Feeling Flat

And it isn't just my soda that is flat. My bicycle tire is popped, my exercise ball is low on air and why does it have to be so difficult? So, here I am stuck pondering whether or not I should spend more money on another gym membership. I am trying to be good and eat healthy...but darn it they place the junk food in the grocery store entryway and the healthy vegetables in the back. Why or why cruel universe??????? Back in the day I got up at 4:30 in the morning and ran at least four miles and only ate protein and vegetables. Never did soda pass my lips and I wouldn't dream of taking a bag of Oreos to bed with me. What the heck happened? Now my knees hurt (not as bad as before) but they still hurt and I have NO motivation? I seem to use any little excuse to sit on my ample butt and feel sorry for myself. Life is what we make it, right? And noone is going to come and sweep me off my feet and into a pair of spandex shorts so I guess I will sit here for a few more minutes and then rouse myself out of complacency and see if I can figure out how to change a flat and fill up a ball.

Striving to have a Ball

So, my daughter-in-law left her exercise ball under and behind of bunch of stuff she and my son are currently storing in my garage. I noticed the ball, oh, about six months ago....but about two weeks ago I decided to brave the massive pile of 'stuff' to obtain the ball and perhaps try to use it.
Well, after breaking several jars, getting the rake (that's was the tool of choice) stuck in a plastic laundry basket, and falling over a couple of boxes I reached said ball.
I decided to look on line for a beginners guide to working with an exercise ball. Happily I found a couple of sites with exercises for "older beginners". Sadly, even basic exercises hurt my flabby body.
At this point I am working on push ups, sit ups and holding a plank for 60 seconds---well it is actually me counting to 60 (which happens to be pretty dang fast).
This is a link to Sarah Dussalt's youtube video. This is just one of several, but I like these because they are very basic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFEiGs02qIE

YUM, YUM!

Yum sauce is a fabulous, nurtritional meal that offers gobs of protein without containing meat. I made this for my grandson for dinner. When he saw all the vegetables and the sauce he said, "Yuck!" But then I put a little on his rice and he decided it was delicious and wanted seconds. Great recipe, I plan on taking it to school for lunch for the next week or so.

Recipe
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup cooked  and drained garbonzo beats
1/3 cup cooked  and drained soy beans
4 cloves chopped garlic
In a blender, combine the above ingredients and blend until it becomes a smooth paste.
Add
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (this can be purchased from a health food store, it is NOT yeast)
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons ponzu seasoning or soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 tsp ascorbic acid
Blend until all of the above is smooth.
Serve over brown rice and top with as many different vegetable toppings as you wish. This recipe makes 2 1/2 cups and will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

For more inspiration go to www.cafeyumm.com to explore their recipe options!

Little Bitty Boy

Little Ez and his fish quilt

I know, I know, cutest baby ever! He really is and he loves the quilt his grandma made him. I have so much to learn about quilting, but I do love it. I saved up and bought myself a new Janome sewing machine last Christmas, (merry Christmas to me).  I absolutely love this machine and if stitches were measured in miles it probably has about 199,999 on it by now.

Long Time No Post

Wow! Time waits for noone. What's new? Well, I am 60 pounds less heavy....not enough yet, but hey I'm not complaining. Blood pressure is normal and I have lots more energy. I have hiked up a mountain, (10,800 ft) and begun bicycle riding around my neighborhood. Hoping for a bell and a basket to complete the riding experience.

    I've also rekindled some old hobbies, which keeps my hands and mind busy and gives me a great sense of fulfillment. I rediscovered quilting. In the last two years I have sewn three queen size bedspreads, four table runners, three lap quilts, and three baby quilts.

    Since becoming a grandma a couple more times I've also spent a lot of time sewing baby clothes. Not sure how many things I've created.

    Oh yes, last Christmas, for gifts, I put together eight aprons.

    SEW MUCH FUN!!!!!



Ruby and me