tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57811318180440351712024-02-08T09:02:59.393-08:00Patty's Healthy JourneyPattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-22880538818320935462014-02-16T11:36:00.001-08:002014-02-16T11:36:30.749-08:00Signing Off for a Few WeeksHi Everyone,<br />
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You have noticed that my normal weekly posts have dwindled and I apologize. I am going to have to sign off for awhile because between business travel, business demands on my time, personal travel, and plans, I simply have to give myself some time back. I will miss talking with you each week and hope that I can reconnect with you when things get a little less crazy for me.<br />
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Wishing you a continued focus on your health and happiness!<br />
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Desire to find balance. Dedication stay connected. Discipline to come back around.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-13427081291617529632014-02-02T11:40:00.001-08:002014-02-02T11:40:14.835-08:00The Refreshed Admirals ClubI am sitting in the San Diego Admirals Club. It has always been a small club, not one of their top clubs for sure. They have just finished a remodel and it looks quite refreshed. <br />
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They are now offering complimentary wine and beer, which I do not drink on most trips (too many empty calories), but they are also offering complimentary iced tea, which I love!<br />
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I am so happy that they are offering choices that are healthier. They still offer the killer pretzel snack mix and yogurt covered pretzels, which are not on my approved list AND they are now offering fresh veges. Today's selection includes celery, carrots and cherry tomatoes. They also have a wonderful bowl of fresh apples (both red and green) and oranges. Each piece of fruit is wrapped in plastic wrap. Hurray! Munchies that I can snack on and enjoy guilt free.<br />
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Of course, I have to engage all my will power and avoid the cookies too. Which I will do today.... :-)<br />
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I will be on a plane during the Super Bowl, so I have an automatic reason why I will not be eating game food today. <br />
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Desire to travel healthy. Dedication to not feel deprived. Discipline to not touch the cookies!Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-50344392833221913772014-01-26T10:15:00.000-08:002014-01-26T10:15:09.370-08:00Haggis and NeepsI know it sounds like a new pair of cartoon characters, but it is actually a delicious Scottish dish. Last night Allen and I attended the annual Robbie Burns dinner. He is the poet laureate for Scotland who lived in the 1700s. He is best known for writing the song we sing on New Year's Eve, Auld Lang Syne.<br />
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Anyway, you get a bunch of men in full kilt regalia, add in whiskey tasting, bagpipes and highland dancing and you have a fun night! They always serve haggis and neeps as the appetizer. It actually is quite delicious. Haggis is similar to sausage but they incorporate oats. Neeps is short to turnips and they serve them mashed. I also ordered the salmon instead of the beef, way fewer calories for sure!<br />
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It is fun to have different tastes from different cultures to spice up the palate. I have been eating REALLY clean and low calorie, so last night was a bit of a departure. I was very modest with my portions, avoided the alcohol and had only a tiny portion of the trifle served at desert. All in all, a successful evening from a nutrition perspective. <br />
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I keep reminding myself to eat less, feel hungry and embrace greater health! How are you doing?<br />
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Desire to eat less. Dedication to love hunger. Discipline to move more.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-42675836931161652562014-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:002014-01-19T09:52:11.482-08:00Complete Vocal Rest - It's a Crack Up!Happy Sunday. I have had an interesting couple of weeks. 2 weeks ago today I went to bed because I didn't feel well. No big dramatic symptoms, just not feeling well. That was followed by a week of a dry cough. Then I flew to Dallas on a business trip last Monday. Then my symptoms blossomed into nasal congestion. <br />
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Then something happened to me that has not ever happened to me before. On Wednesday, the 15th, I woke up, met my co-worker downstairs for brekkie, opened my mouth to say good morning, and nothing came out. It was the strangest awareness to realize I could not communicate vocally! <br />
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I had to deliver a leadership workshop that afternoon, so I asked for a microphone and whispered my way through the 2 hours. It was odd for sure.<br />
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I flew home Friday morning (still no voice) and went straight to an ear, nose, throat specialist. She assessed me and assured me that there was nothing "scary" going on with my vocal chords, no polyps or tumors, etc "just" swollen vocal chords. I am being treated for a sinus infection and laryngitis. The treatment for laryngitis is complete vocal rest until the voice is "restored an normalized". <br />
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This morning (day 5 of no voice) I can make a bit of a croaking or barking noise, but still no actual voice. The temptation is to power out a sound but the doctor assured me that this would be damaging to the vocal chords and to not speak until my voice is both restored and normalized. <br />
