Do You Remember the Time?

I can't help but feel old right now! First, the passing of one of our own idols, Michael Jackson. Everywhere we went at the Mall of America, they had a TV on playing the memorial service. Although I couldn't not hear what they were saying, I was still moved to tears - right there in the food court! When we got home later that day, I watched more of it as it was replayed over and over on just about every channel. Then, I really started to cry! It was a moving tribute and I felt so sorry for his children.

Then as we go to the Jonas Brothers concert my urge to dance and lose myself in the music was over-ruled by my mother status. The sparkly hat that put on which actually belonged to my daughter was taken off as we were leaving the hotel room. A sudden feeling of being ridiculous came over me. There was a time when I would have put everything sparkly on that I could!

As I sat and watched here soak it all up, I was reminded of how much I have always loved the live performances like this. I would stand occasionally and join her in the sing-along songs that I knew the words to (well, most of the words). I recalled my own experiences going to concerts and considered myself really blessed to have been exposed to so many. It is a moving experience (even if you aren't moving as much as you used to!)

No Scale!?

So we are in Minneapolis and having a great time! I am *trying* to be mindful of my goals and have found it very difficult to be without a scale to check-in on my weight! I am curious to see what it says when we return. I haven't been snacking at all and we have had to do some walking for most of our meals which I have been very thoughtful about what I'm ordering. I have been sticking with my push-ups and sit-ups each day and manage to get them both in before bed time!

The hotel has a fitness room with great cardio equipment so I have been able to squeeze in at least an hour of sweating a day. Today, I mixed it up a little and ran for about 20 minutes of my 60 on the treadmill. I also haven't had diet coke at my finger tips all day long so it's made my goal of rehabbing the diet coke outta my life, a little more realistic!

One of the most enjoyable things I have seen is the statue of Mary Tyler Moore. I loved that show (I think that I watched reruns of it after it was off the air). But I loved her independence and spirit. Another thing I like here is that I don't HAVE to have a car! We have walked mostly everywhere and the public transportation to further away places (like the Mall of America and the airport) is a breeze! In reading vairous tourist literature, I have found that there's a lot to see and do here in Minneapolis. Who knew?

Exercising While Traveling

This should be an interesting week as I attempt to travel and keep my exercise routine! I have checked the hotel in advance and confirmed that they have a fitness center that is equipped with cardio equipment which should be a good start. I am motivated so let's see if I make this happen!

Count down begins

It's time to start counting down the days to bali. departure is september 29 and i have lots to do before then. the first thing on my list is to get rid of the pounds that seemed to sneak up on me...around the holidays, and around my waist!

88 days is about what i have. wonder what i can get done in 88 days. first goal is to lose weight on a trip to minneapolis. hey, i did it before, i can do it again!

Don't Drink the Water... Booze?

I was sad to hear that there were people who became ill (or even died?) after drinking contaminated alcohol in BALI! Guess I'll have to drink the water? or BYOB? Will they let us bring that on the plane under these circumstances?

Time to Sign Up!

It's time to get the paperwork rolling for the adventure to Bali! Here I go! I think I can...I think I can! It still seems a long way away...but i know it is going to sneak up on me fast! Oh the lists I have to start making!

SHOULD I BE SCARED?

Okay, I must say that having already been a globe trotter...... I did, afterall, go all the way over to GREECE!... I find it hard to believe that I am wondering if I really should venture out to Bali? I mean this Swine Flu thing is more than a little bit scary! Will it be over by then? There's also this caution about traveling to that part of the country for safety reasons. I'll change my mind a million times between now and the time the plane departs. So, should I be scared? Should I just wait it out and see if by then, by some miracle, we have forgotten all about the swine flu and moved on?

Should I stay or should I go now?

So, do I really think I can leave the country again? If I do this trip to BALI, then it would be the third contintent I have been on! Wouldn't that be awesome? I really feel like I HAVE to go... who could pass up this chance? There are other places I would like to see.... maybe they'll be on the list some day, too. Italy, France and Australia to name a few. The hotel is amazing... Check it out!

Off to Bali?

Looks like the next adventure out of the country for me could be a trip to Bali! Don't know much about it yet but from what i can see at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/, it's going to be a tropical paradise! Here we go again!