Just Me

Good grief!

2010-10-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks kind of exploded on me. Between work, theater, my mouth, theater, being a mom and theater, I didn't get any kind of workouts in. But that doesn't mean I sat on my butt watching TV and eating chips! Oh no! I was running thither and yon, gathering cookies and concessions items, shuttling Kels to her volunteer gig, doing snap shots for "Mama Versus the Mob" and all sorts of neat ortho and oral surgery stuff.

Okay, time to get back on track. My goal for this week:
Mon (4th)- 45 minutes cardio and weights- DONE!!! :)
Tue (5th)- 45 minutes cardio- DONE!!! :)
Wed (6th)- 45 minutes cardio and weights- managed 30 minutes of biking.
Thur (7th)- show
Fri (8th)- show
Sat (9th)- swim
Sun (10th)- 45 minutes cardio

Wish me luck!

Week of Sept 20

2010-09-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Date ----- Planned (35 min) ------ Actual

Sept 20---walk------------------2.1 mi bike ride
Sept 21---walk, bike, weights----
Sept 22---none------------------
Sept 23---none------------------
Sept 24---treadmill and bands---
Sept 25---none------------------
Sept 26---none------------------

Week of Sept 13

2010-09-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Date-----Planned (Goal 30 min)----------------Actual

Sept 13----Walk----------------------2 mile/40 minutes
Sept 14 ---Bike, wak & weights-------15min walk, 15 min bike & weights
Sept 15---Walk----------------------40 minutes
Sept 16---Bike-----------------------30 minutes/14 miles
Sept 17---Walk----------------------25 minutes (stopped due to asthma)
Sept 18---Swim---------------------15 minutes
Sept 19---Rest----------------------Rest

Week of Sept 6th (yes, I'm backtracking)

2010-09-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Date -------------- Planned ---------------Actual

Sept 6 -------------Geohike -----------4 mile Geohike
Sept 7 -------------none ----------------none
Sept 8 ------Treadmill and bike ----- .5 mile walk, 2 mile bike
Sept 9 ------------Geohike -----------.5 mile Geohike
Sept 10 ------------none---------------- none
Sept 11 -----------Geohike--------- .75 mile Geohike
Sept 12 ------------rest -----------------rest

Triathlon

2010-09-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I said in my last post that I am going to do a Triathlon.
The Girlfriends and Dudes Triathlon is in July of 2011, so I've got roughly 9.5 months left to train.
The Triathlon consists of a half mile swim downstream the Columbia River, a 12 and a half mile bike ride on mostly flat terrain and a 3 mile run, which I plan on power walking.
My overall goal:
FINISH
Now for some down and dirty facts and figures:
This time last year I weighed in at 206 pounds and my measurements were 45 - 43.5 - 47.5
As of two days ago, I weighed in at 195 pounds and my measurements were 44.5 - 42 - 47

I've decided to not focus on the weight and measurements and instead focus on what I can DO. It will still be neat to come back every month or so and see if I've made any sort of progress in the weight and inch department.

So far, I know I can do 40 minutes of power walking, which equals to about 2 miles.

I know I can bike 12 miles, but am not sure how long it would take me. I do know I can last 30 minutes at 13 to 15 miles per hour, which equals out to 6 - 7 miles.

I found out something VERY important today. The swimming portion is going to kick my butt! I lasted 5 minutes before I had to stand up. Part of the swimming rules is you can stand, but you can't move forward.

SOOO.... that's what I'm up against. I plan on posting every other week or so....

Long overdue update

2010-09-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

On the work front:

Kayla is 14 months old now, walking, talking some, signing and is overall a fun little one to be with.

Theater:

I directed "12 Angry Pigs" July 2nd, which was a ton of fun.

We're opening "Murder in Green Meadows" on October 1st.

"Mama Vs. The Mob" is October 23rd, which Martin is in. He's a gangster. :) I'll have to get pictures of him in his costume.

We will be resurrecting the zombie hoard for the Halloween show, "The 50th". I get to be a zombie and help out with make up.

Yes, we're doing THREE SHOWS for October.

We just held auditions for "She Loves Me", our Christmas show. I will only be House Manager for that one.

November is auditions for "Over the River and Through the Woods", which I will Assistant Director for.

Family:

Kelsie is a Senior this year. She just signed up to volunteer at the Humane Society and will be working with cats. I think this will be part of her Culmination Project.

I've discovered Geocaching, a fun treasure hunt type "game" you play using a GPS. It will probably have to be put on hold during the rainy season. That's okay. :) They will still be there when it finally dries up.

Yes, those are geocaches. The 5 way splitter, the bubblegum and the rock all held logs that we were to sign, then get online and say we found them. The big black thing next to the rock is Merilee's Grandpa's HUGE and ANCIENT GPS unit, but by golly, it works!

My Geocaching buddies: Jaynie, Karen and Merilee.

We went to Disneyland in July... FINALLY. We had promised Kelsie we'd take her when she was 10. That didn't work out. We finally made good on our promise, 8 years later. We had a blast!! Disneyland for 3 days, Knot's Berry Farm, Universal Studios and Medieval Times.

Future plans:

I'm looking at doing a Triathlon in July 2011. The Girlfriends and Dudes Triathlon consists of a 1/2 mile swim downstream the Columbia, a 12.5 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run, which I will power walk. I will be posting more about this later.

Been BUSY!!!

2010-03-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

Lots going on around here! Mostly work.
I'm loving my job.
The baby is a hoot to play with.

Isn't she a DOLL?!?!

I had a birthday.
Thanks, Dawn, for the balloons...

...all 40 of them.
And a St. Patrick's Day party at Dorinda's,
where my Magenta Mates literally showered me with gifts.
Awww... thanks, guys!

And lately... I just haven't been feeling like myself....

Oh... maybe that's why. :)
Aren't we LOVELY?!?!

Yup.... busy.

I guess it IS Spring...

2010-02-08T19:49:00.001-08:00

I am totally amazed.
I don't remember the bulbs being this tall this early last year.
I just hope we don't have a freeze that kills them off.

Day six...

2010-02-03T09:58:00.001-08:00

I had forgotten how much fun a 7 month old can be.
Yesterday morning we hung out at the library.
In the afternoon we went for a walk and wound up at a park.
This morning- a photo shoot.

Day three

2010-01-27T19:54:00.001-08:00

Day three of the new job and both me and Baby are down with a bad cold. :(

What a FUN kid she is! We've already had a few adventures. I'm really enjoying this job.

This morning, the older brother, Bryce, stayed home from school with a fever. He's got it, too.

He was in the office with his dad when I heard Eric (the dad) saying "There's a deer in our yard!!"

I grabbed my camera and...

Sure enough!

It's Mama was in the yard across the street. That's the best my little point and shoot could do through the window.

Quick blog

2010-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Haven't updated in a bit... so will do a quick one before heading to work.

Ah, work. At this point it should be called "Play". I get to play with a 6 month old girl practically all day. And what an EASY kid she is! She is happy to sit and play for 30 minutes at a time!

The only thing she does NOT like is tummy time. Her and I are going to go rounds with that. The Dad is glad I'm going to have her do tummy time. I guess she wasn't getting it at the day care they had her in.

I know for sure I have (at least) two hummers that visit my feeder, one male and one female. The dark headed one is male. He has a little flash of red on his throat, but it's not visible in this photo. The lighting wasn't wonderful and the flash on the camera kept scaring him away. The female, on the other hand... seemed to LOVE the flash and would almost pose for the camera.

Alright! Off to PLAY!

Spring?

2010-01-21T16:07:00.001-08:00

Crocus

Rose

Tulip

Daffodils

Hyacinth

Warning!!!

2010-01-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'm going to get on my soap box for a bit.

If you don't like soap box posts, then you might want to skip this one.

I go to Planned Parenthood to get my birth control pills. They're cheaper and I can buy several packs at a time, which allows me to continuous cycle. The cramps have gotten to be debilitating enough to warrant continuous cycling, but my prescription plan will only allow me one pack a month... uhhhmmm... yeah. The math just doesn't work that way.

At any rate, whenever I go, there's usually people out at the opening of the parking lot. Today was no different:

Honestly, I just wanted to go up and slap them. And then ask them, "Who are YOU to take away MY right to choose?"

