I belong to the balance program at work. I joke that it's the only thing balanced about me. Actually it's a great group that meets for twelve weeks - its been such a hit we're on our third tour. We discuss food, nutrition, exercise, health issues, stress all things we struggle with and try and bring back into a healthy balance. Besides tyring to live healthy several of us need to loose a few pounds (see I'm fat).
Yesterday we decided in our free for all discussion that we missed the accountability and competition that WW provided. We have decided to post our gain/loss for the week. I have also partnered up with someone to be accountable for exercising more regularly. The hardest part about the treadmill for me is getting on. I've found that if I listen to music and put the TV on mute that it satisfies my need to multi task.
I came home after work last night and hubby had just finished his bike ride. How come you get to work out and I can't? I asked. He offered to make supper so I could go on the treadmill. Deal. Two miles later and supper was waiting for me. Yeah!!! He's finally being a little more supportive. He gained a few pounds a few months back and was a bear. He wanted my sympathy. That is when my head spin, green stuff spewed from my mouth and I hollered now you know how I feel! That was the turning point for getting him on board.
This morning I'm walking with a friend around the lake - nice six mile walk. We did it a few weeks ago and are trying to mesh our schedules to walk more often. Exercise and friendship can't ask for more than that.
Well, maybe the massage I'm getting this afternoon while oldest has her hair and nails done for the senior prom.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thanks Kathy
I love Kathy's comment so much I had to share. She is referring to my dislike of graduation ceremonies from everything. The "important" mile stones lose their meaning after a while.
I think I'm going to use Kathy's line from now on - just substitute sixth grade for fifth.
Here's her comment.
I agree on the ceremonies. Last year Mark "graduated" from 5th grade. I went around telling everyone how proud we were since he was the first person in our family to ever graduate from 5th grade. Well, I enjoyed it...
I enjoy it too. I'm still chuckling to myself.
I think I'm going to use Kathy's line from now on - just substitute sixth grade for fifth.
Here's her comment.
I agree on the ceremonies. Last year Mark "graduated" from 5th grade. I went around telling everyone how proud we were since he was the first person in our family to ever graduate from 5th grade. Well, I enjoyed it...
I enjoy it too. I'm still chuckling to myself.
Monday, May 24, 2010
this and that
I haven't had time to get on the computer lately. I haven't even been planting crops in farmville. I'm finally getting rather bored with it. I've gone as far as I can and at this point all I can do is level up. And really, does that matter?
I've been weeding and spreading bark mulch. Hubby not only got a load for mother's day but keeps replenishing the pile as I deplete it. I haven't mulched anything in a few years and the beds really need it. It looks so good. I've been laying newspaper down under the mulch. This helps with the weeds and the newspaper will break down. Hubby was able to snag a bag full of newspapers that the mobilmart was going to throw away.
June is fast approaching and that means a flurry of activity at the elementary school. Field trip after field trip, picnics and a promotion ceremony. These ceremonies just annoy me. Well, the ceremony itself is cute it's the emphasis and big deal that many make that annoys me. Some parents buy their kids huge presents for sixth grade promotion. Let's see what are the options - staying back a grade or going to 7th grade. Oh, the change schools. Maybe because I went to the same junior/high school. I went through the elementary school in the next town over and changed schools three times before 7th grade. I changed schools not because I moved but because depending on where you lived in town you went to one school for K - 3 (this changed for my third grade year) and then everyone went to the big school for 4 - 6.
Bio asked youngest what she wanted for graduation. She claims she is sending her a present. Youngest asked for a plane ticket out of here. Bio thinks it's because she hates us and living here. I think it's because she is twelve and bored and bio lives somewhere she doesn't remember ever being. It must be exciting. Of course youngest thinks that visiting bio will be like going on vacation with us. Bio will take here there and everywhere. Youngest drills her on all the places they will go. All bio comes back with is the grand canyon. Granted that is awesome but, then what? Hours upon hours of watching TV. And bio has hyped up her little corner of the world. If you want to know why Adam ate the forbidden fruit it was so he could leave paradise and go to Kingman, AZ. It far beats Edan.
