YUM!! There's a new/old place in town - Zona Ice that has Italian Ice, Frozen Custard & Gelato (all of which are fewer calories than DQ ;-). Last night I met my friend (see "Hijacked!" post) and had a large Cappuccino Cream Ice for dinner. It was delish :D
We set our craft class schedule... we gabbed about the new management at my old workplace... we discussed me being the director/leader of the senior living community chorus...
* * * * * *
I've decided that I'm not going to be going back to barbershop for awhile -- still gonna keep my membership and I still love it blah blah blah... but too many other things that I want to do, and I just have a hard time going to just sing -- I want to get highly involved, and then I say "yes" to too many things and then nothing I am doing gets done to any kind of standard and I feel bad all the time.
I think I have found a voice teacher -- just need to give her a call and set up a time, because I do want to stay 'in voice.' And I'm planning to join a less-intense singing group of ladies in September. And, if next year I'm the director of this senior chorus, I will definitely have my hand in musical adventures!
* * * * * *
We now have a scale that works. I'm so delighted. I am really -- but it has gone up 10 lbs since I started working out ~ which I know is a normal thing when you start building muscle, but still... so in the next couple weeks I'll be getting serious about working our aerobically at my gym 5 days a week, rather than once a week, and making better eating choices. I kinda dropped the ball over the 4th of July weekend and now I'm in chocolate mode!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Question
So.... anyone out there ever owned a franchise and wanna share some information with me?
Pros & Cons... Lifestyle while you ran the business... income during that time... did you enjoy what you were doing... what would you do differently... what are the strengths and weaknesses of the franchise business you were in...?
Curious Minds Want To Know!
Pros & Cons... Lifestyle while you ran the business... income during that time... did you enjoy what you were doing... what would you do differently... what are the strengths and weaknesses of the franchise business you were in...?
Curious Minds Want To Know!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Hijacked!
I met a friend/ex-boss for dinner tonight.... there was a socializing/networking thing going on with an organization I belong to... my friend and I were to meet at 5:15pm -- eat & discuss upcoming projects -- then network. I thought my friend could get some good networking going with these other folks.
My friend was 35 minutes late. I, however, know that she usually runs late and had ordered chips & guacamole... and had brought my work evaluation form to start doing while waiting... meanwhile, the networking thing starts... my friend arrives, we eat and finish eating and are having a lively and interesting time... and the networking table folks finish and all come over to our table to make fun of me and how glad they were I could come and hang out with them all for the evening.... one of them stayed for another hour and a-1/2 and we had a super time - she's really nice!!
After closing the restaurant and being the last ones to leave... still chat in the parking lot for 20 minutes... I call my friend...we laugh... and make plans to meet tomorrow after we work out.
My friend was 35 minutes late. I, however, know that she usually runs late and had ordered chips & guacamole... and had brought my work evaluation form to start doing while waiting... meanwhile, the networking thing starts... my friend arrives, we eat and finish eating and are having a lively and interesting time... and the networking table folks finish and all come over to our table to make fun of me and how glad they were I could come and hang out with them all for the evening.... one of them stayed for another hour and a-1/2 and we had a super time - she's really nice!!
After closing the restaurant and being the last ones to leave... still chat in the parking lot for 20 minutes... I call my friend...we laugh... and make plans to meet tomorrow after we work out.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Fest
Yesterday and the day before I watched Gilmore Girls -- ALL DAY. Marathon-like. Two 12+ hour days doing nothing but catching up on a tv series. Slothful to the max!
I have two more CD's to go before I've seen every episode. ABC Family doesn't ever seem to show the last season -- I've seen the penultimate last episode (WAY out of order of the season I'd been tivo-ing) -- but yesterday afternoon I started watching the 7th and final season of this awesome series.
Himself made Donner Kebab (flavor) beef -- which was awesome. One of the things we miss about the UK... traditionally made with lamb, the beef did a nice replacement job! I had a hot-dog on Friday because, you know, it is American and it was in the spirit of Independence Day.
It is traditional monsoon season -- hot, with afternoon and evening storms and lightning. Very cool...but the weather zaps me.
Rascal has been digging up bones he must have buried 6+ months ago, because one of them appeared to have roots sticking out from it. His nose gets covered in dirt and mud, and his paws... well, himself and I laughed and laughed about what a mess he is and how he'll try to sneak the nasty bone (with roots and bugs and mud) through the kitchen, down the hall, and if not stopped, will re-bury it in our bed, most likely. With the dirt being softer (i.e., being mud), Rascal re-buries and checks on his stash of rawhides so carefully buried in the yard.
He is such a great dog. He drops the bone when we catch him, trots over, allows me to wipe the first layers of dirt and mud off his nose, then one paw at a time allows me to try to get the mud out from between the pads & crevices of his front paws. Complacent, resigned... knowing that he was taking a chance bringing it inside, that there was slim to none odds that he'd get the bone in the house without being noticed and caught... he makes us laugh and is overall just a great great dog!!
Happy Independence Day Holiday Weekend!
I have two more CD's to go before I've seen every episode. ABC Family doesn't ever seem to show the last season -- I've seen the penultimate last episode (WAY out of order of the season I'd been tivo-ing) -- but yesterday afternoon I started watching the 7th and final season of this awesome series.
Himself made Donner Kebab (flavor) beef -- which was awesome. One of the things we miss about the UK... traditionally made with lamb, the beef did a nice replacement job! I had a hot-dog on Friday because, you know, it is American and it was in the spirit of Independence Day.
It is traditional monsoon season -- hot, with afternoon and evening storms and lightning. Very cool...but the weather zaps me.
Rascal has been digging up bones he must have buried 6+ months ago, because one of them appeared to have roots sticking out from it. His nose gets covered in dirt and mud, and his paws... well, himself and I laughed and laughed about what a mess he is and how he'll try to sneak the nasty bone (with roots and bugs and mud) through the kitchen, down the hall, and if not stopped, will re-bury it in our bed, most likely. With the dirt being softer (i.e., being mud), Rascal re-buries and checks on his stash of rawhides so carefully buried in the yard.
He is such a great dog. He drops the bone when we catch him, trots over, allows me to wipe the first layers of dirt and mud off his nose, then one paw at a time allows me to try to get the mud out from between the pads & crevices of his front paws. Complacent, resigned... knowing that he was taking a chance bringing it inside, that there was slim to none odds that he'd get the bone in the house without being noticed and caught... he makes us laugh and is overall just a great great dog!!
Happy Independence Day Holiday Weekend!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
working like you don't need the money
If you had all the resources in the world, and didn't need to work for money -- what would you do?
I'd draw, paint, sing, sew, act... and somehow help people by doing it. Help them see a sunnier side of life, of themselves... that it is okay to be silly, and humor doesn't have to dig at someone else to be funny. To share a part of themselves and be vulnerable in a safe environment. And to feel the joy of applause, of making someone laugh, of overcoming fear.
I'd get people together. I love planning reunions.... reconnecting with friends I've not heard from or seen for years -- and would love to be that kind of event planner.
I'd learn constantly -- new skills, discover new authors, new musicians, how to build things. Just be in school or classes all the time.
Why didn't someone tell me during high school when I was thinking about college to not listen to that inner voice that was saying "Get a real major -- art isn't a real major... and okay, you'll get a music scholarship, but really -- what is THAT all about?"
I'm really in a bad mental space right now -- can't seem to shake the negative. I'm blaming PMS and the heat. I'm zapped. Today was better than yesterday... but that ain't sayin' much. Trying hard to get out of myself a bit, but I'm so miserable I can't stay focused. Praying constantly. I'm snapping and grouchy, and tired.
I am extremely thankful for a/c, my pool, and ice cream.
I'd draw, paint, sing, sew, act... and somehow help people by doing it. Help them see a sunnier side of life, of themselves... that it is okay to be silly, and humor doesn't have to dig at someone else to be funny. To share a part of themselves and be vulnerable in a safe environment. And to feel the joy of applause, of making someone laugh, of overcoming fear.
I'd get people together. I love planning reunions.... reconnecting with friends I've not heard from or seen for years -- and would love to be that kind of event planner.
I'd learn constantly -- new skills, discover new authors, new musicians, how to build things. Just be in school or classes all the time.
Why didn't someone tell me during high school when I was thinking about college to not listen to that inner voice that was saying "Get a real major -- art isn't a real major... and okay, you'll get a music scholarship, but really -- what is THAT all about?"
I'm really in a bad mental space right now -- can't seem to shake the negative. I'm blaming PMS and the heat. I'm zapped. Today was better than yesterday... but that ain't sayin' much. Trying hard to get out of myself a bit, but I'm so miserable I can't stay focused. Praying constantly. I'm snapping and grouchy, and tired.
I am extremely thankful for a/c, my pool, and ice cream.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Whiny & Grumpy
When it is hot, I am grumpy. Night before last at 8:30 pm it was 90 degrees. (We got an outside temp thermometer). The pool was 86. Divine!! :D
If I am tired, I am whiny. I was up at 5:30 am two mornings in a row and by 2pm I'm just done.
If I am hungry, then I'm just grumpy but don't really know it.
Yesterday I worked out with the trainer for the first time since being back from my trip -- and my knee hurt from, er, rough-housing in the pool. So it was all upper body. And dang it was all heavy. I did 10 minutes 2.5 mph on the treadmill, weights, 10 minutes on the elliptical at incline 2 and resistance 25; then a break (I was tired!); then another 20 minutes on the elliptical at incline 2 and resistance 28.
Last week when I did the elliptical 3 days in a row my calves hurt so bad... today they don't seem too bad. And I'm not sore from the weights, so it probably wasn't as bad as I was whining about.
- - - - - - -
Conversation Monday --
her: do you have a sunburn?
me: no.... I just don't do heat and have bad skin.
This is at least the 2nd or 3rd time I've been asked about my skin (when I'm not wearing makeup) and not responded all that nicely. Which is how I know I'm one of the above: hot, tired, grumpy or a combination of the three.
Funny how when I don't wear makeup how more people notice how red I am. And I don't sit in the sun, but when it is over 70 degrees inside and out, I get red. Rosacea doesn't help, and while I'm not having an outbreak at the moment, it does give me a lovely year-round ruddy appearance. [note sarcasm]
Wearing makeup in this weather -- why bother... it just slides off. And I wear minerals, which don't slide off the other 10 months of the year.
It isn't high blood pressure (well, it could be, but I've been looking this red since we moved to freakin' Arizona when I was 11). It isn't even that I'm working out all that hard. I just --
do. not. handle. heat. well.
period. full stop.
yes, I'm a little grumpy.
If I am tired, I am whiny. I was up at 5:30 am two mornings in a row and by 2pm I'm just done.
If I am hungry, then I'm just grumpy but don't really know it.
Yesterday I worked out with the trainer for the first time since being back from my trip -- and my knee hurt from, er, rough-housing in the pool. So it was all upper body. And dang it was all heavy. I did 10 minutes 2.5 mph on the treadmill, weights, 10 minutes on the elliptical at incline 2 and resistance 25; then a break (I was tired!); then another 20 minutes on the elliptical at incline 2 and resistance 28.
Last week when I did the elliptical 3 days in a row my calves hurt so bad... today they don't seem too bad. And I'm not sore from the weights, so it probably wasn't as bad as I was whining about.
- - - - - - -
Conversation Monday --
her: do you have a sunburn?
me: no.... I just don't do heat and have bad skin.
This is at least the 2nd or 3rd time I've been asked about my skin (when I'm not wearing makeup) and not responded all that nicely. Which is how I know I'm one of the above: hot, tired, grumpy or a combination of the three.
Funny how when I don't wear makeup how more people notice how red I am. And I don't sit in the sun, but when it is over 70 degrees inside and out, I get red. Rosacea doesn't help, and while I'm not having an outbreak at the moment, it does give me a lovely year-round ruddy appearance. [note sarcasm]
Wearing makeup in this weather -- why bother... it just slides off. And I wear minerals, which don't slide off the other 10 months of the year.
It isn't high blood pressure (well, it could be, but I've been looking this red since we moved to freakin' Arizona when I was 11). It isn't even that I'm working out all that hard. I just --
do. not. handle. heat. well.
period. full stop.
yes, I'm a little grumpy.
Monday, June 30, 2008
I hate to brag but....
I just made THE BEST stir fry EVER!!
This recipe makes excellent stir fry sauce!!
I'm a stir fry novice -- my last attempt was pretty woeful... but tonight I stir fried red & yellow bell peppers and cabbage in olive oil with garlic & onions - then the sauce, took that and put it in a separate pan that had the sauce and a bit of olive oil simmering; then stir fried broccoli, zucchini, chopped spinach and frozen veg mix with corn, asparagus & a few carrots (I took most of the carrots out since I can't stand cooked carrots - blech).
After stir frying that in olive oil and more garlic and sauce, I put that in with the cabbage mix and stir fried TOFU (!). Me -- and himself loved it!
This was my first time really cooking with tofu - I sliced and cubed it after draining it for only an hour (everything I read says a minimum of two hours, but this was 'firm' tofu so it wasn't as crucial as other types), marinated it in the sauce for 30 minutes and stir fried with the sauce, then finished it up with a bit more olive oil to kinda crisp it up just a little.
I had the peppers already chopped up, so my prep wasn't too bad -- and cooked basmati rice in the rice cooker.
And I watched "Divine Design" during all this too.
I'm just so pleased with my vegetarian meal... and that this will probably become a staple meal in our house (yay -- more veggies!!)