I also wanted to add, "Instead of sitting here on your asses, why don't you go inside, pick a scared girl and try to help her through this, try to somehow make her life better instead of telling her how lousy she would be for choosing to end a pregnancy that will change her life, potentially for the worse! You want her to keep the baby? FINE! Help her with schooling! Help her get a job to earn money to raise this baby. Be a MENTOR if she chooses to adopt it out! But don't sit here on your asses and tell me how to run my life."

Now, I don't condone using abortion as a means of birth control. If you don't want a kid, do something about it BEFORE hand.

But if a girl comes in, pregnant of no fault of her own (rape, incest... sadly, it DOES happen), then yes, the option should be there.

Or if the pregnancy were to somehow harm the mother or put her life in danger. Then yes, let her have that choice.

Just don't take the choice away from all of us.

What dreary weather...

2010-01-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

This Seasonal Affective Disorder is kicking my hiney today. Even exercising under the sun lamps didn't help. I was so excited to see a mostly clear sky this morning, but the next time I looked out, it was over cast and dark.

Here's what I did yesterday on the treadmill. Yesterday was a good day, despite it being over cast and rainy. I got a LOT done.

Here is today's feeble effort. I figure, hey, at least I did SOMETHING.

And on the nail biting front... I'm getting there.

My left pinky has taken quite the hit. The nail ripped so I had to trim it short. Then I sliced the tip of it open with one of my new kitchen knives.
Well, now I know for sure they're sharp!

In other news, the Geo is officially dead. The timing belt broke. It would cost between $800 to $1,000 to fix it. So.... no more Geo.
RIP Blue
1992-2009

Yay!!

2010-01-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

I start my new job on Monday the 25th. I've been looking around the east side of town to see what there is to do with a 6 month old. Not a whole lot. Hoping her mom doesn't mind if I take her a bit further west for a bit of fun. :)

I did 45 minutes on the treadmill. Got a pic of it, but haven't uploaded it as yet. Will do that tomorrow. It's almost time for bed.

Found a lovely little website, thanks to Merilee.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html
If you click on Meal Planner (on the left), input your information, it will take you to another page where it tells you how much of each food group you should eat. You can then input the foods you've eaten and it will fill up the chart and show you how much you've eaten and how much you have left. It will also count calories and fat for you. :) I'm very visual in this respect, so this has been extremely helpful.

Alright, bedtime. I hope to catch a picture of the male hummer that's been visiting my feeder. He's FAST, that one is!

2010-01-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

Driving to Tri-Cities and back in one day is for someone MUCH younger than me.
I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon.
This is the reason we went over. We have inherited a small pickup.
A '91 Ford Ranger XLT.

We've actually been thinking about trading the Geo in for a truck. While we love, love, LOVE the Geo, it just doesn't haul that much. It's been a great little car, though! As soon as Mechanic Dave gets it up and running, we'll be selling it.

BUSY DAY!

2010-01-15T14:53:00.001-08:00

I went swimming today! Felt like I needed some exercise that wouldn't batter the body quite so hard. But let me tell you!! When you try to swim UPSTREAM in the river rapid section... WOW!
Let's just say that now my shoulders are sore.

Martin and I just took our poor sick Geo in to the mechanic. Not sure what's wrong with it, but want to get it up and running so we can see about selling it.
We've inherited a small pickup truck from his Dad and it will be far more useful than the Geo. It was (and still is) a great little car for kicking around town. Kelsie isn't interested in driving it because it's a manual. As luck would have it, the "new" truck is an automatic.
Now I just need to get her to study and take the test to get her permit!
Wish me luck.

On the job front:
I was offered the job I interviewed for on Sunday.
I've accepted it.
YEEEE HAW!!!

Back to changing diapers and mixing bottles, baby food and messes...
BUT
also back to doing fun projects, play dates, outings, and watching a small child learn the wonders of the world.

It could be worse...

2010-01-14T18:07:00.001-08:00

but I'm glad it's not. :)
By "worse", I mean I could have this job:

I suppose if I really, truly, absolutely needed SOME sort of job, I would be thankful for it. But I'm glad it's not gotten to that point yet.

Went to a resume writing workshop at Worksource today. Usually their workshops are dull and dry, but I actually got something out of this one: I got one on one help! I've found that it's extremely difficult to get help at Worksource unless you're the squeeky wheel type.
I'm not.
Not usually.
This time I just got lucky.

After the workshop, I found a spot to sit and each lunch, then got out and wandered a bit, playing with my new camera. What a creepy looking tree. I may go back after it's leafed out and get another shot.

A couple friends of mine are doing the Couch to 5K program.
The first day of the program calls for alternating 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking. Riiiiight... being asthmatic, I know that this will be close to impossible. Sooo...
I "dumbed it down".
30 seconds jogging, then 5 MINUTES of recovery. I managed to jog a total of 4 times before the coughing REALLY hit. My hope is to slowly increase jogging time and reduce recovery time. More than likely I will never be able to jog a full 5K, but even just improving the length of time I CAN jog will be a benefit.

Wednesday

2010-01-13T22:05:00.001-08:00

So after yesterday's games of pickleball... I had a very sore day today. :(
That's what I get.
I DID get off my duff and move, albeit slowly.

I mean VERY slowly. This was 1.5 miles an hour.

I've gone a week without biting off any nails. I know I can quit. I have before. It's just a matter of will power.

What a day.

2010-01-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

No walk on the treadmill for me today. Instead I met Martin over at Firstenburg for a rousing game of Pickleball!!

What is Pickleball you ask?

Imagine playing ping pong with a whiffle ball on a court about a two thirds the size of a tennis court.

That's Pickleball.

It's great fun!
Martin and I didn't get to play together; instead I was paired up with a very nice guy named Keith.

Now, I'm not an amazing athlete by any shade of the imagination.

Nor am I really any good at Pickleball.

But somehow, we came up with a system and we won 2 out of the 3 games we played.
It was AWESOME!!

I scored several points in a row, I vollied like I had never vollied before and... wow.

I am very proud of how well I did.

Now if I can just get my racket arm to settle down. :) It's a little sore.

Today's viral fun on facebook included putting a picture of yourself as a kid as your profile picture.

Here's mine:

Insert Witty Title Here

2010-01-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

It was a blah sort of day. Woke with an upset stomach which totally derailed the day's plans.
Ah, well.

I was feeling better by this afternoon and decided to take a walk outside. I didn't realize how cold it was, so I didn't do the 2 miles I had been planning. Instead, I did a mile and tried to beat my time from the last walk I took outside. I had to be careful, though. The cold air is an asthma trigger.

Not only did I beat my time by about a minute, I didn't start an asthma attack until I got home and was immediately able to hop in a hot steamy shower to combat it. Yay for me!

While I was outside, I noticed that the bulbs are already sprouting!!
Incredible!

I guess no one gave them the memo that it's still the middle of winter!

I had an interview yesterday. I felt it went really well and am hopeful that they will see me fit to nanny their darling little girl. :)
Will have to wait and see.

Artistic Director's Awards

2010-01-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first annual
Artistic Director's Awards
at Magenta Theater.
What a fun time!

My friend Stef posted an awesome blog about it here.

Martin got two awards,
one for Lights and Sound and the other...
get this... is called

"The Martin Award"
and it's for service and doing what needs to be done with a cheerful attitude.

I must say, I am quite proud of my hubby.

I also go an award for directing Wind in the Willows.
That show was truly fun to do and I am looking for another show to direct in 2011.

This should be...

2010-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

...yesterday's post... but I ran out of time to put it up, so I will do it now.

I managed to do another 30 minutes on the treadmill
And on a SATURDAY!
That's pretty much unheard of!

I would much rather walk outside, but the weather is just so miserable, that indoors on a treadmill is much easier. Here's my set up so I don't get bored.

To help combat the S.A.D. I have a 5 bulb light with three full spectrum bulbs, the two over head ceiling light and I even turn on the lamp on my night stand. It makes it so nice and "sunny" in there and after 20 to 30 minutes on the treadmill under the lights, I feel SO much better!

Good day... strange, but good.

