Dance A Happy Dance

Yea for me! I finally made it to a full 20 # weight drop. Actually, I made it to 20.5 #'s down. I haven't been this low for years. I guess since my knee got so bad I couldn't do much let alone walk with any sense. I have been doing a happy dance since I got on the only scale I ever use, except of course the one at the Dr.'s office, and broke the big mark yesterday (Thursday). I still have a ways to go but, to have finally gotten to the big 2-0 really feels good, I must admit, I love when guests and employees alike at work, stop me to ask me what I've been doing, that I look "amazing" and 10 years younger, at least. Then I think, whew, I must've really been a moose 'cuz I'm still big, just not as big as I was. Oh well, I still feel really good about myself right now and anyone else may think what they like. I am realistic though. I have a long way to go before I hit amazing but I do look (and feel) better.

Now getting serious about the comments, though I really do appreciate the feedback, I know I don't look "amazing." I have a long way to go before I'll accept that comment. Better, yes, but amamzin, no, not yet. However I am getting closer, every day. That little push over the hump there does help to keep the motivation going. I do have much more energy on a daily basis. I'm able to do more activity wise and my knee doesn't over re-act nearly as much as before. I am seeing some cut in my muscles again. Especially in my shoulders, abs, thighs & calves. Even my shins are cutting. I was making my bud D. laugh last night by flexing my shins, making them dance, if you will. Pretty funny stuff. The push is on, people. Look out, I'm comin'!

In these days of financial woes, of which I am seriously in the throngs of myself, for everyone, pay cuts still not returned to what they were prior to the crash, feelings of being under appreciated by company's, asked to do more for less pay, sometimes someone says something to you that reminds you of why you got into the business in the first place, and it wasn't money. Last night as I was leaving work, a guest stopped me and we began to chat abit. She said that when she got here she so happy to see I was still here. She said that to her, I was an inspiration, that I was "a light" and "a gift". Wow, I almost had to look around to see if she was talking to someone behind me. She started to tear up & I had to tell her not to or I'd start tearing too. This is why I got into this business, for the folks who need us be it physically or emotionally or both, in many cases. I'm obviously still reeling from that encounter. I hope all of the instructors & trainers in the world get that experience. It's worth so much more to me than the $. Thank you.

Okay, garden update. Everything is breaking ground. I'm going to have to pluck out a bunch of the broccoli seedlings to give some the space to grow, 4 yellow squash plant are up as are 4 zucchini. I had 4 tomato seedlings up but I may have drown them 'cuz when I got home last night they had disappeared. What'd I do? If you have any ideas as to what I did wrong, please let me know. Of course, my asparagus and thyme are doing beautifully. I feel like a mom with these plants. I go out and stare at them time & time again. I'm so proud. I hope I don't mess these up. I would love to eat some of these veggies fresh from the garden. Next year I think I'll plant some lettuce & spinach. I also need to plant some basil in with the tomatoes. The basil helps keep pests away from the tomatoes. that is if I didn't drown the poor things.

Hey everybody, I finally got the back of the food combination chart up on page 2 of the Nutrition page. Please feel free to check it out. It's all pretty cool stuff. Yipppeeee!

A friend's birthday was last week and I made her a fresh apple pie. She'd told some time ago that that was her favorite dessert, so there ya go. I used the last of my winter crust that I had in the freezer. She loved it. I used to bake all of the time but have gotten out of the habit since another friend & co-worker and former pro baker began bringing in goodies every day she worked.  Yes, I have a winter crust and a summer crust. Why?, you may ask? Well, because the winter crust is way too soft. It's the better of the 2 in my opinion but like I said, too soft when the temps. here are in the 90's & 100's, so I have to use a different crust that holds together better in the hotter months of the year. See, makes perfect sense. Don't get me wrong, I like both of my crusts but the winter one is sooooo good. Oh well, gotta do what I gotta do. 

I think I'll have to make another big batch of the winter crust. I was asked to maybe next time, try a cherry pie. Yum. This time I'm going have some. Yes, I make it from fresh cherries too.

While I lived in "the city" I used to go a guy's house with my boyfriend at the time to watch my beloved 49'ers play. I'd always make the pies. This guy offered to stake a business in pie baking for me. I did think about it but knew it would no longer be fun for me and I would have to cut some corners. Just couldn't take that risk so I said "no thanks," to the offer.

I just came home from having lunch with Mom, or Mouse as she's called by me. She's doing well. I took her to the dollar store so she could buy some more circle the word books. Good deed of the day I suppose.

Putney did get his walk today and he was as happy as a clam at high tide. We were gone for about 40 min. He was trotting like a pup. It does make me nuts that he insist on "leaving a message" at each and every pole, shrub and tree.

Ugh. Its Sat. & I just came in from hoeing the backyard some more. If you saw the size of the yard, you'd understand. I've gotten 1/2 of it done. Should able to finish in a couple a weeks. Whew! I've been poked by mesquite branch thorns, broken a couple of fingernails and I'm filthy. Oh well, the pain of trying to make a nice area for my friends. It'll all be worth it in the end.
I can't wait to get into the shower, super-condition my hair and feel like a human again.

It's gonna be a long week next week for me but I'll make it through and be back to ya.
Peace out people.