:D :D :D
I'm really excited -- can you tell?
This recipe makes excellent stir fry sauce!!
I'm a stir fry novice -- my last attempt was pretty woeful... but tonight I stir fried red & yellow bell peppers and cabbage in olive oil with garlic & onions - then the sauce, took that and put it in a separate pan that had the sauce and a bit of olive oil simmering; then stir fried broccoli, zucchini, chopped spinach and frozen veg mix with corn, asparagus & a few carrots (I took most of the carrots out since I can't stand cooked carrots - blech).
After stir frying that in olive oil and more garlic and sauce, I put that in with the cabbage mix and stir fried TOFU (!). Me -- and himself loved it!
This was my first time really cooking with tofu - I sliced and cubed it after draining it for only an hour (everything I read says a minimum of two hours, but this was 'firm' tofu so it wasn't as crucial as other types), marinated it in the sauce for 30 minutes and stir fried with the sauce, then finished it up with a bit more olive oil to kinda crisp it up just a little.
I had the peppers already chopped up, so my prep wasn't too bad -- and cooked basmati rice in the rice cooker.
And I watched "Divine Design" during all this too.
I'm just so pleased with my vegetarian meal... and that this will probably become a staple meal in our house (yay -- more veggies!!)
:D :D :D
I'm really excited -- can you tell?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
To Be Clear
Just because someone doesn't understand what you're saying, does not mean you are not saying it clearly.
You may not be saying it clearly enough for that person, but it does not mean you deserve attitude and pissy tone because you're "talking in half sentences."
Sometimes a simple, "I don't understand what you are talking about, (are saying, are trying to say, mean....) will let the other person know that more information is needed. All of these things are nicer and don't put the other person on the defense. After the 3rd time of asking, then you might have the right to be annoyed and pissy... perfectly understandable to then flap your arms and raise your voice and blame me for not making sense.
So we're clear then.
You may not be saying it clearly enough for that person, but it does not mean you deserve attitude and pissy tone because you're "talking in half sentences."
Sometimes a simple, "I don't understand what you are talking about, (are saying, are trying to say, mean....) will let the other person know that more information is needed. All of these things are nicer and don't put the other person on the defense. After the 3rd time of asking, then you might have the right to be annoyed and pissy... perfectly understandable to then flap your arms and raise your voice and blame me for not making sense.
So we're clear then.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
15 Years in 10 Bullet Points (Ha!)
The Rules: Think back on the last 15 years of your life. What would you tell someone that you hadn't seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize you.
15 years ago = June 1993.
[1]*I finished my Boston to Florida tour in April of '92 and was working at Tucson Lifestyle Magazine (I think). I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life after graduating with a degree in Public Relations except that I didn't want to work in the field of Public Relations. Or Marketing. Or Business.
[2]*I was working/playing with an independent Musical Theatre Company - the founder of which had amazing and wonderful influences on my life. This was also not always healthy. Without calling it a cult, it was, in fact, a very tight-knit and opposite-world-view group. I love them still. (When I say working, don't think we made money)
[3]*I decided to move in with SJ ~ whom I love very much but haven't heard from her in about 10 years. She and I have food issues -- she dealt with them in the anorexic/bulimic way -- I just ate and ate and ate. I could not afford to live with SJ, and was quite unhappy in our living situation. So the way I changed my situation was to go back to school for my music education degree, cuz that is what I really should have done. I moved back home and to the UA on a full vocal performance scholarship.
[4]*After one semester with a terrible voice professor, I quit. The real reason: I didn't want to work at it, and while I did have a voice prof who was not a teacher, that is just the excuse.
[5]*I worked as a Temp's Temp while wondering what in the heck I was doing (I worked in a Temp Office as the office receptionist/assistant and was sent out if/when someone flaked for a job and didn't show up). That ended badly for details I don't remember, but learned how difficult it is to work in a small office and that clear communication is critical to success.
[6]* Summer of Hell -- I worked as a karaoke waitress, a coffeeshop waitress, threw newspapers in the a.m. with my mother, worked part time in retail at Lane Bryant. I don't know when that was exactly, but it was in these years sometime -- when I was living with SJ, I think. And yeah, still doing the theatre. 5 part-time jobs... no money... and throwing newspapers with my mom... aw crap.
[7]* 1995 - quit the theatre, went back and worked at American Airlines and loved it. Went back to barbershop. Living at home. Mom moved to San Diego -- life was kinda hell, actually in many many ways.
[8]* 1997 - met himself on AOL in a random chat room and in 1998 we married and I moved to Scotland until 2004, at which time I moved back to the USA and started working for INFONXX (?) a cell phone information service. Life improves dramatically for many many reasons. After a year in Scotland I started looking for how to make myself happy, and life is a constant surprise (not all pleasant) for my endlessly patient and wonderful himself. Coming to America was sort of an ultimatum regarding how we lived our life.
[9]* 2005 - himself joins me after selling our Scotland house and we made probably $30,000 after all was said and done.... bought the van, himself adjusted for 6 months (which means he bummed around and acquired stuff) while I worked as an Activities Assistant for an independent senior retirement community. Life is fabulous.
[10]* Present - He's been working 2 years for the best call center in our town, making great money when you consider where we live and what he is doing; I'm going into my second year at a job I love (making history here), we just bought our first American House and Rascal, our four-footed fur friend completes our family. Life is life, but really great in the great scheme of things.
------------------
stolen from Life is Short ~ Partake in Happy Hour.
Now You Play :D
15 years ago = June 1993.
[1]*I finished my Boston to Florida tour in April of '92 and was working at Tucson Lifestyle Magazine (I think). I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life after graduating with a degree in Public Relations except that I didn't want to work in the field of Public Relations. Or Marketing. Or Business.
[2]*I was working/playing with an independent Musical Theatre Company - the founder of which had amazing and wonderful influences on my life. This was also not always healthy. Without calling it a cult, it was, in fact, a very tight-knit and opposite-world-view group. I love them still. (When I say working, don't think we made money)
[3]*I decided to move in with SJ ~ whom I love very much but haven't heard from her in about 10 years. She and I have food issues -- she dealt with them in the anorexic/bulimic way -- I just ate and ate and ate. I could not afford to live with SJ, and was quite unhappy in our living situation. So the way I changed my situation was to go back to school for my music education degree, cuz that is what I really should have done. I moved back home and to the UA on a full vocal performance scholarship.
[4]*After one semester with a terrible voice professor, I quit. The real reason: I didn't want to work at it, and while I did have a voice prof who was not a teacher, that is just the excuse.
[5]*I worked as a Temp's Temp while wondering what in the heck I was doing (I worked in a Temp Office as the office receptionist/assistant and was sent out if/when someone flaked for a job and didn't show up). That ended badly for details I don't remember, but learned how difficult it is to work in a small office and that clear communication is critical to success.
[6]* Summer of Hell -- I worked as a karaoke waitress, a coffeeshop waitress, threw newspapers in the a.m. with my mother, worked part time in retail at Lane Bryant. I don't know when that was exactly, but it was in these years sometime -- when I was living with SJ, I think. And yeah, still doing the theatre. 5 part-time jobs... no money... and throwing newspapers with my mom... aw crap.
[7]* 1995 - quit the theatre, went back and worked at American Airlines and loved it. Went back to barbershop. Living at home. Mom moved to San Diego -- life was kinda hell, actually in many many ways.
[8]* 1997 - met himself on AOL in a random chat room and in 1998 we married and I moved to Scotland until 2004, at which time I moved back to the USA and started working for INFONXX (?) a cell phone information service. Life improves dramatically for many many reasons. After a year in Scotland I started looking for how to make myself happy, and life is a constant surprise (not all pleasant) for my endlessly patient and wonderful himself. Coming to America was sort of an ultimatum regarding how we lived our life.
[9]* 2005 - himself joins me after selling our Scotland house and we made probably $30,000 after all was said and done.... bought the van, himself adjusted for 6 months (which means he bummed around and acquired stuff) while I worked as an Activities Assistant for an independent senior retirement community. Life is fabulous.
[10]* Present - He's been working 2 years for the best call center in our town, making great money when you consider where we live and what he is doing; I'm going into my second year at a job I love (making history here), we just bought our first American House and Rascal, our four-footed fur friend completes our family. Life is life, but really great in the great scheme of things.
------------------
stolen from Life is Short ~ Partake in Happy Hour.
Now You Play :D
Some Things Added
I've just added a couple things to the "Things Holding My Attention" list --
[1] Being Green, Frugal, Clean & Healthy
[2] Link to Natural Clean House
[3] Link to Flylady (Fly = Finally Loving Yourself; help for those living in CHAOS = Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
Being Green is usually cheaper -- using vinegar, lemon, baking soda etc... rather than the chemicals... easier on old pipes, safer to use in general, and did I mention way cheaper? I struggle with recycling because I don't always move the item to be put in the recycling bin off the counter/surface right away, so it ends up being clutter -- then it has been there so long that I don't see it... and well -- you see the downward spiral of adding to my clutter disease.
So -- I'm not going to obsess about recycling or the green thing, it is mostly related to being frugal.
Being Frugal -- himself and I went to a financial planner a year ago last May -- and we have yet to really put it in place. Lefty (isn't that a great name for a financial planner?) gave us some great tools -- and now that we're kind of settled and making our new house a home, we need to get on the stick (or is that phrase get off the stick?) and start making some progress.
My first goal is to get my student loans paid off. No self-judgement, no beating myself up, just stand up and admit that I have not been the most responsible loan payee (cough cough sputter).
They're over $30,000.00. Yikes. Ouch. Now out there in cyber space for everyone to see. Accountability. Follow-through. Responsible. All those grown-up words. blech.
I like to spend, himself likes to save.
We'll have 3 "save to spend" accounts and himself will be in charge of the "save for the sake of saving" account.
We thought three things:
Travel (home to Scotland)
House (big items)
Hobbies (Sweet Adeline travel & events, woodworking tools, craft events/weekends, tools & supplies)
There is also the Car Account -- when my car is paid off, I'll still put that amount of car payment into an account, and while we may not be able to buy a car with cash on the next vehicle, we should be able to on the vehicle after that.
At least, that is what I think we decided -- it was over a year ago we had that conversation.
Key to the process [For ME!] is reminding ourselves what the goal is -- Lefty recommends that before going to sleep at night, we stand in a hug with each other, read over our lists of "wants"(the things we're saving for) -- to remind ourselves of the reasons we're not buying the iced coffee from McDonald's or the fun bags o' crap from Big Lots.
I'm the one that needs the reminder - the visualization of what it will be like when: -- I have no more payments to student loans; when we have a beautiful garden & Arizona Room, when I have an organized craft/music studio, when himself can build furniture for us...
Being Clean
Flylady. (she's now a link in the same area)
How it works for me:
[1] I can do anything for 15 minutes. Even if I don't want to do it, I will set the timer (!) and for 15 minutes I will clean up my sink/kitchen area. If it doesn't take 15 minutes I can quit, or, depending on my mood, I can extend my zone. I use this for everything I don't "feel" like doing -- which is a lot, I'm afraid.
[2] Soap is soap - swish & wipe the bathroom.
I've acquired probably 25 washcloths because the one I'm done using gets a squirt of generic cleaner and I wipe down the toilet & sink. The shower got sprayed before I got out. (with vinegar! -- a natural disinfectant!!)
[3] I don't have to move furniture to clean, and using a feather duster is okay.
[4] You can't organize Clutter.
There are other excellent tools she helps develop habits with... but those are the ones I try to remember all the time.
Being Healthy
I'm working out -- and now I'm feeling better and it is getting easier, so I'm more likely to keep at it -- AND I have a couple buddies who meet me there.
I'm seriously considering going to a plant-based diet. I need a plan, and my first goal is to do it for 40 days. I'll need to have my list of snack foods, and it will take making my lunch and taking it with me, and again -- having a PLAN. When I start I'll keep ya posted.
That would be huge (because plant-based means vegan, and I'm doing it for health. There are other benefits to the planet blah blah blah - yada yada yada... but I don't want to end up with a medicine cabinet full of medications in the next 10 years).
The China Study is a book that (supposedly) explains how a no-animal-protein lifestyle can reverse some serious diseases (heart, diabetes, cancer). I'm still reading -- and I may change my mind...
but let me say that 20 years ago I really really considered going veggie -- lacto-ovo. I like beef, I like chicken... but I love pasta, cheese (!), eggs (!), rice, beans & almost all vegetables (except for weird lettuci [lettuces?], sprouts (grass), tomatoes & mushrooms) -- I'm open to I think everything else!
ETA: I think Dr. Andrew Weil, author of "Eating Well for Optimum Health" is probably the most balanced viewpoint I've come across so far... and the more I research Vegan/Vegetarianism I appreciate that.
[1] Being Green, Frugal, Clean & Healthy
[2] Link to Natural Clean House
[3] Link to Flylady (Fly = Finally Loving Yourself; help for those living in CHAOS = Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)
Being Green is usually cheaper -- using vinegar, lemon, baking soda etc... rather than the chemicals... easier on old pipes, safer to use in general, and did I mention way cheaper? I struggle with recycling because I don't always move the item to be put in the recycling bin off the counter/surface right away, so it ends up being clutter -- then it has been there so long that I don't see it... and well -- you see the downward spiral of adding to my clutter disease.
So -- I'm not going to obsess about recycling or the green thing, it is mostly related to being frugal.
