Funny - I realized in re-reading my blog posts that I rarely blog when I'm happy, just mostly when I'm overwhelmed. So I won't feel guilty about not blogging much in the last year - means I was mostly very happy. Friday is tomorrow and I thought a nice way to kick off the weekend would be to share 5 ways to get to happy!
1. Find time to get together with friends.
Nearly every weekend since before Christmas we have spent time with friends and/or family. The charge you get from spending time with people you truly like and love is an immediate happy booster. This is your open invitation to give us a holler - we'd love to see you. I think we get to spend time talking vacations with the Delano-Sprombergs Saturday night as well as celebrating J's end of basketball season with his longtime Shark team pals. I'm jazzed already!
2. Recall an achievement you made in the last 7 days and be proud.
No matter how small (if the dishes or the laundry got done at least once, that counts), accomplishments make us feel good about ourselves and give us a boost of energy and confidence that can last all day. I managed to get re-finance paperwork together for our broker AND I got our nice City inspector to sign off on our traffic control inspection for the work we're having done in our yard. She even commented that my drawings submitted with the permit app was better than most contractors. Well thank you VERY much!! Oh, and bonus for me, my dentist and dental hygienist both gave me huge kudos for flossing regularly and gave me an A+ for a beautiful set of pearly whites. See, it's the little things.
3. Recall something you learned in the last week.
Again, it doesn't have to be huge to have a beneficial impact. What's something you know now that you didn't know before? This week, I learned about excavating. I know, you can hardly contain your excitement. Me too!!!
4. Continue to work towards a goal, even if its one teeny tiny step.
Do at least one thing that will bring you one step closer to a goal you have. I think I have a date wtih Home Depot to start shopping for our house projects. Yay!!
5. Tickle your kids. And kiss your spouse/significant other/closest stranger on the street (Ok not the last one really unless you are really happy) for at least 60 seconds ... Deeply, passionately, continuously.
I cant wait for tomorrow already!!!
Have a happy Friday all!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
You Know You've Found Your Way When ...
...You can blog again! Was it just me or did 2009 fly by? It was quite the year, but one accomplishment in particular - and still in the works - has me celebrating and was a big part of what I spent time on in the last quarter of the year.
I was determined once and for all to stop the weight gain madness and get healthy. I was starting to worry more about being an invalid in my retirement, which isn't all that far away nowadays. I really didn't want to have the opportunity to stop work someday only to realize that I couldn't walk anywhere, play golf or swim in a pool. I didn't want my hard earned retirement savings to be eaten up by meds and dr appointments. I didn't want my kids to learn my bad habits and be tortured by their unhealthy habits and poor health because I wasn't disciplined enough to figure out how to be more healthy myself.
So I get to celebrate some today. I hope this is not my last celebration of this kind, but I am proud to have lost 28 lbs since October. It's not close to my goal, but it's that much closer and I am happy to have found a way to eat that is natural and healthy and that works for me. And I have hopefully imparted my family with some healthier eating habits as well along the way. Trips to the grocery store can take up to three times as long, but Mac and J are both reading labels - particularly if they would like me to buy something. More often than not, they will realize even before asking me that what they want isn't healthy and they will make the decision to forego said item. Doesn't always work (I didn't say they were perfect), but we've changed a lot about our habits that is making our clan happier all around.
I found my way by "bumping" into Jorge Cruise several times over the course of the year and after the third time I decided it wasn't a coincidence. I signed up for his online 12-week program and while his delivery needs help, I stuck with it. I had to invest time and money to make myself do it, but it worked for me and by eating low-sugar and low/healthy carbs I've been able to steadily get down 10lbs per month.
I know that weight loss blogs are boring, especially in January when everyone is being bombarded by resolutions, trips to the gym, and just trying to find the silver bullet to get this monkey off our backs once and for all, but I'm happy to "be back", grateful for all of you who kindly encouraged me to continue and didn't push those sugary lovelies at me for just a taste. I still have quite a ways to go, but I can confidently say I know how to get there and will keep working at it till I get there.
I was determined once and for all to stop the weight gain madness and get healthy. I was starting to worry more about being an invalid in my retirement, which isn't all that far away nowadays. I really didn't want to have the opportunity to stop work someday only to realize that I couldn't walk anywhere, play golf or swim in a pool. I didn't want my hard earned retirement savings to be eaten up by meds and dr appointments. I didn't want my kids to learn my bad habits and be tortured by their unhealthy habits and poor health because I wasn't disciplined enough to figure out how to be more healthy myself.
