Normally I pan animated movies. Ever since the guys outgrew them and I haven't HAD to watch them, I've not seen the necessity of going to them. But Mensa Boy wanted to see this and, since he rarely wants to go to a movie, I agreed.
It was a great story, with good humor and no lagging parts. The only downside was being in a theatre with a bunch of families with little kids!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Up -- Trailer for Pixar's New Movie
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Girls in the Mix
We are house of boys. There's Mensa Boy, of course. Then Nate, who is 19. And Taylor, who is 14. We've always just been a house of boys.
And now we have Erin, Nate's girlfriend. She is 18. We love having her around. She's not real girly so it hasn't really changed the dynamics around here much. But she does have a woman's mind, and so it gives me someone to roll my eyes with around the dinner table when they are all going on and on about "Survival man" or "really tall flagpoles that reach out into space and what it would be like to be sitting on the top of one."
The other night we were are the supper table and Erin and I started talking about haircuts. This caused Nate to just sit and move his head back and forth, like at a tennis match, watching us talk to each other. I think he was surprised that either of us would talk that long about hair.
My friend Paula has a house of girls. One in college, one just graduating high school and the other a rising sophomore. Her two older daughters have boyfriends. Her daughters are fairly girly and so she is she.
I bet it's much weirder to bring boys into a house of girls than it is to bring girls into a house of boys.
And now we have Erin, Nate's girlfriend. She is 18. We love having her around. She's not real girly so it hasn't really changed the dynamics around here much. But she does have a woman's mind, and so it gives me someone to roll my eyes with around the dinner table when they are all going on and on about "Survival man" or "really tall flagpoles that reach out into space and what it would be like to be sitting on the top of one."
The other night we were are the supper table and Erin and I started talking about haircuts. This caused Nate to just sit and move his head back and forth, like at a tennis match, watching us talk to each other. I think he was surprised that either of us would talk that long about hair.
My friend Paula has a house of girls. One in college, one just graduating high school and the other a rising sophomore. Her two older daughters have boyfriends. Her daughters are fairly girly and so she is she.
I bet it's much weirder to bring boys into a house of girls than it is to bring girls into a house of boys.
Friday, May 29, 2009
27 Years
This morning I asked Mensa Boy the annual anniversary question: "It's been (x) years, how long does it seem like it's been?"
"Well, maybe 21," he said. "It doesn't seem like 27 but for sure more than 20."
And there you have it. The question answered.
"Well, maybe 21," he said. "It doesn't seem like 27 but for sure more than 20."
And there you have it. The question answered.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Family Meeting
We just finished a nice supper of turkey burgers (courtesy George Foreman...so glad I have him around for these days when the sky suddenly explodes), sweet potato chips (some rather charred, but great nonetheless) and steamed cauliflower. Oh, and of course the homemade hamburger buns.
May I never buy a hamburger bun again. I'm certain I will at some point, but for now, while I have a nearly endless bowl of bread dough in the back of the fridge, there's really no point in buying the tasteless, doughy variety at the grocery store.
I had a chat with the children about summer and am hoping to get the three of them involved in some painting this summer. Buddy Julie is coming for a week in June and she and I will get the two upstairs bathrooms done. Then the bonus room and guest bedroom will be left. It sure would be cool to get the guest room done before she gets here. Erin says she likes to paint. I wonder if she could get that done with Nate the week before Julie comes? Hmmmm.... I have to work 10-hour days that week, so I won't be wielding a paintbrush in the evenings. We'll be lucky to get a decent meal that week.
The hardest part, to me, will be getting colors chosen. I really need to come up with a plan for the master bath. The master bedroom is a rose-y brown. But it also could use a new coat of paint. I dread choosing.
Anyway, I've told the three of them that I will try very hard to find gas money for them to make a road trip back to see Grandparents this summer if they will help out with some stuff here at the house. We'll see how that all goes.
May I never buy a hamburger bun again. I'm certain I will at some point, but for now, while I have a nearly endless bowl of bread dough in the back of the fridge, there's really no point in buying the tasteless, doughy variety at the grocery store.
I had a chat with the children about summer and am hoping to get the three of them involved in some painting this summer. Buddy Julie is coming for a week in June and she and I will get the two upstairs bathrooms done. Then the bonus room and guest bedroom will be left. It sure would be cool to get the guest room done before she gets here. Erin says she likes to paint. I wonder if she could get that done with Nate the week before Julie comes? Hmmmm.... I have to work 10-hour days that week, so I won't be wielding a paintbrush in the evenings. We'll be lucky to get a decent meal that week.
The hardest part, to me, will be getting colors chosen. I really need to come up with a plan for the master bath. The master bedroom is a rose-y brown. But it also could use a new coat of paint. I dread choosing.
Anyway, I've told the three of them that I will try very hard to find gas money for them to make a road trip back to see Grandparents this summer if they will help out with some stuff here at the house. We'll see how that all goes.
Mom? Is That YOU?
I think God's voice sounds like my mother.
Yup. But I bet this doesn't come as much of a surprise to most of you.
So last night I was doing my yoga. A long routine because there was no Jazzercise. The routine is a Yin Yoga practice, wherein one puts oneself into a pose and then attempts to relax every muscle that is not needed to maintain said pose. And then, of course, you are supposed to relax your brain too. Because once you are in that pose, whaddaya need a brain for anyway? As you stay in that pose, the muscles gradually relax and stretch more and more, and the pose naturally gets deeper and deeper.
It's quiet. And should be a great time for praying. But you are supposed be relaxing your brain too...like meditating. And to me praying takes a lot of brain cells. So I've been trying to meditate on the word "pneuma" these days. The sequence is about 8 poses, which I hold for 5 minutes each, so that's a long time to breathe in "pneu" and breathe out "ma," so after a bit I think to myself, "How about just trying not to think anything at all. I want to hear God speaking to me."
So I begin to pray "I'm here. I'm listening. Teach me. Move me." And I find myself saying this in my head over and over. Until finally I pause and, I'm not totally sure, but I think I heard God's voice. And he sounded exactly like my mother.
And he said "Well shut up then! Let me get a word in edgewise!"
Yup. But I bet this doesn't come as much of a surprise to most of you.
So last night I was doing my yoga. A long routine because there was no Jazzercise. The routine is a Yin Yoga practice, wherein one puts oneself into a pose and then attempts to relax every muscle that is not needed to maintain said pose. And then, of course, you are supposed to relax your brain too. Because once you are in that pose, whaddaya need a brain for anyway? As you stay in that pose, the muscles gradually relax and stretch more and more, and the pose naturally gets deeper and deeper.
It's quiet. And should be a great time for praying. But you are supposed be relaxing your brain too...like meditating. And to me praying takes a lot of brain cells. So I've been trying to meditate on the word "pneuma" these days. The sequence is about 8 poses, which I hold for 5 minutes each, so that's a long time to breathe in "pneu" and breathe out "ma," so after a bit I think to myself, "How about just trying not to think anything at all. I want to hear God speaking to me."
So I begin to pray "I'm here. I'm listening. Teach me. Move me." And I find myself saying this in my head over and over. Until finally I pause and, I'm not totally sure, but I think I heard God's voice. And he sounded exactly like my mother.
And he said "Well shut up then! Let me get a word in edgewise!"
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Dinner and a Movie
Taylor, Mensa Boy and I went to Big View Diner last night for supper. It was an early one and I'm very glad. We got there a little after 5 and still waited about 30 minutes. It wasn't a bad wait, though. They took 2 stools at the bar and I stood while Taylor played video games on a countertop console. The woman next to me had a great, citrus-looking drink in a regular glass so finally I asked her what it was. "A margarita," she said. "And it's wonderful!" I like margaritas but I don't drink them very often. They never seem tangy enough to me and often are too sweet. And also usually don't have enough alcohol in them. But this one looked fantastic so I ordered it. It was fabulous. Like limeade with a little kick.
After we hung around for about 25 minutes the manager asked if we'd like to sit at the counter in the diner rather than continue waiting for a table. So we agreed. It was a little awkward, I thought. We were right at the pass for the kitchen and so everyone was bustling back and forth across the window getting food. I worried that watching the food being handled might ruin my appetite, but it didn't. The staff worked well together (there was a guy and a girl working the pass together, assembling plates and doing garnishes) and they were clean and efficient.
Taylor order spaghettini and meatballs that I thought didn't really look that great. But I didn't taste it so I can't really say. The meatballs are made on the premises and they do their own meatloaf so they are probably pretty good. He ate most of it, but left 2 1/2 of the 4 meatballs. That's normal. He's not really my meat eater.
MB had a philly cheesesteak. He said it was good, but I did see him put ketchup on it, which I think someone doesn't do with a really good one. And I had a reuben, which was wonderful! It was stuffed with meat, too much to eat. Good and hot and just the right amount of kraut and sauce.
But the big hit, I thought, was their vinegar potato chips. OH. MY. GOSH! I mean, I'm usually going for fries anytime I can, and normally would sub out chips for fries. But they had a big tub of them on the pass and they looked great so I figured they needed trying. They were absolutely delicious. Just a hint of vinegar and the chips were sliced so thin you could see through them and then fried to perfection.
So I think we'd go back there. I almost suggested them for breakfast yesterday when Rena and I went out, but I'm glad I didn't. They are not open for breakfast yet. I bet they will be wonderful when they do.
After that we met Nate and Erin at the theatre to watch Star Trek. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we were in the back of the theatre, but that's my only negative comment. It's a BIG MOVIE and I think being further back would have helped me take everything in a little more. We loved all the characters and the actors they chose to play the original series characters. They had just enough references to the old series to keep you delighted but not too many. And they left it wide open for more stories. We all agreed that it's time for a new Star Trek series.
THEN we hit Marble Slab Creamery for some ice cream. There was live music on the patio outside the shop so we sat by a fountain while we finished our treats. It was just a nice evening all around.
After we hung around for about 25 minutes the manager asked if we'd like to sit at the counter in the diner rather than continue waiting for a table. So we agreed. It was a little awkward, I thought. We were right at the pass for the kitchen and so everyone was bustling back and forth across the window getting food. I worried that watching the food being handled might ruin my appetite, but it didn't. The staff worked well together (there was a guy and a girl working the pass together, assembling plates and doing garnishes) and they were clean and efficient.
Taylor order spaghettini and meatballs that I thought didn't really look that great. But I didn't taste it so I can't really say. The meatballs are made on the premises and they do their own meatloaf so they are probably pretty good. He ate most of it, but left 2 1/2 of the 4 meatballs. That's normal. He's not really my meat eater.
MB had a philly cheesesteak. He said it was good, but I did see him put ketchup on it, which I think someone doesn't do with a really good one. And I had a reuben, which was wonderful! It was stuffed with meat, too much to eat. Good and hot and just the right amount of kraut and sauce.
But the big hit, I thought, was their vinegar potato chips. OH. MY. GOSH! I mean, I'm usually going for fries anytime I can, and normally would sub out chips for fries. But they had a big tub of them on the pass and they looked great so I figured they needed trying. They were absolutely delicious. Just a hint of vinegar and the chips were sliced so thin you could see through them and then fried to perfection.
So I think we'd go back there. I almost suggested them for breakfast yesterday when Rena and I went out, but I'm glad I didn't. They are not open for breakfast yet. I bet they will be wonderful when they do.
After that we met Nate and Erin at the theatre to watch Star Trek. I think I would have enjoyed it more if we were in the back of the theatre, but that's my only negative comment. It's a BIG MOVIE and I think being further back would have helped me take everything in a little more. We loved all the characters and the actors they chose to play the original series characters. They had just enough references to the old series to keep you delighted but not too many. And they left it wide open for more stories. We all agreed that it's time for a new Star Trek series.
THEN we hit Marble Slab Creamery for some ice cream. There was live music on the patio outside the shop so we sat by a fountain while we finished our treats. It was just a nice evening all around.
Monday, May 18, 2009
A Summary
Here's what I've been doing since May 5:
1. Went to a bridal shower for a girl from Mensa Boy's department. It was a lingerie shower. Why did I go to this, you ask? Me, who buys her "lingerie" at Target? Well, truth be told, I didn't have an excuse not to, and Heidi, who was throwing the party, assured me there would be an available corner for me to rock in if I needed it.
It turned out to be a pretty pleasant shower. There was only one game, which entailed a passage from Song of Solomon where the two lovers describe each other assets in ways we modern folk never would think of: hair like a flock of goats and neck like the tower of David. You know. We had to match the descriptions with the body part.
2. Planted my flower bed. Stuff's coming up now. Especially since we are having rain rain rain. In fact, my patio tomato almost seems like it might be getting too much water.
3. Jazz, Jazz, Jazz, Yoga. The usual. And each week I do something in yoga that I never had tried before. Last Saturday it was a headstand. Pretty cool, I thought.
4. Played Badminton at school. If you could call what we, Erin and I, did playing badminton. We lost our first game in the tourney 21-3. And I have to say it was not my fault, actually. Turns out Erin is not a closet baddie. She pretty much sucks, actually. I think she herself was more surprised than I was. We had great shirts though. Erin bought yellow t-shirts and drew Sumo wrestlers on them. The Sumos held flaming badminton rackets. Our team name was Sumo Warriors. Why did we have that as a name? Because they wouldn't let us sign up without a name and since both of us are slight of build, we thought maybe we'd pick something that was the exact opposite of us!
5. Did I mention the lingerie party? I did? Well, it's still a little bit stuck in my brain. Trauma does that. Takes a while to wear off.