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Why am I sharing this with you? I see great parallels to a healthy journey. It is another example of needing to take care of ourselves, even if we are tempted to do the opposite. It is tempting to "diet" for awhile and then begin eating things that may not be in our best interest. What is true and real is that we have to honor ourselves and make good choices for all time to come. It is not enough for me to rest my voice for a few days, I have to honor that discipline and wait until my voice is fully restored. It is actually really tough being quiet. I know the universe is having a good laugh over this. Anyone who knows me, realizes that I am quite verbal! :-)<br />
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Another day/week/month, another chance to practice making the best right choices to honor myself!<br />
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Desire to get my voice back. Dedication to heal fully. Discipline to stay silent.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-9783232186908401562014-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:002014-01-05T19:38:06.729-08:00Change Your Mind, Change Your LifeWelcome to 2014! It is an overused rant, but SERIOUSLY how did it get to be 2014 already! Another year has flown by. So many folks are making resolutions. Forbes magazine said that a scant 8% of those who make a resolution actually achieve them. My trainer on Saturday said she made 2 resolutions on New Year's Eve and had broken both of them already (no sugar and always being nice to her clients). :-)<br />
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At my restorative yoga class on Friday evening, (I wish you could all go with me it is a slice of heaven!), Flossie, the teacher extraordinaire, was talking about taking the opportunity in class to let 2013 fall away into the past; to let go of everything you thought you should have done (shed weight? exercise more? drink less? etc.) and to set your intention for how you want to live your best life in the year to come. I love how she shares her thoughts and lets them flow for us all to hear. It makes sense for me to let go of last year. If you never let go of the shore, you will not be able to reach the other side (of life)!<br />
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So, instead of thinking about making a resolution, what can you think about in a different way to help you achieve your personal vision to be the very best healthiest person you can be???<br />
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For me, my 2014 intention is to spend more time being hungry. When we are hungry, we are burning available fuel from our bodies. I know I have abundance of available fuel!!!<br />
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So, when I feel the physical sensation of hunger, I will reach for something to drink, most likely water or tea, and wait for the initial sensation to pass. When the hunger rears it's head again, maybe then I will feed it. We just have to change our minds about hunger. It is a good sensation, not one to be avoided. <br />
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So, here's to reducing the abundance of available fuel on my body. <br />
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Desire to have a fabulous and fit 2014. Dedication to paying attention to my physical sensations. Discipline to delay gratification when I feel hunger.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-30371434007750374002013-12-27T09:49:00.001-08:002013-12-27T09:59:29.225-08:00#GratitudeI am sitting with my husband this morning completely overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the blessings in my life. He is hooked up to a cryo therapy (ice) machine that is accelerating his healing from knee surgery yesterday. He had a meniscus tear repaired. He is doing fabulously! I am so grateful for so many things. <br />
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First of all, for his strong baseline health. He takes very good care of himself and is strong and healthy. So, even though he tore his meniscus, he is in awesome shape. <br />
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Next for the fact that we have good health insurance and can select the finest surgeon to fix his knee. Thank you Dr. Tallman.<br />
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Next, for my Mom, who sat with me during his surgery. It was so nice to have her company!<br />
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Next, for my sister who provided healing homeopathic therapy to speed his healing process.<br />
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Next, for the abundance in our lives so that we can afford to buy the cryo therapy machine, which is not covered by insurance, but is considered to be the gold standard in rehab therapy. <br />
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Next, for my parents who made Allen his favorite meal, homemade pasta, so he could enjoy it as soon as he was home and propped up for healing. <br />
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Next, for the healing love in the Christmas cookies Mom and Dad brought him for further "pain: medication!<br />
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Next, that I work for a company who is happy to give me a few days off so I can be by Allen's side during his initial healing.<br />
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I hope that all of you will sit in gratitude and count your many blessing. It sure is a good time of year to do just that!<br />
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Desire to act with gratitude. Dedication to count our blessings. Discipline to be sure to thank our loved one for all they do.<br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-37807296644395596612013-12-22T12:32:00.000-08:002013-12-22T12:32:16.200-08:00San Diego vs. Green BayI am sitting here this morning with my beautiful niece (23) who has moved to San Diego from Green Bay 4 months ago. We just enjoyed a delicious Christmas breakfast including a limoncello mimosa. Delicious!<br />
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We were talking about the beautiful weather here in San Diego after facetiming with her folks (in Green Bay) who had to go out and blow the snow from the driveway so they could go pick up visiting family for the holidays.<br />
