Rebounding - Is it so easy?

DAY 1

I hate to exercise - I am even having trouble getting into a yoga habit and I like yoga!  Let me start at the beginning.  For years I hovered around the 140# area until...I quit smoking with the support of my sister who also quit, on January 2, 2013. Guess what? I developed an unwavering cough. It was constant and it changed to a different type every 2 months, for 4 years so far. I never felt sick I just coughed all the time. My sister on the other hand coughed before she even lit a cigarette and you would have thought she was hacking up a lung yet the day she quit with me - her coughs ended immediately. Also, I discovered FOOD - a lot of FOOD. If I was awake, I was eating and next thing you know after 3 years of this Not Smoking - Easting Disorder - I knew what carrying 2 thirty-five pound sacks of flour permanently attached to my body, felt like. I HATE IT! I HATE that I jiggle! I HATE that I sweat in spots where my skin never touched before! I HATE that my feet don't fit into my fancy heels anymore! I HATE that my knees are overly stressed and I can't walk as far as I used to! I HATE that I can't walk and talk without heavy breathing! I HATE that I am always tired! I HATE that I can't stand to see myself naked and don't want anyone else to!

Wow! That's a lot of hate - you would think enough to motivate me to do something about it! I try but I know I don't give 100% or even 60% for that matter. I diet for awhile. I even had a weight loss contest last January 2016 and I lost about 18# in 2 months. I gained all but 7 back and have stayed their for a year - Still 211# is wayyyyy to much for me - and my thighs touch when I walk so I have to wear shorts when I wear a dress or skirt!  There - now you know what is going on in my head and my body. So, if you are reading this you may be in the front row for my transformation. I feel really good about this. I read a book that I believe will change my life.

"The Miracles of ReBound Exercise" by Albert E. Carter.
The action of rebounding is said to have drastic effect on all areas of the body, all organs, body strength, weight loss and even vision improvement.  I read it in a day and a half and every page made me want to read the next. I will see if the process is fun, simple, and effective as they claim. Before you run to Dunham's or Dicks Sporting Goods to pick up your cheap $30 mini trampoline know that it has springs. This is NOT ideal for full body strengthening. The one I ordered has individual bungee straps all around the high quality Permatron jumping surface that is virtually silent and completely stable. Sure it is a bit more expensive but what is your body's health worth to you?

I have had my JumpSport 230f folding trampoline with stabilizer bar for 3 days now and I just jump a few minutes at a time as I walk by and have such a great positive feeling I just had to start this blog post and follow my progress. So here we go....

Fist some starting points and issues - as of Saturday April 1, 2017
- I have a resting heartrate of 80 bpm
- I currently weigh 211# (I know - I don't look it at all)
- I have shortness of breath while walking, doing light labor, holding a conversation, etc.
- I get tired real easy sitting at my desk
- I have pain in my right knee - feels twisted
- I have pain in my right elbow - intermittent from an old strain
- I have pain in my ankles intermittently
- I still cough - but not as frequent due to supplements from my chiropractor
 -I have a compromised sense of smell and taste
- I have had bad vision since I was 10
- I have suffered intermittent lower back pain for most of my life
- I never could run
- I have had hot flashes for the past 10 years
- I have random itch patches in various areas with no visible irritations
- I am ALWAYS Hungry!

So starting our with 2-4 minutes of jumping 5 - 7 times per day - already feeling better after 3 days - Let's see what happens...

Wow - it sure has been awhile - RECAP

Where do I start? Let's see - I quit smoking January 2 2013, almost 2 years ago. Sometimes I really want a cigarette - just one - but can't! I moved again to Warren, just this July. It's a small house - 2 br no basement - nice big yard but I had to downsize, ALOT! Not too bad - I don't need much - I like my quaint little house.

I learned to Kayak last year and love it - I went this year and had a spill and will NEVER go by myself except down at Heavener's or a lake with other people, but not down the Mighty Clinton River. I met some people and go with them - I  am getting a bit too comfortable and need to slow my roll.

I have spent most of the summer moving myself, moving Leah, moving Jessie and watching dogs. I am keeping busy and need to just relax but something seems to come up all the time. and still...

...all I think about is moving to the ocean!

I will get there. Someday soon.

My sister has been sick twice in the past two year and hospitalized. No one was every able to figure out what was wrong with her. My brothers had some medical issues as well but theirs was not so bad.

Work is going good, I feel pretty secure - I was moved to the Madison Heights office and couldn't be happier - well I could - but I am definitely happier than when I was in Flint.

Now for the sore subject - Tanner is doing well - will not let me clip his toenails but all in all - OK and then there is Jake - He is starting to really suffer from his arthritis. He has a lot of trouble with stairs, standing up and laying down. His ears still bother him and he is starting to whimper at times. I get very sad to think that I will not be able to lift him if he needs to be lifted. I am giving him some medicine and he has good days and bad.