6. Oh yeah! And we had a surprise 50th birthday party for bff Rena. Her sister-in-law planned it, but we helped with food and kept the secret for a month. Payback's going to be a bitch, though. I can tell. Fortunately fellow posse member Tambri's birthday is 8 days after mine, so if she decides to do something to me, it will be to both of us. And we'll have another year before we turn 50. A lot could happen in a year. If I play my cards right, I'll lose all my friends by then so there would be no one to have to a party like that.
7. Nate came home from school last weekend. Which means GF Erin will be here a lot. I'm glad they have each other because I think neither of them are going to have any luck finding jobs. So they can drive each other nuts rather than just Nate killing us.
I think that's it for now. We have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Baby Taylor is graduating from 8th grade. I'm going to be so glad to have him at the high school next year. I just hope I'm still there!
1. Went to a bridal shower for a girl from Mensa Boy's department. It was a lingerie shower. Why did I go to this, you ask? Me, who buys her "lingerie" at Target? Well, truth be told, I didn't have an excuse not to, and Heidi, who was throwing the party, assured me there would be an available corner for me to rock in if I needed it.
It turned out to be a pretty pleasant shower. There was only one game, which entailed a passage from Song of Solomon where the two lovers describe each other assets in ways we modern folk never would think of: hair like a flock of goats and neck like the tower of David. You know. We had to match the descriptions with the body part.
2. Planted my flower bed. Stuff's coming up now. Especially since we are having rain rain rain. In fact, my patio tomato almost seems like it might be getting too much water.
3. Jazz, Jazz, Jazz, Yoga. The usual. And each week I do something in yoga that I never had tried before. Last Saturday it was a headstand. Pretty cool, I thought.
4. Played Badminton at school. If you could call what we, Erin and I, did playing badminton. We lost our first game in the tourney 21-3. And I have to say it was not my fault, actually. Turns out Erin is not a closet baddie. She pretty much sucks, actually. I think she herself was more surprised than I was. We had great shirts though. Erin bought yellow t-shirts and drew Sumo wrestlers on them. The Sumos held flaming badminton rackets. Our team name was Sumo Warriors. Why did we have that as a name? Because they wouldn't let us sign up without a name and since both of us are slight of build, we thought maybe we'd pick something that was the exact opposite of us!
5. Did I mention the lingerie party? I did? Well, it's still a little bit stuck in my brain. Trauma does that. Takes a while to wear off.
6. Oh yeah! And we had a surprise 50th birthday party for bff Rena. Her sister-in-law planned it, but we helped with food and kept the secret for a month. Payback's going to be a bitch, though. I can tell. Fortunately fellow posse member Tambri's birthday is 8 days after mine, so if she decides to do something to me, it will be to both of us. And we'll have another year before we turn 50. A lot could happen in a year. If I play my cards right, I'll lose all my friends by then so there would be no one to have to a party like that.
7. Nate came home from school last weekend. Which means GF Erin will be here a lot. I'm glad they have each other because I think neither of them are going to have any luck finding jobs. So they can drive each other nuts rather than just Nate killing us.
I think that's it for now. We have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Baby Taylor is graduating from 8th grade. I'm going to be so glad to have him at the high school next year. I just hope I'm still there!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Yoga+Jazz=WipeOut
But it's a good wipe out.
I've been doing okay in Jazzercise lately...able to hold my own for the most part. But there are a lot of classes where I'm just fatigued and sore during class and don't have the flexibility I'd like.
So I decided to try doing a yin yoga practice before Jazz by way of a warm-up. Yin yoga is a style that calls for holding poses for 5 minutes or so (or working up to that if you need to), and relaxing every muscle that you don't need to hold the pose. It's pretty darn hard. You have to take an inventory of your body during the pose and figure out if you need each muscle. If not, then you make it relax. The good part of all of that is that having the muscles relaxed allows the fascia to stretch. And when you get those deeper tissues stretching you get a very nice, fluid feeling in your body. I just started doing some yin yoga this weekend I like it very much. I've been doing a sequence I found in The Yoga Journal. Here is the link: Sweet Surrender.
So anyway, I did the practice Sunday by itself and then decided to try it last night before Jazz. It was a great experience! With the exception of a little muscle over my right hip, I felt great through the entire class. But man was I tired when I got home! And sore. I took a couple of Tylenol before bed last night to ease the sore muscles and slept like a baby. I'm going to see if I can get Mensa Boy to do some of those poses too. I think he'd find it would help his running a bit.
So it's raining today. Bear was not interested in going outside, so we did the backyard thing rather than trudging around the block in the rain. The garden looks joyful this morning as it soaks up the water.
I've been doing okay in Jazzercise lately...able to hold my own for the most part. But there are a lot of classes where I'm just fatigued and sore during class and don't have the flexibility I'd like.
So I decided to try doing a yin yoga practice before Jazz by way of a warm-up. Yin yoga is a style that calls for holding poses for 5 minutes or so (or working up to that if you need to), and relaxing every muscle that you don't need to hold the pose. It's pretty darn hard. You have to take an inventory of your body during the pose and figure out if you need each muscle. If not, then you make it relax. The good part of all of that is that having the muscles relaxed allows the fascia to stretch. And when you get those deeper tissues stretching you get a very nice, fluid feeling in your body. I just started doing some yin yoga this weekend I like it very much. I've been doing a sequence I found in The Yoga Journal. Here is the link: Sweet Surrender.
So anyway, I did the practice Sunday by itself and then decided to try it last night before Jazz. It was a great experience! With the exception of a little muscle over my right hip, I felt great through the entire class. But man was I tired when I got home! And sore. I took a couple of Tylenol before bed last night to ease the sore muscles and slept like a baby. I'm going to see if I can get Mensa Boy to do some of those poses too. I think he'd find it would help his running a bit.
So it's raining today. Bear was not interested in going outside, so we did the backyard thing rather than trudging around the block in the rain. The garden looks joyful this morning as it soaks up the water.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Good Food, Good Wine, Good Friends
Last night after Jazz, the posse came over to celebrate Rena's birthday. It's on Friday. We had fajitas, veggies, fruit, cake and wine. Lots of wine.
Fajitas are great for stuff like that. You can do all your prep ahead of time for the most part. We had shrimp (Harris Teeter had bags of frozen, cleaned shrimp for $5.99--12 oz per bag) and beef. Lately I have been buying skirt steak, which is tough and kind of cheap, and putting it in my small crockpot with some onions, garlic and a little beef stock. I cook it on high all afternoon and then slice it and saute it a bit to get some caramelization going. It's a great weeknight meal because it's quick and easy. The shrimp I just tossed in butter and Old Bay in the skillet until done. Some cilantro from my herb pots and a squeeze of lemon was all that was needed for the shrimp ones. For the beef fajitas I had tzatziki to put on there, or sauteed peppers and onions. It was a nice meal.
We sat out on the patio and talked and laughed for a couple of hours. The weather has been perfect for that kind of thing.
Off to work!
Fajitas are great for stuff like that. You can do all your prep ahead of time for the most part. We had shrimp (Harris Teeter had bags of frozen, cleaned shrimp for $5.99--12 oz per bag) and beef. Lately I have been buying skirt steak, which is tough and kind of cheap, and putting it in my small crockpot with some onions, garlic and a little beef stock. I cook it on high all afternoon and then slice it and saute it a bit to get some caramelization going. It's a great weeknight meal because it's quick and easy. The shrimp I just tossed in butter and Old Bay in the skillet until done. Some cilantro from my herb pots and a squeeze of lemon was all that was needed for the shrimp ones. For the beef fajitas I had tzatziki to put on there, or sauteed peppers and onions. It was a nice meal.
We sat out on the patio and talked and laughed for a couple of hours. The weather has been perfect for that kind of thing.
Off to work!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Can You Stand Another Commentary on Sanford and The Money?
My dad asked me a question about Sanford today that prompted me to come up with this explanation (as I understand it) of the "Sanford and the Stimulus Money" soap opera. Now here are the disclaimers. Dad said he thinks it's interesting that Sanford would reject "any" stimulus money but is willing to ask for Federal Disaster Funds for the Myrtle Beach fire. It's not actually true that South Carolina is rejecting "any" stimulus money. SC is getting something like $8 Billion. The question is about something like 5% of the total amount we are getting. And stimulus money is not the same as Federal Disaster Relief. Different buckets of money.
And finally? This is only MY WAY OF UNDERSTANDING the $500M issue. I completely believe I could be wrong on this. Actually, sometimes I think I MUST be wrong. Because my understanding, illustrated below, makes it seem like such a stupid thing, that I can't imagine I'm right and that this is really what it's all about. But? I've lived long enough to hear bigger arguments about stupid-er stuff. So here goes. For your entertainment:
The stimulus money is going to cost us more in the long run if we take it. Taking the $500Million that he is talking about has strings attached that will mean starting new programs for which that stimulus money is intended by the Feds. I liken it to this: You have a house. In that house you have a washer, stove and refrigerator. You dry your clothes outside on the line. The refrigerator is on its’ last legs. You need a new one. But you are still making payments on the washer and stove. You are just limping along, keeping your beer and brats in your neighbor’s fridge until you can get those last few payments on the washer and stove. Once you get those paid off, you’ll buy a new fridge with the money you’ve freed up in your budget by not having to make those payments.
Your uncle says he’ll give you $1,000. But you can’t use it to buy a new fridge and you can’t use it to pay off the washer and stove. He thinks it’s a travesty that you are drying your clothes out on the line. He lives next door and doesn’t like seeing your undies swaying in the breeze. So he’ll give you $1,000 to buy a dryer. You have to use every dollar of that $1k on the dryer, too. Which means basically a top-of-the-line LG steam dryer. With a 7.3 cu ft capacity, this bad boy is going to need a lot of room in your laundry room. Which means you also will have to remodel your back porch to accommodate it and the existing washer. It’ll probably cost another $1000 in demolition, supplies, and labor to get that done. Now, since I’ve just recently found out that I could lose my job if Sanford doesn’t take the money, it puts me in the interesting position of feeling like he should, so that I can salvage my measly $xxk a year job, and feeling he shouldn’t because I just don’t think my uncle needs to tell me how to run my house.
And finally? This is only MY WAY OF UNDERSTANDING the $500M issue. I completely believe I could be wrong on this. Actually, sometimes I think I MUST be wrong. Because my understanding, illustrated below, makes it seem like such a stupid thing, that I can't imagine I'm right and that this is really what it's all about. But? I've lived long enough to hear bigger arguments about stupid-er stuff. So here goes. For your entertainment:
The stimulus money is going to cost us more in the long run if we take it. Taking the $500Million that he is talking about has strings attached that will mean starting new programs for which that stimulus money is intended by the Feds. I liken it to this: You have a house. In that house you have a washer, stove and refrigerator. You dry your clothes outside on the line. The refrigerator is on its’ last legs. You need a new one. But you are still making payments on the washer and stove. You are just limping along, keeping your beer and brats in your neighbor’s fridge until you can get those last few payments on the washer and stove. Once you get those paid off, you’ll buy a new fridge with the money you’ve freed up in your budget by not having to make those payments.
Your uncle says he’ll give you $1,000. But you can’t use it to buy a new fridge and you can’t use it to pay off the washer and stove. He thinks it’s a travesty that you are drying your clothes out on the line. He lives next door and doesn’t like seeing your undies swaying in the breeze. So he’ll give you $1,000 to buy a dryer. You have to use every dollar of that $1k on the dryer, too. Which means basically a top-of-the-line LG steam dryer. With a 7.3 cu ft capacity, this bad boy is going to need a lot of room in your laundry room. Which means you also will have to remodel your back porch to accommodate it and the existing washer. It’ll probably cost another $1000 in demolition, supplies, and labor to get that done. Now, since I’ve just recently found out that I could lose my job if Sanford doesn’t take the money, it puts me in the interesting position of feeling like he should, so that I can salvage my measly $xxk a year job, and feeling he shouldn’t because I just don’t think my uncle needs to tell me how to run my house.
Nonsense
I'm quite sad today. I ordered perennials 2 weeks ago and they still have not arrived. I checked and now find they will not arrive until the first week of May. I hope that's not going to be too late to get them settled before the big heat.
I shot baseball last night and got only one shot worth anything, and it's not worth more than about a dime. I'm kind of sad about that. Especially because parent expectations are always high when they see a person with a newspaper name tag on and a seemingly nice looking camera, shooting their little darling playing a sport. Ah well.
So today will NOT be spent planting plants. I do still have some garden clean-out to do, and I need to shop for some shoes and whatnot for spring/summer.
I shot baseball last night and got only one shot worth anything, and it's not worth more than about a dime. I'm kind of sad about that. Especially because parent expectations are always high when they see a person with a newspaper name tag on and a seemingly nice looking camera, shooting their little darling playing a sport. Ah well.
So today will NOT be spent planting plants. I do still have some garden clean-out to do, and I need to shop for some shoes and whatnot for spring/summer.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What will I find in the garden?
This morning I woke to a pounding rain. When that happens, the first thing I think about is whether I can get Bear outside long enough to do his business. Because if I can, then I can leave him all day without having to come walk him at lunch. I was successful this morning, so now I can get off at 3:30 instead of 4.
But the other thing I wondered, and am still wondering about, is what has happened to my new little plants that I put out last night. I planted my herb pots. They will probably be okay. But I had plants that were too large of the pot so I split many of them and put part in the flower bed. Some of them were fairly fragile when I put them out there. Will they be okay? Or are they broken and flattened by the downpour? I won't know until after school today.
