I walked yesterday too. Haven't done today's walk but I will when hubby wakes up. I would rather skip the stroller today. I am on program with my food and excersice! House is still stressful but my step mom actually knows the lender where the new offer is applying to. At least I know things look good so far this time around.

Hello all....hope everyone is doing well....

I too have been trying the antitoxin treatments....
Then saw the Menopause Lady on PBS and something she said made it into the ol grey matter ..........

She says, studies show if you think of the picture, baby birds, baby puppies, baby kittens or just babies that makes you feel the warmest, softest, -----in other words---most moved---- that the same energy, that moved you clicks an a "happy" hormone in your brain. The same one that is in full force during pregancy. It has very calming properties and you can self induce no matter what the age or physical condition.

Shall we run an experiment?

I'm off to the job....

********************
Thought of the day:

Take care all...
Blessed is he who speaks a kindness; thrice blessed is he who repeats it.

- Arabian proverb

****************

What an interesting concept, Kaylets! I'm good to try it. In a way, somewhat similar to the peaceful concepts brought on by meditation when one things of a favorite place, etc. So why would it not work on hormones, sez I!

Ah, faithful Arabella. The occasional fall leads to further vigilance. How fared they week of sleeping in?

I didn't fall as far as usual this weekend. Don't know what there is about DD's (well, yes, I do, it's stressful). And I too am so tired. I love the Princesses no doubt but esp. Six and Three Quarters can wear me out. The show (I saw it twice) was delightful. Cannot believe the talent in some of these youngsters (3-8 grade presentation).

House sounds more optimistic this time, flower.

Howdey, Royal Empress - nice to hear you'll be popping in hither and yon.

Arabella, I guess you really haven't had a chance to get in a week's worth of sleeping in yet - hope the rest of the time dh is away is less hectic.

A massage - ooom - it's been a long time here too and having neck, shoulder problems. Hmmmm - maybe after lunch w/friend today I'll look into the possibility.

Clouds holding down expected heat, storms probable later. Just doing laundering, getting organized, etc. Stiff, sore, tired, semi blah but wishing all Royals well.

Hello all....

On my way to the shower as its horribly humid in this kingdom tonight....

well... I got another really good look at myself in the mirror....

And I wasnt happy. The double chin is coming back. I am not impressed.

The same doctor on the PBS show I told you about last post says the whole point is NOT how fast, how much or how regimented but that its SOMETHING, rather than nothing. That 80/20 is much easier to live with and less apt to wind up with bingeing.... To aim for 80% good choices leaving 20% "cushion".

Its good mentally.
I should look her name up online when I have a moment. She makes so much sense and has a very easy going speaking voice.

Talks about lots of pre, peri, post menopause issues and makes good, good sense.

To all of us, you too Empress!!

We did what we could today. No regrets. Either the timing was right or it wasn't. We may be thrilled with the outcome or not. But, if we could have done more, we would have.

We did our best.

And I think we're more the royal for it!

What an appropriate summing up of the Royal Approach, Kaylets. Yes, humidity is reigning here as well and to be even hotter today and tomorrow. I "liked me" well enough yesterday, hope to manage that again today.

Speaking of "seeing oneself" - watched some old videos while at DDs. Was appalled when I saw me at my highest. I don't think I was really "seeing" me that way then. And I'm afraid that's the case now too. I'm "seeing" the "improved' me without seeing that I still have so far to go. And health issues still there....................Why, despite all, do I still have so much trouble w/motivation?

Off to the patio and my morning paper. Two appts. today, bedding in washer and then one more load to do today. Thinking I could sneak a trip to the pool in between the appointments.....................yes, more effort but isn't that just what I need?

Thanks for the hellos, various queenlies!

Re carryin' regards to the palace yonder, I'm kind of temporarily wanderin' 'round the web as a depressive disembodied diet spirit 'n re-evaluatin' my postin' participations 'n blogging habits, so haven't been to any palaces fer a few days, needin' to simplify or somethin', diet more privately, train for a marathon (someday, in the meantime, a 5k in August), lose the Regain Demon ... playin' with the blogs here since I seem to be able to get into them.

Day 2 fly-by. Salvaging an evening for myself tonight to relax and rejuvenate. But until then ... must work. Love to all!

