banana Laffy Taffy

I went to the local WINCO foods to pick up a few groceries. It was a quick trip because I only needed some produce, coffee, eggs, and raw almonds. The raw almonds are kept in the bulk food section in the back corner of the store.
I had to go through the bulk candy. That is when I saw the bin filled with my latest obsession. Laffy Taffy-- specifically Banana Laffy Taffy.

I do not understand why this confection has caught my attention. It could be that I have baked my brain for too long. in the summer sun.  Perhaps the heat has caused this crazy craving? I will be kind to myself and let this run its course.

Dogs can have food cravings too. No, they are not able to satisfy their urge without human help, but they can enjoy specific foods with an attentive owner.  In our house, it is Lil Blackie who has a favorite food. His interest is more healthy than mine-- he loves WATERMELON. 

Adjusting to the changes in our house without our Kelsey may be the reason why I am having a hard time posting to this blog. I wish that I could write something with substance but it is not in me right now. The world seems quieter without her. The baying of a bloodhound is a sound that I love and that I miss.

Small summer joys are what we will work on at our house for the rest of August. I have got to force myself to laugh each day and search for more ways to make memories with loved ones. Whether we want it to or not- life goes on. Loss and grief sucks.
Hug your dog today. Let the sunshine bake your brain. Why don't you try to find a candy from your childhood that made you happy?     Give your pooch a cube of watermelon   -- he might like it.

just keep walking, running, jogging....

I am listenng to an audiobook tape about Habits. I enjoy the subject so far, and it is making me reconsider some of my routines. I hope to replace them with healthier alternatives.

The author states that we have to "crave the habit."  If we are to  make this habit stick, the payoff must be deliberate and enjoyable. None of this is new information, but maybe I will hear it this time? I hope so.

The best way for me to improve my health is to consistently exercise, eat well, and lose some weight. To "age well" I need to protect the joints and keep the heart healthy.  I know what to do- I just need to make myself a priority.

Fitbit can be a curse AND a tool. 
I am trying to figure out the perfect way to "crave" the high numbers of steps, badges, etc. with the Fitbit tool that I use to track my movement. I do get excited when I reach my 10,000 steps each day, but the little kid in me needs to figure out a more immediate reward. 

There are three more discs with this booktape. 
I hope to persevere and get to the point where my day does not feel right- without the endorphins and the sweat flowing. The hardest part is getting the cardio started. I can talk myself out of many things.

Dogs love to move.
One of the best parts of a dog's day is when he or she goes for a walk with their owners. It is so exciting for them when we grab the leash by the door. They never hesitate and deliberate. The great outdoors makes them happy and they are ready.  I want that excitement when I lace up my shoes.

oreos always seem like a good idea

I am better at ensuring that my dogs eat healthy-- than I am with myself.
I said it. This is a sad but true statement concerning nutrition and well being of all in our household. I feel guilty but glad that there was only an 8 pack of cookies in the house. It could have been a lot worse.

My cookie O D came from too much stress and allowing the cookies in the house. I should know better. All that those circles of chocolate and creamy vanilla center will do to me is keep me awake late at night. They will not improve my health or sleep or help me live longer. Temporary oral pleasure that I will pay for physically (sugar crash) and emotionally (guilt).

My adult dogs were happy and satisfied with the salmon, sweet potato kibble in their bowls at dinner time.The pups were happy with the holistic coastal catch that they dined on tonight.
Why the disconnect for myself?
I think that it is laughable mainly because I am a salt lover -usually not a sugar fan.

We humans make things too complicated. 

Would I be happier with two standard meals a day, served at the same time, in the same dish? Marketing tells us to add variety, more choices, and something new. Do all these choices really improve our lives or add to our stress?

My dogs never need the newest food or fad. They need to stay away from allergy triggers but that is not a taste bud issue, it is about health. Once again I need to do as I say.