Winter

Even though we have short and mild winters in So Cal, we still have them. This winter I need to get out on my board.

My friends are going to Costa Rica for a surfing holiday. I would love to join them, but not this time. Not to mention I wasn't invited. Haa HAa.

In the mean time I am still doing my belly dancing and my work has me on my feet all day. The result is that I am still losing weight. Even with all the turkey and biscuits around.

Its not that you can't enjoy things as long as you don't over do it. I can say that I have taken my own advice and I did walk the dogs after a big turkey diner. It helped me feel so much better, than if I had just laid around on the sofa.

I have to get ready for work and have to cut this short today. Make sure to drink plenty of water and rest in this busy time of the year.

Always be working

Not that there isn't time to vacation and relax in the evening. I have been trying to find a job for quite a while. Now I have one and would like to keep working.

The other thing I keep working on is keeping active. Last week I did take my own advice and walked the dogs after a big dinner. It wasn't easy but it worked and I felt better afterwards. This week with my new job I will be on my feet quite a bit. Something I have not done in years.

Even with all the big meals I have lost a few pounds. Which will make it easier to be on the sales floor. The less I weigh the less stress on my legs. Still a bit sore but not bad.

The other thing I need to work on is getting back in the ocean, the confines of my car and how far I can drive it has been in the way. Instead of complaining I went to find out how much it would be to fix it. The house needs more work and with being busy again it helps me do even more and get going.

The other thing I have to work on is making sure my man and I have good lunches to take to work. With only a half hour for work the need to warm something up and go is imperative. Since I haven't had to worry about that for a long time, so I forgot how nice it is to have a good home made meal to eat, rather than take out.

I also need to be more bold and smile more. I caught a look at myself in the mirror. What I thought was a smile was more like a half smile/frown. Great, some thing else to work on.

Active

While the holidays are here with the big meals and calories just waiting for you, which is why people diet in January, why not nip this in the bud?

It seems that people over indulge then hurry up and go back to the gym to lose the weight. Why not slow down on the meals. Then there is not the panic to lose tons of pounds.

Take a walk with your dogs as the turkey or ham cooks. Could you maybe walk after the meal? If your family is driving you nuts this may be the break you need. It could also burn off that extra diner roll you had.

If you can't get out to take a walk with too many people to entertain, then when they go home, take a power walk. Not in the mall, on the street. Did you get those shape-up sneakers you wanted? Then use them. I have mine, bought them in the spring, and I wear only those when I walk the dogs, it helps.

Going to buffet? I have been going to a lot of Sunday brunches, and still losing weight. Pick up some fruit and salad, seafood also helps. Oysters on the half shell only have a few calories, so they are a good choice.

Keeping an active life style means more than hitting the gym once in a while. Just getting up from the TV and walking can help. It helps brighten your mood and helps keep the pounds from adding up. Why be like some many others that eat turkey in front of the ball game? Hopefully you hit the slopes or the beach before the meal and can now sit and watch the ball game.

Find ways to keep going, whatever you do, don't just sit there. Shopping does not count as cardio.

Warehouse deals

I know I saw some of you guys out there last night, at the O'Neil sale in Irvine. Its become a tradition of sorts to go and snap up the good deals.

In the last month I have been to a few of them. One in Downtown LA and the other was last night. The great part about that was a friend had broken his scags off his surf board and he needed a new board. This is an old school board I am talking about where the scag was molded into the board. Yes it can be fixed. With the new boards the scags are removable and can be replaced as needed. Which of course, is why they were changed from the molded ones.

All this maybe news to some and old hat to others. One thing is for sure, I am so happy my friend got his new board. I haven't been out much do to car problems. Once that is fixed I can break in a new board myself.

Its been mentioned in my tweets that I sometimes feel bad about being so thrifty and going to these sales. Recently I was at the Juicy Couture store and saw a t-shirt for 88.00. Are they Kidding? In this economy who can afford that? I suppose some one. I will stick to my 5.00 or 10.00 t-shirts thank you very much.