My mail order plants have not arrived yet, either. If they show up today I'll be in good shape. I can plant them tonight after Jazzercise. But tomorrow night is the Friends of the Library meeting at 6 and I don't know how long that will go on.
Gardening is stressful! It's a little like parenting!
But the other thing I wondered, and am still wondering about, is what has happened to my new little plants that I put out last night. I planted my herb pots. They will probably be okay. But I had plants that were too large of the pot so I split many of them and put part in the flower bed. Some of them were fairly fragile when I put them out there. Will they be okay? Or are they broken and flattened by the downpour? I won't know until after school today.
My mail order plants have not arrived yet, either. If they show up today I'll be in good shape. I can plant them tonight after Jazzercise. But tomorrow night is the Friends of the Library meeting at 6 and I don't know how long that will go on.
Gardening is stressful! It's a little like parenting!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
My Azalea
The other day I think I wrote about Azaleas being best enjoyed from a distance. I said that when you get up close to them, they are generally pretty ragged.
I'm eating my words here. After I said that, I went out and started looking closely at my azaleas and also at my neighbor's. All of them have blooms that are in pristine condition.
Today is the last day of spring break and I could spend it in mourning, dreading going back to work. Don't get me wrong: I love my job. But this is the hardest time of the year for the Guidance Department as we prepare for graduation and also work on testing and just in general try to get the year wrapped up. And of course we are all anxious for summer...not just students, but staff too.
But instead I'm going to live today in the moment as much as I can. I hate to let a beautiful day go by unnoticed because I'm too busy worrying about tomorrow.
Have a great Sunday!
I'm eating my words here. After I said that, I went out and started looking closely at my azaleas and also at my neighbor's. All of them have blooms that are in pristine condition.
Today is the last day of spring break and I could spend it in mourning, dreading going back to work. Don't get me wrong: I love my job. But this is the hardest time of the year for the Guidance Department as we prepare for graduation and also work on testing and just in general try to get the year wrapped up. And of course we are all anxious for summer...not just students, but staff too.
But instead I'm going to live today in the moment as much as I can. I hate to let a beautiful day go by unnoticed because I'm too busy worrying about tomorrow.
Have a great Sunday!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Forester Bob
He's taking some trees out around the edge of the flowerbed. Actually, just two little trees and then some branches from other big trees to get more sunlight in there. Tough looking, isn't he?
As it happens the nasty tent caterpillars were on one of the big branches I needed removed. So, problem solved there too.
As it happens the nasty tent caterpillars were on one of the big branches I needed removed. So, problem solved there too.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pink Dogwood
Mensa Boy wants to start going through the woods in our back yard and taking out the dead trees. Then he'd like to plant new trees back there to replace them.
After seeing this one in my neighbor's garden, I told him we should just fill each spot with white and pink dogwoods.
After seeing this one in my neighbor's garden, I told him we should just fill each spot with white and pink dogwoods.
EWWWW! WHAT ARE THESE?
I found myself underneath this a couple of hours ago. Are they friend or foe? Should I let them live or whack 'em? (yes, I've been watching reruns of the Sopranos lately)
A Little Sprout
I found this sprout, among many, in the garden last night when I started cleaning. I like his dual colors and he seems a little stronger than some I've found. I don't know what he is, but he seems like he deserves a chance to grow up to something. So I spared him. If I had come crashing into the garden with a big ole rake I could have missed him and plowed him under. He could very well be a weed. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I found many promises yesterday when I started. Buried under the leaves from fall and winter were many little green leaves and sprouts emerging from the earth. I gently brushed away the detritus and tried to give them all air and light. I have one Azalea that is leggy but very full of blooms. I'll shoot it later. And my white Azalea is just starting to bloom. And still the guy I call "my deadbeat Azalea," who has not bloomed since 2003. This is his last year in my garden. If he doesn't produce, I'm kicking him out and changing the locks. I'm quite certain my neighbor Mary will take him in.
Some things, when you look at them up close, seem to get more beautiful. Like Dogwood blossoms. But other things are almost uglier up close. That's the way Azaleas are. I think they are best enjoyed from afar.
I found many promises yesterday when I started. Buried under the leaves from fall and winter were many little green leaves and sprouts emerging from the earth. I gently brushed away the detritus and tried to give them all air and light. I have one Azalea that is leggy but very full of blooms. I'll shoot it later. And my white Azalea is just starting to bloom. And still the guy I call "my deadbeat Azalea," who has not bloomed since 2003. This is his last year in my garden. If he doesn't produce, I'm kicking him out and changing the locks. I'm quite certain my neighbor Mary will take him in.
Some things, when you look at them up close, seem to get more beautiful. Like Dogwood blossoms. But other things are almost uglier up close. That's the way Azaleas are. I think they are best enjoyed from afar.
theVisitor
I watched this movie yesterday afternoon and I must say it is one of the best I've seen in a long time. This lonely, depressed college professor goes to New York to a conference and when he gets to his apartment (he's kept it for 25 years, despite living and teaching in Connecticut), he finds a couple of illegal aliens living there. After only a brief hesitation, he allows them to stay and ends up befriending them and becoming a big part of their lives. The man, a drummer/musician from Syria, is hauled in by immigration and the professor, played by Richard Jenkins, does his best to help him out.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
It's Thursday and I see Spring Break Slipping Away!
I am tired. A little less tired than yesterday, I think. I wasted the entire day yesterday napping and watching a movie. I did go to the grocery store and made a very nice supper. I wish I'd taken a photo of it. It was from Prevention magazine. Next time I make it (and I will make it often) I'll shoot it.
Today I'll go to yoga and then who knows? I may finally get that flower garden work done. But I'm not in a rush to do that today. It's supposed to warm up to the 70s tomorrow and over the weekend so that would be a great time to do some gardening. I also need to start working on my pots.
Today I'll go to yoga and then who knows? I may finally get that flower garden work done. But I'm not in a rush to do that today. It's supposed to warm up to the 70s tomorrow and over the weekend so that would be a great time to do some gardening. I also need to start working on my pots.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Gone to Carolina Archive: April 15, 2005
| The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, by Anne Fadiman, is the story of a Hmong child with epilepsy and the problems doctors and her family had communicating with each other. Lia Lee had such severe epilepsy and her doctors could not seem to gain any understanding with her parents about medications and treatments. The book was published in 1997 and I sincerely hope things are better for the Hmong people now than they were then. Carolinians aren't as familiar with the Hmong as Minnesotans are, so this book may not interest my local readers as much. But if you live in Minnesota you really should read this book. I gained not only a better understanding of the Hmong community but also a great deal of respect for them. "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" is the loose translation for the Hmong word for epilepsy. Hmong believe that a person with epilepsy has had their soul frightened away from their body and a spirit called a dab is catching her. If/when the soul returns then the illness will be resolved. Many Americans think of Hmong as "Laotians" but that is not the case. Laos is just the last place our Hmong were before being brought to the U.S. The Hmong have history in China, Siberia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. They were resistant to governments who tried to assimilate them and when things got to be too much they would pick up and move on. The Hmong were brought here by the U.S. as refugees after they helped the CIA with their "secret war" on North Vietnam by serving in the Armee Clandestine in Northern Laos. They were led by Hmong leader General Vang Pao and helped cut off North Vietnamese supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, supplied intelligence for US bombing missions and helped rescue downed US pilots. The book is about 50 percent Hmong/U.S. history and 50 percent the story of Lia Lee and her family's clash with the American medical system. I had a hard time putting it down. It does not sound academic at all...more like a very good story. |
Life's Not a Beach for Bear
We are back from the beach and I think Bear is glad. He didn't think much of it. After considering his behavior I concluded that he doesn't like it because there is no grass. Bear is a typical walker, stopping at many posts, mailboxes, trees and clumps of grass to leave a liquid note that he was there. But there are no such things on a long stretch of sand. And so he ranged back and forth in front of us, at the end of his rope, occasionally stopping to see if we would pick him up.
He didn't think much of the water, barely sniffing it as it wafted toward our feet. The beach was pretty clean of debris too, so no dead jellyfish to check out, not even any interesting garbage. As we headed back to the walkway that took us to the street, he perked up and almost sighed when we relief when he saw a clump of grass ahead.
It was a short, restful visit. It rained off and on and was fairly cool, so we really didn't spend any time by the water. We roamed around Barefoot Landing and had supper at The House of Blues. We read books and Taylor played video games on his Gameboy and watched videos of Corner Gas on the little DVD player. Monday we had our Easter dinner...ham, deviled eggs and salad. Fresh strawberries for dessert.
And so here we are at home. A mountain of laundry to do and the flower garden to gently clean out. I'll do some yoga and Jazzercise this week and some reading. I like Spring Break.
He didn't think much of the water, barely sniffing it as it wafted toward our feet. The beach was pretty clean of debris too, so no dead jellyfish to check out, not even any interesting garbage. As we headed back to the walkway that took us to the street, he perked up and almost sighed when we relief when he saw a clump of grass ahead.
It was a short, restful visit. It rained off and on and was fairly cool, so we really didn't spend any time by the water. We roamed around Barefoot Landing and had supper at The House of Blues. We read books and Taylor played video games on his Gameboy and watched videos of Corner Gas on the little DVD player. Monday we had our Easter dinner...ham, deviled eggs and salad. Fresh strawberries for dessert.
And so here we are at home. A mountain of laundry to do and the flower garden to gently clean out. I'll do some yoga and Jazzercise this week and some reading. I like Spring Break.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter Everyone!
We are off the beach in a bit. We'll be gone only a couple of days. Taylor's not a big fan.
I bought some plants yesterday and planted them this morning after church. I picked up a plant called Plumbago that I'd never heard of before. It's got these great little pale blue flowers all over it. The plant is already showy just in the pot. There was NO INFORMATION about it all on or in the pot. I hate it when they do that. I picked it up and carried it around to pay for it. "So you're going to get that?" Rena asked. "Yeah. I like it," I told her. "But we don't know anything about what it is," she said. "I know," I told her. "I'll google it."
It turns out to be pretty much the perfect thing for an imperfect gardener like me. Hard to kill, likes sun, can handle shade. What more can I ask? I stuck it in the ground and watered it well. We had quite a bit of rain a couple of days ago, so it'll probably be fine without more watering until I get back Tuesday.
I also put dahlias and lantana in the corner planters of the patio again. And I bought a rosemary bush to put in the flower bed up at the top where the sun shines all morning and all afternoon. Everything I plant up there dies so I'm hoping the rosemary will do the trick. And it can get as big as it wants.
I also found some yellow poppies and I bought some sweet corn on a whim. I told Rena that Mensa Boy wanted corn but I poo-pooed it because corn needs so much room. "Buy him some corn Karen," she said. "If you don't get corn on it, you can just say it's a grass." And so I did that. Mensa Boy now thinks Rena is a hero. "Now we won't starve," I heard him tell Taylor. hmph.
I ordered quite a few perennials from Spring Hill Saturday morning. I'd love for them to arrive before spring break is over, but my luck they'll probably show up after that and it'll rain for several days. I invested $80 or so into them, so I'll have to get them planted whenever they arrive. I'll take some photos when I get back.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day today. I'm so glad we are having spring break. I can feel myself calming down and relaxing already.
I bought some plants yesterday and planted them this morning after church. I picked up a plant called Plumbago that I'd never heard of before. It's got these great little pale blue flowers all over it. The plant is already showy just in the pot. There was NO INFORMATION about it all on or in the pot. I hate it when they do that. I picked it up and carried it around to pay for it. "So you're going to get that?" Rena asked. "Yeah. I like it," I told her. "But we don't know anything about what it is," she said. "I know," I told her. "I'll google it."
It turns out to be pretty much the perfect thing for an imperfect gardener like me. Hard to kill, likes sun, can handle shade. What more can I ask? I stuck it in the ground and watered it well. We had quite a bit of rain a couple of days ago, so it'll probably be fine without more watering until I get back Tuesday.
I also put dahlias and lantana in the corner planters of the patio again. And I bought a rosemary bush to put in the flower bed up at the top where the sun shines all morning and all afternoon. Everything I plant up there dies so I'm hoping the rosemary will do the trick. And it can get as big as it wants.
I also found some yellow poppies and I bought some sweet corn on a whim. I told Rena that Mensa Boy wanted corn but I poo-pooed it because corn needs so much room. "Buy him some corn Karen," she said. "If you don't get corn on it, you can just say it's a grass." And so I did that. Mensa Boy now thinks Rena is a hero. "Now we won't starve," I heard him tell Taylor. hmph.
I ordered quite a few perennials from Spring Hill Saturday morning. I'd love for them to arrive before spring break is over, but my luck they'll probably show up after that and it'll rain for several days. I invested $80 or so into them, so I'll have to get them planted whenever they arrive. I'll take some photos when I get back.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day today. I'm so glad we are having spring break. I can feel myself calming down and relaxing already.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Uh OUCH!
I made a brisket yesterday. I read through the recipe (in "Fine Cooking" magazine)when I bought the meat, but apparently my reading comprehension was a little off. I saw the part about 2 1/2 hours, and the part about another 1 hour more, but I failed to notice the first 1 hour.So I started the brisket at 3:30 and then realized that this would mean eating at 8 o'clock.
Now, I can wait that long. I'm generally not that hungry in the evening. But my guys can not. Taylor said "We are going to have to eat 8 snacks to wait that long." So I suggested burgers. We'll eat the brisket today.