So I get to celebrate some today. I hope this is not my last celebration of this kind, but I am proud to have lost 28 lbs since October. It's not close to my goal, but it's that much closer and I am happy to have found a way to eat that is natural and healthy and that works for me. And I have hopefully imparted my family with some healthier eating habits as well along the way. Trips to the grocery store can take up to three times as long, but Mac and J are both reading labels - particularly if they would like me to buy something. More often than not, they will realize even before asking me that what they want isn't healthy and they will make the decision to forego said item. Doesn't always work (I didn't say they were perfect), but we've changed a lot about our habits that is making our clan happier all around.
I found my way by "bumping" into Jorge Cruise several times over the course of the year and after the third time I decided it wasn't a coincidence. I signed up for his online 12-week program and while his delivery needs help, I stuck with it. I had to invest time and money to make myself do it, but it worked for me and by eating low-sugar and low/healthy carbs I've been able to steadily get down 10lbs per month.
I know that weight loss blogs are boring, especially in January when everyone is being bombarded by resolutions, trips to the gym, and just trying to find the silver bullet to get this monkey off our backs once and for all, but I'm happy to "be back", grateful for all of you who kindly encouraged me to continue and didn't push those sugary lovelies at me for just a taste. I still have quite a ways to go, but I can confidently say I know how to get there and will keep working at it till I get there.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
One Word, Two Words, 25 Things Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Me
BEWARE SUPER LONG POST!!!
I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but just really trying to be efficient here. And to stop feeling guilty.
This will be overwhelming if you read it all, but with all the FB tags (I love reading all about everyone else, believe me!), I just needed to get this all out once and for all so I can stop feeling guilty about not tagging people back in a timely manner. Also, I tried to get all of this in Notes on FB and the stupid thing made me lose the entire notes at least 4 times. I should have quit after one, but I am nothing if not persistent. So read at your leisure ... or not. But I will be referring back to this next time I'm tagged. My alter ego Sarcastica may put in an answer or two, beware.
ONE WORD
1. Where is your cell phone?
2. Your significant other? loved
3. Your hair? pulled
4. Your mother? friend
5. Your father? which
6. Your favorite thing? dreams
7. Your dream last night? real
8. Your favorite drink? cosmo
9. Your dream/goal? independence
10. What room you are in? bedroom
11. Your hobby? parenting
12. Your fear? none
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? passionate
14. Where were you last night? meeting
16. Muffins? popyseed
17. Wish list item? lottery
18. Where you grew up? Switzerland
19. Last thing you did? dinner
20. What are you wearing? sweats
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? old
23. Friends? real
24. Your life? unfulfilled
25. Your mood? weary
26. Missing some one? no
27. Car? dirty
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Your favorite store? none
30. Your favorite color? all
33. When is the last time you laughed? Sunday
34. Last time you cried? unknown
35. One place that I go to over and over? daycare
36. One person who emails me regularly? DailyCandy
37. My favorite place to eat? out
38. Why you participated in this survey? guilt
39. What are you doing tonight? work
TWO WORDS
No more than 2 words can be used...
1. Where is your cell phone? hopefully trash
2. Your significant other? best friend
3. Your hair? still attached
4. Your mother? spritual creative
5. Your father? have several
6. Your favorite thing? two kids
7. Your dream last night?always fabulous
8. Your favorite drink? lemon drop
9. Your dream/goal? total freedom
10. The room you’re in? master bedroom
11. Your ex? maybe dead
12. Your fear? dying unfulfilled
13. Your worst enemy? nope none
14. Where were you last night? basketball practice
15. What you’re not? proactively thoughtful
16. Muffins? if available
17. One of your wish list items? win lottery
18. Where you were born? Spokane WA
19. The last thing you did? cooked dinner
20. What are you wearing? comfy sweats
21. Your TV? not on
22. Your pet/pets? arthritic sweetheart
23. Your computer? Necessary evil
24. Your life? lacking passion
25. Your mood? anxiously weary
26. Missing someone? no one
27. Something you’re not wearing? warm socks
28. Favorite Store? anything scrapbooking
29. Your summer? favorite season
31. Your favorite color? love all
32. Last time you laughed? Movie theater
25 THINGS
1. I can't live far from the ocean
2. I love disco and I just decided that we were going to have Saturday Night Fever open houses once a month at our house
3. My first car was a '69 Fiat Spider convertible as a senior in High school - bright yellow - and people used to break into it (real easy) just to sit in it. Annoying, but no harm no foul.