That's all for now -
Kal

Happy New Year 2013!

Well another year passed. It is he 4th of January and I am seriously trying to quit smoking with my sister, Robyn. We are 3 days in and doing better than expected. It is hard - very hard - but we can do it.  Now for a quick recap of the past year - just in case anyone gives a darn!

I lost my house - moved into a rental 3 miles up the road. Jessie moved to Pennsylvania - then back 3 weeks later. Leah moved back from Atlanta. The girls brought 2 dogs with them - Nice!

Jake won 2 costume contests this year -  doggy school and the pet export in Madison Heights - 1st place twice with Cruella Devil and Pongo and the pups. It was awesome. Hey I told them to bring it! (time to start thinking about next year)

We all have Iphones - yippee! My job is - well a job - I drive way too far and there are some who work there who are not very team oriented. oh and they don't' like my perfume!

If this was a Christmas letter thats about all I would put - but it isn't - now on to the fun stuff - this two year old cold I have had is still here - my year long pinched nerve is finally gone - Christmas day I bit into my first cookie and pulled out a cap - with post intact. Getting that fixed this week. Never did take a vacation. Keep gaining weight.

Anyway - I could make a million resolutions but they never work - I just have to decide to make myself better - One step at a time - I am going to quit smoking first, maybe that will fix this cold - then we will tackle the weight loss issue. And believe me it is definitely becoming an issue.

Let's see how far we can get ...................................

Eulogy for Ciocia Helen Mallon (Aug 11, 1919 - May 20, 2011)

My aunt died on Friday May 20th 2011. I wrote the eulogy and some wanted to read it so I am posting a copy here. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to write.

Eulogy for Helene Mallon – 5/24/11

I am a stubborn Polack – like my aunt - and when I was told there was not going to be a eulogy I had to write one.

I have never written a eulogy but have heard way too many. Many of you know I am very computer literate, so of course I searched for examples online only to find they charge $22.95 plus S&H for a eulogy kit that includes a CD, poems and cheat sheets. I was surprised and appalled so I closed the browser and started writing. I apologize for the length but I have a lot to say.

Ciocia Helen! That’s what we called her and our kids call her that too. Funny thing is now I am a Ciocia and I feel honored to follow in those shoes. Ciocia Helen was a big part of my life and I am sure she has had an impact on everyone who knew her. We all knew her as a strong, vibrant, dedicated Mother, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunt and Friend.

Since I was young and after Ba died, we had the pleasure of having her move in with Dzia dzia next door and NO everyday was not sunshine and lollipops, but we did have a lot of fun. We got to know her practically as our second mother. I don’t remember many of the details of earlier days but we were very lucky to have our family so close to us. That may have been the foundation we model our family after. My brothers and sister learned early on that family is definitely the most important and we saw this with the intensity between my mom and ciocia Helen. They were so close, almost inseparable as I am with my sister. Just ask her husband Mike. I am blessed to have gotten that from Ciocia Helen and my mom.

She did have a sternness about her, (to put it mildly) but as I have experienced in my own life, the trials she went thru gave her the strength to deal with whatever came along in the only way she knew how – Fearless and Head On! Nothing got in her way and if it did, well she just plowed thru it with fierce determination.

She went out of her way to make sure everything she did was meticulously complete. Some opinions may have been that she went a bit overboard at times but in hindsight you realize she was right. I recall the many times she was involved with either one of her own – or one of our moves, every box she labeled had NO question as to what was in them – right down to the color of the stripes on the glasses inside. You never had to open a box she packed to know what was in it - we didn’t see the value in that until we needed something and all our boxes just read ‘glasses’ . We wished we were as thorough!

Most of you know she was a successful real estate broker, and I myself spent many days in her offices playing, working and even sitting in open houses with her. She was even a monumental part in the purchase of my home 12 years ago. You will never meet anyone more focused on the task at hand with everything she does.

Although Real estate was her life’s blood, I believe her passion was in her trees. She decorated the Most beautiful Christmas trees I have ever seen. Each one different and special with a touch only she could add. Every branch was symmetrically decorated with just the right pieces and details to make them perfect. If you are lucky enough to have gotten one, then you have a unique piece of her passion for beauty. But more than just the trees, the fun and banter between her and my mom during their crafting sessions was priceless.

As the days passed, it wasn’t as easy for her to get out and join us at all of our gatherings but when she did we certainly enjoyed her presence. Robyn and I spent many hours visiting her at home listening and telling stories, laughing, crying and just having a good time. I remember calling her and asking if I could stop by and visit and told her I was bringing my friend Jake. She got primped up with lipstick and all and I walked in with Jake, my St Bernard. Boy was she surprised when we saw my friend was a dog, but she always loved when we visited. He was a real therapy dog and he did his job because he made her smile – I can’t say the same for the cat though.

