Necessary Mutilation

[Today's entry is by guest columnist Barbara.]

This is my last chance to babble on Donna’s blog so here goes.  Donna and Tom shall be returning tonight with their car full of their winnings.  I only hope there is enough room for Janet and Debbie. I remember the fun time we had in August when we went to Atlantic City with them. Donna would fill her plate at the buffets and, when she was done eating, or should I say nibbling, her plate would look almost as full when it was taken away.  Ours, on the other hand, came to the table loaded and left the table finger-licking clean.  I think that’s why I really don’t enjoy Buffets that much anymore. I feel guilty because I would not think twice before telling an alcoholic he/she is a fool to go to a bar and think they are not going to drink too much and yet I will go into a Buffet and think I will not overeat.  Well, to be honest with you when I go to the Buffet it is nice to have a variety of food and I have been careful to only take a spoonful serving of the dishes I like. I have to say the next day when I have gotten onto the scale it must have paid off because I don’t gain weight. Let’s talk about exercise. I would love to tell you that I run every day but the only thing that runs on me is my mouth.  I would also like to tell you that I go to the gym everyday and work out, but the only thing that gets a workout for me is my left arm when I use it to get food into my mouth.  I’d like to be able to tell you I do the “Walking DVD” but if the truth be known I sit on my recliner and watch it and when it’s all done I feel as if I completed the DVD. Same thing with Fit TV, I can sit for hours watching that handsome guy and the two girls with the “10” bodies do their perfect exercise moves.  Problem is when I get dressed and my pants are still tight to button I am always so surprised because I was sure I had done 30 minutes of aerobics each day. Once again I have to say that Donna’s daily blogs have inspired me to get this part of my life in order too. So I made a commitment to go to the gym near my home at least 3 days per week. First three weeks were great and then I crashed with being diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (erratic heartbeat) and had to be put on meds.  Of course until my body gets used to the meds just walking around my house doing light chores makes me feel exhausted. Sometimes I swear I take one foot forward and two feet backwards. Will I give up? No, I will plug on knowing that the best thing any of us can do is to work on keeping our hearts healthy.  This week I shall go back to the gym three days minimally.  It is time for me to close and say parting farewells and thanks for reading my babble.