CHRISTMAS!!!

It's a busy time of year, and this week will be the busiest!  Maybe you still have Christmas cards to get out(like me!)or presents to wrap.  You've probably been to a party or two and have overindulged a bit!  For me the worst time is when the cookies come out.  I can't resist chocolate chips!  So, you may need to exercise a bit more.
Plan to go for a walk or meet a friend at the gym.  I met with a friend last week and we chatted while walking on the treadmill.  Later on, we scheduled lunch and shopping,
and it was fun!  We had salads and then went shopping.  Yesterday my hubby and I did a mile on the bike trail and about 10 minutes walking to and from the car for various shopping adventures.  So, try to build your exercise into your shopping schedule.
Also, be aware of what you eat and consume a little less in preparation for the Christmas revelry!  Most importantly remember who the day is for, a celebration for the birth of Jesus.  Merry Christmas everyone!

HERE AND GONE

Like the touch of an autumn breeze on your cheek or the flutter of Angel's wings,
she's here and gone.


Joan believed in her Angels- whom she called her Earth Angels, and there were many of us.  She loved us all and was always grateful.


Joan loved a good joke and always perked up around men!  She even named her cat Angel!


Well, she's up there now with her beloved Phil- happy and healthy at last- sending blessings down to all of her Earth Angels.

CANTOR

This Sunday was my first Sunday as cantor at Holy Trinity Church in W. Harwich.
I was quite nervous at first, but I had practiced the psalm earlier so I was ok with that.
I probably should have had some of the songs pitched lower, but I'll know better for the next time which will be next Sunday at the 5:30 mass.  It was really a beautiful experience and really an honor to praise God with the gift he has given me, my voice.
It was also very special to be on the altar.  The only other times were at my Mom's funeral and when we renewed our marriage vows.  This was a totally different experience.  The choir director, Steve, was very nice and helpful.  He sang the mass parts since I only know the alto parts.  It just gave me such a lift, and I'm very grateful
for the chance to sing and praise God in this way!  Have a great week!  Peace.

GIVING THANKS!

I know everyone is talking about giving thanks because it's November and Thanksgiving time, but it is really important to count your blessings!  I'm thankful first of all to my husband who supports me 100% which allows me to work  in my business.
Secondly, I'm thankful for my family and friends who also care and help me out.
However, the most important thank you has to go to God and my church.  My church is Holy Trinity in W. Harwich and I sing in the choir.  It really gives me great joy to be able to praise God in this way and give back with one of the gifts he gave me, my voice.  So on this day of thanks count your blessing and pray for those less fortunate like the poor people in Buffalo who are buried under all that snow, or the people in troubled lands that still are at war.  Peace!

GOD BLESS TECHNOLOGY!

Thanks to my very wonderful computer guy, I can finally write my new blog.  My
computer guy is Joe Marino and he is the best!  Last week I had these horrible pop-ups
that said my computer was infected and all my private information could be stolen!
I immediately called Joe and he came by my house to get my computer and clean out all the bugs.  That was about 5:30 last Thursday and I had it back by 6:30 the following evening.  He even plugged it back in!  All done door to door and always with a smile!
I get a hug too!


The other major thing that happened in my life involved my car.  I had to replace a tire the week before, but that was only the beginning.  After the tire was replaced, I heard this wobbling sound and the breaks sounded like metal on metal.  I didn't drive the car that weekend which was the last time I wrote my blog.  We actually went away for an overnight to see our old friends in Waltham, which was a great time!  On Monday we brought the car to our mechanic who could not take it until Tuesday.  I used my hubby's car on Monday and Tuesday, and we picked up mine Tuesday evening.  It needed not only breaks, but calipers and tie-rods too!  It was a lot of money, but I have to look on the bright side.  I wasn't hurt and I didn't hurt anyone else.  I have had the car four years and I've only had oil changes and tires.  So sometimes things that seem
bad end up being good!  Be safe out there and pay attention to each other as well as your car!


 

CREDIT CARD FRAUD- DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

Last Wednesday I was sitting at my computer and making phone calls when my phone beeped with a message about my credit card.  There seemed to be a problem, with my card so I texted back asking about the problem.  I should have left it at that, but instead I called the number and gave out my information.  As soon as I did it, I knew I was wrong and called my credit card company.  They, of course, had not sent the message, so I canceled my card.  There had been no new charges fortunately.  I also called my bank and they flagged my account.  Then I went to the bank and got the names of all credit bureaus.  I also found out that the number was from New Jersey and it came up scam when it was gogooled.  I called one credit bureau and signed up for a plan that would cost $300.00 for credit protection for life.  I could only give $!00.00 and had to use my husbands card because I had cancelled mine!  The next day I was thinking a little clearer and called the other two credit companies.  I went with Trans Union because it was only $11.95/month which is much cheaper than $300.00 and canceled the other, not without a fight!  However, I won and had the payment taken off my husbands account.  Then I called the social security office and I have to set up an account in case someone uses my number to get a job.  I also contacted the rest of my credit cards and flagged those accounts.  It's a hard lesson to learn, but I did learn.
Watch out for scams.  Contact your bank and social security.  Be safe! 

SKIN CANCER

Last week I went to my annual visit to my dermatologist.  I had one flap of skin frozen off  and a biopsy taken from my shoulder.  I got a call yesterday and the biopsy was basil cell carcinoma, so it has to be removed.  Last year I had one removed from my face.  The one from my face was fine for a few years and then it changed and had to be removed.  I went to a plastic surgeon for that one, but this one I'll have done in the office and have a scar that I can tell stories about!  My point here is to get your skin checked.  The one I had on my shoulder was a tiny red mark a little bigger than a dot.
The one on my face was darker and a bit more obvious.  The real kicker was the melanoma I had on my shoulder which looked like a big freckle!  Don't put it off!  It may be a bit inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it is totally worth it!  I know that
sounded a bit preachy, but I learned through experience.  Take care of yourselves out there and wear your sunscreen.

REMEMBERING A FRIEND.

I love training seniors, but one of the down sides is that people pass on.  I lost Joan last
Thursday.  She had been in hospice care for two months, so it was expected but still a shock.  I had been working with her for the past two years.  We had become fairly close.  She loved talking about my cat Fraidy who is a Maine Coon just like her cat Angel.  Joan always asked for my husband Frank who she was crazy about!  She would also speak fondly of her deceased husband Phil who she is with now.  Joan had many people helping her stay in her home even though she was legally blind.  Rachel came over every morning to get her up, dressed and fed before her other angels(as she
called us) would arrive.  Rachel set up Joan's daily schedule so she always knew who was coming when.  She would return later in the day for dinner and conversation.
The town nurse came weekly, and she had "meals on wheels".  There was also a home health aid and 24 hour care with hospice toward the end.  Joan was a good, kind and
loving soul.  This world will be a lot duller in her absence and Heaven will be a lot brighter.  God Bless!

GAURDIAN ANGELS AND BLESSINGS

I know I talk a lot about the power of prayer, but I believe and I  know it works!
Last week my stepdaughter Kate was turning onto a busy intersection, when her car made this horrible metallic snapping noise and died.  Miraculously she was not hit, which was blessing number one because her kids were in the car.  Then with the help of her son, they got the car into the parking lot and it started rolling with the kids still in the car!  Kate managed to catch the car and jumped in to stop it!  That was blessing number two and of course the Guardian Angels were working in both these incidents which did not turn into accidents!  Blessing number three happened when she  found out the cost to fix the car would only be $200.00.  So there you have it.  I was praying very hard and everything worked out fine.  Try it sometime.