Being Frugal -- himself and I went to a financial planner a year ago last May -- and we have yet to really put it in place. Lefty (isn't that a great name for a financial planner?) gave us some great tools -- and now that we're kind of settled and making our new house a home, we need to get on the stick (or is that phrase get off the stick?) and start making some progress.
My first goal is to get my student loans paid off. No self-judgement, no beating myself up, just stand up and admit that I have not been the most responsible loan payee (cough cough sputter).
They're over $30,000.00. Yikes. Ouch. Now out there in cyber space for everyone to see. Accountability. Follow-through. Responsible. All those grown-up words. blech.
I like to spend, himself likes to save.
We'll have 3 "save to spend" accounts and himself will be in charge of the "save for the sake of saving" account.
We thought three things:
Travel (home to Scotland)
House (big items)
Hobbies (Sweet Adeline travel & events, woodworking tools, craft events/weekends, tools & supplies)
There is also the Car Account -- when my car is paid off, I'll still put that amount of car payment into an account, and while we may not be able to buy a car with cash on the next vehicle, we should be able to on the vehicle after that.
At least, that is what I think we decided -- it was over a year ago we had that conversation.
Key to the process [For ME!] is reminding ourselves what the goal is -- Lefty recommends that before going to sleep at night, we stand in a hug with each other, read over our lists of "wants"(the things we're saving for) -- to remind ourselves of the reasons we're not buying the iced coffee from McDonald's or the fun bags o' crap from Big Lots.
I'm the one that needs the reminder - the visualization of what it will be like when: -- I have no more payments to student loans; when we have a beautiful garden & Arizona Room, when I have an organized craft/music studio, when himself can build furniture for us...
Being Clean
Flylady. (she's now a link in the same area)
How it works for me:
[1] I can do anything for 15 minutes. Even if I don't want to do it, I will set the timer (!) and for 15 minutes I will clean up my sink/kitchen area. If it doesn't take 15 minutes I can quit, or, depending on my mood, I can extend my zone. I use this for everything I don't "feel" like doing -- which is a lot, I'm afraid.
[2] Soap is soap - swish & wipe the bathroom.
I've acquired probably 25 washcloths because the one I'm done using gets a squirt of generic cleaner and I wipe down the toilet & sink. The shower got sprayed before I got out. (with vinegar! -- a natural disinfectant!!)
[3] I don't have to move furniture to clean, and using a feather duster is okay.
[4] You can't organize Clutter.
There are other excellent tools she helps develop habits with... but those are the ones I try to remember all the time.
Being Healthy
I'm working out -- and now I'm feeling better and it is getting easier, so I'm more likely to keep at it -- AND I have a couple buddies who meet me there.
I'm seriously considering going to a plant-based diet. I need a plan, and my first goal is to do it for 40 days. I'll need to have my list of snack foods, and it will take making my lunch and taking it with me, and again -- having a PLAN. When I start I'll keep ya posted.
That would be huge (because plant-based means vegan, and I'm doing it for health. There are other benefits to the planet blah blah blah - yada yada yada... but I don't want to end up with a medicine cabinet full of medications in the next 10 years).
The China Study is a book that (supposedly) explains how a no-animal-protein lifestyle can reverse some serious diseases (heart, diabetes, cancer). I'm still reading -- and I may change my mind...
but let me say that 20 years ago I really really considered going veggie -- lacto-ovo. I like beef, I like chicken... but I love pasta, cheese (!), eggs (!), rice, beans & almost all vegetables (except for weird lettuci [lettuces?], sprouts (grass), tomatoes & mushrooms) -- I'm open to I think everything else!
ETA: I think Dr. Andrew Weil, author of "Eating Well for Optimum Health" is probably the most balanced viewpoint I've come across so far... and the more I research Vegan/Vegetarianism I appreciate that.
Really....?!!!!
Seriously.... dumbest product ever. And I don't even have kids!
I found the link at this blog about frugality, budgeting etc...
I'm really really hot.
I hate being hot. Really hate it. I don't want to get in the pool yet because then I'll waste the day lounging in the pool... that will be my reward this afternoon...
But I'm really hot.
I found the link at this blog about frugality, budgeting etc...
I'm really really hot.
I hate being hot. Really hate it. I don't want to get in the pool yet because then I'll waste the day lounging in the pool... that will be my reward this afternoon...
But I'm really hot.
I'm Back
From my week long trip to CA -- from Tracy to Sacramento to Orange to Huntington Beach to La Verne...
Safe and Sound -- very warm, weary and full of thoughts.
I'm reading The China Study.
I'm still scrapping for my client... I made $400 for my efforts this time, AND my car got washed and practically detailed inside -- I hardly recognize it! It is bee-yew-ti-ful!!! :D
I saw my freshman year college roommate and had dinner with her at Soup Plantation aka Sweet Tomatoes 'round here....
Saw my favorite cousin -- and that was a good, needed visit.
I saw another friend from Scotland who lives in Paradise in Huntington Beach -- but it was hot for the beach -- 85 and most folks don't have A/C...
Stayed with my brother and his wife who are busy getting their house ready to rent and waiting for everything to go through on the house they're buying.
It was whirlwind, busy, and I'm tired. But so glad I went!
Safe and Sound -- very warm, weary and full of thoughts.
I'm reading The China Study.
I'm still scrapping for my client... I made $400 for my efforts this time, AND my car got washed and practically detailed inside -- I hardly recognize it! It is bee-yew-ti-ful!!! :D
I saw my freshman year college roommate and had dinner with her at Soup Plantation aka Sweet Tomatoes 'round here....
Saw my favorite cousin -- and that was a good, needed visit.
I saw another friend from Scotland who lives in Paradise in Huntington Beach -- but it was hot for the beach -- 85 and most folks don't have A/C...
Stayed with my brother and his wife who are busy getting their house ready to rent and waiting for everything to go through on the house they're buying.
It was whirlwind, busy, and I'm tired. But so glad I went!
Friday, June 13, 2008
pat pat pat
I'd like to boast a little.... 40 minutes on the elliptical at incline 4 - resistance 32.
Whoo hoo me!!
AND I was talking to my friend at. the. same. time. breathing, exercising... it just is too much ;-)
Whoo hoo me!!
AND I was talking to my friend at. the. same. time. breathing, exercising... it just is too much ;-)
Happy Birthday Dad
Today is my dad's birthday ~ and he told me a few weeks ago that he was actually born on a Friday the 13th, and 13 has always been a lucky number for him.
So - in honor of it being Friday the 13th, here are 13 things about my dad.
[1] He goes by his middle name (which my sister tried to do with her son, but is really hasn't stuck I don't think)
[2] My dad is an excellent card player (I was warned and told, but saw it for myself when we all sat and played hearts, my husband kept up pretty well, I must say)
[3] My dad sleeps naked (this is a great story, for a much later post)
[4] He tells a good story/joke/anecdote
[5] My dad is incredibly good looking, if I do say so myself!
[6] My dad is the younger of two siblings, he has an older sister, who, by all accounts for the last 30+ years has been (sometimes affectionately, sometimes not) called "Crazy Aunt C."
[7] My dad graduated from Pepperdine with a degree in history and has consistently worked in social services related to youth services/youth help since then (I'm pretty sure... skipping the forays into selling cars with his uncle; helping to run a short-order restaurant with my grandfather; trying his hand at farming -- there may be some other short-lived career adventures, but to put it in broad strokes - he's always had the heart to improve conditions of others.)
[8] My dad almost always plays devil's advocate in conversations & discussions.
[9] My dad is dyed in the blue denim liberal.
[10] When I start thinking about how much I love him I start to cry.
[11] I love it when he calls me "Blondie"
[12] In 4th grade I spent one semester living with my dad, step-mom, step-brother, half-sister & half-brother on a farm outside Alex, Oklahoma. What a change from my life as an only child of a single full-time working mom.
[13] He's got a great voice and an aptitude for music -- I wish he could/would find more joy in that in himself.
I love you dad!
So - in honor of it being Friday the 13th, here are 13 things about my dad.
[1] He goes by his middle name (which my sister tried to do with her son, but is really hasn't stuck I don't think)
[2] My dad is an excellent card player (I was warned and told, but saw it for myself when we all sat and played hearts, my husband kept up pretty well, I must say)
[3] My dad sleeps naked (this is a great story, for a much later post)
[4] He tells a good story/joke/anecdote
[5] My dad is incredibly good looking, if I do say so myself!
[6] My dad is the younger of two siblings, he has an older sister, who, by all accounts for the last 30+ years has been (sometimes affectionately, sometimes not) called "Crazy Aunt C."
[7] My dad graduated from Pepperdine with a degree in history and has consistently worked in social services related to youth services/youth help since then (I'm pretty sure... skipping the forays into selling cars with his uncle; helping to run a short-order restaurant with my grandfather; trying his hand at farming -- there may be some other short-lived career adventures, but to put it in broad strokes - he's always had the heart to improve conditions of others.)
[8] My dad almost always plays devil's advocate in conversations & discussions.
[9] My dad is dyed in the blue denim liberal.
[10] When I start thinking about how much I love him I start to cry.
[11] I love it when he calls me "Blondie"
[12] In 4th grade I spent one semester living with my dad, step-mom, step-brother, half-sister & half-brother on a farm outside Alex, Oklahoma. What a change from my life as an only child of a single full-time working mom.
[13] He's got a great voice and an aptitude for music -- I wish he could/would find more joy in that in himself.
I love you dad!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What Teachers Do You Remember?
Bay Area California
Montessori Pre School
David
Tracy
Anderson Elementary 1st Grade
Mrs. Anderson (not sure if that is right -- same name as school? probably not)
Parkview Elementary 2nd - 6th Grades
2nd & 3rd Grade
Mrs. Lumby (my mom didn't think she had any personality, but I adored her!)
Mrs. Willis (much meaner!)
Mrs. Schubert (not the primary teacher, but in the group)
Mrs. Can't remember
4th Grade
one semester at Alex School in Alex, Oklahoma
Mrs. Dickey (yes, it was funny even back then) Her son was the replacement drummer in the Band "America." When I look back she read some funny books to us, but I think they would not be considered politically correct today...
2nd half of 4th grade - back to Parkview
Mr. Shiriyama (sp?)
Mr. Mitchell -- his reputation was as a mean teacher, but I thought he was nice (such a teacher's pet = me)
5th Grade
Mr. Higgins - great teacher, though his head was wayyyy too small for his body!
6th Grade
back to team teaching:
Mrs. Kopp (main teacher)
Mr. Shoppell (Shuh-PELL) - after lunch and recess he would read while everyone kinda calmed down -- back in 1978 he read "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" - had he not read them I wouldn't ever had known about C.S. Lewis (spring break that year I devoured the entire series in a week when I saw the books in a bookstore while on a weeklong trip with my mom, aunt M & her husband, Bob) . Yes, I was in a public school.
Mrs. don't remember didn't have much personality, as I recall. Taught the English portions of the curriculum.
MOVED to ARIZONA
7th & 8th Grade (jr. high! scary!!)
Mr. Stanton -- English Teacher - very hippie/granola/Birkenstock kinda guy. I liked him.
Ms. Foster who married my future high school algebra tutor (she later became the librarian)
Mrs. Young (easy to remember!) - Art Teacher - she had a horrible reputation as a mean teacher, but I thought she was pretty funny, actually.
Mrs. Music Teacher (would flip us off while "scratching her nose" and say, "My mama didn't raise no cross-eyed babies!" and put in our yearbooks, "Don't B #, Don't B b, Just B Natural" with the appropriate musical notations
Mrs. Schoenig - Typing Teacher (only class I ever got a D in - mom forced me to take this class under much protest from me! Glad I did now -- of course ;-) Touch typing on a manual typewriter. Egads, I must be 40!!
Mr. (Coach) Robertson - PE teacher from hell. But I still remember his name. Go Figure.
Mr. Carpenter - Science Teacher/homeroom teacher. Rumor had it he was 2nd up for the Challenger Space Shuttle mission (Disaster)
Mr. Kirshner - Never had him as a teacher, but will never forget the Halloween both he & Mr. Carpenter "dressed up" in 3-piece suits... you know, 'cuz you Dress Up for Halloween. Then they traded places for homeroom.
Mr. Math Teacher (nice, understood algebra at this time)
Ms. Math Teacher (nice, showed me that you could sometimes read the name of the person you liked whose name you'd scribbled over by turning the page over...)
Mrs. English Teacher (nice, older lady - didn't cope with this generation of hoodlums I went to school with very well)
That's all I remember right now from jr. high aka Middle School.
High School - SRHS 1981-1985
Mr. Fried (Freed) (pre-algebra) - loser -- He had a crew cut in 1981/2 -- not a buzz, not a standing up kind of hairstyle, but a 1950's crew cut. I also think he may have suffered from being colored blind, because holy cow the combinations of clothes he wore! Or just maybe he wore golf clothes to class...
Mr. Young - Algebra teacher - worse loser
Mrs. Ponchetti (Geometry) - worser yet, but at least was a nice person. Sucked on butterscotch candies all hour and talked about her red-headed grandchildren's adventures.
Mrs. Phillips - Computers, Senior year - dragon breath. More programming -- I didn't stick around long!!
Mrs. Johnson - Freshman Advanced English - read Princess Bride before it was movie - very cool
Mr. Collard - Art Teacher -- great great class. Every Friday we'd watch slides and he'd talk about artists and styles, and I loved it. I had an aptitude -- why did I listen to anyone and not major or at least spend more time in art classes....? (why is it we ask these questions at 40+?)
