Displaying 1 - 10 of 22 entries.

Winter Snow and Weight Loss

  • Posted on January 4, 2013 at 7:47 PM

Winter snow and weight loss are usually a bad combination. As we get older we tend to become sedentary during this time of year.  Not by our own doing but simply because of the weather. When we were children we welcomed the snow and enjoyed being outside and having / creating our own fun. Our parents encouraged us to be outside all day. Now as we get older we tend to be afraid of the snow. As we get older we also tend to be frightened of slipping and falling and breaking a bone. I know myself I’m scared to death to fall. When I go down the stairs from our deck to the main level where our cars are parked I hold on for dear life.

Bob, make’s sure he shovels well and keeps the stairs clean and clear of all snow and ice. He makes sure that the driveway shoveled or plowed and that deicer is put down on the driveway. Yes, Bob does everything a great husband should do.  So now what can be done to help myself not fall into the rut of gaining 20 pounds this winter season? I believe there are a couple things that I can do:

  1. The first thing I can do is “KEEP MOVING”.   By this I mean keep up an exercise routine three times a week. This may simply be as little as turning on the radio and dancing while I do my housework or following an exercise regiment.   I did go out and buy a Zumba package and perhaps that should be the way for me to go.  You need to find what works best and simply get on the move and do it.
  2. Watch very closely what I eat. As we sit around the house, we watch TV or work at our computer desk, we tend to grab the first thing in the refrigerator which is handy.  Solution, do not buy what you should not eat. Make sure that what you put in your refrigerator is what you should be putting in your mouth.
  3. If you are entertaining this winter season, please make sure you give away all the desserts and treats that you make for your party. Again you do not want them in the house because you do not want them in your mouth. When people come to visit during the winter, they tend to bring these mouthwatering desserts. These are the ones I’m telling you to give away.
  4. If by chance you can get out of the house, go to the mall, and walk around your mall three times. Do not stop at the food court. Do not stop at the candy counter. Do not stop for the ice cream and soda counters.  Basically what I’m saying is just keep going and keep moving.
  5. We all know that after dinner is the most difficult time of our day to watch exactly what we eat. This is why if you plan your day or your week ahead of time you can make allowances for those difficult time periods.
    1.  Schedule your meals.
    2. Know exactly what you going to eat.
    3. Have your recipes ready and if possible premade.
    4. Learn to schedule your life as though you’re running a business.

I know that these are not difficult steps for each one of us to take. What I’m asking you to do is to make changes in your life so you will be organized and ready to face any situation as it comes your way. Winter time is an extremely difficult to lose weight or even to stop from gaining weight.   As we organize our lives and set ourselves up for success, we will find these steps are the best way to keep the weight off or possibly lose a little bit of weight during this winter season.

Wishing you all an amazing day.

Blessings,

Jo

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Simplicity

  • Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:23 PM

Simplicity

 Finding simplicity in one’s life seems to be harder and harder every day. We get overwhelmed with the everyday experiences that we share with each other and that come into our lives as outside influences. I remember when things used to be so simple and we could relax after a hectic day. When my girls were little I would simply say to them, let’s go watch a movie and that was perfect with them. Now it seems a movie is not enough for any of the kids. That’s a shame. I remember when we used to get up and go to work without a problem. You simply got up and took your shower, put on your makeup, got dressed and that was it. You’d have the breakfast ready the night before and all the kids had to do was to add the milk to their cereal, pop in some toast and butter it, pour their orange juice, because everything was set up for them.

The children of today have all these electronic devices that they use. I recently bought an iPhone. This device is not easily learned. In fact at one point one of my daughter said to me “Mom, this is why they don’t get idiots iPhones.” She had to spend an hour setting the phone up for me. Then she had to spend another hour explaining the device to me. Needless to say she was very upset about having to take this time with me. I look at my grandchildren and they all have these electronic devices that they play with. What happened to going outside and playing? What happened to coloring? What happened to playing hopscotch? What happened to jump rope? What happened to sleigh riding in the winter? What happened to sitting on the front stairs and just talking? More importantly what happened to reading and math games?

It appears that we have all lost the simple things in our life. I love simply going down to our Lake, and sitting in a chair watching the waves. I enjoy taking my grandchildren to the playground and watching them climb and play. I enjoy grabbing a good book and going up to the pool and sitting and reading all afternoon while I’m getting my sun. I enjoy going to the Tiki bar and having a drink. Sometimes we meet people there and sometimes I’m just alone which is fine with me.