Of all my brothers and sister, I always felt a special closeness to her. Maybe it was because since my dad was out of town the day I was born – she stepped in. She continued to tell me the story of my birthday almost every time I saw her including when we went there 2 weeks ago. I am glad I got to hear the story of her talking to my dad on the phone, one more time.

I know I am missing a lot more stories like the birthday mass cards and the puppies but we can share those later.

Betty and Joanie, I know these last few weeks and days were trying and difficult for you and you were faced with many challenges you haven’t had before. I pray you find the strength to continue with a smile on your face holding on to your mothers loving memory’s to pull you forward. You did everything to make your mom as comfortable as possible and I know she is pleased. I also know that there is a large hole in your hearts at the loss of your mother, as there is in ours for my mother and now for yours. I can tell you that space will never be filled, but know that your mother loved you more than you can ever imagine and we all know that she is at peace.

I find comfort in knowing that all the siblings, Flo, Phil, Emily and now Ciocia Helen are all together once again and I am sure they are planning some real fun stuff for us up there – I don’t know if we should be excited or afraid.

Everyone who met Ciocia Helen knew exactly who she was, and what she was, and best of all there was never a dull moment. At the end of the day, sometime you just had sit back and smile. I believe everyone in this room, whether it is learning of something To do, or something Not to do, we are all better people for knowing her.

Ciocia Helen, I am saddened that you are no longer here with us on this earth but I am happy that you told me you loved me just this past Tuesday. You will always hold a special place in mine and all the hearts here. We Love you and you will be missed more than you will ever know.

Oh and Cioch - Tell Mom and Dad we said Hi!

by:Karen A. Liinangi 5/24/11

New Page

Hey all - check out my Kozmo's page. You can check your horoscope, get a number of different Tarot Readings and even get answers from "The Great Widgetini" Now that's cool!

Hopefully this will help you decide your future path for the day!

Have Fun!

Kal

2011 Garden

Well, I planted my seedlings yesterday. It is about 2 weeks later than last year. Should I have waited? Maybe. This morning we had a thunder storm - I hope they don't drown.











That's all.

Busy, Frustrated & Disappointed

I can't seem to describe how I feel - maybe if I talk about it for a minute the description will come to me. I am feeling really good about my business and I am really excited to start doing shows like craft shows and market fairs. I have had some financial issues and those are being handled behind the scenes. I am having a very confusing time with business issues like sales tax and licenses and the such so that is buzzing in my head. I have time to think about these things among other things.

I wonder very often what people think - NO - Not what they think of me but what they think and why - I find myself asking the universe - Do they even think about that or this? What are they thinking?

I also wonder how some people have the nerve to treat some people the way they do. ALRIGHT - I am aggravated at the way some people treat me - I know that they can't possibly read my mind and I don't always express my feelings to people but basic consideration and compromise do not seem to be in many individuals psychological make-up. Really, is it because they never learned it or they just choose not to use it?

I suppose I could ponder the question for awhile but I don't suppose that it has ever been answered by anyone. I give up but I believe I can describe my feeling as frustrated and disappointed!

No Longer a Virgin

It's a Big Big Day - With the help of the rest of the Kalz Korner team, my sister Robyn and brother Tim, we have written, created, filmed, edited and posted our very 1st YouTube video - how exciting. The best part was the Blooper section. Check it out...

Special Dayz Ahead

I am celebrating my 18000 day birthday on April 23rd this year!

I am very excited since I am delving into my quilting so deep. I have finished another quilt and I believe it is time I began marketing. I am having a milestone birthday and it will be splendid. I would like to mark that day as the day I - well I am not sure - maybe the day I post a Youtube video about my Living Memory Quiltz. Yeah that would be good.

I am going to start signing up for shows and events to display at. I really believe this is going to really take off - and I have all my measurements and specs defined. It only took me two days to make that large quilt I just posted today. The one I made for my friend for her birthday - but I will be giving it to her early.

I just wish I had a better photographic system to take better pictures. I am sure I know someone who could.

Too fun and prosperous times ahead.....

Living Memory Quiltz

***WE HAVE OUR FIRST ORDER***
The project has begun. My sister and I are creating Living Memory Quiltz! We are taking photos that are special to you and capturing those memories forever on a quilt you can either use for comfort or hang on display. Our sign is one such quilt - if you look at it closer you will see many squares have photos in them - some just for background effect.

I have created a paypal link on here to pay for them but silly me - I am still trying to figure out how to post the order form for download - I will get it I just want to make sure it is right. Of Course if you want to order one of my quilts I can certainly email you an order form if you just can't wait.

I will share the info with my friends and the world when it is completely ready. Below is the 'Breast Cancer Hope Quilt' that inspired me to branch out in all the other areas. I am currently working on the 'School Dayz' quilt for my daughter's.



Cheers to our new adventure Robyn!!!