Not so easy!

I thought once I hit the one mile mark (see http://cmfalling.blogspot.com/2011/10/mile-i-did-it.html), it would be a down hill run from there on - like it was when I was younger.  Silly me!  Not only am I not younger any more (gggrrrr), but in addition to a few years (ha ha) I also have the privilege of Parkinson's disease.  My body refuses to let me forget this fact hard as I try.  So my running has not been a down hill run since I hit the one mile mark!  Nope - in fact it has been a total uphill battle - a battle between my brain and my body. 

My body has decided it should be in control of the agenda these days, and often it wants a different agenda each day.  So when I wake up I find myself wondering what's on the agenda for today.  My brain still likes to think it sets the agenda - but  - oh contraire!  My body definitely has a very loud voice when stating it's opinion!  Some days it's an all out and out war over which one will win.  Some mornings they both are very cooperative and others - well let's just say it's not so easy! 

So all in all - how my running goes all depends on the day and if my brain is in control of the agenda or my body.  Some days I am lucky to hit the mile marker again, some days I can push a little farther, and some days I am lucky to just be walking!

 

Oh - And who ever is in charge of the weather - You're fired!!!!!! 

I mean seriously! SNOW in OCTOBER????  

I am still waiting for Fall weather!!

Exciting News!

I have had some exciting things happen the past couple of weeks, sooooo exciting I just had to share!

1.  A new Grandson was added to our family.  This makes Lucky 13 for us and # 14 is on it's way in a month or so!  We are doing a fine job of multiplying.  lol  Mom and baby are doing fine and Grandma and Grandpa are delighted!  He is so adorable and cuddly.  We love our grandchildren.  It was worth having kids to get them!  (well  - mostly worth it)

2.  A couple of weeks ago I had the special opportunity to meet one of my online pals, Fay, in person. We had a delightful time together eating (we are both confirmed Foodies) and talking!  We also saw the movie "The Big Year"  (hey, come to think of it that kind of describes my past year).  Fay and I have been corresponding online for a couple years now and I consider her a close friend.  She has talked me through some trying times, including my Parkinson's diagnosis, always encouraging me to stay optimistic and positive.  Fay sent me this story of the blind horse one morning when I was really down - http://cmfalling.blogspot.com/2011/04/needed-reminders.html   Her bell is always there when I need it most! I really enjoyed meeting her and found her to be just as sweet and cute in person as she is online. 

And last but not least - my Parkinson's related exciting news!   (drum roll please)

3.  Ta da - (more drum roll)
I tracked down David Zid  (see this post- http://cmfalling.blogspot.com/2011/09/meet-my-new-best-friend-david-zid.html) and will be traveling to meet him in person in several weeks.  He is going to work with me as a private trainer in setting up an exercise program to meet my specific needs.  How cool is that?  I am sooo excited about this opportunity and very grateful for all the work he has done to help people like me with Parkinson's.  I promise to keep you updated about this exciting adventure as it plays out!  I really believe this is going to be a key ingredient in dealing with my disease.  I am really looking forward to this unique opportunity to meet him and gain some of the benefits from his amazing work and research with Parkinson's disease!

So much excitement in my life I can hardly contain myself sometimes!!!

I still have one more exciting adventure in the works - but you will have to wait to find out what it is.  I plan to share it later as it unfolds!  (I just love suspense - don't you?)  lol

God has been good to me and I am truly blessed.  I feel His love for me each and every day and am so thankful for the amazing people He has placed in my life!  Thank you amazing people and Thank you God!!!!!

Where are the deer?

Funniest Hunting Commercial - Serious Hunters by Trade - The Hunt Trader



Where are the deer?

I know where they are!
They are all hanging out and lounging around my walking path -
that's where they all are!

Ever since the signs went up on the trees telling us humans to stay
close to the path because it is hunting season, the deer have been
keeping us company while we walk! They are staying very very
close to the path!

The other day I ran behind Bambi and his mom who were slowly
strolling on the path  As I got closer they kindly moved to the side
to let me pass and then quickly returned to resume their stroll.