4. I love to travel and go to other countries to learn about and experience other cultures - have been to over 20 countries so far
5. I have a real hard time with any person harming or killing another in the name of a deity. I actually think they are the epitome of ignorant and evil.
6. I'm fascinated by religious data and history and would love to know the truths, but even if I knew I would never be religious (rather I am spiritual)
7. I worry that my newish circle of friends will dissolve or stop including me once our kids don't go to the same school next year. They feed my soul.
8. My husband won't share his music with me
9. I really don't get technology at all. Can't get my family movies off mini DV's, have no patience to troubleshoot any problem, can't get my iPod to do what its supposed to do, haven't been able to get my company's web site up and running in two years, etc.
10. My kids amaze me; just watching their everyday comings and goings when they don't know I'm watching is amazing. The way she sticks her tongue out when she concentrates, the twist of his feet when he's getting candy, the happy hip hops down the hall ... its all quite joyful.
11. I hate do-overs. Never dated a boyfriend twice, hate having my work edited and given back to me, was dismayed when Juice turned out to be much like Mac - felt like a do-over at the time.
12. I have the worse time starting conversations with anyone - people I know and people I don't. I'm not great at chit chat conversations preferring in depth interactions.
13. I'm super interested in how others live their lives. Sorry if I ask really personal questions, but its how I learn new things for myself
14. I'd love to be a magazine editor
15. I have over 20 half started books & magazines by my bed
16. I love mid-century modern decor - actually I love watching HGTV's decorating shows, particularly Color Splash and Myles of Style. I wish someone would help me cause I'm seriously color challenged (as witnessed by our purple house - not intentionally that way)
17. I keep looking for my life's passion
18. I'm a risk taker even though it always pushes me out of my comfort zone
19. I have a thing about not wanting to eat the same thing twice in the same quarter, so I make dinner menus that are different for at least 90 days - I actually have 180 options to pick from or more - I love going through online recipes or cookbooks for things my family will like
20. I will write a book
21. I'm not very lucky but I will win the lottery someday
22. I'm not a fan of hot liquids - not coffee, tea, soups, and while I like hot chocolate, I like it lukewarm
23. My one regret is that I wish I'd done college differently
24. I worry about having enough money in retirement and living poor
25. I toured with a major R&B star in my early 20's
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds – big ones if possible.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Hotel for Dogs - quite funny
What is your favorite TV show? Can only watch one regularly off DVR – Heroes; but love the décor shows on HGTV if I get to indulge in more than 10 minutes at a time
What do you usually have for breakfast? Kashi cereal or toast
What is your middle name? Sue (mother’s name is Suzanne – could be after her but never asked)
What food do you dislike? Fruit (especially orange) on/in/with stuff like burgers, pizza, chicken, chocolate (only some fruit dipped in milk chocolate works); white asparagus; sweet pickles
What is your favorite CD at moment? I only have a couple in the queue in my car stereo – mostly Beatles, the original score to Hair; like everything on my iPod, but rarely have it with me and haven’t figured out how to move the library over to my laptop so I can add more songs (anyone feel free to offer to helpJ)
What kind of car do you drive? VW Passat (just hit the 100,000 mark!!!)
Favorite sandwich? BLTA, but love a really good tuna, egg salad or grilled cheese.
What characteristics do you despise? Lack of integrity
Favorite item of clothing? not a fan of anything I own at the moment
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? can't pick just one – Australia, Vermont in the winter (or Davos, Switzerland), Alaska cruise, China, Turkey, African safari, The Maldives. Anywhere with a nice pool in warm sun
Favorite brand of clothing? None – don’t even know what kinds of brands exist
Where would you retire to? Friday Harbor – San Juan Islands with a view of the Sound
What was your most memorable birthday? My 16th – my mom took me to London for some shopping and to see premier of Grease. By far my favorite birthday!
