These words are as familiar to Kentucky Derby fans as the gawdy hats and mint juleps. This year, a 50 to 1 shot, Mine That Bird, came out of the back of the pack to win the race. Now, I must do the same thing, in the next 27 days, as I race to lose weight before I climb Mount Monadnock. Fortunately, I will not have a whip-toting former member of the Lollipop Guild on my back.
So I am postponing some of my favorite treats until after May 31, while fully cognizant that denying food to oneself is the main reason diets don’t work.
The mistake I cannot make, and you have to help me avoid, is to think of the 31st as the end of my effort. I don’t think this will happen because this has not been a diet but a lifestyle change, and it has been gradual.
I will be setting another physical goal after Monadnock.
This past weekend Kirsten and I took Lucy for a short hike, foregoing the sidewalks of suburbia for the local bird sanctuary. We knew we would have to check for ticks, but we were confident that her tick collar would have some impact. Kirsten pulled at least 8 ticks off during our drive home. Then we found over 40 more. Incredible! Lucy weighs 18 pounds! If you saw my post on Facebook you know that my sons put the ticks in a ziploc bag and put it in the microwave. They said it sounded like popcorn.
Still, not all the ticks were dead, so boys being boys, the gas can was retrieved from the shed and a “tick flambe” was soon cooking in the backyard.
My future rocket scientists also captured the moment on video, for possible diplay on YouTube.
And speaking of YouTube posts…check out “Hello Oprah” by my friend Bill Thomas. Bill is an internationally renowned expert on aging, and he has come oh so close to appearing on Oprah over the years, but his book sales are reflective of America’s disinterest in elderhood. This time, Oprah’s producers suggested he post a YouTube plea to get on her show. If the video is watched by a wide audience, Oprah’s staff will consider having him as a guest on the show. Bill is the founder of the Eden Alternative philosophy and the Greenhouse model of eldercare. Please watch, comment and share!
Regarding the actual number of ticks, I may have miscounted by one. I blame this on my failing eyesight. I apparently removed something that I thought was tick. Coincidentally, Lucy has one less nipple today.
3 comments
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May 5, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Bob
Excellent blogging, so sorry I haven’t been keeping up. It’s not like I’m ticked off or anything, just busy. Your last blog truly tickled me, but time’s ticking away, so I must get busy again…you’re doing very well, I admire the hiking, and frequent outings…it’s not only good for you…it’s good fun, and quality family bonding. The family that serial kills ticks together…stays together!
May 8, 2009 at 12:28 am
Pat Smith
Hey Rick,
Believe in yourself! Dig down deep, I know you can do it! Just think of that great family of yours, and the rest of us pulling for you! And ignore Pat’s comment about the Scott sisters! You know we’d be nothing but encouraging!! Keep your eyes on your goal!
Colleen
May 8, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Sue
Hi Rick,
I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement.
I can see by reading your blog that you are really committed to this new lifestyle! We are way over here in Vienna pulling for you! We don’t have the tempting treats available to us here in Vienna–what I wouldn’t do for a good potato chip, God! They do have sweets but they are not to my liking. So in their place I walk,walk and walk some more, and before you know it, you don’t want it anymore. You just have to focus on today, only today. Tomorrow comes without any thought and brings the rewards.! Picture yourself on top of that mountain at the weight you have in mind. I have used this “secret” if you will and it really does work. You have to actually create this picture in your mind and believe it. We wish we could be there when you climb and climb along with you. Maybe you will climb again this summer and we’d love to join you!!
our love,
Sue and chuck