LIFES SMALL MIRACLES-GIFTS FROM GOD!

Last week I had the opportunity to work with a gentleman who has had a stroke.  He is in a wheelchair, but is determined to walk again.  He walks in his house every morning and does regular exercise.  I had a chance to work with him in a class of only one which was fine because he needed all of my attention.  I put a long table in front of him in case he needed it for support and with the help of his cane and good muscles, he got up and did some sideways walking.  This is a good exercise for balance.  Then he sat for a bit and we did some wall squats with the exercise ball which also required him to get up and remain standing for a bit.  We finished up with a little more regular walking and some weight work for his upper body.  We also worked on some leg exercises.  I was so thrilled to be able to work with him and hopefully I'll be able to have him as a private client.  I know three people who have had strokes.  Two out of the three were told they would never walk again and they are walking!  That's what I call God's little miracle.

I LOVE MY JOB!

As most of you know, I am a personal trainer and work primarily with seniors in their homes.  It's so great to able to drive to a house, pull out my equipment and set up anywhere!  I recently got a new client who lives in a beautiful home right on the water!
As I wheeled my suitcase with my bosu ball propped on it,  it was so nice to see him sitting in his kitchen with his wife, family and dogs(who were barking at me of course!)  I can go into that warm home and make a difference.  My client has spinal stenosis and is in a lot of pain.  He tends to walk stooped over, so I'm working on strengthening his upper back and shoulders.  I'm also working on his balance and posture.  The bosu is for leg strengthening and balance.  It's so cool to be able to go anywhere and be able to set up my gym in any home!  Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy this beautiful Fall weather!

FAMILY REUNION!!

On Monday September 15th, the Willey family was all together!  It has been almost five years.  The last time we were all together was for my Mom's funeral which will be five years ago this October.  We all met up in Franklin, Mass at a terrific restaurant called Incontro!  It was pretty much a central location for all of us.  My brother Matt and his wife Loni drove the longest, two hours from the Berkshires.  They live in Virginia, so that's why we have not been all together for so long.  So it was me and my four brothers, my hubby and my nephew back together again!  It was great fun and I posted a picture of us on facebook!  We are truly the land of the giants!  I'm the smallest at 5feet 9inches.  The rest are 6 feet, 6 feet four and five!  My hubby and nephew were the smallest.  We have to make the effort to stay in touch.  I am going to try to e-mail once a month.  In this crazy-busy world it's really vital to remember who is really important- God, family and friends. 

GREAT WEEKEND WOMAN'S WALKING RETREAT!

Hi!  I had a great weekend and a very busy Monday, so I wasn't able to post yesterday.
Today I am up and ready to go after a terrific weekend and a great retreat with my Life
Coach/Business Coach Helen Kosinski.  We started at Nickerson State Park at 9:30.
There were six of us-all very interesting people.  The theme was stepping into our dream lives.  Most of us realized that we were already partly living our dreams lives.
All of us doing what we want to do and happy with our partners.  I realized that I want to be a writer someday(which I am right now)  I also just published an article about one of my clients and it's in my fitness journal.  I'm very excited!  So I'm on my way!
My personal training business is humming along too!  It was a day to contemplate, meditate and relax, which I don't do very often.  So google Helen at betterthanevercoaching.  She has another retreat this weekend!

SEPTEMBER- BACK TO SCHOOL,WORK,ROUTINES

Here we are again in September!  While you are getting back to school and work,
why not start an exercise program!  Starting today I will be teaching a fun, low impact
aerobics class at Harwich Community Center.  The time is 8:30 in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The cost is $10.00/class or 2/$15.00.  We do 25 minutes of
fat burning aerobics and 25 minutes of abdominal work on the exercise ball.  If You don't have a ball there are some available at the community Center.  However not many, so bring a ball and have a ball!  This program combined with healthy eating will
help you lose weight.  Not only that, it's fun and stress relieving.  I also have great music!

END OF SUMMER AND A SURPRISING STORY!

I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend already!  Time sure does fly!  I haven't written for a while because we went away last weekend to Maine to visit with my stepson Josh and his family.  We brought two grandsons with us, and they hung out with their cousin.  The boys had a great time sleeping outside in tents and cooking on a campfire!
My husband and I stayed at a hotel.  No sleeping on the ground for me!


On Sunday, we took a ride to Rangley and stopped at Smalls Falls along the way.
It's a beautiful spot where you hike up beside the falls and there are several places to jump in.  I tried that a few years ago and the water is freezing, so I opted to watch the kids.  We got to Rangely at noon time and the kids cooked out, while we had a nice lunch at a restaurant that overlooked Rangley Lake and mountains.  Afterwards,
we changed and went swimming with the kids.  That's when I realized my Tablet was
missing.  I franticly traced and retraced my steps, but found nothing.  I prayed and prayed to St. Anthony, but to no avail.  I was really upset and mad at myself!


The next day we had to leave and make the long, 5plus hours, trip home.  I called Verizon to cancel my service and went to the store where I purchased my devise only the find out a replacement would cost me $300.00.  That's more than three times what I paid for the original because I didn't have insurance!  So I went back to work and worked very hard on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Wednesday night at 8pm, I got a call from a woman in Rangley, Maine who had found my tablet!  Apparently, I left it in the rest room when I changed into my bathing suit.  She got my name from the tablet and
googoled me!  I was so happy and excited, and I blessed her many times.  She will mail it back to me and I will reimburse her.  Isn't that wonderful!  It just renews your faith in God and humanity!


Take care everyone, and have a great and safe weekend!

AEROBICS!!

Remember aerobics?  Long before zumba, dancercise, and even step aerobics there was just plain old aerobics.  Aerobic exercise is what your body needs to burn fat!
It uses oxygen to burn calories, and a calorie is a unit of heat.  That's why you have to sweat and get your heart rate up to lose weight.  All those other classes are aerobic too and work just fine, but if you are not coordinated(like me) you might want to try an old
fashioned aerobic class.  Guess what?  I just happen to teach one!  What a coincidence!
It starts on September 2nd  at 8:30 A.M. at Harwich Community Center on Oak St in Harwich.  The cost is $10.00/class or two classes for $15.00.  I have great music and easy steps!  So give it a try!  What have you got to lose, but a few pounds.

EXTRA POUNDS!!! THE POWER OF PRAYER!!!

It is so frustrating to try to lose those 2-3 extra pounds!  One week you're down the next week your up.  It goes up and down like a sea/saw.  I really thought I had the problem licked with my aerobics solution, and I weighed myself at the gym and the scale was down three pounds!  I was so excited and happy, but then I went for my annual physical and I was up again and had lost 3/4 of an inch in height!  I was so mad when I got home that I had my husband measure me. The good news is I'm still 5feet 9inches.  The bad news is I'm still up three pounds, but I'll get it off!  I already got on the elyptical for 30 minutes and am taking a bike ride this afternoon.


On a higher note, the same day I had my bad day at the doctor's, my husband lost his hearing aids.  He took them off while getting a haircut and put them in his pocket.
Several hours later, he discovered they were missing.  We retraced our steps and called all the places we had been.  It  rained that afternoon and there was a beautiful rainbow which I took as a good sign.  I also prayed to St. Anthony, Jesus, Mary and any other saint I could think of.  The next morning we woke up at 5 and my hubby bribed me with breakfast(taking me out for that is!)  We went back to Great Cuts and there were the hearing aids lying side by side on the other side of the parking stone so they didn't get run over!  I told my hubby to thank God and St. Anthony!  We got home and he blew them dry and changed the batteries.  They work fine.  That's only a simple example of the power of prayer.  Think what God can do for big problems!