Bio has a new boyfriend. She wanted the kids to know that if they call her on the weekends they have to use her cell phone because she's not at home (shacking up with Leroy). And if she can find an attorney who doesn't have a full case load she will have the kids for the month of August. But, it's really hard because right now she's at the academy when the lawyers are in their office so she will have to wait until after her graduation. Supposedly she has a job as security at the jail. But, don't worry she will have her picture taken and send them a copy. Youngest has told her repeatedly that she has forgotten what she looks like.
I've been weeding and spreading bark mulch. Hubby not only got a load for mother's day but keeps replenishing the pile as I deplete it. I haven't mulched anything in a few years and the beds really need it. It looks so good. I've been laying newspaper down under the mulch. This helps with the weeds and the newspaper will break down. Hubby was able to snag a bag full of newspapers that the mobilmart was going to throw away.
June is fast approaching and that means a flurry of activity at the elementary school. Field trip after field trip, picnics and a promotion ceremony. These ceremonies just annoy me. Well, the ceremony itself is cute it's the emphasis and big deal that many make that annoys me. Some parents buy their kids huge presents for sixth grade promotion. Let's see what are the options - staying back a grade or going to 7th grade. Oh, the change schools. Maybe because I went to the same junior/high school. I went through the elementary school in the next town over and changed schools three times before 7th grade. I changed schools not because I moved but because depending on where you lived in town you went to one school for K - 3 (this changed for my third grade year) and then everyone went to the big school for 4 - 6.
Bio asked youngest what she wanted for graduation. She claims she is sending her a present. Youngest asked for a plane ticket out of here. Bio thinks it's because she hates us and living here. I think it's because she is twelve and bored and bio lives somewhere she doesn't remember ever being. It must be exciting. Of course youngest thinks that visiting bio will be like going on vacation with us. Bio will take here there and everywhere. Youngest drills her on all the places they will go. All bio comes back with is the grand canyon. Granted that is awesome but, then what? Hours upon hours of watching TV. And bio has hyped up her little corner of the world. If you want to know why Adam ate the forbidden fruit it was so he could leave paradise and go to Kingman, AZ. It far beats Edan.
Bio has a new boyfriend. She wanted the kids to know that if they call her on the weekends they have to use her cell phone because she's not at home (shacking up with Leroy). And if she can find an attorney who doesn't have a full case load she will have the kids for the month of August. But, it's really hard because right now she's at the academy when the lawyers are in their office so she will have to wait until after her graduation. Supposedly she has a job as security at the jail. But, don't worry she will have her picture taken and send them a copy. Youngest has told her repeatedly that she has forgotten what she looks like.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Alice part II
So after reading Alice in Wonderland and finding it rather creepy I went on to read Through the Looking Glass. It wasn't creepy just bizarre. That's all I can say. And from what little I know of Disney's movie (remember I was hiding under the dash) they combined the two books. And even with Johnny Depp in the new version I still have no urge to see it. I'm still wondering who thought these were great children's books.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Great Urgency
A Great Urgency
To All World Religious and Spiritual LeadersMy Relatives,
Time has come to speak to the hearts of our Nations and their Leaders. I ask you this from the bottom of my heart, to come together from the Spiritof your Nations in prayer.We, from the heart of Turtle Island, have a great message for the World; we are guided to speak from all the White Animals showing their sacred color,which have been signs for us to pray for the sacred life of all things. As I am sending this message to you, many Animal Nations are being threatened,those that swim, those that crawl, those that fly, and the plant Nations,eventually all will be affect from the oil disaster in the Gulf.The dangers we are faced with at this time are not of spirit. Thecatastrophe that has happened with the oil spill which looks like thebleeding of Grandmother Earth, is made by human mistakes, mistakes that wecannot afford to continue to make.I asked, as Spiritual Leaders, that we join together, united in prayer withthe whole of our Global Communities. My concern is these serious issues willcontinue to worsen, as a domino effect that our Ancestors have warned us ofin their Prophecies.I know in my heart there are millions of people that feel our united prayersfor the sake of our Grandmother Earth are long overdue. I believe we asSpiritual people must gather ourselves and focus our thoughts and prayers toallow the healing of the many wounds that have been inflicted on the Earth.As we honor the Cycle of Life, let us call for Prayer circles globally toassist in healing Grandmother Earth (our Unc¹I Maka).We ask for prayers that the oil spill, this bleeding, will stop. That thewinds stay calm to assist in the work. Pray for the people to be guided inrepairing this mistake, and that we may also seek to live in harmony, as wemake the choice to change the destructive path we are on.As we pray, we will fully understand that we are all connected. And thatwhat we create can have lasting effects on all life.So let us unite spiritually, All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer. Alongwith this immediate effort, I also ask to please remember June 21st, WorldPeace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites day. Whether it is a naturalsite, a temple, a church, a synagogue or just your own sacred space, let usmake a prayer for all life, for good decision making by our Nations, for ourchildren¹s future and well-being, and the generations to come.
