Bootcamp

March 1st already! Well my New Years resolution was to lose 20 pounds this year. Usually I make a resolution and break it by the end of February. So here it is...March 1st...and I'm still on track. Actually, I've already lost half the weight so now the challenge is whether I should adjust my goal and make it a bit more challenging.

Here's what I did:

Losing weight for me means a low fat diet and lots of exercise. It's been quite painless so far. I eat 5 small meals a day, turned up the volume of vegetables and fruits, lowered the fat in my diet, and supplement with a multi-vitamin and protein shake each day. I'm never hungry, have more energy, and it seems to be working so far. Of course, the one hour bootcamp (outdoor) exercise I've been doing each morning is helping out, as well. (On days when I can't make it to bootcamp, I fire up my Wii Fit or Wii Fitness Coach games.) The bootcamp I attend provides some weight and resistance exercise in addition to a cardio workout. The instructor was previously a weight coach for The Biggest Loser reality series, so he pushes us hard and really wants us to see results.

I don't think you need to buy lots of equipment or sign up for expensive classes. I started out that way because I didn't seem to have the motivation to keep going on my own. It just takes attitude and commitment. So, I hope I can stick with my resolution this year and can develop good eating and fitness habits that will last my lifetime.

Yummy Fun

I'm always looking for little crafty projects when our younger nieces and nephews come to Florida to visit. So, I was quite excited when I heard about the Yummy Fun website on NPR this morning. I checked it out, and while the site is a bit hard to navigate, it is fun to click on the various items on the shelves. Try it out yourself. And, if you are looking for easy fun ideas, click on the bottle labeled Blog. Scroll through the blog to find some fun food decorating tricks and use it to come up with some others on your own.

I love my Kindle!

Santa came early this year. And, he brought me a Kindle ebook. I love to read anyhow, so I couldn't be more tickled. I just LOVE my Kindle and have already read three books.

Unlike trying to read from a computer screen, the Kindle's text is crisp, and easy to see; much like reading text on the page of a book. The battery life is great. At least five days on a charge if you don't keep the wireless turned on.

And, there is so much available for it; a myriad of books, magazines, and newspapers. Amazon let's you read the first chapter before committing to a purchase if you are considering a book for download to your Kindle. If you decide to purchase the book, it is just a simple click away. You can preview newspapers and magazines on a trial basis as well.

One big advantage of Kindle is that books are less expensive, available immediately, and, of course, no shipping charges. The wireless connection is seamless and is included in the price of your purchase; ie, no connectivity fees. Plus, there are thousands of classic books available to download for free such as those which are part of Project Gutenberg.

There are a few improvements that would make the Kindle even better. First of all, the buttons for advancing to the next page are quite large and it is easy to accidentally press them and lose your place in the book.

The case that came with the Kindle looks and works great for the most part, but it doesn't hold the Kindle securely in place when it is open. I wrap the elastic strap that is part of the case around the lower right corner; but that sometimes accidentally advances the page.

But those are minor complaints compared for the ease of use and joy I get from this neat little book. I take it with me everywhere and think I'm reading more than ever these days.

Thank you Santa!

Carol Ann has landed...

Well, it's official! Carol Ann Garrett and Carol Foy flew around the world in a single engine plane in record breaking time. They landed, safe and sound, (albeit a little weary) at Orlando International airport the morning of Thursday, December 11th. Way to go, Ladies!

Carol Ann Flying Around the World for ALS

Several years ago, Carol Ann Garrett set out to fly around the world in her sporty little single engine plane. My husband had the privilege of joining her for part of the flight (from Singapore to Africa). I wasn't so sure about the safety of it all, but I certainly had to admire and support such an ambitious goal. Well, that flight around the world worked out just fine and, now, she is doing it again! This time with flying partner, Carol Foy. And the goal is even more ambitious; they aim to set a world record by flying a single engine plane around the world in just 7 days!

They are half way to their goal (they are in Djibouti as I write this). You can follow them to the finish at their web site Dash for a Cure. The goal, a world record for the Carol's and a big win in the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CATHY SUE!

Alex & Me and Daily Coyote

Ever heard of Alex the intelligent African Grey parrot? Check our Irene Pepperberg's new book Alex & Me. Here's an excerpt that was published by ABC's Good Morning America Library.

Speaking of wildlife, have you heard about Charlie, the coyote pup? Interesting lessons to be learned on life, patience, persistence, and commitment. See the daily update and photos of Charlie's adventures at Daily Coyote.