#100dayproject#100daysofwalking Week 4 April 29-May 5

Day 26

Smells so good

Day 27

Starbucks!!!!!

Day 28

A park on my walk

Day 29

Love the color of this bush

Day 30

Statue on my church campus

Day 31

My Neighborhood

Day 32

Palm tree with green seeds

Day 33

Neighbor's Shrine

Another week has come to a close.  Time goes by so fast.  I changed the same of the second half of the hash tag to #100daysofpurposefulwalking.  A friend remarked that because I do not drive I walk a lot and that is sort of true.  There is a great difference between a quarter mile here and a half mile there; and, walking with a distinct purpose and determined consistency.  When I get up everyday with the purpose of getting in at least miles, I am doing it to be more mindful of my health.  As I move toward my 70th decade, I am more focused in being present in my health regime.

It is amazing what you see as you walk that on other occasions you may miss.  Taking a photo during the walk adds fun to the process as I try to find something different each day.

What I learned this week:

• I proved to myself that I can get in 4 miles - woo hoo
• weather is about to change so I better be realistic and follow my 2.5 miles a day regime mostly in the morning
• Walking with a purpose helps me stay focused.
• Completed the first 30 days of walking it was an exciting fete.
• Started on next 30 day installment of my walking, more determined than ever.

Until next week, keep moving friends........

#100dayproject#100daysofwalking Week 3 April 22 to April 28

Day 20: A nice Sunday Evening Walk  

Corner of Pebble and Green Valley Parkway

Pretty bush in front of my complex

1.59 miles 4,200 steps. Consistency and important thing to remember. I was walking this evening knowing I would not get two miles in today according to my app; but, it was a busy at day at church and I was a little tired when I came home. I read a post from a fellow 100 day project member who is also walking; however, her resolve was to get her body moving and enjoy the act of walking without obsessing about miles, time walked or steps, just the beauty of the walk. Interesting concept, then as I was walking through the complex a gentleman talking on his phone stopped and said, you are really consistent with your walking, I see you everyday, keep it up. Consistency that is so important. Today's photo's are from the neighborhood at dusk.



Day 21: Grocery Day

Beautiful foliage everywhere

It is amazing how much walking can be done doing the necessary act of grocery shopping. I was able to log over 2 miles, walking to the grocery store, deliberately walking up and down aisles looking for the best deals and walking home. I add steps and distance by walking around the parking lot before heading home. I am learning to be strategic and make the most of an outing. 2.28 miles and 7,200 steps today.


Day 22: Paying Attention

Beautiful Colors

Today I had a test for Osteoporosis.  I have to have this test every two years because of the Letrozole I take to hopefully deter the return of breast cancer.  In the past I have taken a cab to and from the appointments; however, today I chose to take the bus.  As a result, I was able to log 2.89 miles during that trip.  I took the opportunity to walk from Sunset and Mountain View to Green Valley Parkway with a detour to the dollar store. I also walked a longer way home and a half trip around the complex. The flower above just bloomed and I just love the shape and color.

Day 23:  I love the heartiness of these plants

Cactus casting shadows

Hearty Plants in the Desert

Sometimes keeping a commitment to yourself causes the need for ingenuity and determination.  Today was a really busy day.  I kept thinking about how I would fit in a walk, and I am so glad that I realized that the number of miles is not as important as getting out there and moving my body.  Anyway, I had a limited window and it was during the beginning of the heat of the day here in the desert.  This has been a warm week and on other days I got my walk in during the morning when it is much cooler. Well let me tell you, this definitely will not be an ongoing event.  I logged a little over a mile an a half before I went home.  This event proved my theory that as we inch toward summer I will need to walk in the morning and late in the evening.   Also, over the next week I am going to try walking at the Mall.  There are so many options.

Day 24:  Morning walks are wonderful

Yellow and Burgundy ground cover

Burgundy one of my favorite colors

The walk for today may be in two parts.  Morning walk very pleasant and logged 2.22 miles and 6,200 stops.  However, the plan is go out as the sun goes down for another two times around the complex.  If this works, I will have solidified my summer plan.  The flowers in the photo are ground cover with the most colorful blooms. Did not go out for the evening walk.  Just too tired.