This last year has taught me to be content with less, some have much less than I do and I need to be happy with what I have. If you haven't found out about these sales, then find them. It will help your pocket book and keep you stylish at the same time.

RIP Andy

This week the surfing world lost a very great talent in Andy Irons. He was only 32 years old. I will not try to name all his achievements here. You can 'Google' that on your own.

When some one younger than me dies and with all he had done, it makes you think. What have I done with my life? Its not that I am lazy or that I haven't done anything. It makes me glad for all the things I have done.

Right now I am trying to get a job, what can I do? I know about books, motorcycles and make-up. Some about boards, but I would not be so bold to try to work at a surf shop.

I do know about parts and I can run air-filters around if need be. Its been nice learning about all kinds of industries. While I can't claim to be an expert I at least have a working knowledge of things. This is not to be a resume, just looking back at my life, at least I have made an effort to learn things and have interesting conversations. That has been my goal.

So what can I learn from Andy? He worked hard and he could really rip! He was a gifted athlete and seemed like a nice guy. Too bad I never got to meet him, but there are surf videos that showcase his work. I may have to buy one now, because we wont be able to see him at Pipe Masters this year.

Moving

There was an program in the 90s where a woman would yell, "You have to eat, you have to drink, you have to move." She was trying to say eat well, and exercise.

The flaw in her plan, she had surgery to look that good. No one really big could look like her by going to the gym alone.

I have gone to Pilate's for years and never made the progress I have with belly dancing. I love to dance and it helps so much when you love to do something. Otherwise you end up on the treadmill and hating every minute of it.

To keep moving it has also helped to have goals. One of the things that has helps me it to book myself at showcases to keep me dancing. Once I have a date I can work towards it with new vigor. Without that I would just go to class and that's about it. When I am working up and act, I will dance all week long.

What ever you love to do, surfing, biking, walking the dogs, paddle boarding, do it with passion. Other wise you might as well be moving on the treadmill.

Ocean scene

The summer has come and gone. My beetle was not working that great and still isn't. That has put a damper on my surfing and general beach going.

Yesterday I was able to go back to the beach sit in a chair and watch as the sun was going down. My idea of heaven. I had some snacks and even...shhh! a beer. I might go again tomorrow and if I do then I will take my dogs with me.

Last week I found a great deal at the farmers market on some oysters. I brought them home and we shared them with friends. The fresh taste of the oysters reminds me of the ocean mist. Like the first taste of salt water on my face.

It was a great time and I love that there was hardly anyone there. Just a few surfers and us. Then it was on to my Fave Store Hi-Times beer and wine. Check out the bargains at the back of the store, going into the beer cooler department. Close-outs at some great deals.

I won't be at my normal beer garden this week, but back next week. Only a few more, and summer time fun is over.

Every year

It seems every year they have the US Open at Huntington and there isn't great surf. I heard the surf report and said to myself, "there is going to be a lot of the 'Huntington Hop' going on.

For those that don't know its the style of surfing that the Huntington boys have been doing for decades. When the surf is a bit sloppy they bounce and create a bit more wave than is really there. Helps make the most of the ride.

I am not good at that and just ride it in. This week after the contest is long gone and its supper hot and full moon, there is good surf. For the boys that stayed around a while, its perfect.

The contests have to be done on certain days, not just according to the good waves. Some times there is nothing really much to surf, of course for the pro, its his job to make it anyway.

Every year with the bad surf of summer people try to learn to ride a board. They don't know that the real waves are in the fall and winter. As a result they stop by the fall just as the real waves kick in. That's when I get back out there. I want to go to beach tomorrow, just for fun. I have to go to the beach in the summer, every year.

Back to the drawing board

I have still been recovering from my procedure earlier this summer. It was not a success so I can't get back in the water just yet.