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW!!

For the past three months I've been dealing with 2-3 extra pounds that refuse to leave me.  It's very frustrating!  I think I finally figured out an answer.  I stopped teaching my aerobics class in May.  That was twice a week and it had 25 minutes of low impact-fat burning aerobics.  That's the key because I wasn't getting breathless during exercise!  So this morning I went out on my back porch and did 20 minutes.  I definitely got my heart rate up and was breathing hard.  It really felt good, and I felt good.  I forgot how good it is to release all those great endorphins through aerobic exercise.  That's why I like teaching aerobics because it makes me feel great! 
I'll be starting an aerobics/ exercise ball class at Harwich Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 in September.  So if your looking to burn some summer fat, come on down!

FINDING TIME TO EXERCISE!

Many times during the summer, we find ourselves running around, doing shopping and getting ready for company.  We need to stop and think about our own bodies.  Many times we find lots of excuses, like I don't have time!  You really need to make the time.
I was reading in my fitness magazine that fitness professionals need to work out an hour every day!  So I needed to up my game.  Some days I have to split the time into 3 20 minute sessions like elyptical for 20 and two sessions of brisk walking.  Other days I'll ride my bike for 20- 30 minutes and make up the rest of the time walking.  On Saturday we went to Buzzards Bay to see two ships THE MORGAN  and THE EAGLE.  We parked about 15 minutes away and had to walk back and forth to the car and we walked around the ships including up and down ship stairs!  Even house cleaning counts as exercise!  So make the effort and take the time, you'll look and feel better.  Have a great week.  Be safe and kind out there!

SUMMER RUSH!!

For the first time in my four years as a personal trainer and owner of my own business, I'm experiencing a summer rush!  I've gotten five new clients in the space of a week and a half!  Which means I've been very busy.  This is exciting and a good thing, but sometimes you neglect yourself because you are working really hard.
I neglected my music and even though I am still exercising, it is not enough.  I ignored a very basic rule, and that is you must change up the exercise.  So I added an hour a day and have increased the intensity.  So when I ride my bike it's at a faster pace.  When I work out on the elyptical, I do short bursts of speed.  I want to also include tennis.
I started on Saturday with two hours of pilates.  One class was a jumping class, so it was cardiovascular.  I rode my bike on Sunday in some rain.  Yesterday I did the elyptical for three sets of 10 minute interval for a total of 30 minutes and took a thirty minute walk in the afternoon.  I also got adjusted by my chiropractor Dr. Andrew Mcclennen of Chatham and my hubby got a massage from Paulette Abdow who works out of Andrew's office on Crowell Rd. in Chatham.  We've got to exercise and take care of our bodies.  Today I'm doing two sets of thirty, hopefully biking and walking.
Have a great week everyone!

BUSY SUMMERTIME!!!

It was  another busy week.  Thursday I had my client Joan, and I had to take more pictures for the article I wrote.  Frank had to help because I was helping Joan with the equipment.  We finally got some pretty good shots and I sent them to the editor of my magazine.  However he did not get them, so I resent them.  Hopefully they got there.
Technology is sometimes frustrating!  Speaking of technology, I just got a Verizon Tablet and I'm loving it!  I downloaded an ap called" my fitness pal" and use that as my daily food log.  It's great and has a place for your exercise too!  I also learned  how to take and post pictures on facebook, which for me is very cool!  I also learned how to get my e-mail and e-mail pictures.  The Verizon store in Yarmouth on Station Ave. right next to the Stop and Shop is really great!  They offer free classes the second and
fourth Tuesday of every month from 5-6 pm.  I went this past Tuesday and will go again next week. It's worth your while and Bobby is very knowledgeable and down to earth.  Sarah is great too!


We had a funeral on Friday and I did the Love Walk for the homeless on Saturday.
I did manage to get some walks in, a bike ride, and my own squat and lunges workout
with a ten pound kettle bell.  So keep on moving and be careful out there!

SUMMER STRESS AND STRAIN!!!

Good day to all!  Hopefully you survived the holiday weekend and the storm.  Frank and I got caught in the deluge in Buzzards Bay.  The parade had just finished, when the heavens opened up!  Fortunately it was warm, so getting soaked wasn't all that bad.
We had an indoor cookout and everything went well.  I stayed with chicken and salads and avoided the desserts.  We went shopping on the way home and got caught in the deluge again!  Oh well.  We went to another cookout at our neighbors the following day and I was not  so good.  The berry pie got me, but it was delicious!  More exercise for me this week and a little less food.  I rode my bike, walked and did the elyptical so far.  Another good idea is to sit on the exercise ball while using the computer.  It keeps your abdominals engaged and works on balance.


On a different note, my church(Holy Trinity) is sponsoring a Housing with Love Walk
to prevent homelessness on Cape Cod.  It will be on this Saturday, July 12 at 10AM  at Sea View Park in Dennis Port.   So come on by to show your support and make a donation.

LAST DAY OF JUNE!!

It was a fast week last week and a busy one!  I did not have a chance to post on Saturday because I went to the grocery to avoid the crowds.  That's the time I usually blog.  Anyway, I hope you find my exercise tips useful.  I have been trying to stretch more in the mornings.  It does help make you feel less achy!


So with the holiday week here, don't forget to exercise!  I just took a short walk up to the store with my hubby to get a coffee and a newspaper.  It's always nice to get out early and enjoy the quiet.  Maybe you have grandkids visiting like me, and you can
take a bike ride or walk on the beach.  The trampolines are fun too!


Whatever you do have fun this week and enjoy!  Be kind to yourself and your neighbors!

SIMPLE STRETCHES AND BALANCE EXERCISES

In the morning when you wake up while you are still lying in bed, reach your arms over your head and stretch as far as you can.  Do the same with your legs and feet.  Hold this stretch and all stretches for 12-15 seconds.  While sitting on the side of your bed stretch down to your toes.  These are good spinal stretches and will actually help you feel taller!  You are taller in the morning because gravity has not weighed you down yet!

After breakfast, stand at your kitchen counter and do heel drops.  Make sure your fingertips are lightly placed on the counter to help with balance.  Rise up on your toes and drop down for ten repetitions.  Performing 50 heel drops per day for 6 months will improve your bone density 3-4%.  Try standing on one leg for 20 seconds and switch to the other leg.  These simple exercises will strengthen your legs and help improve your balance.

By:Mary Ann DeMello

TOUGH WEEK!!

It's been a tough week here in Dennisport.  Tuesday we got the news that my stepdaughter was very sick and had to be taken to the emergency room.  Her red blood cell count was 8 and her iron level was at 1.  My husband and I did  a lot of praying and visited the chapel together on Wednesday.  We heard from her husband later on Wednesday and he told us she was on bed rest for two days and her red blood cell level had increased after being pumped with fluids in the hospital!  Thank God!  The one really positive thing about this experience is that my husband has increased his faith and belief in the power of prayer.  When we were at the chapel, it came to me that
Daryl would call us, and that is indeed what happened!  God is listening.


