I am grateful for putting in those extra workouts since I will be off the dance floor for another month. The first foot surgery I had a few weeks ago revealed that the growth was malignant and would require a second and more extensive surgery. All I could think of was “please let me keep my toes AND be able to dance AND wear my cowboy boots”. The Dr. kept his word and now all I have to do is keep mine to do as he says … stay off my feet! Easier said than done! I am going crazy and driving my husband crazy in the process. I am NOT a good patient and I do not like feeling helpless and dependent. We have some good laughs over it and Norman and Fritz have been faithful companions and help mates.
I learned that I feel better in ALL ways when I accept my life’s experiences “as is” and do NOT compare myself to anyone else … size, shape, energy, health, lifestyle, what I have and do not have. I realize that I am blessed. I learned that I have an amazing support system with people that I love and that love me for who I am. I learned to be grateful for what I CAN do and to let go of what I cannot. I learned how to adapt and change to fit “what is”. Today, I do floor Yoga and lift weights from my chair. It makes for a happier me and therefore for a happier everyone else in my life. “If Mamma ain’t happy, nobody is happy (-:
Easiest part for me was modifying my eating habits. With a few minor adjustments related to lowering my bad cholesterol, not much changed for me. Also easy … I have been exercising on a regular basis since I was in my 20’s.
Hardest part, learning how to use weights and doing floor work. I just LOVE to dance and walk and hike and bike and swim but I HATE lifting weights and working my abs. committing to this for 28 days AND finding a program that was short and sweet and did the job (Jane Fonda) was just what I needed. My best friend and trainer also helped a lot with encouragement and gentle reminders.
Oldies but goodies … Jane and Richard
Most of you probably don’t even know who Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons are but this morning, they kicked my butt! Instead of one workout, I did two in preparation for an up and coming surgery that will put me off the dance floor for about a month. Until April 3rd I will be upping the intensity and frequency of my workouts. My healthy diet continues to be amazing and easy. Sneaking my healthy pop corn and fruit into the movie theater today for THE HUNGER GAMES … no pun intended.
I miss walking on Miami Beach but we did take a 3 mile walk along the hills and lakes of St. Leo University today. I give thanks for my wonderful adoring husband, our beautiful home, our porch and community and all of the love I have in my life. My heart is happy and healthy. Day 24 and 4 days to go.
This map of South Beach does not show the mileage but I can tell you walking the entire length of the Beach up to 30th street boardwalk and then across to the bay on Lincoln Road and then Alton Road down to 5th street and then back is at least 5 miles by mapquest. Home now and did my first aerobic dance workout in the studio … felt so good to be back on the floor. Followed with Yoga and fruit and greek yogurt with almonds for lunch. I got this!
This is the heart of Miami Beach … the art Deco Strip on Ocean Drive. If you go to Miami, don’t miss this experience. Walk up and down the strip, stop and people watch at a cafe and go inside to check out the hotel lobbies … none to compare in the entire world!
SoBe You B & B
Being on Miami Beach for spring break was just what I needed. We parked the car when we got there and walked EVERYWHERE for the entire 4 days. You can easily walk the width of SoBe from the bay to the beach. We averaged 5 miles a day and after 3 weeks without exercise … it hurt so good! Kept up with the healthy eating part of my experiment easily at the beach cafes and Whole Foods market.
Lots of old memories here. I was born and raised on Miami Beach so we walked along memory lane. My old elementary school, junior high and high school, where I smoked my first cigarette when I was 12 (on the beach at 10th street), the friday night dances where we all got our hearts broken, Lincoln Road every saturday morning for a cherry coke and french fries before the movies, the hospital where I was born and, of course, the house and apartments I grew up in. Visited two of the hotels my Dad owned, the Clevelander and the Victor, still so beautiful in Deco pastels.
What a great place to grow up in the 50’s … very “leave it to Beaver”. Slept with the doors open and my Grandma and cousins all lived down the street. Flamingo Park was our “Facebook” for social networking. Football and baseball games, roller skating every Saturday night, the public pool AND the “Teenage Building” where we learned to dance the lindy after watching American Bandstand.
The outdoor cafes, people watching, great food, people watching. Also had more time with my family than I have had in years. Concert with sister in law and nephew and the kids and then to see my niece Gilly and her brand new baby Logan, then to see our son Justin. Deepening the bonds with my family was my goal for my last experiment last semester so it is interesting that I picked up on it this semester. Nothing ends after the 28 days unless I want it to … it is just the beginning.
Just got home with pictures to post tomorrow.
