4 years later ~ I quit smoking in March, 2011. It took a long time for my lungs to feel better, I would say at least (progressively) 2 years. This year I am not feeling the weight on my chest. I really felt like I had turned a page this past New Year with the difficulty breathing at times. My lungs are good,and the bronchial (which has always been my weak source) seem a lot better.
Last September I joined a local Planet Fitness. It had got me in the habit of GOING to the gym. But seriously there is only so much you can do there... and I never feel as if I am pushing myself in the RIGHT ways. I have a lot of weight to lose, and if I lost 80 to 100 pounds that would be perfect.
I show my jewelry in a local spot here. It is a wonderful art complex, Cornell Street Studios. Not only is there art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, etc....but....there are exercise classes. And, they are wonderful!
Last year I took a Zumba class but was finding it was a bit too much for me,and when I pulled a muscle in my calf I was embarrassed and did not go back. After the gym membership and more walking I went back to classes recently, the first class I went back to was Zumba-ish and is called Zumba Toning. It was a really great class. Then I took a 25 minute Workout on the Go in March for 6 weeks. This June, I signed up for Workout on the Go, Pilates, and a Butt and Gut workout.
Through the Pilates,and Butt and Gut (which a a beautiful flow of kickboxing, tai chi, pilates, and yoga) I have discovered that my feet and legs are a mess. I did not think they were actually even though I have quite the frustrating bunion that has formed on my right big toe....and one just beginning on the left.
I have a lot of work to do. Last night I attended a little seminar about weight loss. A Dr was there who showed a graph of how people CHOOSE to age. The graph showed on average a decline from age 40, sloping down into the 70's (if you got that far) basically a slow process of dying rather than the preferred "live it well, into the '70's and beyond healthy and die 2 weeks after your body gets ready to naturally" that was a pretty powerful inspiration since it is exactly what I saw my Mother do and she died last year 4 months shy of her 71st birthday.
So, even though I have been working up to it for 2 years... today is a NEW day. I have taken my measurements, I have not weighed myself because I do not have a scale...(last scale was terribly off...in my favor actually, but why lie to yourself? It went to the dump recently and I am saving for a good scale...or will just use the gym one) One of my downfalls has been enjoying a COCKTAIL 3-4 times during the week, and one always turns into 2. My goal is to switch the cocktail to wine, and reduce the frequency to 1-2 times a week.
A whey protein smoothie for breakfast (NO SOY), and either that for lunch or a nicely balanced Mediterranean lunch, as well as dinner. WATER. (coffee...because I just cant give that up. It is too good. the darker the better)
LOTS of foot exercises. For sure. I really do not want bunion surgery.
That's it. For Now.
And as always you are welcome along here for the ride with me. I write these things for myself, but you never know when others may be interested.
Have a great day!
~Beth
