A Thanksgiving Like No Other

"What matters most is how well you walk through the fire." - Henry C. Bukowski, poet & novelist 

This year Thanksgiving will be unlike any we have ever had or could possibly imagine. When I canceled our annual St. Patrick's Day party last March because of Covid we thought for sure we'd be back to entertaining within a few months but eight months? It is so difficult to comprehend the immense consequences this disease has leveled on our nation. Looking at the tragedy of it, having a Thanksgiving at all is a gift.

We may be sharing Thanksgiving via Zoom without our loved ones in person, but we are doing our best to manage the situation.

We still have so much to be grateful for. Some of us have lost our beloveds, yet, as impossible as it may appear, can we find gratitude in the years we did have with them? We can reach out to others by phone or text to share our love and thanks. We can offer food to those who are unable to feed their families. We can give a monetary donation to food banks that will help serve now and in the future.

We still are blessed. We still have hope. We have a new President, and yes, it is a difficult and dangerous time right now for our country until the transition of power from the former President to President- elect Biden is completed. Still, I have profound hope and faith that all will be resolved.

I know how fortunate I am that I have a loving husband, son, sisters and brother and my extended family on hubby's side. I consider myself privileged to have the dear friends I have who lift me up when I need that and I can support them as well. We have fun and laughter and stories to share. 

Indeed, we have so many reasons to give thanks.

I wish you all a sweet, joyful and scrumptious Thanksgiving.

xo

Keeping Fit in the Pandemic

Since Covid hit life for all of us has changed dramatically. Our lives have been exceedingly altered and for some it is unrecognizable.

I have attempted to maintain some normalcy through exercise. Exercise, for the most part, has always been enjoyable. I take great pleasure in walking or hiking with my dear friend Shannon several days a week. Blessedly pickleball has returned and I am thrilled to once again be playing up to three times a week. We're being safe by playing outdoors and with four or five friends exclusively. We do not mix in with others at the courts and relinquish our court rather than allow another player to join in.

Besides adding pickleball back into my life, the one considerable change I've made is adding weight training to my exercise routine. I'm not talking heavy weights here, yet the ones I'm using are heavy enough for me. The lightest I use are 3 pounds, for certain shoulder moves, due to rotator tears in both shoulders. I also use 5 and 8 pounds for other stronger, bigger muscles. I must say - I do not enjoy lifting weights. However, I have learned through the book Younger Next Year, that it is a necessary evil. I know many of you do enjoy weight lifting and work out at home or at the gym. We can also see similar results through bands, machines or even body weight exercises.

I began my journey into weights sometime in March and have kept at it consistently 2-3 times a week since. No, I have not bulked up. That would be an interesting sight. I have, however, managed to actually build enough muscle that it is noticeable - at least to me. Most likely you would not know at all that I've been doing this. Still, it has made a difference in how my arms look, sadly I still have the dreaded bat wings going on. I admire those of you who have used weight training consistently over the  years, unlike me, an on again  - off again weight lifter. Have you been doing anything differently for exercise since the pandemic began?  

What about your  food intake? Has that changed? I know quite a few of us have put on a few pounds. Comfort eating? Boredom noshing? Restless grazing? Whatever name we give it - it's emotional eating. Let's give ourselves a break and a little kindness and not beat ourselves up over it. 

I've noticed that many more people have taken to walking, hiking or running in the morning. People who previously may have been commuting to work or enjoying a second cup of coffee have hit the road. Even if the reason is out of monotony or tediousness of our days - exercise is an energizing panacea for our attitude and our body.

How have you managed to navigate the obstacles the coronavirus has dropped in your path? It has been a rigorous haul - 10 months for some, depending on where you reside. It's challenging to keep our spirits up let alone our bodies. However, our bodies have served us well - even with the aches and pains that often accompany this third of our lives. Be kind to yourselves and give credit for all the good you're doing, even if you feel it's not quite enough. We can always add a tad more exercise if we feel we need it, but more than that, we can give ourselves a lot more tender love. That is something we all can use.

xo

The Wait is Over

The wait may have been painful, but the results prove it was well worth it. We have a President and Vice-president elects to be proud of. Yes, we selected wisely with our votes. Joe Biden chose judiciously when selecting Kamala Harris. We are now a nation that, hopefully, will unite as Americans, not Republicans or Democrats. As President-elect Biden has said: "We are not red states or blue states, we are the United States". I know, call me a Pollyanna - but remember she was a person who searched for the good in every situation she encountered. And I believe our optimism and beliefs in the goodness of Americans will prevail and overcome our differences.

We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, I'm not denying this. I confidently believe we are resourceful and resilient enough to handle any challenges that may arise before the inauguration of our new President. I am certainly not going to wade into those murky waters. Suffice it to say that Mr. Trump has already proven he will not leave with composure or grace.

When the reins are finally handed over to our new President, the heavy lifting will begin. There are significant and numerous issues to be dealt with. We are in good hands now. As Mr. Biden has said: "We are restoring the soul of America". Yes, indeed.

xo

The Wait is Painful

 I have shied away from politics or even sharing my political views on this blog, however this election has me breaking that practice.

Regardless of who you've voted for we should be appalled and embarrassed by the behavior of the president of the United States during this election. 

Mr. Trump posted outright lies and misinformation on Twitter accusing Democrats of cheating and election fraud. Twitter slapped him with a warning - as if that will stop him. 

He also has filed lawsuits in Michigan and Pennsylvania adding more states today, to stop the counting of ballots and has sued in Wisconsin for a recount. His conduct is reprehensible. Americans deserve a full tallying of ballots. By the time I post this Thursday morning, God knows what other shenanigans he'll devise and contrive. He's panicking. And rightfully so.

The wait is painful, yet wait we must, in order for all the votes to be counted. Americans turned out in hugely unheard of numbers to have their voices heard.

Joe Biden is remaining composed and dignified. He has class and character and honor. Exactly what we need in a president.

My blood pressure may be rising so I will end here. I hope you are faring well as we wait for the final results. Let's try and stay as calm as possible and remember that whomever we voted for we are intertwined as human beings. We are all one. 

xo