I am beginning to think they can read.

They are very smart deer!

Unlike the man in this video!

(Before anyone attacks me - I am not condoning nor condemning hunting!)
(But... please leave Bambi and his mom alone!!!!)

Who in their right mind would fly 900 miles for ice cream?

The one thing I have never been accused of is being in my right mind!!!

Saturday morning - 11:00 a.m. - A chocolate Butterfinger shake!  
 Sooooo gooooood!

Saturday eveing  - 8:00 p.m. - A cherry bon bon sundae and a turtle pecan sundae!  
Soooo gooooood!

(I shared! a little) 

Sunday morning - 11:30 a.m.   Another cherry bon bon sundae!  
Sooooooo goooood!

Real black cherries, the best tasting hot fudge in the world,
along with the creamiest hand dipped ice cream you will ever taste. 
My mouth is watering again!

Sunday evening - 7:30 p.m.  Another Butterfinger shake!  
Soooooo goooood!

I savored every bite! 
Yes they do have other flavors, but this is my all time favorite. 
Thick, creamy - no ice crystals - made from hand dipped ice cream
with big chunks of Butterfinger candy bar. 
I love getting to the end where there is just chunks of Butterfinger in my cup. 
YUM YUM!

! 

Empty!

This is such a sad picture!

As you can see this is the perfect ice cream for people with Parkinson's!


Oh and in case you are wondering,
I did eat other things on this trip.
I even managed to fit this in Sunday afternoon!

Also really good!

A mile - I did it!!!

I did it!  I ran a full mile without stopping.  I know for some of you young-uns out there - this seems quite trivial.  But I have not ran a full mile without stopping for um... well... lets just leave it at it's been a looong time. So I am excited to reach this mile marker, I mean literally reach the mile marker!   And for the next couple of weeks I am going to enjoy doing it again and again.  Then I am going to start working on the 2 mile marker!  Who knows - maybe some day I will run a marathon.  Well, that may be a little ambitious, but you never know!!! 

Right now, I am really excited about my 1 mile. 

Two feet vs Four feet

    VS

For the past couple of weeks, Hubby has had to go to work early and has not been able to walk with me. I have discovered some advantages and disadvantages to walking alone.

ADVANTAGES:
1. The walk is very serene, and quiet.
2. I  walk longer.
3. When I sing out loud there is no-one to complain.
4. If I trip or fall I don't have to be embarrassed cause there is no-one to
    see my klutziness.
5. It gives me lots of time to think and ponder my life.

DISADVANTAGES:
1. The walk is too serene,  and way way too quiet.
2. The walk only SEEMS longer.
3. When I sing out loud I look like a fool when someone passes me.
4. If I trip or fall there is no-one to help me back up.
5. I think and ponder about my life!

It all depends on how you look at it - doesn't it?  Some days walking alone is an advantage and then other days it might be a disadvantage.  This post could also be titled "Walking alone vs lonely walking":   The walk is the same - the only thing different is the perspective.

While I sometimes enjoy walking alone, I never enjoy lonely walking.   So, two feet walking is OK occasionally, but really, I think I prefer four feet!  Thank goodness Hubby's early morning schedule is done!

 Yup - that's much better!     

Meet my new best friends - David Zid & Jackie Russell

I bought both the book and the DVD "Delay the Disease". I now spend a lot of time with my new friends! They are wonderful!!!

The book is very easy to follow with both a description and a picture to show how to do the exercises, which were simple enough that even I could follow them.(If you knew me you would understand that really says a lot lol) They have the exercises listed and laid out to follow in a weekly schedule. The program can be modified and the exercises are adaptable for 3 levels, which I think would meet almost anyone's needs. David Zid and Jackie Russell are clearly two very compassionate and dedicated people working to help Parkinson's patients. It's easy to tell they are passionate about their work and their belief that exercise is a huge benefit in controlling the disease.

And here is their site - http://delaythedisease.com/

David and Jackie - Thank You!!! You have given me hope! I am going to meet you in person some day to thank you properly! :)