So Caryn is taking super-iron and will be starting her trip to us next week!  So all is well at the moment and we will continue to pray.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

COMPUTER GREMLINS, FULL MOON IN RETROGRADE

On Saturday June 14th(Flag Day) I wrote this great blog about not so random acts of kindness, and then hit a button and lost it!  So I'm blaming the computer gremlins and the full moon, rather than my stupidity.  I just figured out I have an undo button in the shape of a curved arrow pointing backwards.  Silly me, I was looking for the actual words!  Anyway this past Friday, I witnessed many not so random acts of kindness.
At "Maryann's  Beauty Saloon many of the clients are elderly women with walkers who require assistance when getting up and sitting down.  One lady needed a pillow.
It was raining and the beauticians all made sure the ladies had rain hats so they wouldn't mess up their hair-dos!  All of this was done as a matter of course.  It happens every day, so it's not random.  These women are naturally kind and nurturing!


Another kindness occurred at "The Sand-dollar" in Dennisport, the owner Terry O'Donnell received a beautiful patriotic blanket for all his help to the Veterans.
He donates his time, food, and entertainment and his establishment for their fundraisers.  One of the boys the Vets. support is a veteran himself who was brain
injured during one of those awful wars!  Vincent came in this Friday after yet another surgery, this time to relieve some liquid in his brain.  Everyone stood up to applaud him and many people(including myself and my husband) hugged him and told Vincent
that they were praying for him and his parents.  It was a beautiful outpouring of love and support.  So maybe that's why I lost this blog on Saturday, I needed to say it again
on Monday.  Have a good week, and thank a Veteran today.

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING!

I hope you took advantage of the gorgeous weather this weekend!  We got back on Sunday and after unpacking, headed for the beach.  I didn't go in the water, but my hubby did and it was cold!  It was still nice to sit on the beach and read.  I have to wear a hat, sunscreen and be under an umbrella, but it was still nice and relaxing.


I actually didn't exercise on Sunday and my hips felt better on Monday.  Sometimes even I have to rest! Monday was a busy day.  I had two clients and a free balance demo at the Dennis Senior Center.  I had six people show up which was great!  Maybe we can figure out a group personal training program at the senior center.


I came home and worked for another hour on e-mails and took a walk.  I started to do some fast walking with arm swinging.  It really is a good workout and easy to do.  I can really feel it in my thighs, a place that I really need to work on!  Today I'll do some
resistance training with squats and lunges, not fun but oh so necessary!


Have a great week and be kind to yourself and one another!

FRIDAY!!

It's been a fast week, lots of exciting things happening.  Today we are playing music at Epoch of Harwich from 2:30- 3:30 which will be fun!  We have friends coming down this weekend that we haven't seen for  quite a while, so it will be good to catch up!


As for exercise, I rode my bike on Tuesday, did a mile on the elyptical machine on Wednesday, only had a small walk on Thursday because of rain, but will get on my bike this morning because it is so beautiful out!


We are off to my brother's this weekend for a memorial mass for my Dad and a cookout later.  I just boiled five pounds of potatoes for potato salad.  I must monitor myself carefully and watch the food intake!  I will be down one more pound this week and only have one more to go.  I don't want to sabotage myself, but I'll still have a good time!


Get out there and have some fun this weekend!

WEEKEND AND MONDAY/TUESDAY REFLECTIONS.

It was a really great weekend!  Saturday I did pilates and yoga as usual.
In the afternoon, we stopped by Pirates Cove to play some tunes and help out with a fund raiser.  It was really windy, but fun!  I got a chance to catch up with some old friends and collect on hugs! 


Sunday was church day.  Time for God first, and be thankful for all that we are given.
Then , we took a bike ride to Epoch of Brewster.  One of my clients is there.  Joan was thankful for the visit, and I hope she goes home soon.  We got back from our ride and relaxed.  That was about 30 miles round trip!  The next time we want to go a little further, maybe Nickerson State Park!  Our goal is Orleans and lunch at the "Land-Ho!"


Monday I had a client, and then we got cleaned up and went to a funeral for one of my husband's tennis friends.  His name was Dave Lambert, and it was a lovely tribute to him.  It really makes you think about how precious life is and how we must be thankful for our loved ones.


Have a great week and be kind to yourself and one another.

BALANCE!!

My tag line is Mary Ann's Exercise where balance is the challenge.  I teach a weekly
balance class at Heatherwood on Tuesdays and emphasize the importance of strength and balance with all my clients.  So what happened to me on Wednesday,  I lost my balance and fell!  It was clearly an accident.  I simply mis-stepped and fell.  I'm O.K.
just a little bruised and embarrassed, but my point is it can happen to every one.  We
need to be aware of our surroundings and be ready for unplanned situations like dogs and children!


That being said, how's your exercise going?  I started my summer/outside exercise routine using my jump rope ,kettle bell, and hula hoop.  My next investment is a weighted hula hoop to really work the waist.  I did a lot of squats and lunges.  Also,
high and low knees walking or skipping.  I also did some sideways fast walking.
I 'm working on the legs to get ready for bathing suit !  So I'mseason getting aerobic and weight bearing exercise.  We also took a nice bike ride yesterday.


It's supposed to be a nice weekend so get out there and enjoy it!  My friends are doing a fund raiser at Pirates Cove!  Stop by and play some mini-golf!  There will also be food and music! 

BACK TO REALITY!

If you indulged a little too much over Memorial Day Weekend, come to my class at
Harwich Community Center this Wednesday May 28th.  It's at 5:30 pm.  I use great music and low impact aerobics to help you burn fat.  Then I do some ab work on the exercise ball!  I'm offering  an end of my season special.  Five classes for only$ 25.00!
That's $5.00/class!

Start the summer off right and have a group exercise party with me before the 4th!
It's only $45.00.  That's $15.00/person for a group of three!
Who do you know male or female who has not gone  bathing suit shopping because
they're afraid to look in the mirror!

MEMORIAL DAY

It's Memorial Day Weekend!  The official beginning of summer!  Before we get too
crazed, let's remember  what it is all about.  It's a time to remember our veterans, living
and dead,  who fought for our country.  Sometimes we get all wrapped up in another
Monday Holiday.  What store is opened.  Is Lukes closed?  Who is coming to visit?
Do we need more food?  I hope it doesn't rain so we can go to the beach!


That is not what is important, we need to stop and think about the significance of the day, and maybe offer up a prayer for all those who have gone before us fighting for our country.  Maybe go to a parade or a memorial service and thank a veteran.
Let us remember what memorial day is truly all about.

TIME TO REV UP MY EXERCISE!!!

After Mother's Day, ice cream, and Chinese food (which equal 3 extra pounds!), it's time to rev up my exercise routine.  I will ride my bike today and hopefully two other times this week.  I also heard about a new exercise video from my daughter-in-law that
I must check out.  Then do my hula-hoop and a little jump rope.  I have to watch out for the jumping because I have hip issues.  It's tough getting old.  However, we all must persevere!


This weekend I went to a memorial service for my very first personal training client.
Her name was Mildred Davidson and she was a great lady!  Mildred was a giver in every sense of the word.  She was instrumental in funding Pine Oaks I,II, and III in
Harwich.  I was with her during the time my mother was slipping away, and she was very supportive and understanding.  We all have a lesson to learn from Mildred.  She was loving, caring, and a giver.  She also never gave up which was why she hired me as a personal trainer in her nineties.  Finally, her body just wore out.  However her heart will live on.  Mildred will be missed!

FRIDAY THOUGHTS!

I just saw a fox in my backyard and my cat was still outside!  Fortunately, she was across the street and came when I called.  I know it's all normal and a part of nature.
Apparently my cat is smarter than I am sometimes!


Anyway, it was a fast week.  Wednesday we went to an after hours networking event sponsored by Snows in Orleans.  It was a nice time with food provided by the new owners of "The Jailhouse" and wine provided by a local liquor store that I forget the name of(sorry), but they were nice and the wine was delicious!  Snows gave us our stem less wine glasses, and I won the 50-50 raffle-$35.00!  It was a fun time.  We stopped at our local pub on the way home to check on the Bruins, who weren't doing to well obviously, and called it a night.


