I took my first Jazzercise class in 18 months.   It is a start.  I will not be jumping back into 3-4 times per week.  This is baby steps and I will be adding this to the laps I do in the office, stretching, Leslie Sansone's walking off the pounds videos.  I will slowly incorporate all my favorite things into my active daily life.....and now that I have found other things that are just as much fun, I have one helluva repertoire at my beck and call!

It is pretty cool when it all starts to come together.....I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Plodding along........and measuring success

As I mentioned earlier, I have specific goal cards that I look at every day.  I also have a pretty box, that as I achieve my goals (or they have become part of my everyday routine), the goal card will be retired to.  At any given time I can see how far I have come and what has brought a smile to my face!

One goal that I have been working on is drinking more water.  There are times that it is not a challenge at all....I rather enjoy it; then there are the days that I would rather die than look at another glass of that clear, cool beverage.  In any case, that goal card is getting close to being retired...

Retiring the goal cards is one way I am measuring my success.  Another way is realizing changes in my thought process and behavior.  An example.....tonight I ate some crackers; actually quite a few crackers to the point that I am not feeling my best.  In the past, I would have just beaten myself up from the time I finished through the next 100 years!  It would have been a sign of failure and imperfection.  Today, I opened my journal and started writing....and writing.  I could not identify what was bothering me.  I tried writing more and still nothing was coming to mind.  I put my hand over my heart and forgave myself.....'I am sorry that I have not honored my body with food that is good and nourishing; I am sorry that I have mistreated my body; I forgive myself for this and love that I have an opportunity starting right now to honor my body with everything it needs to provide me a successful and active life'

By the time I finished this, it came to me....I had been cleaning out my purse and had a bunch of change that was weighing me down!  I pulled it out and put it in my change jar.  Then I thought, why not empty my bowl that I toss the change into from my coat pockets.  As I dug through there, I found the Navy ring my last boyfriend had given me.  It pulled up some memories that I thought were long exorcised.  I guess not, eh?  I have put the ring away (I can't throw it away.....but I can put it in a safe place that someday I will be able to look at it with fond memories) and did a little more journaling.  I forgive that man, who had so many issues of his own, because he could not be the man I needed him to be.  He could not give me what I needed because he could not take care of himself.  I am not meant to save him, and that is what he wanted from me....he wanted me to take care of all his problems and tell him what to do.  He needs to do that on his own.  I pray that he is well and that he can find his way.......he was a wonderful, caring person who gave many years of his life to serving our country (I think he had issues to work through) and gave one child to the service who was killed in action.  I pray his other 2 boys are safe and sound.

Another measure of success in weight loss is......let's say it together.....the number on the scale!  I am trying not to describe myself or label myself by a number.  There are so many other facets to me.  The number on the scale is a small fraction of what I am about.  Today, the scale did not say what I wanted it to.  In all reality, the previous 2 weeks I had lost 9 lbs (crazy ....I know but when you give up the junk lots of water weight or fluff comes off fast) so I believe that my body is resetting itself.  We are not meant to lose that fast ...it is not safe.

In the past I would have pouted and eaten myself into a sick stupor.  Today I had my meals planned and just plodded along.  What does it prove to punish your body when it does not respond as you want it to?  It really defeats the purpose.  I have to say it was the first time my WW leader disappointed me when she asked if I had been tracking.....chick, you try losing 10 lbs in 2 weeks and see how much your body wants to give up!!  It is a number........just a number.

I am continuing to plan good and healthy meals.  I will continue to move more than I have in the past.  I will acknowledge when my body likes something (making a note to do it again) and make a similar notation for things it does not like (don't do the same thing again expecting different results).  My body is the only one I have.  It is time to treat it like the princess I believe I am.....right?!

Time to fill my water glass......again.  See you all soon!!

Is it failure or is it just our prerogative to change our mind?

One of the goals I have set for myself is to get to the gym to ride the recumbent bike.  No impact, great music on my iPhone, and a killer workout especially if I choose the hills!  But let me start a little in the past....get you caught up on the voices in my head.

I have been taught that it is all or nothing.  Let me say that again......ALL OR NOTHING.  Somehow that does not seem fair.  I am learning that the old attitude of ALL OR NOTHING (aka Perfection) is overrated.  I used to plan to get to the gym on Monday and Wednesday.  Tuesday/Thursday and sometimes Friday was for Jazzercise ........and the weekends were up in the air.  I would play those days by ear.  It was a plan, it was structure.....and in my little world, it was cast in stone.  If I did not meet the schedule I FAILED.  I hate failing......ANYTHING.  I was programmed to be the perfect first born......get good grades, go to the schools I wanted to (to some extent), work hard...that is life.