Favorite sport to watch? Baseball, finals of any sport, Olympics
Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
What is your shoe size? 11
Pets? 1 – Merlin, the 11 year old great Dane who is still hanging around
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? We bought our first rental/investment property!
What did you want to be when you were little? I just wanted to survive
What is your favorite candy? Almond Joy
What is your favorite flower? Dahlias
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? The day we get to decorate the house for the holidays as a family
What are you listening to right now? The news on TV, the kids swiftering the playroom and bickering about who gets to do what, Myron trying to get them to stop and the dog barking
What was the last thing you ate? French Dip, fritos, grapes
Do you wish on stars? Absolutely
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Don’t know any of those colors and could never pick just one
How is the weather right now? Freezing!
The first person you spoke to on the phone today? My mom
Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke
Favorite restaurant? Met Grill, Seattle
Real hair color ? Dirty Blonde
What was your favorite toy as a child? Books, Chinese jump rope and 2 friends (to hold it); my records
Summer or winter? Summer!
Hugs or kisses? Kisses
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Coffee or tea? neither – don’t drink hot beverages much although I love a good hot chocolate as long as it's only lukewarm
When was the last time you cried? It’s actually been a little while. I tear up at the drop of a hat, so likely I did that 10 times today, 20 yesterday, etc, but haven’t had time to cry much lately
What is under your bed? I’m not even going to look – the things I know for sure are my stash of my very own tool box that no one is allowed to touch but me, a storage bin with shoes and lots and lots of dust and dog hair I’m sure. Could be other stuff, but ‘m not willing to look otherwise I will feel compelled to clean it out and I don’t feel like doing that today
What did you do last night? Went to see The Drowsy Chaperone at the 5th Ave – great show!
What are you afraid of? I try not to spend any time being afraid of anything – very unproductive
Salty or sweet? both... and together!
How many keys on your key ring? 6-7 I think
How many years at your current t job? 2
Favorite day of the week? Saturday or Sunday whichever has the least chores to do
How many cities have you lived in? 6
Do you make friends easily? No – I’m shy and not prone to talking first; but once I do make friends they are friends for life
Then (High School Senior Year) and Now - Share!
1. Did you date someone from your school?
No. I was too mature and too cool to date those "boys."
2. Did you marry someone from your high school?
No. Married in my 30's to someone not from my school
3. Did you carpool to school?
No.
4. What kind of car did you have?
'69 Fiat Spider convertible
5. What kind of car do you have now?
2000 VW Passat
6. It's Friday night ... where are you? (then)
Sneaking into a club with fake ID
7. It's Friday night ... where are you? (now)
At home in my jammies
8. What kind of job did you have in high school?
Cashier, Jack In The Box
9. What kind of job do you do now?
Director of Operations, Meetings industry
10. Were you a party animal?
I went to parties, but was the sensible one
11. Were you considered a flirt?
Not in high school - learned that skill in college
12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
No, came into high school from another country as a senior so had not idea there were these kinds of things
13. Were you a nerd?
I was a good student, but not considered a nerd
14. Did you get suspended or expelled?
Never
15. Can you sing the fight song?
Definitely not
16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?
Teachers were the enemy, by my Chem teacher (can't remember her name) was really caring and the english teachers were both cute to look at
17. Where did you sit during lunch?
Cafeteria or outside
18. What was your school mascot?
Kangaroo (you heard me ... now stop snickering)
19. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Only if circumstances were different (coming into High School before my Senior year) then maybe.
20. Did you have fun at prom?
I think so. I was glas to have been asked
21. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?
Never saw him after graduation. I think he moved back to Japan and became a doctor
22. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?
Nope - didn't know anyone then and don't know anyone now (except for Linda who found me on FB recently)
23. Do you still talk to people from school?
No - see answer above.
OK - I'm done now!
I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but just really trying to be efficient here. And to stop feeling guilty.
This will be overwhelming if you read it all, but with all the FB tags (I love reading all about everyone else, believe me!), I just needed to get this all out once and for all so I can stop feeling guilty about not tagging people back in a timely manner. Also, I tried to get all of this in Notes on FB and the stupid thing made me lose the entire notes at least 4 times. I should have quit after one, but I am nothing if not persistent. So read at your leisure ... or not. But I will be referring back to this next time I'm tagged. My alter ego Sarcastica may put in an answer or two, beware.
