Have you ever experienced running into someone at work and you realize you haven't seen them in a while....you make some small talk sort of comment and then they inform you they've been on disability for 12 weeks or something like that? I was delivered a blow on my drive home tonight...I am an avid listener to WTMJ 620.
I was a Jonathan Green fan and didn't think I'd like the new guy, John McCure. He's not as annoying as he was on TV. I decided the reason I still like the new talk news program on my drive home was thanks to Bill Michaels.
Bill is a straight shooter, breaks it down very simply and uses terminology that everyone can understand--even if they aren't a rabid fan of the sport. He is a master of his trade. As a female, casual fan of most of the big sports, he taught me enough to talk the talk with the guys at work. He got me to see the games from a different perspective.
The blow I got on my drive home tonight was John McCure welcoming some new schmucks to Sports Central beginning next week and I'm like WHAT? Imagine my surprise to look Bill up on Facebook and get the news that WTMJ and Bill could not come to agreement on his new contract. I'm sooo bummed! I actually shed tears...I like this guy that much! (like when they announced that Fr. Dolan was tapped to go to New York)
I am numb right now...not sure if I'll listen to 620 in the afternoon anymore. This really blows!
Weight Watchers wise I am still hanging in there sticking to the plan. Got 60 minutes of walking in at lunch and only went over on my points by 2. This is the first time I've gone over on points (in four days.)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day Three and Staying Strong
This is my third day on Weight Watchers and I'm amazed I've been able to stick to it. It has been years since I've gone successfully for this long...I just haven't had the will power.
So far so good. The daily point value I'm allowed seems like too many. Today though, I wanted to have a beer, but after tallying up my totals, I had like three points left and I needed 5 for a beer. I could tap into my 49 extra weekly points, but I decided I didn't need a beer that bad today! So after a 60 minute walk I ate two small cookies sealing the deal on the points for today.
I tried a new recipe today, it was a crock pot white chili recipe. I initially cut the recipe in half and added half the spice, but ended up adding extra beans and chicken broth but forgot to up the spices too. It was fine...not sure I cared for the ground turkey meat...I think diced cooked chicken might have tasted better.
On my walk tonight I heard a lot of bird cacaphony as well as a woodpecker. Spring is definitely on the way!
So far so good. The daily point value I'm allowed seems like too many. Today though, I wanted to have a beer, but after tallying up my totals, I had like three points left and I needed 5 for a beer. I could tap into my 49 extra weekly points, but I decided I didn't need a beer that bad today! So after a 60 minute walk I ate two small cookies sealing the deal on the points for today.
I tried a new recipe today, it was a crock pot white chili recipe. I initially cut the recipe in half and added half the spice, but ended up adding extra beans and chicken broth but forgot to up the spices too. It was fine...not sure I cared for the ground turkey meat...I think diced cooked chicken might have tasted better.
On my walk tonight I heard a lot of bird cacaphony as well as a woodpecker. Spring is definitely on the way!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Turning 50, Diets & Will Power
So what is it about dieting that makes you want to eat everything in sight, even if you aren't remotely interested?
I'm proud I finally decided to do something about my body image and joined Weight Watchers this morning. I've been contemplating this for a long time...not necessarily Weight Watchers but doing something to jump start me into a healthier mode and hopefully lose weight. My goals for 2011 were to get a new job (done) and to lose weight. That's it. It's achieveable...but I've been on the downward spiral for the past five years and I've decided enough is enough.
My first step this week was signing up for a class in the fitness center at work called "From Couch to 5K in Eight Weeks." The first class is next Thursday after work. I knew I wanted to lose weight, but haven't had the initiative to do anything about it. Well, this morning I had this epiphany, hit the web to see the class schedule and did it. My hubby and youngest daughter weren't even out of bed yet!
Breakfast was fine, lunch was fine, but the rest of the day....I wanted to snarf cookies, chips, dip...all the naughty items left in our house after last week's party.
The Weight Watchers plan will definitely be doable...a beer is only 5 points--so worth it when I'm having a bad day. Cookies are 2 - 3 points....again, I can plan for that! Today in fact, I had three cookies and still have a point left to burn today if I care to!
Tomorrow after I get dolled up I'll have Corey take a "before" picture...then it will be to stick with the plan...tracking what I eat online or on the phone app to see if the new PointsPlus plan will work for me. Anything in a positive weight loss will be good for me!
