Rambling Updates

I wanted to share a few updates for those that read this blog.

• First, I received my Zoomer swim fins last night and used them today on my 40 laps. The arms are the most efficient source of swimming propulsion but have only a small percentage of the body's muscle mass. Zoomers fins increase the efficiency of the kick enough to make continuous use of the legs possible and worthwhile. The legs work harder but because they have a small blade, they do not overload the leg muscles. Today I was able to complete one length of the pool in 25 strokes rather than 33. But I'm working much harder using the larger body mass of the legs. AND, I can tell that my leg muscles really got a much better workout. And, it's nice to be able to do my 40 laps in 1 hour instead of 1 hr. 20 minutes! Who knows...I may move up the number of laps as I get stronger. I definitely have found "my" favorite workout. I feel refreshed after swimming, my appetite is not increased, my knees are not hurting as much and my back is not hurting at all! No tension across the shoulders like I usually have at night. And...I've lost over 10 lbs!
• The other thing I'm enjoying is the library book: French Women Don't Get Fat on cd's in my car. I'm enjoying food like I never have, nothing is forbidden, I've cut back on carbs and sweets but certainly enjoy them when I have them. This book is teaching me to ENJOY food and portion down. It's been a great encouragement!
• And the last update... since getting a refrigerator thermometer and keeping my fridge at 37° I'm finding that it keeps vegetables and all foods much longer!! Great little investment.

Katie and I leave on our "Annual Girls Road Trip" with our friend Carla next Friday. It's a 5-6 hour trip with some beautiful scenery! We'll overnight in a hotel, shop in Anchorage - Great Harvest Bread where they give you HUGE samples, 5th Avenue Mall (probably 3 stores and we'll be shopped out), and our favorite resturant, Organic Oasis. Then, over night with our dear friends, Pastor Alaina and Pastor Jen, and head to Kids Camp in Big Lake for a week. Katie will be "camp slave" and I'll help Carla cook in the kitchen. I'm much better at filling ice, chopping, and doing dishes than the actual cooking so I'm VERY thankful Carla, the REAL cook is going along!