Mr. Fox - journalism/English Teacher
Dr. John S. Davis - Choir Teacher - influential - a great guy.
Mrs. Husted - Drama. Anyone who knows her name knows how awesome she is. Awesome. I only took the class for one semester (last semester) of my senior year... after having been directed by her as "Laurie" in the musical Oklahoma earlier in the year.
Mr. McPheeters - Southwest Literature 2nd semester Sr. Year. Best looking teacher in school.
Ms. Hiner - a class where we just brought our own books to read for an hour - I was in heaven. Technically we were supposed to give small, private reports to her after we finished a book. 1st Semester (I think) Sr. Year
Mrs. Muller - Senior English - actually read Shakespeare and wrote papers (not articles) She was the Senior Class Advisor and Student Council Advisor if I remember correctly.
Mrs. Valley -Grammar Review - thankful I took that class... lots of fun and I think I may have learned stuff ;-)
Mrs. Drudge - data processing. bs. it was easier programming, but I still wouldn't have made it through the class without Shel & RB. And if I were teaching high school, I would have changed my last name.
Mr. Bubany - Economics (sort of) teacher. I liked him - his rep was a dork, though. We had to bring a newspaper to school and read 10 minutes every day - he taught the principle that nothing is ever "Free" - you have to give up something (time, effort etc...).
Mrs. Irwin - Media something or another -- I don't remember much learning going on in the class... she was kind of wacky.
Mr. O'Donald - Chemistry. "Young sucking Face! Young's Sucking Face!" He didn't put up with hypocrisy -- now looking back I see that.... kids making out in the hallways but not wanting anyone to 'notice.' One of my favorite teachers... he was there every day after school and I was there just about every day trying to figure out the main formula and get the math right. At the end of the year he had a stamp for yearbooks, "To the best student I ever had." hee hee hee.
Mr. Kreamer ( pronounced Kramer) - coach - had him for summer school government because I'd heard horror stories about government teacher Mr. Powers (!) Kreamer was a good teacher and cool.
Ms. Piccone & Ms. Orosco - PE teachers -- Ms. Orosco was a kick in the pants, and Piccone was cool too.
Mr. Westfall - Driver's Ed. What a joke.
eta: yeah... I got out the yearbook!
Montessori Pre School
David
Tracy
Anderson Elementary 1st Grade
Mrs. Anderson (not sure if that is right -- same name as school? probably not)
Parkview Elementary 2nd - 6th Grades
2nd & 3rd Grade
Mrs. Lumby (my mom didn't think she had any personality, but I adored her!)
Mrs. Willis (much meaner!)
Mrs. Schubert (not the primary teacher, but in the group)
Mrs. Can't remember
4th Grade
one semester at Alex School in Alex, Oklahoma
Mrs. Dickey (yes, it was funny even back then) Her son was the replacement drummer in the Band "America." When I look back she read some funny books to us, but I think they would not be considered politically correct today...
2nd half of 4th grade - back to Parkview
Mr. Shiriyama (sp?)
Mr. Mitchell -- his reputation was as a mean teacher, but I thought he was nice (such a teacher's pet = me)
5th Grade
Mr. Higgins - great teacher, though his head was wayyyy too small for his body!
6th Grade
back to team teaching:
Mrs. Kopp (main teacher)
Mr. Shoppell (Shuh-PELL) - after lunch and recess he would read while everyone kinda calmed down -- back in 1978 he read "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" - had he not read them I wouldn't ever had known about C.S. Lewis (spring break that year I devoured the entire series in a week when I saw the books in a bookstore while on a weeklong trip with my mom, aunt M & her husband, Bob) . Yes, I was in a public school.
Mrs. don't remember didn't have much personality, as I recall. Taught the English portions of the curriculum.
MOVED to ARIZONA
7th & 8th Grade (jr. high! scary!!)
Mr. Stanton -- English Teacher - very hippie/granola/Birkenstock kinda guy. I liked him.
Ms. Foster who married my future high school algebra tutor (she later became the librarian)
Mrs. Young (easy to remember!) - Art Teacher - she had a horrible reputation as a mean teacher, but I thought she was pretty funny, actually.
Mrs. Music Teacher (would flip us off while "scratching her nose" and say, "My mama didn't raise no cross-eyed babies!" and put in our yearbooks, "Don't B #, Don't B b, Just B Natural" with the appropriate musical notations
Mrs. Schoenig - Typing Teacher (only class I ever got a D in - mom forced me to take this class under much protest from me! Glad I did now -- of course ;-) Touch typing on a manual typewriter. Egads, I must be 40!!
Mr. (Coach) Robertson - PE teacher from hell. But I still remember his name. Go Figure.
Mr. Carpenter - Science Teacher/homeroom teacher. Rumor had it he was 2nd up for the Challenger Space Shuttle mission (Disaster)
Mr. Kirshner - Never had him as a teacher, but will never forget the Halloween both he & Mr. Carpenter "dressed up" in 3-piece suits... you know, 'cuz you Dress Up for Halloween. Then they traded places for homeroom.
Mr. Math Teacher (nice, understood algebra at this time)
Ms. Math Teacher (nice, showed me that you could sometimes read the name of the person you liked whose name you'd scribbled over by turning the page over...)
Mrs. English Teacher (nice, older lady - didn't cope with this generation of hoodlums I went to school with very well)
That's all I remember right now from jr. high aka Middle School.
High School - SRHS 1981-1985
Mr. Fried (Freed) (pre-algebra) - loser -- He had a crew cut in 1981/2 -- not a buzz, not a standing up kind of hairstyle, but a 1950's crew cut. I also think he may have suffered from being colored blind, because holy cow the combinations of clothes he wore! Or just maybe he wore golf clothes to class...
Mr. Young - Algebra teacher - worse loser
Mrs. Ponchetti (Geometry) - worser yet, but at least was a nice person. Sucked on butterscotch candies all hour and talked about her red-headed grandchildren's adventures.
Mrs. Phillips - Computers, Senior year - dragon breath. More programming -- I didn't stick around long!!
Mrs. Johnson - Freshman Advanced English - read Princess Bride before it was movie - very cool
Mr. Collard - Art Teacher -- great great class. Every Friday we'd watch slides and he'd talk about artists and styles, and I loved it. I had an aptitude -- why did I listen to anyone and not major or at least spend more time in art classes....? (why is it we ask these questions at 40+?)
Mr. Fox - journalism/English Teacher
Dr. John S. Davis - Choir Teacher - influential - a great guy.
Mrs. Husted - Drama. Anyone who knows her name knows how awesome she is. Awesome. I only took the class for one semester (last semester) of my senior year... after having been directed by her as "Laurie" in the musical Oklahoma earlier in the year.
Mr. McPheeters - Southwest Literature 2nd semester Sr. Year. Best looking teacher in school.
Ms. Hiner - a class where we just brought our own books to read for an hour - I was in heaven. Technically we were supposed to give small, private reports to her after we finished a book. 1st Semester (I think) Sr. Year
Mrs. Muller - Senior English - actually read Shakespeare and wrote papers (not articles) She was the Senior Class Advisor and Student Council Advisor if I remember correctly.
Mrs. Valley -Grammar Review - thankful I took that class... lots of fun and I think I may have learned stuff ;-)
Mrs. Drudge - data processing. bs. it was easier programming, but I still wouldn't have made it through the class without Shel & RB. And if I were teaching high school, I would have changed my last name.
Mr. Bubany - Economics (sort of) teacher. I liked him - his rep was a dork, though. We had to bring a newspaper to school and read 10 minutes every day - he taught the principle that nothing is ever "Free" - you have to give up something (time, effort etc...).
Mrs. Irwin - Media something or another -- I don't remember much learning going on in the class... she was kind of wacky.
Mr. O'Donald - Chemistry. "Young sucking Face! Young's Sucking Face!" He didn't put up with hypocrisy -- now looking back I see that.... kids making out in the hallways but not wanting anyone to 'notice.' One of my favorite teachers... he was there every day after school and I was there just about every day trying to figure out the main formula and get the math right. At the end of the year he had a stamp for yearbooks, "To the best student I ever had." hee hee hee.
Mr. Kreamer ( pronounced Kramer) - coach - had him for summer school government because I'd heard horror stories about government teacher Mr. Powers (!) Kreamer was a good teacher and cool.
Ms. Piccone & Ms. Orosco - PE teachers -- Ms. Orosco was a kick in the pants, and Piccone was cool too.
Mr. Westfall - Driver's Ed. What a joke.
eta: yeah... I got out the yearbook!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Meme-ing
I found this meme from Coffeegal over at La Vida DulceIn your entire life, have you ever...
gone on a blind date? oooohhhh yes. Some of my best stories are bad blind dates! (probably a great topic for Thursday 13 some day)
skipped school? Yes
watched someone die? No
been to Canada? nope
been to Mexico? Yes
been to Florida? Yes
been on a plane? Yes
been lost? Lost as in absolutely no clue where I am or how to get out if it, no. Turned around and thinking I was going one way when in actuality I was headed the opposite direction...? That describes my first year of driving in Kilt Country!
been on the opposite side of the country? Yes
gone to Washington, DC? Yes! I love DC... got to see it with Cherry Blossoms in full bloom :D
swam in the ocean? Yes... Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and have been at the beach on the coldest, windiest day ever Atlantic Side, so didn't stick a toe in.
had your booze taken away by the cops? No!
lettered in a high school sport? I was a choir and I have a choir letter ;-)
cried yourself to sleep? Yes
played cops and robbers? Does playing Charlie's Angels count? 4th grade - I was Jill. The only episode I knew was when they were undercover in jail (episode with a not-yet-famous Kim Basinger...) and Jill fakes food poisoning to get into the infirmary. It was the only episode I knew because it was on at 9pm and my bedtime was like, 7:30 (!)
played dolls? Yes -- dolls and barbies
recently colored with crayons? No, but on choir tour in college I took a coloring book and crayons on the bus to help pass the time -- and have colored with my niece when she is here.
sang Karaoke? Yes... one of my nicknames, actually. "I've Never Been To Me" & "I Could Have Danced All Night" are the geeky songs I sing.
paid for a meal with coins only? Yes... and I was even done with college!
done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes
cheated on an exam? Yes. And that's all the detail you'll get.
made prank phone calls? Oh yes! Caller ID put an end to that didn't it?
laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Probably.
caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
danced in the rain? No
written a letter to Santa Claus? Of course!
been kissed under the mistletoe? Yes
watched the sunrise with someone you care about? Yes/No... kinda sorta. The sun rose, I didn't much care...
been arrested? Never
blown bubbles? Yes -- I love blowing bubbles!! I thought it was awesome when weddings had bubble blowing rather than rice/bird-seed throwing!!
gone ice-skating? Yes -- badly -- a long long long time ago.
been skinny dipping outdoors? Yes, several times. We had a spa ;-) Now we have a pool!
had a nickname? Care-Bear, Blondie, Carrie-okie (Karaoke)
been to Africa? No... but would like to help a friend at church do stuff with a school in Ghana maybe one day.
eaten cookies for dinner? Absolutely, as a side to dish to ice cream.
been on TV? I was an audience member (back to the camera) on Win, Lose or Draw game show... the only contestant I remember was Mario Van Peebles (oh babe-ee!! cutie cutie cute-ee!!).
stolen any traffic signs? Do "Blinkies" count? If not, then no.
been in a car accident? Oh yeah. Stopped traffic on the 101 heading east in the valley. Really really sucked. No one was cited at the time, but yet I was sued... but nothing happened cuz the guy on the motorcycle with wearing shorts, a wife-beater t-shirt, no helmet & Flip Flops for shoes... and and who went through 3 lawyers *after* I unknowingly spoke to the first one and told that lawyer exactly what happened (no one told me not to talk to anyone but my insurance company....) and he rejected the case... well, after 6 months of not getting more than his medical stuff paid for... you get the idea. I have always watched out for folks who ride motorcycles -- I know too many people who ride them -- this guy was sort of an idiot.
And I was a passenger in a car that got rear-ended on PCH - we were at a dead stop and were hit by a guy going probably over 30 mph... nothing serious - had our seat belts on -- car was an oldie but goodie that was solid.
And yep, some fender benders.What is your...
mother's name? Norma
favorite drink? water, raspberry lipton tea, oreo milkshake
birthplace? Chico, CA
favorite vacation spot? Northern California
favorite salad dressing? Ken's Balsamic Vinegrette
favorite pie? Cheesecake
favorite number? 20
favorite movie? Oh so many...can I have one per genre? For the moment I'll go with Notting Hill or Love Actually. On Golden Pond is always in the top.
favorite holiday? Christmas
favorite food? Macaroni & Cheese. Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Ice Cream. Cheesecake.
favorite day of the week? Any day I don't have to go or be or do!
favorite brand of body wash? Olay with Shea Butter
favorite toothpaste? Crest - original flavor (hard to find anymore!)
favorite smell? cinnamon rolls, orange blossoms, desert after the rain
Do you have any...
tattoos? no
body piercings? Ears
Do you drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door PT Cruiser (and mini van)
What do you do to relax? veg out - pool (huge grin!), tv; read (has been too long though); play Freecell; read blogs.
How do you see yourself in 10 years? Excellent question. Right now I just hope I'm exercising regularly :D
Play along if you'd like (and let me know please...!)