Thursday I had two clients and a class, but we took a walk in the morning.  We also walked on Tuesday and took a bike ride Monday.  I'm taking a big bike ride today to work off the ice cream and Chinese food I had yesterday! 


Enjoy the sunshine today!  Apparently Saturday is going to be a washout.

CALM,COOL,COLLECTED AND MOTHERS DAY!

What a great weekend!  The weather finally broke and it looks like spring is here!
I had a great weekend!  Saturday I did my clam, cool, and collected mini-retreat at Nickerson State Park.  Here's the link to my life coaches website in case you want more information-helen@betterthanevercoaching,com.  We spent time hiking and being alone with our thoughts.  Then we did some guided imagery, journaling and sharing.  We worked on how we could be more calm,cool, and collected during stressful times.  We talked about taking better care of ourselves so we could be more effective in our work.  We even ate chocolate and got nice parting gifts!  It was truly a great day!


Mother's Day was great too!  I got all dressed up including hat, heels and a bright pink pashima! We went to church (Holy Trinity)  where I sing in the choir.  I was wearing heels and wasn't sure I was going to make it down the aisle, but I did.  We came home for a bit and sat on our back porch and chatted with some neighbors who had come down to open their cottages.  Then we went to "The Barnstable Tavern" for dinner.
I had baked stuffed shrimp that were huge and delicious with a beet salad with blue cheese.  It was delicious and rich!  My hubby had the fried seafood platter.


We were quite full and satisfied.  Later on Kate came down with the kids and we took them to the Sundae School.  They had ice cream not us!  We played on the beach for a while and then they went home.  Frank and I then took a walk on West Dennis Beach.
It was a wonderful day and weekend.  


Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine!

SPEAKING OF EXERCISE..

"Speaking of exercise,"  how's it going with you?  Now that the weather is better, we can get out more and do other things like walking on the beach or the bike path.
I took a bike ride this week and hope to take another one today.  I also got out my hula hoop and jump rope.  I'm thinking of investing in a bosu ball because it's really good
for balance work and abdominals.  I was at a wellness fair at Willy's Gym in Eastham and took a demo class with the bosu ball.  It was fun and challenging!  You always want to change up your workout so your body doesn't get bored and used to the same old exercises because they won't be as effective.  I know it's a pain, but it keeps your mind sharp thinking of different activities to do! 


Speaking of keeping your mind sharp, try doing some opposite arm/leg movements.
It challenges the brain because you have to use both sides of it. Just try standing up and holding your right leg up and your left arm at the same time.  Try not to fall over!


Have a great day everyone and enjoy the sunshine.  Be extra nice to yourself and some one else!

SPRING - FINALLY!!

It was finally a warmer weekend, thank God!  Speaking of God, did you happen to see the full rainbow last night at about 6:45?  I had just gotten out of singing for confirmation and it was right over Holy Trinity School and ended at the rectory.  The colors were quite clear and brilliant!  There was even another one starting, almost a double rainbow!  I considered it a great sign from God and a hello from Vinnie Walsh,
who we just lost.


So, we got out on both days this weekend and did some walking which was great!  It really is wonderful to be in the sunshine after such a long winter.  I'm now going to do some shameless plugging for my class at Harwich Community Center at 5:30 pm.
It's  a half hour of fun fat burning low impact aerobics and a half hour of abdominal
work on the exercise ball.  I really need people!  There I'm all done with that!  Have a great week.

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!!!

April showers bring May flowers, but wait a minute it's May!  Enough already! 
It really does bring you down and it's hard to do anything outside.  However if you're creative, you can still get exercise.  Monday I did skip because I was emotionally spent from the opening service for Deacon Vinnie.  I was hoping to teach my aerobic class,
but my one student canceled.  So I took some time to rest and refect and went to bed early.


Tuesday was the morning of the funeral.  We got up early and managed to get out by
6:30 for a forty minute walk before showering and getting to church by 8:15.  We had morning prayer until 9:05, took a coffee break and the funeral was at 10.  It was really beautiful(as Vinnie would have said).  The music eulogies and everything just great.
We were finished by 11:30 and I went home to change, eat and do my classes at 1&3.


Wednesday was my BNI day so it was another early one.  I managed to get 16 minutes on the elliptical, and did my clients at 9 and 11.  I had lunch and did my 2 at Epoch of
Brewster, got some desperately needed coffee and headed to my chiropractic  appointment in Chatham with Dr. Andrew McClennen who is great. I highly recommend him.  I went home and picked up my music for my class at 5:30.  My husband drove me because I was pooped!  I did practice my routine and got another
15 minutes of aerobic exercise.  Hopefully today the rain will let up and I can get another walk in.  If not there is always the mall.  Smile and stay dry!  

SAYING GOODBYE TO AN OLD FRIEND

Last week we lost a very special person Deacon Vinnie Walsh.  He has a big connection to me because he was a good friend of my Mother.  She worked with him at the family pantry in Harwich and shared many a good story and plenty of laughs too!
In latter years, I got to know him in a different light.  He presided over communion services at The Royal Assisted living in Harwich.  I would bring my Mom and he was always kind (Mom had dementia by this time and was failing.)  He always brought a smile to her face and warmth for her heart and soul, as he did for so many others not only at The Royal but at Eagle pond and Holy Trinity Church.


This week Holy Trinity will honor Deacon Vinnie.  He will lie in state at the church this afternoon at 3.  His body will remain in the church and be watched by prayerful friends.  Night prayer will be at 7pm tonight and morning prayer will be at 8:30
tomorrow morning with the funeral mass at 10am.


It is a fitting tribute to a great guy!  May he rest in peace.  Amen.

THREE DAYS OFF!

I haven't posted in a week.  Sorry about that, but last week was Holy Week so I was busy at church.  The 19th was our 21st anniversary, and we went away for the weekend!  It was really nice having three days off.  When you work for yourself, that doesn't happen very often!  We went to Mystic Conn. and just had a great time!  The weather was perfect on Saturday, and we walked to the Seaport and back.  The river and all the trees and flowers blooming was just beautiful!  We got dressed up and went out for dinner which was also quite nice!  Our table had a view of the river and we  watched the sunset!  The next day was Easter Sunday, so we dressed up again and went to a beautiful Easter Sunday Mass.  Afterwards we walked around downtown for a bit.  It was a little cooler and breezy but still nice!  We got back, changed and walked again to the Seaport where we had a light lunch(salads) in preparation for The Steak Loft for dinner.


Monday we drove to the Seaport parking lot and walked downtown from there.  So we did lots of walking which hopefully compensated for our dinners out!  We drove home
back to reality, our cat, groceries and unpacking!


Tuesday I hit the ground running with work and haven't stopped.  We're having a Visitor Day in my BNI group on May 7th at 7AM at Harwich Community Center.  You are quite welcome to attend.  I was on the phone or e-mailing yesterday.


So happy Thursday!  Oh I'm also doing a Wellness Fair All Day this Saturday at Willy's Gym in Eastham in case you'd like to stop by.  Have a great day!

EASTER

It's not just about candy and flowers, but renewal and regrowth.  If we are Christian, we recognize that we were given a hope in new life because Jesus died for our sins.
If you are Jewish your belief is equally powerful and true for you.  Hopefully we all have a belief, a hope, a truth to hold on to.  There are many out there who despair and somehow we need to help through our thoughts, prayers and actions. 