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We also talked about indulging for the holidays and I said we can all diet on January 1. Emily reminded me that I had told her never to diet, because the word diet has the word die in it!<br />
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First of all, I was tickled pink that she remembered something I had told her! That in itself was an amazing thing! Then I reflected about what she had said and I actually agree with her! Diet does have die in the word. We want to alter the way we eat to become healthier, not to die! So as I enjoy the treats of the season, I do want to move towards continued health and give zero thought to the word "die". So we will all continue on our healthy journeys and never diet again!!!<br />
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Desire to increase health. Dedication to listen to the wise ones in our lives. Discipline to never DIEt again!<br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-59235019382557305312013-12-15T17:45:00.000-08:002013-12-15T17:45:00.697-08:00Tri Tri Tri!One of the most amazing blessings of my life is my husband Allen. He is the love of my life, the wind beneath my wings, my biggest supporter, my better half and so much more.<br />
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An important part of my healthy journey has been to support him and his efforts. So, this morning he competed in his first ever triathlon, sprint distance. He is a super star. He has always been athletic (motocross, rugby, etc.) but this seems like a bigger deal than before.<br />
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Yes, I got up at 4:30 on a Sunday and went with him, but he did all the hard work. I am so proud of him! If you know him, please send him congratulations!<br />
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It takes a lot of training and preparation to do these competitions, even at the sprint distance. My running days are behind me, so I won't do one, but he represented the McKay name quite well this morning!<br />
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Desire to support my loved ones. Dedication to be his cheerleader. Discipline to wake up with him at o-dark-thirty.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-23598826743310082072013-12-08T10:51:00.001-08:002013-12-08T10:51:17.001-08:00Are You Getting Enough Sleep?Not just now during this very busy season, but all throughout the year? So many times, getting enough sleep surfaces as a critical success factor for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. I know this is an ongoing challenge with my healthy journey. My sleep patterns are all &$#+ed up. This week was a particularly notable week of bad sleep due to an unbelievably busy week at work. My mind simply doesn't shut off for long enough. I fall asleep easily and well. But I tend to wake up 4-5 hours later and finish the night with tossing and turning. After 4 nights of sleep deprivation, it is harder to function well. It is enough to drive me crazy. There is no doubt in my mind that the added stress of sleep deprivation impedes my ability to easily shed weight.<br />
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I have tried everything short of sleep drugs. I just can't bring myself to do drugs. Restorative yoga, herbal teas, warm relaxing baths, reading, no TV in the bedroom (never had on in the bedroom, don't believe in it), light dinner, avoid caffeine, no sugar near bedtime, going to bed and waking up at a similar time each day and so much more. <br />
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BUT once in a while there is a fabulous reward, like yesterday. It rained in San Diego much of the day and my hubbie and I got under the covers in the late afternoon, read a little bit, then took a nap. IT WAS A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN! <br />
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My happy holiday wish for you all is that you find a way to enjoy some blissful, much needed, hard earned rest and relaxation. It is the best gift you can give yourself!<br />
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Desire to sleep well. Dedication to keep trying ideas to get me there. Discipline to do all the right things for peaceful sleep.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-2639639208856151482013-12-01T10:48:00.000-08:002013-12-01T10:48:12.944-08:00Let's Get Ready to Rumble!And by rumble, I mean rumbles in the tummy, as in hungry... Thanksgiving was awesome and is now past so we have 3 weeks to practice deprivation to be able to enjoy more holiday celebrating without guilt!<br />
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I am going to eat clean protein with lots of green veges. After all, I need to counter act the effects of the Thanksgiving holiday and make calorie room for my Mom's famous Christmas cookies!<br />
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BTW, my sister introduced me to a wonderful new pumpkin treat. She found pumpkin lollipops at See's candy store. They are delicious, last a long time and have only 70 calories, 2.5 grams of fat and 8 grams of sugar. All in all, not a bad nutritional summary for a delicious treat! Just thought you might like to know. The pumpkin flavor is seasonal, so if you are interested, go now to try them!<br />
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Desire to seek balance. Dedication to myself. Discipline to practice caloric deprivation.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-12987959537771553722013-11-27T13:26:00.002-08:002013-11-27T13:26:49.049-08:00This Is Why I Like to Workout!I saw this post and just had to share it. We all have a wonderful opportunity to lead by example. The little ones in our lives watch what we do, not necesarily what we say. The author is talking about a daughter, for me it is about all the impresionable young girls (and boys) in our lives! <br />
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<em>HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!</em><br />
