Copycat behaviors are not wise....

Some daughters like to take after their mothers--well, maybe when they are aged 3--but it's not too often that you read that mothers want to copy the actions of their daughters...  Frankly, I find far more enjoyment in observing than replicating their experiences.

HOWEVER...this morning as I diligently dug round and round my Euonymus fortunei shrub--aren't you impressed with my use of the scientific name?  (Actually it's a plant with green and white leaves...) 

I'll continue my story:  So I'm digging...I step on a large stone...which turns me around and I begin spinning on the side of my left foot, and almost in slow motion fall on the cement driveway.  Next thought:  Did anyone see me?  And the next?  I hope so--'cause I think I'll faint if I try to get up.  Decision:  Lay there for five minutes until the dizziness subsides.

So now I'm waiting to hear from my daughter who is an expert in these matters.  (You know, broken toes, foot, ankle...)  Is it hot pack first, then cold?  Also my left hand is killing me...very painful to type this blog...but it is good blog material...

Decisions...decisions...and Gilly is no help.  Maybe I should have cried out in pain to get his attention.  

Minutes later:  Jen calls.  Cold packs.  Leg elevated above heart.   Yep--I can do that.  She also recommended a good book OR Midsomer Murders... 

Still don't want to be a copycat...but it's nice to know who to call. 

Gratitude for people and events...

Several FB friends have recently focused on gratitude--listing daily what they are thankful for.  This has encouraged me--I want to consciously and consistently develop this habit--so I'm taking up the challenge.  AND I'll hold myself accountable by using my blog.

However before I begin any disciplined daily entries, I'll take a look at the summer just ended...

In June I went to Colorado to visit Kathy and her family.  This year's visit focused on the Grand Opening of Kathy's business:  Sip and Splatter--Social Artworking with a Heart.  Party attendees paint pictures, sip wine--the more wine, the more artistic the pictures--and at the same time, donate to their favorite charity.

July found me in Portland with Jennifer and family attending her Relay for Life.  While the relay is about cancer, my daughter's walking cast was about a broken foot--and no, I'm NOT grateful for that!--but seeing the support of her friends is always gratifying.

July also brought Katie and Phoebe for their annual visit--this year zip-lining was the highlight!  Each year I'm so grateful the girls still want to come!

August kept me home most of the time, but not without friends to accompany me to movies, lunches, and wine tastings.

In September, I headed north--for the annual trip to Lake Pend Oreille for sun, relaxation, and friends who make the enjoyment complete!

Not sure I've ever felt such gratitude for life--have I mentioned how much I love retirement!!

October 1 I'll begin my Gratitude Challenge...doing so publicly is a bit scarey.  (True confession:  A couple of times, anticipating this endeavor, I thought of beginning a list early--you know, so if I have difficulty one day...  But I quickly reminded myself that gratitude, of all things, must be done with integrity...so honesty will prevail.)

Rain and books...a perfect blending.

This morning, as consciousness began its slithering route through my brain, I heard the gentle patter of drops of rain as they bounced from leaves to ground, and my first thoughts were of books and endless cups of tea and cozy corners for cuddling--with said books and cups of tea.

Of all the craziness in my childhood, I can't remember a rainy day that didn't bring some joy.  The sometimes soft pitapat and other times deafening sounds of storms raging down on my grandparents' tin roof on their hills-of-Ohio farm.   Later, a corner in the haymow of their barn--before developing my aversion to rodents--gave way to dreams of a prince in shining armor. 

On this September day of rain, I may go to Ireland--via Maeve Binchy; or Italy--by way of Frances Mayes; or perhaps foggy old England is more fitting--as transported by Rosamunde Pilcher.  Then again I might just spend my day in riotous laughter with the delightful and colorful stories of Jenny Lawson from her mostly true memoir Let's Pretend This Never Happened.

Whatever I choose you will find me listening, reading, drinking tea, and cuddling... 

The person who deserves most pity..

is a lonesome one on a rainy day

who doesn't know how to read.

   ---Ben Franklin

Adventures with my Fitbit Tracker

On July 25, my life changed--or at least my morning routine.  I bought and put on my wrist, a Fitbit Tracker.  For those of you who are not familiar with this device:  The Fitbit Tracker uses a three-dimensional accelerometer, similar to that in the Wii Remote, to sense user movement. The Tracker measures steps taken, and combines it with user data to calculate distance walked, calories burned, steps climbed, and activity duration and intensity. It uses an OLED display to display this and other information such as the battery level. It also measures sleep quality by tracking periods of restlessness, how long it takes the wearer to fall asleep, and how long they are actually asleep--all according to Wikipedia.

Since the beginning of time--well, my life, anyway--I have never excelled in physical activity.  In school, no one wanted me on their team because I didn't care who won or lost...I just wanted my PE requirement completed to graduate. 

I have taken yoga for four years because, while it is excellent for one's health--physical, emotional and spiritual--its aim is not to push exorbitant movement that leaves me exhausted and sore in every joint.  So it's not as if I'm a complete couch potato--yoga is excellent for one's body.

Back to the Fitbit Tracker...  Now I walk every morning.   My neighborhood isn't large, so I often cover the same streets twice--and I sometimes chat with neighbors and allow Gilly to meet new dog-mates.  Because of his excitement over taking a walk, he's a great motivator.    

Since the weekly goal is 70,000 steps, and I sync after each walk, I can watch my progress.  I love it!  And I'm accomplishing great exercise, beginning my mornings in a lovely, getting-good-fresh-air way, and giving Gilly his sniff time.  Returning to my home, I walk (every step counts!) to my computer, and sync in the newly covered distance in steps.

I like this--no competition other than with myself as I try to improve!  It's fun -- if you need encouragement and something to hold you accountable, try a Fitbit Tracker.

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