Swimming For Exercise

So the pool pump motors are finally fixed and/or replaced at our local health club in the hotel and I can’t wait to go back and swim every morning for my exercise.  I loved swimming but haven’t swam for so long because the pool was closed for repair and they found that they had to replace the pool pump motors.  And yes, I had been very lazy and haven’t done a lot of walking to replace the swimming but now that the pool is open again – I’m all for going back tomorrow morning for a work out – hopefully I don’t get tire out or get out of breath so easily – since I haven’t swam for months.

Thank You Gifts For My Doctors

Some of my doctors are very nice here – some not so – and in all my years in Canada there had been some people in the hospital who have made my life a lot easier and encouraged me when I was having difficulty with my health issues.  And because of them – I have had better control of my health now – but what do you give those doctors who have everything money can buy?  I don’t really want to buy some generic thing just because – so the spouse said some cufflinks in a nice gift box would be a really nice gesture.  So knowing that one of them is leaving the town to start a practice in Halifax – I decided to get him a nice cufflink as a thank you gift and hope that whenever he wears it – he will remember me.

Snacks Suitable For Diabetics

Diabetes suxs!  I know and big time – and when you need a snack – you can’t eat a piece of chocolate or a piece of cookie and I can understand it.  Therefore, I’m constantly searching for snacks that diabetic people like myself can eat and then post it online – so that you know that you can snack on this – without worrying too.

I saw these at Walmart one day and took a look at the ingredients and found that it had very little sugar in the packet of cookies and about 100 calories – this definitely beats have 3 tim bits from Tim Hortons.  So check it out – it was ony $2 at Walmart – and it does stop my craving to snack on something in the late morning and tide me over till lunch time.

Scrubs For My Favorite Nurses

A couple  of years ago, when I had my huge operation to take out my fibroid, the nurses down at the blood transfusion center treated me really well.  I’ve always kept in touch with them and each time I visit the doctors, I would drop in and say hi.  Some are transferred to another department but some are still there and I say these nurses don’t get enough credit.  So last Christmas, I decided to get some discount scrubs from Marcus and not just ordinary ones – some really fun looking scrubs as presents for them all.   They all loved the ones with the owl print and the scrubs sells from $5.99 – so they were really worth getting for these nurses.  I wished more patients would appreciate the good nurses a lot more.

Keeping Warm During Winter

My in laws work outside a lot in the winter – they owned a hundred acres land like Winnie the Pooh.  From cutting down trees for wood/fireplace – they also collect maple syrup in the spring.  So this Christmas, we bought him some very good quality overalls as presents because we know he will appreciate it.  Overalls like the one above are great for their hunting expeditions as well.  And while some people wants to keep fashionable while they are outdoors – the above overall looks rather stylish – so no worries about not looking good but if you are an outdoor person – all you should care about is keeping warm and keeping safe.   It was definitely a great buy and the best present for something who wants to keep warm when working.

Stressless Christmas

I had a pretty much stressless Christmas this year  – why?  because I found a place that took care of all my gifts – including the ones for the spouse.  So whenever some said they can’t find any gifts for husband anywhere – I show them where I get my gifts for the spouse.  Plenty of goodies to choose from and which husband can resist all these lovely chocolate right?  well, mine loved his chocolate best – I had a pretty much stress-less Christmas and from now onwards – you know where I’m getting HIS gifts.

Electronic Massage Pads

So I’ve had my electronic massage pad for about 2 years now – and someone asked me if it was good.  I can truthfully answer that it is at times good but at other times not so.  I used it whenever I feel that I’m bloated or when I feel very tired in the evenings but lately I’ve also woken up with a very sore back – now whether it is related to the electronic massage pad or not – I really cannot tell.   So yes, do buy it but also don’t use it as much as I do.

New Outlook For The New Year

Yes !  a new outlook for the new year for my health and to start off the new year – we are heading to our cottage to re-decorate with some rustic log furniture that we had bought last month.   The cottage will be used for our weekend getaway once a month – or whenever we get chance  – especially during the summer.  We are finally closing the cottage down for the winter and will be running it in the spring.  We feel that by using more of the cottage – it would relieve our stress and make us do things together instead of just going on the computer always.  Rustic log furniture are great because it gives us so much warmth in our life and we feel like we are living harmoniously.   The rustic log furniture blend into our cottage so well – we just loved it.

Exercising With A Yo-yo

Missy Moo asked for a yo yo for Christmas – because she had just seen some of her classmates doing all sorts of tricks with it during gym.    Apparently, you not only can do tricks with a yo yo – you can also exercise with it – and then co-ordinate your movements.  I told Missy Moo that she should be careful – in case, she swings the yoyo  into her face or worst someone else’s face.  In which she replied in a matter of factly way – that they will be trained by an older student on how to maneuver the sassy moves – just like any routine – or dancing she might be learning.   Now isn’t it something ?  I used to love playing with a yoyo – when i was a kid – walking the dog and making them swing inside a triangle but now the kids even have more tricks to do with the yoyo – so yes !  we are getting it for her – maybe she will have something to do at the store – instead of telling us she is bored all the time.