I know it's a waste of money to buy pre-formed burgers, but I do it anyway. I try to keep at least one packet of pre-formed patties in my deep freeze at all times. They come in handy in times like these. And having bread dough in the refrigerator all the time really has come in handy too. I pulled the brisket out, put it on the back of the stovetop, cranked the oven to 450 and baked off 4 burger buns. Lowered it back to 350 and put the brisket back in.
Taylor cooked the burgers. It's not optimal to cook meat from frozen but he made a mistake that caused them to come out perfectly. He lit the grill without opening the vents. By the time I notice that, the burgers had thawed nicely. I opened the vents and they finished cooking.
But this post is about the OUCH! When I went to pull the brisket from the oven, my carefully sealed foil lifted off the edge of the pan and I steamed two of my fingers. Left Index, Left Middle. And of course I was carrying the heavy pan from the oven to the island at the time so I had to just keep going. No dropping that pan.
There was SIGNIFICANT pain last night. I iced it for about 2 hours, took 400 then 400 more mg of Ibuprofen, and tossed down a sleeping pill at the same time. This morning I woke 10 hours later and the fingers don't hurt. But that middle finger has a terrible blister on it.
So I have no moral tale to tell you about this. Wait. I do.
1. Read the entire recipe a couple of times and maybe underline the cooking times before you start.
2. Always keep a backup meal in the freezer.
Now, I can wait that long. I'm generally not that hungry in the evening. But my guys can not. Taylor said "We are going to have to eat 8 snacks to wait that long." So I suggested burgers. We'll eat the brisket today.
I know it's a waste of money to buy pre-formed burgers, but I do it anyway. I try to keep at least one packet of pre-formed patties in my deep freeze at all times. They come in handy in times like these. And having bread dough in the refrigerator all the time really has come in handy too. I pulled the brisket out, put it on the back of the stovetop, cranked the oven to 450 and baked off 4 burger buns. Lowered it back to 350 and put the brisket back in.
Taylor cooked the burgers. It's not optimal to cook meat from frozen but he made a mistake that caused them to come out perfectly. He lit the grill without opening the vents. By the time I notice that, the burgers had thawed nicely. I opened the vents and they finished cooking.
But this post is about the OUCH! When I went to pull the brisket from the oven, my carefully sealed foil lifted off the edge of the pan and I steamed two of my fingers. Left Index, Left Middle. And of course I was carrying the heavy pan from the oven to the island at the time so I had to just keep going. No dropping that pan.
There was SIGNIFICANT pain last night. I iced it for about 2 hours, took 400 then 400 more mg of Ibuprofen, and tossed down a sleeping pill at the same time. This morning I woke 10 hours later and the fingers don't hurt. But that middle finger has a terrible blister on it.
So I have no moral tale to tell you about this. Wait. I do.
1. Read the entire recipe a couple of times and maybe underline the cooking times before you start.
2. Always keep a backup meal in the freezer.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Bear is Moping
We finally have fixed his bark collar so that it is about 90% effective. We thought we'd fixed it before, but his barking has gotten worse with the nicer weather. Finally last night I told the guys that we needed to adjust things again. He was on my lap and went into a barking fit. I held him and pressed on the collar and he really yelped mid-bark.
"He needs to have some hair on his neck cut," I told them. "Someone that doesn't love him as much as me needs to do it. Maybe Dad."
I'm always teasing Mensa Boy about how he doesn't kiss the dog like the rest of us do.
Today I got a text while in yoga. "The bark collar is finally working!" Taylor said.
"Yay! what did you do?" I asked.
"Tightened it two notches and Dad shaved his chin like you said," he replied.
He's been pretty quiet now. A minute ago he ran to the door barking quietly when the ice cream truck came, but then cut himself off with a shriek.
Poor him. But good for us!
"He needs to have some hair on his neck cut," I told them. "Someone that doesn't love him as much as me needs to do it. Maybe Dad."
I'm always teasing Mensa Boy about how he doesn't kiss the dog like the rest of us do.
Today I got a text while in yoga. "The bark collar is finally working!" Taylor said.
"Yay! what did you do?" I asked.
"Tightened it two notches and Dad shaved his chin like you said," he replied.
He's been pretty quiet now. A minute ago he ran to the door barking quietly when the ice cream truck came, but then cut himself off with a shriek.
Poor him. But good for us!
Monday, March 30, 2009
uh...er...Thanks!
Yesterday morning Mensa Boy was still sleeping at 9 a.m. Since he's usually on the way out the door to Sunday School by then, I figured he must still be too sick. He's had a terrible cold since he got back from Uruguay.
"How do you feel?" I asked.
"Somewhat better, I think" he said.
"Do you feel like bacon?" I asked.
"Do we have any?" he asked.
"No. But IHop does," I replied.
And so we hatched a plan to go to the church of the almighty pancake instead of the little Methodist church down the road. We got the guys up, called Erin to wake her up, and drove to IHop, taking care to go out the back way so we wouldn't go past the little Methodist church.
We arrived home a little while later to a message on our answering machine from my bff Cassie. "Hey. Missed you guys at church. Hope [Mensa Boy's] ok. We prayed for him because Harold said he was real sick."
!
On a related note, I called Cassie the other day and told her that Harold and the church were getting a little bit personal with the church sign on the highway. On the back side? The side you can hardly see because of the tall Leland Cypresses? It says "Go to church weekly, not weakly."
At least he didn't put my NAME up there...
"How do you feel?" I asked.
"Somewhat better, I think" he said.
"Do you feel like bacon?" I asked.
"Do we have any?" he asked.
"No. But IHop does," I replied.
And so we hatched a plan to go to the church of the almighty pancake instead of the little Methodist church down the road. We got the guys up, called Erin to wake her up, and drove to IHop, taking care to go out the back way so we wouldn't go past the little Methodist church.
We arrived home a little while later to a message on our answering machine from my bff Cassie. "Hey. Missed you guys at church. Hope [Mensa Boy's] ok. We prayed for him because Harold said he was real sick."
!
On a related note, I called Cassie the other day and told her that Harold and the church were getting a little bit personal with the church sign on the highway. On the back side? The side you can hardly see because of the tall Leland Cypresses? It says "Go to church weekly, not weakly."
At least he didn't put my NAME up there...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
My Mom Built Me Some Socks!
This morning I went out to walk the dog and get the paper and realized I had not checked the mail yesterday. Inside the mailbox was a little package for me from my mom.
A pair of gray, hand-knit socks tumbled out of the package. A rather professional-looking job, if I do say so myself. I'll add a photo when the sun comes up.
THANKS MOM!
A pair of gray, hand-knit socks tumbled out of the package. A rather professional-looking job, if I do say so myself. I'll add a photo when the sun comes up.
THANKS MOM!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Yoga: Definitely Not for Sissies
When I mention yoga to people, they tend to say, "that's nice." And they sort of click off at that point. There are two main opinions I get from people about yoga: "Eastern, mystical philosophy," and "Not really a workout."
The truth is that yoga, while it does have history dating back to 3,000 BC (Stone Age) shamanism, and there is a lot of Hindu philosophy associated with it, is as personal a philosophy as can be. The benefits of yoga to the mind and body surpass any cultural and religious boundaries that I can think of.
I became interested in yoga when I entered menopause and began to suffer depression. My general practitioner mentioned it to me as a way to learn how calm the mind and settle the body. He himself said he was surprised to find himself recommending it to me and other patients. Later he began practicing it himself when his family acquired a Wii Fit! You see, yoga is largely about breathing. And medical practitioners now know that breathing can do a lot to calm the central nervous system and reduce stress.
I began by learning a couple of very basic, short routines from DVDs. I've written about them here.
But now I've stepped it up a notch and am taking a yoga class at our local gym. And I have to say I've found that class to be as challenging, if not more so, than some of the jazzercise sculpting classes I've taken. My Saturday morning routine now includes a 60-minute jazzercise class and then a 75-minute yoga class. Yes, there is some "laying around and breathing." But there are also some very challenging poses that take you to the end of your strength and stretching ability. Last week we did some poses with planks and then lowering ever so slowly to the floor...like a very long fully-stretched-out push-up. And then we had to get ourselves back up. After doing that for a dozen times, our shoulders and upper backs were definitely fatigued.
Today we practiced a couple of balance poses where we balanced our legs on our arms and held ourselves up off the ground with our hands. Called the Crane Pose, this pose makes you feel almost as if you are pitching forward on your face before you hit the right balance. We also did a pose similar to this Warrior III pose, except we started from a forward bend and came up, instead of starting standing and bending down.
So, after 2.5 hours of some pretty hard working out this morning, I did some puttering around and then took a nice nap. I'll have to do some serious stretching tonight and tomorrow to keep the body from seizing up like an engine out of oil!
Oh, and I didn't mention the Jazz-to-the Max class I took yesterday at 5:15! 45 minutes of cardio and strength training, but mixed up...instead of 30 minutes of cardio and then cooling down to do 30 minutes of strength, we did cardio, lifting, cardio, lifting. Totally kicked our butts. I may not be able to lift my arms for a week! And then it will be time to do all of this over again...
The truth is that yoga, while it does have history dating back to 3,000 BC (Stone Age) shamanism, and there is a lot of Hindu philosophy associated with it, is as personal a philosophy as can be. The benefits of yoga to the mind and body surpass any cultural and religious boundaries that I can think of.
I became interested in yoga when I entered menopause and began to suffer depression. My general practitioner mentioned it to me as a way to learn how calm the mind and settle the body. He himself said he was surprised to find himself recommending it to me and other patients. Later he began practicing it himself when his family acquired a Wii Fit! You see, yoga is largely about breathing. And medical practitioners now know that breathing can do a lot to calm the central nervous system and reduce stress.
I began by learning a couple of very basic, short routines from DVDs. I've written about them here.
But now I've stepped it up a notch and am taking a yoga class at our local gym. And I have to say I've found that class to be as challenging, if not more so, than some of the jazzercise sculpting classes I've taken. My Saturday morning routine now includes a 60-minute jazzercise class and then a 75-minute yoga class. Yes, there is some "laying around and breathing." But there are also some very challenging poses that take you to the end of your strength and stretching ability. Last week we did some poses with planks and then lowering ever so slowly to the floor...like a very long fully-stretched-out push-up. And then we had to get ourselves back up. After doing that for a dozen times, our shoulders and upper backs were definitely fatigued.
Today we practiced a couple of balance poses where we balanced our legs on our arms and held ourselves up off the ground with our hands. Called the Crane Pose, this pose makes you feel almost as if you are pitching forward on your face before you hit the right balance. We also did a pose similar to this Warrior III pose, except we started from a forward bend and came up, instead of starting standing and bending down.
So, after 2.5 hours of some pretty hard working out this morning, I did some puttering around and then took a nice nap. I'll have to do some serious stretching tonight and tomorrow to keep the body from seizing up like an engine out of oil!
Oh, and I didn't mention the Jazz-to-the Max class I took yesterday at 5:15! 45 minutes of cardio and strength training, but mixed up...instead of 30 minutes of cardio and then cooling down to do 30 minutes of strength, we did cardio, lifting, cardio, lifting. Totally kicked our butts. I may not be able to lift my arms for a week! And then it will be time to do all of this over again...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Slumping
I just don't have anything at all to say.
I'm finding that to be the case more and more lately.
And I think I'm in an "end-of-the-book" slump. It took me nearly 2 weeks of reading every spare minute to finish "World Without End" by Ken Follett. Now the story is over...all 1100+ pages of it...and I miss it. It's like when "West Wing" went off the air. There's a hole in my life where that book was. And I don't really have anything tantalizing to read right now.
But I am catching up, slowly, on my TV watching. The DVR has been quite full of the last 2 weeks of "House," "Brothers & Sisters," "24," "Gilmore Girls," "The Last Restaurant Standing..." all that.
I'd love for someone to make some book recommendations.
I'm finding that to be the case more and more lately.
And I think I'm in an "end-of-the-book" slump. It took me nearly 2 weeks of reading every spare minute to finish "World Without End" by Ken Follett. Now the story is over...all 1100+ pages of it...and I miss it. It's like when "West Wing" went off the air. There's a hole in my life where that book was. And I don't really have anything tantalizing to read right now.
But I am catching up, slowly, on my TV watching. The DVR has been quite full of the last 2 weeks of "House," "Brothers & Sisters," "24," "Gilmore Girls," "The Last Restaurant Standing..." all that.
I'd love for someone to make some book recommendations.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Is Sanford Really a Nut?
I'll tell you right now, so as to spare some of my readers the few minutes it will take to read the rest: I don't think so.
Now probably all the people who think I'm not entitled to my opinion have probably left this blog.
I read this story in The State newspaper this afternoon. (sorry, you may have to register to read it) I'm sorry to say I have to agree with Sanford's reasoning on his request to use PART of the stimulus money to pay down debt. I emphasize PART because some (ok, many) of my colleagues at work keep saying "Sanford wants to turn down the money," as if he saying NO to ALL of it. Read the story, people. That's all I'm sayin' about that.
Sanford would like to use $577 million to pay down school bonds and additional $125 million to repay unemployment loans (I admit, I don't know what unemployment loans are. But I know what a loan is: money you owe and pay interest on until it's repaid). That's out of the approximately $8 Billion South Carolina should be getting. The story says "Doing so, Sanford said, would free up $162 million in debt payments the next two years and an additional $125 million over the next 13 years that could be put to other uses."
