Fitbit Foray (What a challenge!)

Here's the latest Fitbit update!

The most steps I've been able to get in a day is a little over 8,000 which means I haven't quite met my goal of 10,000.  Today was a good start...over 5,000 by 10:am.  There are two explanations for this recent "success".  I must admit that I'm a member of the Kohler Sports Core which gives me access to  more opportunities than most folks have.  Our "Prime Time" class there, geared for senior citizens is taught by a marvelous instructor and I'm able to take advantage of that at least twice a week.  She really keeps us moving and on our feet!  Also, the Sports Core is about a mile from our home, so with our weather gradually improving, I can walk there.

Yesterday, however, was a no exercise day, as I worked at the polls from 6:30am to 1:30 pm.  After that, I was only able to get in a few household chores and take a nap!  So yesterday was only about 3,000 steps.

Many thanks to my new Fitbit friend.  I look forward to her challenges!!

Fitbit Foray (the good and the glitch)

Welcome back!

Even though I didn't meet my Fitbit goal of 10,000 steps yesterday, I'm pleased to have logged more than 8,000.  As DH reminded me,  "Progress, not perfection!"  The majority of those steps occurred on a morning walk around the neighborhood, but it's amazing to see how many steps can be accrued with everyday activities.  That's the good news.

The glitch happened quite early;  I find it difficult to put on the Fitbit!  The device I have is a Fitbit Flex which seems to require acrobatic maneuvers to align the holes before securing the clasp.  It is possible, however, and a friend to has used a Fitbit for over a year tells me that it will get easier.  This same friend frequently walks more than 20,000 steps a day.  Wow!  She does have an active dog that she walks several times a day, and that helps.

Speaking of friends, I'd love to find someone with a Fitbit to "friend", preferably a relatively new Fitbit user.  You don't have to be 72.  Let me know with a comment!

A new post will be coming soon!

Fitbit Foray (from a little old lady's point of view)

Hello, again, my dear blog!  After more than a two year hiatus,  I'm ready to try a new approach with some new goals.  You are most welcome to follow this journey or check it out sporadically.

Just recently, my Fitbit arrived.  My step-son introduced me to the concept a year ago, and I finally took the plunge.  A Fitbit is a device to wear on one's non-dominant wrist which tracks the steps a person takes every day and encourages the completion of various activity and eating goals.

All of my life has been a battle to stay fit.  Even it I am an old lady, the "little" part of the title has never been true!  I'm not fond of exercise and love to eat anything sweet or salty.  Now, at age 72 (almost 73),  I'm willing to use the new Fitbit to improve the quality of my life for all the rest of it.  I do plan to have a long "rest" of it and hope to be healthy doing it!

After a few trials and the gradual improvement of the weather around here,  I'm officially starting today.  Despite the 28 degree temperature this morning, I clocked 3,308 steps walking around our little neighborhood.  The 10,000 step goal may not be completed today, but I'll keep you posted.  The secondary goal is a loss of 14 pounds.  I promise to give an accurate account of that as well, though I know there will be lapses and restarts.  I also promise not to turn this into a "Julie and Julia" column as I try to give the Fitbit a fair shake!

All reasonably positive comments and suggestions will be considered!

Flipping the Mattress

Today we flipped the mattress.  This seemingly mundane chore has had a remarkable effect on me.  Please allow me to explain.

A few months ago, I turned 70.  Initially, I told myself, "It's just a number, so don't worry about it."  After all, David and I enjoy good health, we love our life together, and all our children are leading satisfying, productive lives.  My mother, who turns 98 this month, is still in relatively good health even though she is in nursing home care.  She's always told me the secret to a long life is to choose the right ancestors, so that bodes well for the rest of my life.

Nevertheless, I've been in a funk.  Even David is concerned about me, so "as the mattress turned" today, I decided to make a few changes and share them in a new series of posts dealing with the aging process.  The goal is 70 posts for 70 years, but there is a good probability that will change.

You may consider this ramblings from an old lady, and stop reading right here.  You may gain some insight into your own aging process and continue to read to the end.  Or you may choose the practical middle road and read a few or some of the posts.  Though I'd love company along the way, I must admit, this is mostly for me and to give an outlet for my thoughts.  You are most welcome to comment and I'll try to respond.

Perhaps flipping mattresses is no longer that important, but it makes me feel that minor changes can make things seem new and fresh, an important part of an interesting life.

In "Style"

For several years, I have been aiding and abetting my dear friend, Judy,, with her original style show.  She not only designed and made the outfits but wrote the script and presents it complete with jokes and commentary in her role as the "Common Tater".  You can see her Idaho inspired outfit above.  We recently held the show for the Kohler Senior Citizen group. 

Several friendly models also posed in their trend setting outfits.  Ann chose a casual look in her T-shirt with details by Lipton and Augusta National.  She wears it over bell bottom pants and has added "matching" accessories.  Betty has topped a checkered skirt with a double breasted jacket and the classy pillbox hat, courtesy of Walgreens.  Katchen is all dressed for travel in her nylon dress that never needs ironing.  In keeping with the neutral theme, she chose "toast" accessories.  I also joined the crew with my favorite costume, the "slip over sweater" with "capped" sleeves.  My jewelry (by Tiffany of course) is fourteen carat and you can't miss my "picture" hat!  Finally, we had to have a bride, and my lovely neighbor was persuaded to fill the roll.  She was led in by a bridle and carried a nose gay donated by our local plastic surgeon.  Her sweet little daughter was our "Flour" girl.

Now you see what you can be done with a vivid imagination and a sense of humor!

Surviving Winter with Dinner and the Symphony

You are looking at one of the very best s'mores, ever!  A homemade marshmallow topped light custard last night at Margaux, one of our favorite restaurants here in the Sheboygan/Kohler area.  And one of the best parts was that dinner was almost free thanks to a gift certificate from my daughter and son-in-law, Becky and James Reinhold.  We also enjoyed soup, salad, and two delightful entrees, a baked salmon in leek wrapping over a coconut flavored risotto, and the Margaux steak with pommes frites.  Margaux serves both full and half portions, which are ideal for us.  Our dining experience was superb!

Then all we had to do was walk across the street to the beautiful Stephanie Weill Center for a luscious performance by the Sheboygan Symphony.  Last night they featured Dr. Li-shan Hung on the piano for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor",  and the full orchestra with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.  For a small city, we are continually amazed at the quality performances.

Now this is certainly a great way to spend a winter evening!

Business and Surviving Winter

This is what you see if you place a special order with Peacox Creations or Peacox Too.  Winter always gives me extra time to build up inventory, even a mild winter like this one.  So I've been hard at it, concentrating on scrubbies, baby afghans, and greeting cards.  When these supplies have been accumulated, photographed and listed in my Etsy shops, I'd love to start on some paper cuttings and pine needle picture frames.  But this is also a good time to place your special orders.

It's time, also, to do some updating and promotion of my shops.  I wish I could get some extra help with promotion.  Of course the ideal person would be one who would take products in trade, but that's only in my dreams!  Publicity is one aspect that needs help as it's not my favorite part of this mini side business!

The up side is that there's time to do some planning and thinking!  Winter is certainly not all bad!!!