Back to Basics

Remember last week when I was going to quit the gym? Well- I tried to- but they offered me three free months and a trainer too; so I couldn’t quit. I would have looked like a quitter. So today, I went for my first training session. My trainer at Body Kinetics, Roberta, a tall, slender girl with a runner’s body, confided in me she lost 70 pounds.

Roberta did things to motivate herself that I know I will never do. She put stars on her calendar for everyday she worked out, and when she didn’t feel like working out she called her sister who would say things like okay- call me after you go for your walk. My sister would say okay- lets go to lunch.

Her commitment was admirable. I’m a little more iffy. I just want to be able to lose a few pounds, regain my muscle tone and be able to stretch without screaming. I don’t expect to get my 30 year old body back- as nice as that would be. I just want to feel better and have some energy to get me through my crazy workweek and have a little leftover for fun.

Roberta was a good pick as a trainer for me. She is neither judgmental nor condescending. She understands that in order for me to do anything I need some energy and to get some energy I need some exercise, to exercise I need to stretch and to stretch I need to not be in pain. It’s a vicious circle that I hope to work my way out of slowly but surely.

She asked me if I wanted to join a group hiking class. On the surface that sounded like a great idea- but then I remembered what I like about hiking is being alone with my thoughts. It’s a Zen thing for me. It’s where I work out my problems, decide what the subject of my next blog will be- or the next chapter in my novel. Having that time to myself, is what keeps me sane, or closer to sanity than I would be if I didn’t.

The hardest thing for me is getting to the gym. Maybe now, that Noodle can feed himself, I can make it one night a week and one weekend day. I’ll start there.

Meanwhile- the best discovery of the year so far, is the Oil of Olay® battery operated scrubber. I received one for a Christmas gift. I thought it was an odd gift to give someone- until I started using it. I can definitely see a difference in my skin and recommend it to anyone over the age of 13. I was a little worried at first because my skin can be sensitive, and it’s noticeably (to me) thinner than it used to be, so I worried about over exfoliating. Not to worry though, the brush is very gentle. I use other Olay® products too; they are affordable, gentle and not oily or greasy.

In the last year, all the things I made fun of my sister Linda for in the last four years- have happened to me. My falling face is the last to go. So, this week- I am fighting the aging process a little. Nothing drastic- no knives or lasers. Just some old-fashioned face scrubbing with a new fangled gadget and a few stretches. What could be easier?

I’ll have to take before and after pictures to post in the future.

Happy Sunday everyone- I hope you live an interesting week-make stories.

Getting Rid of the Grays.

Last night I gave in and dyed my gray roots. They were at least 3 inches long. I toyed with the idea of letting the gray grow out- but then I realized I’ll be working with the public more this year and I don’t want to look like one of those crazy dog ladies who spends more money on her dogs then herself. I am one of them- but I don’t want to look like one.

Last year- I joined a gym with every intention of getting there a couple of times a week at least- but first I got frozen shoulder for a couple of months- and then Noodle got lockjaw and my doggie/home/hospital became a full time second job. Honestly, I was lucky to get a walk in on the weekends.

Now it’s all a blur of course. I have sense of being horribly busy but no idea of the actual amount of time I put into feeding and caring for my sick old boy.

I decided today, I am going to un-join the gym. I’d rather spend that time walking outside, or maybe I’ll get a used bike. For the 59.00 a month that I didn’t use I could have bought two really nice bikes by now. It was a good thought- but time to keep moving.

I’ve noticed too, my priorities are shifting- again. I don’t want to do anything I don’t want to do. If that sounds selfish and old ladyish – so be it. Of course, I have to work- that goes without saying. But I choose to work a little different this year. Adding my real estate license to the mix, I will need to make some time to dedicate to sales and marketing myself. Making sure I work smart and don’t burn out will be crucial.

If someone asks me what I do for a living, what should I say? I’m a writer. I’m a real estate agent.  I’m a marketing coordinator. I’m a mom, I’m a cookie baker, I’m a dog mom, I’m an auntie, I’m a friend. What do I do for a living? I think I breathe.

No one can say I pigeon hole myself. I keep trying things- some I stick with- some fall by the wayside. Learning new things is the fun part for me not necessarily putting it into practice.

So we’ll see where this year takes me. What journey will I embark upon that will bring back the same me with more layers?

In 42 days, (yes I am now counting the days) I will turn 60. I keep thinking wow- 60 – that is really getting old. But you only have two choices- get old or die young. I choose get old. I just want to do it my way. Katie’s way.  Some might think- uh-oh that means the hard way. But I think –  it just means different.

By the way- my hair looks good. I went a shade or two darker. Dark blonde, like my natural hair color that I haven’t seen in at least 27 years.

Happy New Year – keep breathing and laughing.