This and that

Just random thoughts and things today…

After a lot of discussion amongst the little group that hangs out over at Lovella’s blog, she has offered to host the “Bloggy Walking Club (BWC).” Participants are invited to wear a pedometer if they choose (it’s not a necessity, but it helps) and report in weekly with our steps taken. (Additional tips and suggestions can be found at The Walking Site.) The recommended – perhaps I should say suggested – goal is 10,000 steps per day. This is not mandatory, as no one wants to set anyone up for failure; it is only a guideline. Some days, we may walk more than other days. It has been observed that doing housework does not help to rack up the steps, but there is a certain amount of aerobic exercise in doing housework. If you don’t own a pedometer, the goal is to walk 30 minutes each day (it doesn’t have to be all at one time) at a moderate pace.

A couple of BWC participants asked about recommended pedometers. I’m never willing to recommend (or endorse) any brand of anything, because the choice boils down to personal preference. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It does run in my family. The two best ways to lower blood pressure that’s too high (well, there’s a third way if you count taking medication) are weight-loss and exercise. I’ve always loved to walk, but don’t always have the opportunity or motivation. I decided that wearing a pedometer would give me some motivation (”How many steps can I rack up today?!“). I purchased my first pedometer at my local Y. It never worked right and wouldn’t stay on my waist band (flimsy clip). After dropping it several times, it quit working. I bought another “nice” one. It just never worked right, either. I began researching affordable pedometers (some can be quite costly). For Christmas 2006, I gave Doc and myself an Omron HJ-112 pedometer, which I selected for several reasons.

• It has a detachable belt clip and a strap clip for added security (I’m always bending over and knocking mine off).
• It has “dual sensor technology,” meaning it doesn’t have to be worn on the waistband, which is handy if I’m wearing a dress. It can be carried in a pocket or in my purse. It doesn’t have to be positioned upright; it can be worn or carried sideways, too.
• It’s programmable (enter your weight and your stride length) and measures not only your steps, but also your aerobic steps and minutes.
• It calculates calories burned and distance walked in miles.
• It has a clock, so it automatically resets to zero at midnight, while keeping a seven-day history (in case you forget to record your session before it resets itself).

Omron (and other pedometer manufacturers) make a variety of less expensive, as well as more expensive, pedometers. Again, this is just my personal preference.

My son is starting a new job today. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen his “smiling” face before sunrise. He stopped by the house this morning for clean dress clothes and a little breakfast before heading out to tackle the traffic into downtown Orlando. (Glad it’s him and not me!)

My daughter began spring semester classes yesterday. She’s working on her Masters degree while working full-time. She’s decided to attempt two classes this semester. I don’t imagine that I’ll hear anything from her until Spring break…maybe. I really don’t expect any updates to her blog until maybe May at the earliest! (Good luck, Laura!)

I sometimes miss seeing snow, but when I really think about it, I prefer the Florida winters. Although, in the nine-and-one-half years that I’ve lived here, it has flurried here twice. Pictures from home (Kentucky) help me to get over any desire to see snow.

One very important upcoming date needs to be marked on everyone’s calendar. I blogged on this date last year. January 24 at 1:24pm (local time) marks the Belly Laugh Bounce ‘Round The World. Laughter, especially a good hearty belly laugh, among other things, boosts your immune system, improves your mood, lowers stress, and aids in relaxation. It’s also a form of exercise.

Stacie posted one of those fun-to-do blogthings, so I will, too. Ah, I see that Gavin did, too.

What Vicki Means

V is for Vivid I is for Ideal C is for Clever K is for Keen I is for Inspirational

What Does Your Name Mean?

Photo credit of snow-dusted holly: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer