Random Musings #6

Good day to everyone. How's things with all my peeps? (Do people actually say "peeps" anymore?) I hope everyone had a lovely week and continue to survive this oppressive heat that's sweeping the nation. (Although, I bet the heat doesn't bother most of us as much as it used to.) You know, I've mentioned before in these musings posts that I pride myself on keeping an overall positive outlook... and I think that, for the most part, I tend to do a pretty decent job of it. So, having said that, let me apologize in advance for a couple of rants that are sure to rear their heads sometime during this post. (I'll try very hard not to have this become a habit) ? Let me start with... red wine. Ah yes, I have sorely missed red wine. So, I have decided to re-introduce this nectar... this gift from Bacchus... (Okay, enough of that, A.J.) back into my life. And, of course, I have done my research. I'm sure we've all heard of the health benefits of red wine as well as the so called "French Paradox". You mean to tell me that I can have a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon every so often and possibly reduce my risk of coronary heart disease, reduce the production of unhealthy cholesterol, boost healthy cholesterol, reduce blood clotting, and enhance the function of fat metabolism? Where do I sign up? I know, I know... all in moderation. ? Okay - I've got an issue with the TV show, "Scrubs". I'm not normally a sitcom kind of guy, but I usually find this one somewhat amusing. BUT... About a year or so ago, they aired an episode that included an overweight young lady (with co-morbidities) who was insisting on having a gastric bypass. I was dismayed by the insensitive and misinformed handling of the subject matter. Here are some direct quotes from a doctor during the episode: "You want to take the easy way out with the surgery because you're scared. You're scared because if you try and fail, there's only you to blame. Life is scary. Get used to it."; "There are no magical fixes. It's all up to you. So get up off your keister, get out of here, and go start doin' the work."; "Nothing in this world that's worth having comes easy." I say, the guy that wrote that dialogue needs to walk in our shoes for a few weeks. ? Here's a few things I never want said to me again: "I'm worried that you're going to lose too much weight." ? "You work out too much - don't substitute one addiction with another." ? "It's not healthy to lose weight that quickly." This weekend, someone actually said, "You're getting too fit, too fast." What the "F" does that mean!?!? I work out a total of seven hours each week. I'm still 83lbs away from my goal weight. Get a grip, people. All of these comments are coming from folks who, last year, were planning to have an intervention to speak with me about my weight problem. None of which are qualified at all to give advice about healthy nutrition and exercise. Sometimes, you're just damned if you do & damned if you don't. ? I've decided that I'm going to participate in a 5K run in late September. Yesterday, I measured out a 3.1 mile (that's 5K, if ya didn't know!) route around town for practice. It was harder than I thought. My knees and thighs would only allow me to actually run about a third of the course, total. But, I made sure to power-walk during the times when I had to stop running. I finished in about 45 minutes. Within the next 2 months, I 'm hoping to be able to work up to a full run for the entire length. I don't think that's too lofty a goal. Man, these posts just seem to get longer & longer. Many thanks to all the people *****ad my rambles each week and respond with such nice things to say - I honestly appreciate all of the kind words. Be Well -A.J.

Let me start by saying you you can allways consider me one of your peeps, lol. I hope to someday do a marathon. Not running of course on account of my lazyness. lol. But I would love to walk on one of those aids walks or the "race for a cure". I would feel good on two levels one for doing it one for helping others. I dont really have to many people comment on my wheight loss but I am sick of them watching what I eat. I swear I work with the food patroll. Its agrivating. I'm totoally with you on the wine thing. But I've never really cared for wine I'm not that sophistcated but I might be willing to trade one of my sister in laws for a wine cooler. MMMM Sounds so good. I'm not a big drinker but It sounds good. Elsa

go for the 5k, that is a very cool goal! I couldn't run if a ham sandwich depended on it--I'm a walker, slow climber kind of gal---- PS: I think people are uncomfortable when we change---it's just easier if we stay fat----they recognize us that way anyhow--your goals are good and a life without red wine is no life at all---- Cathy

I love your ramblings. Keep them up. ? Here's a few things I never want said to me again: "I'm worried that you're going to lose too much weight." ? "You work out too much - don't substitute one addiction with another." ? "It's not healthy to lose weight that quickly." This weekend, someone actually said, "You're getting too fit, too fast." What the "F" does that mean!?!? I work out a total of seven hours each week. I'm still 83lbs away from my goal weight. Get a grip, people. All of these comments are coming from folks who, last year, were planning to have an intervention to speak with me about my weight problem. None of which are qualified at all to give advice about healthy nutrition and exercise. Sometimes, you're just damned if you do & damned if you don't. Ain't that just to true. I admire you for the 5k. I was a runner in High School,(You know back in the days that we rode dinosaurs to school)and would love to get back into it. We just got our liquor license at the restaurant and the red wine is calling my name. If I had the genes to be an alcoholic, I'm sure I would be a wino. Keep the ramblings coming. Hazel

Ramble on AJ At least you have something worthwhile to say Sending hugs, Ronna

A.J., I do think "peeps" is still "in", so go for it! I have not had too many issues with people commenting on getting too thin (maybe that means I still have a ways to go!). Most people are very complimentary but don't ask if I'm trying to lose more. So, I guess I should consider myself lucky! I, too, am trying to work up to a 5K. I printed off a great program from Sparkpeople.com that eases you into a 5K, you might check it out. My ultimate goal would be to run a 1/2 marathon, maybe even by next summer. As always, thanks for musings. Keep them coming! Lisa S. 227/153/140 5'6.5"

Run AJ! Run! Good luck with your training! Jen

My only peeps are here on this board and thanks God for you all. I moved my dad all weekend and was very surprised I neither got tired nor sore. I would love to run a 5k although I would have to build up to it. Go for it! I too have people telling me I am losing to fast and I should slow down. I am just tired of the whole process and am back seeing my shrink to keep my anger in check. Keep up the good work...love you Deborah

Keep em coming. You always seem to ramble about something I'm thinking and voila, conclusion! LOL Crazy I know!!!! Good luck with the 5K.... booooya!