in pursuit of wild things

We started our new school year so this week flew by in a flash. I’ve spent most of my time working with my crew and getting our school year off to a positive start. In other words…we enjoyed some good, delicious terribly unhealthy food last weekend. I dreaded getting on the scale this evening but it reported that I had lost another pound. I do not feel like I’ve lost any weight. I cannot fit into my smaller (not smallest) jeans yet. The one pair I can wear comfortably now has a whole in the seams. I really do not want to buy any new clothes since I have some clothes just one size down. Frustrating! Other than our Promotion Party day I managed to eat decently and tried out a new healthy recipe. You can find the recipe at the end of the post. My daughter was the only one willing to try it. She said it was ok.

I’m really excited to let you know that my husband has joined us in our efforts to get healthier! I’m really happy! He walks for about thirty minutes every night after we get the kids tucked into bed. While he’s walking I hop on the…er…not sure what the contraption is called…basically a bicycle that doesn’t go anywhere…stationary bike? Anyway, I’ve used it five times this week and danced with the kids on the Wii two or three times. Tonight he showed me the bike thing will even monitor my heart rate! Of course, now I have to find another place to pile my clothes.

My husband also asked me to look into a diabetic diet. Two of his older siblings have developed diabetes recently. He wants to get ahead of this family trend. He even talked to the kids about eating healthier today. I’ll be looking into this over the next few weeks and working it into our family meals. I did just a tiny amount of reading on managing arthritis with diet. For the most part stick to lots of vegetables and fruit and stay far, far away from processed and deep-fried foods. Every article I’ve read says the best way to manage arthritis pain/discomfort is to exercise. Basically, I need to get off my butt and move.

Today was the first day I realized my knuckles and knees haven’t bothered me as much. I did not take any medicine this week for my knuckles!!! They still ache a little and my grip still isn’t as strong as it used to be but I am thrilled. I tested my wedding band this morning and it still doesn’t quite fit. However, it does fit further down my finger!

I spent most of my day in the kitchen turning blackberries and blueberries into syrup, muffins, juice and cakes. I forgot all about writing up a Wibbly Wobbly post until my husband reminded me before his walk. I thought about letting it slide until tomorrow but chose to follow through on my commitment to each of you. This team, across the miles and oceans matters to me. You are all in my prayers and thoughts every day.

Tuna Cucumber Salad: Chop up two cucumbers (half-moon shape) and three stalks of celery and place in bowl. Add a can (10 ounce) of water packed tuna (drained) to the bowl.  Add two tablespoons of vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir and refrigerate. Eat within a day or so. I piled about a cup over a piece of toast. My boys refused to try it because it was “too green”. Next time I am going to use Italian dressing to add a bit more flavor and color.