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10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know About Working Out<br />
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by brynnharrington on November 19, 2013 <br />
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Mid-way through a recent group exercise class, the teacher lost me. She didn’t lose me because of some complicated step sequence or insanely long set of burpees; I mentally checked out because of a few words she kept saying over and over. “Come on! Get that body ready for your winter beach vacation! Think about how you want to look at those holiday parties! PICTURE HOW YOU’LL LOOK IN THAT DRESS!”<br />
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“THAT DRESS?” My brain couldn’t focus on an image of some random dress hanging in my closet. All I could think about was my three-year-old daughter hearing and trying to process those words.<br />
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My daughter’s little brain is making sense of the world every single second, taking in verbal and non-verbal cues about how things work and what things mean. And when it comes to exercise, I want her to grow up seeing it as a joy, and not a utility…as a gift, and not a chore…as an opportunity, not an obligation. I want her to do it for the love of it, not to fit into a dress. I want her to grow up knowing that…<br />
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1.Strength equals self-sufficiency. Being strong – particularly as a woman – is empowering. It will feel good someday to be able to carry your own luggage down the stairs if the airport escalator is broken, and it will be important to have a solid shot at outrunning a stranger should you meet one a dark alley.<br />
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2.Fitness opens doors. Being healthy and fit can help you see the world differently. The planet looks different from a bike or a pair of skis than it does from a car or an airplane. Out in the elements you have the time and space to notice details and meet people and remember smells and bugs and mud and rain and the feeling of warm sunshine on your face. And those are the moments that make up your life.<br />
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3.The bike is the new golf course. Being fit may help you get a seat at the table. Networking is no longer restricted to the golf course, and the stronger you are – and the more people you can hang with on the road and trail – the more people you’ll meet.<br />
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4.Exercise is a lifestyle, not an event. Being an active person isn’t about taking a class three times a week at the gym. It’s about things like biking to the grocery store and parking your car in the back of the lot and walking instead of taking a cab and catching up with friends on a hiking trail instead of a bar stool.<br />
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5.Health begets health. Healthy behavior inspires healthy behavior. Exercise. Healthy eating. Solid sleep. Positive relationships. These things are all related.<br />
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6.Endorphins help you cope. A good sweat session can clear the slate. You will have days when nothing seems to go right…when you’re dizzy with frustration or crying in despair. A workout can often turn things around.<br />
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7.Working out signals hard-working. The discipline required to work out on a regular basis signals success. Someone recently told me they are way more likely to hire marathon runners and mountain climbers because of the level of commitment that goes into those pursuits.<br />
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8.If you feel beautiful, you look beautiful. Looking beautiful starts on the inside. And being fit and strong feels beautiful.<br />
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9.Nature rules. And if you’re able to hike/run/bike/swim/ski/snowshoe, you can see more of it.<br />
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10.Little eyes are always watching. We learn from each other. You may have a daughter—or a niece or a neighbor or a friend – one day. And that little girl will be watching and listening to everything she you say and do. What messages do you want her to hear?<br />
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I’ll never talk to my daughter about fitting into THAT DRESS. But I will talk to her about what it sounds like to hear pine needles crunching under my feet and what it feels like to cross a finish line and how special it is to see the world on foot. I will talk to her about hard work and self sufficiency. I will teach her the joy of working out by showing her I love it. And I’ll leave the rest up to her.<br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-77120749328388394732013-11-24T09:54:00.001-08:002013-11-24T09:54:46.368-08:00Oh Pumpkin, My Pumpkin!I love the flavor of pumpkin, so this food season is a little slice of heaven for me! In the past, I was the first one in line for the pumpkin scone as soon as it appeared at Starbucks. Now, I find them dry and not worth the calories.<br />
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So I have been in search of a pumpkin fix that meets my (ridiculously) high taste standards. Last weekend we went to a restaurant and I tried their pumpkin pancakes. I sent them back, too rubbery. The weekend prior I really cracked up my hubbie. First we ordered a pumpkin roll, which came out so gooey it was disgusting. Then I asked for an order of their pumpkin toast, which I didn't eat because I couldn't taste the pumpkin. Then I asked for a pumpkin muffin, which I picked at because it was too sugary. Hubbie said - "give it up Dear!" He was right. :-)<br />
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So this morning I created a pumpkin pancake batter and thoroughly enjoyed some pancakes (with light butter) and real maple syrup. I am completely satisfied and happy! The calories were high for breakfast, but I won't eat lunch and am planning a big salad for dinner. An hour of cardio will happen today too. It all balances out.<br />
