JoAnne's Blog

A Vegan Lifestyle?

Well, yes, maybe!  I am considering being a vegan again.  Just recently, I found out that my cholesterol is high.  I have a fair to good range of HDL but my LDL is too high for the doctor's liking.  Apparently, because of family history, I am considered high risk for a heart attack or stroke.  It doesn't help that both of my carotid arteries are slightly clogged.  What's a girl to do? 

"Let's get you started on Lipitor." is my doctor's advice.  As you can imagine, if you know me, it was not received with much enthusiasm to say the least.  I did agree to try Niacin.  I am starting out small and have still not experienced any niacin flushes.  Thank goodness!

But, of course that is not enough.   I need to do something.  The first step is to exercise more.  I have been saying that I am going to do this for a very long time.  I start; but I am not faithful.  I need motivation; so I joined the gym, just around the corner from me.  Today, I worked on a machine similar to a stair stepper, only a little easier, she told me.  I lasted for 30 min, with a break every 10 min.  My knees were not happy;  but it was a start.

The 2nd step is, of course, my diet.  I think I eat pretty well; however, I do indulge more than not.  So, I am eating my last piece of pizza as I write this.  Then, I am going to try eating only vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds for a while.  I am thinking my body will thank me; if only I can wrap my mind around it!

 

Something about Nothing

I need to write more.  But often times, I sit and think!  What should I write about?  Coming up empty-handed many a time, I decided that today I would write something about nothing.  So here goes.  How do you do that?  Another dilema, but because it is about nothing, hey, I have nothing to lose.

Today it is hot; registering 31 degrees outside.  That is almost unbelievable weather for September and in B.C.  I remember when we came to Vancouver Island, approx. 8 yrs. ago; it took me 2 summers before I felt I could put on a pair of shorts. The weather was always a bit cool, it seemed. (even though some people wear shorts all year long out here).  Such a contrast to this year; it has been the best summer for lovely, hot weather.  That is, if you like it hot and I do. 

However, I am often not sure of what to do on days like this.  For one thing, I am not a gardener; I have tried and thought I would like it; but alas, I do not.  I do like to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  I tried to take the dog for a walk; but she wouldn't go.  Really, she planted her feet firm and was very happy when I turned around to come back home.  Now what?

I decided to ride my bike.  I could hear my dog voicing her disapproval at being left alone, as I pulled out.  I rode down town Sidney.  As long as I was moving, there was a bit of breeze.  But when I stopped and waited for traffic, (there are a lot of 4 way stops in Sidney) it was very hot, especially with the helmet on my head. Perhaps, I should have headed down Lochside Trail.  At any rate, I came back home, to the somewhat cooler temperature of my house.  Thank goodness for insulation.  I am enjoying a nice, cool glass of water and writing this post. 

Now, I am going to read. No cooking, baking today.  I think we shall have a nice, big salad.  Perhaps, my favourite kale recipe!!  Yum!

 So what is your weather like, today?  What do you do on a hot summer day?