Ode to a Bath and Other Wonders (2008)

Ode to a Bath - January 28, 2008

Oh, the wonders these days! With the quick flick of a wrist, you too can have a waterfall of delight gushing into your bathtub!!! Baths used to be for the privileged, a royal beauty treatment. But these days, it seems the thrill is gone from this pampering routine. Sadly, a woman who returns home after a harrowing day and longs for a bath, steps into her bathroom. First, when she looks around, the counters are covered in half empty bottles and containers of this and that. 

Sighing, she grabs a magazine to enjoy as she slips herself into the warm water. Flipping the pages of her magazine, she comes across an article on "Turning your Bath into your Private Oasis". She reads over the glossy pages full of ideas that are much too costly for her modest income. And rather than feeling better after a relaxing bath, she's now angry and perplexed, full of thoughts ..... "Why can't my life be that way?" The subliminal message of the magazine that tells her she needs ALL THIS to take care of herself, she then finds she can't afford the very things she supposedly needs.

But ... don't let this happen ! You too can restore yourself through the sense of touch, in your own bath. Its time to simplify things and get back to basics. Clean off the countertop that's overflowing with things you don't use regularly. Fill the bathtub with hot water, and dim the lights. Light a few candles. A book I was reading lately suggested a cup of ricewine in the water (to eliminate toxins). Break apart three tangerines and place segments along with the peels into some gauze or cheesecloth, and let soak in the water with you. (Use caution if your skin is sensitive to alcohol or citrus). You could even prepare some herbal tangerine spice tea to sip as you soak. Let this be a delicious, sensual time of centering, soothing and recovering a sense of well being.

In the words of the famous beauty company: Because you're worth it!!

and on that note.... I'm off to enjoy my bath!!

6:42 PM

A Woman’s Health - Jan 29, 2008

Current mood:relieved
Today was THE day -- yes, the day we women dread ... the annual pap smear and general checkup appointment.  If you let yourself think about it , it's a rather humbling and degrading procedure that we endure in order for us to keep up with our health.  A necessary evil, you might say!   So there you are, in all your vulnerable glory --- undressed, wearing a gown that's quite wide open in places you'd rather it not be, sitting on a cold paper covered table, a paper napkin the size of Delaware on your lap.  If you're like me, you leave your socks ON, because for some reason, you feel warmer that way.  Don't ask my why, it just does!

Gals, I've had my share of these checkups, and with two pregnancies, and a few female problems, more than my share of  checkups (you probably DON'T want details!! haha)  There's nothing more special than checkups because you're pregnant, but once you pass that phase of your life, they lose their "specialness".   I've had my share of different doctor-types.  I was a patient for about six months at a teaching hospital.  Nothing like being examined by a doctor, then having said Doc ask "Would it be ok if my students checked this too?"   (Ohhhh boy, three more sets of slimy fingers...... ~~~find that happy place and fast~~~!!)  I've had a Doc that I nicknamed BIG-John -- he had hands the size of some 7-foot basketball players. Yikes!!   And I've had little Asian doctors, with tiny fingers.  I've had women, young and old.  And I can say one thing.... if you're going to a doc who doesn't make you truly comfortable -- find another!! and quick!!!  No reason to make an uncomfortable thing that much worse.  Your doctor should take the time to talk to you, explain things you might not understand, and ask general questions in a way that doesn't make you feel "funny" answering.  If that's the case, a new doctor is in order.

I found a wonderful doctor here.  I drive 25 miles out of my way to see this guy when I need to; and while I still dread the actual ordeal, I know that I'll be comfortable enough to answer honestly, with details.   And by the way, my "happy place" today was inspired by a picture on the office wall .... a mother and her daughters wearing dresses and pinafores, barefoot, their toes dipping playfully into the cool water... :)

I know you don't want to be reminded but... Is it time for YOUR annual checkup?? If so, make that appointment today!!!   And if you're approaching 40, ask for your baseline mammogram too !

Hey guys..... don't forget, as you age, its important to get an annual prostate exam! (yeah, like you wanted to be reminded of that, huh?)
2:10 PM

One Workout

This couldn't be more true --- 


But you have to make the effort!!







I sure didn't feel like hitting the gym  - after a 10.5 hour workday yesterday, I skipped out - but there was no reason to skip it today.  So I changed into my clothes , and hopped on the elliptical.  And before you know it, my 40 mins was up, I went 2.5 miles, and I was smiling :)    (( Total mileage to date:  264!! ))

Sometimes, all it takes is just a little effort on our part.... !

The Wall

Because of a new computer program that was implemented last week at work, things were getting bogged down and behind, so I worked a half day on Sunday, which meant working another half day today.  Not half bad, considering its a gorgeous day here in the Valley of the Sun !!

Because of the extra time, I chose to do my workout early; I hit the gym with a good attitude, cranking up the treadmill.  My goal was sixty minutes.  I've always heard people talk about 'the wall' when it comes to exercising, but as a chubby chick who rarely pushes the limits when it comes to being physical, its not something I'm familiar with. 

Usually when I do the treadmill, or the elliptical machine, its with the intention of doing 30 minutes.  That's about what it takes to tire me out, get me winded, make my muscles say "whoa nelly, what's going on here?"  Maybe it was setting the goal of 60 minute ahead of time.  Or maybe it was because I left work early and there wasn't all this pressure to get home to get things done.  Or maybe my body is changing enough that it will take more. 

I set a very average pace of 3.3 miles per hour, incline at 3, and set off on my way, plodding along at a decent clip.  20 minutes into it, and I'm feeling pretty good, with my feet slapping out a rhythm that says "keep ... going.... keep ... going".  After 30 minutes, I lowered the incline; but the speed wasn't enough.  I upped it to 3.5  ..... 3.7 .... 3.8 was where I felt pretty comfortable.  The next 30 minutes were slapped out quick, and I honestly felt like I could keep on going.  My rhythm was good, I wasn't breathing too hard, my skin was "glowing"  (old ladies don't sweat, we glow! hehehe) 

10 minutes to go and I felt the need for speed.  Upped it to 4.5 and sprinted for 90 seconds, then back down to 3.8.  I finished at 3.35 miles in 60 minutes.  The neat thing?  Is that I know that I can do it now.   Which means I'll be doing it again!

PS:  This week's weigh in with Daemeon was only -0.5 pounds.  But credit where its due:  it wasn't a gain, which is good; and body weight shifts 1-2 pounds easily depending on what you eat and drink.  We shall see what next week holds!