The story quotes Sanford thus: “I’ve made clear my position to using debt to solve a problem created in the first place by too much debt — and I don’t believe this to be an unreasonable position,” Sanford wrote. “We believe this course of action will do more to ensure South Carolina’s long-term economic strength than would other contemplated uses of the funds.”
I just don't see the problem with his reasoning. I really really don't. Am I just that stupid? If I got a windfall? I'd pay off my mortgage and my home equity loan and THEN I'd think about something new. And I'd also figure out what I wanted to do with the $1,600+ a month in payments I currently pay to service those two loans.
Apparently I, a proponent, am not the only one using my home mortgage as an example to bolster my argument. "Kershaw County superintendent Frank Morgan compares Sanford’s spending plan to a parent paying off a house mortgage when their children are starving."
Well, we aren't STARVING, but we should would eat a lot better if we weren't paying this mortgage payment each month. Morgan says they are struggling to pay teacher salaries and all that. Well...yeah. Like a family that struggles to make their car payment because they have to pay their mortgage and car payment.
The story goes on: "State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said Sanford’s idea ignores more pressing short-term needs for schools over the next two years. Spending $700 million on debt would mean money could not go to classroom programs or teachers."
Maybe that's what I don't understand. The story (and Sanford) probably could have gone on to say where the money is that is not going to classroom programs or teachers. Well, actually? I'll step out here: Most Carolinians know that the money left when our legislature, despite examples of other states trying it and failing, restructured education funding to be from the sales tax instead of property tax. Now here we are with almost the highest unemployment in the country, nobody can buy anything, and yet the majority of us still have our houses upon which we are now paying less property taxes.
South Carolina reminds me of AIG. Without the bonuses to the executives. They've managed our finances terribly and now want bail-out money.
I wish the story gave us Sanford's proposal is to help out those situations of the crumbling schools and laid off teachers with with the debt service money he's freeing up.
Time to lob the tomatoes, my friends.
Now probably all the people who think I'm not entitled to my opinion have probably left this blog.
I read this story in The State newspaper this afternoon. (sorry, you may have to register to read it) I'm sorry to say I have to agree with Sanford's reasoning on his request to use PART of the stimulus money to pay down debt. I emphasize PART because some (ok, many) of my colleagues at work keep saying "Sanford wants to turn down the money," as if he saying NO to ALL of it. Read the story, people. That's all I'm sayin' about that.
Sanford would like to use $577 million to pay down school bonds and additional $125 million to repay unemployment loans (I admit, I don't know what unemployment loans are. But I know what a loan is: money you owe and pay interest on until it's repaid). That's out of the approximately $8 Billion South Carolina should be getting. The story says "Doing so, Sanford said, would free up $162 million in debt payments the next two years and an additional $125 million over the next 13 years that could be put to other uses."
The story quotes Sanford thus: “I’ve made clear my position to using debt to solve a problem created in the first place by too much debt — and I don’t believe this to be an unreasonable position,” Sanford wrote. “We believe this course of action will do more to ensure South Carolina’s long-term economic strength than would other contemplated uses of the funds.”
I just don't see the problem with his reasoning. I really really don't. Am I just that stupid? If I got a windfall? I'd pay off my mortgage and my home equity loan and THEN I'd think about something new. And I'd also figure out what I wanted to do with the $1,600+ a month in payments I currently pay to service those two loans.
Apparently I, a proponent, am not the only one using my home mortgage as an example to bolster my argument. "Kershaw County superintendent Frank Morgan compares Sanford’s spending plan to a parent paying off a house mortgage when their children are starving."
Well, we aren't STARVING, but we should would eat a lot better if we weren't paying this mortgage payment each month. Morgan says they are struggling to pay teacher salaries and all that. Well...yeah. Like a family that struggles to make their car payment because they have to pay their mortgage and car payment.
The story goes on: "State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said Sanford’s idea ignores more pressing short-term needs for schools over the next two years. Spending $700 million on debt would mean money could not go to classroom programs or teachers."
Maybe that's what I don't understand. The story (and Sanford) probably could have gone on to say where the money is that is not going to classroom programs or teachers. Well, actually? I'll step out here: Most Carolinians know that the money left when our legislature, despite examples of other states trying it and failing, restructured education funding to be from the sales tax instead of property tax. Now here we are with almost the highest unemployment in the country, nobody can buy anything, and yet the majority of us still have our houses upon which we are now paying less property taxes.
South Carolina reminds me of AIG. Without the bonuses to the executives. They've managed our finances terribly and now want bail-out money.
I wish the story gave us Sanford's proposal is to help out those situations of the crumbling schools and laid off teachers with with the debt service money he's freeing up.
Time to lob the tomatoes, my friends.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Rainy, Restful Weekend
It's drab and rainy here. In the 40s and dark. But my camellia is blooming all over the place, so I have this spot of color right outside my window. I really need to go out there and shoot it. But it's wet!
Mensa Boy and I watched "Lars and the Real Girl" last night. We'd watched it before and fell in love with it. It's sad and poignant at the same time. This lonely guy orders an anatomically correct doll from the internet and treats her like a real person. The entire town gets in on it, even electing her to the school board.
I finally finished reading "Rabbit, Run" by John Updike. Holy cow, what a book. This 26-year-old loser, who was a basketball star in high school, just up and walks away from his family. But he doesn't even do that well, ending up in a town just a bit away shacking up with a part-time prostitute. His minister befriends him, although I kind of felt like the minister was a bit of a loser too. I was glad to be done with the book. It's for our book group that meets this afternoon. But I will probably go back and read "Rabbit Redux" eventually. I bought the two in a volume together. Right now I'm on to Ken Follett's "World Without End."
So today will be church, reading and some serious yoga. I'm very sore from jazz and yoga yesterday. I used 8 lb weights at all three classes last week and now my arms are screaming. The screaming is competing with my abs' noise, as Sarah put in a real ab-buster in her set this week too. But? It's all good!
Mensa Boy and I watched "Lars and the Real Girl" last night. We'd watched it before and fell in love with it. It's sad and poignant at the same time. This lonely guy orders an anatomically correct doll from the internet and treats her like a real person. The entire town gets in on it, even electing her to the school board.
I finally finished reading "Rabbit, Run" by John Updike. Holy cow, what a book. This 26-year-old loser, who was a basketball star in high school, just up and walks away from his family. But he doesn't even do that well, ending up in a town just a bit away shacking up with a part-time prostitute. His minister befriends him, although I kind of felt like the minister was a bit of a loser too. I was glad to be done with the book. It's for our book group that meets this afternoon. But I will probably go back and read "Rabbit Redux" eventually. I bought the two in a volume together. Right now I'm on to Ken Follett's "World Without End."
So today will be church, reading and some serious yoga. I'm very sore from jazz and yoga yesterday. I used 8 lb weights at all three classes last week and now my arms are screaming. The screaming is competing with my abs' noise, as Sarah put in a real ab-buster in her set this week too. But? It's all good!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Balloon Man
Well, you could try it at home if you have an 80 inch balloon made in South America.
Don't forget the glasses!
I hope he had someone else there videotaping and wasn't doing this unsupervised.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Breaking Bad
This show's second season premiers tomorrow night at 10 on AMC. If you have not seen it, you really should give it a try. It's imaginative, dark, humorous, serious, and heartbreaking. I stumbled upon a write-up about it last year and had to watch it. Here is a synopsis of the show from the AMC website:
"Breaking Bad follows protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife (Anna Gunn) and teenage son (RJ Mitte) who has cerebral palsy. White is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of two years left to live. With a new sense of fearlessness based on his medical prognosis, and a desire to secure his family's financial security, White chooses to enter a dangerous world of drugs and crime and ascends to power in this world. The series explores how a fatal diagnosis such as White's releases a typical man from the daily concerns and constraints of normal society and follows his transformation from mild family man to a kingpin of the drug trade."
And here's a short video that recaps the first season's first episode:
"Breaking Bad follows protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife (Anna Gunn) and teenage son (RJ Mitte) who has cerebral palsy. White is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of two years left to live. With a new sense of fearlessness based on his medical prognosis, and a desire to secure his family's financial security, White chooses to enter a dangerous world of drugs and crime and ascends to power in this world. The series explores how a fatal diagnosis such as White's releases a typical man from the daily concerns and constraints of normal society and follows his transformation from mild family man to a kingpin of the drug trade."
And here's a short video that recaps the first season's first episode:
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Proud to be a Republican. I THINK?
So I'm sitting at lunch today, minding my own business, when my lunch companion says to me "You have such a big heart. Such a caring personality. How is it that you are a Republican?"
" "
The statement came about because for the last two days I've been working with our district ESOL (English as a Second Language) person to get a couple of new students enrolled. The new students are from another country and have been sent here by their father to stay with their aunt.
Some might say we should not offer a free education to children such as these. Their parents live in another country, we have never and may never collect a dime of taxes from this family. These kids could drop out of our school or they could stay and graduate and go back to their homeland, taking the benefits of their education with them. Or? They could go on to college here, graduate, and stay here, gaining U.S. citizenship. Who knows? Only God knows.
While they are here, they will be well-cared for by our school and community. The aunt and uncle are not wealthy people, but they will provide them a good home. At least that's the feeling we get from the aunt. And the staff is rapidly falling in love with these two students. I'm confident our students will too. We have many children of immigrants here in our school. At least one church I know will turn itself inside-out to help the aunt and uncle provide for the family's basic needs. And the church will love every minute of it.
Yes. I am a Republican. But I have no problem with immigrants. I have very few problems with illegal aliens. I am an environmentalist too. I believe in social programs. I don't think we should give just any tom, dick or harry a free ride, but I do believe in business. And one of the first adages of business that I learned is "You gotta spend money to make money." And I happen to think that is true socially and spiritually as well. You need to invest in humanity to receive back. You need to put yourself and your values out there for consumption to truly reap rewards in heaven and on earth. Some investments don't work out. But others do.
" "
The statement came about because for the last two days I've been working with our district ESOL (English as a Second Language) person to get a couple of new students enrolled. The new students are from another country and have been sent here by their father to stay with their aunt.
Some might say we should not offer a free education to children such as these. Their parents live in another country, we have never and may never collect a dime of taxes from this family. These kids could drop out of our school or they could stay and graduate and go back to their homeland, taking the benefits of their education with them. Or? They could go on to college here, graduate, and stay here, gaining U.S. citizenship. Who knows? Only God knows.
While they are here, they will be well-cared for by our school and community. The aunt and uncle are not wealthy people, but they will provide them a good home. At least that's the feeling we get from the aunt. And the staff is rapidly falling in love with these two students. I'm confident our students will too. We have many children of immigrants here in our school. At least one church I know will turn itself inside-out to help the aunt and uncle provide for the family's basic needs. And the church will love every minute of it.
Yes. I am a Republican. But I have no problem with immigrants. I have very few problems with illegal aliens. I am an environmentalist too. I believe in social programs. I don't think we should give just any tom, dick or harry a free ride, but I do believe in business. And one of the first adages of business that I learned is "You gotta spend money to make money." And I happen to think that is true socially and spiritually as well. You need to invest in humanity to receive back. You need to put yourself and your values out there for consumption to truly reap rewards in heaven and on earth. Some investments don't work out. But others do.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Donkey Basketball
I have no idea what was going on there. I was probably trying to turn around to see what was going on with the basketball. I never actually got my hands on the ball the entire time I was in the game. I basically just sat on my donkey and rode around. Except at one point I leaned over and pushed a friend (on the opposing team) off her donkey.There is a distinct advantage to riding in the last quarter. By then you have a good idea what donkeys are ride-able.
The game was fixed in favor of the elementary. That's seems fitting. They had the most participation and sold the most ticket. And since the proceeds benefited the booster club, and the elementary doesn't even have sports supported by them, it makes even more sense to let them win the game. And we had to LET them win. 'Cause I'm tellin' you...we got donkey bb skills, man!
So we are back to school after a snow day yesterday and 2-hour delay today. That's all folks!
Photo courtesy Tim Champion. http://champs.fototime.com.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Happy Birthday, Nate!
Here he is at 11. Today he is 19. Maybe when Mensa Boy wakes up we can figure out how to scan one of his baby pictures. The new scanner is a bit beyond me!
Today we will go to Greenville to meet Nate for lunch for his birthday. We'll do that at 11 because the weather is pretty dicey today. We want to be on the road back as early as possible.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Trial
We began our weekend with a movie. At home. That Mensa Boy had chosen. Don't worry, things did improve from there. Yes friends, against my better judgment I did allow him to choose a movie from Blockbuster.com. And that movie was:
THE TRIAL by Orson Welles.
YIKES.
For those of you who have heard me go on about MB's movie picking...Eraserhead being the most infamous...this movie is right in there. It's a Kafka-esque story about a man who wakes up to find the police in his room, there to tell him he is to go on trial. But no one will tell him what his crime is. Everyone else in the movie seems to know. Just not him. We kept telling each other that it was like a nightmare with all those bizarre scary nightmare qualities.
I hung in there until about 20 minutes before it ended. After I went to bed, MB watched it again with commentary. See?
Continuing with reliving my high school years, one literature book at time, I read "The Giver" yesterday. It actually was not out when I was in high school, so I guess I was living Nate's High School Lit class. It was a very enjoyable book. Quick read. Right now I'm working on a book I picked up at the bargain table at Borders: "Case Histories," by Kate Atkinson. Riveting!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Trainspotting
I don't think I'd agree that this movie is "massively entertaining," as the cover of the DVD says. I see the cover also says "Electrifying and Hilarious." I would say it's electrifying. And a little funny in a dark humor sort of way. But "Hilarity" is not what comes to mind.I ordered this movie up from Blockbuster.com some time ago because I realized I'd never seen it before. Sometimes I'll watch a movie or give a TV show a try just because it seems like EVERYONE has seen it.