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One other pumpkin treat I "invented"......take the plain canned pumpkin, add stevia and pumpkin pie spice to taste. Set it in the freezer for an hour, take it out and enjoy a fun version of "pumpkin" ice cream. Of course it is not ice cream, but it is full of flavor, cold and creamy and only 80 calories for a whole cup!<br />
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Desire to satisfy my taste buds. Dedication to keep trying to find the right flavor treat. Discipline to carefully enjoy. <br />
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-30881679085576975132013-11-17T09:04:00.002-08:002013-11-17T09:05:05.522-08:00It's the Holidays - Let's All Hang in There!It is the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holidays and yet, of late, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with activity and obligation.<br />
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This year, I am going to approach things differently. My husband and I agreed we would protect our Sundays so we would have 50% fewer weekend "things" we needed to do. We are making a concerted effort to simplify this year. We have been tapering off the number of gifts we purchase for Christmas for several years. I am committed to NOT gaining weight this season, which means I will taper off the number of treats I consume. Nothing will cross these lips unless it is 100% certified completely worth the extra calories!<br />
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This season, I have a distinct focus, and that is little Nathan Reid Massa, born on November 14th. He is my nephew's son, which makes me a Great Auntie. I know I have always been a great aunti to our 17 nieces and nephews, but now I officially a GREAT AUNTIE! Tee hee. When I met him Friday afternoon, I told him I was going to hold him all day on Thanksgiving, and that real soon I would get to be a babysitter. He is a precious bundle of perfection and wonder and we are so blessed to have him in our lives! He represents such a beautiful component of my healthy journey - love, health, promise for the future and pure joy!<br />
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So, what will your healthy focus be this season? I hope it is something as wonderful a little Nathan!<br />
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Desire to seek balance. Dedication to my new grand nephew. Discipline to honor carefree Sundays.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-42321911429987246712013-10-26T17:30:00.000-07:002013-10-26T17:30:09.324-07:00I'm Baaaaaaaaaack!.........in more ways than one! Allen and I had a wonderful trip to the wilds of Peru. We visited Cuzco, Urubamba, Aguas Calientes (at the base of Machu Picchu) and of course, Machu Picchu. We had a very memorable journey and will carry many wonderful memories with us always.<br />
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Before we left, our doctor made sure all of our immunizations were up to date, my sister prepared a homeopathic remedy to help us ward off altitude sickness and we loaded up on all sorts of meds we thought we could need. As it turned out, we did not experience any travelers sickness. Our doctor warned us off of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our friends, who are living in Brazil, warned us off of any pork products. So we didn't think it would be a fattening trip, with lots of hiking in the Machu Picchu park to compensate!<br />
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It turned out that the only problem we had was that my back acted up, so I didn't get to do as much hiking as I had hoped. Still, we had an awesome journey, including the Orient Express train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. It is an oh so civilized way to travel!<br />
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Our hotels were luxurious with excellent dining and service. The spas were terrific! And we met our friends from Brazil in Aguas Calientes, Cuzco and Lima! So fun!<br />
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Machu Picchu itself was literally other worldly. No superlative can describe what it is like to be standing on top of those mountains, so high up, where Inkas once lived, roamed and ruled. All I can say is that they had to have been one fit tribe of people to be able to live in the Andes. I will carry with me the extreme steepness of the mountains. INCREDIBLE!!! It seems like all we did was drink water all day long. The altitude is extreme and hydration is key!<br />
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Now that we are back, we are focused on the "kale and water" diet, not literally, but definitely not far off. I am applying calorie restriction to shed some weight. It feels really good! <br />
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The holidays have snuck up on us again. I hope you are looking forward to a season of love and health and moderation. Remember to get rest and stay hydrated!<br />
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Desire to vacation in fun places. Dedication to travel safely. Discipline to come home again! :-)<br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-11845734533622615062013-10-06T10:49:00.000-07:002013-10-06T10:49:10.605-07:00Our Future Is Bright!Yesterday, Allen and I hung out with Emily, one of our nieces. She is a recent college graduate, who moved from Wisconsin to San Diego to begin her professional life. When I think about her energy, enthusiasm, passion and commitment to her values, I smile and thing our future is bright! So many of our nieces, nephews and children of our friends are in exactly the same category. I am filled with pride when I think of all of them!!!<br />