Another way I feel renewal and regrowth is through exercise.  Just going for a walk will really lift your spirits.  It really helps you get out of your own head, and when you get out of your own head you can help others.  That's what we're really on this planet to do.  So get out there and move so you can help yourself and others!
Happy Easter everyone!

RECEPTIVITY ATTENTIVENESS THANKFULNESS AWARENESS

Those are my words for this week.  I'm thankful to the man above for giving me a great life!  My husband is very supportive every day!  So I'm thankful for him.
I'm also thankful for my business and the growth I'm experiencing thanks to BNI.
I SUBBED AT A MEETING YESTERDAY AND GOT A REFERRAL!
BNI stands for business networking international.  It's getting business through referrals.  You go to meetings once a week and listen to everyone's commercial about
their business and try to get them more business!  You do 1-1 meetings with each member to get to know them better and hopefully you can help them grow their business. 


So that's where the receptivity, thankfulness and awareness comes through.  I do need more bodies in my class at Harwich Community Center at 5:30 on Monday April 14th.
Try some fat burning aerobics and some ab work on the exercise ball!

NEVER GIVE UP!

My Client  is the very definition of never give up.  She is 85 years old, very thin and legally blind.

We’ve been working together for two years now and we meet twice a week. 

I call her before I arrive just to remind her I’m coming.  Usually I find her in her bedroom and help her get dressed.  In the living room we start our warm up.  She has a peddler for her feet and also one for her arms.  So her large muscle groups and lungs get warmed up.  We usually do some balance exercises next.  Standing on one foot, single leg squats, and some lunges.  These are done by holding on with one hand or finger to a chair.  We then move on to some resistance training using band s for the arms and legs.  We also use weights simple bicep, tricep and overhead lifts using hand weights.

As a result of this training, she can remain strong and stay independent living in her own home. 

She also avoids falls due to her strength.

 

Mary Ann DeMello-ACE certified personal trainer

MaryAnnsexercise @comcast.net

Where balance is the challenge!

BALANCE IS A CHALLENGE!!!

It was a busy and productive week!  The weather was not cooperative on Monday so I
cancelled my class.  However, I did do some shopping for workout clothes and even bought two dresses at Macys which is always fun!  I also went to a networking event sponsored by the Eastham Chamber and hosted at Willys Gym in Eastham and made two really good contacts!  One is Barbara, the owner of Willys, she interested in a personal trainer who can work with seniors at her gym.  I'm meeting with her next week.  I made sure to call her and follow up which is so important!


So here's where the balance part comes in.  My husband came with me to the networking event and is just super supportive!  He helps me out at home with laundry,
vacuuming, dishes and general chores around the house.  This frees me up to work on my business which is huge!  That's my blog for the end of this week.  May you all find
happiness and support!

SPRING!!! DON'T GIVE UP!

I know this weather is really depressing and people have a tendency to hibernate
and sit on the couch eating potato chips, but don't give up or give in!  You will only end up feeling badly about yourself and continue the same unhealthy pattern.
Get out of yourself and your own head and do something for yourself or a neighbor.
Is there someone you know who doesn't get out much and maybe needs some company?  Well, call them up and go visit!  I'm sure they will appreciate it and you'll feel better about yourself in the long run.  Or donate some clothing ,food or money to your local food pantry.  It's the old golden rule in action do unto others or givers-gain
which is what my referral group is all about BNI.  We meet once a week at Harwich Community Center at 7 am on Wednesdays.  Visitors are always welcome!

ANOTHER BLIZZARD!!!

I know we're stuck inside with another snowstorm, but look on the bright side!  Yes there is a bright side.  You can do all the things you never have time to do.  Like finish reading that book.  Listen and or play some music.  Listen to that tutorial you signed up for a month ago and never had time to play.  So far I 've done two of these and I'm feeling pretty good.  I also said all my prayers this morning and will continue to do so until this blizzard lets up which is supposed to be by four this afternoon.  My husband has been out twice to shovel and actually drove down the street and to get me a coffee and a Globe for himself. That was very sweet!  The wind is pretty ferocious!  You could actually do an exercise video if you are feeling like a couch potato. I'm resting my body because I taught my aerobics class on Monday and walked yesterday.  So cheer up tomorrow it's going to be sunny and warmer!

MONDAY,MONDAYS!!!

I can't believe we're getting another snowstorm!  Maybe we'll wake up and it will all be a bad dream!  If not, we'll have to take out our exercise videos and yes, snow shovels
again.  On a happier note, let's think about April, warm weather and spring.  My husband booked a hotel for our anniversary weekend.  Yeah!! However, I had to finish the booking due to his hearing problem and the agents accent on the other end of the phone.  Even I had a hard time, but we finally made reservations and will get a confirmation soon!  I'll settle for sunshine and a little warmer weather, almost 50 would be nice.  Until then, keep moving and stay warm.  Why not check out my class
at Harwich Community Center tonight at 5:30!

SORRY! VERIZON WIRELESS WAS NOT A SCAM!!

I'm VERY, VERY SORRY!!  Apparently, I was behind in my payments, but never received a paper bill.  I also did not want to give my bank information to a computer.
Which I conveyed to the person I was speaking  to.  So once again many apologies and
have a great day!

St. Patty's Day and more corned beef and cabbage!

My hubby and I played Irish Music at The Royal assisted living in Harwich and The All-American Pub on Rt. 134 in S. Dennis on St. Patrick's Day.  The Royal was from 2-3 and the pub was from 5-7.  We had the DeMello clan from Buzzards Bay.  Laura did some step dancing and Laura and Jaydyn helped with the gestures for the Unicorn song.  We also had a tin whistle player Joe Preston who was a piper in the Irish Army.
He really added a lot to the music with his marches.  We had several friends there and two of my clients(also friends) showed up.  Many people from the Golden Ages group from the Dennis Council on Aging came.  I teach exercise there twice a week.  It was really a great time!  After breaking down the equipment we had dinner (corned beef and cabbage,of course!)I had the grey and my hubby had the red.  I also did mostly veggies with a small potato.  Tuesday, I cooked a corned beef in the crock pot and we had it Tuesday and will have it again tonight.  Again I do mostly veggies with a small potato.  We walked yesterday for about a mile, I did one mile and a third on the elyptical and walked another mile this morning, and I will teach my aerobic class tonight.  That should take care of any excess calories hopefully!  Have a great day!

St. Patrick's Day- Keeping Memories Alive!

Yesterday my husband and I were honored to be part of the second annual musical remembrance of our great friend Bill Flynn.  We played mostly Irish music with him, and several other musicians, every Friday night at the Orleans Inn.  We learned a lot of great old Irish tunes and had a lot of fun.  Bill always wanted his music to live on after he was gone, and so it does with his children and grandchildren.  They were all there yesterday singing and playing.  We even had some Irish step dancers!  Many of us were smiling and laughing, and yes a few tears were shed as well.  Especially when
"My lovely Rose of Claire" was sung and dedicated to his wife. That really got to me.
We need to hold on to these memories and traditions and never forget the people who gave them to us.  That's why I always remember my Mom at this time because it was her favorite holiday.  Have a great St. Patrick's Day!  If you're in the neighborhood,
Frank and I will be playing from 5-7 at "The All-American Pub" on 134 in S. Dennis.

