ANTICIPATING INCREASED ACTIVITY

So, today I had my pre-surgery Cardiologist appointment. He said my heart was in excellent shape and I was at a very low risk for cardiology complications during surgery. So, there you go. I have a healthy heart! Hooray for that!

Ben and I talked in passing yesterday about joining a gym. Part of post surgery recovery is to walk at least 30 minutes EVERY day, but I also would like to get back into the habit of swimming, which I really enjoy. I have also done a *little* yoga before, and loved how much more flexible, stretchable, and relaxed it made me feel. I had previously (unbeknownst to Ben) checked out our local YMCA and figured it wasn't really an option because it's pretty expensive.... the monthly cost is $76 for 2 adults/$81 for a family but there is a $175 joining fee. Well, the Dunwoody Baptist Fitness center is much easier for us to get to, is a lot less busy, has smaller workout rooms, has a saline pool, has an indoor walking track and all the equipment we'll ever need, and right now has no joining fee with the first month for $18, and will be $69 month. There is no obligation or contracts at either, so that's good. SO, I do believe we'll become members at the Dunwoody Baptist Fitness Center. I'm especially excited because, with Ben being gone in the evenings (working at the Census), I think I'll really enjoy a nice walk or swim after work .... starting tomorrow!!! (-:

I have been mulling over the prospect of walking again. In my mind, at least, since I have decided to take the major step of surgery, I have committed to walk forever and ever. Plus, one of my personal goals is to walk a 5K sooner rather than later. Well, I have one pair of walking shoes, and I don't love them. They aren't anything special, just a basic $50 pair. I think they're 4 years old and they make my arches hurt. So, in ANTICIPATION of the many walks ahead, I decided to shop for some new shoes today. And I got some Nike Air Pegasus shoes. I like them a lot, and, yes, there is definitely guilt on spending $100 on a pair of shoes when my hubby is not currently in a career. But in light of our portion of the cost of the surgery (20% up to a certain family max), what's another $100!?!? Right? (-: And beginning in a few days, I'll be spending way less per week because I'll no longer be eating out for lunch everyday. Yes, I know. I am completely trying to rationalize a non-rational purchase. Who cares?!? Did you hear that? Jen is excited about walking and being active. Woot!

In related retail therapy news, I spent some additional non-budgeted money when I bought some sugar free Vanilla syrup for coffee this morning, complete with a cool pump. (Well, technically, I guess it was sort of included in the budget .... it was less than $10 and can come out of our grocery budget.) But, I have been contemplating: "how in the world will I survive my two carb free weeks without coffee? I WOULDN'T." So, there you have it. I have solved my biggest no-carb diet dilemma. I will have coffee, with cream, and with sugar free vanilla syrup and splenda. And it will be special, and I will like it and not feel like I'm being punished because I can't have my daily Dunkin Donuts Medium Coffee with Cream and Sugar....

And, while I'm on the subject of retail therapy confessions, I do have ONE more. So, my BIGGEST fear with the surgery is that I will suddenly look my real age. (Humor me, and please don't tell me that I look 37, ok!?!?). There was a recent winner on Biggest Loser who was around 40 I think, and when she lost all her weight and came back for the finale, her body looked awesome, but her face made her look 45. Maybe it was the cameras or a poor make-up job. But I think that the extra chubbiness around my face decreases the wrinkle effect. My fear is that I will loose lots of weight and then, one day, "POOF!" I'll look 45 instead of 35. Know what I'm sayin'? 'Cause that would suck. Seriously.

Oh, so what did I buy? Have you heard of the new Clinique magic potion? It is called "even better clinical dark spot corrector"... and I have these terrible age spots on my face from being a lifeguard in high school, and I don't like them because I think they make me look old. I purchased 1 oz of this magic potion, and it cost $49.50. (NOPE, that was NOT a typo.) I am resigned to start following my 3 step Clinique Skin Care (I've owned it for years, just don't consistently do it!) and finish up with the dark spot corrector. Wish me luck.... I know growing older is inevitable, but I don't want to sit around doing nothing to fight it, right?

So I leave you with a few pledges, and ask that you feel free to lovingly hold me accountable....

1. I will begin a skin care regimen, and stick to it.

2. I will enjoy my new shoes through walking regularly, even before my surgery.

3. I will not go to Dunkin Donuts for coffee. Instead, I will make it at home in a yummy, yet carb free manner.

4. I will join the Fitness Center, and I will swim there at least ...hmmm... four times before my surgery in two weeks.

And with that, I'll sign off for now, until next time...