2010-01-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

It was a good day today. Strange, but good. I slacked off this morning procrastinating about a lot of stuff. I DID call and set up an interview for a job. We shall see how it goes. There's a ton of people vying for this job, so... (shrug)

I also procrastinated about getting some movement in. FINALLY about 2pm I told myself to get off my duff and get moving. Did 30 minutes on the treadmill with all three lights just a-blazing. I felt SOOO much better afterward. Realized that the SAD is starting to set in. I'm not depressed, not like usual. Just kind of mentally lethargic. Life is pretty decent, over all... just needing something (or someone) to motivate me to get off my butt.

Normally the distance would have read further than that, but for some reason when I put the speed at 3 mph hour, I kept tripping. So I lowered it to 2.5 and still got a decent work out.

Went outside, briefly, between the rain storms. I think the plants are nuts. My tree and a couple of my rose bushes are already starting to send out new growth. The pics I snapped of the roses didn't turn out.

About 8pm I got a call from one of my Magenta Mates. The hot water heater in the workshop evidently broke and flooded the basement of the theater.

Martin and I packed up our two super sucker machines and after slurping up about 35 gallons of water:

Yeah! MUCH better. We set giant fans out to help dry it, the person in charge of building management has been notified, and hopefully we'll be able to get the hot water tank repaired and a couple more fans going. This wasn't NEAR as bad as when the roof flooded. We figure we had about 100 gallons for that one.

2010-01-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

I noticed a little bird hovering around my sliding glass door, so on a whim I pulled out a hummingbird feeder, mixed up the nectar and hung it up. Sure enough, an Anna's hummingbird started hanging around.

I even got a video of her.
I tried embedding it, but for some reason, it wouldn't work.

I love how she grabs the flower with her feet and just sort of hovers there. Eventually, I'd like to get another feeder, one with a perch. It might make it easier to snap pictures of her.

I was driving around town and happened to glance at the vehicle next to me. I cracked up.

And then, at my destination, I saw this poor car and the dog in the back seat. Before I snapped this, he HAD been laying down with his head resting on the back of the seat. As soon as I put the camera up, though, he started barking.
I only got one shot.
Because I ran.

It's so tough to get pictures of Nigel. He's just so BLACK that all the light just gets sucked into him. I got lucky on this shot. Too bad there's a box in the way. He was rubbing his face on it, as he so loves to do!

Nigel really is a loving cat, although if you ever come to visit, he will run away and hide. If you come often enough, he will MAYBE come out to see what's going on. He has finally decided that he sort of likes my neighbor Kim and my friend Dawn.
He is definitely my little shadow, though! He will follow me all over the house.

And he loves to give me head butts (his head is SOLID) and nose kisses. Every once in awhile, he'll get carried away and nom on my nose. Ow.

Treasures

2009-11-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

I went digging around in Dad's Navy box again today.
I found many slides and was dismayed about trying to look at them until I found:

What a neat little gadget! You slip the slide in the slot...

and press down to make it light up!

With my camera on the macro setting, I was able to get shots of some of the slides.

Some of them were labeled. This one said, "Londonderry".

This one was labeled, "The Idiot". Not sure why...

And this one bore the labeling of "Seasick".
I wonder if that's how Dad felt when taking this picture?

"Lantflex"

"The dizzy angle".
Boy, it sure is!!!

"Mountains anyone?"

"Break in a storm"

"Rough seas on USS S. B. Roberts"
Here's the website for the ship! If you click on "history",
you will see that there were two ships.
The first one sank.
Pretty sure the one in the photo below is DD-823,
seeing as how Dad was 7 years old when the DE-413 sank.

"Water over the side"

"Lantflex"

I looked up "Lantflex" and all I could find was that it was some sort of operation and there were several of them through the 50's and 60's.

Treasures

2009-11-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Recently, I helped my Mom move, and I wound up with a box of treasures from my Dad's time in the Navy.

He is in this picture below. Hint: he's the whitest guy in the group, which is one reason why his nickname was Whitey. I was also called Whitey for a time in grade school, not only because I was the blondest kid in class, but also because there were about 3 or 4 other girls named Heidi.

He was stationed on the USS Courtney and traveled around South America.

Here's a map (from the inside cover of the book above) that shows the destinations and the dates they were there.

Dad hung out with a guy named Spoonamore (I love that name!) and they played chess and whist during their down time.

I love my Dad, but I am so, SO very glad I did not get his ears.

This book shows what goes on during training. Yikes.

I also wound up taking three chess sets home. The other two are just pieces in a box and a paper chess board.

Don't they look CRANKY???

I am so glad this note was in the box.
"Ivory nut
S. America '59"

Update

2009-09-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, life has been downright CRAZY lately.

Relay For Life.

Rehearsal.

Looking for a job.

A hike at Frenchman's Bar with a good friend.

Looking for a job.

A broken bicycle (that got fixed and I suspect started the whole mess about things breaking!).

Looking for a job.

Going on interviews.

Being told you're over qualified.

Two broken cars, one of which is STILL in the shop a week and a half later.

Looking for a job.

Going on more interviews.

Being told you're UNDER qualified.

Bowling with Bozos.

STILL looking for a job.

A broken computer and having to rebuild it into a new case along with a newer hard drive and a fresh XP install.

(Broken computer)

New computer (in theory). Still having issues.

Stop the world, I wanna get off!

Toad's washerwoman outfit

2009-07-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

The set and the costumes of Wind in the Willows has provided us with many opportunities to be silly.
The character of Toad has to be dressed in a washer woman's outfit to escape from prison.

Tony- who plays Toad

Matt- who plays the part of Rat

Martin portrays Badger

Evan, who plays the part of Tom Weasel, but is also Toad's understudy.

The limo has also provided us with a bit of fun:

Oh no! Somebody's hit the Assistant Director!

Great, now they got Evan and Michelle.

The two people who designed, built and painted the set, the limo, the train and a few other items to make this whole show fabulous:
Deb and Chris!

Whirlwind

2009-06-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I received a layoff notice-
last day August 27th, unless I find something else sooner.

Friday- a frantic call from Martin who was at the theater dealing with a roof leak.
The last time it happened, it was small.
This time--- about 100 gallons of water.

Woke Saturday morning to text message from one of my actors.
He'd rolled his car the night before.
Thankfully he's okay despite being sore and bruised.

Saturday's preliminary costume parade went well, over all.
A few hitches left to work out.

(Tony as "Toad")

And now it's Sunday.
I will get groceries for the family then have a relaxing afternoon.

Photo Shoot!!!

2009-05-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

So today was our photo shoot of
Wind in the Willows.
These photos are similar to the ones that will wind up on the posters and post cards.
Posted these because they're fun.

Badger

Mole

Toad

Rat

Wind in the Willows

2009-05-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

I got to see the book for WIW yesterday!!!

This is Act 1, Scene 1- Outside Toad Hall

Act 1, Scene 20- the Limo
In this picture (click on it for a bigger version) can you find
The Magenta Theater
Slagle St.
Allison Ave.?
Allison is my Assistant Director/Stage Manager.

Act 1, Scene 3- The Dungeon

Act 2, Scene 1- The Train
As you can see, this one isn't finished yet.

I am so excited about this show!!!

Yard Sale-ing

2009-05-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

We don't normally go to yard sales,
but today we combined a bike ride with yard sale-ing.
We came across a pretty freebie.

Complete with case.

It runs, now that I've oiled it.
It's a model 128-3, built May 1st, 1950.
I even found the manual online.
I LOVE the internet.

Unfortunately, to get it to usability status, I need these:

This is the bobbin and shuttle.
The machine didn't come with these.
I found this set on ebay, but it's $20.
I'm going to call a couple sewing machine places here in Vancouver to see if maybe they have them or know where else I could get them, preferably cheaper.
If not, I'll ask my friend to help me bid.
I don't ebay.
I just don't. :)

First Rose!!

2009-05-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here it is!!!
The first rose of the season.

And probably the second rose...

And my Rhodies are a-bloomin' as well!

Not a whole lot else to report.
School's going fine.
Work is a pain.
Rehearsals keep me sane...
or insane, depending on how one looks at it. :)

Iris

2009-05-22T22:25:00.001-07:00

These are the irises in my back yard.
They're popping out like popcorn!

Not a whole to write about.
Going through an attitude adjustment at the moment and realizing that I need to take control of the situation and make some changes. :)
Always fun to do, right?

Just finished our second rehearsal of Wind in the Willows.
I have a great cast and crew!
I'll post pics as soon as I get them all uploaded.