I'm proud I finally decided to do something about my body image and joined Weight Watchers this morning. I've been contemplating this for a long time...not necessarily Weight Watchers but doing something to jump start me into a healthier mode and hopefully lose weight. My goals for 2011 were to get a new job (done) and to lose weight. That's it. It's achieveable...but I've been on the downward spiral for the past five years and I've decided enough is enough.
My first step this week was signing up for a class in the fitness center at work called "From Couch to 5K in Eight Weeks." The first class is next Thursday after work. I knew I wanted to lose weight, but haven't had the initiative to do anything about it. Well, this morning I had this epiphany, hit the web to see the class schedule and did it. My hubby and youngest daughter weren't even out of bed yet!
Breakfast was fine, lunch was fine, but the rest of the day....I wanted to snarf cookies, chips, dip...all the naughty items left in our house after last week's party.
The Weight Watchers plan will definitely be doable...a beer is only 5 points--so worth it when I'm having a bad day. Cookies are 2 - 3 points....again, I can plan for that! Today in fact, I had three cookies and still have a point left to burn today if I care to!
Tomorrow after I get dolled up I'll have Corey take a "before" picture...then it will be to stick with the plan...tracking what I eat online or on the phone app to see if the new PointsPlus plan will work for me. Anything in a positive weight loss will be good for me!
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Blizzardness
Howling winds tonight...wind gusts upwards over 40 mph at times. The wind is blowing so hard that the snow has made it between the storm window and our 118 year old windows. I'm in my favorite lazy boy chair and cannot see the bird feeder or suet feeder that bring me joy. Cannot look out my kitchen window either.
I have a drift at the bottom of our driveway that is at least five feet high and one off of the fence by the garage that is about the same. The front sidewalk to our porch has drifted over to the point you cannot see there is even a sidewalk there.
Leave it to the college kids to enjoy the snow. The frat boys from down the street are drinking it up and walking somewhere...no boots, no hat...idiots. At least most folks are heeding the warnings and are not out and about driving.
On my drive home, I stopped at the grocery store to get a few things in hopes we would have a snow day. There was only about 4 gallons of milk left in the cooler!
Work officially cancelled tomorrow. I get to work from home in my jammies!
I have a drift at the bottom of our driveway that is at least five feet high and one off of the fence by the garage that is about the same. The front sidewalk to our porch has drifted over to the point you cannot see there is even a sidewalk there.
Leave it to the college kids to enjoy the snow. The frat boys from down the street are drinking it up and walking somewhere...no boots, no hat...idiots. At least most folks are heeding the warnings and are not out and about driving.
On my drive home, I stopped at the grocery store to get a few things in hopes we would have a snow day. There was only about 4 gallons of milk left in the cooler!
Work officially cancelled tomorrow. I get to work from home in my jammies!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A Piece of Americana
On July 11th I got a taste of Americana in quaint Eagle, Wisconsin. My husband, daughter Megan and I attended a community concert to benefit the local cemetary. This cemetary was desimated by a tornado that ripped through the area in June, uprooting older trees, which in turn fell and ruined many a grave marker--doing much damage. That damage was still evident everywhere you looked...trees split in two, people's property still showing signs of the power behind that storm.
We sat in lawn chairs we brought. An empty bucket was passed for donations. As the Palmyra-Eagle Community band played patriotic songs, I looked around and felt I was experiencing what the Midwest is all about--a strong sense of community, apple pie and lemonaide.
Ages of the patrons ranged from infant to old geezer. There was ice cream to accompany your piece of cake or cookies--all donated by local bakers who wanted to do their part. All free, but donations were welcome and taken before you helped yourself.
The band was typical for a small community...all volunteers like you and I. An occasional off note, but their pride was absolute. Directed by none other than Ed Pierce, they did the community proud. (and I'm not just saying that because he was my band director in junior high!)
The local boy scout troop presented the colors, we all sang...it was, America at its best. A wonderful way to end a sunny weekend in Wisconsin.
We sat in lawn chairs we brought. An empty bucket was passed for donations. As the Palmyra-Eagle Community band played patriotic songs, I looked around and felt I was experiencing what the Midwest is all about--a strong sense of community, apple pie and lemonaide.
Ages of the patrons ranged from infant to old geezer. There was ice cream to accompany your piece of cake or cookies--all donated by local bakers who wanted to do their part. All free, but donations were welcome and taken before you helped yourself.
The band was typical for a small community...all volunteers like you and I. An occasional off note, but their pride was absolute. Directed by none other than Ed Pierce, they did the community proud. (and I'm not just saying that because he was my band director in junior high!)