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We had so much fun with Emily, just talking, joking, sharing stories, eating dinner and ending up in the Jacuzzi. Everything is new, bright and shiny through her eyes. First "real" job, first car, etc. etc. Allen said he could tell that I like being around her and our other nieces too. He is right. I feel honored to have the chance to help influence their healthy happy journeys. I am humbled by their intelligence and beauty. I wonder, did I have as much composure when I was 23? I doubt it! Did I know as much about nutrition and movement at 23? I don't think so. The "Emilys" in my life seem so much better connected and informed than I was at 23. Of course, when I was 23, the internet had not even been invented! Literally. :-)<br />
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When I listen to the news, I can get down about all the issues and problems in our world. Instead, I choose to focus my energy on the promise of a better future because of all of the positive bright young minds who are just beginning. We have every reason to stay motivated and healthy to help others shape a better future. Our future really is bright.<br />
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Desire to help shape and influence for a healthy happy journey. Dedication to be there for others. Discipline to stay a positive role model.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-90914326207261373612013-09-29T04:25:00.000-07:002013-09-29T04:25:04.446-07:00The Light and the DarkI was wondering about the contrasts in life. People say that the tough times help us really appreciate the good times. The bitter cold of winter helps us appreciate the heat of summer. Financial struggles help us appreciate abundant times. Stress tends to make us seek relaxation. When we are really full, we wish for an empty tummy (think Thanksgiving). When we have been super busy, we just want some unscheduled free time. Too much sleep makes you want to get up and move. Too little sleep makes us long for a nice nap. Does excess make us long for more a little deprivation? Really sore muscles from working out sends us to relax in a Jacuzzi.<br />
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So, I wonder if fat makes us appreciate thin? Or, does thin make anyone long for fat? For me, it is more about seeking balance. I am, after all, a Libra, the sign of the scales. When the scales tip, figuratively or literally, I go in search of a way to find equilibrium or balance. I don't need to be a size zero, I just want to be as healthy as I can be. <br />
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Desire to live a healthy balance. Dedication to both the light and the dark. Discipline to work for the balance.<br />
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-46609924932973877282013-09-22T10:48:00.000-07:002013-09-22T10:48:02.886-07:00Control, Alt, DeleteYou know how you hit control, alt, delete to reset your computer? Well, this weekend the universe conspired to let me do just that. I have been going at such a crazy packed pace that I could feel the stress in my body building up. <br />
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We had another very full weekend planned for yesterday and today, but things happened and we ended up cancelling everything and just staying home together. We have slept, walked, slept, watched a movie and slept some more. It feels like I/we (Allen and I) hit our own control, alt, delete. I feels like I am positioned well to jump back into the proverbial deep end.<br />
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Try it yourself. It may help bring peace, calm and focus. We need all three of those as we travel our healthy journey through life, don't we?<br />
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One more thought this morning that I would like to put out there.......in an article about Tom Hanks and a movie he made about the ship captain who was held hostage by Somalia pirates......the author wrote this......the man who was captured and held hostage is called a hero. He does not like that label. He said it is simple, nothing is over until you give up. And he was not willing to give up.<br />
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That comment landed in my brain and made me think hard about my healthy journey. Sometimes it feels like I am being held hostage by the need to continually focus on shedding weight. But, you know what? I am not ever giving up either. I will continue to strive towards a healthy and healthier me as I move through this world because I am worth it. Are you with me??????<br />
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Desire to reset the physical computer. Dedication to continued focus. Discipline to cancel everything when it is necessary.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-41789966392592211362013-09-11T19:31:00.000-07:002013-09-11T19:31:22.187-07:00Hello, Off Cycle!Sorry for my erratic posting. The last few weekends and the next couple of upcoming weekends are so full of activity, that I find myself not making time on the computer. I hope you will forgive my lapses.<br />
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Just a few quickies tonight......<br />
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1. I was in Phoenix airport yesterday. I ate at a restaurant called Chelsea's Kitchen and had the best fish tacos ever. I know if it hard to believe...airport and best of anything in the same sentence. Still, if you ever find your self there and are hungry, I highly recommend it. They served it with an awesome kale slaw....super good choices, especially for an airport meal!!!<br />
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2. I had a great discussion with my doctor recently about why it is so damn hard to shed weight and keep it off. She says that all the most recent research is pointing to the truth that calorie restriction is the only and best way. She says that since she has entered her 50's, she has to stay at 1,200 calories or she gains. So, it isn't that this is shocking news, it is just that it is so challenging to socialize away from plentiful food. I eat right and do lots of great exercise. I just need to eat less food (most of the time anyway). So, I am going to go back to calorie counting to get used to 1,200 a day to shed my pounds that have crept back. Then get used to it as the norm!<br />
