Friday, October 26, 2007
Moving always takes so long!
Just wanted to reassure everyone who is migrating over here with me that not all my blog posts will be old, dusty news from my old blogs... but I want to make sure that I don't lose them so I'm bringing them over here for safe-keeping in stages.
In the meantime, autumn is here at last! And my birthday is less than 24 hours away - whoo-hoo!! I know not everyone enjoys celebrating their birthday, but among my family it's akin to a national holiday!! This is a semi-significant year for me - I turn 45! Frankly, I can't believe it. I mean I'm going to start getting literature from AARP in another five years! That's just not right...
At least I'm that much closer to retirement! Only 20 more years to go! :-p
In the meantime, autumn is here at last! And my birthday is less than 24 hours away - whoo-hoo!! I know not everyone enjoys celebrating their birthday, but among my family it's akin to a national holiday!! This is a semi-significant year for me - I turn 45! Frankly, I can't believe it. I mean I'm going to start getting literature from AARP in another five years! That's just not right...
At least I'm that much closer to retirement! Only 20 more years to go! :-p
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I Thought My Head Might Explode
Originally published: August 26, 2006
This has been an incredibly stressful week at the ol' Penthouse, so I apologize for not keeping updated here. I had to learn two new tasks of my now not-so-recent job change. Most people know I'm not really a number person -- so how the heck did I get a job as a business manager?!
Though seeing too many numbers (which I did this week) makes my head swim, I am surprisingly logical. I look for patterns in numbers as well as words or phrases or symbology, so I'm pretty good at finding lost dollars and cents. But creating a budget out of thin air... that really taxed me. Economics -- that sort of airy-fairy way to look at numbers is sometime beyond my grasp, and doing a grant budget (oh-so-important because it gets us more money!) was very much a struggle. However, with my boss's help we managed to get it done on time.
My other strong suit is that I'm usually pretty good with people, but I had to help with settlement for an event this week (also a new experience) with a company manager that left a lot to be desired in the personality department. I won't go into the long, gory details -- but he was rude, he was uncivil and I did not care how he treated any of us. I know that this will probably be the norm rather than the exception, but it sure doesn't mean I have to like it!
Despite that, my boss assured me that the work I did this week was good and she was pleased. It was a huge load off my mind!
Tomorrow is the annual Walk for Ovarian Cancer -- a cause that is near and dear to my heart, as I'm sure all y'all know. I personally raised about $100 and I think my sister raised another $100. We had plans to collect more than last year, but it just came up too fast (it's a month earlier this year). Plus I do hate to over-ask my friends and family to give. There are a lot of good causes out there that deserve support. I do both the Relay and this walk (renamed Turn UP the Volume), but they are fairly close together and I hate to be a pest generally anyway. Still, every little bit helps! Thanks to those who donated -- if it helps just one woman beat this disease, it's worth it!
Off to rest up for tomorrow! Sweet dreams, my dears...
Happy Bastille Day
Originally published: July 14, 2006
No, I'm not really going to write an essay about the French Revolution, or eating cake... wait a minute... nevermind, cake is not really on my eating plan...
Anyway, it's Bastille Day and I never forget the date from my days in French class dreaming about being a UN interpreter. What happened there?
What I'm really here to say is that I'm cautiously optimistic that I will be signing for and picking up my new vehicle tomorrow!! I' can't help but do a little happy dance in my chair...
PS: The picture above is the NEW Bastille -- the opera house that was once the prison. Another reason not to wax poetic about "the barricades!" Unless, of course, one wants to discuss the musical Les Miz!!
Anyway, it's Bastille Day and I never forget the date from my days in French class dreaming about being a UN interpreter. What happened there?
What I'm really here to say is that I'm cautiously optimistic that I will be signing for and picking up my new vehicle tomorrow!! I' can't help but do a little happy dance in my chair...
PS: The picture above is the NEW Bastille -- the opera house that was once the prison. Another reason not to wax poetic about "the barricades!" Unless, of course, one wants to discuss the musical Les Miz!!