68 SQ FT conquered

2009-05-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the weather, I was finally able to get out and work on the back yard.
It's taken us 5 years to beat out the jungle, take down two trees and rip out a huge photinia hedge, with the help of a windstorm.

We have managed to conquer about 68 square feet to the point where all we have is upkeep. Only 2,466 square feet left to go. (sigh...)

The far left bed has a grape plant (pictured below) along with lettuce and onion seeds.

The middle bed has another grape plant (below) along with radish, carrot and a couple broccoli seeds.

And the far right bed, when it's finally got dirt in it, will house strawberries! Yum!

My "reboot"

2009-05-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling just a tad stressed lately...
okay, a LOT stressed!
So I decided to take Annaliese's advice
to stop and reboot
and Steph's advice to go for a hike.

Look!!!
Something you don't see very often:
A RELAXED HEIDI!

What fun!

2009-05-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Martin and I decided to go to the lilac garden up in Woodland and just happened upon the tulip festival as well. I took my camera and got some lovely shots.

Things

2009-05-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Today I took a page out of Steph's book:

I dusted off the old Schwinn and went for a ride.

Yes, that says 4 and a half miles. I decided to bike to the bank, which is 2 miles away.
On the way home I spotted a path I had driven by for the last 5 years and never noticed, so I decided to follow it. It meandered along a cute little stream and I enjoyed listening to the happy birds chirping away and the busy humming of the insects. All in all, a LOVELY ride.
I got home just in time- a big, black cloud is dumping a lovely little spring shower and now everything is drenched.

This was my schoolwork for the week:
Baking rolls.
We were to learn about leavening and kneading and why both are important in bread making.
The photo above is part 1 of my lab. The roll on the far left didn't get kneaded at all, the 2nd one was kneaded then punched down and not kneaded, the 3rd, no first kneading but got the second round and the last one was kneaded both before and after rising. You can tell the difference, can't you? That first one tasted okay, but was awful doughy and yeasty.

This batch got kneaded before and after rising, but for different lengths of time. Starting from the left: 1 minute, 3 minutes, 7 minutes and 9 minutes. The far right one in the first batch was kneaded for 5 minutes each time, so I didn't want to repeat that.
The 3 minute, 5 minute and 7 minute rolls turned out the best. The 9 minute roll was TOUGH to chew.
Now I just need to finish writing up the lab and submit it!!!

Corkie-
what a ham!!
He seems to know what a camera is, because when I pull it out, he starts posing.
SEE?!?!

I've had people asking me about my compost bin. Here it is....
Just an old garbage can. And I mean OLD. It has our address from Lynnwood written on it. That was from 1995 to 2001!!

Just dump in your kitchen scraps, some shredded up newspaper (no glossy paper), coffee grounds, water if needed (should be like a damp sponge)....

...put the lid on, roll it around a few times...

...sprinkle on some dirt to keep the bugs to a minimum, put on the lid and you're done.

My weekend in pictures

2009-04-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

I finished my Week 3 homework- YAY!
On to Week 4!

We FINALLY finished landscaping the front yard.

Some close ups of my tulips...

The cats enjoying the evening sunbeams. Ahhhhh...

A campfire in our own back yard!

Roasting "martian-mellows"

Our neighbors and friends playing with their campfire.

She's really a SWEET kid... HONEST.
No REALLY!!!!

:)

2009-04-12T00:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

I've been neglecting this...

2009-04-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

To those that read my blog (Hi, Mom), sorry for being delinquent on this.
Not too much going on to blog about, though the flowers in the front are making quite the show this spring!
Martin and I walked around the neighborhood and I snapped some delightful pictures of Spring in all it's glory...
BEFORE it started raining again.

The Quest Begins

2009-03-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is what we have already done to reduce our foot print:

We've installed low flow shower heads , which you can buy cheap at Lowes- $5 or so.

We share showers with the cats...

Wait! NO! That's a BAD idea!! :)

We use Compact Florescent Light bulbs and recycle them at IKEA or Home Depot instead of chucking them in the garbage because they have mercury in them.

We added insulation above the garage. And best yet, the insulation was FREE. We helped Dawn with her rental and she said we could have anything we wanted . Thank you, Dawn!

I've saved up a stash of money to build raised garden beds. We started the grape arbor and ran out of money. It will be completed first and we can get grapes started. Our neighbors on the other side also have grapes and the four plants will create quite the canopy. They have a worm bin bench on their side. I will want a worm bin at some point, but not sure if I want it located there.

We recycle as much as we possibly can. Newspaper, cardboard, cans, aluminum.... Once I start the compost bin, all the paper stuffs can go there.

So we've already made quite a few changes. Off to a good start.

But what of Earth by Piers Anthony

2009-03-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

But what of Earth by Piers Anthony

Though this is not one of his best pieces of work due to a whole slew of miscommunications, the story leaves much to think about.

What would happen to the earth if the population suddenly started to decline? In this book, Matter Transmission becomes possible and instead of staying on earth to deal with the pollution problems the population created, many decide to matter transmit to primitive planets.

As time goes on the amount, and quality, of people cause the homes in the outskirts of towns to regress to primitive forms of living. Think pioneer days; growing your own food, walking as the only form of transportation unless you are lucky enough to have a horse or two, distant neighbors. Just staying alive becomes a full time job.

So how would you fare if something caused the electricity, water and gas to stop flowing? Would you know how to cope? Could you grow your own food, create your own power for heat or collect your own water for drinking, bathing and gardening?

I couldn’t. Not yet anyway. I’ve been slowly learning how to reduce my footprint on this poor earth, and it’s time that I really start getting as serious about this as I can.

Yes, I realize I am but one person.

I realize that it may not make a whole lot of difference. And that makes me sad. But at least I can say that I TRIED. And if something should happen that creates chaos where we don’t have water, electricity or gas, then at least I will be a little bit better prepared, not only to help myself, but to also help others by teaching them what they can do.

Thus starts my quest to reduce my footprint.

Snow again?

2009-03-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

Good grief.
Looking outside, you wouldn't think snow could be on it's way again!

But here's the forecast from kptv.com:

"Late Saturday night through early Monday showers coming in off the Pacific combined with colder air moving in will again lower the snow level quite close to the valley floor, or sea level."

On a happier note, I've got a ton of flowers coming up.

They're going quite crazy out there.

Home made granola bars

2009-03-01T20:38:00.001-08:00

Martin and I have decided to steer away from processed foods and more towards whole foods. One of our first steps was to do away with store bought granola bars and make our own.

4 cups oats ($1.64 bulk)
3/4 cup sunflower seeds (44 cents)
3/4 cup almonds, chopped (91 cents)
1 1/3 cup brown sugar (About a dollar))
1/2 cup honey (about a dollar's worth)
4 Tbsp butter (50 cents)
2 tsp vanilla extract (15 cents)
approximately 12 oz. dried fruit (we used raisins and apples) ($1.54 and 41 cents)

Mix the nuts, oats, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.

Prepare a glass baking dish for your granola by lining it with waxed paper lightly sprayed with a nonstick spray.

Put the brown sugar, honey, butter, vanilla, and salt into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Mix everything together in a large bowl. The grains, the liquid “glue,” and the dried fruit.

Mix everything REALLY WELL because you want to make sure the “glue” gets all over everything.

Dump your granola mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread out the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula (spray with a nonstick spray).

Press the mixture and compact it together so that your bars won’t fall apart when you cut them.

Wait until the granola has totally cooled and carefully turn the granola onto a large cutting board.

Now, firmly pressing down with a big knife (not sawing), cut your granola into whatever size bars you’d like.

Wrap as you desire.

Total cost- $7.59 We got 20 bars out of this batch. 38 cents a bar and they are HUGE.

Oh Happy Spring

2009-02-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it WAS sunny and gorgeous this morning, so I got a few snaps of the crocuses.
Sadly, the clouds have stacked up again and it's dark and grey.
One thing that I absolutely LOVE about spring is the smell.
Everything smells new and clean, even the dirt.
I'm looking forward to getting the front yard finally finished and the garden boxes built for the back yard.
It'll be nice to eat my own home grown produce again.

Pretty!

2009-02-23T12:31:00.001-08:00

My mixed up crocuses think it's spring.
4 more weeks!!!

More Spring Pictures!

2009-02-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

The lighting wasn't wonderful.
But so exciting to see crocuses popping up to say,
"HAPPY SPRING!"