Stress free Christmas

Yes! i would like a stress free Christmas and in fact – I think I might achieve it this year – as someone is dressing up the window of our store for Christmas – I don’t even have to worry about that ! woohoo!!  so when a customer came in to ask me for gift ideas for wife I told him – he will have to check with the spouse – for I am having a stress free Christmas – hahah!  But seriously, I buy everything online – so no need for gift wrapping nor mailing and postage worries.   I have been doing this for a few years now – and for friends from away – I think it’s the best thing to do.  I loved that I just need to pick the item online – and the rest will be done by someone else.  Yes, I do pay a wee bit more – but what the hell right?  you have to keep the economy going.  So if you want a stress free Christmas – use my secret – shop at reliable places online – and you will be all set.   So while others fret and sweat it out – or run around n the cold – I sit and relax and wait for the gifts to arrive at the receiver’s address – and await my thank you emails.

Baking Diabetic

One often wonder – can a diabetic eat cakes and desserts right?  I too wonder myself – most times – I do cheat and eat half a cream puff every now and then too – but if you are up to it – you can actually bake your own diabetic cakes and baked goods.  I had been quite gungho with my intake of my sugar when it comes to coffee – I don’t even take a substitute now but when it comes to baking a cake or making baked goods – you have to have some form of sugar right?  Yes!  and for those who’ve tried using sugar substitutes – you will know that it tastes different.  So what do one do?

I was taught to use vanilla in my baking recipes – pure vanilla extract is what i use now – and you can get it from your local health store.  And since I am using sugar substitutes – I need to also flatten the dough before baking as sugar substitutes prevents the cookie dough from spreading.  And if you are making chocolate chip cookies or anything chocolate – use cold brewed coffee – to replace the liquid you need to use in your recipe – thus sharpening the chocolate taste in your cookie. Create volume by using whipped egg whites in place of whole eggs. Use two egg whites for every egg called for in the original recipe.  So there – diabetic baking is a lot harder and more work – but then you don’t have to feel sinful after eating your home baked diabetic cookies.  Yay!

Flu Mist

It’s that time of the year again – and once again – we had to order the Flu Mist for Missy Moo for her flu shots – from our local pharmacy.  I had ordered it about a week ago – and yesterday I was told it was available – so I made the appointment to have Missy Moo get her flu shots today.  We had to pick up the vaccine before leaving for the doctor’s and had to have them on ice pack – while they were packing the vaccine for me – I also noticed they were using a very nice and small printer – unlike ours that is quite big and white in color and pretty dirty by this time.  The Epson TM-T88V that they were using was black in color and it was pretty small as compared to ours at our business – and being black in color – i can see that it won’t show that it is dirty after a few years like ours.

After collecting the vaccine – I went back to our store – and I told Mr Moo about the receipt printer I saw there – I like the fact that it was really fast when it printed out my receipt – unlike the one we are using.  An auto cutter is always good for a printer – then I don’t have to worry tearing receipts out for our customers in horrible shape.   And a new receipt printer like Epson has a 4 yrs warranty.   We might consider the Epson TM-T88V for our next printer – when ours goes out of service – I guess the pharmacy must have some good tech savvy guy working and buying their electronics for them.

Outdoor Adventures

This year – I’ve done more outdoor activities than I had in my entire life – because of the used ATV that Mr Moo bought for riding around the woods on his father’s 100 acre land -  yes! just like Winnie the Pooh – according to Missy Moo.  But because the ATV is pretty huge – it’s hard for me to go at it by myself but Mr Moo bought the utv power steering to enable me to cruise and steer the ATV easily – so I’m now able to ride on it by myself.  Sometimes, I get Missy Moo brave enough to sit behind me for a ride but other times – I like to do it on my own.

This fall – we have been having a few good days – so I’m taking advantage of it and going out in the woods more often than I would usually do.  And because of all these outdoor activities – I find myself getting stronger and less tired during the day – it makes me feel so much younger.  For those who lives in the country – you will understand why we like to go to the country during the weekend and stay at our cottage – and ride out in the woods.  If you haven’t tried it – you should and now that one can buy the UTV power steering – even for someone who finds it hard to maneuver the ATV before – can do so.

Best Dried Fruit For Diabetics

I for one am always complaining that there is no snacks that I can eat as a diabetic – I’m sure you understand what I mean to – and to only find out that  Sun-Maid Mediterranean Apricots – is considered one of the best dried fruit for Diabetic kinda stumped me.  Why?  I’ve always thought that dried fruits were full of its own sugar – so are you sure we can take that?  or eat it?