Day 25:  Life gets more interesting with intention

I love these blossoms

Today was a day of running errands.  I got off of the bus at Sunset and Stephanie and decided to add in extra steps while walking to Targets.  I walked from Sunset to Galleria street, I found out this is a mile; then I turned around and walked back to Targets and shopped.  When I got back to the bus stop on Sunset, I had logged 1.84 miles, this is good to know.  When you look at your tasks and then add in extra miles, you can meet your walking goals.  

Day 26: Another Week completed

The most beautiful fragrance

Another week completed. I am really happy that I have been so consistent and determined. This week I logged 17.38 miles. I set a goal of 15 miles a week in my app, so that is the least I want to accomplish each week which averages 2.5 miles a day.

Observations for this week:

• Walking is making me pay closer attention to my surroundings which is really good.
• I love thinking of ways to get in my miles
• I think I am losing inches (great by product of walking)
• It is getting easier to walk 2 miles
• Do not walk in the heat of the day, really not smart
• Walking makes me drink more water which is also good.
• Cannot wait to see what next week brings

Thanks for stopping by.....pilgrim

#100dayproject#100daysofwalking Days 13 to 19 (April 15 to April 21)

Day 13:  Just another Sunday

A far new of the Mountains

I have been in Henderson for nearly 11 years and I still do not know the names of all the mountains that surround the valley.  I should say that I know the names, just cannot figure out which is which.  I do love looking at them.  Today I walked 2.29 miles.  It was a good walk.

Day 14:  Walking my little legs off

Flowers at Green Valley Ranch

More of the neighborhood

One More

Today was my appointment with my medical oncologist.  Dr. Allison is retiring so I am seeing the new doctor Dr. Tibayan.  Seems really nice and is following Dr. Allison's protocol, so I am happy.  Boy did I do a lot of walking.  It is official that I have lost 33 pounds since last June.  Dr. is really pleased.  I will continue to work, on my goal to get healthy.

Day 15:  Beginning to love walking

Outside of my house

Love the blooms

Day 16:  Walking even when I do not feel like it

Bottlebrush plant 

Day 17:  Wanted to take a photo of the Green Valley Ranch Vineyard

Grape vines and cypres trees

another able of grape vines

Resting spot after my walk

Today was an adventure in walking.  I was going to walk from my house to the district, but I have to cross the freeway and one part of that crossing can be a little dangerous, so I decided to take the bus across the freeway and take a nice walk. Part of that walk led me past the small vineyard owned and operated by Green Valley Ranch Casino.  I have seen it from a far and wanted to take a photo of it so off I went.  My adventure led me on a 2.39 miles adventure around the casino campus.  I also walked .27 miles to the bus stop this morning for a total of 2.66 miles today and 6957 steps.  I am enjoying coming up with periodic adventures.

Day 18 - In Front of the Library

Statue of kids playing in a pool

kid in pool

 In the front of the Green Valley Library there are statues of children playing in pools; however, there is never any water in the pool.  One can imagine why the pool remains empty.  Liability Insurance, danger of children jumping in and falling; water preservation in the desert.  Interesting

Sunny day in the desert

Waiting for the bus

Busy day today.  Church, quick run to grocery store for Sunday Church goodies and then a walk around the complex.

Total for week 16.71 miles

Observations:

• So as not to overwhelm myself, I have broken-down this project into 30 day increments.  This sounds a whole lot better than 100 days.
• It is getting easier to walk 2 miles and it is enjoyable
• need to start working out plan for days that the heat is high.
• doctor is pleased that I have started this plan.

Until next week....be healthy my friends.  Pilgrim

Week 2 #100dayproject#100daysofwalking April 8 - 14

Day 6:  Evening Walk

Flowers outside of my complex

Day 7 Walking around the apartment complex

Love Me some Sammys

Flowers at church

Day 8 Meetings and more meetings

Morning Walk to Church

Day 9:  Life gets you miles

Green Valley Ranch the District

Green Valley Ranch Casino

Day 10  Windy days keep you cool

Water Tank my next-door neighbor

Day 11  Working toward consistency

My Apartment complex

Day 12:  Almost forgot to log some miles

Post office run

Observations for this week:

1. Going to need to mark off days on a calendar to keep up with the numbers of days. Since the project started on April 3rd, it can get confusing.
2. getting off the bus one mile before my intended location is a great way to get in my miles
3. I am really sleeping better by getting this exercise
4. Walked a total of 19.19 miles this week
5. I am enjoying this project; but, I have to keep everything in perspective. Some days may only be a mile, but as long as I am walking it all counts.
6. Consistency is the key.

