90 days

It is amazing that we are about to celebrate our 90 day anniversary in Tennessee.  It seems as though we have been here a lot longer than only 90 days.  We have accomplished a great deal since our arrival on October 29, 2011 with two vehicles loaded practically to the roof.  We both only had a straight view out our back windows, the poor dogs only had a small place to sit in my passenger front seat and Paul did not even have that much room in his vehicle.

My Dad sat in his rocker and watched us unload one vehicle into the condo, and then we had to sort through that load. We had to put things in their place before we could even unload the second vehicle.  We moved from a 1500 square foot house with a one car garage to a 1000 square foot condo with a 4 by 5 storage room.  Our saving grace here is an attic that I can stand up in and have it now sectioned with storage.

I had one day to get my office set up and organized to be back to work on October 31, 2011. Since that day we have replaced the windows, HVAC, storm doors, downstairs’ floor and the kitchen countertop/back splash.   I can honestly say the Little House on the Bluff is cozy, warm and Home.

So what is the plan for the next 90 days, I plan to get out in the community to work on establishing a dance class, Paul plans to begin a class on embroidery and we are going to decide on interior paint colors.  Yes, it has only been 90 days since we pulled out of Florida and I have to say it was the best move we could have made.  We both are able to spend more time with  family; we both get to spend time in an area that has the nicest people you would ever meet.

 The dogs are content because they have both of their parents around all the time.  Things are good and we are looking forward to a great 2012.

The One Thing That is Guaranteed

I am a weather watcher and just being outside watching the clouds is such a relaxing and invigorating thing for me mentally.

As everyone knows 99% of the year, it is hot, humid and Sunny especially in South Florida. When I lived in Florida, I was a walking dripping sweat machine. I could not walk out of my house without a handkerchief in my pocket to wipe my head dry every few minutes.   I was constantly in a state of wetness from my over productive sweat glands.  I really don’t care for constant hot weather and yet I lived there for over 20 years. Go Figure...

It has been nearly 90 days since we relocated to Clarksville, Tennessee from South Florida.   I can say it is heaven for me here in Tennessee. Of course, moving here during the fall and winter months was the right time to do it. I have yet to walk out of my house and immediately break out in a sweat. I have not had to use my collection of handkerchiefs since arriving.  What a pleasure to walk around outside and not be dripping sweat.

I grew up in the Midwest and it is a pleasure to be back in the area where Season changes can be seen and felt. Not like in South Florida where if you did not have a calendar you would not know whether it was summer or winter.  

Just this week as Paul and I were out walking the dogs as usual I was watching the clouds because we were expecting a quick change in weather.  We started the week in the 20’s with a dusting of snow to nearly 70 and tornados/thunderstorms.  I remembered something my grandmother would say to us kids when we complained about something-“the only thing that is guaranteed in life was that the weather will change”.  Here in Tennessee that can mean AM versus PM weather. The Midwest has not changed much since my childhood and I can honestly say I could not be happier.

What is a Line Dance Class?

I have been working to develop a great flyer and/or brochure to promote myself as a Line Dance Instructor. I got to thinking about the best way to describe the activity. I wanted to relate the classes as a fun yet beneficial activity for all age groups and all levels of endurance. I then got side tracked into Fitness. So I decided to pull some thoughts and information I had into this bog entry. It is that time of year when people make new year resolution’s to get fit with exercise.

Being fit, eating right, and exercising is something that many people have to learn. Even with all the ways to get fit, it can be hard to choose particular methods. It is recommended for getting fit, try to exercise for at least fifteen to thirty minutes at a time. Exercising in short bursts can be a way to add variety to your routine or fit exercise into your day, but you won't see the same benefits unless you're exercising for at least fifteen minutes.

You should find a workout that you actually enjoy doing if you really want to be able to stick to it. If you do not like what you are doing it will be very difficult to find the motivation to do it on a regular basis. It is recommended that you add music to your fitness routine. Listening to music while working out will keep you going for much longer than if you are doing repetitive exercises in a quiet area. Music will make you feel energized and help you keep pace by following the beat. Fitness Experts say to put together a specific fitness play list, featuring songs that you know will keep you on track.