Was it a good way for me to spend 90 minutes of my Saturday afternoon? Well, it did keep me entertained while I cooked my chocolate torte for Valentine's Day. I'll give it that.
If you're going to watch this movie, be prepared to be horrified by the way these heroin addicts live. The movie, by director Danny Boyle, who nowadays is being much hailed for his current hit movie, "Slumdog Millionaire" (I haven't seen that one), is about a heroin addict (Ewan McGregor) who wants to get out from under his addiction.
The movie uses black humor to demonstrate how awful this situation is. The humor keeps it from seeming preachy and helps to make the message so clear. My favorite line is by the main character, Mark "Rent Boy" Renton: "We would have injected vitamin C if only they had made it illegal"
I'm glad I saw the movie.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Gorilla Arm
Another toy bites the dust, appendage by appendage. Today I threw away the last gorilla arm. I have to do this kind of thing when he's out having his walk. As it is, if he can sort out the scent of it in the kitchen garbage, amidst all the banana and onion peels, he'll sit there and cry for it. That's why I always choose the kitchen garbage. I'd never be left alone if I used a different, less odiferous waste receptacle.
Last week we finally also threw out "Octo-head." The stuffed Octopus was with a us a long time, as a septapus, sextapus, quintapus, quadripus, tripus, duopus and finally an unipus. The Octo-head, or cephalopus (we never could totally decide what to call it) stuck with us for about a month.
Bear is getting faster and faster at shredding toys. This gorilla was dismembered and disemboweled in about 30 minutes.
Last week we finally also threw out "Octo-head." The stuffed Octopus was with a us a long time, as a septapus, sextapus, quintapus, quadripus, tripus, duopus and finally an unipus. The Octo-head, or cephalopus (we never could totally decide what to call it) stuck with us for about a month.
Bear is getting faster and faster at shredding toys. This gorilla was dismembered and disemboweled in about 30 minutes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
They Days They are A-Passin'
We are enjoying a week of 70-degree weather here and it is really energizing. We Carolinians are definitely spoiled when it comes to winter weather. It was cold (down to 20) for a few days, overcast, sometimes rainy and snowy, and it felt just awful! Even though I never had to wear a jacket heavier than my leather one, it really seemed just bitter and unfriendly outside. How easily we Yankees adapt to the Southern climate!
Yesterday started with Mensa Boy pointing out to me that my beloved Kashi granola bars were on the recall list. A note stating that fact was left on top of my almost-full box. At first I denied the necessity of throwing them out, but at the end of the day I did just that. It was very very sad. I went to the grocery store in the afternoon to do my weekly shopping (actually it seems like it's closer to every 10 days) and could not find any more of them. There were snack bars there by Kashi, but all of the granola bars, which I eat for breakfast several times a week, were gone. I have a full box in my office and I'm considering denying they are on the list and just eating them.
After I was flipped off by an impatient driver on the way to work, I began to have serious doubts about how the day would go. But it ended up being a pleasant day at work, punctuated by my favorite salad from Wendy's: The Mandarin Chicken. And 12 hours after the flipping-off incident I found myself in an EXCELLENT Jazzercise class, being physically challenged by my instructor bud Sarah. My entire torso is sore today as result. But it's a pleasant soreness.
It was a good day yesterday and, even though I began the day today by trying to pour coffee into the BOTTOM of my travel cup (I really need to turn some lights on in the morning when I do that), I have every reason to expect that today will be wonderful.
I hope yours is.
Yesterday started with Mensa Boy pointing out to me that my beloved Kashi granola bars were on the recall list. A note stating that fact was left on top of my almost-full box. At first I denied the necessity of throwing them out, but at the end of the day I did just that. It was very very sad. I went to the grocery store in the afternoon to do my weekly shopping (actually it seems like it's closer to every 10 days) and could not find any more of them. There were snack bars there by Kashi, but all of the granola bars, which I eat for breakfast several times a week, were gone. I have a full box in my office and I'm considering denying they are on the list and just eating them.
After I was flipped off by an impatient driver on the way to work, I began to have serious doubts about how the day would go. But it ended up being a pleasant day at work, punctuated by my favorite salad from Wendy's: The Mandarin Chicken. And 12 hours after the flipping-off incident I found myself in an EXCELLENT Jazzercise class, being physically challenged by my instructor bud Sarah. My entire torso is sore today as result. But it's a pleasant soreness.
It was a good day yesterday and, even though I began the day today by trying to pour coffee into the BOTTOM of my travel cup (I really need to turn some lights on in the morning when I do that), I have every reason to expect that today will be wonderful.
I hope yours is.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
CollegeMoney
Last year I was surprised by how easily the money came together for Nate's freshman year at Erskine.
Friday I was surprised by how easily I screwed up my calculations. Failing to notice that an invoice I received last fall was for just the FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR has cost me an additional $2,300. A costly error on my part. And one for which I had to transfer money from our home equity line of credit this morning.
Ouch.
But Nate is thriving. After a serious academic misstep this fall he seemed to rally over J-term (the period during January when students take just one class on a very intense basis) and raised his GPA significantly. He aced that class, which is really the least I can expect of a son of Mensa Boy's taking that particular subject: The History of Ancient Israel. So now he is hurdling headlong into spring semester and will try his level best to get his GPA to a level that will allow him to maintain part, if not all, of his scholarship money.
It was a quiet weekend here in Indian Land. My other two guys went to the beach with SCUMYs...South Carolina United Methodist Youth. They had a good time. I had wine with good friend Nannette and her beau Chuck on Friday night.
Saturday I hit the Jazz class in Fort Mill and then stayed to attend a Yoga class afterward. After that it was pretty much all downhill. The exercise was good, but quite a bit for this body, which proceeded to seize up and say "ouch" in as many was as possible. But it's a good ouch.
I read more of "To Kill a Mockingbird" which, I have to say, I'd forgotten was so. darn. funny! And I watched episodes of "Private Practice" on the internet. What can I say? I fell victim to the crossover episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and PP and had to find out what the heck she could have said to make him stop the proposal process?
And now my guys are home, it's beginning to darken outside, and it's time to start settling down for the work week ahead.
Friday I was surprised by how easily I screwed up my calculations. Failing to notice that an invoice I received last fall was for just the FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR has cost me an additional $2,300. A costly error on my part. And one for which I had to transfer money from our home equity line of credit this morning.
Ouch.
But Nate is thriving. After a serious academic misstep this fall he seemed to rally over J-term (the period during January when students take just one class on a very intense basis) and raised his GPA significantly. He aced that class, which is really the least I can expect of a son of Mensa Boy's taking that particular subject: The History of Ancient Israel. So now he is hurdling headlong into spring semester and will try his level best to get his GPA to a level that will allow him to maintain part, if not all, of his scholarship money.
It was a quiet weekend here in Indian Land. My other two guys went to the beach with SCUMYs...South Carolina United Methodist Youth. They had a good time. I had wine with good friend Nannette and her beau Chuck on Friday night.
Saturday I hit the Jazz class in Fort Mill and then stayed to attend a Yoga class afterward. After that it was pretty much all downhill. The exercise was good, but quite a bit for this body, which proceeded to seize up and say "ouch" in as many was as possible. But it's a good ouch.
I read more of "To Kill a Mockingbird" which, I have to say, I'd forgotten was so. darn. funny! And I watched episodes of "Private Practice" on the internet. What can I say? I fell victim to the crossover episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and PP and had to find out what the heck she could have said to make him stop the proposal process?
And now my guys are home, it's beginning to darken outside, and it's time to start settling down for the work week ahead.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Sheesh. Another Snow Day.
At the risk of dissing my employer on the internet...wouldn't a 2-hour delay have sufficed?
Yes. It is snowy. A bit. Less than you see in this photo. This one is from the last snow day. But really the issue today is ice. Which I suspect will be all gone as soon as the sun comes up.
Most people celebrate snow days. Particularly kids. But they aren't taking the long view when they do that. You see, we've already lost our Feb 16 off day from the last snow day. Now they will start whittling away at our spring break. Yup. Some really nice, 70 degree day will be taken away to make up for today.
This morning I ran into Taylor's room, jumped on him and started urgently saying "Taylor! Taylor! Wake up!"
He murmured a question.
"No school today!" I told him.
He murmured his happiness.
Yeah. I'm kind of mean that way.
Yes. It is snowy. A bit. Less than you see in this photo. This one is from the last snow day. But really the issue today is ice. Which I suspect will be all gone as soon as the sun comes up.
Most people celebrate snow days. Particularly kids. But they aren't taking the long view when they do that. You see, we've already lost our Feb 16 off day from the last snow day. Now they will start whittling away at our spring break. Yup. Some really nice, 70 degree day will be taken away to make up for today.
This morning I ran into Taylor's room, jumped on him and started urgently saying "Taylor! Taylor! Wake up!"
He murmured a question.
"No school today!" I told him.
He murmured his happiness.
Yeah. I'm kind of mean that way.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Jack Johnson - Upside Down: Final Stereo Version
Enjoy! Listen to the words. Click Twice. It will take you to YouTube to watch.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
I &The Catcher in the Rye
It's Sunday morning and I'm settling in with a terrible cold and the book "The Catcher in the Rye." I'll cough and blow my nose all day, drinking whatever appeals to me and no doubt dozing as often as the massive headache permits.
Why this book? Well, we have this little book group at church and it's run by two high school sophomore girls. They just studied it in their English class, loved it, and now want to share the love. It's been 30mumble years since I read it, and I am remembering already, after only the first half-dozen pages, that I loved it then too.
Of course I'll have to pull up some sort of study guide so I don't look like a blooming idiot in the discussion. I have no idea what literary parsing is done to this book that merits every high school student in the nation reading it.
It's okay to be hideously sick every once in a while. It makes you appreciate your overall health. I do kind of wish, however, that the headache wasn't part of the game.
Oh. Please forgive the grammar in the title. I just needed to do it.
Why this book? Well, we have this little book group at church and it's run by two high school sophomore girls. They just studied it in their English class, loved it, and now want to share the love. It's been 30mumble years since I read it, and I am remembering already, after only the first half-dozen pages, that I loved it then too.
Of course I'll have to pull up some sort of study guide so I don't look like a blooming idiot in the discussion. I have no idea what literary parsing is done to this book that merits every high school student in the nation reading it.
It's okay to be hideously sick every once in a while. It makes you appreciate your overall health. I do kind of wish, however, that the headache wasn't part of the game.
Oh. Please forgive the grammar in the title. I just needed to do it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
24: The Chloe Watch
Favorite line of the week:Motobo: "Are you an FBI agent?"
Chloe: "No. I'm just a stay-at-home mom."
Monday, January 26, 2009
Dear St. Joe: Make This House GO!
"You realize I'll have to blog about this," I told my friend Nannette.
"Yes. Yes I do," she said. "In fact, we'll have to take photos when we bury him and have a glass of wine in his honor."
And so our plans for the burying of St. Joseph in Nannette's back yard. It may be next Sunday afternoon.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR SELLING A HOUSE
O, Saint Joseph,
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter's trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property]
quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, i swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that i will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honour in my home.
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter's trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property]
quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, i swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that i will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honour in my home.
Amen.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
My Favorite Things: Artisan Bread
I heard about this book on "Splendid Table" (another of my favorite things) and had to get this book. I made the bread for a couple of weeks from the recipe on the radio show website, but when I needed to buy a book for buddy Cassie's birthday, I found myself clicking the button for this one too. (One-click shopping on Amazon is DANGEROUS!)
It is absolutely true that the longer the bread lives in the bowl in the fridge the better it gets. It's great right away, but after about a week or 10 days, it takes on a mild sourdough quality that just can't be beat. I made these two bagettes last night for supper and we had hot meatball sandwiches with them. Another thing I've done is tear off three small lumps and made hamburger buns out of them. Any way you do it, you really need to be careful not to make a lot of bread. Because you will not stop eating it until it is done. So it's best to just make a batch small enough for that meal.
There are other favorites in this photo as well. The wooden cutting board is on the counter at all times and I use it for every bread and veggie and cheese...anything that's not meat. But the greatest thing is the french bread pan. One of us kids gave it to Dad one year for his birthday or Father's Day or something and after he had it for a while he realized he wasn't using it so offered it to me. Every once in a while he tries to ask for it back!
It is absolutely true that the longer the bread lives in the bowl in the fridge the better it gets. It's great right away, but after about a week or 10 days, it takes on a mild sourdough quality that just can't be beat. I made these two bagettes last night for supper and we had hot meatball sandwiches with them. Another thing I've done is tear off three small lumps and made hamburger buns out of them. Any way you do it, you really need to be careful not to make a lot of bread. Because you will not stop eating it until it is done. So it's best to just make a batch small enough for that meal.
There are other favorites in this photo as well. The wooden cutting board is on the counter at all times and I use it for every bread and veggie and cheese...anything that's not meat. But the greatest thing is the french bread pan. One of us kids gave it to Dad one year for his birthday or Father's Day or something and after he had it for a while he realized he wasn't using it so offered it to me. Every once in a while he tries to ask for it back!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I forget...