The local boy scout troop presented the colors, we all sang...it was, America at its best. A wonderful way to end a sunny weekend in Wisconsin.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Immigration Reform ?
This past weekend, I got into a minor discussion about the new Arizona law concerning illegal immigrants. I'm not a fan of the new law, but I wasn't able to properly communicate my feelings to the people in the room that felt differently. I found this post by Archbishop Timothy Dolan (late of Milwaukee) that states how I feel....http://blog.archny.org/?p=652
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Blast from the Past
Tonight, while on Facebook, someone I used to date "chatted" me. You know, that little strip in the lower right corner that shows you who is online? I've avoided it like the plague, never chatted with anyone....it seems, so....90s. It reminds me of AOL instant messaging.
I hung in there...stayed on to see what was so important. Nothing. I got caught up on the past ten years of his life, he didn't ask one question about mine. Reminded me of one of the many reasons I dumped his ass so many years ago....
I hung in there...stayed on to see what was so important. Nothing. I got caught up on the past ten years of his life, he didn't ask one question about mine. Reminded me of one of the many reasons I dumped his ass so many years ago....
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Gotta Love Spring
This is one of my favorite times of the year in my garden. The daffodils are all in full bloom....all different shapes and colors. Tulips are starting to bloom and iris' are beginning to sprout. One of my routines is to walk down the driveway (garden strips down both sides) and in front of our yard where the majority of the garden space is.
Almost time to put away the winter clothes....not quite.....it was in the 40's this weekend!
Almost time to put away the winter clothes....not quite.....it was in the 40's this weekend!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Only in Wisconsin....
Only in Wisconsin can you have sleety/slushy/rainy/snow one day and warm enough sunshine the next that the entire neighborhood is out for a walk! I am so pumped about spring I can't wait to get in my gardens!
To officially kick off the spring season, Megan and I went to the mall and both of us got a manicure and pedicure. She got wild/glittery blue with white flowers and mom got a sedate pinkish red. I even managed to get hubby to make supper. All is well in the kingdom.
To officially kick off the spring season, Megan and I went to the mall and both of us got a manicure and pedicure. She got wild/glittery blue with white flowers and mom got a sedate pinkish red. I even managed to get hubby to make supper. All is well in the kingdom.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Spiritual motivation sorely needed
To get more involved at our parish, I volunteered to teach Faith Formation class this year. Growing up Lutheran, we called it Sunday school and I believe my Catholic friends called theirs CCD (I have no clue what that stood for.) I converted to Catholicism in college and have been a Cathlolic now for almost 30 years.
Corey comes along to assist because if everyone shows up, we have 28 seventh and eighth graders! Some weeks I put in a lot of effort and don't feel I'm getting through to them at all. This week I didn't put in as much effort for our twice/monthly lesson and Corey's comment after class was "that went well." What!?! Were you in the same class I was?
The kids rarely participate and only read if I make them read. Seventh and eighth graders should be reading better than they do in class...although even I have difficulty with some of the words in the Bible etc. I try and switch it up--do something different every 30 minutes or so. I've also resorted to candy bribes so they bring their folders and to encourage them to participate.
Talk about a workout. I'm so drained when our time is up. Fatigued....mentally and physically.
Am I getting through? Do I force them to think? I hope so. Minimally, I hope our discussions and lessons incite discussions around their dinner table. I can't say I remember any of my Sunday school teachers from my youth, but as we have made our way through our lessons this past year, the Biblical stories came back. And as we slowly close out the year (only three classes to go), they are all tieing together.
I guess I need to be more like St. Francis who says in the Introduction to the Devout Life, “the proud man who trusts in himself has good reason not to attempt anything. The humble man is all the more courageous because he recognizes his own impotence. The less he esteems himself, the more daring he becomes because he places his whole trust in God.” I need to quit doubting and begin trusting in Him and perhaps our last few sessions will go well for all.
Corey comes along to assist because if everyone shows up, we have 28 seventh and eighth graders! Some weeks I put in a lot of effort and don't feel I'm getting through to them at all. This week I didn't put in as much effort for our twice/monthly lesson and Corey's comment after class was "that went well." What!?! Were you in the same class I was?
The kids rarely participate and only read if I make them read. Seventh and eighth graders should be reading better than they do in class...although even I have difficulty with some of the words in the Bible etc. I try and switch it up--do something different every 30 minutes or so. I've also resorted to candy bribes so they bring their folders and to encourage them to participate.
