Nov 26, 2010

Two Birds In The Hand Are Worth.....


It's hard to keep up a quick pace walking through the forest when the birds are willing to stop and eat out of your hand. However, walking makes all the difference with my blood sugar levels.  If someone you love is a Type 2 diabetic you do a wonderful service if you keep them company on a quick walk.

Last Sunday morning's crisp salty air invited us to go for a walk on the bike path in Beech Forest in Provincetown, MA. Vin brought some birdseed along and I brought a camera (just in case). I love this wondrous and magical place. I don't love that it takes more than 5 hours to get here but oh, it is worth the trip.   After our weekend away last week I am renewed again - and so thankful for this time of year.  I'm also extremely thankful for Vin's willingness to partner with me in making the changes I need to make to keep the diabetes under control.

Nov 22, 2010

Breakfast for Lunch

Lunch Menu: 
1 serving egg substitute
1 oz fat free feta cheese
1/2 c. sauteed spinach
1/2 c. berries
2 Tbs. fat free Greek Yogurt
1 serving flax seed sandwich bread

On a particularly lovely morning last week -- I'd walked Baby Blue, our Blue Merle Collie to the end of the road and back. I was missing my Mom who passed away in the autumn of 2004.  After spending  a few minutes reflecting on the emptiness I felt in my "Mom Place".  That is why I decided it was a good day to bring out the good dinnerware to serve my lunch on.  Setting the kitchen table with Mom's plate and dessert glass was a treat. I headed to the office knowing that the omelet and berries I planned for lunch were going to taste awesome.  As I worked I felt much better in my 'Mom Place".   

Lobster Pot Tree and Full Moon

Nov 21, 2010

It’s That Time Of Year

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I love it here in Provincetown.  Vinnie and I slipped away for the weekend. I didn’t expect the lighted decorations this trip, but they are here. I took several photos of a lobster pot tree.   I was hoping for a different outcome with the picture – somehow the full moon and blurry picture doesn’t do justice to either the tree or the moon. 
On Saturday afternoon we had lunch at Far Land Provisions and split a piece of red velvet cake which was so sweet and good that I was almost sorry I had it. 

Almost sorry I said.  We walked for 45 minutes afterward and I drank a lot of water for the rest of the day.  I held my breath this morning when I tested my levels (123).  Not bad.  My a.m. numbers have been higher than that actually.  The test will be tomorrow morning though. I walked another 45 minutes today and feel pretty good about it.  Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it goes.
I love the lights, sights, sounds and smells of Christmas Season.  I will be looking for new recipes and watching closely as the new Weight Watcher Program is unveiled at my meeting next week.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains my number one goal during the holidays.  I will be counting carbohydrates and closely monitoring my blood sugars – brisk walking has to stay on the list too. The walking will help reduce stress and BG Levels.

Nov 15, 2010

Getting Organized

Last week I grabbed a bag and filled it with 50 things to eliminate from my bedroom. Saturday afternoon, I went through a closet STUFFED with Christmas decor.  I started to make 3 piles, one for trash, one for keeping, one to donate (my local church is having a white elephant sale before Christmas).  Once I emptied the closet I realized that there was nothing in any of the 3 piles worth keeping or donating. A trip to the dump took care of the mess I made in the garage.  Now, it feels great to lighten the load. I am getting organized bit by bit. On Sunday I even found the bottom of my desk - it is amazing to me that my stress level has gone way down.

Live Big - Dream Big

I spent last Friday and Saturday with a group of amazing women who came together to recharge. 

We met at a Conference Center near my home here in Connecticut where my husband Vinnie and I have done reupholstery and drapery work.  Led by Dr. Cynthia Barnett, the retreat's focus was getting Re-Fired -Re-Charged - Re-Juvenated.  On Friday afternoon the entire group focused on assessing our individual health and fitness beliefs and desires.  We spent quality time working on our dreams and aspirations. Some we did not even know we had. We experienced guided meditation and a visit from a local physician who spoke on women's health concerns on Saturday.  After each of our group sessions, we shared a gourmet meal prepared by the center's staff and then, were free to exercise in the fully equipped gymmasium, swim in the indoor pool, walk the amazing property or sit and visit.

Saturday afternoon, I chose to walk indoors and then spent an hour catching up with a woman who I knew before I arrived but had not seen in decades. Like me, she is an entrepreneur.  We were children together who grew up in the same neighborhood!  

The fellowship and laughter the group shared over the 4 meals we had together, as well as during our breaks  literally brought my blood sugar levels to a lower point than they had been in over a week. 

Sometimes taking care of diabetes means going on a retreat near home and learning something new or setting up some new goals for our life.  I am looking forward to returning to this special place next April to have another retreat.  Who knows, maybe I'll arrive early this time and use the pool!