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Desire to travel to a lower body mass. Dedication to love myself enough to eat less food. Discipline to count everything until it becomes the norm.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-62905423321637500022013-09-02T20:39:00.002-07:002013-09-02T20:39:17.923-07:00Save Time in a BottleOver the past month, we have been to 3 weddings, culminating with my godson's wedding on O'ahu on Saturday. All 3 couples are very different, all 3 couples are joyously happy. It has been a true pleasure to share their happiness. <br />
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Allen and I were married 26 years ago, this September 12th. My parents were married 62 years ago this September 8th. We are celebrating together and are saying that we are celebrating 88 years of marriage! <br />
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Of course, it is a big number to say, and yet it is so thought provoking, to see the alpha and the omega of marriage; the people just starting out and folks like my parents who are at the other end of the spectrum. We humbly sit somewhere in between. <br />
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As I reflect on my healthy journey, I am convinced that those of us who are blessed with a positive life partner probably have an easier time with our healthy journey. Allen has loved me through thick and thin (literally) and everything in between. For his love, I am eternally grateful. Everyday. <br />
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But love and support comes in lots of flavors. I know many amazing people who are supported by family and friends, but are not in a committed partner relationship. It doesn't matter where it comes from - friends, family, lovers, co-workers, etc. I think what matters along this journey is connecting with meaningful people in our lives to share the healthy journey, to seek support on the healthy journey, to praise us and help us course correct.<br />
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So, whether you are involved with someone who supports you fro 2 years, 26 years or 62 years, or somewhere in between, pause and reflect on what a difference it makes to have those special people with you on your healthy journey. This ride we are on, called life, goes by so damn fast. Try to savor the moments and enjoy the journey.<br />
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Desire to travel the journey with others. Dedication to appreciate the "others". Discipline to listen when they share. Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-12320649890311419072013-08-24T20:05:00.000-07:002013-08-24T20:05:16.605-07:00Summer Tomatoes - YUM-O!A dear friend of mine, Nancy, gave me another bag of delicious home grown summer tomatoes today. They are juicy, sweet, colorful (shades of red, yellow, purple...) and unbelievably flavorful! They should have a different name than the tomatoes sold in the grocery store. My parents are also growing tomatoes this year and we have had some of theirs too!<br />
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Today for lunch I washed the little baby tomatoes and tossed them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped swiss chard and spinach. I had a big ol' pile of that for lunch followed by a piece of a Santa Claus melon. Ask your grocer if they have a Santa Claus melon for sale. Allen came home with it. I had never heard of it. It was one of the best tasting things I have ever put in my mouth!!!<br />
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BTW, I just completed my well woman annual exam. I had everything poked, prodded and measured. My blood chemistry continues to be at optimum levels. If you are a woman, I will pass this tidbit along: my gynecologist says that the new gold standard is to test all women for HPV. If your test is negative (and mine was) then he said I can go 5 years before I have to have a pap smear again! Let's hear it for 5 years in between paps!!! Woo-hoo!<br />
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I hope you are going to your annual physicals. I know it isn't necessarily fun, but it is so important to stay on top of your health!<br />
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Desire to scarf down summer fruits and veges. Dedication to your annual physical. Discipline to schedule the appointment and go.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-48111905367599786292013-08-17T18:01:00.000-07:002013-08-17T18:01:19.256-07:00"The Plan"How many of you have heard about The Plan? A friend just told me about it today. I did a search and saw that Dr. Oz featured it on his show recently. This link should get you to his site to watch all about it. <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/anti-diet-plan-weight-loss?video=16175">http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/anti-diet-plan-weight-loss?video=16175</a><br />
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It is compelling because a nutrition practitioner claims to have found the secret to weight loss. Apparently, many of us struggling to lose weight and keep it off are simply making food choices that are wrong for us.<br />
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The cleanse phase of The Plan is only 3 days and then you slowly and systematically add back foods and carefully monitor how your body reacts to the foods. It is based on our body having an inflammatory response to some foods that causes us to gain weight, even healthy foods like beans, broccoli, salmon, eggs and many more foods. <br />
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I am intrigued. I am going to buy the book, read it and give it a try. If any of you have tried this and have an opinion on this "new theory", I would love to hear from you! <br />
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Desire to check out The Plan. Dedication to seek out the information. Discipline to invest the 20 days to try it! Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-83395536264536862402013-08-11T11:17:00.003-07:002013-08-11T11:17:43.301-07:00Shhhhh, Did You Hear That?Of course you didn't hear that because I am referring to the absence of sound, the peace, the quiet......pure bliss!<br />
