A Little Of This And A Bit Of That

In between downpours I've been out with my camera trying to improve my skills.  The Tiger Lillies are in full bloom right now and the colors are so vibrant.

Bill was out golfing and Keith had the track and field events at Drake University to watch on t.v. on Sunday so I had some time to finish this little design into a pincushion.  I crocheted the border on it myself.  It was my first time crocheting my own border and I think it turned out pretty nice.  Can't wait to try it again with a different border.  This is a free design available from the Workbasket.  

I'm still working on Red Riding Hood by Primitive Hare.  It is progressing at a slower pace than I would like.  You see my evening stitching time is going to riding in the convertible with a stop at the Dairy Queen.  I'm going to have to find a lower fat/calorie choice to have or I'll be the size of an elephant by the end of the summer.

Those who know me won't be surprised my curiosity got the best of me.  I was reading a nutrition article on weight loss and did you know that there are 3, 500 calories in a pound?!  Who knew!  I certainly didn't.  Well, me being me I had to do some research to see what it would take to lose 3,500 calories.  Holy Cow you would have to walk 13 hours - yes I said 13 HOURS my friend to work off 3,500 calories.  We are not talking a casual stroll we are talking some serious put some effort into it walking.  It is no wonder weight loss is such a slow process.

Now you see why I'm thinking I need to find something a bit lower in calories than that small chocolate cone or I will most definitely be the size of an elephant by the end of summer.  I also decided to be more pro-active and today I signed up for a membership at my local YMCA.  I know myself and I get easily bored with the same old thing and am more motivated to workout with more intensity when I'm in a group setting and have all the necessary equipment available.  After some serious research over the past month I decided the Y had the best mix of structured (group classes) and free to do what you want (treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes & free weights).  There is even a computer program that is personalized and you can print out a workout routine to follow on each visit if you like.  I like that you don't have to sign up for classes you just go and participate.  Likewise you just hop on whatever is open in the gym area - no sign up.  Another bonus is that my membership is good for any Y in the state.  If there is a time that works better for me at another location, I just go.  I can workout for 30 minutes or combine a treadmill workout and then take a class or two.  I meet with the Wellness Coach tomorrow and get started on my journey to a healthier more slender me.  I'm really excited and can't wait to get started!