I couldn't not be more disappointed. I have been doing my walks and my belly dancing route. As for the rest it will have to wait. Not that I really mind since I like to go to the beach when its empty.

As for my dancing it makes me happy and I love that I can dance alone in belly dancing. I give it up to the women that dance in troupes and trios. For me I have dance alone and just bust a move.

In the last week I printed out my book project and made it into a book for my friend. After all this time it was so great to see it in a book form. As for now i want to keep up my dancing. It does inspire my writing. This summer has not been by the beach, its been in the house listening to music on YouTube. I feel like a spoiled teenager.

The good things, I have still been walking my dogs and still dancing. Since I have not been on my board it will be back to the drawing board for me. Not bad, it could be worse.

Ocean

Last Sunday I was able to go down to the beach. I haven't been in so long. When asked which way I wanted to walk on the shore line, my answer was, straight. As into the ocean.

I couldn't wait for that first step into the water, the shock of it being so cold. There is nothing like it. It was in the afternoon when the temperature difference is bigger. In the early am it almost feels warm, since you are cold and so is the water.

I have always been a beach girl. When I lived with my father land locked for a summer, I was so blue. I could stand having the ocean be a whole state away. I still sunbathed like normal, and everyone thought I was crazy.

The ocean has been more of a close friend that I have to visit to keep up with. In the summer I get disturbed by all the visitors. I get spoiled in the winter when its just the surfers and hardly anyone else for miles. It gets to the norm to have miles of sand to look at in either direction. The sand is cold but still comforting and easy to mold into my shape. With my Ipod and something to read....bliss. My friend always agrees with me. So easy to get a long with, why wouldn't I go back every week? Its been too long and I promise to get back soon.

Summer 2010

When we were young summer was all about sleeping in and then laying at the beach all day. Maybe laying by the pool and 'working on our tan', meaning letting the sun burn us to a crisp.

If that was your summer. Sometimes there was summer school. I had that once, not to make up for what I had missed but to keep my mother from spending too much on day care. That was such a thorny subject as a child.

We went though many baby-sitters. It was hard on my mother, being a single mom. What she needed was day care while she worked, for years. All year long, it was not easy to come by. Which was why we ended up latch-key kids.

I still want care free days. In stead I have dogs and chickens and a house to take care off. I can't complain. At least not too much. Since I also have a car and I can go to beer garden and get a good spot. I have yet to go to the beach. Something I need to remedy soon. The Ocean is calling me and I need to answer with my board, my SPF 45 or higher and my towel. Summer 2010 is still here.

Step up

In the last few weeks I have not been myself. This last Monday I thought I could jump right into my belly dancing class and I would be fine.

As it was I did keep up, was I alright? Not really, I was sore and really tired later. The next day we took the dogs out for a walk. I did not do my 4 miles,just 2 this time.

I have to face facts, I can't just step up to my old routine. Not just yet. Taking it slow is the only way I can do this. Its not easy to admit to and its not fun to make this realization.

No what? I have been having fun reading some of the novels I have bought and never read. It was sad to hear of the passing of Harvey Pekar, I have one of his graphic novels, that I have never opened, let alone read. It maybe time to pull that out.

There is plenty to do around the house, I have been making Strawberry Jam and Oven Dried tomatoes in olive oil. This has been fun and handy. With my pasta I have a nice appetizer. With my crepes I have my jam as a nice filling.

No I have not abandon my exercise routine, just slowed down for my body to catch up. As it is with this heat wave no exercise past 10 am is recommended. Tomorrow, early with the dogs and it will be fine.

Recovery

In the last few weeks I have not had it in me to be 100% in my regular exercise routine.

Leading up to getting my procedure done I was very active. I wanted my recovery to go well. It has, I still can't do everything I want to, but it has been OK.

I don't have a broken leg, so I will still walk. I need to take it easy and make sure I don't over do it. The night before I did my belly dance class. I took a hot bath afterwards.

