Energize - Dust Off That Treadmill

I am participating in BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo for the month of January.

Today’s writing prompt question is: “What is your favorite way to recharge when you feel drained of energy?”

I don’t know if this is my favorite way to re-charge but it is one that always works for me.  Plain and simple it is exercise.  Something I haven’t been very diligent about lately.  Actually, the treadmill has been idle for over a month.

My routine had been brisk walking for 45 to 60 minutes, maintaining my heart rate at between 128-139, four to 5 days a week.

When I am on that regiment, I feel physically stronger.  My joint aches and pains are reduced.

My emotional state stabilizes and I am more mentally alert. 

My level of energy increases and I don’t have that sluggish, dull feeling.

In fact, I’m pretty sure I don’t misplace my keys or phone as frequently. The times I find myself rushing into another room, and then wondering why I came into the room don’t happen as often.

Actually, writing this post has reminded me that I am tired of being tired and should dust off that treadmill. 

Besides, I have some of my best conversations with myself during those 45 minutes.

Yep, starting tomorrow…

To see what other participants of this month's NaBloPoMo are saying click here:

Mother's Are Always Just A Phone Call Away

Hi Ma.

Doing ok.

You can hear it my voice?  You're right.  I know.  I can't fool you.   No, I'm not doing so ok, today.

I know what you mean, I still can't believe it either.

Yea, I agree.  I know how special he was to you.

Why? Why him?  That is a question I ask myself every day.

Yes, it is a nice day out today.  But, I don't want to move out of my hibernation chair.  The mindless repetition of knit one, purl one and stockinette keeps me sane. Besides it feels safe here.

I know, I know life goes on.  But I'm afraid, Ma.  I'm afraid he will get left behind.
It's the feeling I used to get when I was out shopping with the kids.  I was always looking around to make sure they were in my sight.   My heart would literally stop when they would wander off.   I just don't want him to get lost in the shuffle of life going on?  That's why I have to keep him right here, with me. You know what I mean?

Remember, Ma, remember right after he was born?  I was having a difficult time.  You were right there.   You were always there,  just a phone call away.

You know, Ma, I thought I knew what being a mother was all about, especially after this last year. But, for some reason, though, today...today, when I reached for the phone to call you,  I understood what being a mother is really all about.   I knew that you, only you would understand my pain like no one else ever could.

Final Installments - Coats, Anna's Diary and 2012

In this post I will be finishing up some old business  with the final installment of the story of the (now) four coats, the last entries from Anna’s diary, some “for the record" entries of my own along with a few pics of our beloved LBI.

After I brought the “Mackage Down Coat with Genuine Fox and Rabbit Fur (in  black) home, I would occasionally take it out of it’s luxurious Nordstrom’s garment bag and try it on.   Each time I would do so, I would stand in front of the mirror and ask the age old question that women all over the world  ask their significant other, “Do you think this makes me look too fat-short-old?”
Ross:  “Well remember it is a puffy coat, after all.  “
Hmm, as you can see, he, like men all over the world, has had a lot of experience dodging that question.
For a variety of reasons, which will sound long winded and uninteresting, I am choosing not to go into detail, but will cut to the chase and say I returned the Mackage, in black. 
I had yet another salesperson wait on me this time.  She was young and tall.  She told me that the "sandy desert"  Macakage I found on the sale rack for 33% off, was the perfect color for me. 

Mackage "Avika" Genuine Fox and Rabbit Fur Trim Down Coat

Ellen Tracy Faux Fur 

 The best thing about this story is that with the money I saved by my two returns,  I was able to get two coats.
The funny thing about this story are the various sales pitches each of the sales women handed me in order to make a sale.

Lady No. 1 pitching coat No. 1:  "This coat is perfect for you."
Lady No. 2's "honest" opinions about coats No. 1 and No. 3, and No. 2. 
"That coat is not you.  I would have never sold you that coat."
"Honestly, no, no, you cannot wear that color."  
"Listen to me.  This black coat is beautiful on you"
Lady No. 3. on Coats No. 3 and 4:  This coat is stunning on you and it is just the right color for you.   "You absolutely  need a chocolate brown coat.  

Eilen Tracy Fox Fur Trim And Down Coat

 I love both of my new coats.  Really I do.  But as I was looking around on Nordstrom's website I found this one, Ross...















We spent the last days of 2012 with a visit to a post Sandy LBI beach,  an over night visit with two of the cutest kids in the world, and an early but disappointing Kubels's dinner on the eve 2013.

      

My hope is that we are all headed in the right direction...I know one thing for sure... I will at least be warm.

Here are the final entries from Anna's 1929 diary:

Friday, December 27, 1929

Home after supper went to bring gift to Madeline, my little god child.  They were just going out so did not stay very long.  Then went to see Aunt and Uncle.

Sat. December 28, 1929

Home all day.  Cleaned and worked.  Ted had a few friends in and I prepared for her as she was not feeling well.  Carmela B. was here for slim.  Peg came to help.  Stayed.

Sun. December 29, 1929

Peg here over night.  Up late.  Had light lunch.  Peg went to 360 with Slim.  Jean and I went to visit cousin Louise.  Lena loos a little better.  Ted and I went to Brandford's.

Mon.  December 30, 1929

Went down town.  Stores deserted after the Xmas rush.  Bough material to sew curtains.  Jean went to see Mrs. Poole after supper.  I stayed home to sew on curtains.

The End of 1929.

Anna continued to write in this five year diary part way into the year 1930. 

Here are her last two entries:

Thurs. March 27, 1930

Still in bed and never felt so rotten.  No one came all day.  Poor Junior neglected.  Feel so weak and pains all over my body.  Rosalie came at 6:30.  Spent a delirious night. 

Friday, March 28, 1930

Still in bed.  Dr. Murray called.  All organs from neck up infection.  Left prescriptions.  Temperature.  Must stay in bed longer.  Letter from Slim for little donations to banquet he wants to attend.  Mrs. Miller came up for little visit.