Encouragement....

(below is a letter I sent the editor of our local paper, but wanted to share here as well)

In a day when we are overwhelmed with bad news articles from around the globe and people seem to busy to slow down and observe others around us, it is nice to know that there are still people out there who would take the time to remind us of simpler times. Times when men held doors for ladies, or children used their manners, everyday and everywhere these were things we did and I think somehow we took for granted that these values would be with us always. I see more and more each day that this is not true, but I am encouraged when these values surface again.

Take for example, today in the grocery store where I work. An older lady was behind a younger gentleman in my checkout. The lady was humming to herself as she began to place her few purchases on the belt. The gentleman turned to her and offered his assistance, the lady beamed graciously but gently declined. The gentleman, not to be dissuaded, offered the lady his collector points because he had left his collector card at home. This time the lady graciously accepted. When I had finished checking out the gentleman’s groceries, he turned again and offered assistance one more time to the lady, she in turn again declined his help stating she hadn’t much but that he was ever so kind to offer. When he had gone the lady turned and asked if I knew the gentleman’s name, to which I said no. Sadly the lady watched as the gentleman hurried out the door, turning again to me she said I wish I could thank him some how. I suggested writing the newspaper. She thought that was a good idea.

You see this simple gesture of help and the gift of the collector points “blew” this lady away (to use her words). I know neither customer, but found it extremely heart warming to know that chivalry once thought dead is not quite gone from our society. Being raised on the mainland in a rather large city, I realised the act of chivalry to be more and more elusive. Here in Newfoundland however, it seems to be alive and well, at least for these two people it is

In closing then, I too would like to thank the gentleman (you know who you are) for being so kind to that dear lady and to the lady for being so gracious to want to let the gentleman know his kindnesses were truly appreciated. And finally I would like to thank both these souls for brightening my day.

Back again...

For those of you following this blog...
I am going to attempt to write something here at least once a week.

I have had a great summer and have lots to write about. Hopefully I will be able to add lots of pictures too.

In case you are wondering, I did manage to get my weight down to 170 pounds only to gain 11 back again by the end of August. So I am back on track with my exercise. Just so you know, you can check back here to this date from time to time to watch my progress. I will not blog my weight loss but my ticker will update itself as I update it weekly.

Anyway, I look forward to my next blog here when I will add something about my summer.

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Chart

Now we're getting somewhere.

So, after weeks of frustration, last week I weighed in at 180 and was most happy to see that number. Today the scales continue to show I am moving in the right direction. Although not as big of a change as last week this weeks number still reflects a change. For all of you out there cheering me on thanks. Today's number 179lbs.

Finally!

Great news! Today as all of us knows is traditionally weigh in day. Now, as Fran said, we would resume this when she got back and would start fresh with a new outlook. I decided on my own that I would continue excercising and weighing regardless because I have so much more fat and weight to be rid of. So, today I am happy to report a significant loss of 5 pounds giving me a new weight of 180 lbs. I feel so much better and am extremely happy to have a good number to report.
Until next week then...happy dieting and excercising.

Okay, so I missed a day...

Well, here's a big no brainer...yesterday was Monday...and we all know what that means. I don't know why I am bothering...weight is still 185 and that makes it 3 in a row now doesn't it. So, if you have any sage advice for this old bird...post it and I will read it, and take it into consideration. Until next week...happy days!

What day of the week is it...come on you know...

That's Right! Weigh in day. Nothing new. Absolutely NADA! Another week passed by and yet again my scale tells me I am STILL 185lbs. So, the cleanse, the water and the excercise (what little I did) helped me not. Okay, so this is getting stupid already, but I will plug away and plod on in the hopes that I will lose this weight by the end of July.

Last night in our chat Fran optimistically (that's how I perceived it) told me I have to lose about a pound a week between now and then. HA!!! If these last 3 weeks are any indication...I AM IN TROUBLE! 3 Weeks have gone by and not one pound dropped. Ugh!

Well, I will get back to the grindstone tomorrow and will see you here next week when I say....

After Reading...

After reading an excellent book. I decided to check out Fran's blog and see if she has posted her number. She hasn't so I started cruising around and found my self on her friend's blog and laughing myself silly over the disney dolls and comments about questions asked by potential tourists to our winter games. One funny lady. Sometimes that is all we need to turn our day around, a good chuckle be it from a friend or something someone in said in passing.

Back to the book I just finished. The author Patricia Cornwell grabbed my attention back in 2001. She writes about crimes and her main character "Kay Scarpetta" is the forensic pathologist in charge of solving these mysteries. Excellent writing and character development. I would suggest starting at the beginning with her books. Her characters (especially Dr. Scarpetta) evolve with each and every book Ms. Cornwell writes. The book I just finished is called BOOK OF THE DEAD, (should be underlined as it is a novel but can't get that done here). If you are interested in her books they can be bought just about anywhere and certainly can be found at the library. I checked out Amazon and yes they are listed there. There is a website too where you can buy her books direct for a reasonable price www.patriciacornwell.com if you care to check it out. If you do, I hope you enjoy her books as much as I do and find the writing fascinating and her plot lines gripping. Happy reading!