We need to take the stress out of our lives. We need to find time for ourselves and move forward in a gentle loving way. We need to understand that we can’t always do the things we want. We also need to understand that we have to take that moment for us. That moment means relaxating, sitting, and talking with someone you love. Sitting and talking to a stranger perhaps. You see I have found it doesn’t matter who you’re talking to as long she just having interaction with people. People do not take the time for themselves any longer. The lives of so hurried and so rushed that they don’t have a moment to themselves. Take this scenario:

  •  You are sick, in the hospital, there is no one to notify.
  • You were sitting at the Tiki bar. There is someone sitting next to you. You are afraid to say hello.
  • You are hurt. Sitting on the side of the road. A car comes but you do not flag them down. Reason, you don’t know them.
  • You are sitting at the pool and a group of ladies are laughing out loud and having a cocktail. You don’t join them because, you are afraid.

How sad it is that I see these events occurring. We no longer take the time in our lives to meet and greet new people. Instead we are closed off from people and often using our electronic devices instead of making ourselves social. Humans need social interaction. We are losing so much of our lives because we are not willing to give our lives that social interaction.

Please take the time to go out and greet and meet someone today. Put your fears aside for that acquaintance may very well become your new best friend.

Wishing you all an amazing day filled with sunshine hope, joy, and laughter.

Blessings,

Jo

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Changing Times

  • Posted on July 30, 2012 at 4:16 PM

What an amazing day here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,  We are truly blessed to live in a community where we have it all.  We have a lake, pool, horseback riding, trails for hiking,  skiing, The Summit Restaurant and Bar and a wonderful TIKI Bar in the summer.  It really quite amazing for we could spend all our time on this mountain and only leave for major grocery shopping.   We also have a small deli so we can purchase sandwiches, essentials and little things we need.  It is really quite amazing.  Oh Yes, I am also fortunate to work in the restaurant so I do not even leave our mountain to go to work.  We moved here twenty-one years ago and I truly love where I live and work.

However, changes have been made as the life around us has changed.  Bob is away so much of the time and I am here with the dog since the girls have grown and have their own families to tend to.  I have found peace of mind and solace in the quite time I have with Rambo.  As I work on myself (for a change) I am discovering I like who I have become.  I love the individual who stares back from the mirror.  I enjoy exploring the why of my life.  Yes, the times are changing and I am growing, adapting, and moving forward with these changing times.   I am becoming a happier , healthier and better person who enjoy the life I have.

Wishing you a fantastic day!

Blessings,

Jo

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Reaching Out

  • Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:28 PM

Individuals have days when their world is caving in and there is nothing which they can do to change this.  It is over whelming, a complete feeling of sadness, no light at the end of the tunnel.  Someone who has never experienced this will never understand this loss of control in another persons life.  This can last for a few days of several months.  You are in a tunnel and can not get out.  You climb, slip and fall again and this time you are deeper than when you started.  Every thought is out of control.  Every fiber in you body hurts with an inner pain.  You are just lost and can not find your own way out.

This is where your friends come into the picture.  There is someone you can reach for, who will take the ten minutes to talk to you.  Say the perfect words to stop the out of control feeling.  This one individual will say the perfect thing to fill you with renewed strength and energy.  This person will walk with you in your struggle and pull you up when you need help.

Today I talked to such a friend.  Thanks my friend “Bonnie” for the wonderful conversation which changed my direction today!  Thanks for sharing your energy and helping me to find the right track.

Blessings,

Jo

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Darkness

  • Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:04 AM

Coming out the darkness this year has been extremely difficult.  For those of you who find themselves in a dark place every spring we struggle to release ourselves from the DARKNESS.  It is not that we do anything to cause this space in our lives.  It simply happens and is sometimes referred to as CABIN FEVER.  This year was a year to surly forget.  I believe I had to face these struggles in order to become a better person.

The DARKNESS usually begins just after Christmas.  However, this year it started after Thanksgiving and did not let up at all.  Usually when I work thru the winter in a ski resort I manage to keep on top of where my sense of being is.  I was not able to do this for some reason this year.  It appears you are in a tunnel and some days you can start to climb and some days you fall a little deeper down this tunnel.