In the last year, with some help from a friend I met through an online movement program, I have deprogrammed myself of perfection.....well, I am maybe 85% there.  Now, I have a plan; the plan is a living thing that reminds me that THINGS happen to monkey with the schedule.....and that is ok.  It gives me the opportunity to think outside the box AND CHOOSE to try something in place of the schedule.  Really....it erases the failure.  I get to choose; I get to redirect; I get a 're-do' button and it makes me happy.

This past week, Chiberia (aka the Chicagoland area) took away my scheduled appointment with the gym.  It was -14*F with a windchill of -50*F.  That is some kind of cold!  Most places closed.......especially if you did NOT have to be there.  At 5am, I did not HAVE to be at the gym.  It is a choice and it was changed for me.  For the first time in a long time, I took the change as an opportunity to try some strength training.  I did 50 squats and 50 push-ups (my toes were not cooperating so I did some on my knees and others against the wall) BUT I still got some movement.  I did go to work so I had the chance to do laps around the lab.  I had choices and opportunities to do something different and I grabbed it just like I grabbed the gold ring on the carousel growing up.  The 'dobbie horses' or the carousel was always my favorite ride.....it made me smile.

This week, trying different things when getting to the gym was not an option, put a smile on my face.  Seeing my fitbit read that I was putting 4,000+ steps out there (fitbit is a type of pedometer).  Since my foot surgery 18 months or so ago I have not been getting that far.  I STEPPED IT UP.....(pun intended) and I am ok with it.  As a matter of fact I am ecstatic!  I did not allow my injury dictate what I could do.

That is progress!  That is what this new year is about.......trying different avenues when I find a roadblock, trying the different fork in the road......it is about NOT doing the same thing expecting different results.

Yay me!

Shoot for the moon.....and even if I fail I still land among the stars!

Attempting goal #1

One of my goals this year is to try a new recipe every week......at least 1 new recipe a week.  I have so many cookbooks that I have poured over......I salivate over the pictures and dream of making them all.  And that is where it normally ends.

With this new year, I am stepping outside of my box (Lord help me!) and reaching for the stars!  I received the greatest cookbook from my nephew....or so he tells me!  I got Giada De Laurentis's Feel Good Food and it is a signed copy.  I have poured over the book AND selected the recipe; made my shopping list and went to work.

In the past, I have been afraid of different ingredients that alone sound horrible.  An example FOR ME is horseradish.  YUK.  I never get it for prime rib (many people like a good horseradish ...my sinuses don't need to be cleaned out like that!)...so I have avoided recipes with it.  My new attitude is not to be afraid.  Fear will hold me back from some wonderful experiences....right?

The recipe selected is Citrus Slaw with Pork Tenderloin....and yes it has horseradish in it.  Once it was done, it was amazed that IT LOOKED LIKE THE PICTURE IN THE BOOK!  It was easy and delicious.  So here is the recipe:

sliced pork tenderloin and citrus slaw***

slaw:
2 large oranges
1 grapefruit (I used a red one)
1 Tbs safflower or grapeseed oil
1/2 Tbs light agave or honey
1/2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp bottled horseradish
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 small head napa cabbage (about 3 cups)

pork:
vegetable cooking spray
2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 lb pork tenderloin
1 Tbs grapeseed or safflower oil

5 crushed tortilla chips (I did not use these....none in the house!)

for the slaw:  Cut the ends off one of the oranges and ten use the knife to slice off the peel and white pith underneath.  Using a paring knife, and holding the orange in your hand, slice between the membranes to release the segments.  Cut the segments into 1/2 pieces and put into a bowl.  Squeeze the juice from the membranes and reserve.  Repeat wit h the remaining orange and the grapefruit.

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, 1 Tbs of the reserved citrus juice, the agave, vinegar, horseradish, salt and pepper.  Add the citrus segments and cabbage.  Toss until coated.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

for the pork:  Position the oven rack in the center of  the oven and preheat the oven to 400*.  Spray a heavy rimmed baking sheet with the vegetable oil spray.

