New Carpet

The new carpet is in and looks fantastic. But what an exhausting process!

We have a 1900 square foot ranch, so it's not excessively big. But during the first day of install, I logged 10,700+ steps and never left the house!

I woke up on day two tired and sore. Although I work out regularly, all the lifting, shifting, and ladder climbing took a toll on my senior body. And I'm not finished. I still need to put back the home office, which includes book shelves, and the dining room, which includes the china hutch. And I need to wash and hang the window shears in the master bedroom. More ladder climbing!

We could have put off new carpet for at least another year or maybe two. But having just gone through it, I'm so glad we didn't wait. In a year or two, it might have killed me!

The Good and The Bad and The Good

The good news is the new vacuum we needed for the new carpet cost much less than expected. And I've maintained a three pound weight lose for three weeks.

The bad news is every room of our house has now been compromised in preparation for the new carpet install. I absolutely hate living in chaos. And it makes me so sad to see our home in such a mess.

But the good news is most of the windows have been washed; more unnecessary and unused items have been purged; and, by Tuesday evening, I should be able to put the hobby room and bedrooms back together.

Deep breaths.

Congratulations, Jonah!

Tonight Jonah graduated from preschool. I now have a grandson in Kindergarten and another one in fourth grade. Amazing!

Celebrating Jonah's graduation and grandma's
retirement from Grandma Daycare.

Jonah loved the hootie balloon
from grandma and papa.

It's Just Wrong

I keep a neat and tidy home. And I'm constantly improving its efficiency and organization. In fact, my biggest motivator for continually purging is to make it easy to find and access absolutely everything. And to also make it easier and quicker to keep the whole house clean. Therefore, as I prepare for the installation of new carpet, my anxiety level is soaring!

On Tuesday, the carpet will be replaced in the two bedrooms, the hobby room, and the hall. So, so far, I've moved a roomful of craft supplies to the dining room; begun emptying the bedroom closets by hanging clothes in doorways; and stripped and washed two windows. To me, I'm now living in chaos!

I keep reminding myself that, when it's over by next Friday, my house will be thoroughly clean and I'll be free to enjoy the summer. But, as the prep continues, it's getting harder and harder to convince myself. I suppose if it gets super bad, I can always take one of those Xanax the doc prescribed in case I have another panic attack due to claustrophobia. Either that or break my diet with a couple of Margaritas!

Jonah's Second Dance Recital

This past Thursday was Jonah's second and, probably, last dance recital. Dance was an optional class at his preschool and Jonah is moving onto Kindergarten after next week's graduation.

Although he liked dance, I think Jonah will find other physical activities more enjoyable. (For example, he's excited about learning Karate this summer.) For the last two years, however, Jonah's dance recital has been a highlight of my year. Here's this year's performance:

One thing I did differently this year is present Jonah with a bouquet of flowers after the recital. I noticed last year a lot of parents gave their little dancers flowers and Jonah loves receiving them. Some months ago, out of the blue, he asked my daughter, "Why doesn't anyone ever give me flowers?" A few weeks later, when Jonah got strep, Emily gave him a bouquet and he was "over the moon" with excitement. The same thing happened at the recital. The look on Jonah's face was so worth the $4.99 it cost me. Thank you Aldi's!

Proud Grandma

My oldest grandson is wrapping up third grade and, yesterday, his teacher sent this email to my daughter who's also a teacher. Even if Elliott gets a full scholarship to a prestigious university someday, I doubt I will be prouder than I am right now.

Elliott with his little
brother, Jonah, last March
in Disney World.

I had to write you because I had this moment today when it hit me how much I'm going to miss your little guy next year. I have to tell you that he is one of the truly sweetest, kindest, most positive students I have ever had. I told him this today. I could have actually started tearing up! I just wanted you to know how I appreciate Elliott so much. He has been beyond a joy to have in class. I don't always see students that are honestly kind and thoughtful to everyone they come across. This is Elliott every single day. There are certain students (as you know) that really leave a mark on your heart. I can tell you that Elliott has really been that for me. Just wanted to share.

I've always known this about Elliott and have often said he's a kind soul. I'm honored to be his grandma.

Weight Lose Update

I've been diligently counting and logging calories for five weeks and two days. I've also been sticking to a high-fiber high-protein diet that includes little-to-no processed sugar or artificial sweetener. Nevertheless, until today, the number on the scale never budged.

Then, finally, this morning I was rewarded with a two pound drop. While that was good news, I truly won't believe it until the new number sticks for at least two weeks or, better yet, drops.

I just don't get why it's so hard to lose weight as an active senior? Before turning 61, I could easily drop 1-2 pounds a week by just controlling my caloric intake. Why is it so freakin' hard to do that now?

I'm using LoseIt! to keep track of my daily calories, sticking to their recommendation for losing one pound a week. While nothing was happening, I searched several other resources to confirm the daily calorie intake LoseIt! recommends and they all came back with the same number. Then, yesterday, I calculated my BMR after reading on the LoseIt! forum that I should eat 150-200 calories above that number. Guess what, it's the same number of calories LoseIt! recommends!

In all honesty, I'm not discouraged, yet, and had been grateful that at least my weight had stabilized. So I plan to continue with my current diet, especially since I know I'm doing good things for my overall health while not feeling at all deprived. Plus there are other benefits such as the cost savings of not drinking diet cola any more, which we often did the few times a week we eat out. Since hubby has joined me on that change, we now save at least $5 at restaurant meals.

From the beginning, my goal has been to lose 10 pounds by my 65 birthday in October 2016. At the rate I'm going, it's a good thing I'm giving myself plenty of time!

Hobby Room Purge

I finally started tackling my hobby room closet. So far I've emptied three containers and have nearly filled one bankers box with items for charity. My goal is to have very little on the closet floor with everything I'm keeping fitting easily on the shelves hubby installed a few years ago.

When I'm finished, I'll know exactly what I have and will easily be able to access every item. No more stumbling over stuff I'll never use. Once again, my hobby room will be a space I use and enjoy.