Most people around you do not even know this space in your life exists.  Most of us function and smile our way through the darkness.  My husband Bob sees the difference and every year he is helpless to my struggles. We woke up at 5:00 AM this morning and I said to him today is the day I am pulling myself out of this darkness.  He told me it was a long stretch and it was difficult for him as much as it was for me.  He also told me if he did not love me, it would of been very easy for him to walk away.  I am so grateful for Bob realizing this is a temporary state of being and I will emerge every year just a little bit stronger.

So what to do is the correct question to ask at this point in time.  It is truly up to the individual as to how they fight and emerge from the darkness.  It is up to the individual to find what works for them.  For me this year it seems to be having determination to proceed with my life and make a difference in those I love and care about.  It is finding strength in knowing I can tell others what is happening in my life and give them the strength to move forward.  My ideas and plans are forever changing and I must learn to adapt to each situation with an open mind and heart.  The healing begins in the heart and flows out words toward the rest of your body.

Changing my diet is a big factor is finding my way from the darkness.  Perhaps I sank lower into this hole because I have cut out so much of the comfort foods I eat when I am depressed.  The pasta, potatoes and starch are good in moderation.  They really do make me feel better.  I am working on replacing them with more vegetables and fruits.  Better quality of eating is the key to recovery from my stand point.  I enjoy eating and enjoy what I eat more.   I feel like I have a party going based on the variety of foods I am choosing.

Depression equals pain.  The pain has been unbearable this year.  My hands, knees and all of my joints have hurt and continue to do so.  Simple movements cause stress.  I take my supplements and they do help.  I push myself to use these joints and keep them moving.  I try not to take too many Ibuprofen or aspirin as I do not feel any better while taken them.  I believe they treat the pain but not the cause.  I also believe the cause is the depression and my dark tunnel and not some underlying issue.

Today is my day to emerge from the darkness.  Today is my day to begin to shine and let the world back into my life.  Today is my day to start coming back to being me.  Today is the day I start working on how to stay out of the darkness next year.  Perhaps if I do what I must now, I can avoid this pitfall next year.  I’ll keep you posted and let you know of what I accomplish over the next few months.

Wishing you all an amazing day and a fantastic year,

Jo

 

 

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Taking our Weight Seriously

  • Posted on March 28, 2012 at 11:28 AM

It is only human to see ourselves as beautiful no matter how we look to the outside world.  I for one do see myself as beautiful, funny, kind, and spirited.  I do not look at the layers of fat or extra inches which fill certain parts of my body.  These layers of “fat” have stopped me from doing so many things in my life.  Is it hereditary or is it as simple as not eating correctly.

I personally believe it to be a combination which has plagued my life since the starting of taking birth controls.  Is there a connection there.  So much more research will have to be worked on to cement this connection in my body.  I will tell you my maternal Grand Mother weighed350 +++ pounds.  I was very close to meeting this goal myself.  Wow, how did this happen.  Up until I turned 20 I had a constant weight of 130 pounds.  Never worried about what I ate and was very active.  Then I discovered sex and birth control pills.  My weight shot up to 200 pounds in a mater of months.  I struggled to bring it down and I do not believe I ever did get back down to the weight of 130 pounds.

I weighted in at 340 pounds when our Grand Son passed away in November 2010.  I was so distraught and worried I would not live to see our other Grand Children grow up.  I started to loose weight in December of 2010 and slowly worked my way down to 260 pounds.  Last week I went to the doctors and had gained 12 pounds back.  I was very upset to say the least.  Now I am on a new mission to loose another 50 pounds by the end of this summer.  Can I do it?  Yes, I believe and have faith enough to know I can do this.

I have wonderful friends who encourage me everyday to do what is right so I might live and enjoy life.  Both of my parents passed away at very young ages.  My father at 56 and my mother at 62.  My oldest brother passed away at 59 years old.  Guess what I turned this year?  Yes, I turned 59 years old / young.  What a wake up call.  What a shake up call.  Turning fifty-nine has rattled my bones and shaken up my thought process.  Thank God for a gift given to me.  Her name is “Dr. CHUNGWON KIM”.

Chungwon has given me a gift of re-evaluating myself and setting up an action plan to loose weight and fix what is wrong.  She is a Holistic Health Counselor and I look forward to working with her.  Her gift to me is the designing of a weight loss program which will allow me to work towards my goals and bring my life back into prospective.  She is offering me a second chance to feel better, look great and love life.  Truly a blessing in my life at a time when I struggle to accomplish some of the simplest of tasks.

