"THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT"

That first line from Shakespeare's Richard III seems to sum up this continuous winter.
I totally understand why people go south for the winter.  We were just lucky to be one of them this time.  We spent eight days in sun and warmth.  So now even though it is still snowing, I can handle it a little better.  Sort of...!  Well, I didn't have a chance to teach my aerobics class this morning, so I did a work out dvd.  I did 35 minutes of aerobics that did make me feel better.  So get yourself down to Job Lot and pick one up for $2.00. You'll feel a lot better!  Also, even though it may sound smarmy, watch out when you're shoveling.  Make sure you bend your knees and try not to twist the lower back.  That's all for now.  Be safe out there

PERSONAL GOAL SETTING!!

I took a fabulous goal setting workshop with my coach Helen Kosinski.  It was at Deep Blue in Dennis and was called "Ready Set Go!"  It was about setting business or personal goals for the new year and to come up with a plan using a story board that you make to remind you of your set goals.  Mine was about going to an Orthopedic Surgeon about my hip.  I have arthritis in my right hip and completed physical therapy this fall.  I  needed to take it to the next level, which I did.  It was a shock to find out I was bone against bone and I need a total hip replacement.  Still as I'm writing the words it's hard to believe!  So I'm scheduled for the end of April.  It's a fairly new procedure which is done from the front with minimal evasiveness.  The doctor is the only one on the Cape to do this procedure and he's in Falmouth.  So that's where I'll be.
I'm still teaching my classes and working out and will continue  to do so.  I'm hoping for minimal rehab and will be back to work in no time.  Still it is a scary concept!


I hope you are all keeping safe and warm during this gigantic storm.  Peace!

RESOLUTION SOLUTION!!

If you are one of the many people who've made resolutions this year and  you have not followed up, fear not and look no further!  I can help you reach your exercise goals.
First of all, I offer a cheap and affordable aerobics class at Harwich Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30- 9:30 A.M.  It's just $10.00/ class or two for$15.00.
Or if you live in Harwich, you can join the gym and hire me to help you with weights  and design an exercise program for you.  It's $100.00 to join for the year and $50.00 for me!  After our initial visit you pay only $30.00.  Or, I can come to your home and work with you for only $40.00!  What have you got to loose except maybe a little weight!

POST CHRISYMAS AND NEW YEARS!!

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it's 2015 already!  We did our usual Christmas marathon.  We saw five Grandkids on Christmas Eve and skyped with the other five, plus one great grand,for the annual reading of The Night Before Christmas by my hubby.  It was a tough ride down because it poured rain and we could barely see!  We made it fine, thank God.  Christmas mourning we were able to relax and go to the 9 o'clock mass.  Then came home and had brunch at 11.  We then packed and headed off to Haverhill to be with my brothers for Christmas.  We had a great time with appetizers at three and dinner at six.  I managed to pace myself and had just some shrimp and one or two other
things.  I also drank plenty of water.  My brother had a cooler with bottles which was perfect!  Dinner was fabulous!  We had prime rib roast, roasted potatoes, squash and brussel sprouts.  Then we had dessert, which I enjoyed and didn't deprive myself of!
We did a yankee swap which was really fun.  It was a great time!  The next day, after a light breakfast, we took an hour long walk before heading out for a three hour trip to Maine.  We stopped along the turnpike for a quick lunch and arrived around 2:30.
We showered and changed and took off to see the rest of the family.  We exchanged gifts and had pizza with salad.  I loaded up on the greens and had only one and a half
pieces.  The next morning after breakfast, we worked out on the elyptical and treadmill before heading out.  We had another great day and dinner with Josh's in-laws that night.  I was pretty good except for the carrot cake!  I can't resist sweets!  So, we worked out again in the morning before heading out and heading home.  We all met for breakfast and said our goodbyes.  We made it home in only 5 hours which included stopping twice.  On New Years, we stayed home and had a nice dinner.  We went to bed early and woke up to ring in the new year.  So despite all the travel and food, we still got exercise and didn't go crazy.


I did have some sad news.  One of my clients passed away.  I was supposed to see him on the Monday before New Years and called to remind him because it was on a different day.  His son called me and said he passed away on Sunday.  It was a heart
attack.  Apparently his daughter was coming to be with him for Christmas and found him on the floor.  It is a terrible loss and he will be missed.  His name was Norman Adams.  May he rest in peace.

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.