Whatever we do, make sure that exercise is part of your routine. The road to recovery can be hard on us all. It is worth the effort to still do part of the same things you have always done.

The next part will be working up the pace I was before. Its been nice to slow down for a while. I have been reading a book and watching movies that I love. It was nice to have an in-home spay retreat. That's the best way I can think of it.

Good Bye

There are times we have to say good bye to things. It seems to be sad at the time, but it can be for the good.

When were are little we have to say good-bye to baby blankets and Binky's. Later we have to say good-bye to crying when we get a shot, or other childish ways. Some of us don't and everyone can see we are still being a child. It looks bad at 25 and even worse at 50.

As we age we have to say good by to our young bodies and grown to love the new one. Even if it doesn't' allow us to do the things we used to. Its not fun and its not easy, we can grow older gracefully, if we try,

I have been saying good bye to all the old pounds that had been sticking around for years. That has been a great feeling.

Now I have to say good bye to a part of me I have loved and hated. It will be a good thing and while it won't be easy, in the end it will be better for me. I love my body and I love being a girl/woman. I am a little scared, and a little sad to tell the truth. But in the end, I'm not going to miss it in the least.

So I say good bye to this part of my life and look forward to the next chapter.

There Yet?

I try my best to keep active and take care of my dogs by walking them. In the last few weeks I have lost 5 lbs. The truth is, I need to lose like 40 more pounds to be at a good weight for myself and my health.

I am no where close to where I need to be. It can be like that in other areas in my life as well. In the last few years I have had a lot of financial set backs. I am no where near where I should be. I have been looking for jobs and have an interview next week. I don't know where I will get the energy to do the things I need to, but some how I will try to get it all done.

As far as my book goes, I am no where near to having it published and I really wanted to have that done by now and be moving on to my next project. I haven't even been working on anything new, not until I can get this 1st project off the ground.

It has not been easy getting knocked down in business dealings and it makes you feel like you are taking ten steps back. As I try to move forward with my goals there are other road blocks and they have to be dealt with. Like, how do you help your family when you don't have a job to contribute money to the bills? It makes you feel useless and as I have said before that is why its called a depression. When you feel so low, how do you find the courage to go out and promote yourself as a good employee?

For myself I have to write down my good qualities and that is hard. I am hard on myself and I think about all the things I have to do better and not about the things I do well. Still I write down, Things I like about me today. In that I can find some redeemable things that will make a good writer, employee and friend. Am I there yet? Not by a long shot. I just keep walking straight ahead.

Need to get back

The summer is coming and for tourist and beach bunnies, this is the time you think of surfing. Real surfers think of it all year long. Since I am still not that great at it, it can be a good time for me, when the surf is not that high.

The fact is that last year I had the pups to take care of and then I had to help close a shop. My garage has been such a mess I have not even been able to get my board out of the back. Now I can, so I need to get back out there.

In the mean time I have been keeping up with my walking and my belly dancing. Both help with my core, so I don't have to feel like I am balancing on my belly and have it feel like being on a bowling ball. Not fun and it doesn't make paddling out easy.

Yes its been too long and I need to get out there again. I really want to as well. All this is to keep me active and in shape as I get older. Its also a lot of fun. I have other goals I have been working on as well and it all helps out. The best is tasting the salty water in my mouth and smelling it in my hair. I can't wait.

Good tired

I have been reaching my goal of 12 miles a week with the dogs. My stamina is being built. Today I was too tired to get out. Not that I won't later. I just have other things to do.

It has been satisfying to get tired knowing I am doing something that is good for me and my dogs. When I am walking and listening to my Ipod, I feel good about myself.
The new shoes are working out great. They are so comfortable and yes my legs look better. I try not to get too caught up in the song and sing out loud, that is for home, while I watch You Tube.

It has been inspiring to see other performances and to try to improve my own. As I work towards my goals it all helps.