Talk about a workout. I'm so drained when our time is up. Fatigued....mentally and physically.
Am I getting through? Do I force them to think? I hope so. Minimally, I hope our discussions and lessons incite discussions around their dinner table. I can't say I remember any of my Sunday school teachers from my youth, but as we have made our way through our lessons this past year, the Biblical stories came back. And as we slowly close out the year (only three classes to go), they are all tieing together.
I guess I need to be more like St. Francis who says in the Introduction to the Devout Life, “the proud man who trusts in himself has good reason not to attempt anything. The humble man is all the more courageous because he recognizes his own impotence. The less he esteems himself, the more daring he becomes because he places his whole trust in God.” I need to quit doubting and begin trusting in Him and perhaps our last few sessions will go well for all.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Blah Winter Blues
Despite the glorious sunshine, I feel guilty because all I want to do is lay in bed and read a book. When did kid's shoes get so expensive? Good Lord! In the past we've purchased Megan's shoes at discount box stores but this time she really wanted a pair of Sketchers....so off to Famous Footwear and Rogan's shoes we go. $39.99 for a pair of shoes that she will likely grow out of before she wears them out. Did manage to pick up my new specs and do some grocery shopping. Next I get to chauffeur Megan to a birthday party and hope to have the Chair Massage guys at the mall work out a few kinks. ;-)
Monday, February 15, 2010
So while I've been stressed a lot by work lately, it hasn't been enough to blog about it. Facebook seems to be a nice distraction lately--its new and I want to check up on my 17-year-old as well as stay in touch with coworkers and friends.
It also has given me an opportunity to see what my world-traveling brother is up to as well.
What does my future have in store for me electronically? A 'crack'-berry? *gasp*
It also has given me an opportunity to see what my world-traveling brother is up to as well.
What does my future have in store for me electronically? A 'crack'-berry? *gasp*
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Black Friday
Not only were stores open on Thanksgiving, but some stores were open at midnight for the Black Friday sales. I didn't set the alarm, but was up early (which is typical for me). I showered and made it out the door by 5 a.m. To Walmart I was headed. There was an electronic item I wanted to buy for a Christmas present. Despite the store opening at 5 a.m. and my being on the road near Walmart by 5:20, imagine my surprise as I drove by to see the entire parking lot full with cars--not an open spot to be found.
I am not one for crowds and I certainly felt that in all of those vehicles, there wouldn't be one of the items I wanted to buy left. So I drove right on by and drove home. Plan B....begin work on sorting through the mess called my bedroom.
My husband and I live in an old Victorian home and we have a dressing room/parlor outside of our bedroom. It is packed to the gills with stuff. Mostly paperwork I have not dealt with because I am all about not dealing with things. I managed to put away my summer clothes and totally unpack my winter clothes. I also started to sort through the junk....old bill receipts, scrapbook items I've been saving for the girls, books, magazines, travel brochures and more books. I gave it a good effort but petered out early on. It sure is nice having a four-day (five for me with an added day of vacation) weekend!
I am not one for crowds and I certainly felt that in all of those vehicles, there wouldn't be one of the items I wanted to buy left. So I drove right on by and drove home. Plan B....begin work on sorting through the mess called my bedroom.
My husband and I live in an old Victorian home and we have a dressing room/parlor outside of our bedroom. It is packed to the gills with stuff. Mostly paperwork I have not dealt with because I am all about not dealing with things. I managed to put away my summer clothes and totally unpack my winter clothes. I also started to sort through the junk....old bill receipts, scrapbook items I've been saving for the girls, books, magazines, travel brochures and more books. I gave it a good effort but petered out early on. It sure is nice having a four-day (five for me with an added day of vacation) weekend!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Work Woes
Another morning where I wake up and cannot fall back to sleep after waking. So here I am at 4 a.m. watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (rerun) and am surfing the net and freezing my butt off because our thermostat is set back.
I say work woes because I am to the point of no return work wise. Over 100 e-mails I have not responded to and yesterday I didn't even get to my phone messages. So once this is published, I'll head into work and resolve some issues before the troops come in or start calling.
I say work woes because I am to the point of no return work wise. Over 100 e-mails I have not responded to and yesterday I didn't even get to my phone messages. So once this is published, I'll head into work and resolve some issues before the troops come in or start calling.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Hubby left for a four-day trip to Evansville, Indiana this morning and I already miss him. It is weird, because lately I just want to be left alone. No kids, no hubby, no anyone. But the moment he leaves, I get all busy and actually care about things around the house I don't normally pay attention to. I did a load of laundry, did the dishes, put away already folded clothes and had a tea party with my youngest daughter.