So to recap, to help you get fit; utilize an activity that you enjoy incorporated with music featuring songs most everyone knows. That sounds like a lot of fun and something that everyone could do and do safely. That is what I call a Line Dance Class. Where you don’t need a partner to participate; meet lots of great people and have fun getting in shape.

Here's to a Happy Healthy 2012

Well we are leaping into this year, okay it’s Leap year. February gets an extra day and it just throws off all the other holidays this year.  That being said, it shall be my only complaint.

I have decided that I am taking this new Leap year in a more positive attitude. Okay I can already hear all those “yeah right” comments coming through the internet.  I am really going to make the extra effort; I am not getting any younger and stress will just kill you. So to combat the stress I am working to give as much cheer as one possibly can this year.

I have started sending out little Day of Recognition notices to my fellow co-workers. For example, I think everyone should be observing this Sunday, January 8^th, Bubble Bath Day.  We can all use a nice hot quiet bubble bath; personally I want mine with a nice glass of Amaretto on the rocks.

The point is we tend to take our busy corporate ruled lives too seriously. We let the corporations dictate how we live our lives. We need to take a step back and take it one day at a time. Tomorrow is another day and the Goddesses willing we will be here to carry on with our duties.

Everyone needs to find that special hobby, activity that lets you unwind at the end of the work day or week.  We have to put an honest effort in sticking to a schedule to unwind and distress.  Even if you chose an activity to go outside and scream; do it on a regular schedule. The benefit of stress relief will make you feel better as a person, not to mention the overall health benefit.

Not only will the lower stress level work for you as an individual but the benefit it will provide to your family, co-workers and just the man on the street will be enormous.

For me I am going to be dancing the stress away, hopefully by creating my own new dance class in Tennessee. Here is to a great 2012, may everyone have a happy healthy new year.

Remember the first Friday 13^th is next Friday... it is Make Your Dream Come True Day!!! So Dream Big!

Family, Friends and a Year of Changes

As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past year and how very important our family and friends have been in our lives.  I am sure most of us are still in a stupor from our Christmas feast.  It was during our feast that I got to thinking about how 2011 had been a year of many changes for Paul and I.

I started the year in a new/old position after 20 years with Intracorp, the company was sold to GENEX Services at the end fo 2010. So although I am still doing the same job, it was all new with a new employer. The year has been a challenge learning how to do the same job under new policies and proceedures. I do have to state that my new immediate boss has been nothing but accepting and supportive in this year of transition.

I also started a new website www.LineDanceNews.com and also became the host site for Stella Cabeca's website.  Just taking my passion for dancing to a new level.

Paul met a milestone this year and after 30 years retired from the US Postal Service. He has been making a nice adjustment to the life as a retired person.

Then the most dramatic change came the last quarter of the year when we decided it was now time to make the move to Tennessee to be closer to both our families especially my Father. It then all happen very quickly with us selling the house in Florida.  So after 40 years for Paul and 20 years for myself in Florida, we relocted to Clarksville, Tennessee.

So this Holiday season, we got to spend with our families and not our our Florida friends. For me it was a very special holiday getting to spend it with my Father and sister afte 20 years. I know my Mom was smiling down at us, happy that her family was back together again.

I have to admit it was strange at first since for the past years, it was our Florida family that had made our holiday season so enjoyable and memorable.

We  tend to take many things in our life for granted and sometimes neglect to express or show our true feelings for those immediately around us in our daily lives. Being from a farming family, family gatherings with lots of good food, good fun and camaraderie were what was important throughout the year. It was during these family gatherings that you caught on family and nurtured the bond that makes us all family in one way or another.

Paul  and I come from very different family backgrounds but the one common thread was that family was the most important aspect of our daily lives growing up. The weekly or Monthly family gatherings that included everyone from Grandparents to cousins. The feeling of having that common denominator that made you whole and who you are today. 

The old saying you can pick your friends but not your family  is so true. Yet we have friends in our lives that we consider family and have the bond that comes with family.  Knowing they will be there for you in your time of need and support you in whatever venture you undertake. 

So as 2011 draws to an end, We know that our choices were the right ones for Paul and I. Our Florida Friends will always be a part of our lives but now is the time for us to spend with our Family. 2012 is going to be a good year, now we get to show our Florida Family the area I grew up in and around.