Onipikte (that we shall live),
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
(Wolakota.org)
To All World Religious and Spiritual LeadersMy Relatives,
Time has come to speak to the hearts of our Nations and their Leaders. I ask you this from the bottom of my heart, to come together from the Spiritof your Nations in prayer.We, from the heart of Turtle Island, have a great message for the World; we are guided to speak from all the White Animals showing their sacred color,which have been signs for us to pray for the sacred life of all things. As I am sending this message to you, many Animal Nations are being threatened,those that swim, those that crawl, those that fly, and the plant Nations,eventually all will be affect from the oil disaster in the Gulf.The dangers we are faced with at this time are not of spirit. Thecatastrophe that has happened with the oil spill which looks like thebleeding of Grandmother Earth, is made by human mistakes, mistakes that wecannot afford to continue to make.I asked, as Spiritual Leaders, that we join together, united in prayer withthe whole of our Global Communities. My concern is these serious issues willcontinue to worsen, as a domino effect that our Ancestors have warned us ofin their Prophecies.I know in my heart there are millions of people that feel our united prayersfor the sake of our Grandmother Earth are long overdue. I believe we asSpiritual people must gather ourselves and focus our thoughts and prayers toallow the healing of the many wounds that have been inflicted on the Earth.As we honor the Cycle of Life, let us call for Prayer circles globally toassist in healing Grandmother Earth (our Unc¹I Maka).We ask for prayers that the oil spill, this bleeding, will stop. That thewinds stay calm to assist in the work. Pray for the people to be guided inrepairing this mistake, and that we may also seek to live in harmony, as wemake the choice to change the destructive path we are on.As we pray, we will fully understand that we are all connected. And thatwhat we create can have lasting effects on all life.So let us unite spiritually, All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer. Alongwith this immediate effort, I also ask to please remember June 21st, WorldPeace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites day. Whether it is a naturalsite, a temple, a church, a synagogue or just your own sacred space, let usmake a prayer for all life, for good decision making by our Nations, for ourchildren¹s future and well-being, and the generations to come.
Onipikte (that we shall live),
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
(Wolakota.org)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Spinach
Come to find out J doesn't like spinach. He wasn't thrilled when I put the spinach balls out as an appetizer while I finished up dinner. Then he tried one. Really, these are spinach - this is good - we'll have to get the recipe. He also ate the salad before we told him it was spinach. I find most people who don't like spinach because all they've ever had was over cooked bland greens. Here is the spinach ball recipe that converted him. I was told I need to work on broccoli with him next. I use a 1 tsp. scoop to make them uniform. You're looking for the size of a melon ball.
Spinach Balls
2 10 oz pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry
4 eggs
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup parmesan cheese
½ cup butter, melted
½ tsp thyme
2 cups stuffing mix (Pepperidge farms, etc. or croutons)
2 cloves garlic chopped
Pepper to taste
Put onions in food processor to chop. Add stuffing mix and pulse until combined. Add all other ingredients and mix well. Chill one to two hours.
