This morning Kevin and I got our hedonistic asses out of bed, gulped down a cup of coffee, and hit the pavement, at a brisk (brisk for us, that is) walk. We have been talking about and hem-hawing around the topic of exercise for well over three years. During a lazy hedonistic day of nothingness on Sunday, we decided it was time to quit talking and planning for it, and just do it.

I am coming off another bout with a bulged disc, and I decided it will continue to flare up as long as I continue in my slothful, hedonistic state of being. Thanks Dad, you’re never one to mince words!

Saturday night we had another charity event to attend for the Child Crisis Center, held at The Gainey Ranch Hyatt resort. This was our fourth year attending this particular event, having skipped one year to attend the Desert Botanical Gardens fundraiser one year.

Of all the events we attend, this one is hard for me to muster up the courage and confidence to attend. It just seemed every year around the time of this event, I have either been out of sorts, or as in last year, in much pain from the bulged disc. One year I sat in something (yes that was fun in my new dress). Another year I spilled a whole drink down the front of my dress. Last year, besides being in pain, we were seated at the channel 12 table with two of the news anchors who are well known, thus intimidating me even further.

This year, add a major case of PMS blues and stress and not having “a thing to wear” and having to ice my neck every few hours due to the disc flare-up.  I did manage to go out at the last minute and procure a kick-ass dress, which aided in a little motivation. With trepidation, I prepared for this completely worthwhile charity event.

By the time we left, I felt I looked my best, so if something “went awry” this year, well at least I looked great! We stopped at the bar in Gainey Ranch Resort for our prep drink. They make a smooth Cosmo, with Grey Goose vodka. Two Cosmo’s and some people watching later, we were ready to “check in.”

By the way, has any one from Arizona noticed just how many beautiful knock-out women there are in Scottsdale? I saw more silicone and real double-D’s on display in that hour than I have in a year in Mesa! A point I know my husband enjoyed. (Although he won’t admit it. Smart man.)

Off in the event, I managed to put away a dozen cold jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce. Their food usually isn’t to my taste, but the shrimp cocktail works for me! We perused the silent auction, where my husband did pick up a lovely opal ring and necklace set for half the retail value, we had another cosmo, and then had dinner. By this point I was well over buzzed, and, in my husband’s words, became chatty Cathy at our table. And I had one more drink. Now being well over my two drink limit, when the band started playing, we were there! We danced for well over an hour, and had a wonderful time.

This did not, however, make for a wonderful time come Sunday morning. Both of our hips and legs were sore, as if we’d ran a marathon, and although not a full blown hangover, neither of us had the ambition of a bum. Which led to the decision that we need to start walking. So Monday morning marks turning over a new leaf together, hopefully to a more healthy lifestyle for the both of us. (Yes it’s a baby step, but then Rome wasn’t built in a day.)

Speaking of exercise, my 60 year old father did a 10K walk/run for the American Heart Association this weekend. He came in first place! I couldn’t be prouder of him if I tried. I only wish I could have been there to see Dad, in his lace up cowboy boots, levis and cowboy hat cross the finish line ahead of all the perfectly outfitted joggers!  This man discovered he had diabetes a few years back, and through diet and exercise has managed to maintain his sugar level in range, warding off the need for the pills or insulin shots. My goal is to gain even half that discipline. And quit feeding him foods that aren’t good for him when I go to Washington to visit. Congratulations Dad, on all counts!

It’s Monday and the beginning of another rugrat week with all it’s needed routines. I hope everyone has an enjoyable day. I’ll be around to catch up on your weekend today and tomorrow.