Monday, May 30, 2011

I'm Ready -- Taking an Inventory

Well, I am ready. Ready to start again.

After a wonderful visit with my sister and nieces for four days, I have had time to face myself, and the fact that my life has to change. I need to move again. It's going to be a journey with challenges, but I can't give up.

I am going to keep going on my journey to get back to slim and healthy.  I have had some big detours, but I am getting back on the narrow path. It's exciting because today is a new day, and I am not condemned to keep repeating the mistakes of my past. God is so merciful in giving us all new days every day. That we may go a different way!

It has been a rocky start for me. Looking at the prospect of changing my life has been daunting. Extremely so. Looking at the possibility of not succeeding has kept me from truly trying. But without trying, I will never succeed. By not giving up, some success is guaranteed!

So here I go again.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Salmon OIl for Cats' Anxiety

We have three kitties now. Three girls, all finally spayed up, and getting
along remarkably well. There are Jo, Shiloh, and Grey Eyes. All three of these sweethearts are a bit skittish, and seem to display what might be considered traditional female characteristics: a bit prissy, very fussy about their appearance, and a tendency towards anxiety.

Alaska Naturals Wild Alaska Salmon Oil for Dogs, 32 Ounce BottleThat is why I was glad when I read, in the wonderful blog, Way of Cats, that cats oil works well for anxiety and brain function. I had some extra salmon oil, sold to me, from the pet store, for Shiloh's coat, and decided to give both Jo and Shiloh some on their paw. In case you don't know, this is an excellent way to get a cat to eat something that is good for them, but that they are scared to try. Rub some on their paw, or back. They will be sure to wipe it off of themselves very soon. A cat would not dream of leaving her beautiful coat all messy-like, with oil on it.

So I tried it, on both of them. They both started licking themselves right away, and a couple of hours later, Jo started to lick Shiloh. That's when I knew it had worked! She was actually seeking out the oil for herself, so it must have gone down well.

I am concerned about Jo, especially, because she does get so easily stressed. I am going to give them some of this salmon oil regularly, maybe a couple times a month. The oil is also good for heart health, the immune system, and their coat. (The reason I got it, in the first place.)

Be warned, though, that it is pretty stinky. My husband was quite disgusted with the odour, and was very worried that I was going to make the rest of the house stink, with this stuff on my fingers. Don't worry, honey, I washed my hands!

Our Sweet Shiloh Bear
One more good thing for easing stress is the called the Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Paw Gel for Cats. This stuff is amazing!  We used this one before, and I swear, it was like the cat was on some good drugs, but it was all natural. We used to use this sometimes to calm Shiloh down, but we need to get some more.

Also, the oil I used tonight is from a country called Alaska Naturals. I am going to keep an eye on it, and see if it does seem to help calm down the cats. It's good for them, anyway. And you can also just pour a teaspoon of it, on top of their food.

I am going to observe them to see if this helps, but Omegas are great for brain function, so it makes sense!

River Walk

The Bridge we saw. Look at how high the water is! 
Well, I did it. I walked for two and a half hours tonight, and I am completely exhausted! Well, it wasn't just me, but we. My gorgeous husband asked me to go for a walk tonight, and boy, did we go for a walk. We saw three bridges, the river swelling up unto its banks, almost to overflow, and trees, trees, and more trees. It was so nice!

Another view of the river. And gorgeous trees.
My body feels like I have run a marathon. It is so strange to feel this fat, and exercise because moving my body feels like I am pushing myself beyond anything reasonable. It is actually painful -- something I don't think I have experienced very often, in regards to exercise. Until I got this out of shape, I could always walk without any problems. Now, it felt like I couldn't. But I still did it.

AND, I walked one week and four days ago. For two hours. That wasn't as hard, because I was more energetic to start. Tonight, on the other hand, I started out very tired. That's one thing I learned today: that it's okay to be able to do less, for one work out time. I don't need to feel ashamed of that: I just need to treat my body and my self with respect. I was tired tonight, and couldn't walk as easily. That's okay.


This river is normally quite a small little thing. Not now!
So Praise God! Thank you, LORD, for being able to move my body, even though it was very difficult. To move it for two and a half hours. And Thank You, LORD Jesus, for my gorgeous husband. Who asked me to go for a walk. And walked for two hours and thirty minutes. Who loves me enough to do that. Who took me for a walk, and let me take pictures of the river. I love  him!

I will post pictures soon of my beautiful river, that is brimming over the top! Cheers and goodnight!

N.B. I have posted pics this morning, as promised.