Some Perspective
I know our gas prices are way-high... I've always said I wouldn't complain about any price of gas over here until we start paying +$5 a gallon... in Scotland 4 years ago that is what we paid per gallon of petrol. And ya know what? Their gallon is smaller than our gallon. We are creeping up on that number... and I'm not saying that this is a positive thing... just consider:
1 UK Gallon = .833 US Gallon
I just did a check on what the price of petrol is going for over there now... 4.10GBP (Great British Pounds). 1 UK gallon of petrol (aka gasoline) = 4 pounds 10 pence.
Today's conversion rate (from this website) is:
4.10GBP = $8.05 USD
Dang.
Here is the article from the Scotsman newspaper... and if you read near the bottom you'll see the town I lived in (home of BP in Scotland) is mentioned.
So... just a reminder tha it can always be worse, or... get worse.
1 UK Gallon = .833 US Gallon
I just did a check on what the price of petrol is going for over there now... 4.10GBP (Great British Pounds). 1 UK gallon of petrol (aka gasoline) = 4 pounds 10 pence.
Today's conversion rate (from this website) is:
4.10GBP = $8.05 USD
Dang.
Here is the article from the Scotsman newspaper... and if you read near the bottom you'll see the town I lived in (home of BP in Scotland) is mentioned.
So... just a reminder tha it can always be worse, or... get worse.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Cardio dying... a good thing
Have I mentioned how much I hate sweating? How much I love my new pool?
I took today off from work, did some client scrapping (6 pages), ate lunch while watching tv and then had a little snooze. I'd turned DOWN the cooler (can't believe this is *ME*) and then, had to put on a little blankie for my snooze because I was cool.
un -- be -- lieve -- a -- ble
[of course, it was only 96 degrees today]
I worked out Tuesday, Wednesday & today with my trainer...
He killed me with cardio on Wednesday - but I burned 300 calories - 200 for 1/2 hour on the elliptical and 1/2 hour on the treadmill. 200 cal burned on the elliptical ... 100 cal on the treadmill. Hmmm... which one is easier on me AND burns more calories. DUH.
But today trainer did 5 minutes climbing at like, __ 13 __ (!!!) incline and 3 mph on the stinkin' treadmill... but I quickly proved that I'm a wuss and battled him... took it down to an incline of 6 (which is still hard for me) and 2.5 mph. After lifting weights we came back to the treadmill and he left me where I'd left off, for another 5 minutes... more weights then another 5 minutes on the treadmill with slightly higher numbers.
I'd much rather do longer length of exercise at a pace I can keep up with and enjoy (thereby making a lifestyle change that will last) than too much too fast that will keep the "I hate to exercise" thought in my head forever.
Make sense?
Things have been much calmer but still busy at work.
I'm going to be painting more garden art in the future...
I took today off from work, did some client scrapping (6 pages), ate lunch while watching tv and then had a little snooze. I'd turned DOWN the cooler (can't believe this is *ME*) and then, had to put on a little blankie for my snooze because I was cool.
un -- be -- lieve -- a -- ble
[of course, it was only 96 degrees today]
I worked out Tuesday, Wednesday & today with my trainer...
He killed me with cardio on Wednesday - but I burned 300 calories - 200 for 1/2 hour on the elliptical and 1/2 hour on the treadmill. 200 cal burned on the elliptical ... 100 cal on the treadmill. Hmmm... which one is easier on me AND burns more calories. DUH.
But today trainer did 5 minutes climbing at like, __ 13 __ (!!!) incline and 3 mph on the stinkin' treadmill... but I quickly proved that I'm a wuss and battled him... took it down to an incline of 6 (which is still hard for me) and 2.5 mph. After lifting weights we came back to the treadmill and he left me where I'd left off, for another 5 minutes... more weights then another 5 minutes on the treadmill with slightly higher numbers.
I'd much rather do longer length of exercise at a pace I can keep up with and enjoy (thereby making a lifestyle change that will last) than too much too fast that will keep the "I hate to exercise" thought in my head forever.
Make sense?
Things have been much calmer but still busy at work.
I'm going to be painting more garden art in the future...
Monday, June 02, 2008
Keychain I bought at the dollar store
"So much to do, so few people to do if for me."
my new favorite quote
my new favorite quote
Happy June 2nd ~ month of many birthdays in my family!
I'll post pix of the pool fun when I can get the photos off of my camera... my card reader is hiccuping.
Went to church today... third time in a row, but the first time at the church I'm a member of for at least 3 months... it was o.k.
Went to Michael's and spent $50 -- they were having a 25% off your entire purchase, even things on sale -- and I only spent $50!! Oh the self control.
I'm going to be painting more rocks soon. I know y'all are waiting with baited breath!
Talked to my dad for an hour lounging in the pool yesterday. It was great. :D
Craft class yesterday went really well -- would post pix of the very cute masculine (isn't that an oxymoron - "cute masculine") vest cards for Father's Day... if my card reader would work.
Himself's not been smoking for over 4 weeks now... I'm so proud!! He's not been grumpy -- he has been a little more irritating in ways when he thinks he's being cute and funny, but not really... ya know? But I can only imagine how hard quitting is -- and I'm really really glad for him :D And he bought AND assembled my pool. I love him very much.
Went to a memorial on Friday afternoon -- have been to what seems a lot more funerals in the past two years -- this gravesite memorial gave me the opportunity to think about what I would want at my funeral (sounds morbid, but I don't mean it to be...), and to have that talk with himself... along with setting up a will.
Will be scrapping tomorrow!
Went to church today... third time in a row, but the first time at the church I'm a member of for at least 3 months... it was o.k.
Went to Michael's and spent $50 -- they were having a 25% off your entire purchase, even things on sale -- and I only spent $50!! Oh the self control.
I'm going to be painting more rocks soon. I know y'all are waiting with baited breath!
Talked to my dad for an hour lounging in the pool yesterday. It was great. :D
Craft class yesterday went really well -- would post pix of the very cute masculine (isn't that an oxymoron - "cute masculine") vest cards for Father's Day... if my card reader would work.
Himself's not been smoking for over 4 weeks now... I'm so proud!! He's not been grumpy -- he has been a little more irritating in ways when he thinks he's being cute and funny, but not really... ya know? But I can only imagine how hard quitting is -- and I'm really really glad for him :D And he bought AND assembled my pool. I love him very much.
Went to a memorial on Friday afternoon -- have been to what seems a lot more funerals in the past two years -- this gravesite memorial gave me the opportunity to think about what I would want at my funeral (sounds morbid, but I don't mean it to be...), and to have that talk with himself... along with setting up a will.
Will be scrapping tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
I shouldn't... but I do
Finally!
Derek & Meredith... Grey's Anatomy... 2-hour season finale.
Guilty Pleasures.
* * * *
Back to my trainer after two weeks off - gonna hurt tomorrow.
Work is still busy but no looming "Do or Die" Deadlines.
Heading to see mom with friends for the Memorial Weekend - himself will be at home with Rascal.
Haven't felt much like blogging, but am reading a lot!
peace.
Derek & Meredith... Grey's Anatomy... 2-hour season finale.
Guilty Pleasures.
* * * *
Back to my trainer after two weeks off - gonna hurt tomorrow.
Work is still busy but no looming "Do or Die" Deadlines.
Heading to see mom with friends for the Memorial Weekend - himself will be at home with Rascal.
Haven't felt much like blogging, but am reading a lot!
peace.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The countdown begins
...until May 20th when I can relax a little with no looming deadlines (except the advanced choir leaving for europe June 1st, but I'm not going... so that isn't as stressful for me as it is for the Artistic Director!).
The TGC concert went really well.
I've had a hellauva week.... good news: himself quit smoking a week ago Wednesday and is chewing Nicotine gum. The bad news is that the morning after he stopped smoking we discovered someone tried to steal our van -- from our driveway -- dog didn't make a sound.
We'll get the van back tomorrow -- luckily they broke it too much for it to be drivable -- something about the ignition having a computer chip that is fragile and if broken the vehicle doesn't run. Yay!
It's been an emotional mother's day weekend -- got my mom a really pretty scarf -- haven't given her anything in a couple years, so a card and a scarf, before the actual day... I feel like I accomplished something. I'm still hanging out with a lot of emotion regarding the whole lack-of-communication thing... mostly because I know my mom's putting up with a lot on her side of this situation.
Time for sleep
The TGC concert went really well.
I've had a hellauva week.... good news: himself quit smoking a week ago Wednesday and is chewing Nicotine gum. The bad news is that the morning after he stopped smoking we discovered someone tried to steal our van -- from our driveway -- dog didn't make a sound.
We'll get the van back tomorrow -- luckily they broke it too much for it to be drivable -- something about the ignition having a computer chip that is fragile and if broken the vehicle doesn't run. Yay!
It's been an emotional mother's day weekend -- got my mom a really pretty scarf -- haven't given her anything in a couple years, so a card and a scarf, before the actual day... I feel like I accomplished something. I'm still hanging out with a lot of emotion regarding the whole lack-of-communication thing... mostly because I know my mom's putting up with a lot on her side of this situation.
Time for sleep
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Hit Song on the day and year you were born...
How fun is this...
on November 25th 1967 ~ Incense and Peppermints by Strawberry Alarm Clock
I didn't think I knew the song, but when I heard the tune it was familiar.
Himself... February 14th 1966 ~ Lightnin' Strikes by Lou Christie
(didn't think I'd know it... but it is familiar)
My mom... June 26th 1939 ~ Wishing (Will Make It So) by Glenn Miller
My dad... June 13th 1941 ~ Maria Elena by Jimmy Dorsey
Himself's and my anniversary... June 20th 1998 ~ The Boy is Mine by Brandi & Monica
Never heard it before.
Graduation 1985 (gonna guess the date...) June 3rd ~ Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
Here's the website... fun stuff! (and it will link to itunes so you can hear a snippet of the song)
on November 25th 1967 ~ Incense and Peppermints by Strawberry Alarm Clock
I didn't think I knew the song, but when I heard the tune it was familiar.
Himself... February 14th 1966 ~ Lightnin' Strikes by Lou Christie
(didn't think I'd know it... but it is familiar)
My mom... June 26th 1939 ~ Wishing (Will Make It So) by Glenn Miller
My dad... June 13th 1941 ~ Maria Elena by Jimmy Dorsey
Himself's and my anniversary... June 20th 1998 ~ The Boy is Mine by Brandi & Monica
Never heard it before.
Graduation 1985 (gonna guess the date...) June 3rd ~ Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
Here's the website... fun stuff! (and it will link to itunes so you can hear a snippet of the song)
My Week
I don't remember much, to be honest...
I went in late on Monday -- (which is been approved, and is a habit I'm trying to keep) -- but have been hustling ever since.
Work is crazy busy with end of the year stuff -- who will be coming back to chorus. How do we communicate the increase of tuition and new payment system (quarterly rather than monthly). Auditions are coming... need to make sure all the small details we've thought of ever since the last audition gets included. I had a dream night before last about re-wording some of the information -- that when you join the Tucson Girls Chorus you're investing in your daughter as well as the organization... it isn't just dropping your kid off for an hour or so every week... and the ROI (Return On Investment) is the growth and confidence built that you see in your daughter.
There's making sure all 120 families are caught up on their accounts -- which is a nightmare because our accounting system is a screwed up mess -- it confuses everyone, including us... so trying to explain to parents is just a nightmare. bleh.
Then there's the program layout -- which I love doing but takes a million hours and I condense it into half a million. And the flyer distribution to the zillions of schools in the 7 districts that are in town... and getting it together for parents to come and deliver a handful of flyers to their local schools --
Ahh... you'd think I've only been working.
And mostly I have. Was in today from 11:30 to 8:20. And I'll be there tomorrow... and no going in late on Monday this week. :-(
Our van was broken into and someone(s) attempted to steal it Wednesday night/Thursday morning -- so Thursday was pretty much shot dealing with Police, Insurance, Car Rental and my wonderful himself who, the night before had finished smoking all his cigarettes and bought nicotine gum and is quitting smoking... great for him to find out Thursday morning about the van.
Dog didn't make a sound.
I did work out twice this week, and went and visited a small singing group called "Desert Tones" -- it was fun, low-key... this small group of women gave our girls a substantial donation -- and with the challenges we're running into in the tour cost for the Advanced Choir because the dollar has taken such a dive, along with the rising cost of fuel, well -- lets just say the timing is beautiful.
May 2oth... that is when I can breathe.
I went in late on Monday -- (which is been approved, and is a habit I'm trying to keep) -- but have been hustling ever since.
Work is crazy busy with end of the year stuff -- who will be coming back to chorus. How do we communicate the increase of tuition and new payment system (quarterly rather than monthly). Auditions are coming... need to make sure all the small details we've thought of ever since the last audition gets included. I had a dream night before last about re-wording some of the information -- that when you join the Tucson Girls Chorus you're investing in your daughter as well as the organization... it isn't just dropping your kid off for an hour or so every week... and the ROI (Return On Investment) is the growth and confidence built that you see in your daughter.
There's making sure all 120 families are caught up on their accounts -- which is a nightmare because our accounting system is a screwed up mess -- it confuses everyone, including us... so trying to explain to parents is just a nightmare. bleh.
Then there's the program layout -- which I love doing but takes a million hours and I condense it into half a million. And the flyer distribution to the zillions of schools in the 7 districts that are in town... and getting it together for parents to come and deliver a handful of flyers to their local schools --
Ahh... you'd think I've only been working.