Roll into small balls. (You can freeze them at this point) Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 40 to 60 balls.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix spinach with beaten eggs. Chop the onions fine and add along with the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and chill one to two hours.
Spinach Balls
2 10 oz pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry
4 eggs
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup parmesan cheese
½ cup butter, melted
½ tsp thyme
2 cups stuffing mix (Pepperidge farms, etc. or croutons)
2 cloves garlic chopped
Pepper to taste
Put onions in food processor to chop. Add stuffing mix and pulse until combined. Add all other ingredients and mix well. Chill one to two hours.
Roll into small balls. (You can freeze them at this point) Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 40 to 60 balls.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix spinach with beaten eggs. Chop the onions fine and add along with the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and chill one to two hours.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dinner Party Tonight
My J, Hubby's cousin or eye candy - whichever works for you and his girlfriend are coming for dinner tonight. With our crazy schedules we only get together every few months. The last visit was in January. I'm making sour cream chicken, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a strawberry and spinach salad. I'm making spinach balls as an appetizer. And I was going to make molten lava cakes for dessert because J loves chocolate but hubby grumbled about not eating them because they are chocolate. So, I made a chocolate chip cookie pie and homemade vanilla ice cream.
J and I talked last night to confirm our plans. We are the schedule makers in the group. He wanted to know what he could bring. I enjoy doing the cooking so much I have the meal planned and prepped. I really don't need anything. He feels bad. Once he brought wine but no one but me will drink. J & M stick to water. Should I leave something for them to make? Any way, it should be a fun night.
Youngest off to the soup kitchen with the Girl Scouts. I had this dinner planned and bowed out of driving. The girls are bringing dessert and needed cookies or brownies. As we always have girls who don't show I baked a double batch of chocolate chip cookies.
And this morning I get to visit a good friend who is on a two break from school. Yeah!!!!
J and I talked last night to confirm our plans. We are the schedule makers in the group. He wanted to know what he could bring. I enjoy doing the cooking so much I have the meal planned and prepped. I really don't need anything. He feels bad. Once he brought wine but no one but me will drink. J & M stick to water. Should I leave something for them to make? Any way, it should be a fun night.
Youngest off to the soup kitchen with the Girl Scouts. I had this dinner planned and bowed out of driving. The girls are bringing dessert and needed cookies or brownies. As we always have girls who don't show I baked a double batch of chocolate chip cookies.
And this morning I get to visit a good friend who is on a two break from school. Yeah!!!!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Hello/Good Bye
As the count down for girl scouts is on and I am very VERY excited someone tried to burst my bubble last night. Youngest went on an overnight last week end. I couldn't make it as it was last minute and I was going to the art gallery. Youngest had a great time. Only three of the ten girls from her troop showed up. The leader last night says to me that she thinks she has youngest talked into coming back next year. NOOOOOOOO!!!! That is not a good thing. Uugh! Youngest has not said a word though so we will see.
I gave my notice to the fire department that I would not be signing over. I volunteer the next town over as treasurer and coffee maker. I am tired. The dynamics of the group has changed dramatically and it is time to move on. Ten years is enough.
My hubby is now deputy(assistant) chief in our town. I used to serve as treasurer for our fire district. Last night was our annual meeting and after a lot of thought I decided to run for secretary. I won by 1 vote. I believe it came as a huge shock to the current secretary. The look on his face when he realized his position was being challenged. This committee meets once a month. This move was motivated by several things - to get me back into the town fire scene, to see friends I don't see nearly as much, politics and this is a paid position. It doesn't pay much but a few extra bucks from a job in town will be nice.
I can put in more hours at work but, an hour commute one way - I'd rather not.
I gave my notice to the fire department that I would not be signing over. I volunteer the next town over as treasurer and coffee maker. I am tired. The dynamics of the group has changed dramatically and it is time to move on. Ten years is enough.
