Shoes

My feet hurt. Yes, it is getting older but also the weight I am carrying. But on the other hand I was in orthopedic shoes through 11th grade. Plus, I have been using orthotics since before Amy was born.

So when my orthotics started making my feet hurt more, I knew it was time to reinvest in a new pair. Back to the orthopedist. I got new orthotics and they feel great! This is wonderful for the working nurse but what about the casual person who wants to not have to wear shoes that accomodate an orthotic?

I have despaired about finding sandals for the arch challenged feet that I have. I will get a pair of sandals and then have to switch to more supportive shoes that I can wear my orthotics with. Totally unsatisfying for cool feet in the summer. So going with the recommendation of the podiatrist, we meandered over to "All About Feet". At first we were stunned by the prices. Some shoes ran up to $335. No they weren't Jimmy Choo's (is that right?). Then as we looked at the quality of the shoes and how long they lasted. Even if wearing them daily, the price was justified - not quite $335 worth - but even $250 seemed reasonable when the shoes will last up to 5-10 years. Seriously, The shoes have replaceable shoe insoles and so the shoe lasts longer. The insoles are @ $40. How often have you bought a shoe and then can't wear it because it hurts so bad? I know I've bought more than $250 dollars worth.

So I splurged and I have a pair of sandals made by FinnComfort. These are the best shoes I have had since I stopped wearing orthopedic shoes. Really!

They also carry Dansko clogs which are primo for nurses. I'll be shopping here again.

Homework Already

Amy went to Bobcat Express today to pick up her schedule, locker assignment and textbooks. She also received homework for her scholar's program. She went for two weeks this summer to classes to help prep her for SAT/ACT/PSAT testing in this, her junior year of high school. 

Can you all believe it?! 11th grade! She picked up her class ring with Vernon last week. 


Vernon found his college ring and realized he was a SKINNY guy back then. Nothin' but an adam's apple and hair. Truly, even Amy is fat compared to Vernon in college. I am so glad he isn't 101 pounds anymore. He is getting skinnier these days. He has lost 15 pounds on the Jillian Michaels program. It is his and my homework to keep to the program to tone up and lose weight. So far I am down 6 pounds and three inches.

End of Summer

Yeah, yeah....we have been lax in blogging.

I had the opportunity to have a whole block of days off and I have just slid through them like I'm on vacation. No ambition other than getting up and getting my requisite exercise in each day. Reading books in a leisurely fashion. Hanging at the house indoors away from the heat. Shopping with the family.

I stood in line yesterday with the girl child to get a learners permit for FIVE hours. She then understood why I insisted on getting there as early as possible. We got to see EMS come twice for people who had gotten overheated @ 10 am at the DPS office. And one lady had a bit of a meltdown screaming for her husband to come to her at the information desk. Teens filled the DPS office to get their permits and licenses before school starts.

I have to admire those workers for the DPS. Day after day they deal with the insanity of working in an office that is too small and crowded for the type of crowds they get there now. The particular office we went to has been there unchanged for 35 years, despite the phenomenal growth of NW Houston. DPS needs to get a new office to handle the load of NW Houston's population.

Now, I get to start behind the wheel driver's ed. I'll be starting in the church parking lot. You all are safe on the real roads for now.

For People who like country music(Unlike me "Colt" most of the time)

This is a great song and hilarious video!
Just click the title, I'll post more 2moro morning!
Goodnight!

Getting Older and Wider

I have never been thin. I will never be thin.

But, I can be healthier. So in that frame of mind and with the ever self-conscious behind me, I am looking for a program that will motivate me to move. Because, really, I eat healthy. I just don't move, exercise, grove, shake it, whatever you choose to call it, I do not do it.

So I began looking at what is out there to motivate me to move.

Quick Weight Loss Centers just opened in the neighborhood, and I just have this ting about paying someone to tell me what I already know and they do not really look at exercise as a full component of weight loss.

Weight Watchers is there, along with Jenny Craig and many others, but really they are telling me what I know.

What has really appealed to me is the Jillian Micheals' site. She has EXERCISES and it seems as if the information is based on the real world not the Biggest Loser mentality of exercising 4-6 hours a day. The cost is a easy $4 a week billed in quarterly increments.

Many of you have done this weight loss stuff with different providers, your thoughts?

The Amazing...

Minnie!

We all thought she was waiting for Colt to come home, but I guess we were wrong.

She is sill hanging in there. Her tummy is still firm and tender but she is continuing her normal antics. Herding the cats and Kane to do her bidding. She does not seem to be able to tolerate regular dog food. So, I continue to spoil her with boiled chicken and rice. Most days are spent following me around. She would go to work with me if she could.

Both dogs live in the bedroom when I am asleep. I often get feline visitors to my slumber chamber as well.

I had to clip Minnie's nails the other day and it looks like I may need to give her a shave soon as well with the heat. Her fur is just as thick as it ever has been and that along with the black color just heats her up quickly.

I could take Minnie back and get her lab redone but at $250 it is not worth it right now.

So for now, Minnie is still with us and doing well.

Working and Summer

I am lucky. I have a job that has me working in the cooler hours of the heat.

I leave in the humid steamy morning from work and go home to enter a night cooled house and proceed to go to bed.

I have noticed that the rest of my family has picked up my night time tendencies. The kids are staying up way beyond the usual bedtimes. And the man of the house tries to stay up on my nights off to hang with me, but, alas, he fades away in the recliner.

I am definitely sticking to the more than one night off in a row plan. The one night on and one night off was way too taxing on everyone.

I get to sleep through the worst heat of the day.

No more wimpy showers since no one is watering their lawn at 5 pm.

Now I just have to figure out when I should try to get some exercise.

I relented and allowed my two to get Facebook accounts. This has caused some consternation among the parental units. But then one of the parental units is a true enemy to technology. It never makes things easier, just more things to keep track of and manage. Ignorance would be bliss in this situation.