What's that white, wet stuff again? Someone told me it's been 2 years since we had snow here. I know we had a few delay days last year...they must have been from ice, maybe. I don't remember.
Anyway, I'm glad for the snow day. I have plenty to do here today. I brought work home when I found out about the forecast. We have a memorial service at the church at 3 and I did not get my casserole prepared last night. Also, I would have missed the inauguration so now I can have that on.
But what I really need to do is get out there in a few minutes and take some photos. Snow is a big event here. I'm kind of surprised my editor hasn't called already.
So. This will actually be my "weekend," I think. I strained my back on Saturday morning and it went into spasm after that. So I pretty much lost Saturday and Sunday. Did a lot of standing and laying around. After a massage yesterday, it has finally started to loosen up a bit. But I'll be out of Jazzercise for at least several more days.
I'll post more later. With pics, I hope
Anyway, I'm glad for the snow day. I have plenty to do here today. I brought work home when I found out about the forecast. We have a memorial service at the church at 3 and I did not get my casserole prepared last night. Also, I would have missed the inauguration so now I can have that on.
But what I really need to do is get out there in a few minutes and take some photos. Snow is a big event here. I'm kind of surprised my editor hasn't called already.
So. This will actually be my "weekend," I think. I strained my back on Saturday morning and it went into spasm after that. So I pretty much lost Saturday and Sunday. Did a lot of standing and laying around. After a massage yesterday, it has finally started to loosen up a bit. But I'll be out of Jazzercise for at least several more days.
I'll post more later. With pics, I hope
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
IL Library Ribbon Cutting1.09.09
So this library. We cut the ribbon on Sunday afternoon.
I generally dread big events. I don't like parties, I don't like crowds, I don't like rubbing elbows with strangers...in general I'm not good with with any number of strangers.
But this was really fun! I knew probably 1/3 of the people there. I think we had about 250 or so. We ran 200 programs and those were gone before everyone got one.
The kids. I have no idea who they were. I just had this random thought that they should help cut the ribbon. Otherwise it was just going to be a bunch of grownups. And these little guys were paying such close attention to the whole thing...listening and watching as we all spoke. They were happy to get the chance and we gave them all pieces of the ribbon to keep. And their photo will be in the paper tomorrow.
BB&T provide refreshments. I didn't get in there to get any, but it seemed like I saw someone eating an entire sandwich! So they must have had quite a spread. Their branch just opened in IL and they will be having an open house soon.
So it was a good day. And now I don't have to help raise money anymore. But I am kind of thinking I will have to start up the Friends group. Hopefully I can just set a meeting or two and then get them elect officers and be their own people.
I generally dread big events. I don't like parties, I don't like crowds, I don't like rubbing elbows with strangers...in general I'm not good with with any number of strangers.
But this was really fun! I knew probably 1/3 of the people there. I think we had about 250 or so. We ran 200 programs and those were gone before everyone got one.
The kids. I have no idea who they were. I just had this random thought that they should help cut the ribbon. Otherwise it was just going to be a bunch of grownups. And these little guys were paying such close attention to the whole thing...listening and watching as we all spoke. They were happy to get the chance and we gave them all pieces of the ribbon to keep. And their photo will be in the paper tomorrow.
BB&T provide refreshments. I didn't get in there to get any, but it seemed like I saw someone eating an entire sandwich! So they must have had quite a spread. Their branch just opened in IL and they will be having an open house soon.
So it was a good day. And now I don't have to help raise money anymore. But I am kind of thinking I will have to start up the Friends group. Hopefully I can just set a meeting or two and then get them elect officers and be their own people.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Posse at the New Library
Yesterday we cut the ribbon at the new Indian Land Library and most of the posse came. All I can say is, don't ask Rena if you can borrow scissors!
It was a great day and I'll post more photos of the happenings later. Right now I have about 30 minutes to catch a shower and get my supper squared away before the next 2-hour marathon of 24.
And can I just say? Janeane Garafalo? You ain't no match for Chloe. I mean...I like ye and all that? But Chloe was my favorite character on that show. So you've got some mighty big shoes to fill.
It was a great day and I'll post more photos of the happenings later. Right now I have about 30 minutes to catch a shower and get my supper squared away before the next 2-hour marathon of 24.
And can I just say? Janeane Garafalo? You ain't no match for Chloe. I mean...I like ye and all that? But Chloe was my favorite character on that show. So you've got some mighty big shoes to fill.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
My Favorite Things: Under Armour
I've messed around with product reviews before and I guess I could probably put this under that. But really I thought I'd just periodically take photos of things that I really enjoy.
This idea came about while I was jazzercising this morning. I was noticing how MUCH I LOVE this Under Armour sportshirt I bought. I picked it up at Marshall's the other day for $10 and I wish I'd bought more. It's light, breathes well, and looks good.
The UA shoes I've had for a couple of months now. Jazz instructor Kelly had them first and I tried hers on. She bought sports insoles for hers and says it's the combination of insoles and shoes that makes them so enjoyable. I have to agree with her. I tried the shoes for a few classes without the insoles and found they really did not provide enough cushioning for the pounding they get in Jazz. It was tough for me to give up my beloved Rykas. I've worn them for years and years (many pair...not the same ones), but it was time for a change. Now I'm anxious to start thinking about my "summer pair" of UA shoes...a lighter color, of course...to go with the crop pants.
The third item in the photo is my beloved right-hand weight. I'm not using 6 pounders right now, preferring my 7s and really needing 8s, but I always have these old 6s riding around in the car for emergencies...in case of muscle strain I can just bump down a pound or two. Or clop a hijacker upside the head, I guess. Anyway, the protective cover started coming off this weight and not the other, so I always think of it has my right-hand one. I can't even use it on my left, much as I've tried. You can see it in this photo, but there are couple of spots in the center bar where the cover has come off right in the shape of my middle finger and thumb. Those two sweaty fingers rest right on the cold iron there. I've got a hairband wrapped around my right-hand 7. Yes, even in Jazzercise we all have our little idiosyncrasies. Well, maybe not all of us. But then, not all of us have the nickname CJL...Certified Jazzercise Lunatic.
Do you have a favorite sportswear item or piece of equipment?
This idea came about while I was jazzercising this morning. I was noticing how MUCH I LOVE this Under Armour sportshirt I bought. I picked it up at Marshall's the other day for $10 and I wish I'd bought more. It's light, breathes well, and looks good.
The UA shoes I've had for a couple of months now. Jazz instructor Kelly had them first and I tried hers on. She bought sports insoles for hers and says it's the combination of insoles and shoes that makes them so enjoyable. I have to agree with her. I tried the shoes for a few classes without the insoles and found they really did not provide enough cushioning for the pounding they get in Jazz. It was tough for me to give up my beloved Rykas. I've worn them for years and years (many pair...not the same ones), but it was time for a change. Now I'm anxious to start thinking about my "summer pair" of UA shoes...a lighter color, of course...to go with the crop pants.
The third item in the photo is my beloved right-hand weight. I'm not using 6 pounders right now, preferring my 7s and really needing 8s, but I always have these old 6s riding around in the car for emergencies...in case of muscle strain I can just bump down a pound or two. Or clop a hijacker upside the head, I guess. Anyway, the protective cover started coming off this weight and not the other, so I always think of it has my right-hand one. I can't even use it on my left, much as I've tried. You can see it in this photo, but there are couple of spots in the center bar where the cover has come off right in the shape of my middle finger and thumb. Those two sweaty fingers rest right on the cold iron there. I've got a hairband wrapped around my right-hand 7. Yes, even in Jazzercise we all have our little idiosyncrasies. Well, maybe not all of us. But then, not all of us have the nickname CJL...Certified Jazzercise Lunatic.
Do you have a favorite sportswear item or piece of equipment?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Wii and Me
So. I told you I got a Wii Fit for Christmas. Didn't I? (too lazy to look back) Anyway, it's my friend Cassie's. She and her husband got tired of it telling them they were obese. Cassie does a great imitation of the Wii voices. She has us all in stitches every time.
The first day I used it was Christmas Day. I was brave. I set it up in the cabin we were staying in and did it in front of the family. I weighed in, got my BMI, and the first balance test.
Which? In my defense? I didn't quite understand how to play.
It said my Wii Fit Age was 63.
hmmmmmm.....
Mensa Boy, in true MB form, tried to reassure me. "Don't worry. You're in great shape! You just didn't know what you were doing!" Uh huh. Thanks.
So I went on to the balance game. "You are unbalanced," it pronounced. Yuh. Tell me something I DON'T know! After being hit by several pair of cleats in the soccer heading game (Why do we actually say "OW!" when we can't feel it?), I gave up and collected my little footprint stamp.
Nate tried it and his Wii age was 18. That's also his real age, of course. {{Suck up...}}
Taylor came in at 24. 10 years over his regular age. MB didn't do the game and neither did Nate's gf Erin.
So we get home and the next day I try it in my bedroom. It weighs me 8.8 lbs less than the day before. It pronounces that, while it is pleased with my success, it's concerned that I may be losing too much weight too quickly. I do a couple more balance games, earning somewhat permanent dents on my foreheads from the cleats but discovering that I'm a darned good tightrope walker, and earn "Yoga Master" status in 2 of the 5 yoga poses I do. I'm feeling pretty good.
Then? Things start to fall apart.
If you don't do the Wii Fit, you can go on there and log your activity that you have done elsewhere. I knew this, but did not know that you could not backdate. You have to log on EACH DAY and tell it what you are doing. So Saturday, when I nearly killed myself doing a Jazzercise class and then went straight to the wall-climbing place with MB? NO CREDIT! Sunday, before I learned about this horrible deficiency with backdating, my shoulders and arms hurt too much from belaying to even lift the remote for the Wii, I did nothing.
Monday? Jazzercise. I came home from class and decided to log on and tell it all my achievements. While I was still sweaty from the 5:45 a.m. class, the Wii chided me for taking time off. Something about Mom being too busy to work out lately. SHEESH!
Also by this time MB had figured out that we needed to put these auxiliary feet on the bottom of the board to make it weigh right. Yippee. Now I weighed back what I was on the first day. The Wii Fit said it was concerned about my quick weight gain. It listed something like a dozen reasons why I might have gained this weight...too many snacks, not enough exercise, poor diet...none of them were "because I put the right frikkin' feet on the bottom of this frikkin' board!"
I clicked "I don't know."
Now it wanted to TALK about what the possible causes might be. Yikes.
But all in all the Wii Fit is kind of fun. Now I just make sure I go up there and log on once each day ("Hey! MB! Don't go to bed yet! I haven't logged onto the Wii") and I'm sure I'll get into some sort of routine. Today I did 5 yoga poses and 2 balance games. My Wii Fit age is 47 now, which is a year younger than I am, so that's good.
The first day I used it was Christmas Day. I was brave. I set it up in the cabin we were staying in and did it in front of the family. I weighed in, got my BMI, and the first balance test.
Which? In my defense? I didn't quite understand how to play.
It said my Wii Fit Age was 63.
hmmmmmm.....
Mensa Boy, in true MB form, tried to reassure me. "Don't worry. You're in great shape! You just didn't know what you were doing!" Uh huh. Thanks.
So I went on to the balance game. "You are unbalanced," it pronounced. Yuh. Tell me something I DON'T know! After being hit by several pair of cleats in the soccer heading game (Why do we actually say "OW!" when we can't feel it?), I gave up and collected my little footprint stamp.
Nate tried it and his Wii age was 18. That's also his real age, of course. {{Suck up...}}
Taylor came in at 24. 10 years over his regular age. MB didn't do the game and neither did Nate's gf Erin.
So we get home and the next day I try it in my bedroom. It weighs me 8.8 lbs less than the day before. It pronounces that, while it is pleased with my success, it's concerned that I may be losing too much weight too quickly. I do a couple more balance games, earning somewhat permanent dents on my foreheads from the cleats but discovering that I'm a darned good tightrope walker, and earn "Yoga Master" status in 2 of the 5 yoga poses I do. I'm feeling pretty good.
Then? Things start to fall apart.
If you don't do the Wii Fit, you can go on there and log your activity that you have done elsewhere. I knew this, but did not know that you could not backdate. You have to log on EACH DAY and tell it what you are doing. So Saturday, when I nearly killed myself doing a Jazzercise class and then went straight to the wall-climbing place with MB? NO CREDIT! Sunday, before I learned about this horrible deficiency with backdating, my shoulders and arms hurt too much from belaying to even lift the remote for the Wii, I did nothing.
Monday? Jazzercise. I came home from class and decided to log on and tell it all my achievements. While I was still sweaty from the 5:45 a.m. class, the Wii chided me for taking time off. Something about Mom being too busy to work out lately. SHEESH!
Also by this time MB had figured out that we needed to put these auxiliary feet on the bottom of the board to make it weigh right. Yippee. Now I weighed back what I was on the first day. The Wii Fit said it was concerned about my quick weight gain. It listed something like a dozen reasons why I might have gained this weight...too many snacks, not enough exercise, poor diet...none of them were "because I put the right frikkin' feet on the bottom of this frikkin' board!"
I clicked "I don't know."
Now it wanted to TALK about what the possible causes might be. Yikes.
But all in all the Wii Fit is kind of fun. Now I just make sure I go up there and log on once each day ("Hey! MB! Don't go to bed yet! I haven't logged onto the Wii") and I'm sure I'll get into some sort of routine. Today I did 5 yoga poses and 2 balance games. My Wii Fit age is 47 now, which is a year younger than I am, so that's good.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
It's Over....
