What This Autodidact Has Been Up To....

I can make you like me in 90 seconds. I've been reading Nicholas Boothman's follow up book, Convince Them In 90 Seconds. Its really helping me come out of my marketing shell. I've never like salespeople, and as much as I hated to realize how we all must be salespeople in one way or another at certain times throughout life, I never could see myself as one. This book is my A-HA! I get it now.

I've also been researching Nordic Walking. For months now DS11 and I have been going on almost daily walks. Its definitely become a habit and way of life for me, and now I'm ready to amp it up. I want to be a CHICK WITH STICKS!

Nordic walking utilizes special walking poles, or if you're European, "sticks", to enhance your workout. You end up using 90% of your body rather than the usual 70% during normal walking. Regular hiking poles, or walking sticks are not the same as Nordic walking poles. Nordic walking poles are designed with special feet and quality poles remove the vibration from impact. They're on my Christmas list but I'm having a difficult time deciding whether I want wrist straps or not. There's pros and cons to both. Anyone ever try these?

We've managed to install the laminate flooring through the hallway, so this ongoing project continues forward. All that is left now is transitions and trim work. I wish we would have done this years ago. Laminate flooring is so much easier to keep clean. It feels great on my bare feet. I'm not finding it cold at all. I just wish we had the time and money to do all the floors in the Sleepyhouse this way.

I was so happy to hear DH is looking forward to Thanksgiving, and honestly, I am too. I'm looking forward to the entire holiday season. After spending last year in unemployment stress, it will be great to enjoy this year's holiday season without that dark cloud looming over us. Our free Piggly Wiggly turkey is in the freezer- note to self - MOVE TO FRIDGE ON SUNDAY!!

I'm planning on making the typical dishes my family enjoys at Thanksgiving, roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet corn, sweet potato casserole, sage stuffing/dressing, and Texas rolls. I'd also like to try and make my first pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust. I'm hoping to try and make everything more healthy this year, not using butter and using non-fat cream cheese. I hope everything turns out well. We'll have cousins joining us, along with G-Ma. The following day, we'll do it all over again at my brother's. Hmmm... maybe I'll be needing those Nordic Walking poles before Christmas?!

Speaking of walking, my trainer is up, fed and ready for me to lace up my shoes. Have a great Hump Day!

Remember When I Said I Wish I Could Really Live on Wii Fit Island?

This is the new windmill near our home. Its .34 of a mile from our Sleepyhouse and so far, I'm not noticing any effects. I'm all for alternative energy, but I had my concerns about strobe effect, noise and the effect on wildlife.

This windmill isn't too large, and we didn't find it noisy when we walked by. Today though, the breeze is calm. We didn't see wildlife near it, and I didn't notice any shadows. I'll need to find out more about it, but I believe this windmill's purpose is to provide energy for our village's new waste water treatment plant.

Now if I could somehow banish cars and trucks from our neighborhood, I'd have the perfect place to walk around, like in the virtual Wii Fit Island world.

My walking is coming along nicely. I'm at the point where I find myself wanting more time to take walks. It doesn't feel right taking a shower unless I've walked first. I'll tell myself, I can't shower before I walk so I might as well get that walk out of the way first.

My body is responding. I can feel more strength to go farther and the saying, "a body in motion stays in motion," is very true. I can't sit for long without wanting to get up and move around. I'm craving more protein too, so I must be making muscle.

On the down side, my RLS is the worst its ever been, which is ironic. I thought more activity would help. I have daily issues with my RLS now, where as before it troubled me every once in awhile or when I was over tired. I'll keep walking though and hope it gets better. I'm getting plenty of calcium and watching my salt intake so its not related to that.

Time is definitely another issue I struggle with. I want to walk more, but the housework isn't done, I should work on this, on that...., but I'm accepting that its okay to meet my needs first for a change.

Walking is an investment in my well being. It's  horrible to say this, but when I see people struggle to move, I feel grateful I can walk. I want to be able to stay mobile for all the days of my life. You don't see too many power scooter chairs off roading through forest trails. Every step I take now will ensure I'll be enjoying my lifestyle for many years to come. 

American Heart Association National Start Walking Day

Start:	Apr 8, '09
Location:	Anywhere you are!

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3064287

Join in the American Heart Association's National Start Walking Day event!