According to Diabetic Living – there is no sweetener  added and these apricot are very flavorful  — one can toss them in yogurt or on a salad for a sweet touch. Plus, they’re a good source of antioxidant vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.  Can I just eat it as a snack?  i’m going to check it out tomorrow and update – and see how much sugar is in them.

Vacation

The outlaws just informed me during Thanksgiving supper that we were invited for another wedding next year – and the entire family will be going to New Brunswick for the wedding of the cousin.  But this time, they are not going to stay in a hotel – since the entire family from down here is going – they are looking for houses for rent for a week and treat that as a summer vacation.  It’s a good way for the entire clan across Canada and United States to get together.  So they want us to plan our vacation time around the wedding as well.  I would love to go – since I haven’t been to New Brunswick for a vacation except for a drive thru’ while going to Maine, so that would be very nice.  Plus everyone needs a vacation every now and then to relax and I love family gatherings and BBQs.  I told the outlaws that I wasn’t going to be cleaning house while on vacation – so if they are looking for a rental house for the vacation or a seaside apartment – they have to make sure there is maid service as well.

You Don’t Need To Look Frumpy Girl!

I tell all my pregnant girlfriends – they don’t need to look frumpy or clumsy when they are pregnant – because maternity dresses are not made the same way they were during our parents time.   I loved it when I see a pregnant woman taking care of herself and dressing up well.  As for me – when I was pregnant with Missy Moo – i was sick all the time – and not just morning sickness and the only time that would make me really happy was when i had to dress up and go out.  I didn’t have many maternity dresses because there were no maternity stores here – but these days – one can order them online – and some even have shipping free as well.  Now you can buy jeans, evening dresses, tops and bottoms at reasonable prices.  I loved my maternity bottoms – I still have them now – they carried me from 3months pregnant to 9 months – I loved the material and you can wash it like normal.   So gals – you don’t need to look frumpy when you are pregnant – some people don’t want to get pregnant because they can’t dress up – but you are wrong gal!  you can still look your best.

Bowflex Home Gym

So I had a chance to get a bowflex home gym from the local yard sale – as you can see its not a very huge machine and you can even store it away if you are not using it.  So I decided to check it out – since the spouse was interested in flexing his muscles as well.   Normally, these machines are a few thousand dollars but this used one is going for $600 – so that’s the reason why I wanted to get it.  Alas, some of the  bearings need changing because it wasn’t running as smoothly as a new one – I was told by the now owner that bearings don’t cost very much – and I can get them online anytime and fix the problem.  Having said that – he was willing to give us a further discount on it if we decided to take it but what kind of bearings do we need to buy?  or can any bearings do it ?  if we dismantle the machine – would we know how to put it back together?  and since the spouse is so busy – will the bowflex sit in the box for a few months or even a year before he gets to it?   So we had to give it a past this time round – so sad!  now if I had someone who knew how to fix the bearings – or tune it – that would be a totally different story.

Medicine Cabinet At Work

We don’t have a medicine cabinet at work – so we stored all our usual emergency stuff in the washroom at the store – but we found out quickly that it can be quite inconvenient and embarrassing as I have my personal stuff in there.  So when I received some Target coupons the other day – I decided to invest in a real medicine cabinet – that way – when a customer/s need some emergency stuff -  the spouse don’t have to rummage thru’ my personal stuff in the washroom.   Thanks to the coupons – I didn’t have to spend so much on the medicine cabinet and even bought some allergy medication for the store.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

So my medication for my panic attack is almost due for my yearly refill – that means I have to go see my family doctor again and get her to assess me to rewrite the prescription for another year.  So I’m sure you all want to know how my panic attack is after taking my medication right?  I call it my crazy meds – whenever I go pick my prescription from the pharmacy – and we all have a good laugh.  What make the girls at the pharmacy have a laugh is the  funny shirts i wear whenever i pop into the pharmacy because I try not to sweat the small stuff anymore.  The only thing that gets me really excited and paranoid is Missy Moo – she can be really dramatic  and even now I try to keep calm with her.  But sometimes her whiny can caused me to get upset – and the other day – I was mad with her and lost my temper on her.  I wished I didn’t do that and I regret losing my temper on her after shoving her into the washroom because she wouldn’t go in there – as she said there was spiders in them.   I think I need to get Missy Moo to wear some funny t-shirts on her – that way maybe she will lighten up sometimes.

Kids With Better Teeth

You know when we were kids – my mom didn’t teach us how to floss our teeth nor taught us to use mouth wash – it was very much later – when we were in our late teens before we knew all about this – and learned how to take care of our teeth better.  Thank God !  there was still time.  Missy Moo is really lucky because both Mr Moo and I are very careful with regards to her health -  so when we found this – it’s not a mouth wash for kids – but a temporarily tinting on her teeth to help her brush her teeth better.  It doesn’t have alcohol and it comes in two flavors – a minty one and a bubble gum one – so no prizes for guessing which one we bought – and only less than $6 at your pharmacy – it can help your kids get better teeth.