All this walking and my dancing makes me good and tired. I slept in today, not that I wanted to, I just couldn't get up. That the good thing about being unemployed, I don't' have to been anywhere on time. The other thing that is good is having the time to do research and find other music to use. Since the dogs are nice and tired its nice and quite when I need to work. Tired can be a good thing when you know you have worked hard to get there.

Giving things up

I love to do a good spring cleaning and purging the closets and cleaning up. I usually do a good cleaning of the house just before I do some writing project. It helps me to just concentrate on my writing knowing the house is not falling apart around me.

Other friends of mine have been giving up junk food. It seems like something small, but with all the sugar in the food it saves a lot of calories you don't need. If you do that and then go back to junk food it isn't fun. You may realise how badly it makes you feel.

There are other things we have to leave give up. Old clothes is one. On a recent trip I was able to pick up some much needed new clothes. The old ones, I can not wait to get ride of. I have been limping along with old skirts that don't fit and therefore do not flatter. I have things that look good one me right now and I haven't had that feeling in a while. I have been content with what I had and just made due. I had forgotten how nice it is to have something new and works. It may seem silly, but last year was so bad, and other than some t-shirts bought at sample sales I have not had anything new in a long time.

There are good reasons for giving things up every once in a while. We can't give everything away, but some things yes. A friend of mine gives me her surplus of cosmetics every once in a while, I usually get enough to share with even others. Waste not want not, its not just for decoration on a pillow. What things can you do without that some one else might really need?

Cold Spring

So far this year in So Cal we keep getting rain and cold. I love what it does for my lawn and flowers. My allergies have taken a beating.

With my goals of walking the dogs a lot, it has put a stop to some of that. I did take them out on Monday and Tuesday morning, before it started to rain. It did help to get time tired. If it doesn't rain tomorrow I will take them out again.

One of the benefits is that the house is nice and peaceful and I can get things done. It was hard to cook a whole turkey with them in the kitchen yesterday. (left over since November, when the price was discounted.) It was still manageable. Since I am still unemployed, making meals that stretch has been a necessity. One of the good things about being home, is having the time to make these meals.

The other thing about being home is also getting to the projects you have been putting off. Monday started my spring cleaning effort. If the job situation stays the same I could be done in record time. With a full time job it takes me a month of Wednesday evenings to finish. I am not a neat freak by any stretch of the imagination, but every once in a while, it feels great to purge. What ever your projects are. Planting new tomatoes or lawns, I hope all the rain helps! It might be a cold spring, but its so good for us.

Keep going

In the next two months I will have a performance to get ready for. The great thing is that I am well on my way to being ready. Only because I have been walking, been taking my belly dance classes all along.

No one can just jump up and run a marathon. While it can seem pointless at times and we all get blue, if we stick to our routines we can reach our goals. If I didn't have my dogs and they didn't need to be walked I wouldn't have my motivation to get going. When they are walked and happy the house is quite and I can do my writing.

Keeping up my walking has helped me feel better about myself when things have seemed like they are crashing in on me. Having to see the shop I worked at close down due to the economy made me feel blue as well. All this doesn't help you feel like getting out there.

Now that I have a new goal and I have been walking and dancing I know I will look good for the performance. With out my routine where would I be? In bed with a bottle of wine feeling sorry for myself? I have to add another piece of the puzzle, I do pray. Others don't and I respect that, for me as I walk my dogs I take time to thank God for all the good things I have. It helps to keep my attitude positive.

So even if you don't pray, if you get out and do some sort of exercise, you will feel better. And don't we need that to keep going?

Recoup

This last week I have had a cold and I have been unable to do my walks, or belly dance and no surfing.

The only to do is recoup and stay in, drink juice and take my cough syrup. Not much fun. On the other hand, I have been doing so much, Its nice to take it easy for a while. Since I don't have a job I have the luxury of time to get better.

That may all be going away soon, and while I have a projects I wished I had finished, the thing is I need to get paid. The spring cleaning projects I have planned can still get done, I just can't spend all day on them. Weekend projects for now.