And mostly I have. Was in today from 11:30 to 8:20. And I'll be there tomorrow... and no going in late on Monday this week. :-(
Our van was broken into and someone(s) attempted to steal it Wednesday night/Thursday morning -- so Thursday was pretty much shot dealing with Police, Insurance, Car Rental and my wonderful himself who, the night before had finished smoking all his cigarettes and bought nicotine gum and is quitting smoking... great for him to find out Thursday morning about the van.
Dog didn't make a sound.
I did work out twice this week, and went and visited a small singing group called "Desert Tones" -- it was fun, low-key... this small group of women gave our girls a substantial donation -- and with the challenges we're running into in the tour cost for the Advanced Choir because the dollar has taken such a dive, along with the rising cost of fuel, well -- lets just say the timing is beautiful.
May 2oth... that is when I can breathe.
Friday, April 25, 2008
How has almost a week gone by?
And what was I doing?
I've worked out twice (yay me!!)
Work has been less crazy but just as busy.
I want to go to the county fair tomorrow (and I've not wanted to go to the fair in years).
I am eating a lot more salad... always a good thing.
We're not going to build the Arizona room this year. We need to save up for the things we want... and before we do anything we need to get our emergency fund back up to a decent amount.
I have another workout buddy (Yay!)
I haven't managed to go to bed very early lately... and it is key to getting up early!
I really really need to clean my car. Inside and out.
I finally loaded up my ipod -- and figured out itunes on my pc. I'm entering the 21st century ;-)
I refuse to text. I understand the value of it... but hate pushing a key on the number keypad more than once to get the letter I need. It bothers me to just find a name of someone to call (!)
There is nothing more I can think of to write.
I've worked out twice (yay me!!)
Work has been less crazy but just as busy.
I want to go to the county fair tomorrow (and I've not wanted to go to the fair in years).
I am eating a lot more salad... always a good thing.
We're not going to build the Arizona room this year. We need to save up for the things we want... and before we do anything we need to get our emergency fund back up to a decent amount.
I have another workout buddy (Yay!)
I haven't managed to go to bed very early lately... and it is key to getting up early!
I really really need to clean my car. Inside and out.
I finally loaded up my ipod -- and figured out itunes on my pc. I'm entering the 21st century ;-)
I refuse to text. I understand the value of it... but hate pushing a key on the number keypad more than once to get the letter I need. It bothers me to just find a name of someone to call (!)
There is nothing more I can think of to write.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Good Reminder
"Be Kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Attributed to Plato
"Without music, life would be a mistake"
Neitzsche
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
Norman Vincent Peale
"That which does not kill you makes you stronger."
Neitzsche
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Jesus Christ
"What goes around comes around" OR "You get what you give"
Proverb... cliche'...
"Life is short, eat real sugar."
me
"When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else."
Joseph Campbell
"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music."
Jimi Hendrix
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
Calvin Coolidge
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit."
Aristotle
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who amd I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God... It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other."
Maryann Williamson, used in Nelson Mandela's 1994 inaugural speech
*Bonus
"They may forget what you said. But they'll never forget how you made them feel."
Carl W. Buechner
* * * * * * * * * *
So my Thursday Thirteen is on Sunday... "whatever!" :D
Attributed to Plato
"Without music, life would be a mistake"
Neitzsche
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
Norman Vincent Peale
"That which does not kill you makes you stronger."
Neitzsche
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Jesus Christ
"What goes around comes around" OR "You get what you give"
Proverb... cliche'...
"Life is short, eat real sugar."
me
"When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else."
Joseph Campbell
"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music."
Jimi Hendrix
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
Calvin Coolidge
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit."
Aristotle
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who amd I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God... It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other."
Maryann Williamson, used in Nelson Mandela's 1994 inaugural speech
*Bonus
"They may forget what you said. But they'll never forget how you made them feel."
Carl W. Buechner
* * * * * * * * * *
So my Thursday Thirteen is on Sunday... "whatever!" :D
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Bizzare Websites
Of all the weird stuff on the 'net, once in awhile my mind wanders to the three more bizarre (therefore memorable) sites I just happened upon by accident.
Knowing I wanted to post these on the blog, naturally finding them again has taken 20 minutes (so much more information out there now!)...
Why Does Corn Show Up In Poop? The original page I found on this site, but this site has some interesting thoughts as well.
Life Gems. I'd never heard of this until I came across this site.
There's one more but I can't find it and I've got to get going.... maybe later.
Knowing I wanted to post these on the blog, naturally finding them again has taken 20 minutes (so much more information out there now!)...
Why Does Corn Show Up In Poop? The original page I found on this site, but this site has some interesting thoughts as well.
Life Gems. I'd never heard of this until I came across this site.
There's one more but I can't find it and I've got to get going.... maybe later.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Kinda Cool...
You Are a Comma |
 You are open minded and extremely optimistic. You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything. You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time. Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.) You excel in: Inspiring people You get along best with: The Question Mark |
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Workout #3!!
Well... I could hardly put my left side hand on my hip today... my arm muscles hurt so bad.
I worked out again with my personal trainer today -- 5 minutes walking, 40 minutes weights, 4 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes walking -- mostly right around 2 mph. The difference today was that I spent 15 minutes stretching. Oh it hurts so good!!
* * * * * *
Nothing major going on except I was a crabby b-word pretty much all day... couldn't get anything done between the phone, email, talking to people who were coming into my office, and the pile of crap on all three surfaces that I'll generously call a desk being covered with papers and more papers and calendars and calculators... ack!!
After Saturday things will be better.
I really want to vent about this Combined PR Event We Are Doing experience in the worst way... but I wouldn't be nice, or even funny, really... and I really do want to KMMS... (Keep My Mouth Shut) as it has managed to get me into trouble a number of times in the past, and I need to just Get Over It Already.
*********
I'm going to hang out with some fun and funny people tomorrow and crop and scrap... which will be much fun!!
I worked out again with my personal trainer today -- 5 minutes walking, 40 minutes weights, 4 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes walking -- mostly right around 2 mph. The difference today was that I spent 15 minutes stretching. Oh it hurts so good!!
* * * * * *
Nothing major going on except I was a crabby b-word pretty much all day... couldn't get anything done between the phone, email, talking to people who were coming into my office, and the pile of crap on all three surfaces that I'll generously call a desk being covered with papers and more papers and calendars and calculators... ack!!
After Saturday things will be better.
I really want to vent about this Combined PR Event We Are Doing experience in the worst way... but I wouldn't be nice, or even funny, really... and I really do want to KMMS... (Keep My Mouth Shut) as it has managed to get me into trouble a number of times in the past, and I need to just Get Over It Already.
*********
I'm going to hang out with some fun and funny people tomorrow and crop and scrap... which will be much fun!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
How To Catch Wild Pigs
Found this story on another blog, and rather than put it all here... I'll put a link to it instead.
It is a political analogy... and if you know how a frog won't jump out of water that is heated until in eventually boils to death, you get the gist.
A good read, anyhow.
It is a political analogy... and if you know how a frog won't jump out of water that is heated until in eventually boils to death, you get the gist.
A good read, anyhow.
Work out, then chocolate ice cream - nothing incongruous there, is there?
It's hot. When its hot I eat a lot of ice cream. I tried to do frozen yogurt one summer with a cheap freezer thing-a-ma-bob, but it broke and wasn't all that great... and took way-hay too long to freeze up the yogurt.
Yes, my second workout with weights today... yi-yi-yi!!! I was really in pain last Friday and Saturday... and I know it is a good pain, so I was enthusiastic when I groaned and moaned... ;-)
I need to get in the habit of going every day - and tomorrow my goal is to go after work and just do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I also want to take advantage of the food plan that the personal training program gives me. I've resisted for so long being told what to eat... and that hasn't worked spectacularly for me... eating when I'm hungry and eating what I want to eat works for me, when I focus on actually doing it.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
So... on my way to the fitness center after work, I'm heading south and turning left to get to my gym. In my town our green arrows in most intersections come after the main green light... so I was in a line of left-turning cars and as it got to my turn to actually make the left, I saw what had been hidden infront of the tall SUV in front of me... a blind man was crossing the street in the middle of the intersection!
I saw a man who had obviously seen what was going on and was running to him to let him know that he was *standing in the middle of 12 lanes of opposing traffic.*
It looked like the blind man thought he had crossed the entire intersection (West to East) when indeed he'd only crossed 4 lanes, came to the island that separates the dual road, so he turned to then cross North to South. Holy Crap!!!
I said a prayer of thanks for the guy who was running to help him out. I said a prayer of thanks that everyone so far had seen him and wasn't honking obnoxiously at him (which only would have confused him, I'm pretty sure). Then I said a prayer of thanks for my health and my sight. How easy it would be to make that mistake, especially if my mind was on something other than crossing 6 lanes of traffic.
So... if you're reading this, give thanks.
Yes, my second workout with weights today... yi-yi-yi!!! I was really in pain last Friday and Saturday... and I know it is a good pain, so I was enthusiastic when I groaned and moaned... ;-)
I need to get in the habit of going every day - and tomorrow my goal is to go after work and just do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I also want to take advantage of the food plan that the personal training program gives me. I've resisted for so long being told what to eat... and that hasn't worked spectacularly for me... eating when I'm hungry and eating what I want to eat works for me, when I focus on actually doing it.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
So... on my way to the fitness center after work, I'm heading south and turning left to get to my gym. In my town our green arrows in most intersections come after the main green light... so I was in a line of left-turning cars and as it got to my turn to actually make the left, I saw what had been hidden infront of the tall SUV in front of me... a blind man was crossing the street in the middle of the intersection!
I saw a man who had obviously seen what was going on and was running to him to let him know that he was *standing in the middle of 12 lanes of opposing traffic.*
It looked like the blind man thought he had crossed the entire intersection (West to East) when indeed he'd only crossed 4 lanes, came to the island that separates the dual road, so he turned to then cross North to South. Holy Crap!!!
I said a prayer of thanks for the guy who was running to help him out. I said a prayer of thanks that everyone so far had seen him and wasn't honking obnoxiously at him (which only would have confused him, I'm pretty sure). Then I said a prayer of thanks for my health and my sight. How easy it would be to make that mistake, especially if my mind was on something other than crossing 6 lanes of traffic.
So... if you're reading this, give thanks.
Dumb Laws website
I thought this was a fun find on the world wide web this morning...
Dumb Laws; Stupid Laws
Have a dumb-law free day ;-)
Dumb Laws; Stupid Laws
Have a dumb-law free day ;-)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus going to International Contest 2009!!
Wahhhh-hoooooo!
I had a slight twinge of regret... not being a part of going up and getting that Region 21 blue ribbon medal... I know I'm doing the right thing, but that is something I'll never be a part of ~ that first blue ribbon...
But I have every intention of going back to chorus after the weather cools down and I'm firmly entrenched in a regular workout/exercise routine.
Today I'm in organizing mode -- I'm revved up from contest yesterday and inspired... hard to stay motivated and inspired... that is my constant challenge. (or, as Beth would say, OGAD - another "Opportunity for Growth And Development" ;-) I'm also in a clearing the crap mood -- getting rid of some clothes first. Going and getting next year's calendar second, then coming back and putting some craft stuff away. In 15 minute increments. I may stop at the fitness place and do some walking on the treadmill.
I signed up (finally) onto itunes and am switching over my music to my ipod ~ it is taking awhile... but I've already made one 1-hour walking music playlist... and will make a few. I also want to go and see about the podcasts and listen to some of those.
I had a slight twinge of regret... not being a part of going up and getting that Region 21 blue ribbon medal... I know I'm doing the right thing, but that is something I'll never be a part of ~ that first blue ribbon...
But I have every intention of going back to chorus after the weather cools down and I'm firmly entrenched in a regular workout/exercise routine.
Today I'm in organizing mode -- I'm revved up from contest yesterday and inspired... hard to stay motivated and inspired... that is my constant challenge. (or, as Beth would say, OGAD - another "Opportunity for Growth And Development" ;-) I'm also in a clearing the crap mood -- getting rid of some clothes first. Going and getting next year's calendar second, then coming back and putting some craft stuff away. In 15 minute increments. I may stop at the fitness place and do some walking on the treadmill.
I signed up (finally) onto itunes and am switching over my music to my ipod ~ it is taking awhile... but I've already made one 1-hour walking music playlist... and will make a few. I also want to go and see about the podcasts and listen to some of those.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Oh Why Am I Not Asleeping?
Big Mama's blog post today cracked me up -- inspired me...? or just made me envious about being able to write a post that would make himself's quirks lovable. Like how he balls up his socks to wash them. you know, like you pair socks up after you've washed, dried and sorted them -- getting them ready to put them away? Well, he balls them all up before washing them, in order to prevent single sock syndrome. I have a sneaking feeling that this prevents them from getting the cleanest clean possible.
I'm sure I can come up with more ~ but it is late, I should be sleeping.
Speaking of Himself ~ our first of the two wedding anniversaries was Monday, April 6th. I know I have so many people reading my blog -- anyone venture a guess... quite a few people know, I know (how many times can I write/type know??)... no prize offering, sorry.
I went to my chorus "Friends & Family Night" where they do their stuff over and over in preparation for the big contest on Saturday in Phoenix. They rocked! I think I'm going to ride up with friends to watch for the day -- I came home tonight and watched a bunch of barbershop on You Tube.
like this:
Yep, revealing a lot about me today.