Rebekah

2009-02-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Meet Rebekah

Rebekah is my niece. She turned 28 in January.

Last year, she went to the doctor for a headache that just wouldn't go away.
The doctor found a tumor.
They operated and removed most of it.

Then came the radiation:

And chemo.
It made her hair fall out. :(

I was proud of her when she took ownership and shaved the rest off.
SHE owned that cancer, not the other way around!

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?

Now it's growing back in...

but she's on a second round of chemo because two more tumors were found.

Rebekah is on my American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team- The GooFy Gang.

Would you please consider a donation for our team?

http://www.relayforlife.org/battlegroundwa

And while you're there, sign up on our team! There's plenty of space!

My Brother

2009-02-13T23:36:00.000-08:00

In just a few minutes, it will be the 3 year anniversary of the passing of my Brother in Love,
Duane,
AKA The Blueberry Muffin.

(sigh...) It seems like just yesterday we got the call to race to the hospital to possibly say good-bye.

It was surreal.
We thought his mom was just being dramatic.
Martin had JUST spoken with him, face to face, the evening before.
How could he possibly be in the hospital on life support after having just seen him??

His heart had stopped for 30 minutes, but the doctors got it to beating again.
He went into cardiac arrest a second time.
He should have been dead on February 2nd.

But he held on.

So did we.

Hoping.

Signs of improvement.

And then nothing.

Finally, the verdict: Brain dead.

Nothing left to do.

I miss you, Duane.

Tagged!

2009-02-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, I've been tagged twice. I don't mind putting two pictures up, but my list of possible victims is limited. Here's what I'll do...

6th picture of the 6th folder from the top of the list...
Nigel being cute under the Christmas Tree. He looked like he was contemplating climbing it to become Kringus, the Demon God of Christmas... It's a comic strip... Never mind. :P

6th picture of the 6th folder from the bottom of the list...
This was the storm of 2003/2004 where we were stuck inside for days and days because the ice and snow were so thick. We walked to a nearby park and I loved how the snow/ice had decorated the swing set.

4 people I TRIED to tag:
Angela - already tagged by Amy
Merilee- tagged by Dana
Jaynie- another one tagged by Dana
Dorinda- (sigh...) tagged by Annaliese

Steph- Yay! A new victim!
and Michelle- And another that hasn't been tagged!

So what you are supposed to do is:
Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.
1. Pick the 6th Folder, then select the the 6th picture in that folder.
2. Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture.
3. Tag 6 other people that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

UPDATE!!
I've been tagged a THIRD time... good grief!
Okay, 6th picture from the 12th folder down (multiples of 6, get it?):

Awwww... it's Corkie being cuuuuute! Yes, he poses for the camera. I swear he's smarter than we realize.

Look!!

2009-02-07T16:43:00.001-08:00

Just look what I found today!!!
Signs of SPRING!!!
The crocuses are peeking out...

And my roses are sprouting...

And the hyacinths are popping up like mad!!

WOO HOO!!!!

Sick little ones

2009-02-05T15:37:00.001-08:00

Tending to a sick little one is so hard for me.

All day yesterday and all day today I've wanted to cuddle him, but he kept refusing, saying he only wanted Mommy. But Mommy was in the office, working.

Finally he fell asleep on the ottoman and, knowing his mom would be coming out to take him to the doctor, I propped him up on my lap to sleep, hoping to ease his breathing.

It's so frustrating! There's nothing I can do except watch over him, get his meds down him, encourage him to sleep and eat little bits of something... and wait. Time will heal.

(sigh...)

sunshine and shadows (for Annaliese)

2009-02-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sunshine:
being greeted by a leap over a couch and a huge hug by a good friend

Shadows:
learning that a friend's mom suddenly passed away from a stroke this morning (sigh...)

Sunshine:
having friends who love and respect you

Shadows:
having a headache all day for no apparent reason

Sunshine:
working on directing my first play

Shadows:
being scared I'm gonna screw up big time

Sunshine:
having a loving hubby that I adore

Shadows:
having family members I want to disown

Sunshine:
my life, overall.

Sharing

2009-01-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Normally, I don't mind sharing. I actually enjoy sharing, most times. But not when I'm forced to share. Or expected to share. A few stories:

Not too long ago I was startled by an adult acquaintance. I didn't know this person well, so when said person came up to me while I was eating my dinner and held out their hand, you can well imagine my response: cocked eyebrow, questioning look and a "huh?" escaped my lips. This person then ASKED me for part of my dinner. What made me even more confused (and a bit angry) was the fact that they had some food of their own! (sigh...)

There's another person in my life that, upon seeing that I have something they want, will come over and screech, "OOOOOOOOooooo!!! Can *I* have some?!?!" This is something that happens frequently, to the point where I just want to rip out my hair and SCREAM!!! And when told, "No, thank you," said person goes off to pout.

Another situation that frustrates me is when I am FORCED to share. I have no power to say, "No, thank you," because I know I will taken aside and asked, "Why CAN'T so and so have that?"

A cute little incident happened the other day. I was sitting and eating my lunch when a little head appeared in front of me, cheeky little grin and hand held out. He was asking for some crackers that I had. He surprised me so much that I went into the eyebrows raised and "huh?" behavior. He then giggled, "Only kidding!" and scampered off. He was just so darn CUTE that before too long, I handed him a handful of the crackers he had been eying. He said, "Thank you!" with a grin, then promptly turned and shared with his new-found friend.

Now THAT'S the kind of sharing I don't mind!

PANIC ATTACK!!!

2009-01-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

I came home from rehearsal (and a long day of homework) to find my desktop computer in pieces.

Hubby had purchased parts to upgrade his computer, then used his old parts to upgrade mine.

At least, that was the theory. But we all know how theories work, right?

The upgrade didn't go so smoothly. And now my desktop is down. Yes, I still have the laptop, but because I didn't know my desktop would taken apart TODAY, I didn't put my school work on my flash drive.

Okay, so the problem is becoming clearer.

(sigh...) I have a paper due on Sunday, a paper that I've been stressing over because they want me to declare my major. That would be simple if I knew what the blazes I wanted to DO. Add that to the fact that my desktop with this paper is now inaccessible, and we have one wigged out Heidi.

Yeah. Don't Panic.

Why women should feel good naked

2009-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

I just read this article and some of it really hit home.

Keeping up with the Jones'

2009-01-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

I've never been good at this game.

I honestly don't understand it.

Even as a kid, I didn't want what everyone else had. I had more fun seeing their joy and sharing what they had than wishing I had that thing.

Now that I'm an adult, I STILL don't get it.

I have a little house. Yeah, it's 1200 square feet and houses 3 people. Sometimes it feels like we step on each other, but we still have enough space to go into separate rooms to get away from the others. MUCH better than the 2 bedroom 700 square foot duplexes we've lived in. Also, it only takes us MAYBE an hour to get the house cleaned up and company ready. Seriously. An hour, 90 minutes tops.

I have a little car. I LOVE my little car. I can zip in and out of traffic, I don't have to do an 18 point turn in the parking lot, I can park nearly ANYWHERE, it only takes (currently) $16 to fill the tank, I get great gas mileage and... IT'S PAID OFF. No car payment! WOO HOO!

We don't have a LOT of stuff. Which is probably why the housecleaning goes pretty quickly. Though I've noticed a bit of clutter starting to edge it's way into my home. I will need to peel a layer or two off before it bugs me too much.

I've tried to live simply... and for the most part, it's worked for me. It got tough when I had a wee little one- crib, stroller, car seat, high chair, so on and so forth. But lately even Kels has slimmed her belongings down. I think she's also figured out that having too much S.T.U.F.F. can be unhealthy.

I still don't understand why the Jones' feels as though they need all that S.T.U.F.F., though.
BTW, S.T.U.F.F. stands for Stuff That Undermines Family Fun. It's a FlyLady thing.

That's your horoscope for today...

2009-01-21T06:52:00.001-08:00

Your luck is about to change today -- and that could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how pleasantly your life has been going. But change is always good, even if it brings some clouds into your sunny day. If things take a turn for the worse, then just hang out. You can and will get through any challenges that arrive. And if things take a turn for the better, just enjoy it! The good things that you have done in your past are now going to be rewarded.