Kicking the Tires
Originally published: June 29, 2006
Well, it's that time again... time to turn in the old car and get the new one. On the one hand it's exciting to get a new vehicle. We all like shiny, new things. On the other hand, however, it's always so stressful!
I remember buying my first car... it cost me just under $10,000 about 18 years ago. I thought I was signing my life away! And I still feel that way every time. This will be my sixth car, and I've always bought or leased them through Honda. There's something to say for owner loyalty -- well, at least I hope so! Oh, by the way... the price has doubled! I guess that's not too bad???
So I've been to my "car guy" at the dealership and filled out the paperwork for the new vehicle (see pic). That's the EASY part. Now I've got to get my current car into tip-top shape so when the inspector comes to check it out he doesn't ding me too badly for the "wear & tear," which this time includes a nice dent in the front and some hail damage.
Just hold on to "owner loyalty."
Then once that's settled it's time for the whole credit check, etc. to start. I wish I could say my credit is perfect. I'm much better now than I have been in the past. Yet, I have medical bills that I've paid, renovations to the Garett and a huge trip -- not exactly the position I would've liked to be in upon embarking on a new big expense. But it always works out -- and I have faith that I'll have my new vehicle by the end of the month, perhaps even sooner. I just wish I didn't have to worry about it...
Well, it's that time again... time to turn in the old car and get the new one. On the one hand it's exciting to get a new vehicle. We all like shiny, new things. On the other hand, however, it's always so stressful!
I remember buying my first car... it cost me just under $10,000 about 18 years ago. I thought I was signing my life away! And I still feel that way every time. This will be my sixth car, and I've always bought or leased them through Honda. There's something to say for owner loyalty -- well, at least I hope so! Oh, by the way... the price has doubled! I guess that's not too bad???
So I've been to my "car guy" at the dealership and filled out the paperwork for the new vehicle (see pic). That's the EASY part. Now I've got to get my current car into tip-top shape so when the inspector comes to check it out he doesn't ding me too badly for the "wear & tear," which this time includes a nice dent in the front and some hail damage.
Just hold on to "owner loyalty."
Then once that's settled it's time for the whole credit check, etc. to start. I wish I could say my credit is perfect. I'm much better now than I have been in the past. Yet, I have medical bills that I've paid, renovations to the Garett and a huge trip -- not exactly the position I would've liked to be in upon embarking on a new big expense. But it always works out -- and I have faith that I'll have my new vehicle by the end of the month, perhaps even sooner. I just wish I didn't have to worry about it...
Tastes Good - And So Good For You!
Originally published: June 21, 2006
Well, I went to a registered dietician yesterday to have it out with my diet! And I came out with some strategies and a plan I think I can actually live with...
Obviously fast food and chinese dinners aren't included, but I only used fast food because it was convenient. Frankly I'm a bit tired of it. Now Shrimp Lo Mein and Crab Rangoons might be another story down the road!
But Lori (the dietician) looked at my food journal and didn't say, "you can eat this" or" you can't eat that"... she looked at what I do eat and what my eating habits are and said, "Let's start with this and see how we can get you eating the same sort of thing more healthfully."
I don't even have to count calories, or points or fat grams... I just basically have to follow the Food Pyramid. We made out a plan together about which parts of the pyramid I need to eat when and then she made suggestions for each meal.
I can even eat a bit of chocolate or a cookie!
So, I'm feeling much better now that I have a plan. I went to the store last night (I even made a list in advance to avoid impluse buying) and got my groceries to start my day off right. Everything is going to plan.
Now I just have to get over to Cardinal Fitness to get signed up.
I have to wonder though... were we meant to have to keep track of all this? Or does this all stem from eating the apple from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden?? Even our Fall from Grace forced us to eat healthfully!
Well, I went to a registered dietician yesterday to have it out with my diet! And I came out with some strategies and a plan I think I can actually live with...