What Attack on Christmas?

I keep hearing that Christmas is under attack. Congress has even touched on the matter as if that is the most important issue they have to deal with at this time. But I digress.. I am having a hard time understanding just what is attacking Christmas.  Is it the fact that the retail stores start advertising and putting out their Christmas items before Halloween has past.  Maybe its the Condo Association that is fighting a owner for putting out colored lights instead of only clear lights. 

I just can not figure out what is attacking Christmas, as I sit in front of our beautiful Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music and all the Christmas cards from friends and family. Where is the attack, what is the attack, who is doing the attacking?

Can anyone tell me? 

The only thing I can think of is the attack is from those spouting the issue that Christmas is under attack.   I just don't understand why human beings can not just get along, this country was founded on freedom.  Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, Freedom to be who and what you are without prejudice.  At least that was what I was taught in a small country school in the rural midwest.

I personally, think that those that are claiming there is an attack on Christmas are just trying to create a diversion so they gain more votes in the upcoming election.  We as Americans are always under attack, from outside our borders and more dangerous within our borders. Ultra conservative, Ultra liberals, Ultra Religious, Ultra white, Ultra Black, Ultra, Ultra Ultra. Oh there I go digressing again..

Attack on Christmas, I don't think so. The attack is on the American people, who for the most part just want to enjoy the Holiday in Peace and Good will to all.

Merry Christmas  and Happy Holidays to All.....

Holidays, Family and Extra Pounds

Since this will be the first Christmas Dinner in 20 years with my Father, I want to make everything special and start a new tradition for our family. I have been researching for a new dessert for the dinner. My  first thought on each recipe was how much sugar was in the item, Dad watches his sugar intake. Paul, my sister Cindy and I can eat or I should say will eat anything.

Of course, then we will be the ones trying to work off those extra holiday pounds.  My sister will walk extra miles on her treadmill. Paul and I will walk the dogs on extra long treks. I will dance as much as possible.  The grand part is that we will be doing it as a family and that support will be what gets us through the holiday pound syndrome.

So what are you going to do to get through the Holiday, the family and those Holiday pounds?
Why should you think about it now, you ask. Well without a plan those holiday pounds will become New year pounds, then Spring pounds.  So get that plan together now and then you won't be struggling to get that Beach body when Summer time arrives. 

If that is not enough to get you motivated, then read the following article from Jim Salophokos.

Slimming Down Will Benefit Your Health--And Much More

by Jim Salophokos

Men and women typically attempt to shed weight simply because they wish to improve their health or have been told by their health care provider that it is quite crucial that they do so. We now know just how directly related many health problems are to a person's excessive weight. Everywhere you go you hear about the serious implications of heart disease and increased blood pressure levels. Even with all the information, a large number of folks don't feel that the health benefits are cause enough for them to shed weight. In the following paragraphs we're going to take a look at some of the other benefits that can be gained through following a fat reduction program.

The first place to check out and one that might be a huge motivating factor is the fact that shedding some extra fat could actually save you money. Obviously, you tend to eat less and get rid of many expensive bad snacks when you are on a diet. It is the case that over some time these cost savings can amount to a rather significant amount of money. As a matter of fact, you can count on more savings if you opt to grow some of your own healthy fruits and vegetables.

An additional beneficial effect of your losing weight may be a new belief in yourself, which will manifest in all areas of your life. This could reflect itself in a more optimistic outlook toward your job and the people in your life. The fact that you come to see results from the desired goals you set for yourself with regards to losing weight may help you to achieve targets in the areas of your life. It is obvious that if people start to compliment you on the changes you have made to your physical appearance, this begins to have an effect on your self image and this will show in how you relate with others.

As an overweight person, maybe you steer clear of a few activities. This can be a consequence of your lack of self-confidence or because you have not had the physical ability to do it. This can change as you begin to get in shape and will open doors to new ways to spend your spare time. For instance, if you have the strength to try out a new sports hobby, you will without a doubt find that it is a nice way to work out and interact with other people. If it is a team sport, this is a great way to connect with other people and strike up new relationships.

Therefore, while the improvements to your health after losing weight should be a sufficient reward, you can find many additional reasons to remain faithful to your weight reduction plan.

Till Next time LB