Completely Mystified

For the last week, I've been slowly working my way through the first season of Criminal Minds. I'm a little over half way through and I'm still completely mystified. How on earth is this series currently in its tenth season?

None of the regulars, or extras, can act one iota. It's so bad it's as if it has to be a joke and they're all not acting on purpose. Seriously, this show has some of the worse acting I've ever seen.

And what makes the bad acting even more disturbing is the fact Criminal Minds could be entertaining. The premise is good and the story lines are interesting. Is that why it's lasted so long?

I just don't get it. I surely must be missing something. And that's why, until I get hooked on something else, sadly, I'll probably keep watching.

Bravo, Elliott!

Today we finally got to see Elliott's art pieces that were chosen for the 2015 District Art Show. I don't know how his teachers determined which pieces to submit, but I do know not nearly all of the pieces from Elliott's classes were included. Budding artist?

Elliott created this pottery piece
in his regular school art class.

This piece was created as part
of Elliott's Sound Section
at the Center for Creative Learning.

As I understand it, the assignment
was to create a piece that makes
sound in the wind.

Healthier Diet (Lifestyle) Update

I'm much better, but over the weekend I was fighting severe fatigue. I don't know if it was lingering effects of the viral infection or the fact I've been on 1400-1500 calories a day since April 1. But because I remember lack of energy being a problem once before when I was counting calories, I started leaning toward the 1500 calorie mark and almost immediately began feeling better. However, I'm also less congested everyday, so being sick might still be to blame.

But because, according to Lose It!, I should still lose 1/2-1 pound a week on 1500 calories a day, I think I'll stick to that plan for awhile. Especially since, at this point, I'd be thrilled to lose just a quarter pound a week.

I didn't weigh myself on April 1, so I really don't know if I've lost any weight yet. However, I'm feeling lighter (less blotted I guess) and my clothes are a tad bit looser. I did finally get on the scale last Saturday and am guessing I might have lost at least two pounds. My plan now is to weigh myself once a week even though I hate how that number affects my mood.

But, aside from the viral infection, I'm feeling so much better on the healthier diet I've adopted, I plan to stick with it even if I don't lose weight. I've nearly eliminated all processed sugar and artificial sweetener and, so far, haven't missed them. I don't know if that's why I feel better, or the fact I'm eating more fiber and protein.

Whatever it is, I'm happy to report the diet changes I've made seem to be working, and are becoming a part of a healthier lifestyle.

What's Been Going On?

I've been sick since last Thursday. Started out with a sore throat, which I prayed wasn't strep. I believe I "dodged that bullet" and it seems to be a good old-fashioned cold, a lot of sneezing, watery eyes, some coughing, head congestion. Not fun and has kept me from working out for over a week.

Nevertheless, I have managed to do some home decor planning and shopping. My daughter recently did some shopping for blinds and, as a result, I became aware of the perfect solution for our south-facing sliding glass door. The blind will be installed in 3-4 weeks and I'll finally be rid of drapes. Hallelujah!

We're also getting new carpet. We had planned to put it off for another year, but then got an offer of 30 months free financing. I'm excited but also anxious about the mess and inconvenience. I just keep reminding myself that, in addition to getting beautiful new carpet, the house will get a thorough cleaning, which makes me very happy. It also means I can put off spring cleaning until the new carpet's installed late May early June and Grandma Daycare is closed for the summer.

Speaking of which, after today there's only five more Tuesdays and Thursdays left of watching Jonah. It's hard for all of us to believe he'll be in Kindergarten next school year and learning to read. And just as difficult to believe Elliott will be in fourth grade. BTW, Elliott's doing very well in school and making great strides in managing his anxiety. Plus two of his art projects will be on display in the District Art Show. I'll be sure to post pictures.

And that's my update. Hope you're all enjoying sunny spring weather. And I'm hoping to return to the gym tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

So Far So Good

It's been a month since I started using the county library, again, after a long absence. My hope was I'd start reading more. To date I've read four books and will complete a fifth within a day or two. Since that's twice the number of books I completed all of last year, I say the plan is working.

In addition to books, I've also been borrowing DVDs. Today I picked up two yoga DVDs. I took yoga classes for years, but stopped when I could no longer bend my right big toe. I got tired of reminding the instructor that certain poses were just not going to happen for me.

My plan, now, is to see how I like yoga DVDs, and to test them with Jonah. I'm hoping it will be a nice activity for us to do together. Plus I've been missing the benefits of disciplined stretching and flexing.

While picking up the DVDs today, I noticed all the audio books at the library. Now I plan to take my husband to the library before we drive to Colorado so he can pick titles that interest him.

Without a doubt, I'm again enjoying the St. Louis County library, a great source of free entertainment.

Diet Changes

Last year I concentrated on working out in preparation for our January trip to Universal Orlando. My goal was to be strong enough to keep up with my grandson and daughter for three consecutive days in the theme parks. Since we logged 8+ miles each day and I was never extremely tired, I feel I succeeded.

Now I'm on a mission to improve my daily diet. I want to eat healthier and wouldn't mind dropping a size. Unfortunately, for me, working out 3-4 days a week has not resulted in any weight lose.

To that end, last week I started logging all the food I eat with the help of LoseIt.com. Several years ago, LoseIt helped me drop 10+ pounds and I'm hoping it'll do the same again.

But this time around, I'm making several dietary changes based on what I've read and researched. I'm drastically reducing my processed sugar intake; eating a lot more protein; consuming more fiber; and drinking more water. By making those changes, and keeping my daily calories at 1400-1500, I'm also consuming fewer simple carbohydrates.

By the time I reach 65 in October 2016, my hope is this healthier diet will be a natural part of everyday life. It's all up to me. I just can't let life's stressors "throw me off my game." Here's to a fitter healthier me!

Happy Easter!

Over the Rainbow

Yesterday after school, my daughter, hubby, and I took the grandsons to see The Wizard of Oz on a big screen. A local theater is hosting "Vintage Nights" every Thursday in April. What a treat!

Elliott (9) and Jonah (5) had never seen The Wizard of Oz and both truly enjoyed it. When hubby asked Jonah what the movie was about he responded: "She wanted to leave home but, when she did, she just wanted to go back."

When we told the boys, long ago, you could only see The Wizard of Oz once a year, in the spring, on a small television, Elliott asked why we didn't just record it. He was shocked to learn we had no recording devise.

No doubt times have changed drastically since 1939. But The Wizard of Oz has stood the test of time and, last night, impressed yet another generation.