Just one of those things

That's just one of those things I don't do well on. I wear stretch pants. Not tight stretch pants. But they have a lot of stretch. So when I began to notice that a couple of pairs felt snugger than usual I started to worry. I have been dealing with diabetes and the blood values have been OK. But the calorie counts have been off the charts. That is if I were charting them. Which I probably should do. You can cut down on carbs by adding lots of fat. And that is part of what I've done. I'd lost a few pounds when the diagnosis came down but they are back. Just like the damned Energiser bunny. I am looking at my intake and it's scary. I eat too many carbs still. I eat often at night and it's almost always something not good for me. But when I try to change the eating habits I stress out and then I want to eat more. And then I lay around a lot and let the fatty food go to my belly and butt. And I'm aware of this. I'm also aware that I need to change the behavior. So I don't do it. I'm going to have to find a way to change without becoming the bitch I am so good at being.

One of the ways I am aware that I've gained is that my back and knees are hurting more. It's winter. I blamed it on the cold weather. Dumb. I've read that for every 30 pounds lost the diabetic problems are reduced by half. I'd be half as likely to lose vision, or to have trouble with infections. It's time to face me. I claim the crown as Queen Procrastinator. I need to lose the crown.

Everything I love

I became diabetic and began giving up a lot of things. Most of them are on the right side of the list above. Some I'm still doing. I still get an occasional fast food meal. I drink a coke once in a while. I fry a few things and I use processed meats. But, I believe I'm going in the right direction with my diet. I'm way down the scale on the carb intake. I have to be because of the diabetes. I have started juicing several times a week. I'm reading labels and choosing foods to buy more carefully. And I haven't lost a single pound. That leads me to believe that it's not just what I eat, but I have to notice how much. And when. And how my intake isn't balanced by the outgo of energy. You know, I used to think when I retired I'd be able to do the things I love. Oh, well.

Trust the kids

My daughters have begun to take better care of themselves through diet. My oldest daughter is a chef and the other one(the baby) is mom to 2 and always busy. So here I am--- retired and with not much of an excuse to ignore my health. I have a lovely guy to enjoy, a good home, 2 lovely dogs, 3 kids, 4 grandchildren, and some of my health. So, I am listening to my girls and trying some new stuff. It can't hurt. A lot of what I am learning is helpful for diabetes. So I'll be ahead anyway.

I am paying attention to foods that are good for me and I have purchased a juicer. It was a real eye opener. I can use a lot of fruits, ginger, kale, beets, etc. And in the blink of an eye I have a healthy drink. And I have decided to keep the fiber and use it in other things so I don't lose the nutrition. You can make it sweet, salty, or whatever you choose according to what you add. You can add salt. You can add sugar or honey. You can add protein powder. How about adding some vodka? Well, maybe not vodka. Anyway, I plan to freeze the fiber and add to meatloaf, or make veggie broth, or whatever else I can think of. And then there is adding yogurt, or frozen bananas and making it a smoothie. I think I'll have a lot of fun.

I am still having a problem staying away from carbs. Too many carbs and my blood sugar goes up. I constantly remind myself of the results of letting my diabetes get out of control. I suppose that will be for the rest of my life.

Now the fun part of getting old. I have found that I understand every Maxine cartoon I see. I have found I can laugh at things I used to consider so important. And I don't need any more clothes. (for now) Needs are dropping like flies. But how to get rid of the I wants. I don't know yet.

Smile. We're still here!

I thought they were kidding.

Getting old. I'm told you are only as old as you feel. OK. Let's go with that. Today my knees feel about 80. My back feels close to 70. My eyes are 60. My psyche is about 12. My sensuality is subject to change when he gets home from work. My interests are about 30. My sense of humor is iffy. And I'm still not sure how I got to this age. If I average the things I listed I'm not doing so bad.

I have a very young boyfriend. He's 25 years younger than me and we will celebrate 24 years of living together in April. You'd think that would make him much younger than I am. And in calendar years that is true. But I moved a small thing on the kitchen counter yesterday and he went bonkers. Change is something that throws him. And Friday our clothes washer began to smoke while not being on. A possible fire. He jumped right up, unplugged everything and got the offending object outside. Yet on Saturday while we waited for delivery of our new washer, he was freaked out because it wasn't normal. So I'm in some ways questioning the meaning of age. I don't have a problem with change. It seems to be the normal part of life. And there are times I think he is older than I am. So again, age is a strange thing.

I have had some physical problems that really tick me off. I don't use any more drugs than absolutely needed. Diabetes, slow thyroid, and high cholesterol must be medicated. Depression, which I have discovered is not something to sneeze at, must be dealt with. And acid reflux must be dealt with. And I'm doing it. But you know what? Those things don't make me feel old. When I feel old is when I am bored. Boredom, I believe is the most aging thing there is. My boyfriend(that sounds odd at 67) is not boring, usually. There are so many things to do, to see, to learn. Boredom is my idea of aging.

Good article

http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/healthier-you/eat-your-way-to-health-and-happiness#2

OMG

I'm 67, soon to be 68. I started to exercise just a little bit on January first. And I am continuing. No New Year's resolutions. I just started.

I look forward from here with a notion of how to make what's left last as long as possible and be as enjoyable as possible. I'm open to a lot of possibilities. One thing I have decided to do is follow in my daughter's footsteps. I have two daughters. One has seen a documentary on how food affects our bodies and she has started to eat more meatless and more fatless, etc. She has children but they are given diets that are appropriate for their ages. Another thing she is doing is juicing. And I am planning to try learning more about both steps toward health. My other daughter, a chef, has joined daughter number 1 in the juicing and is so excited about it. I find my enthusiasm is growing. I need more veggies and that is one way to get them.

I also am actively looking into ways to combat stress. Due to physical problems, a full blown yoga routing is out. But with my diminutive exercise program going I think I'm going to add a couple of yoga poses and see how that works out.

I'm really glad old dogs can still learn new tricks.

5 Ways To Feng Shui Your Life

5 Ways To Feng Shui Your Life