Winter Break. Officially over when I hit the hay in just a few minutes. Nate left for Erskine a little bit ago. He has J term, which is just one, intense class for the month of January. I hope he does better. He did not do well at all first semester.
Even Taylor is a bit owl-y today.
I had a restful and fun but not real exciting break. It was good to be around home and I did do some closet organizing and fridge cleaning. The bills still have to be done and I haven't tidied last year's financial records yet. I guess I'll have to do that next weekend.
I'm completely tied up in a book now, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It's amazing that I've never read any of his stuff. It's riveting. I did stop long enough to watch the movie "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington. Very creepy seeing Denzel play a bad guy. Very creepy.
Even Taylor is a bit owl-y today.
I had a restful and fun but not real exciting break. It was good to be around home and I did do some closet organizing and fridge cleaning. The bills still have to be done and I haven't tidied last year's financial records yet. I guess I'll have to do that next weekend.
I'm completely tied up in a book now, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It's amazing that I've never read any of his stuff. It's riveting. I did stop long enough to watch the movie "American Gangster" with Denzel Washington. Very creepy seeing Denzel play a bad guy. Very creepy.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
For Your New Year's Eve-rtainment
Top 10 words that sound funny with a Minnesota accent
Yes, my blog-darlings. I'm spending New Year's Eve doing what I do pretty much every days' Eve...surfing the 'net, watching mindless TV, reading a book and whatever else for the moment.
Mensa Boy is deadlining tonight. He said he was going to go to bed early tonight...10 o'clock...because he needs to go in tomorrow. But it's 8:40 already and he isn't even home yet, so I have no idea if he's going to make the 10 p.m. bedtime or not.
I'm actually quite good with this. We aren't into parties anyway.
Today I found out the results of my 2008 NY resolution. I resolved a year ago to not salt my food until I'd eaten half of it. If it still "needed" salt, I'd do it then. Unless it was something like fries. Fries have to be salted upfront. At the time I decided that, my blood pressure was 120/70. Good. Always had been. I just decided to go salt-less because my friend Sarah pretty much never salts her food and I wanted to be just like her! Actually, no. But it seemed like a good idea. So every time I went to the doctor, which is about 3 or 4 times each year, my bp got a little lower and a little lower. Today it was a whopping 96/68! HOLY BUCKETS! Oh. And I don't miss the salt at all, either.
For this next year I plan to stop chewing those hardened little edges of skin next to my fingernails. I don't do it a lot...I mean people don't have to worry about shaking my hand or anything...but I still do it and I have raggedy cuticles as a result. So I've decided, when I notice myself wanting to chew on those? I'm going to put cuticle cream on them. I've put little pots and tubes of cream around and we'll see how it goes. I'll probably develop this fetish for that stuff then! I'll be excusing myself from conversations to go hide in a corner somewhere so I can dip into the cuticle cream tin. I'll get all nervous when the cream starts to run low...wondering if I can make it til the next paycheck when I can afford to go buy more...maybe I should re-think this.
Mensa Boy is deadlining tonight. He said he was going to go to bed early tonight...10 o'clock...because he needs to go in tomorrow. But it's 8:40 already and he isn't even home yet, so I have no idea if he's going to make the 10 p.m. bedtime or not.
I'm actually quite good with this. We aren't into parties anyway.
Today I found out the results of my 2008 NY resolution. I resolved a year ago to not salt my food until I'd eaten half of it. If it still "needed" salt, I'd do it then. Unless it was something like fries. Fries have to be salted upfront. At the time I decided that, my blood pressure was 120/70. Good. Always had been. I just decided to go salt-less because my friend Sarah pretty much never salts her food and I wanted to be just like her! Actually, no. But it seemed like a good idea. So every time I went to the doctor, which is about 3 or 4 times each year, my bp got a little lower and a little lower. Today it was a whopping 96/68! HOLY BUCKETS! Oh. And I don't miss the salt at all, either.
For this next year I plan to stop chewing those hardened little edges of skin next to my fingernails. I don't do it a lot...I mean people don't have to worry about shaking my hand or anything...but I still do it and I have raggedy cuticles as a result. So I've decided, when I notice myself wanting to chew on those? I'm going to put cuticle cream on them. I've put little pots and tubes of cream around and we'll see how it goes. I'll probably develop this fetish for that stuff then! I'll be excusing myself from conversations to go hide in a corner somewhere so I can dip into the cuticle cream tin. I'll get all nervous when the cream starts to run low...wondering if I can make it til the next paycheck when I can afford to go buy more...maybe I should re-think this.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pink Bush Rose
I took this with my faithful D40 on September 30 in my neighbor Mary's back yard. It was a horribly dark photo...severely underexposed and grainy (noisy) looking.
For the past few days my photographic mentor, Greg Schneider, has been helping me with some Photoshop techniques for another project I've been working on. The main thing he's taught me is how to select an area in a photo and highlight just that. Basically, draw a circle around that part and bring the lights up a bit. The hardest part has been learning how to use the selection tool to make the selection. After that? Piece of cake.
I don't know if this brings this photo into any sort of higher-quality range or not, but I like it, and I guess that's what really matters, isn't it? (Ah...just got an email back. He likes the photo but thinks the background is still too dark for his taste. I can tell he's going to do something else. And that's why he's the MENTOR and I'm the MENTEE!)
Today I went to the 5:45 a.m. Jazzercise class. It was odd getting out of class and having it still be dark out, but it was a great way to start the day. After that I ran home for a shower and some more desk work, and then up to have a massage and do some errands. A nap in the afternoon and starting in a new book followed that. So it's been a great day. But I'm a little tired. And the stiffness is starting to kick in. Time for a nice hot soak in Epsom Salts.
For the past few days my photographic mentor, Greg Schneider, has been helping me with some Photoshop techniques for another project I've been working on. The main thing he's taught me is how to select an area in a photo and highlight just that. Basically, draw a circle around that part and bring the lights up a bit. The hardest part has been learning how to use the selection tool to make the selection. After that? Piece of cake.
I don't know if this brings this photo into any sort of higher-quality range or not, but I like it, and I guess that's what really matters, isn't it? (Ah...just got an email back. He likes the photo but thinks the background is still too dark for his taste. I can tell he's going to do something else. And that's why he's the MENTOR and I'm the MENTEE!)
Today I went to the 5:45 a.m. Jazzercise class. It was odd getting out of class and having it still be dark out, but it was a great way to start the day. After that I ran home for a shower and some more desk work, and then up to have a massage and do some errands. A nap in the afternoon and starting in a new book followed that. So it's been a great day. But I'm a little tired. And the stiffness is starting to kick in. Time for a nice hot soak in Epsom Salts.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Two Tone Spritz
For all my whining about these stupid cookies, I did have this little accident with them that turned out somewhat pleasant. I had gotten through the green dough, which I used for the Christmas trees, and there is always some in the press that just doesn't come out. I colored the next batch red to do these whatever-they-are (poinsettias maybe?) when I got down to the last dozen or so of those, I got this result.
For the last few, I pulled the dough out of the press, made snakes and then shaped them into initials for Mensa Boy, Nate, Taylor and Erin.
So the annual Spritz ordeal is over. And the cookies taste okay, despite the fact that I had to flavor them with almond extract when I ran out of vanilla.
For the last few, I pulled the dough out of the press, made snakes and then shaped them into initials for Mensa Boy, Nate, Taylor and Erin.
So the annual Spritz ordeal is over. And the cookies taste okay, despite the fact that I had to flavor them with almond extract when I ran out of vanilla.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Instrument of Torture
I don't know why I do this every year. Actually, I do. My husband loves Spritz cookies. I call them "the damn spritz." I always remember that they are his favorite cookies. Then after I make them, swearing (internally) like a sailor, I find out his favorite cookie is Melting Moments. You'd think after 26 years...sheesh!
The Melting Moments are much easier to make, too.
The Melting Moments are much easier to make, too.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mystery Hill
My guys can never resist places like this. They are absolutely terrible about tourist traps. When they saw this place outside Boone, it immediately took them back to The Cosmos in the Black Hills. They just HAD to see it. I thought I had an "out."
"I'll just stay in the car with the dog," I volunteered.
A few minutes later they trooped out to announce that the dog was welcome too. Sheesh!
We did this on the 23rd and it was the only time my camera left its' bag the entire time. Nate's girlfriend Erin shot this for us.
This morning I got up bright and early and hit the 8:15 Jazzercise class in Fort Mill. It's wonderful to go there. The floor is so good on my knees and feet. After class we went to breakfast and then I stopped at another friend's house to chat for a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent hanging around and teaching Bear a new trick. I will not tell you about it until I have accomplished everything I want to do with it. So if it all doesn't work out, you may never know!
We had our Christmas dinner tonight. Roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and corn. Buddy Sarah kept talking about chicken tetrazzini while she was teaching this morning, so I think I'll make the turkey version on Sunday.
"I'll just stay in the car with the dog," I volunteered.
A few minutes later they trooped out to announce that the dog was welcome too. Sheesh!
We did this on the 23rd and it was the only time my camera left its' bag the entire time. Nate's girlfriend Erin shot this for us.
This morning I got up bright and early and hit the 8:15 Jazzercise class in Fort Mill. It's wonderful to go there. The floor is so good on my knees and feet. After class we went to breakfast and then I stopped at another friend's house to chat for a few minutes. The rest of the day was spent hanging around and teaching Bear a new trick. I will not tell you about it until I have accomplished everything I want to do with it. So if it all doesn't work out, you may never know!
We had our Christmas dinner tonight. Roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and corn. Buddy Sarah kept talking about chicken tetrazzini while she was teaching this morning, so I think I'll make the turkey version on Sunday.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Recap
Merry Christmas to everyone!
We got back about an hour ago from Boone, NC, where we stayed in this fantastic cabin on the outskirts of town.
The cabin was well-appointed, complete with washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas fireplace and Christmas tree. Our little live pine that we bought to take with us was still pressed into service. We put it up on a table and strung it with little tiny lights and a put a few shiny bulbs on it.
Yes, there was a hot tub, but not on the porch. It was about 500 yards from our door in a gazebo. No, we did not use it. The weather was fairly atrocious most of the time we were there. Windy, rainy, very cold at night, very warm during the day. Today probably would have been the best day. The sun was out, it was dry and the temps were in the 40s and got up to the high 60s before we left. It's 70 here now.
We planned to do some hiking but the weather was not really in our favor. By the time we decided on a place to go on Tuesday, we were pretty much tired and cold. Yesterday it was just plain rainy and, while we had warm weather gear, we did not have wet gear. So we went to Mast General Store and then bummed around Boone and ate a Japanese Steak house for lunch.
We spent a lot of time at the cabin just chilling and watching movies. I worked a jigsaw puzzle, took naps and read my book. Yesterday we opened gifts. My biggest surprise was the Wii Fit, which I had asked for. But all the time I had it on my list I was concerned about the expense. Mensa Boy and bff Cassie solved that. She sold hers to him. So I got a nice Wii Fit without having to lay out the expense of a new one. And the surprise factor was that they'd even done that transaction. She'd told me she had sold it to a guy at work! (Her ability to lie right to my face is downright spooky.)
Everyone seems happy with their gifts. Taylor got an airsoft gun from us, which we didn't want to buy. But my principal friend told me to do it. "Just get over your anti-gun thing," she advised. And so as he runs around outside with Freddy shooting, Mensa Boy just keeps shaking his head and saying, "Our kid is playing outside. With guns." My don't we change through the years?
So that's my brief recap. I'll try to be more diligent about writing now that the holiday prep is over. I have until the 5th before I go back to school.
We got back about an hour ago from Boone, NC, where we stayed in this fantastic cabin on the outskirts of town.
The cabin was well-appointed, complete with washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas fireplace and Christmas tree. Our little live pine that we bought to take with us was still pressed into service. We put it up on a table and strung it with little tiny lights and a put a few shiny bulbs on it.
Yes, there was a hot tub, but not on the porch. It was about 500 yards from our door in a gazebo. No, we did not use it. The weather was fairly atrocious most of the time we were there. Windy, rainy, very cold at night, very warm during the day. Today probably would have been the best day. The sun was out, it was dry and the temps were in the 40s and got up to the high 60s before we left. It's 70 here now.
We planned to do some hiking but the weather was not really in our favor. By the time we decided on a place to go on Tuesday, we were pretty much tired and cold. Yesterday it was just plain rainy and, while we had warm weather gear, we did not have wet gear. So we went to Mast General Store and then bummed around Boone and ate a Japanese Steak house for lunch.
We spent a lot of time at the cabin just chilling and watching movies. I worked a jigsaw puzzle, took naps and read my book. Yesterday we opened gifts. My biggest surprise was the Wii Fit, which I had asked for. But all the time I had it on my list I was concerned about the expense. Mensa Boy and bff Cassie solved that. She sold hers to him. So I got a nice Wii Fit without having to lay out the expense of a new one. And the surprise factor was that they'd even done that transaction. She'd told me she had sold it to a guy at work! (Her ability to lie right to my face is downright spooky.)
Everyone seems happy with their gifts. Taylor got an airsoft gun from us, which we didn't want to buy. But my principal friend told me to do it. "Just get over your anti-gun thing," she advised. And so as he runs around outside with Freddy shooting, Mensa Boy just keeps shaking his head and saying, "Our kid is playing outside. With guns." My don't we change through the years?
So that's my brief recap. I'll try to be more diligent about writing now that the holiday prep is over. I have until the 5th before I go back to school.
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