My typical evening consists of getting "sucked" into my Lazy Boy chair--watching TV and reading the paper until bedtime. Why is this? Why the Doctor Jeckel/Mr. Hyde?
My typical evening consists of getting "sucked" into my Lazy Boy chair--watching TV and reading the paper until bedtime. Why is this? Why the Doctor Jeckel/Mr. Hyde?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Happy New Year
There is always something unique about the end of one year and beginning another new one. You put to bed your bad habits with the thought of banishing them forever and starting out new--fresh.
We read about people who this every day. They lose 50+ pounds, they quit shopping and were able to turn their finances around, or someone who quits their job and persues his/her dream.
Why can't all of us do this? Why can't some of us even get the dream off the ground? It isn't quite the end of the month yet so all is not lost. I just need to begin. Start small, work on it every day.
There is hope.
We read about people who this every day. They lose 50+ pounds, they quit shopping and were able to turn their finances around, or someone who quits their job and persues his/her dream.
Why can't all of us do this? Why can't some of us even get the dream off the ground? It isn't quite the end of the month yet so all is not lost. I just need to begin. Start small, work on it every day.
There is hope.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tis the Season
One of the reasons I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas are all of the sappy programs on TV that remind us about the spirit of the season. I'm so grateful for my family and all the blessings I have in my life--I love to spend this time of year giving to others and being reflective.
We started off our season of giving by holding one of the balloons in the Milwaukee holiday parade. We held the gingerbreadman balloon. Today my oldest daughter and I are going to decorate trees at a nursing home and serving holiday cookies with members from our parish this afternoon.
The snow is coming down in big fluffy flakes right now. The holiday season is upon us.
We started off our season of giving by holding one of the balloons in the Milwaukee holiday parade. We held the gingerbreadman balloon. Today my oldest daughter and I are going to decorate trees at a nursing home and serving holiday cookies with members from our parish this afternoon.
The snow is coming down in big fluffy flakes right now. The holiday season is upon us.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Take Me Away Calgon!
Sure could you use some money to be ahead a bit instead of pinching pennies all the time lately. That's what I get for buying a new car. The peace of mind the new car buys me though is worth the penny pushing I guess.
Only three weeks until the election and I can't make up my mind. I've always voted Republican but I want a president that can lead change for healthcare that won't cost me more money or leave me scrambling for insurance. I need to do some research because I can't say I trust what I hear in these numerous commercials.
I need a nice massage--manicure and pedicure and then a few days off somewhere away from it all. The closest thing I'll get to that is a bubble bath.
Only three weeks until the election and I can't make up my mind. I've always voted Republican but I want a president that can lead change for healthcare that won't cost me more money or leave me scrambling for insurance. I need to do some research because I can't say I trust what I hear in these numerous commercials.
I need a nice massage--manicure and pedicure and then a few days off somewhere away from it all. The closest thing I'll get to that is a bubble bath.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mood Most Foul
It seems of late I've been having "bad" moods. It doesn't take much to get me this way and I can't say I like myself when I'm so bitchy. My team avoids me at work (thankfully) and my family leave me alone.
What causes this? What brings it on? To make this two-day funk mood go away, I plan on going for a long walk (alone) tonight in hopes of dissipating it. As a back-up, I also made some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies--either should do the trick I'm thinking. :-)
My hubbie had several polyps removed today surgically, saying a prayer that the tests come back negative next week. It was a gorgeous day weatherwise, and nice to be away from work!
Mood most foul--be gone!
What causes this? What brings it on? To make this two-day funk mood go away, I plan on going for a long walk (alone) tonight in hopes of dissipating it. As a back-up, I also made some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies--either should do the trick I'm thinking. :-)
My hubbie had several polyps removed today surgically, saying a prayer that the tests come back negative next week. It was a gorgeous day weatherwise, and nice to be away from work!
Mood most foul--be gone!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
16 and Driving.....
....driving me nuts! At every opportunity she feels the need to drive by herself with my new 2008 PT Cruiser like it is her God-given right. My parents only let me drive when I had a band concert or had to play at a football game. And even then, I had to come straight home. Perhaps if I didn't have a new car, I wouldn't feel this way but I do. I have to remember that it won't be long and she'll be off to college.
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