Dearest Arabella...no better place to come than here for me me me time. We all take turns, don't we? This is really the only place I come to freely unload my thoughts, decompress, readjust, reevaluate. Don't apologize! Just do what needs to be done.

Great thoughts on "80/20" approach, Kaylets...I often think, when I'm bemoaning my lack of progress, at least I'm doing something. At the very least, it's better than nothing. I'm all for the happy hormone therapy! Will try visualizing babies, all snuggly and sweet, when I go to my 'happy place' to meditate!

Amarantha! Welcome! So good to see you amongst us again!

I'm trying to pack...got the boys off to the airport this morning, they are off on their adventure. Mine begins Saturday, two more night to work, two more nights of school...the days/hours/minutes til we leave are ticking by
v e r y s l o w l y. The actual trip will be over in a snap, I'm sure!

Must do some homework now...

Hi to everyone, mentioned and un- Have a great day, one and all!

Hello all....

We are in the middle of a fierce t storm.... it was very, very hot and humid all day and now we are seeing it break up.... I hope....

I am off to earlier than usual start in the am so I am posting before bed rather than trying to be witty and quick at the same time....

Here's Thursday's Good Morning Thought....
****
Thought of the day :

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty in them
and try to follow where they may lead."
Louise May Alcott


Question of the day :

"Do you buy fireworks ?"

*****


Yes, and yes and yes about how sometimes we just have to miss a meeting, event, gathering what-have-you because we just can't handle anymore ......

And we really arent lying when we say "Sorry, I am just not up to it....I think what I really need is to rest and take care of myself".......


anyway, thunder continues to rumble.... I can hear the rain getting louder too....

I better turn the whole machine off....


Here we go Thursday, here we go!

Truly, wise Arabella, I hope you followed your instinct for self preservation and missed the meeting. I too believe (though not always a practitioner) that our first duty is to self (in a totally Queenly un-self involved way - if that makes any sense). Obviously you need that break to continue with the other things on your agenda. It's a NonGuilter so hope you took the break and feel more serene today.

Happy, happy vacation, katrina. Wish I were going too.

Hope things are looking better, flower. Give Jack a hug from the Old Hag - my hormones need that snuggly thought.

And wise Kaylets, taking time to post when less hectic. We've been having the storms too. And today's to be worse. Nasty. Hard to function on these humid days (kudos again to wsw for managing more of them). Did get to pool though.

No, on the fireworks though there are still some old ones here (dh had a thing for them). And what a Regal quote. So apt for my journey, for sure.

Up too early. Considering early class at pool. Would make my day go easier. Am I as wise as I counsel others to be? Stay tuned...............

Went to early pool today and the sky didn't fall in. May try it again. Also learned they ARE having late afternoon groups as they did last summer. That worked well for me sometime so may do that again.

Then walked Lowe's (phew!). Waiting for big storms again. Trying to make me do things and succeeding at a slow rate.

Anyway, today was my official weigh in and I was down a pound from last Thursday. Was up in between of course and will be again but it was nice that it showed down a pound again. My victories are small and long and coming but it did help me be in a good mood.

Hello Royals!

I find myself unsettled, restless, unfocused, and in need of change. My retreat in the land far away is less welcoming these last few months...not that the people there are unwelcoming, but it draws me less and less. So I thought to myself, "Self, summer at the Palace might be just what a weary soul needs." Bags packed, cats in tow, here I am.

This year, with a knee injury and months of physio, and having just escaped needing gallbladder surgery I am tired, indulgent, and well, fat. I did continue going to the gym but somewhat half-heartedly. Now that surgery is not immediate I am attempting to refocus. Back to the weights and required (if hated) cardio, and seeing improvements in strength already. Just need to get my head around an eating program. I am really struggling with that part. Not so much the food, but planning ahead of time.

So, here I am. The Irishman could possibly be coming for a visit mid-August, so I'd like to get myself together in the next six weeks.

Oh, and there is The Jamaican....what dear, gentle, upbeat soul he is, too. A recent addition to my life, and I am blessed in such.

I hear DH doing dishes, so the sky must be about to fall on our heads. I suppose I should investigate. I am looking foward to catching up with everyone!