ONE WORD
1. Where is your cell phone?
2. Your significant other? loved
3. Your hair? pulled
4. Your mother? friend
5. Your father? which
6. Your favorite thing? dreams
7. Your dream last night? real
8. Your favorite drink? cosmo
9. Your dream/goal? independence
10. What room you are in? bedroom
11. Your hobby? parenting
12. Your fear? none
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? passionate
14. Where were you last night? meeting
16. Muffins? popyseed
17. Wish list item? lottery
18. Where you grew up? Switzerland
19. Last thing you did? dinner
20. What are you wearing? sweats
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? old
23. Friends? real
24. Your life? unfulfilled
25. Your mood? weary
26. Missing some one? no
27. Car? dirty
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Your favorite store? none
30. Your favorite color? all
33. When is the last time you laughed? Sunday
34. Last time you cried? unknown
35. One place that I go to over and over? daycare
36. One person who emails me regularly? DailyCandy
37. My favorite place to eat? out
38. Why you participated in this survey? guilt
39. What are you doing tonight? work
TWO WORDS
No more than 2 words can be used...
1. Where is your cell phone? hopefully trash
2. Your significant other? best friend
3. Your hair? still attached
4. Your mother? spritual creative
5. Your father? have several
6. Your favorite thing? two kids
7. Your dream last night?always fabulous
8. Your favorite drink? lemon drop
9. Your dream/goal? total freedom
10. The room you’re in? master bedroom
11. Your ex? maybe dead
12. Your fear? dying unfulfilled
13. Your worst enemy? nope none
14. Where were you last night? basketball practice
15. What you’re not? proactively thoughtful
16. Muffins? if available
17. One of your wish list items? win lottery
18. Where you were born? Spokane WA
19. The last thing you did? cooked dinner
20. What are you wearing? comfy sweats
21. Your TV? not on
22. Your pet/pets? arthritic sweetheart
23. Your computer? Necessary evil
24. Your life? lacking passion
25. Your mood? anxiously weary
26. Missing someone? no one
27. Something you’re not wearing? warm socks
28. Favorite Store? anything scrapbooking
29. Your summer? favorite season
31. Your favorite color? love all
32. Last time you laughed? Movie theater
25 THINGS
1. I can't live far from the ocean
2. I love disco and I just decided that we were going to have Saturday Night Fever open houses once a month at our house
3. My first car was a '69 Fiat Spider convertible as a senior in High school - bright yellow - and people used to break into it (real easy) just to sit in it. Annoying, but no harm no foul.
4. I love to travel and go to other countries to learn about and experience other cultures - have been to over 20 countries so far
5. I have a real hard time with any person harming or killing another in the name of a deity. I actually think they are the epitome of ignorant and evil.
6. I'm fascinated by religious data and history and would love to know the truths, but even if I knew I would never be religious (rather I am spiritual)
7. I worry that my newish circle of friends will dissolve or stop including me once our kids don't go to the same school next year. They feed my soul.
8. My husband won't share his music with me
9. I really don't get technology at all. Can't get my family movies off mini DV's, have no patience to troubleshoot any problem, can't get my iPod to do what its supposed to do, haven't been able to get my company's web site up and running in two years, etc.
10. My kids amaze me; just watching their everyday comings and goings when they don't know I'm watching is amazing. The way she sticks her tongue out when she concentrates, the twist of his feet when he's getting candy, the happy hip hops down the hall ... its all quite joyful.
11. I hate do-overs. Never dated a boyfriend twice, hate having my work edited and given back to me, was dismayed when Juice turned out to be much like Mac - felt like a do-over at the time.
12. I have the worse time starting conversations with anyone - people I know and people I don't. I'm not great at chit chat conversations preferring in depth interactions.
13. I'm super interested in how others live their lives. Sorry if I ask really personal questions, but its how I learn new things for myself
14. I'd love to be a magazine editor
15. I have over 20 half started books & magazines by my bed
16. I love mid-century modern decor - actually I love watching HGTV's decorating shows, particularly Color Splash and Myles of Style. I wish someone would help me cause I'm seriously color challenged (as witnessed by our purple house - not intentionally that way)
17. I keep looking for my life's passion
18. I'm a risk taker even though it always pushes me out of my comfort zone
19. I have a thing about not wanting to eat the same thing twice in the same quarter, so I make dinner menus that are different for at least 90 days - I actually have 180 options to pick from or more - I love going through online recipes or cookbooks for things my family will like
20. I will write a book
21. I'm not very lucky but I will win the lottery someday
22. I'm not a fan of hot liquids - not coffee, tea, soups, and while I like hot chocolate, I like it lukewarm
23. My one regret is that I wish I'd done college differently
24. I worry about having enough money in retirement and living poor
25. I toured with a major R&B star in my early 20's
More About Me .. Me Me Me ... Yay Me!