EXERCISE TO RELIEVE STRESS

We've all heard it before, but you know it really works!  The other day I was really upset about something and I got on the elliptical machine and did over a half mile in 12 minutes!  Not only did it relieve my stress, but I broke my own personal record.   Things happen during the day to stress you out.  Someone cuts you off while driving,
you forget your coffee or lunch in the morning, your boss wants something done yesterday, or the printer runs out of paper!  All these things build up during the day and
may result in a headache, stomach ache or some other malady.  What you need is exercise.  Come to my class at Harwich Community Center tonight at 5:30 to burn off that stress and feel happy!   It's a half hour of low impact, fat burning Aerobics and a half hour of abdominal work on the exercise ball at only$10.00/class or 2/$15.00.
You'll lose weight and gain fun!  See you tonight!

Day light savings,spring, and exercise class

Now that it's going to be lighter longer, it's time to think about Spring!  Soon we'll be
shedding our extra layers like animals shedding their winter coats.  We want to make sure our exposed bodies are in good shape!  It's time to discover my exercise class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at Harwich community center.  It's 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 30 minutes of  abdominal work on the exercise ball. 
Try it, You'll definitely like it.  The aerobic portion helps rev up your metabolism and burn fat!  It's also stress relieving!  The abdominal work is fun on the ball, not just plain, boring sit ups.  So find a friend and come on down!

ASHES AND A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent for Christians.  It's a time to pray,
reflect, contemplate or just be!  I know I'm always talking about exercise and how important it is, but mental exercise is also important.  We're all so busy going, to meetings, classes, appointments or planning our next move.  We need to stop and just be.  Just think about where you are in the world and feel good about yourself.  I like to say "thank you" to my maker because that's the way I work.  You do whatever works for you!  I also find writing very helpful(like writing in this blog!) It gives you a nice sense of accomplishment and grounds you.  So sometimes(at least once a week) you
might give meditation or contemplation or prayer a try.


On a different note, I'm not getting people for my 5:30 class in Harwich port on Monday and Wednesday and I have to cancel tonight because I have a meeting in
Hyannis.  So I'm putting it out there in the cosmos for some help.  I will be up and running on the 9th and 11th next week and will not be there on St. Patty's Day because  my hubby and I are playing Irish Music at "The All American Pub" on rt.134 in S. Dennis from 5-7pm.  So hopefully I'll see some of you there!  Have a great day!

REWARDING MYSELF AND STAYING IN SHAPE WHILE TRAVELING

I did not blog on Friday because I had to finish up on my Get Clients Now class that I
did with Helen Kosinski.  The class is great and so is Helen!  It makes marketing really easy.  You just have to be consistent and follow through on your actions every day!
I highly recommend the course!  So, I did Pilates on Friday because we were taking off on Sat.  I then taught my first exercise class at "The Victorian" an assisted living facility in Chatham.  It went very well and I'm looking forward to working there again next week.  I stopped at Stop n Shop and got a salad for my lunch.  This is the one in E. Harwich on137 that has a salad bar.  I went to the Dennis coa. ate and taught my one o'clock exercise class.   Then I went to Newbury Street South Salon and got a fantastic manicure and pedicure.  It was so relaxing!  That was my treat to myself for working so hard!
Saturday, we left at 7:15am for Maine.  We stopped at Friendlies for breakfast and I got an egg white omelet with veggies and cheese.  I love cheese and as long as it is low
fat(like swiss) it's not too bad!  We arrived around 1pm and went to see our son,
came back and used the exercise room.  I did the eliptical and my hubby did the treadmill for a mile.  We did the same thing the next day and swam in the pool with
the grandkids.  Both are boys and both are not thrilled with the other to say the least!
At least it gave their parents a little break.  We had a feast of lobster and Cod for dinner(Maine lobster, yumm!)  So that's what I did to stay in shape or try to when traveling.  It's worth the money to book in to a decent hotel that has an exercise room.
Yes, I even had a whole chocolate chip cookie at the end of the evening last night.
See, I'm human too!  Have a great week!

WALKING IN THE COLD!

I was just going to talk about walking in the cold, but I just went to the slider to let my cat in and found her with a bird.  It wasn't dead yet, but it was going.  The cat can't help it, it's just natural instinct.  Just like we can't do anything about this weather.
So we just have to live with it as hard as that is at times.  Keep moving that's the secret!  We went for a walk this afternoon in the freezing cold wind!  It does make you move fast and you do feel better when you're finished.  So take heart, Spring is around the corner and new baby birds will be born!

DON'T DOWNLOAD FREE STUFF!

That's the lesson I learned this week.  I quite innocently downloaded a free updated web browser and got a bunch of bugs!  One was a credit rating check that could have stolen all our information, but I didn't let that happen.  Thank goodness! 
Fortunately, I know a great computer guy, Joe Marino, who came right over and fixed the problem!  He's also a really great guy and a lot of fun to talk to.  The name of his company is "Marino Creative Technologies" and he comes right to your house to fix your computer.  It's great!
After my next appointment today, I'm going for a walk and teaching my aerobics class at Harwich Community Center at 5:30.  Come join me!

A PRODUCTIVE WEEK!

It was a busy week and I got a lot accomplished!  I am taking a marketing class called
Get Clients Now! and it's really making a difference.  I'm spending more time blogging and facebook posting.  I'm working on getting the word out for a new personal training
program called home group personal training.  I meet 2-3 ladies at a home and do a personalized workout with them!  It's cost effective and non-intimidating.  You don't have to worry about looking or feeling silly in front of your friends, plus it's fun!
So if you know some friends who want to work out a home, give me a call at 774-994-0061.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

SLEEPLESS NIGHT

I did not sleep very well last night and had to get up very early for my bni meeting.
I made it through ok and made some interesting contacts that I'll follow up on.
As it turns out, it's school vacation week and I did not schedule my class.  So I won't be teaching at the community center tonight.  However since I am such a driven person,  I still went for a walk this afternoon with my hubby and we got rained on.  It was really
kind of fun because I gave him my hat (which he looked really funny in) and I used the hood on my shirt.  My passion for hoods pays off in surprise rain storms.  We got pretty soaked and had to change when we got back, but it was fun!  Sort of like when you were a kid and got all wet in the puddles even though your mother told you not to!
Anyway, we got dried off and I felt inspired to share my bit of fun with you!
Cheer up it's going to get warmer!

ANOTHER SNOWY MONDAY!

O.K. Now I get it!  This is why people go to Florida in the winter.  Enough already!
We actually escaped for the weekend, but not from the snow.  We stayed at a nice hotel and I didn't have to cook which was nice!  We ended up having only two meals both Saturday and Sunday.  We didn't get a lot of exercise due to the weather, but we did rest and relax which is a good thing!  I won't have my class tonight because it's a holiday and the community center is closed.  I have one client this morning and an appointment at 2pm.  I'll have to do an exercise video because it's too cold and snowy to go out.  I also need to catch up on my domestic chores that I didn't get to this weekend.  Have a great week and keep smiling!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Try not to go too crazy with the sweets and chocolate.  I know it's hard believe me because I love chocolate!  Here's what I do to satisfy my desire.  I buy one dark chocolate truffle.  It's only 60 calories, and I don't feel deprived.  I do like my ice cream, so I bought some sugar free which is really good!  I limit myself to one Dixie cup size which is 3ozs. at 60 calories.  If I have cookies (like carmel delights yum!)
and limit myself to one as an afternoon snack and put them in the freezer.  It's hard to eat a lot because you might break your teeth!  It's not easy, but you can do it if you really try.  Of course you get more carbs that way, so you have to be very active.  I taught my aerobics/resist-a-ball class twice this week at the community center in Harwich on Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 and got in two walks.  They were about a mile and a half long.  I know you get tired of hearing it, but consistent aerobic exercise(like walking for 30min. 4-5 times a week will make a big difference.
That and watching what you eat will help.  If you come to my class, that will give you two days.  Next week the community center is not opened on Monday(president's day)
but come on Wed. the 19th and check it out!
Happy VD everybody!