I went and signed up with a personal trainer - 20 minutes on the treadmill with hills yesterday kicked my butt. But I have a goal! Thursday I go in for weights. whoo hoo.
I am excited about working out -- it is cutting back on the fat in my diet that sucks the big one. whine whine.
I'm sure I can come up with more ~ but it is late, I should be sleeping.
Speaking of Himself ~ our first of the two wedding anniversaries was Monday, April 6th. I know I have so many people reading my blog -- anyone venture a guess... quite a few people know, I know (how many times can I write/type know??)... no prize offering, sorry.
I went to my chorus "Friends & Family Night" where they do their stuff over and over in preparation for the big contest on Saturday in Phoenix. They rocked! I think I'm going to ride up with friends to watch for the day -- I came home tonight and watched a bunch of barbershop on You Tube.
like this:
Yep, revealing a lot about me today.
I went and signed up with a personal trainer - 20 minutes on the treadmill with hills yesterday kicked my butt. But I have a goal! Thursday I go in for weights. whoo hoo.
I am excited about working out -- it is cutting back on the fat in my diet that sucks the big one. whine whine.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A Day of Rest
After a 13-day work stretch I'm thoroughly enjoying today. I slept in until 10 am, cleared off the dining room table, took a shower, irritated himself doing taxes, helped himself with taxes (brought it from paying the IRS to them paying us $37 because of what I spent on craft supplies for my business... any other day he would have been upset at the spending. Ah-hah! now I know when to reveal my receipts from JoAnn's, Michaels and other craft sources!! :-), organized receipts from Jan-Mar of this year, and started some laundry.
My goal for today was to plan 3 weeks of weight watcher meals and shopping lists for us... it is now 6pm and himself has gone to blockbuster to return videos and get new ones, then heading to the grocery for some supplies, and we'll settle down, eat some pizza and watch movies.
I'm hoping to get a week done for the shopping/eating plan.
I went and talked to Better Bodies on Friday after work and got an idea of how much they charge -- cough cough. $70 an hour which, like most things, goes down the more sessions you buy up front -- even then, however, it is 36 sessions for $55 which would cost $1,980.00. I'm not saying it isn't worth it. Their literature does say that if budget is a primary concern, then they probably aren't the ones for you.
I left a message for the guy at Snap 24 Fitness ~ I'll get my training in with him (free for the first time), and then talk to him about having a trainer maybe once a week. I'm ready, but just couldn't afford the Better Bodies Budget.
And the reunions coming up have absolutely nothing to do with my motivation.
Really.
Yep, I mean it. :-)
The big event yesterday for work went pretty well -- I was tired and crabby, but think I faked it okay. We had over 21 kids show up for StarKidz 2008 -- with almost no advertising. This was the 2nd year, and by next year I think I'll be okay to chair the whole thing and organize it (with the expectation that I'll have some office help by then).
It still is crazy between now and May 20th, but there's a little breather for the next couple days... little.
My goal for today was to plan 3 weeks of weight watcher meals and shopping lists for us... it is now 6pm and himself has gone to blockbuster to return videos and get new ones, then heading to the grocery for some supplies, and we'll settle down, eat some pizza and watch movies.
I'm hoping to get a week done for the shopping/eating plan.
I went and talked to Better Bodies on Friday after work and got an idea of how much they charge -- cough cough. $70 an hour which, like most things, goes down the more sessions you buy up front -- even then, however, it is 36 sessions for $55 which would cost $1,980.00. I'm not saying it isn't worth it. Their literature does say that if budget is a primary concern, then they probably aren't the ones for you.
I left a message for the guy at Snap 24 Fitness ~ I'll get my training in with him (free for the first time), and then talk to him about having a trainer maybe once a week. I'm ready, but just couldn't afford the Better Bodies Budget.
And the reunions coming up have absolutely nothing to do with my motivation.
Really.
Yep, I mean it. :-)
The big event yesterday for work went pretty well -- I was tired and crabby, but think I faked it okay. We had over 21 kids show up for StarKidz 2008 -- with almost no advertising. This was the 2nd year, and by next year I think I'll be okay to chair the whole thing and organize it (with the expectation that I'll have some office help by then).
It still is crazy between now and May 20th, but there's a little breather for the next couple days... little.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
States I've visited/driven through
Blatantly stolen from Happy Hours Blog :-)
create your own personalized map of the USA
and I have been through Alabama... the snowstorm of '93 and I lost and found my camera
in Anniston -- at a Waffle House (great grits!!)
It says I've been to 45% of the US (23 states, really 24 - though)
create your own personalized map of the USA
and I have been through Alabama... the snowstorm of '93 and I lost and found my camera
in Anniston -- at a Waffle House (great grits!!)
It says I've been to 45% of the US (23 states, really 24 - though)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Do Unto Others
So ~ Today I spent 25 minutes in the post office -- more like wasted 25 minutes in the post office... 25 minutes I'll never get back.
I have a few observations... I don't remember when I noticed it, but quite awhile ago I noticed that the post office doesn't use the number tracking thing anymore. A notice that was posted at the post office I was at today stated that they'd stop doing the 'take a number' system mostly due to customer feedback. That the take-a-number system wasted time, and made customers feel like they were 'just a number' rather than receiving the care and courtesy they feel they deserved.
The post office, being known for its counter help speed and efficiency, decided that they would listen to the customer and take away the number system.
There was also a notice/sign at an un-manned window that this window was for disabled customers. And in the same notice about the take-a-number system being done away with was something about how fairly and timely disabled customers would be handled without them having a number. To be honest, this notice was a full length, 12-point type and had like, 6 long paragraphs. And, while I knew I had time to read the entire lengthy explanation on why and how they took away the take-a-number system (for there were only 6 people in front of me in line, and one of the people whose turn had just come up had a box lid full of very full large manila envelopes that all needed to be weighed etc....), to be honest, I don't remember everything about the disabled information because [1] it didn't really apply to me today and [2] I was greatly annoyed that the take-a-number system had been taken away.
Why...
Well -- the take-a-number system allowed me to not have to wait in line. I could find a wall to lean against, or take an open spot on a bench when someone else's number came up and the seat was vacated... or I could stand somewhere and fill out a form at table... or make a phone call in the privacy of a corner of the room and just keep my eye on the number display.
Now I have to stay in a queue -- stand in line and keep my place in line. There's nothing to lean on, nothing to do, nothing do see but the person in front of me, who isn't friendly.
sigh.
The other thing I noticed that annoyed me even more is that after 10 minutes of me standing there waiting, and the line not having moved once... a gentleman came in and he was holding what looked like a disabled parking tag thing-a-ma-jig. He walked past the now even longer line that was forming behind me, and meandered over to where a bench was -- that was kinda close to the disabled window where no one was working.
Now, I know he came in after I did, but I have no idea where his "place" in line would have been had he been able to stand in the silly line like the rest of us... but I, being the cynic that I am when it comes to how the majority of our society treats the older generation, I figured the person who was in front of him would not say anything to anyone who came in and stood in line behind that person like, " Just so you know, that elderly gentleman seated over there came in just after me, but isn't able to stand in line, so I'll be sure and tell the post office employee that he'll be next after me."
Just don't see it happening... and maybe it would be because that person would have his or her nose in a book and would not have even seen this gentleman come in. The take-a-number system eliminates this awkward situation altogether.
I know the postal employees are busy taking care of each and every customer in an individual and customer service oriented manner (as stated on the notice of why they got rid of the take-a-number system in the first place), so they're not going to see when a disabled person sits down to patiently wait his turn.
I was there to pick up a certified letter that was addressed to one of the TGC Board members.
Fortuitously, there was a postal employee who was just helping those of us who were 'just picking up.' The gentleman who went forward to pick things up before me mentioned to her that another disabled customer; who had slowly made her way across the room (because naturally the window for the disabled is across the entire room from the door where you come in) with a cane in one hand and an armful of things to mail in the other -- had gone to the disabled window, saw there was no one there, asked the postal employee who was helping someone else if anyone was working at the disabled window and after she got his attention, he just said no; so she walked all the way out of the room and I couldn't see if she got in line or if she left.
The woman doing the pick ups asked the same postal employee if anyone was working the disabled window and he didn't really answer or respond -- if anything I guess he said no.
The elderly gentleman with the disabled tag was sitting on the bench, which, to be fair, was near the disabled window. And here is what made me actually write this today... on the bench with him was a woman with a baby in a carrier, which she had on her lap, and a 3 or 4 year old little boy, who was sitting on the bench beside her.
In days of old, the mother would have told her child to stand up, and would have said to the older lady, 'ma'am, there is room here on the bench if you'd like to wait until someone can help you.' But this young woman and child didn't bat an eye. The little boy seemed calm, and probably would have been absolutely fine with giving up his seat. It wasn't in a crowd of people, it was set away from the line. Really, in my mind, no reason for him not to give up his seat for someone older and in bad health.
All the other stuff just annoys me, but that lack of awareness, manners, consideration, whatever it is called -- it just really chapped my hide.
When I got up to the window I mentioned to the woman that the gentleman sitting on the bench had been waiting awhile as well. To be honest, I'm not sure if I would have said anything had the man in front of me not mentioned it first. And I don't always do the right thing... but I do make an attempt.
The point? We're all going to be old one day. We all, at one point or another, will rely on the kindness of strangers, and I firmly believe that what goes around comes around and you get what you give.
When in traffic let a few more people in front of you. It's just good karma and the right thing to do. Are we really in that much of a hurry? Is it really that important that you can't wait another 3 minutes for a signal change? Sometimes it is... but for me at least, most days it isn't. And if I had a life that most days it WAS that important, I'd hate my life and I'd change it.
And at the end of all this, she wouldn't give me the certified letter because it wasn't addressed to me. Which, I'm actually thankful for -- glad to know the post office cares about who is picking up mail and checking ID.
And I'm really not knocking the post office -- I like and respect what they do very much. My postal carrier at work is great, and the one at home is wonderful too. I know when I go to the post office that I'm going to be there awhile, and I'm okay with that.
I'm knocking a generation that isn't raising young people with manners or respect for the older generation. I'm knocking lack of awareness. I'm knocking how unkind it is out there in the world.
I have a few observations... I don't remember when I noticed it, but quite awhile ago I noticed that the post office doesn't use the number tracking thing anymore. A notice that was posted at the post office I was at today stated that they'd stop doing the 'take a number' system mostly due to customer feedback. That the take-a-number system wasted time, and made customers feel like they were 'just a number' rather than receiving the care and courtesy they feel they deserved.
The post office, being known for its counter help speed and efficiency, decided that they would listen to the customer and take away the number system.
There was also a notice/sign at an un-manned window that this window was for disabled customers. And in the same notice about the take-a-number system being done away with was something about how fairly and timely disabled customers would be handled without them having a number. To be honest, this notice was a full length, 12-point type and had like, 6 long paragraphs. And, while I knew I had time to read the entire lengthy explanation on why and how they took away the take-a-number system (for there were only 6 people in front of me in line, and one of the people whose turn had just come up had a box lid full of very full large manila envelopes that all needed to be weighed etc....), to be honest, I don't remember everything about the disabled information because [1] it didn't really apply to me today and [2] I was greatly annoyed that the take-a-number system had been taken away.
Why...
Well -- the take-a-number system allowed me to not have to wait in line. I could find a wall to lean against, or take an open spot on a bench when someone else's number came up and the seat was vacated... or I could stand somewhere and fill out a form at table... or make a phone call in the privacy of a corner of the room and just keep my eye on the number display.
Now I have to stay in a queue -- stand in line and keep my place in line. There's nothing to lean on, nothing to do, nothing do see but the person in front of me, who isn't friendly.
sigh.
The other thing I noticed that annoyed me even more is that after 10 minutes of me standing there waiting, and the line not having moved once... a gentleman came in and he was holding what looked like a disabled parking tag thing-a-ma-jig. He walked past the now even longer line that was forming behind me, and meandered over to where a bench was -- that was kinda close to the disabled window where no one was working.
Now, I know he came in after I did, but I have no idea where his "place" in line would have been had he been able to stand in the silly line like the rest of us... but I, being the cynic that I am when it comes to how the majority of our society treats the older generation, I figured the person who was in front of him would not say anything to anyone who came in and stood in line behind that person like, " Just so you know, that elderly gentleman seated over there came in just after me, but isn't able to stand in line, so I'll be sure and tell the post office employee that he'll be next after me."
Just don't see it happening... and maybe it would be because that person would have his or her nose in a book and would not have even seen this gentleman come in. The take-a-number system eliminates this awkward situation altogether.
I know the postal employees are busy taking care of each and every customer in an individual and customer service oriented manner (as stated on the notice of why they got rid of the take-a-number system in the first place), so they're not going to see when a disabled person sits down to patiently wait his turn.
I was there to pick up a certified letter that was addressed to one of the TGC Board members.
Fortuitously, there was a postal employee who was just helping those of us who were 'just picking up.' The gentleman who went forward to pick things up before me mentioned to her that another disabled customer; who had slowly made her way across the room (because naturally the window for the disabled is across the entire room from the door where you come in) with a cane in one hand and an armful of things to mail in the other -- had gone to the disabled window, saw there was no one there, asked the postal employee who was helping someone else if anyone was working at the disabled window and after she got his attention, he just said no; so she walked all the way out of the room and I couldn't see if she got in line or if she left.
The woman doing the pick ups asked the same postal employee if anyone was working the disabled window and he didn't really answer or respond -- if anything I guess he said no.