My hubby is now deputy(assistant) chief in our town. I used to serve as treasurer for our fire district. Last night was our annual meeting and after a lot of thought I decided to run for secretary. I won by 1 vote. I believe it came as a huge shock to the current secretary. The look on his face when he realized his position was being challenged. This committee meets once a month. This move was motivated by several things - to get me back into the town fire scene, to see friends I don't see nearly as much, politics and this is a paid position. It doesn't pay much but a few extra bucks from a job in town will be nice.
I can put in more hours at work but, an hour commute one way - I'd rather not.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's day didn't suck
I dread mother's day. All the hoopla and my kids kissing bio's but and I get nothing. Well, nothing in the way of a mother's day gift. I am blessed with raising them and seeing all the ups and downs and inbetweens that bio misses.
Hubby bought me a beautiful card and a load of bark mulch. It was far too cold and windy to spread today but it waits. Yeah! He also picked out a beautiful card for the kids to give me. He had them all sign it. It was a mother's day thank you card. The high point was when hubby said that as oldest read the card before signing it that she said it was perfect.
I headed to temple and then grocery shopping. I thought the stores might be slow - not! Youngest wanted to use her last gift card she received for her birthday. I told her she would have to go to temple and grocery shopping as well. OK She was perfect in the store and very helpful. As the time was getting late I treated her to lunch. She found the DS game she wanted and all is right in her world.
I made myself salmon in parchment for dinner. I made steaks for everyone else. I made wild rice pilaf and creamed spinach. I love creamed spinach and figured the rest of my family could suck it up. Oldest loved it and went for seconds. I used a new recipe from Sunny Anderson. I'm a food network junkie. Then I made a banana cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert.
I hogged the TV in the living room to see all my food shows on DVR from last week.
Oldest talked to bio this morning. Bio told her to have youngest call her. She must have been really bitchy about it. Oldest nagged and nagged youngest. Youngest finally said she would call her tomorrow. Oldest was all tweeked out. She called bio back to say youngest would call tomorrow. The woman is 3,000 miles away - how much trouble can she be in. But, hey no mind games going on there.
Hubby bought me a beautiful card and a load of bark mulch. It was far too cold and windy to spread today but it waits. Yeah! He also picked out a beautiful card for the kids to give me. He had them all sign it. It was a mother's day thank you card. The high point was when hubby said that as oldest read the card before signing it that she said it was perfect.
I headed to temple and then grocery shopping. I thought the stores might be slow - not! Youngest wanted to use her last gift card she received for her birthday. I told her she would have to go to temple and grocery shopping as well. OK She was perfect in the store and very helpful. As the time was getting late I treated her to lunch. She found the DS game she wanted and all is right in her world.
I made myself salmon in parchment for dinner. I made steaks for everyone else. I made wild rice pilaf and creamed spinach. I love creamed spinach and figured the rest of my family could suck it up. Oldest loved it and went for seconds. I used a new recipe from Sunny Anderson. I'm a food network junkie. Then I made a banana cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert.
I hogged the TV in the living room to see all my food shows on DVR from last week.
Oldest talked to bio this morning. Bio told her to have youngest call her. She must have been really bitchy about it. Oldest nagged and nagged youngest. Youngest finally said she would call her tomorrow. Oldest was all tweeked out. She called bio back to say youngest would call tomorrow. The woman is 3,000 miles away - how much trouble can she be in. But, hey no mind games going on there.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Week in reverse
Today oldest and I went to support my friend Susan at her art opening at the Sculpture Barn in New Fairfield. The gallery was beautiful a perfect place to showcase all of her amazing talent. The artwork was all around the theme of bees and she had dancers come in a perform a dance of the bees. Oldest who doodles and does ceramics was thrilled. And when one beautiful crone suggested she visit Susan at her studio oldest beamed and Susan was excited. New connections, new growth I can see it already.
Son who has managed to bring all of his grades down as well as receive a 3 hour Saturday detention and an unexcused absence for leaving class without permission. Needless to say all privileges have been revoked until further notice.
Youngest spent the night at Girl Scout camp. They were teaching the younger girls. She went kayaking, played archery and ate instant tacos. You take a bag of Doritos and crush them in the bag and add the meat, cheese and fixings and eat them out of the bag. This was a big hit.
