These past two weeks have encompassed both the good and the bad. We'll start with the bad. It involved the acronym "HALT"- which stands for hungry, angry, lonely and tired. I heard about this acronym a long time ago. I did not make it up but if you think it is an awesome word - I will claim the usage (ha-ha).
The hungry aspect involved my kitchen pantry - Mother Hubbard's cupboard was temporarily bare. When my cupboard was full once more, I binged like there was no tomorrow. I ate candy bars and had extra servings that I did not need or want.
The angry aspect involved environmental issues which I won't totally bore you with (just a little). I had also conveniently forgotten my rule of forgiving myself for bingeing. Another issue that instigated my angst was my car had a major hiccup. On its tombstone it will read "RIP" - rust in pieces!
The lonely aspect actually did not apply (so the acronym could be changed to "HAT" - (Ha-Ha!). Except for the fact I am without my car for I don't know how long.
The tired aspect was what plagued me the most. I was literally exhausted. I had packed my schedule full leaving no "Casi-quiet-time". That was my error.. Everyone (I don't care who you are, your age, etc. ...) needs their "quiet-me" time. It is not a selfish act. It is a healing and healthy act. Whether it is taking a nap, reading, watching television, meditating, or making crafts ... the list goes on and on. It can be adapted for any individuals' needs.
Part of the good stuff that happened during these past two weeks was my faithful exercising (until my car had 'kittens'). I changed my time that I went to the Marietta Family YMCA so I could sleep in a bit. I arrived there around 7 a.m. or so. Yes, that is sleeping in for me. Funny, when I was a kid (teenager) - one would have thought that I had narcolepsy. I always seemed to sleep for 12 hours or more. Not anymore! I'm lucky if I get five or six hours of sleep a night.
Anyway, I went (and continue to go) to the YMCA five times a week from Monday through Thursday and then Saturday, and off on every Friday and Sunday. Every other day I lift weights (I also do cardio). The weight lifting days consist of 10 minutes warm-up on the recumbent bike, then the weights, and then back to the bike (30 minutes worth - five minutes cool down).
I really enjoy my exercise regimen. It keeps stress and depression (or whatever "ails" you) at bay. I meet new people. The Y (they're not endorsing me by the way - I'm saying this from my heart) is a family environment. I feel a strong sense of encouragement from the staff and the members. Most people know me by name and that is quite comforting.
There are other ways to exercise throughout the city, of course. I've done a little research about the availability of different methods of exercise. The Betsey Mills Club has an indoor swimming pool. It is perfect for those with arthritis. Ewing School also has an indoor pool offering warm water exercise classes (starting in the fall). The O'Neill Center and Norwood United Methodist Church offers "Zumba" classes. Marietta also offers its bike path winding along the river. The YMCA also offers numerous classes and programs. Don't forget to seek medical advice before proceeding with any exercise activity.
Personally, I do not care for anything that has a class offering aerobics. Number one, I have no rhythm. Number two, I have no coordination. Number three, I feel like that hippo in the pretty pink tutu, from the movie "Fantasia." Like I said, this is just a personal preference. Whatever may not work for me may be ideal for someone else.
Despite the bingeing, the exhaustion and my other malfunctions, I was still able to lose weight. Now, the last time I weighed myself on the "good" scale was on Monday the 9th. My weight was 291 pounds, a decrease of two pounds. Hey! I'll take that.
Here are some thoughts to ponder: It is good to be active and busy but don't consume yourself with a flurry of constant activity (that would make you ill). EVERYONE needs "me" time. Get plenty of water and rest. Finally, exercise beats the blues and has multiple benefits!Casi Stewart can be reached at casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue appears every other Monday on the Life page.
