Over the past couple of years, with varying success and levels of motivation, I have been working to lead a healthier lifestyle. This was prompted by a short study of my family tree (insert joke about it being full of nuts, etc.), which so happens to have not only its fair share of quirky personalities, but health issues as well. In fact, while visiting a new physician recently he asked me questions about the conditions and diseases of my immediate and extended family. At the end of this little interview he peered over his glasses at me and asked, "Do you want me to get you a new family?"
The most common thread among the medical ailments in our little clan is that of heart disease and other related issues. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and so on. These are problems I usually associate with, well, larger people, but in fact most of my family is of fairly normal size, including myself. I think this, along with my age, has given me a false sense of security for many years. I mean, hey, I'm not as bad off as some people. But I have been stubbornly hanging onto a few extra pounds (that's what girls say when they don't want to say how much) and I am working to rid myself of them. These pounds, however, are quite determined to cling to my thighs in protest, no matter how much I walk or how little ice cream I eat. It can really be quite frustrating.
Then I remember that the goal is not to see a certain number on the scale or buy a certain number at the store, but to maintain the numbers that really count. The ones where they strap the cuff to you and the ones where they feel your pulse. Numbers like these are the real measure of health and I am proud to report that my numbers look good. So I am determined to start a new branch of the family tree - one that is strong and grows taller (maybe even a little bit leaner) into life.
PS - This post may have been better suited for February (Heart Disease Prevention Month) but it was well...on my heart today. If you want more info about heart disease or how to keep your heart healthy, visit the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
dodging cicadas and other thoughts
I don't have any one particular topic on my mind today, just a smattering of random thoughts, but I feel like sharing anyway. Enjoy the madness...
1. I have discovered that I can cook and that not only am I pretty good at it, I actually really enjoy it. The best part is making things from scratch with no recipe and feeling totally brilliant when it turns out well. And feeling like at least I learned something if it doesn't. But I've noticed even with my new-found appreciation for all things culinary, I still rarely cook for just myself. This is why having a boyfriend who likes to eat is ideal (and would be even more ideal if said boyfriend wasn't so picky...but I digress...). When left on my own I usually end up eating some odd combination involving something like scrambled eggs and a pickle. But I never forget dessert.
2. St. Louis has recently been invaded by an insane amount of cicadas. You know, they're black with big wings and beady red eyes. They kind of remind me of june bugs on steroids. Seriously gross. Fortunately in my little corner of the county we have remained cicada-free and I really didn't quite get what all the fuss was about until yesterday when I went to church. After parking the car and watching about a billion cicadas zooming and diving around the parking lot, I almost didn't get out of the car. I seriously contemplated just turning around and retreating home. But I eventually worked up the courage, jumped out of the car and ran, arms flailing, to the door. I managed to escape with only one brave bug landing in my hair, which was promptly removed, and breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the church, knowing I would be safe. But then it dawned on me... I would eventually have to leave... Shudder.
3. I have a really hard time being completely lazy. Today I wasn't feeling well and I decided to spend the day doing nothing (and not in the way that incredibly brainless song on the radio says either). I tried to ignore the dirty stovetop and the dog hair tumbleweeds gathering in the corners, and instead set up camp in my comfy chair and watched daytime TV and terrible B-movies all day. I only showered because I had to visit the chiropractor and I thought she might appreciate the gesture. After my appointment I got a little carried away and tried running some errands. This is because it is impossible for me not to do something productive without feeling guilty. But overall, I managed to fight my nature, refused to make any to-do lists, and relax. And let me tell you people, it took some effort. Hmm...irony.
1. I have discovered that I can cook and that not only am I pretty good at it, I actually really enjoy it. The best part is making things from scratch with no recipe and feeling totally brilliant when it turns out well. And feeling like at least I learned something if it doesn't. But I've noticed even with my new-found appreciation for all things culinary, I still rarely cook for just myself. This is why having a boyfriend who likes to eat is ideal (and would be even more ideal if said boyfriend wasn't so picky...but I digress...). When left on my own I usually end up eating some odd combination involving something like scrambled eggs and a pickle. But I never forget dessert.
2. St. Louis has recently been invaded by an insane amount of cicadas. You know, they're black with big wings and beady red eyes. They kind of remind me of june bugs on steroids. Seriously gross. Fortunately in my little corner of the county we have remained cicada-free and I really didn't quite get what all the fuss was about until yesterday when I went to church. After parking the car and watching about a billion cicadas zooming and diving around the parking lot, I almost didn't get out of the car. I seriously contemplated just turning around and retreating home. But I eventually worked up the courage, jumped out of the car and ran, arms flailing, to the door. I managed to escape with only one brave bug landing in my hair, which was promptly removed, and breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the church, knowing I would be safe. But then it dawned on me... I would eventually have to leave... Shudder.
3. I have a really hard time being completely lazy. Today I wasn't feeling well and I decided to spend the day doing nothing (and not in the way that incredibly brainless song on the radio says either). I tried to ignore the dirty stovetop and the dog hair tumbleweeds gathering in the corners, and instead set up camp in my comfy chair and watched daytime TV and terrible B-movies all day. I only showered because I had to visit the chiropractor and I thought she might appreciate the gesture. After my appointment I got a little carried away and tried running some errands. This is because it is impossible for me not to do something productive without feeling guilty. But overall, I managed to fight my nature, refused to make any to-do lists, and relax. And let me tell you people, it took some effort. Hmm...irony.
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