"The Biggest Loser"

No, It's not weigh in day yet but I did have a few things to say...First off, I actually do lead a really happy life. Last post was kind of depressing. In this photo I am enjoying a baseball game with my adorable niece Sophia. I have made a few changes over the last 5 days or so, the biggest being that I no longer allow myself to eat after 9pm at night. Also, I finally got the courage to dig my gym membership out of the file and found that I am a member until January 26, 2010. That is a good 4 months to get myself jump started. I am gonna do this thing.

NBC's 8th season of "The Biggest Loser" starts tonight. I am gonna try and play along with them so in actuality it is weigh in day for me. I will weigh in tonight and post the results tomorrow. Scary. It's a whole new beginning.

The New Me

Okay, I keep telling myself that I am going to get my act together and get in shape. I know I have let myself go and quite frankly it has gotten worse since I have been unemployed. Here it goes, I am throwing it out there. I am going to lose weight and you my friends, who may only exist in my head, are going to hold me accountable.

Today, September 10, 2009 is truly the first day of the life that I want. If I were braver I would post my weight but how bout we work up to that shall we. Let's just say my goal weight is 145 lbs and it is going to be some time until I reach that.

This photo that I am using as my "before" was taken in a very solem home in The Netherlands . That hole in the wall was cut out to show where several jews were hidden from the Nazi's. It was an experience I will never forget but judging by the look on my face you would think that the visit was a lot more personal than it actually was. Truth is, I was and am very unhappy. That is about to change. I, Lucinda I Grames, am taking control of my life. I am going to hold myself responsible for the level of happiness that I allow in.

So, cut to the chase Grames. I will report back every Thursday evening with a log of my workout adventures as well as pounds and inches lost. Let's hope this experiment turns into a change of my entire life and not just my physical body.

I need a job!

Okay, I need a job. It has been a great summer as I mentioned before but I need to get in gear. I am beginning to realize that I am not really contributing much to society. I am starting to feel a little lazy and more than a little sloppy.

Photos

As some of you may be aware I recently spent a month in Europe. If I understand this blog thing correctly I can post some of my favorite pictures from that trip. I am going to have my little sister give me a lesson. Stay tuned for some exciting pictures!!! :)

Summer Break

As I have previously mentioned I lost my job on May 6, 2009. That was a really bad day but I have to say my life has certainly gotten progressively better since that day. I spent a month in Europe at the home of some great guys who were visiting family in the States. I had the house to myself and was able to relax, catch up on some reading and basically learn to like who I am. What a fantastic opportunity. The other two months have been spent in blissful relation which brings me to the reason behind this post.

WE ALL DESERVE A SUMMER VACATION!!!!

It has been exactly a decade since I graduated from college and joined the grownup world of working too hard and playing too little. The past 3 months have been heaven. I have rolled out of bed when I want (no alarms!!!) read more books than one would think possible, hung out with my beautiful nieces and nephews, and spent quality time at the local swimming pool. In short, life has been very peaceful and happy.

What happens to up when we become adults that we forget to enjoy the wonders of life? It would seem this is a problem that is uniquely American. While in The Netherlands I met some great people who were appalled at the idea of only having 2 weeks vaction time a year and the idea that most of us spread that out over the course of the year and do not take it all at once. These people all had at least the government minimum required 6 weeks vacation and they were planning grand vacations. Least you think I am speaking of only a few of the Dutch people these were folks from all walks of life, from doctor to flight attendant. Apparently even the Dutch government realizes the necessity of a break from all things work related because not only do they mandate a minimum amount of vacation time be given to the workers but they also provide their people with money so that they can enjoy their time off from work. Talk about appreciation for making the country work!!

So, here is my challenge to you. There is approximately 1 month left before the summer nights start to fade into fall and the pools begin to close. Play hookey for 1 day! Pretend you are a kid again and enjoy summer. Sleep in, don't run any errands (as my niece reminded me the other day "errands are dumb", and do something completely spontaneous. Enjoy the magic that is summer and then remind others.

Good luck and I look forward to hearing about your day.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson died yesterday and apparently the earth stopped. I know that sounds really insensitive but come on...The man was a TREMENDOUS artist but his personal life was a mess. Let it go already. Let us do the normal tribute we do for a dead celebrity and move on. The entire TODAY show was dedicated to him. GAG!!! Sadly enough, Farrah Fawcett died yesterday as well. Now I was no Farrah fan (her greatest work may have been Logan's Run) but her death has been completely overshawdowed. She has become a footnote on June 25th. Sad. No one should be a footnote.

Trying to find order

I suppose I need to find a job. I was laid off on May 6th from a job that I really enjoyed. What next? I really have no idea. The economy is tanking and the prospect of finding a well paying job in the Boise area is not that great. That is fantastic. Just when I was starting to put down some roots. I have a house I love, I just bought appliances and I have grown up furniture. AAAGH! I am really going to have to figure this all out.

What am I doing?

What the heck am I doing? Why am I of all people creating a blog?

I recently was laid off from the City of Boise after nearly 4 years. I really loved my job but am not sad about not working there anymore. It would seem they did not think I was as wonderful as I really am! :)

I am now being forced to go outside and swing with Sophia so there will be more news to come.