Obviously fast food and chinese dinners aren't included, but I only used fast food because it was convenient. Frankly I'm a bit tired of it. Now Shrimp Lo Mein and Crab Rangoons might be another story down the road!
But Lori (the dietician) looked at my food journal and didn't say, "you can eat this" or" you can't eat that"... she looked at what I do eat and what my eating habits are and said, "Let's start with this and see how we can get you eating the same sort of thing more healthfully."
I don't even have to count calories, or points or fat grams... I just basically have to follow the Food Pyramid. We made out a plan together about which parts of the pyramid I need to eat when and then she made suggestions for each meal.
I can even eat a bit of chocolate or a cookie!
So, I'm feeling much better now that I have a plan. I went to the store last night (I even made a list in advance to avoid impluse buying) and got my groceries to start my day off right. Everything is going to plan.
Now I just have to get over to Cardinal Fitness to get signed up.
I have to wonder though... were we meant to have to keep track of all this? Or does this all stem from eating the apple from the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden?? Even our Fall from Grace forced us to eat healthfully!
Thanks Dad!
Originally published: June 18, 2006
No big treatise here today. Just want to acknowledge my dad and say what a great father and a great guy he is!
My sisters and I are lucky -- we got one of the good ones!
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!*YAWN*
Originally published: June 15, 2006
Why is it that we're always so tired? I could've used the word "I" there, but I hear it from just about everyone I know. We're all dragging around like we went to bed at dawn and got up an hour later. Why is that?
I'm a night-owl, yes, I know. But even lately I've been going to bed at a reasonable hour. I frankly can't keep my eyes open. Lack of sleep affects our bodies in so many ways: we're not alert, we gain weight, we're cranky... and frankly, we miss out on life!
So what keeps us from resting our bodies? Stress? Environment? Schedules?
If anyone's got any ideas, I'd love to hear them! In the meantime, I think I'll go take a nap...
Why is it that we're always so tired? I could've used the word "I" there, but I hear it from just about everyone I know. We're all dragging around like we went to bed at dawn and got up an hour later. Why is that?
I'm a night-owl, yes, I know. But even lately I've been going to bed at a reasonable hour. I frankly can't keep my eyes open. Lack of sleep affects our bodies in so many ways: we're not alert, we gain weight, we're cranky... and frankly, we miss out on life!
So what keeps us from resting our bodies? Stress? Environment? Schedules?
If anyone's got any ideas, I'd love to hear them! In the meantime, I think I'll go take a nap...
My Life as a Slug
Originally published: June 9, 2006
I feel like I should update my blog more often than I have been, so this topic is the first thing that came to mind tonight.
I really do feel like a slug. Every time I make any sort of movement, fast or slow, I feel like I'm leaving a slimy, slow trail behind me. TMI? Sorry... anyway...
The Walk really has been a saving grace to me. If not for it and my sisters-by-choice to keep me motivated I think I might be sitting on one of those tacky sofas trying to find my feet to stand while Extra or Entertainment Tonight does a pathetic story item on me. But it's not because I don't want to be active. I crave it, in fact, and have done everything I know to do to motivate myself. I love exercising, especially water aerobics and walking. Yet, I'm often either too tired or my body is too sore. Since chemo and my surgeries there are very few days that I get up and don't feel old. I mean really old, like arthritic-crippled old. It's been two years since the surgeries and a year and a half since the chemo ended. Shouldn't I feel "normal" by now?
Inside I do feel well -- I can tell the cancer is gone. Yet I'm carrying around this extra weight like a millstone 'round my neck and I'm having a devil of a time keeping it from piling on day by day. Is carrying around 50+ extra pounds what's keeping me from feeling sassy & free? "Cause honestly, it's been awhile since I felt even close to that. And don't even get me started on feeling desirable... that's a whole 'nuther blog!
