Weight lifting... the other wonder drug....

For the last 4 years or so I've had a problem with the muscles in my lower neck/upper back/between my shoulder blades. Sometimes it would be so bad that the pains and aches would radiate up through my neck and around my head, so much so that it felt like someone tightening a band around my head. Probably a little bit of jaw clenching while sleeping too.

I have tried chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy and pills (aspirin or ibuprofen). Last summer ('09) it got really bad, mostly because we had 7 people living in our 2000 sq. ft. house for about 3 months. While some of the summer was ok, it got to be too stressful and unbearable by the middle of August. Back to the chiropractor I went followed by deep-tissue massage.

It is now 7 months later. In February I started going to our local YMCA and even met once with a personal trainer. The cardio she recommended was just a little more intense than what I've been doing for 2 1/2 years.

But the real miracle was working on the weight machines. SUCH A DIFFERENCE! I do not have any more pain in the back or shoulders or neck or jaw. I had used some 8 lb free weights for quite a while but obviously that did not give me the same resistance.

I'm so thankful I've started this regimen. If this can keep me free of pain and aches long term, I am SO there!

My wonderful children

the other day I was taking a walk with a friend, talking about our respective children, all grown. I told her that my kids have become exactly who I'd hoped they'd be.

What surprised me is that while one of her children, in his early 30's is accomplished and well on his way in his chosen, well-respected profession, the other son, while still accomplished, is not in a profession she'd have chosen. Nor is it something society would consider a "success".

Now while I know we all wish our children the best, I've noticed that some parents do not consider them a success unless they follow a prescribed path. Be it through $$, or the career they choose. But I ask you, is being a lawyer any better than a garbage collector, is being a doctor any better than an accountant, or is a banker better than a painter??? Most people would say yes.

But my criteria has always been - what kind of person are they?? Are they caring and compassionate; do they have a good sense of humor; do they want to spend time with their family? Is money the be all and end all - without thought of others?

I taught my children that no matter what they do in their work life, if they are the best people they can be then I will love them no matter what.

And it turns out, I was right - my children ARE the best! They are funny, caring, loving, compassionate - they care about not just their family but about their friends and others in their life.

I have succeeded as a mother - what more could I ask for?

To color or not to color...???

at nearly 52 I have my share of gray hair, some unruly some barely seen. I even have a streak on the left side of my head, hidden under my part. I used to color my hair (or highlight as it was called) but got tired of the maintenance. So now I look at myself in the mirror and wonder if I would look younger with more blond/gold/tawny brown highlights - the answer is unquestionably.... Of Course! But do I really want to go back to that? As it is now nearly spring it always seemed like an appropriate time to freshen up my appearance. And we can always use a little help to look younger, can't we?

I just came back from a haircut so these thoughts are running around in my head. I wanted a shag cut (remember those from the early 70's?) but she was adamant in talking me out of it, don't have the right kind of hair... too much work to get it looking good, etc. I'm sure she was totally right but I wanted something different.

When I lived in Philadelphia where the humidity in the summer could be nearly 100% I went to the hairdresser one Saturday and came out with my hair looking good, full of "product". Within a very short time all the hairspray seemed to have melted on my head, leaving me with a sticky mess. YUK! So I hardly use product anymore, though I did leave the hairdresser today with some volumizer and hairspray. Amazing what we'll do to look good.

My mom has colored her hair for as long as I remember. At nearly 80 she finally decided to quit the coloring cold turkey. Now her head is all gray and she really looks great. I really don't want to end up with a 30 year habit of coloring.

So my question is.... to color or not to color....?