Okay ... so I'm Taking it on ... My Fitness ... Ugh!

Hi Everyone,
So, for months I've been bitching and moaning about how chunky/ chubby I'm getting. And, of course that's all I've been doing. I haven't been taking any real action to change that concern. Well, I have taken action in the realm of eating ... but in the opposite way ... eating way too much.

But, I let me digress. About 14 months ago, I had knee surgery. It fixed the tear, which was great news. I was now able to walk much better, and without a lot of pain. While there was some residual arthritis, I was really motivated to get stronger and more fit. So, last Summer I was committed. I started walking .. a lot, not just city walking here in NYC, but speed walking along the Hudson River in Riverside Park. I also started eating in a more healthy way. Result: I lost 10 pounds and I felt sexier and healthier and had a lot more energy. That lasted from last March/April through the end of November. Then, along came holidays ... and Winter.

Suffice it to say, I ate too much, walked too little and have now noticed that I added that 10 pounds I lost back on, plus a couple more. Ugh!!! I feel sluggish, really chubby and don't have a lot of confidence about my sexual attractiveness because of it.

Now, back to the purpose here: I got an email about a Boot Camp for boomers that started tonight. Yup, every Tuesday night, along with other baby boomers here in Manhattan, we're meeting at the beautiful fountain in Central Park and participating in an excruciating hour of upper, lower body exercises plus lots of aerobic walks around the fountain in-between. It's killer and I know it will make a difference for me.

Now, for me to get to Central Park first is about a 25 minute walk ... then the one hour workout and then 25 minutes back. That's a lot. I worked muscles I didn't know I had ... and then some. I'm very confident that I will hate Joshua in the morning when I find it difficult to get out of bed. Now, it's nearly midnight and the pain hasn't set in yet, but he definitely promised us that it WILL show up.

I'm going to blog several times a week about this new adventure I've taken on .. The Bootcamp that will turn this 63 year old into a gorgeous, sexy creature so that men will be crawling all over me.

My previous excuse... "I don't do drugs, I hardly drink, I'm NOT having sex ... so don't take my food away from me"... will no longer work. In other words, I'll replace exercise as something pleasureable (granted that will take a bit of time) ... But, I'll have the hope that someday I'll have a sexy body once again ... sex-worthy .. and the need to eat will Go AWAY.

Keep tuned.I'll be tracking my progress with pictures and videos.
If you want more information (and if you live in NY) join me. Check Joshua out here: www.mindovermatternyc.com
Thanks
Ann

It's So Interesting to be a Woman... and at this age!

Good afternoon,
Yesterday was a medical day. That is, I had two medical appointments. I always try to take care of all that stuff at the end of the year (after my deductible is met) and before out-of-pocket costs start again. So, first I went to the rhuematologist to find out why my knees hurt so much. I figured it is just old age and arthritis. So, we took xrays and found a little of that stuff, but not a lot. Verdict: need to lose weight (only 15 pounds), exercise more and work on getting the joints to me more limber. (of course, I remember joints of another kind, but we won't go there.)

Then, I went for my annual mammogram. Now, men, I know you've always heard your women complain about the mammogram and it's totally true, whatever they say. So, I got into my little hospital gown and sat in the waiting room, where it was freezing. It was about 40 degrees outside, but they had the AC on inside where it also felt like 40 degrees. I had goosebumps on my arms, not to mention elsewhere. So, it's time to go into the room and take the positions. Yes, boobs on the cold xray shelves, with the attendent moving my boobs around to be positioned correctly, then getting squished down so I won't move and then told to stop breathing. What joy. So, we did both sides and I got sent back to the waiting room to wait while they made sure the film came out okay.

The doctor came out and said that because my breasts are so "dense" (and I don't think he meant as in stupid) we were going to do an ultrasound to make sure there was nothing lurking underneath. So, into another room we went. Here, the nurse slathered gel all over my boobs (and it was freezing cold gel). Then, she went all over the territory with the ultrasound wand or whatever they call it. When done, she left me covered with gooky gel and didn't give me anything to clean up with but said, "don't worry, it's made with water, doesn't stain and has a built in moisturizer." How wonderful is that. It was still sticky and cold and wet.

Why do I write all this? I'm not sure. I think there's the dignity piece ... and I'm sure men feel it as well when they go to the proctologist or urologist. For me, I'd much rather someone I like be messing with my body parts AND I also know it's really important to have this all done. So, it's a mixed bag.

Point: Regardless of how unpleasant in might be ... it's important to do all the necessary things to keep yourself healthy.

Within the last month, I've had a check up, a gynecological exam, an abdominal ultrasound, a bone density test. Good news: I've got the bones of a 35 year old and no osteoporosis, no breast tumors, clean PAP smear and little arthritis. Bad news: my knees still hurt. But, I guess that's a small price. I can control that with more walking, bicycling at the gym and losing weight. One problem ... do I have to give up eating everything that's good?

Anyhow, wanted to rant a bit, and laugh about it all. If anyone is reading this .. maybe give you a chuckle.

Make sure you do what you need to do to be healthy .. you know, those self-exams, those medical tests. Treat yourself to wellness. it's worth it. It keeps you young and vital so that you can then go out in the world and accomplish all that you're up to.

Two last point: 1. Do yourself a favor. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to stay healthy (at least mentally) turn off the TV news!!! End of sermon. Watch too much of that and you'll be jumping off the rooftops. 2. Remember to laugh as much as you can ... even when it's hard to find something to laugh at. It's so curative.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Ann