Uhhhmmm... maybe I should call in sick and just go back to bed.
Yeah, sounds good to me!

What I did today:

2009-01-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

Went on a bike ride (Brrrr! It's COLD out there!)
Homework
Had a picnic lunch
Homework
Tried to fly a kite but found out someone broke it and didn't tell me. Growl.
More homework

I'm supposed to write a goal statement and identify my major. I'm also supposed to comment on how I envision my future in that field of work.

Easy... IF I knew what the blazes I wanted to DO.

Sometimes I think it would be easier if an angel just popped out of the sky and TOLD me what I'm supposed to do. Or maybe give me an OBVIOUS sign, because if someone IS telling me what I'm supposed to be doing, I AIN'T GETTIN' IT!

(sigh...) sometimes I feel like such an idiot.

Gloomy

2009-01-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

Feeling kinda down today. Not entirely sure why. My irritation level is up, too. The walk this morning helped, thank goodness.

Kelsie bounded in last night and said, "I know what I want for my birthday! A party on the 17th!"

(Dumbfounded stare)

"You know, just a little group of people. We could have it here! Or maybe at Mountain View Ice Area!"

(Blink. Blink)

"So, CAN I???"

(DEEEEEP breath) "Kelsie, look at the calendar. Who would be here to help you host a party?"

"You!"

(Blink. Blink.) "Try again."

"Dad?"

"He WORKS Saturdays, REMEMBER???"

"OH. Well, could you do it?"

"I have rehearsal on Saturdays, REMEMBER???"

"Well, you won't be there ALL DAY."

"Uh, yeah, actually, I WILL be there all day the 17th. We're doing ComedySportz. Says so on the CALENDAR."

"Oh. (Pouting) You never let me do ANYTHING!" (storm off to her room)

(Rolling eyes and sighing) "Why did I HAVE a kid?!?! WHY?!?!"

Hmmm... could THAT be why I feel irritated? Oh yeah....

Stuck song...

2009-01-11T12:37:00.001-08:00

For some reason, and I don't know why, I have this song stuck in my head!!!

It won't go away, no matter what I try. :(

My daughter...

2009-01-10T16:51:00.001-08:00

Kelsie asked earlier this week if she could go to a birthday party today. It's rare for her to plan ahead like that, so we said yes.

Kelsie has had HOURS to get ready for this party. HOURS!!! I just asked her if she was ready to go and she gave me a list of everything she still needs to do.

HOW did I wind up with such an air-headed girly-girl?!?! Was I supposed to sacrifice a stuffed squirrel at the alter of smartness? Did she totally by pass the line for brain cells?!?! WHAT?!?!?

Honestly, I love her to death. But I'm sad to say that I doubt I will ever understand her. If we were the same age, I STILL don't think I'd understand her.

Horoscope for today

2009-01-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

"You should know by now that relationships can go through phases, so if one of yours feels like it's entering an off time, don't panic. Either things between the two of you will get better again eventually, or it's time for you to part ways. Your feelings for this person are conflicted right now, so it's a good idea to get distance from them in order to figure it out. If you find yourself compromising whenever you are around them, then this time apart will be refreshing."

Boy, isn't that the truth! I'm currently "on the outs" with a friend, and it's been a relief to not have to listen to all of her dramas. The sad part is, in hind sight, she never wanted to listen to me. She would call or IM long enough to say what was going on in her life then hang up or log off. Huh... Hind sight is 20/20.

It's FRIDAY!

2009-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Why are men afraid to empty the lint trap on the dryer?

And why is it that every time I sit down at the computer, ONE of the cats has to come bug me??

I took advantage of the "non-rainy" weather to actually get outside to walk. I don't really like walking on a treadmill- it's mind-numbing.

So I went to a park and enjoyed listening to and watching the birds. I don't think I've ever seen so many robins in one place!

As I was trundling along, I crossed paths with a runner. I immediately envied her. I've always wanted to be a runner, pounding the pavement and keeping a fast steady pace without huffing and puffing. She smiled at me and said, "Hi." She wasn't even out of breath!!

Way back when I was a little kid and obese was a word I didn't know the meaning of, I couldn't run more than 50 yards without breaking into a coughing fit that would scare the playground teacher.

Now that I'm an adult and fit into the category of obese, there's no way I could run just 25 yards!

When I start coughing during an attack, it's embarrassing. People look at me funny and treat me as if I'm contagious. The sticky sputum that is created during an attack has no where to go but UP. And sometimes there's so much, it has to go OUT. I've had plenty of practice spitting! And being part redneck, I can hawk 'em pretty far! (This is why I don't really like to exercise around people.)

Even if I could run in my current state of largeness, it would be something reminiscent of the liquid in a lava lamp. Blurb, blurb, blurb.

My asthma could be much, much worse. From wikipedia:
"During very severe attacks, an asthma sufferer can turn blue from lack of oxygen, and can experience chest pain or even loss of consciousness."

I'm thankful I don't suffer chest pain or lose consciousness. While my asthma is a pain, it's tolerable. Maybe I'll get to be a runner up in Heaven. :)

Tuesday...

2009-01-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

about 8pm... (Those of you parents will probably get that. I HOPE you get it!)

The amount of attention my family members demand of me is in direct relation to how many projects, school assignments and chores I have. No kiddin'. The more on my plate, the more they bug me. :)

Isn't this CUTE?? No, I didn't pose him, HONEST!
And I'm going to toot my own horn for a moment. This is my calendar:
Yesterday morning I did a 15 minute walk, 20 minute walk after work plus upper body weights.
This morning I did a 15 minute walk. Tonight after work I will go play pickleball with the Martin. :)
My goal isn't really to lose weight, it's more to get off my fat duff and MOVE.

Okay, and with that, I am officially late leaving for work. :)

WHY???

2009-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Why am I so FICKLE?!?!

I don't want to go to bed at night, but in the morning I don't want to get up.

I don't want to get in the shower, but when I DO get in, I don't want to get out!!

When I have to be cooped up, I wish I could get out and go for a walk...
then when I DO get the chance to walk, I think, "Aw, do I HAVE TO??"

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!!
AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Now THAT is a CAKE!

2009-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

I SO totally want this for my birthday. :)

Another view

Note the 20 sided under his claws. :)
(sigh...) I'm SUCH a Geek.

My Horoscope for the day.

2009-01-03T23:02:00.001-08:00

While I have fun reading them, I don't really believe in horoscopes. I DID enjoy this one, however. And I will follow the advice given from this day forward!!

You cannot let someone else's bad mood turn your sunny outlook into a fog-covered sky today. As much as you would like to sit with a blue friend and commiserate over life's little dramas, today you need to stay focused and on your own path. Let them go off in a corner and mope while you carry on with life and get things done. It's not that you don't care -- it's just that you aren't going to be doing them any favors by getting into a bad mood along with them.

Friday Random Thoughts

2009-01-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Whoever said, " A woman's home is her castle" OBVIOUSLY doesn't live with the same people I do.

Phrase I hate: "Iuhoh".
For those of us that don't speak "Duh", that's "I don't know".

Two sentences that make me want to rip out my hair:
"I didn't think to ask."
"I didn't think you'd mind"
ANY sentence you say that starts with the three words "I didn't think" makes you look SMRT.

Why is it that when men hunt, they aim carefully, yet when they PEE, they can't hit the broad side of a barn?

Flatulence really isn't funny. Just say, "Excuse me" and get on with life!

I need to stop biting my nails again. I was doing so well for awhile, as long as I kept polish on them. But then I'd go work at 606 and the polish would be scraped off or washed off with the Goof-Off, or the orange cleaner stuff. I WILL do better now that the majority of the paining is done!! Go me!

I LOVE the internet. I have learned so much, from roofing to history to how to save a .pub file as a .pdf. I just need to install the software now and play with it.

The Baby

2009-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Our cat Corkie is 5 years old. He's always been a snuggler, but lately he's been a bit more demanding:

"Mom." (tap tap tap)
"Mommy!" (tap tap tap!)
"MOO-OOM!" (tap claw tap!)

"FINE. I'll go climb on...

...DADDY! HE will pet me and love on me!" :P

(that lasted 3 minutes)

"Mom." (tap tap tap)
"Mommy!" (tap tap tap!)
"MOO-OOM!" (tap claw tap!)

"YAY! I got what I WANTED!"