Until next week.....pilgrim

#100dayproject#100daysofwalking Week 1 April 2 to April 7th

Day 1a: April 2...I think I am starting a day early now that I think about it so this is practice day....

18 Stairs

The stairs in this photo lead to my apartment.  18 steps in all.  18 steps that lead to my participation in the #100daychallenge.  I have to walk down those steps to participate in #100daysofwalking.  This challenge is essential for my life.  So dear reader Wish me luck and I hope you will say a quiet prayer that I succeed.  I will be posting weekly my thoughts on this challenge.

Actual Day 1 of #100dayproject/#100daysofwalking  April 3...

Beautiful flowers on the route.

Saw these beautiful flowers on my walk.  Started out my walk with prayer and the Rosary.  Concluded the walk with a little Pat Metheny, love his music.  I am going to have to make a 100 day playlist.  I am painting in a journal snippet of what I see each day.  May post later.

Until tomorrow.....


Day 2:

I love blossoms

 Went for a wonderful walk this afternoon.  I normally like to walk in the morning, but I had a meeting so I had to make adjustments.  No excuses, this is too important.  There are a lot of nooks and crannies to discover in my neighborhood. Walked 2.09 miles.  Until tomorrow....


Day 3

Shopping buggy

This will be in two parts.  Grocery shopping first thing this morning.  Wanted to see the results  of everyday events in my life.  1.49 miles walk to the store, shopping the store and walking home.  This is good.  I may be able to get in 3 miles today when combined with my daily walk.....

I am now really determined to watch my eating after all of this walking.

See you later.

Day 3 part 2

Leaves are growing on tree outside of my house

2nd walk, really interesting.... 2.26 miles and a total of 10,000 plus steps today.  Oh joy.

Until tomorrow,,,,,




Day 4:  Morning Walk 2.20 miles; 6000 steps.

Tending Flowers

I was curious about the Corporate Business complex across the street from me, it is huge.  There is a cautionary warning here....Walking in parking lots can be dangerous when people are arriving for work...just saying.

Day 5:  Some days you have to fit it in when you can.  2.10 miles:  6000 steps

Roses in Bloom

Had a busy morning at church but was still able to get some walking in this morning and a really good walk this evening.  Walking to and from the Bus Stop really helps with getting in steps.

Observations from this week:

• 100 days is a long time if you look at it as a whole; just take it one day at a time.
• Keep it interesting; but don't angst over it.
• Since this is going to be a way of life, relax and enjoy the process, this is not a race
• I really like walking

Well, gonna get some rest.  Tomorrow is another day.  until next week.....pilgrim

Catching up

I just realized that it has been a while since I have written a post.  That is unacceptable and I will have to work on that.  I was watching a Youtube video yesterday and the presenter said she was committed to posting  a new video every Tuesday.  I was inspired to think about making a commitment to myself to post on a regular basis.

For example, certain days of the week are designated projects in which I am involved.  Thursday is write memo to parents of Religious Ed Students; Friday is MOMS preparation and newsletter day; Saturday is empty trash and laundry day. etc.  So I need to pick a day and commit to blogging.  I am going to have to give it some serious thought.

So, to catch up.  What have I been doing artistically?  I have been participating in two year long projects.  Crocheting a granny square a day with the goal of making presents with the squared.  It has been really fun and good physical therapy.

Sample of granny squares

I also have been painting weekly journal spreads based on France Papillon's project paint a layer a day.  The project is designed to encourage daily art work.  It has been a lot of fun.  Some of the completed layouts are below:

These are not posted in any particular order, rather, they represent what I have been creating and let me tell you I am having a blast.

One week I created the cover for the journal.  There is a story about this cover.

The large butterfly was intended for the front and the smattering of butterflies for the back.  Well, I had the book upside down, so the big inviting butterfly ended up on the back and the smattering of butterflies on the front.  Instead of giving up or starting over, I added the word Transformation and some other items to enhance the smattering and it turned out better than I could have imagined.

I hope I can continue to create everyday even if just for 10 minutes because I have another goal that I am not going to talk about now, rather, I am going to let it marinate and I come to terms with what I want to do and how to pull it off.

Until next time,  have a blessed day

pilgrim...