Celebrate!

I’m just back from my stroll around the cemetery. I’m walking longer distances now and doing it at a faster clip. Plus I’m not gasping for breath like I did when I started a month ago. So, progress.

I’m not a fan of bathroom scales. In fact, I don’t even own one. I’ve had the same weight on my driver’s license for twenty-five years and as far as I could tell, the driver’s license clerks weren’t poking each other in the ribs and chuckling or doing eye rolls every time I replied, “No” when they asked if height or weight had changed. And negative. I don’t plan to divulge what weight is on my driver’s license, but thanks for asking.

As far as managing my weight, I generally know it’s time to cut back on the junk food when I need a wire coat hanger to get my jeans’ zipper up. Barring that, I’m good to go.

This week I was antsy and in the mood to put something--anything--in my life in order so I decided to declutter my bedroom closet. I love my closet. Big, but not too big, with built in storage areas along the entire wall. I grab my step stool, climb up, and survey one of the storage areas where I keep my jeans and slacks. I love jeans. And I tend to hold on to them longer than I should--as evidenced by the number of straight legs jeans I found stowed away in my closet. I hauled the clothes down and put them on my bed and decided to try each pair of jeans on before I decided whether to keep them or toss ‘em. Well, with the exception of the straight leg jeans. I basically gave them the heave-ho. I don’t care that people say they’re coming back in style. It’s boot cut or flare for this gal--or nothing at all.

It was when I started trying on jeans that the fun began. I tried the first pair on and frowned. They were too big. Strange. I tried another pair on. Same thing. If I cinched a belt tight enough to keep my pants in place, I’d have ‘jean pucker’ around my waist. I went through the whole stack of jeans and found about five that fit.

Since it had been awhile since I weighed myself, (think years) I pulled out my daughter’s scale, made sure it was adjusted correctly, took a deep breath, and stepped up. Since I rarely weigh myself, I took the precaution of peering through my fingers to view the number. I couldn’t believe it! I’d lost TEN pounds.

Now, I know that doesn’t sound like much when you see the dramatic ‘Biggest Loser’ weight losses and transformations, but for me it’s huge! I’d undertaken my ‘shape up’ program with the objective of getting ‘heart healthy’ and toning and firming--not dropping pounds so it was an unexpected bonus. And positive proof that walking is great exercise for those of us ‘of a certain age’.

And I couldn’t close this post without acknowledging the fact that tomorrow is our nation’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Other than my customary walk or bike ride, I have no big plans. This year will be somewhat different. One daughter is visiting friends out of state and one son is working. Normally we go to my brother’s house or cook out and watch the fireworks from our front yard. It’ll be strange this year, but that’s what happens when the younguns grow up.

‘Things change, Kathy,’ I remind myself. ‘And you have to adapt. It’ll give you time to write. Or read.’

I’m not sure I like this ‘growing up’ stuff. I thought I would. Now I’m not so sure.

What plans have you made to celebrate Independence Day? Any traditions you hold to each year? Any special place you are planning to travel?

Be safe, be happy, and celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on earth!

Have a wonderful 4th!

~Bullet Hole~