(Sigh...) It's as bad as having an infant. At least I can leave this baby at home by himself!

Random quotes

2009-01-01T08:41:00.000-08:00

"It tastes of Moth balls!" "How would you know?"

"Too much plastic surgery and you look like a tranny!"

"Let's pour it back in and take it back."

"A bunny rabbit? In what position?"

SMRT

2008-12-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

'Nuff said.

Pig rotten potatoes

2008-12-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

I've had Kelsie's hearing checked several times in the last few years. She passes every test with flying colors and I'm told there is absolutely nothing wrong with her hearing.

She's proven that several times when she has repeated what Martin and I were whispering about here in the living room even though she was sequestered away in her bedroom with the door closed.

So, since her hearing is fine, I have to assume that it's her LISTENING that sucks bricks.

Case in point:

Yesterday evening she called me from Firstenburg to come pick her up from swimming. She then asked what was for dinner.

I replied, "Au Gratin potatoes."

She squealed, "PIG ROTTEN POTATOES?!?!?!"

(sigh...)

Yup, hearing is fine, listening sucks.

Back when...

2008-12-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I've been in a reflective mood lately. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the season. I don't know.
This is a picture of my Daddy, holding me at Granny's house. I know it's at her house because of the cupboards in the back. One whole wall in her dining room was nothing but cupboards.

Another pic of me, only Mom's holding me. I'll have to find the original and scan it to get her head back in the picture. Not sure why she was cropped out in the first place.

This is the only picture ever taken of me with Papa and Granny. It was my 1 year birthday and they gave me that toy guitar. Grand plans were made to teach me how to play guitar, banjo, violin/fiddle and piano.
(sigh...) Papa died of liver cancer 3 months after this picture was taken.
I cherish this picture.

Lots of things on my mind today...

2008-12-29T16:05:00.001-08:00

"Life imposes things on you that you can't control, but you still have the choice of how you're going to live through this," Celine Dion

I read this quote the other day and it made me stop and think....

Yes, I have choices on how I react to situations or decisions made by other people.

Yesterday in Dollar Tree I saw a man that I think I recognized from a picture. The man in the picture is a known sex offender. The man at Dollar Tree came up to me and asked me if I was in line. At this point the ball was in my court. Should I scream at him (assuming he was the man in the photo)? Ignore him? I could have. Instead I spoke to him nicely, "Yes, but you have less than I do. Get in line ahead of me." He looked at me like I had snot hanging out of my nose or something just as startling. (shrug) Be nice to all of God's creatures, right?

Driving home, I saw a man and a woman pushing their stalled car along the busy street. I turned around to help them, but by the time the traffic allowed me back, they were already pulled off into a parking lot. Glad they made it safely. I've been in that situation before and thank goodness for the kind guys who stopped and helped me push.

Today, as I was leaving the bank, I held the door for a woman coming in. Unfortunately, the two guys behind me almost tromped the poor woman. They did say sorry, but they were not paying attention to what they were doing. They almost backed over me as I was leaving the parking lot. My decision? GET OUT OF THEIR WAY.

A lot of people were out today, returning Christmas gifts and taking advantage of sales. And most everyone was in a hurry. Several times I let people have the right away, even though it was my turn. Better to lose my turn than be run over.

At the show Arsenic and Old Lace, I almost bumped into a woman with hot coffee. Instead of saying, "Excuse me" or something like that to let me know she was there, she snapped, "Watch what you're DOING!"

Wow.

I apologized, said excuse me, then stood there letting those words sink in.

Another Magenta person saw the whole thing, leaned over to me and asked, "Why couldn't she watch what SHE was doing, too?"

Because it's easier to lay the responsibility and blame at someone else's feet. That was her decision. (shrug)

For some reason...

2008-12-25T21:56:00.001-08:00

... this just makes me incredibly happy.

(If you don't get it, see my Dec 21, 08 blog.)

PRESENTS!

2008-12-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Corkie says, "Hey!! Where's MY gift??"

It's got to be here SOMEWHERE!!

Kelsie wanted a vanity for her room.
We couldn't find one we liked so we settled for a jewelry armoire, a mirror and a stool.
She LOVED it! Yay!

Life without Limbs

2008-12-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

Let it... FROSTING?

2008-12-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

To chase away the Boredom Blues,

I enticed Kelsie to do a gingerbread house.

What fun!
What a MESS! :)

Snow... and lots of it!

2008-12-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

Those of you that know me well, know my weird sense of humor.

Martin and I were hoping to build a snow sculpture today,
using this as our inspiration:

Yes, we're odd.
We didn't get to build anything because under all the ice was powder.
Not conducive to building and packing.
Ah, well. I DID get some neat-o pictures, though.

Frozen roses.

This is out the front window.

This is the backyard.

I was playing with the stitch assist feature on my camera.
Pretty fun!

dis⋅ap⋅point⋅ment

2008-12-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

dis·ap·point·ment (-mənt)

noun

a disappointing or being disappointed
a person or thing that disappoints

dis·ap·point (dis′ə po̵int′)

transitive verb

to fail to satisfy the hopes or expectations of; leave unsatisfied
to undo or frustrate (a plan, intention, etc.); balk; thwart

How do you handle disappointment?

You found the most beautiful piece of jewelry to go with your favorite outfit. You plan on buying it just as soon as you get paid, only to find out that you can't afford it due to an emergency repair to your car. Do you:
A. Plan on buying it next paycheck instead?
B. Whine and complain to your friends until they decide that they don't want to be around you?
C. Buy it anyway, even though you know you'll go into overdraft?

You're up for a promotion and you really, REALLY want it. Two days after the final interview you find out that the gal two cubicles down got it. What do you do?
A. Take a deep breath, march down there and congratulate her then start looking at other possible promotions/jobs?
B. Storm into your boss's office DEMANDING to know why SHE got the promotion over you?
C. Whine and complain to your friends until they decide that they don't want to be around you?
D. Plan to Saran Wrap her car right after you turn in your resignation?

Is disappointment healthy? Well, it certainly teaches you that you don't always get what you want... and how to cope with that situation.

There's something to be said about "people who are served lemons in life learn to make lemonade". These people seem to be happy even if their house burns down, their car gets stolen and they lose their job. You can either wallow in your disappointment or DO something about it.

These days in Little League, everybody plays no matter how badly they play. 25 years ago, you tried out for a team and if you stank, you weren't picked. Talk about disappointment!

I remember almost always being picked last for any sort of team sport... except for one. For some odd reason, I wanted to excel at that one game. I kept getting picked last until the captains noticed that I was scoring points! After a few weeks of giving it my all, I was one of the first ones picked. What a great feeling! But I never would have achieved that if I hadn't felt disappointment at first.

So, how do YOU deal with disappointment?

"I miss you!"

2008-12-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

Okay... grab a couple tissues and watch this. I guarantee you'll tear up.

I'm not READY!!!

2008-12-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

We put up the tree today.

Honestly, I'm not ready for Christmas.

Wasn't it just yesterday???

About the previous blog...

2008-12-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

First of, I need to apologize to someone. I'm sorry you thought part of my blog was about you specifically. It's not.

Secondly, I realize now it was in bad form to have even posted that section. I apologize to everyone who read it and thought that I must be an awful gossip. I will try to be better about the content of my blogs from now on.

I'm sorry.

“It’s not my fault!”

2008-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

This has been percolating in my brain for a couple weeks now, and I think I’m ready to write.

“It’s not my fault!”

I’ve heard these words repeatedly in my 30+ years of working with children.

Whether it’s due to someone getting hurt, something getting broken, or something being lost, these words are usually spoken vehemently, even while the conscience is telling us otherwise.

Why is it so hard for us to take ownership of our actions?

True, there are some things that happen that are out of our control. In those instances, it is NOT our fault.

But what about when my daughter said that it wasn’t her fault her phone was broken due to it constantly falling out of her pocket? Wasn’t she the one who PUT it in her pocket, knowing there’s a good chance it would eventually fall out and smash onto the ground? Yet, it’s not her fault. A classic example of not wanting to own the action that caused the trouble.

I’m not immune to this phenomenon. Every once in awhile I will think to myself, “It’s not MY fault that….”

Mmm… wait… yes, it is. I have at least part ownership to this. I need to figure out a different plan on how to deal with this.