In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, cayenne pepper and salt.  Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the pork and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.  Transfer the pork to the prepared baking sheet and bake until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 160*F, about 30 minutes.  Allow the meat to rest 10 minutes before slicing into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices.

Divide the slaw among 4 plates.  Arrange the sliced pork on top and sprinkle with the crushed chips.

I was amazed at the flavors.  For a little more punch of color, I added a handful of pomegranate seeds.  YUM!!

So I can say that in week 1 of the new year I have accomplished part of my new goals!!  As I write this, I have a piece of fish in the oven with a crab and goat cheese stuffing.  A little blush vinaigrette to steam it with.  I can't wait for dinner!!

Until next time.......

***De Laurentis, Giada, 2013, Giada's Feel Good Food, ppg 192-193

Goal setting......and making pretty notes to remind me along the way!

Goal setting is important.....if we don't know where we want to go, how can we get there??

I have some goal cards I found.....the template is about the size of a regular post it note.  The rules I use are:

1.  Ask - 'what must I change about myself to achieve this goal'....honesty required!
2.  Imagine what if feels like to achieve this goal
3.  Act like you have achieved it; send the signal to yourself and your surroundings that you are serious!!
4.  Protect your goals from negativity, people who think you are blowing smoke or don't support your dream
5.  Trust, believe and know that life is meant to be abundant.....we deserve everything we can dream!

My current goal cards, all things that are going to push me along to goals I want:

Meditate:  I need ME TIME.  This is time I can journal, relax, focus on goals I am currently working on
Movement:  I promise me, in the next 2 weeks, to get to the gym to ride the recumbent bike for 45 minutes
Food:  Making meals that are good for me, make me feel good (no belching, belly aches, etc) and are tasty
Water:  Recommitting to drinking at least 8- 8 oz glasses of water....(it also helps with the option to move more as I run to the wash room!)

There are more but these are a few I wanted to share today.......

I have put these on post it notes and look at them daily.  I remind myself that I need to review them weekly.  If I don't make the goal, assess why.  With movement, was it bad weather and I could not get to the gym?  Was I lazy and slept in?  Was I afraid of what others would think or say about the girl who came back at the start of the year to make some sort of resolution that is too broad to achieve?  If it is fear, I have to have the self talk......I have just as much right to be at the gym and these people will see someone who is willing to put in the time to work my body.  Another thing, our bodies LOVE to move....when we do are we not rewarded with a better, fitter body?

Another nice thing is once I have achieved the goal, it can go into my box of good things I am thankful for and have something to reflect on later......

Something else I have realized in goal setting........PERFECTION IS OVER-RATED!

Once I allowed myself to not have to compete with everyone else, I felt a huge weight (no pun intended) lifted off my shoulders and psyche.  Being the best me I can be is good enough!!

Well, I should get back to putting my goals and wishes in action.  If I can dream it, I can believe it, it can happen in all parts of life!!

2014...........The year of the??

Happy New Year!  New year, new mantra......

I am learning to love me more.  Self love is where I choose to start.  I say I am comfortable in my own skin, but am I really?  In many cases I think the answer is yes but I know there are many instances where I am afraid.  This is the year to shake off the fear and try.  What is the worst that can happen?  I fail?  I fall?  I don't like whatever it is so choose a different path?

Fear can be paralyzing.  Where does the fear come from?  Self doubt I think.  Lack of confidence.  I know I am a smart cookie and have lots to offer.  So I am throwing fear to the wind......yikes!

I read a post by Chris Powell about setting goals.  We have to be SMART about it.  Do you know what SMART means?

S          Specific

M         Manageable

A          Attaiable

R          Relevant

T          Time-bound

I will be setting goals.......not boring ones....FUN ones.  Life is to be enjoyed.  We (I) need to show my gratitude for the abundance I have.  I need to name my self doubt and tell her (or him) off.....well, at least tell that part of my psyche that I don't have time for the doubt and fear.  The goals will be in all aspects of my life.  Not just about weight and fitness......adding love, fun, and excitement to the mix.

I am going to make these post it goal cards and put them where I can be reminded of them.  When the goal is achieved, it will go in my special box to record all the work, fun and play I have put forth.  It is going to be a year about me and what I need.  What I need physically, emotionally, nutritionally.....all of it will be touched on.

It is going to be an amazing year.  I have my friends to take along on the ride....whether it be by my side or in my heart, you will all be with me as I hit these milestones.

So hang on tight....Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"  `~author unknown