So what can I do? I'm trying to be pro-active. I'm checking into health clubs. Some have more amenities, but you also pay for them -- a lot. Some have the basics and are affordable, but they're nothing special and may not keep me interested. Some are fun, and affordable but have inconvenient hours and only offer one type of exercise. What's the best choice? Which one am I going to stick with long-term and hopefully get some results?
While I'm looking into that, I'm also going to see a nutritionist. My diet is no where near perfect, though I pretty much know what I should and shouldn't eat. But I'm stubborn -- very stubborn when it comes to food. Plus, I'm not all together certain that the chemo and steroids haven't messed with my metabolism. I'm hoping that with a nutritionist we can come up with a food plan that I can really live with.
Sounds good, eh? But will it work?
Not exactly an upbeat blog tonight, but this is what is weighing (ha, ha... weighing... I'm such a card!) on my mind of late. I'm trying not to belabor the issue among my friends and family. Truly, I am blessed in so many other ways. But I don't even want to be as thin as Linday Lohan or Paris Hilton. I just want to be healthy!
On that note, time to go take my Zocor!
I feel like I should update my blog more often than I have been, so this topic is the first thing that came to mind tonight.
I really do feel like a slug. Every time I make any sort of movement, fast or slow, I feel like I'm leaving a slimy, slow trail behind me. TMI? Sorry... anyway...
The Walk really has been a saving grace to me. If not for it and my sisters-by-choice to keep me motivated I think I might be sitting on one of those tacky sofas trying to find my feet to stand while Extra or Entertainment Tonight does a pathetic story item on me. But it's not because I don't want to be active. I crave it, in fact, and have done everything I know to do to motivate myself. I love exercising, especially water aerobics and walking. Yet, I'm often either too tired or my body is too sore. Since chemo and my surgeries there are very few days that I get up and don't feel old. I mean really old, like arthritic-crippled old. It's been two years since the surgeries and a year and a half since the chemo ended. Shouldn't I feel "normal" by now?
Inside I do feel well -- I can tell the cancer is gone. Yet I'm carrying around this extra weight like a millstone 'round my neck and I'm having a devil of a time keeping it from piling on day by day. Is carrying around 50+ extra pounds what's keeping me from feeling sassy & free? "Cause honestly, it's been awhile since I felt even close to that. And don't even get me started on feeling desirable... that's a whole 'nuther blog!
So what can I do? I'm trying to be pro-active. I'm checking into health clubs. Some have more amenities, but you also pay for them -- a lot. Some have the basics and are affordable, but they're nothing special and may not keep me interested. Some are fun, and affordable but have inconvenient hours and only offer one type of exercise. What's the best choice? Which one am I going to stick with long-term and hopefully get some results?
While I'm looking into that, I'm also going to see a nutritionist. My diet is no where near perfect, though I pretty much know what I should and shouldn't eat. But I'm stubborn -- very stubborn when it comes to food. Plus, I'm not all together certain that the chemo and steroids haven't messed with my metabolism. I'm hoping that with a nutritionist we can come up with a food plan that I can really live with.
Sounds good, eh? But will it work?
Not exactly an upbeat blog tonight, but this is what is weighing (ha, ha... weighing... I'm such a card!) on my mind of late. I'm trying not to belabor the issue among my friends and family. Truly, I am blessed in so many other ways. But I don't even want to be as thin as Linday Lohan or Paris Hilton. I just want to be healthy!
On that note, time to go take my Zocor!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Picking Up Where I Left Off
Well, it's been over a year since I last posted on my blog over here. I got distracted by another service, but word down the grapevine is that it will be closing after the first of the year! So I'm back where I started, baby!
Since I don't want to lose the blog pieces I wrote at the other site I'll be slowly moving them over here - a sort of "greatest hits" of my musings. Some of the information will be outdated, but most of it is still pertinent.
So... stay tuned!
Since I don't want to lose the blog pieces I wrote at the other site I'll be slowly moving them over here - a sort of "greatest hits" of my musings. Some of the information will be outdated, but most of it is still pertinent.
So... stay tuned!
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