Wicked Wednesday

I did my 10 minute presentation for my BNI group today and thought it went very well!  My husband came to help and support, God bless him!  I also had two clients doing live testimonials and two that were read.  I had my great sign done by Vikki McDermot from Signorama on Whites Path in S. Yarmouth and I had a flyer about a home group exercise program that I'm trying to get off the ground.  It's basically a
personal training class with two or three people in the privacy of their own home- no
gym intimidation.  There is a lot of advertising about gyms that are not intimidating, but if it's big and your new, it can be pretty scary!  So think about contacting me and a few friends.  We can have an exercise party.  Also, check out my class at Harwich Community Center tonight at 5:30.  It's fun, you'll have a few laughs, and burn fat!
Peace.  Pray for no snow and warm temperatures!

Happy Monday!

Well, we made it through the weekend.  It was tough with a funeral, but with the help of God, family, and friends we made it through.  Also , we supported each other.
My hubby drove up and I drove back.  We picked up a few things for dinner on the way back and headed home.
Sunday was church and everything else I couldn't get done on Saturday.  So all the domestic chores had to be done.  We did take a walk around 4 pm yesterday.  It was cold but not too bad.  I'll be glad to teach my class at Harwich Comm. Center tonight at 5:30 and hopefully Wednesday as well.  I put on a few pounds which I will definitely
get rid of by Friday which is Valentine's Day.  Don't forget your sweetie!  Have a great day!

The Winter of Our Discontent

This is truly the winter of my discontent to para phrase the great bard!
It's cold, snowy and wet, not very conducive to exercise.  However if you are stubborn and determined like me, you find ways to keep going.  Since my class at the Community Center was canceled both days, I walked every day this week.  Thursday I had an appointment in Chatham, so I parked in the municipal lot and walked.  It took about 15 minutes round trip.  Afterwards in Harwichport, I walked the beach. That took 30 minutes.  Friday I had a client at the community center and arrived a little early and got 14 minutes on the elyptical.  Later on that afternoon, my hubby and I took about a 45 minute walk.  I really had to push myself to do the afternoon walk because I was tired.  I had two clients and a class, but I did it and felt much better!


Today we have a funeral which will be tough.  However, the family will be together.
Any thoughts and prayers offered up will be appreciated.
Have a great weekend! Stay warm and keep moving!

Keep exercising - shoveling and walking!

I know this weather is getting us down, but we have to keep moving.  After breakfast this morning, I helped with the shoveling again!  That was good weight bearing exercise, and we went for a short walk.  It was just a little over a mile, but it's better than nothing!  I will have to cancel my class at the community center in Harwich again!  But I'll still do my class at Epoch in Brewster.  The people there will still be around and will appreciate my antics.  Later on I'll get an oil change and do a little shopping which always cheers me up!  Don't forget to check me out on facebook too!

Monday blahs and more snow

Well I managed to get two clients in before the snow today.  Actually it was snowing pretty hard when I went to my 10:30 appointment,  Traveling down Rt. 6 from exit 10 to 8 was ok, but coming home just up one exit was interesting.  It's very frustrating because I'm going to cancel my class tonight at the Harwich Community Center at
5:30.  I'll try to have it on Wednesday if I can.  So after I work on my notifications,
we're going to take a walk in the snow.  I have to get my exercise no matter what the weather!  We walked on W. Dennis Beach on Saturday and saw the snowy owl with a lot of other people.  On Sunday, we walked by the canal.  We also watched some of the Super Bowl and had a few munchies, thus the need for more exercise!  It never ends.
You always must be vigilant!  Well, keep smiling and hopefully the sun will come out
tomorrow as the song says!

A Death in the Family

Last week we lost Pete Seeger  and our kids lost their Mom.  Death is always difficult,
but when it is a parent it is extremely difficult.  The best thing to do is stay together as a family to help, support and love one another.  That is exactly what is happening in our family.  Despite the frozen weather in Atlanta, our oldest arrived this week on Thursday evening.  She was picked up by her uncle that evening.  The youngest is in
school right now, but will join us later.  He is being updated by phone and the poor kid has a cold on top of everything else!  The kids are taking care of all the arrangements and there will be a funeral next week.  It is really heartening to see them all together,
helping, loving and supporting.  Today we are all going to get together to share a meal,
tell some stories and maybe sing a song or two.   Please send up some prayers.

More Snow!!!

Well, here we are again with more snow!  It's gets harder and harder to stay in shape in
this weather.  If you live in Harwich, a good bet is the Community Center.  You can join the gym for $100.00 which is really cheap!  They have some nice elypticals , treadmills and something called a motion machine which is like a stepper only easier with less impact on the knees.  They also have free weights and weight machines.
Also, you can hire me and I can design a program for you for only $50.00.  I take you through the machines and write down all the settings on paper and the second time you go I go with you for free to make sure you understand all the settings and use proper
form.  It's much cheaper than joining other gyms and a lot less intimidating.


You can also come to my class on Mondays and Wednesdays(Not today) even if you don't live in Harwich.  It's $15.00/for two classes or $45.00/month.

Who wants to exercise when it's cold,rainy and wet!

Trust me I know the feeling!  Yesterday it was really cold.  I think it got up to 20 degrees tops!  So after church, which was pretty empty due to the weather.  We came
home, had lunch and started cooking.  I had already cooked a large chicken in the morning, so that was done.  My hubby had chopped peppers and onions for me, so I got started on an American chop Suey made with ground turkey.  We watched "The Big Sleep with Bogie and Bacall while we were cooking.  I got my homework done for my marketing class, and we forced ourselves to take a walk.  It was almost 15 degrees!
We made it to Honey dos and back.  I got a coffee to fortify and reward myself.  It was soooo cold!  So why not come to my class at Harwich Community Center at 5:30.
It's nice and warm inside and you'll burn fat and have fun!  2 classes/$15.00.

How to stay in shape during a blizzard!

Well the first thing you can do is shovel probably two or three times today!  That will take care of your weight bearing exercise.  I have an exercise ball in the house, so I'll do some work on that and do an exercise video.  I need to stretch first so I have some chi gong

stretches I can do called the golden eight.  I'll do those first and work on the ball.

I'm taking a course, so I'll work on that and do some baking.  That will keep me busy.

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm!

Post Christmas and Skin Cancer Bills

Well, hopefully we all survived the stress and strain of the holidays and had a little peace and relaxation with our friends and families.  We traveled and ended up safe and sound.  However, the bills for my skin cancer surgery started coming in before Christmas: $140.00 for the biopsy,$129.00 for the pathology lab, $35.00 for the office visits and after Christmas $198.00 to the plastic surgeon.  It can be very daunting.
But I do have a handle on things and a budget. So bills will be paid.

My goal of not gaining weight during the holidays came true. Yeah!  It's not easy and you have to keep a close eye on what you eat and drink.  This coming from an Irish Woman who bends well at the elbow!

Thanks to the snow, I made two New Years Resolutions come true.  I learned how to write down appointments on my phone and I cleaned out all my exercise videos and DVDs.  A whole bag full went to the Family Pantry in Harwich.  I'm giving some away to friends and clients.  So come to my class tonight at Harwich Community Center
at 5:30 and get a free gift!

Have a great week!

Mary Ann