Wishing you an amazing day filled with joy, peace and blessings,

Jo Laplace

 

 

 

 

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Loving Yourself!

  • Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:57 PM

Each day we go through life looking at what we can do for ourselves and what others can do for us.  So many people have what I call the “ME” Syndrome.  It is all about me and what others can do for me.  When exactly will people learn – “It is never about me, it is always about what I can do for others.”

 At a very young age, I thought I needed to love myself in order to love others.  I guess this is where I came into the equation.  I thought if I loved me, I was breaking all the rules of this game and would go no where.  If I openly loved others, I would be just fine.  Funny thing happened and hurt like hell.  I did love other people but it was a hollow love.  It was void of the passion one feels with fulfillment of loving another.

Funny how none of my relationships worked out and life seemed to just pass me by. What to do, what to do, what to do?  It took a long time for me to figure things out.  Here is what I learned:

  1.  Love is a two way street!  If I love someone, I now realize I should receive love in return.  I mean meaningful love not just empty love.

  2. Everyday should be an adventure with the one you love.

  3. Challenges should be handled together with your love at your side.

  4. It is very positive to love others in your life beside your spouse.

  5. Love you friends and treat them as you would like to be treated and loved.

  6. Outside influences will work to tare you apart. You must work together towards a common goal.

  7. Allow your children to grow up and become their own persons.

  8. Always find the time for a hug, kiss or some form of affection towards your love.

  9. Honesty is the best policy in any relationship.

  10. Judgment can not enter into any relationship. Leave it out in the cold.

  11. Grow  with those you love.

  12. Place the people you love as number one in your life.

  13. If you do have an argument, make an argument to stay together and not grow apart.

  14. Realize time can handle any issue.  Talk and communicate about all the little things in your life together.

  15. Raise issues to bring you closer together and bring a good feeling into you life and love.

So from me to you for this beautiful New Year of 2012 please follow your heart and love from every fiber of your body the one who loves you back.

Blessings from our home to yours,

Jo

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Strength

  • Posted on November 30, 2011 at 12:14 PM

As you go through your day please take time to seek out the little things in your life.  These are the ones which make your life easier while removing stress.  Each morning, I appreciate the simplicity of a cup of coffee.  The joy of standing on our deck and watching the sunrise.  The heat from the pellet stove.  I am finding strength in the little things surrounding me each and every day.

I have worked my entire life to save for retirement so Bob and I can live a simple but comfortable life.  Now, that is not so important.  We have each other, standing side by side meeting the challenges of each and every day.  We have set up our home so as we grow older we are all on one floor.  We are learning to appreciate the little gestures so many couples forget to share.  It is no longer about the big and expensive gifts.  It is no longer about the kids and grand babies.  It is about us.  It is about finding strength in the little things which make our lives easier.  It is about that cup of coffee each morning while taking turns getting out of the recliners and pouring for each other.  It is about letting the dogs out.  It is about sleeping in.

It is about our time and how we can find strength in each other while making things easier for each other.  Strength comes in all kinds of wrappings.  I have found strength while picking up around the house.  I have found strength while out for a walk with the dogs.  I have found great strength in a simple kiss on the cheek.  More importantly I or should I say “we” have found it in the love we share as well as the joy we share on a day to day basis.

Take time to share the joy and strength with those you love and care about.  You will be amazed at how much is returned to you in the everyday little things you do.  Blessings to you and your family for an amazing day!

Jo

 

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A Love So Pure

  • Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:40 PM

A LOVE SO PURE

Yesterday was a Grandma Day with one of our four year old grand daughters. It was an amazing day in all we did. This gift was presented to me
because Aliese did not have school and her mom had a doctor’s appointment. We picked up our Grand Daughters the night before so they could spend the night and we could have quality time with both our five year old and our four year old. We sat and had dinner and laughed over every little thing of no
importance.  As we opened the sofa bed for the girls to sleep it was so funny. “Stand back Grandma ~ we can do this by ourselves!” They were like little ants or bees buzzing here and there to get the sofa open and make the bed. When did this all start? Congratulation to their Mom she is raising them to strong and independent.