With all the walking I have been doing my feet have really taken a beating, so its nice for them to get a rest as well. At night I put on a heavy cream to help them heal. This week I have also had time to do some writing and that makes me feel good. Its true when you lose your job it makes you question your worth, there is nothing to be done but heal from that. It has taken me months, and only after getting out there and walking and doing other things that make me feel good, do I have the courage to keep going.

There are nice things about being home all the time, and taking care of the house. Its just that doesn't pay the bills and sooner or later we all have to pull up our socks and get out there.

Long Road

Its has not been easy trying to finish 12 miles a week. It has not been easy trying to keep my diet good and my weight down. I have been able to see the results and that makes it better.

I keep going back to the fact that all of this is necessary. It helps the dogs to be calmer, which makes my man happier and it helps me keep in shape. Since I am not working it has been easy for me to want to sit at home and play with YouTube rather than get up and exercise.

If I kept that up it would really undo all the hard work I put in last year, and that would not help anyone. Since I have been out, I take that time, almost 2 hours to think about what I will do next. I need to get a job, that is clear and in the mean time I have been cooking up some nice dishes for the family.

I have many miles on my legs, not just from the recent walks but from years ago, when I was still in high school and my friends would see me running after school. I have walked all over Europe and even in Mexico. I would love to do more travel. It is safe to say I have miles more to go. Its a long road and with my dogs at my side, it makes the road less lonely.

Its not as if I have help in getting out there. I have to do that for myself. It takes time and planning, and there are other things I have to do in my day. I think about it and then I talk about it, then I get out there and do it. Its not easy, and I have the blisters to prove it. In the end when its done, then I see it was all worth it. I say this so no one thinks, 'sure she can do it, but I can't'. We all can, we just have to put out the effort.

Walking

This week I have not made it to my 12 mile goal, but the week is not over yet.
There have been other things going on and a huge garage project underway.

The great thing about walking my dogs is that they get so happy. They run for the door and while the younger ones haven't learned yet to be still while I put on their leash, they are happy to get going. Dogs are the best motivation for walking, since they want so badly to sniff and see were all the other dogs live and are so nice and relaxed when they are finished.

I have been able to get a lot more done around the house without them barking and making a fuss in the back yard. Sure I wish I had the time to walk them everyday, but it takes too much time. I take them for an hour walk, and since I have two sets its about two hours each time I take them.

The other great thing is that I get out of the house, not just watch TV but walk around. I get to know my neighborhood better and I feel better afterwards. Last week I was really tired and I got some blisters on my feet. This week I have done some of the walks and feel better, my stamina is building. I really don't have anything bad to say about this whole idea of getting out there and walking your dogs. That's why dogs rule, cats just look at you like you need to do something for them. Dogs do something for you, like run to the leashes and then look at you, as if to say, "Its time for a walk again? right?" Its all the motivation I need.

12 miles

In the last week I have made a concerted effort to walk my dogs more. It helps to stop them getting bored and digging or other things.

I have been taking out the pups with the parents, so the older ones can teach the younger ones the ropes. It has been working out pretty good. Maddy the redhead likes too look around and the traffic is all new to her. So is the idea that cars can hurt. She made a dash for the road that scared me to bits. She is fine and I got her back on her leash with the help of my neighbors.

Crackers is like my little 'hippy' girl and wants to run in the grass and see what this and that is. She takes a while to stop and smell the roses. Much to the dismay of her father that is all about the business of marking the trees and posts with his scent.

In all it has been great and since the route we take is 2 miles long and I have to take out two at a time, the result is a 4 mile walk every day. So far I have completed 12 miles this week. I had to take off today since I have a blister on my foot. All the dogs are happy and contented right now, the house is quite. It was worth every bit of effort.

Chips Please

Since I have been off my game I have also been eating baldy again. Comfort foods and not caring about my diet as much. As a result I have gained back some weight.