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I am struck by how beautiful it is to sit in my kitchen and listen to the rustle of a soft breeze blowing through the trees in the back yard. It is such a glorious sound, and yet, one that I/we don't often pause to enjoy. <br />
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Our lives are so filled up with activity, errands, to-do's, going here and going there, and yet, on this beautiful Sunday morning, I am absolutely filled with happiness just sitting and enjoying the stillness. OK, I know you are thinking.....but, Patty, you are typing a post to your blog! Yes, you are correct, and still, it is quiet all around me. :-)<br />
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Did you know that the whole purpose of yoga practice is to learn how to quiet your mind? The asanas, or postures, are actually intended to help you focus in the moment, to go inside to the vast reality that is our inner self. When we are able to be in stillness, just be, we can begin to connect with the higher power that is inside of all of us. It is not religious, but it is spiritual. <br />
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So, for the rest of today, I am going to be as still as I can be. OK, OK, I am going to swim laps later on this evening :-), but up until then, I will enjoy as much quiet as I can. I am excited to see what I will learn from my inner self today.<br />
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Desire to know more about me. Dedication to peace and calm. Discipline to be still.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-73048989780987356122013-08-03T21:19:00.001-07:002013-08-03T21:19:30.072-07:00Family, Family and More FamilyHere we are at the end of another week filled with family and fun. I have managed to keep up with my work schedule, my workouts and family visits every evening! I am exhausted and happy and looking forward to next week when all I have to do is go to work and work out!<br />
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We have one more big day of family. Tomorrow we are hosting my Dad's 85th birthday party. I am so grateful that we are close enough, emotionally and geographically, to share this day with him, Mom, sis, brother and girlfriend, nephew and girlfriend and mother-in-law plus her husband. <br />
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So, I am going to keep this super brief 'cuz I know you will understand when I say that I have much to do to prepare for the party tomorrow.<br />
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I hope you are enjoying a fun summer week filled with family, fun and health!<br />
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Desire to hold family close. Dedication to enjoy summer. Discipline to keep it healthy.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-32734648647897512562013-07-28T11:07:00.002-07:002013-07-28T11:07:36.381-07:00Mermaid SistersMy trainer, Kathi Potts, was competing in the Vineman Ironman (in Sonoma) yesterday. She finished 9th in her division, 50-54. She went the whole 140+ miles in 14 hours. Simply AMAZING!<br />
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Since she was out of town (I workout with her Saturday mornings), I decided to swim yesterday for my workout. I used my parent's community pool and swam a mile. It felt great. I am definitely part mermaid and swimming is my strongest sport, always has been.<br />
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After my swim, I was chatting with 2 other people who were swimming laps. We introduced ourselves and I mentioned that my sister swims everyday at that pool. They said....Is your sister Joy? I said....Yes! They told me that were so proud of her and how much she had progressed with her swimming. My sis is on her own healthy journey and began a while ago, incorporating pool exercise as a way of reaching a healthier weight. Then she progressed to swimming laps. According to John and Judy (from the pool) she has reached 50 laps! Go sis go!!! <br />
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Joy had never mentioned her progress to me, but I am super proud of her! Most people can't or won't swim 50 laps, and now she does! Let's hear it for sister mermaids! <br />
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So go out and get your mermaid on, find a pool, jump in and enjoy a swim!<br />
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Desire to enjoy summer exercise. Dedication to keep lapping the pool. Discipline to go a full mile.<br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5781131818044035171.post-12084062323096772722013-07-21T20:25:00.000-07:002013-07-21T20:25:19.234-07:00The Whole Fam DamilyMy brother and his family are visiting. It is amazing how grown up his 2 youngest are. They are 16 and 18 and spectacular young men. <br />
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I invited them to work out with my trainer on Saturday morning and was pleasantly surprised when they said they wanted to join me. It was a blast. I am so grateful that they are interested in health and fitness. <br />
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I feel good about being a positive influence in their lives. I can't believe they are so grown up!!!<br />
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Their older brother, who is 26, is expecting his first child in November. Yesterday, I said, for the first time, that I am going to have my first grand baby. It is so exciting to know that I will be a grand auntie. The continuation of generations simply heightens the need to focus on being healthy so that I will be able to enjoy the new grand nephew arriving in November. <br />
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What is happening in your life that motivates you to keep going, keep striving, keep making good choices to enhance your healthy journey?<br />
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Desire to meet my grand nephew. Dedication to love my nephews. Discipline to help teach my nephews by good example.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302185949996327899noreply@blogger.com0