I’m not perfect. But at least I’m aware of this problem. And I’m taking steps to change it, at least on my end.

Have you ever...

2008-12-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Stole this from Annaliese. :) I highlighted what I've done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

02. Swam with dolphins

03. Climbed a mountain

04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid

06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

08. Said "I love you" and meant it

09. Hugged a tree

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars

20. Changed a baby's diaper

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a roller coaster

35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment

39. Had two hard drives for your computer

40. Visited all 50 states

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk

42. Had amazing friends

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44 . Watched whales

45. Stolen a sign

46. Backpacked in Europe

47. Taken a road-trip

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CDS

57. Pretended to be a superhero

58. Sung karaoke

59. Lounged around in bed all day

60. Played touch football

61. Gone scuba diving

62. Kissed in the rain

63. Played in the mud

64. Played in the rain

65. Gone to a drive-in theatre

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours

72. Gotten married

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the Snake River

82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"

83. Gotten flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas

86. Recorded music

87. Eaten shark

88. Kissed on the first date

89. Gone to Thailand

90. Bought a house

91. Been in a combat zone

92. Buried one/both of your parents

93. Been on a cruise ship

94. Spoken more than one language fluently

95. Performed in Rocky Horror

96. Raised children

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour

98. Passed out cold

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking

103. Had plastic surgery

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived

105. Wrote articles for a large publication

106. Lost over 100 pounds

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

109. Touched a stingray

110. Broken someone's heart

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a TV game show

113. Broken a bone

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse

119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi

128. Had your picture in the newspaper

129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed

132.Touched a cockroach

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey

135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

137. Skipped all your school reunions

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head

149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone's life

61 out of 150... so I'm not a complete bore. :)

"Somebody Else Will Do It"

2008-11-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

“Somebody Else Will Do It”

I’ve noticed this trend a lot lately. Not only do I deal with it here at home:

“Somebody Else will wipe up the peanut butter and jelly I spread on the counter.”

“Somebody Else will put away the dirty dishes I stacked on the counter, I’m in a hurry!”

I also deal with this at work:

“Somebody Else will wipe off the table if they need it for school work.”
“Somebody Else will pick up this mess.”

And at Play Park:

“Somebody Else will set up Snack Area.”

“Somebody Else will clean up the play-doh that dropped on the floor.”

And, believe it or not, even at Magenta I’ve noticed it… Sadly.

“Somebody Else will show up at 606 to help paint, construct, etc.”

I try very hard not to force Somebody Else to do what I am capable of doing myself… especially if it’s a mess *I* made. At the risk of sounding whiny, it’s just not a fair thing to do.

And as for those who force me to be Somebody Else… I’m TIRED of it. Get off your butt, stop whining about how busy you are, and grow up a bit. The world doesn’t revolve around you.

2008-11-17T22:50:00.001-08:00

Alright, I posted about Corkie. Now it's Nigel's turn.

He's really difficult to photograph because he's so BLACK.
He loves to climb and perch, especially on Kelsie's chair or computer desk.

He also loves boxes...

and books...

And his scratching post.

He's terribly shy, so if you come for a visit, it will take him awhile to come out of hiding. He's SUCH a lovable guy and will bonk me on the head and lick my nose.

"I am Kringus. Hear me ROAR!"

10 Ways to Be Happier

2008-11-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

So imagine my surprise at logging on and finding an artcle on ways to be happier after putting up a post about the "Poor Me" Syndrome. Too funny. as FlyLady would say, it's a God Breeze.

Okay, here's the article.

Corkie

2008-11-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

My cat (well, actually KELSIE'S cat) Corkie makes me laugh on a daily basis. Not only does he ask me for a toy by sitting in front of the drawer and looking up expectantly, he will alsoplay fetch with it after he chooses which one he wants.

If I happen to be sitting here at the computer and I'm not paying attention when he brings the toy, he will put a paw up on the seat and tap my hip with the other paw.

He also loves to shove all his toys under the couch. When the toy drawer is empty, we have to tip the couch up to get the toys and boy, does he LOVE to watch that!

He also absolutely LOVES tissue paper.

And burrowing under the covers or snuggling with his adopted brother.

He's also quite the ham for the camera.

"Poor Me"

2008-11-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Something has been gnawing on my brain lately. And it’s something I’ve been guilty of doing just as much as the next guy.

The “Poor Me” syndrome.

Notion number 1: We are victims and we are helpless, hopeless and powerless.

No, we’re not. We just find it easier to moan and groan about what we don’t have or what has happened to us rather than to feel blessed by what we DO have or make a choice to deal with our situation and make it better.

Notion number 2: It’s someone else’s fault that I’m in this situation.

No, you have choices, too. We can blame others and continually use excuses for not taking charge of our own destiny. But you still have CHOICES.

Notion number 3: If I had (fill in the blank) I would be so much happier.

REALLY?? Honestly. Sit down and think about this. If you had a new car vs. your old paid off one, what would happen? You’d have a monthly car payment when you didn’t have any before, your insurance would probably go up and you’d be constantly on pins and needles just WAITING for someone to put the first ding in it.

The same goes with any situation. Before you bemoan the fact that there’s something you want but don’t have, stop and reflect how having that item would change your life, your way of thinking, and your attitude.

Okay, so what can we do to stop this behavior?

Well, first off, stop blaming everyone else for how you’re feeling. It’s YOUR choice as to how you deal with situations in your life.

Secondly, for every negative thought you have, stop and consciously replace it with TWO positive thoughts. Instead of taking one step toward the dark, stop and take two steps to the light.

Next, practice an ‘attitude of gratitude.’ Say thank you for all the blessings you receive throughout the day. You could even start a Gratitude journal. Before you go to sleep each night, write down in your journal or notepad 5 things that you are grateful for each day. To go one step further, start a Joy journal. List things that make you feel happy. When you are having a ‘bad’ day, go back to your joy journal to re-focus on the wonderful moments in your life.

When you find yourself in a situation, remind yourself that you DO have choices and you CAN change not only how you behave, but you could change the entire outcome of the situation.

And lastly, believe in yourself. You ARE someone special. You ARE worth it.

Here’s the start to my Gratitude Journal:

I am thankful for my husband and daughter who motivate me to be the best that I can be.
I am thankful for having a job that allows me to have a home, cars, food, clothing and money to pay the bills.
I am thankful for my friends who don’t mind when I’m silly and love to laugh both at me and with me.
I am thankful for the fact that October was so sunny that it kept the S.A.D. away for just a bit longer.
I am thankful for the winter, for without it, there would be no spring.

2008-11-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

My kitty-boys really are a great comfort to me.
Corkie must have sensed that I was sad and not feeling well tonight
for he kept giving me hugs.

These are probably the last flowers of the year.

The bushes are still growing, and I will be surprised to see any bloom.

I do so love the roses.
I was happy to see the small twig resurrected from the dead.
I was planning on getting another bush to put there and what a surprise!

Forgive

2008-11-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

for·give

verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing. –verb (used with object)

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.

2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).

3. to grant pardon to (a person).

4. to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies

5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

–verb (used without object)

6. to pardon an offense or an offender.

All through childhood I was taught to say “sorry” for the offenses I made. The other child would say “okay” and off we’d go to play, our friendship instantly renewed.

Now that I’m an adult, I find it difficult to trust someone who has said sorry. Forgiving is easy, but it’s constantly on my mind: are they going to do it again? Can I trust them? Are they going to go back to the behavior that split our friendship in two?

She has apologized. And I do miss her friendship.

She says the circumstances have changed, but she said that before, too, and then let things go back to how they had been.

(sigh…)

I don’t know what to do.

Roller Coaster!

2008-11-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

What a roller coaster life.

Up- being House Manager for Arsenic

Down- Bob went off chemo.

Up- Kelsie doing well in school and getting parts in the school play

Down- Becky losing her hair to chemo. She's still beautiful, though!
My half sis having a couple strokes.

Up- School and finding out what life credits I could earn.
Looking forward to more classes. Seeing Kelsie on stage.

Down-Bob died.

Up- Having 970 people come see the show. Magenta getting it's own space. Having a wonderful group of friends through Magenta.

2008-10-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Alright, this is the trial blog. I'm not used to this website yet and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.
I'm frustrated at Yahoo's 360 even though I love the simplicity of it. Ah, well.