Not great news, but I know I can lose it again. How? Go back to the diet I was keeping and just dance. In the last few weeks I have been on YouTube and found a lot of old songs I used to dance to. What can I do but crank it up and get dancing? It will make me look and feel better.

Just going back to class made me feel great. I can also get the dogs out and take them for a walk, that costs nothing. Do we need fancy gyms? It is nice to have a teacher correct you so you can make sure you are doing things right. Then you can keep it in mind when you are home.

Without a job and any kind of schedule in my life it has been hard to keep with my routine's. I will have to make up a new one. One that includes my dancing and makes me feel better about myself. Otherwise how will I have the confidence to get out there and get a job again? How will I take care of my family and my dogs, maybe even help a friend if I am too down to get out of bed, or the house?

OK so I ate some chips and some junk food, it's not the end of the world. I didn't gain that much and I can lose it again. Not all is lost and I will keep going back to my classes and sign up to do another performance. That will help keep me in shape.

More Dancing

This last winter I have really been off my game. I have not been to my belly dancing class as much and I have not had time to surf.

This last Monday I went back to class. It was just what I needed. The last few months have been so depressing for me. I have not wanted to whine about it and I even missed a few blogs, because I couldn't find anything good to write about.

This week, after my class I found the inspiration for my next dance. It feels so good to see it all come together. I rediscovered a song I had loved before and now I am totally obsessed by it. It helps to be passionate about what you are doing.

There is a band I like and they always are so jubilant when they start their albums. Every time they come out with a new CD, the first song and they are dropping bombs and are so happy. It is just sheer joy and I listen to them a lot when I am going to the beach and I have my board with me. It makes me feel like I can do anything.

It has not been easy with suddenly being unemployed and feeling as if I don't have anything really important to do. Dancing is not going to save me, I am too old to be a professional dancer now. It just helps to get the blood flowing and help me think of my next performance. It also helps the think there are good things still left to accomplish.

Wishes

It has been said to be careful what you wish for. For years I wanted to be able to work at home and do my writing. I was able to do that, its just not that easy.

Its so difficult to keep my mind on what I need to do every day. I have my dogs and my chickens, I could spent time playing with the dogs. There is always something on TV and oh yes, I am in front of the computer with the Internet and I could spent loads of time on You Tube or whatever.

I could journal or do 'research' otherwise known as window shopping on the Internet on subjects and clothes that find my fancy. Since I am the only one that knows how much I really work, its so easy to mess around. In my recent tweets I keep talking about doing my paper work, just as a way of being accountable to some one. See I'm really working hard, and if I wasn't I would have the time stamp to show just how long ago I said something about working hard.

Is it the freedom that I wanted or just to stay home? A little of both. Its nice not to be in my old office and smell like smoke when I come home. (My old boss was a heavy smoker.) It is nice to go to the kitchen for lunch and pull out left overs. Its nice to pet my dogs and take a break with them.

In the end its not bad, as long as I don't run to the store everyday and I don't go visit friends that are moms and at home. Trips to the book store are kept to a just a few and the mall is forbidden except on weekends. That one I keep very well, I know the damage I can do in one day and I go when I have permission.

As for my exercise, I can clear the living room of dogs and turn on a belly dance DVD. That and a good breakfast get me going, once I get done dancing I can really get to work. So far I have been able to get things done, that's a plus.

Keeping it up

The last few weeks, ok, the last month we have been taking down all the old items in my old place of work. I am now unemployed and I have to say I have been very depressed.

In this mode I have to some how find the motivation to be upbeat and present myself well in a job interview. Now, when I have been at my lowest I have to think about where to go, what to do and not just sit on the sofa and drink wine at 10 am. Its not easy. I have to say I do just want to sleep all day.

What do you do about it? Try going back to the gym, at least work out some of the stress. As you work out, even if its just taking the dogs for a brisk walk, it can help to clear your head. As you walk and get some fresh air you start to think about other possibilities. Sitting and watching TV does nothing to inspire you. If you go to the park or to the beach and just take some time to think, you can come up with one idea, at least.

