I Thought It Would Be Easy!

In keeping with my efforts to consciously move more and sit less, I used my Amazon gift card to buy a lectern so I can read and do paperwork standing up at home.  I figured I would have to assemble it but how hard can screwing in some screws be?  Well, it turns out that it IS hard!  I checked for all the pieces and it was nice that the instructions had pictures of the different parts so I could tell what screws went where.

My first question was why do they have 8 holes to attach the platform to the stand but tell me to use just four wood screws?  I picked four of the eight holes and started putting them in.  I noticed my Phillips screwdriver had a prong broken off but fortunately, I found another one.  These things went in very hard and I couldn't get them all the way in.  Then I noticed my hand was hurting and sure enough, some skin had torn off right in the middle of my palm.  Seriously, who gets hurt using a screwdriver?  I couldn't believe it!  So, this is how far I got on assembling my lectern until my hand heals or until someone volunteers to do this for me.

My cats were sad they couldn't be of more help.  My husband said, they're in good enough but he knows I like to do things right and want things perfect.  My friend Sue who owns "Helping Hands" may be getting a call to put this together for me, but I hate to admit I am so screwy challenged.   Does anyone else have problems with screws?

Success a week later--no more trouble with the flat head screws and posts!

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Around The World

When I saw this world geography toy in a catalog, I thought it would be a fun way to learn more about the other countries so mentioned to my husband that I'd like it.  It runs on batteries and you just touch the country that you want to learn about.  Then there are buttons across the bottom for various things to learn such as the capital, continent, area, population, government, language, temperature, landmarks, general facts.  The last button is for questions so you can quiz yourself.  I play with this at breakfast and try to see how many questions I can answer right in a row.  It's harder than you may think!  The highest I got to so far is 13 setting a new record on Sunday.

Here is a video of me playing the game.  You can play along and see if you can beat me on the quiz.


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Aww Mondays: Computer Time

I LOVE it when my Manny Boy comes on my lap, even if it does interrupt my blogging sometimes.  (Spunky hasn't done this yet but will jump on top of the computer desk and look down on me.

I'm watching you!

Joining in with the AWW Mondays blog hop.

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Changes For My Bone Health

Having decided not to take prescription drugs Fosomax, Actonel and Prolia because of the side effects, I am trying to follow the Save Our Bones Program (click the link to see my review) that Vivian Goldschmidt, MA has put together after much scientific research that prevents and reverses bone loss naturally.  This book has a wealth of information related to building strong bones and has inspired me to make the following changes:

1. Don't take more than 500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D-3 at one time because the body can't absorb it.  I used to take 3 of the GNC be-balanced bone strengthening calcium chews at one time (600 mg of bone-building calcium each) but now only take one a day and the Citrical Gummies--two at breakfast and two at supper (500 mg calcium, 500 IU Vitamin D-3 at each meal with food which helps absorb it better).


2. If the sun is shining, I try to get out in it for at least 20 minutes no matter how cold it is.  


3. I switched from drinking tap water to distilled water which is free of a lot of added chemicals.  Sometimes I'll add a tiny bit of lemon juice too.  


4. I discovered from reading her book that there are two categories of foods:  alkalizing and acidifying.  She recommends the optimal balance of eating 80% alkalizing and 20% acidifying.  I liked that she specifically lists where certain foods fall.  For the most part, generally fruits and vegetables are alkalizing but also almonds, Whey Protein Powder, cinnamon, honey, and Almond Milk (I had already switched to Almond milk last year) to name some things that I actually like.


5. Started drinking the Whey protein drink again.  I mix it in my new blender and it tastes good that way.
   


6. Now I buy and eat more fruit.


7. Snack on almonds and celery instead of trail mix.


8. Try not to sit for more than 20 minutes at a time.  This is hard since I am a secretary and have a sit-down job, but I was shocked when I read ". . . Women who spend more than nine hours a day sitting down are 50% more likely to fracture a hip than women who sit for six hours or less in the course of one day."  That's the wake up call I needed to move more and also who inspired me to buy a lectern with some of my Christmas money so I can stand to read more easily when at home.


9. I also have begun exercising daily according to her Densercise e-book which gives specific bone strengthen weight bearing exercises.  She recommends doing fewer reps but for five minutes with 10-20 seconds of rest between sets.

Only time will tell as to if this will strengthen my bones but there are many people who say it worked for them. There are some more things recommended as well, some of which I already do and some that I am not going to worry about. If you have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, I suggest you check out www.saveourbones.com too!


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Starting Off The New Year Right

We got lots of snow yesterday but the temperature got up to 40 degrees so I got to go to West Creek Park. As you can see from the video, I like the snow. It is great fun to walk in the deep snow and I like to dig into it with my snout. Sometimes I get snow on my face and head which makes my humans laugh. Since my mom's New Year's Resolution this year is to move more, I'm hoping I will get to move more too. I will try my best to get her to come along on my walks this year. Do you think she will?

P.S.  Our Favorite Reads for 2013 are up on our book blog if interested.

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