Thursday night the heathens met to discuss the subject of time. It was a night with friends and laughter.
Monday my MIL came down so I could teach her about facebook. Someone in her fire department started a page for the department. She wants to monitor the content. Good thing because they posted pictures from a fatal accident. Those have been removed now. After her lesson she treated me to lunch. It was a nice visit.
Our adopted nephew packed up and left for the Cape and his new job. I'm not sure which one of us will miss him the most. I sent him off with treats and soap.
My parents are home from Florida and came for dinner Sunday night. They are both back on diets. I made steak and shrimp fajitas with lots of veggies for toppings. I paired that with my version of Mexican rice.
Son who has managed to bring all of his grades down as well as receive a 3 hour Saturday detention and an unexcused absence for leaving class without permission. Needless to say all privileges have been revoked until further notice.
Youngest spent the night at Girl Scout camp. They were teaching the younger girls. She went kayaking, played archery and ate instant tacos. You take a bag of Doritos and crush them in the bag and add the meat, cheese and fixings and eat them out of the bag. This was a big hit.
Thursday night the heathens met to discuss the subject of time. It was a night with friends and laughter.
Monday my MIL came down so I could teach her about facebook. Someone in her fire department started a page for the department. She wants to monitor the content. Good thing because they posted pictures from a fatal accident. Those have been removed now. After her lesson she treated me to lunch. It was a nice visit.
Our adopted nephew packed up and left for the Cape and his new job. I'm not sure which one of us will miss him the most. I sent him off with treats and soap.
My parents are home from Florida and came for dinner Sunday night. They are both back on diets. I made steak and shrimp fajitas with lots of veggies for toppings. I paired that with my version of Mexican rice.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Prom
I whisked oldest off to the spa the moment she was home from taking her SAT's. I packed a bag lunch. She had guessed that I was taking her to get her nails done but was blown away by the rest. I might have a spa addict on my hands. Stephanie did an awesome job with her hair. I will say no more.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Saturday
Oldest is taking her SAT's this morning. She's a little nervous. She's also excited because tonight is the junior prom. I'm surprising her with a trip to the spa this afternoon. I think she thinks she's having her nails done. I booked a pedicure, manicure and hair for her. She has no clue what she wants to do with her hair. No fear I took care of that. Instead of waiting around for her I'm having a massage while she has her pedicure.
Son is at a three hour Saturday morning detention at the school. Breathe in slowly.... Everyone keeps telling me how much easier boys are to raise than girls. And the best - boys are never moody. What boys/men do they know? I'm not saying girls are easy either but I wouldn't pick one over the other on the easy level.
Hubby is taking a three day class on swift water rescue. Yesterday was classroom and today and tomorrow he will be in his new wetsuit learning good things.
Youngest is just hanging out.
My parents are home from Florida. They've been working like crazy in the yard and mom is really tired. They wanted to come up today or tomorrow morning. I called back and invited them for dinner tomorrow night. Remember we're on diets so don't fuss. OK After looking at the options in the freezer I've decided on shrimp and steak fajitas with lots of fresh veggie toppings. I'll make some Spanish rice on the side.
And I've been invited to a fireside gathering tonight.
Son is at a three hour Saturday morning detention at the school. Breathe in slowly.... Everyone keeps telling me how much easier boys are to raise than girls. And the best - boys are never moody. What boys/men do they know? I'm not saying girls are easy either but I wouldn't pick one over the other on the easy level.
Hubby is taking a three day class on swift water rescue. Yesterday was classroom and today and tomorrow he will be in his new wetsuit learning good things.
Youngest is just hanging out.
My parents are home from Florida. They've been working like crazy in the yard and mom is really tired. They wanted to come up today or tomorrow morning. I called back and invited them for dinner tomorrow night. Remember we're on diets so don't fuss. OK After looking at the options in the freezer I've decided on shrimp and steak fajitas with lots of fresh veggie toppings. I'll make some Spanish rice on the side.
And I've been invited to a fireside gathering tonight.
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