Also just get out that old exercise DVD, we all have at least one, and use it. Get the blood back to your brain and see if it helps. Maybe list all the things you are good at, "Today this is what I like about me:" and write it down. Can you at least cook a good meal? That is an everyday need and it feels good. Did you help a friend in the last week? That was a good thing. Yes we all feel blue, that's why its call a "Depression" and yes we may need to have a 'good-cry'. That's normal, and fine. After you have had it out, watched a sad film, move on. Keep up your good eating habits, take a walk and get back out there. It will only feel better if you keep it up.

Rainy days

Okay we are still in winter and the ground hog says six more weeks. Great what can we do now?

After this rain we currently have, I will be planting my tulips for spring. the ground should be nice and soft and still a bit damp. There is a Vintage Expo I am going to with my girlfriends tomorrow and that should be fun.

Still keeping up with my dancing which will help me be lighter on my board when I take it out next. There are so many things to be done before the weather drys up. Why not take time to clean out a cupboard to freshen up your linens?

I need to wash my dogs, but I will wait till the rain is done. Other wise they will be nice and clean just to go out in the rain and get muddy again. Other things to do while indoors, arts and crafts. Get out some poster paint and let the kids go to town with finger painting. It washes off and they can get their energy out in a fun way and not by running around the house chasing each other.

For those of us with out kids, it maybe a good time to do some scrap booking or other projects. I say all this since I have been blue and have been trying to find some thing nice and fun to do, so I don't go crazy. I really want to be out on my board and relaxing. I have had too much stress and I need a vacation, I had really wanted to go to a writers conference but didn't have the money. There is nothing like reading a good book it all else fails.

Dog's life

In the last few weeks I have to clean up a shop, have people take their projects home, try to keep my sanity and take care of my dogs.

The two girls, Maddy and Crackers Morven, had to get fixed. They are fine and healed up nicely.

My oldest dog Gwennie is not and we are helping her to feel better. She is not part of the family, with the other dogs and being older she is being left out. She is going to get a nice bath tonight, so will the others, just not together.

People always feel that a dogs life is so easy. I feel that Gwennie is going through a ruff time right now and she is blue, so she needs extra attention. The younger girls are still growning up and yet they already had to go under the knife. Yes it is best for all that they do, but they aren't even a year old yet.

Sure they get to have day time naps and I am happy for them, they get stressed every once in a while. They will be back to normal and their routine, which they and I need. A good walk helps us all and they will be happy again. With all the rain they got a bit stir-crazy. Sure my dogs don't have to get taxes ready and they don't have to earn money, so great for them. I guess a dogs life, not so bad.

New Year New Goals

Many people use the new year as a time to start a diet, finish a book or start one.
For me I think of the fall as the new year, so I went and did 12 weeks of concentrating on my diet and exercise routine. In that 12 weeks I lost 10 pounds.

So yes you can too. If you are starting with the new year, than keep it up. Even if some weeks you don't feel like its working or you don't lose any weight, keep on going. The next week you might drop 4 pounds instead of 2.

There are many things open to you. If you are not in the freezing cold you can walk for exercise right now. The dogs need to get out and so do you. It keeps you and them fit.Find something that is inexpensive to do, like bike riding or swimming in the ocean. That is free. Keep stocking up good foods. Yes it does cost more to eat well. Sorry, cheep food is not as good. Look for sales on produce and scan the meats, some times there are great deals to be had.

In my efforts to eat better I find when I do, I think better, happier and more positive thoughts. If I eat junk food I think mean, depressing thoughts. So boil up some fresh chicken and make chicken salad with good wheat bread. Your body and mind will thank you. You will be nicer to be around, truly.

Whatever your goals are, stick to them. Only with a lot of effort will you see results. There is no pill or drink that will help you be fit. Only hard work and sweat, but then again its all worth it.