Jammies are on and they are ready to lie down. Again more giggles and so much more silliness. My heart was happy. I told the girls to wait a minute I had something to enter in the computer. By the time I turned to say good-night they were both sound asleep and looked so peaceful. I tucked them in and finished my work for the night. As I started to leave the living room and go upstairs, I turned and looked at the two little angels sleeping. A memory of my own daughters flashed in my mind and I appreciated the time I have had with all the girls in my life.

The next morning we got up at 6:00 AM and Aliese was up and running and so excited. She wanted to know what time the bus came and was Delaney ready to get on it. The bus doesn’t come until 7:15 AM so she had to share Grandma with her sister until then. She held it together. When I said it was time to go to the bus she was pushing her sister out the door. As we stood at the bus stop she was saying Good-bye before the bus was even there. Finally she had Grandma all to herself and it was her Grandma Day!

Breakfast held little treasures of smiles and giggles and can I help make the eggs? Can I butter the toast? Can I set the table? She did everything perfect. We drew pictures, sang songs, watched a movie and cuddled. It was a cute move although I don’t believe either one of knows the name of it. The reality is the name doesn’t matter. We sat in my recliner cuddling with a warm blanket and it was absolutely beautiful. Her Mom used to cuddle like that and it was good then. After the movie, Aliese knew it was time for her sister to come home and she started to watch the clock. Ok let’s go to the bus stop to pick up Delaney. The joy on both girls’ faces was something I will cherish forever. There love for each other is so pure. Having no sisters, I never experienced this kind of love. I am glad I can witness it in my Grand Daughters.

The girls seemed to pick up playing where they left off the night before. I was working with Delaney on her homework and Aliese seemed to know this was time for Delaney and it was important. She stepped back until the homework was completed. They took off and started right where they left off again and started to play. I find such great joy in know they are sisters and they are each others best friends. Pure and Simple Love. It doesn’t get any better in my eyes than that. When Kelly said she was having a little girl my friend Helen told me ~ “Wonderful, Delaney will always have a best friend and her sister to spend time with” Such wisdom in those words. Thanks Helen for reminding me they will always have each other.

Wishing you all an amazing day!

“Even after all
this time, the sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.” Look what
happens with a Love like that! It lights the whole sky.” Hafez (1315-1390)
Sufi Poet.

Blessings,

Jo

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Angel

  • Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:42 PM

Have you ever wondered if there is an Angel in your life?  I know I certainly have wondered over time.  Every sense I was a little girl there has always been something or someone protecting me from danger.  Not the kind of childhood danger we all experience.  After all this is a part of life and must be experienced.   I am talking about the kind of protection when you are driving really fast and you should not be able to make the corner.  Much to your surprise, you sail through the corner without a scratch.  Yep, this is what it is all about.  Special little things at the strangest of times.  Here is one of my stories:

Bob and I and our three daughters moved to Pennsylvania in July of 1991.  It was a truly beautiful summer here in the Pocono Mountains.  I lost my job because it was just too hard to commute from where we live to Long Island City, Queens, NY.  My car broke down and I had to rely on others to get my daughters back and forth to the bus stop which was two miles away.  Many afternoons I had to walk in the cold of late fall and winter to walk back home with them because others were working and unavailable.

It was a very dark, cloudy, dreary day outside.  Two days prior to Christmas we were three months behind in our mortgage, very little fuel oil to heat the house  and no money for Christmas presents for the girls.  I sat on my sofa and started to cry.  I asked if there was something I could do to give my daughters a little Christmas.  I have two large sky lights in my living room right over the sofa.  As I sat there and the tears would not stop, I was frightened that I was letting the girls down as a mother.  All of a sudden, a ray of sight came through the sky light and touched my shoulder.  At that very instance, I knew in my heart that everything would be all right.  I just knew and that was all there was to it.

That evening, Bob came home with a large check.  It was more than enough to pay the mortgage up to date.  We were able to fill the fuel tank which lasted through the winter and into the next.  We had groceries for a month and most of all we were able to give the girls a nice little Christmas.  I do not know what touched my shoulder that day.  I do know the love and warmth I felt was so intense it made me feel as though I was whole.  It made me realized I am not alone in this world.  It made me realize I have a Guardian Angel watching over me on a daily basis.

Today, as I move through life, I feel the presence of my Angel.  I am grateful for its influence in my life.  More importantly, I can always speak to my Angel about anything.  As it is with God I may not always get what I ask for, but I do get what I need to move forward in my life.  I am wishing you an amazing day full of blessings and peace.

 

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