The elderly gentleman with the disabled tag was sitting on the bench, which, to be fair, was near the disabled window. And here is what made me actually write this today... on the bench with him was a woman with a baby in a carrier, which she had on her lap, and a 3 or 4 year old little boy, who was sitting on the bench beside her.
In days of old, the mother would have told her child to stand up, and would have said to the older lady, 'ma'am, there is room here on the bench if you'd like to wait until someone can help you.' But this young woman and child didn't bat an eye. The little boy seemed calm, and probably would have been absolutely fine with giving up his seat. It wasn't in a crowd of people, it was set away from the line. Really, in my mind, no reason for him not to give up his seat for someone older and in bad health.
All the other stuff just annoys me, but that lack of awareness, manners, consideration, whatever it is called -- it just really chapped my hide.
When I got up to the window I mentioned to the woman that the gentleman sitting on the bench had been waiting awhile as well. To be honest, I'm not sure if I would have said anything had the man in front of me not mentioned it first. And I don't always do the right thing... but I do make an attempt.
The point? We're all going to be old one day. We all, at one point or another, will rely on the kindness of strangers, and I firmly believe that what goes around comes around and you get what you give.
When in traffic let a few more people in front of you. It's just good karma and the right thing to do. Are we really in that much of a hurry? Is it really that important that you can't wait another 3 minutes for a signal change? Sometimes it is... but for me at least, most days it isn't. And if I had a life that most days it WAS that important, I'd hate my life and I'd change it.
And at the end of all this, she wouldn't give me the certified letter because it wasn't addressed to me. Which, I'm actually thankful for -- glad to know the post office cares about who is picking up mail and checking ID.
And I'm really not knocking the post office -- I like and respect what they do very much. My postal carrier at work is great, and the one at home is wonderful too. I know when I go to the post office that I'm going to be there awhile, and I'm okay with that.
I'm knocking a generation that isn't raising young people with manners or respect for the older generation. I'm knocking lack of awareness. I'm knocking how unkind it is out there in the world.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pissing & Moaning
I'm very tired, which makes me crabby and really grumpy.
Himself told me that when I vent I irritate him. That sucked. Couldn't even talk about my sucky last 2 or 3 days right.
Tears, Man.
I was excited about the 'doo' tomorrow, not so much right now.
We're all tired and I'm not going to be stopping until May 20th.
So, if I haven't posted, you'll know why.
Himself told me that when I vent I irritate him. That sucked. Couldn't even talk about my sucky last 2 or 3 days right.
Tears, Man.
I was excited about the 'doo' tomorrow, not so much right now.
We're all tired and I'm not going to be stopping until May 20th.
So, if I haven't posted, you'll know why.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Rock Painting Step-by-Step
Step [1] Step [2] Step [3]
Step [4] Step [5] Step [6]
Step [7] Step [8] Step [9]
Step [10]
I'll post the "goal" picture and how this looks in the sunshine, with more details in another post.
Suffice to say I'll be painting more, this was very fun!!
Monday Movies
So... last night we watched "Van Helsing" with Hugh Jackson.... very tongue-in-cheek with all the bad guys ~ Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, The Werewolf... well-done in the cheesiest way!
The other night we saw "The Road to Perdition" with Tom Hanks & Paul Newman. Jude Law does a great job too -- worth seeing for all the performances.
The other night we saw "The Road to Perdition" with Tom Hanks & Paul Newman. Jude Law does a great job too -- worth seeing for all the performances.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Mag Ruffman
and "A Repair To Remember" ~ himself & I enjoyed watching this Toolgirl show in the UK, she's Canadian and worked as a licensed contractor. She has a book titled "How Hard Can It Be?" and I just wanted to post it here so I can always find it...oh, and also to share in blogland.
The show was fun to watch!
The show was fun to watch!
Happy Easter
This is the earliest Easter Sunday since 1940, and we won't see another Easter this early for 200 years. That must be true, my morning radio show hosts said it :-) We are doing absolutely nothing to commemorate this Holiday. I did not go to church. I've not done a single card, or done a small basket for my adorable himself... nada. I did buy some Cadbury Chocolate Eggs, and some Cadbury Creme Eggs for people at work... and our awesome realtor, Karen Barrera & Associates left us some yellow bunny peeps.
I did the craft class yesterday, "Flower Fairies" - which wasn't as well attended as it would have been as next Saturday because of the Easter Weekend, but they still turned out cute. That's as close as I've come to doing anything crafty for Easter.
- - - - -
I did get to a crop on Friday night, and scrapped 6 pages - very very very uninspired, but the pages are there, and lots of journalling to do on them! I did journal 2 of the 6, but it was just writing out what the back of one of the postcards said, so like I said, realy really very very uninspired. I had fun at the crop however!!
* * * * *
"Wild with a Glue Gun" ~ Getting Together with Crafty Friends by Kitty Harmon & Christine Stickler (c) 2004 is a book I got from Amazon not long ago. Some of the reviews on the site panned it, but this is something a fellow crafty friend, T, and I would certainly enjoy doing -- and it was way cheap on the 'used' Amazon aisle ;-).
Regular Crafting at my house would: [1] inspire (motivate/get my rear in gear) me to keep my house clean (reason enough, really) and [2] help me increase my range of crafty endeavors (always fun), and [3] possibly meet some new peeps!
To have a weekly craft meet would be so very fun and cool! Bring your own thing -- scrapping, cardmaking, quilting, yarn fun, things-that-require-glue guns... or maybe twice a month do your own thing, twice a month we learn something new... I dunno, I'll read this book, discuss with T and see what we think :-)
- - - - -
Artists vs. Crafter
Consider this quote by Thoms Minotaur ~ “I think being an artist comes from within, like a state of mind. … an artist is anyone who can express what is going on in their head/soul through any creative medium, whether it be spoken, written, sung, played, danced, or put on canvas. It is the act of releasing and documenting thoughts and feelings that makes one an artist.”
I think that is a great definition of an artist. So many bloggers are artists in the comedic release of their joys, sorrows and attitudes of rearing children and of life. I would add photography to the above, for certain, for there is emotion and expression in photos, and I think to be a good photographer, it requires a way to access your own emotions to really be able to capture it in others.
So -- all us knitters (I don't knit but aspire), scrapbookers, cardmakers, beading enthusiasts... I think many consider themselves artists. And some might be, and many certainly are. But I know for certain that when I'm putting stickers and paper on a page of photos, I'm not expressing how I'm feeling, I'm thinking (key: thinking, not feeling) about the photos.
On this craft forum, there are creative people, for sure. And I think some of them are artists... they create things that express something (!)
I don't have a lot of regular readers of my blog, but I would ask this question - when can you call yourself an Artist? vs. a Crafter or a Crafty Person?
I would put forward that all Artists are Creative, but not all Creative People are Artists. I started thinking of this, and got the above quote from this About.com page, which has other more open and broad definitions of when would someone call him/her-self an Artist.
I'm in the middle of painting my first rock (!) and really having fun... went digging around the world wide web for more information on Acrylic Painting and have been surfing for an hour... I'll post photos soon... I'm having a grand time!
I did the craft class yesterday, "Flower Fairies" - which wasn't as well attended as it would have been as next Saturday because of the Easter Weekend, but they still turned out cute. That's as close as I've come to doing anything crafty for Easter.
- - - - -
I did get to a crop on Friday night, and scrapped 6 pages - very very very uninspired, but the pages are there, and lots of journalling to do on them! I did journal 2 of the 6, but it was just writing out what the back of one of the postcards said, so like I said, realy really very very uninspired. I had fun at the crop however!!
* * * * *
"Wild with a Glue Gun" ~ Getting Together with Crafty Friends by Kitty Harmon & Christine Stickler (c) 2004 is a book I got from Amazon not long ago. Some of the reviews on the site panned it, but this is something a fellow crafty friend, T, and I would certainly enjoy doing -- and it was way cheap on the 'used' Amazon aisle ;-).
Regular Crafting at my house would: [1] inspire (motivate/get my rear in gear) me to keep my house clean (reason enough, really) and [2] help me increase my range of crafty endeavors (always fun), and [3] possibly meet some new peeps!
To have a weekly craft meet would be so very fun and cool! Bring your own thing -- scrapping, cardmaking, quilting, yarn fun, things-that-require-glue guns... or maybe twice a month do your own thing, twice a month we learn something new... I dunno, I'll read this book, discuss with T and see what we think :-)
- - - - -
Artists vs. Crafter
Consider this quote by Thoms Minotaur ~ “I think being an artist comes from within, like a state of mind. … an artist is anyone who can express what is going on in their head/soul through any creative medium, whether it be spoken, written, sung, played, danced, or put on canvas. It is the act of releasing and documenting thoughts and feelings that makes one an artist.”
I think that is a great definition of an artist. So many bloggers are artists in the comedic release of their joys, sorrows and attitudes of rearing children and of life. I would add photography to the above, for certain, for there is emotion and expression in photos, and I think to be a good photographer, it requires a way to access your own emotions to really be able to capture it in others.
So -- all us knitters (I don't knit but aspire), scrapbookers, cardmakers, beading enthusiasts... I think many consider themselves artists. And some might be, and many certainly are. But I know for certain that when I'm putting stickers and paper on a page of photos, I'm not expressing how I'm feeling, I'm thinking (key: thinking, not feeling) about the photos.
On this craft forum, there are creative people, for sure. And I think some of them are artists... they create things that express something (!)
I don't have a lot of regular readers of my blog, but I would ask this question - when can you call yourself an Artist? vs. a Crafter or a Crafty Person?
I would put forward that all Artists are Creative, but not all Creative People are Artists. I started thinking of this, and got the above quote from this About.com page, which has other more open and broad definitions of when would someone call him/her-self an Artist.
I'm in the middle of painting my first rock (!) and really having fun... went digging around the world wide web for more information on Acrylic Painting and have been surfing for an hour... I'll post photos soon... I'm having a grand time!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen things I want to write 13 Things about...
1. Favorite Musicals
2. Favorite Singers
3. Earliest Memories
4. Themed Scrapbooks
5. Books I want to read
6. The Teachers I've had
7. Performing Experiences (choir/theatre)
8. Ways to Spoil Myself
9. Habits to cultivate over a year
10. Organizing Goals
11. Favorite Quotes
12. Best/Worst Gifts I've received
13. Influential People in My Life
How's that for cheating on the Thursday 13?!?!?
1. Favorite Musicals
2. Favorite Singers
3. Earliest Memories
4. Themed Scrapbooks
5. Books I want to read
6. The Teachers I've had
7. Performing Experiences (choir/theatre)
8. Ways to Spoil Myself
9. Habits to cultivate over a year
10. Organizing Goals
11. Favorite Quotes
12. Best/Worst Gifts I've received
13. Influential People in My Life
How's that for cheating on the Thursday 13?!?!?
Bloggy Giveaways...
I've never really participated or even pretended to be interested -- but I was at BooMama's site and she is giving away 10 Dave Barnes CD's. I'd never heard of him, but went and found him on my favorite music whatchamacallit, Rhapsody -- listened to 3 songs (On A Night Like This, What Am I Gonna Do and Until You) and really like him!! So I went to YouTube and found my favorite rendition of "On A Night Like This" -- and it actually was played on an episode of "The Office" -- and here it is:
Enjoy! And I hope a win one of his CD's!!
Enjoy! And I hope a win one of his CD's!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Anonymity -- eh... not really
Y'know, I can be all kinds of sarcastic. When telling stories that are negative... usually about how stupid people are... which doesn't show a very nice or kind side of me. [voices in my head going "but... but.... BUT!! These people are not smart! actually the voices are saying "these people are idiots!"]
I've been reading some absolutely hysterical blogs lately (I've added links to what I read on the column on the left)... and while I know having a sense of humor in writing doesn't always play out in person (and vice-versa), I would absolutely love to get some of these women together for coffee... we get the whole coffee house to ourselves and put 4 of us together at each table, rotate every hour or so and let the fun begin.
The other thing is that (as my father, who reads my blog - "hi dad!" told me) things you put on the internet never go away.
So - things we post on the 'net never go away. [*Full Stop] Check.
So I don't post the funniest things that happen because too many people know who I am, and I don't want to hurt any feelings or worse, **piss anyone off. This is not an anonymous blog.
I guess that is my rambling for today.
*Full Stop is what we would call a Period at the end of a sentence.
**I'm more afraid of what opinion would be of me for doing something wrong than actually doing something wrong. I guess this is good in a way because it has stopped me from making unwise decisions, but it also has stopped me from other things that who know, might not be so unwise.
I've been reading some absolutely hysterical blogs lately (I've added links to what I read on the column on the left)... and while I know having a sense of humor in writing doesn't always play out in person (and vice-versa), I would absolutely love to get some of these women together for coffee... we get the whole coffee house to ourselves and put 4 of us together at each table, rotate every hour or so and let the fun begin.
The other thing is that (as my father, who reads my blog - "hi dad!" told me) things you put on the internet never go away.
So - things we post on the 'net never go away. [*Full Stop] Check.
So I don't post the funniest things that happen because too many people know who I am, and I don't want to hurt any feelings or worse, **piss anyone off. This is not an anonymous blog.
I guess that is my rambling for today.
*Full Stop is what we would call a Period at the end of a sentence.
**I'm more afraid of what opinion would be of me for doing something wrong than actually doing something wrong. I guess this is good in a way because it has stopped me from making unwise decisions, but it also has stopped me from other things that who know, might not be so unwise.
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