What time did you get up this morning? 8:10a – Juice climbed over Myron and pushed me off the bed to get under the covers between us.Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds – big ones if possible.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Hotel for Dogs - quite funny
What is your favorite TV show? Can only watch one regularly off DVR – Heroes; but love the décor shows on HGTV if I get to indulge in more than 10 minutes at a time
What do you usually have for breakfast? Kashi cereal or toast
What is your middle name? Sue (mother’s name is Suzanne – could be after her but never asked)
What food do you dislike? Fruit (especially orange) on/in/with stuff like burgers, pizza, chicken, chocolate (only some fruit dipped in milk chocolate works); white asparagus; sweet pickles
What is your favorite CD at moment? I only have a couple in the queue in my car stereo – mostly Beatles, the original score to Hair; like everything on my iPod, but rarely have it with me and haven’t figured out how to move the library over to my laptop so I can add more songs (anyone feel free to offer to helpJ)
What kind of car do you drive? VW Passat (just hit the 100,000 mark!!!)
Favorite sandwich? BLTA, but love a really good tuna, egg salad or grilled cheese.
What characteristics do you despise? Lack of integrity
Favorite item of clothing? not a fan of anything I own at the moment
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? can't pick just one – Australia, Vermont in the winter (or Davos, Switzerland), Alaska cruise, China, Turkey, African safari, The Maldives. Anywhere with a nice pool in warm sun
Favorite brand of clothing? None – don’t even know what kinds of brands exist
Where would you retire to? Friday Harbor – San Juan Islands with a view of the Sound
What was your most memorable birthday? My 16th – my mom took me to London for some shopping and to see premier of Grease. By far my favorite birthday!
Favorite sport to watch? Baseball, finals of any sport, Olympics
Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
What is your shoe size? 11
Pets? 1 – Merlin, the 11 year old great Dane who is still hanging around
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? We bought our first rental/investment property!
What did you want to be when you were little? I just wanted to survive
What is your favorite candy? Almond Joy
What is your favorite flower? Dahlias
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? The day we get to decorate the house for the holidays as a family
What are you listening to right now? The news on TV, the kids swiftering the playroom and bickering about who gets to do what, Myron trying to get them to stop and the dog barking
What was the last thing you ate? French Dip, fritos, grapes
Do you wish on stars? Absolutely
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Don’t know any of those colors and could never pick just one
How is the weather right now? Freezing!
The first person you spoke to on the phone today? My mom
Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke
Favorite restaurant? Met Grill, Seattle
Real hair color ? Dirty Blonde
What was your favorite toy as a child? Books, Chinese jump rope and 2 friends (to hold it); my records
Summer or winter? Summer!
Hugs or kisses? Kisses
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Coffee or tea? neither – don’t drink hot beverages much although I love a good hot chocolate as long as it's only lukewarm
When was the last time you cried? It’s actually been a little while. I tear up at the drop of a hat, so likely I did that 10 times today, 20 yesterday, etc, but haven’t had time to cry much lately
What is under your bed? I’m not even going to look – the things I know for sure are my stash of my very own tool box that no one is allowed to touch but me, a storage bin with shoes and lots and lots of dust and dog hair I’m sure. Could be other stuff, but ‘m not willing to look otherwise I will feel compelled to clean it out and I don’t feel like doing that today
What did you do last night? Went to see The Drowsy Chaperone at the 5th Ave – great show!
What are you afraid of? I try not to spend any time being afraid of anything – very unproductive
Salty or sweet? both... and together!
How many keys on your key ring? 6-7 I think
How many years at your current t job? 2
Favorite day of the week? Saturday or Sunday whichever has the least chores to do
How many cities have you lived in? 6
Do you make friends easily? No – I’m shy and not prone to talking first; but once I do make friends they are friends for life
Then (High School Senior Year) and Now - Share!
1. Did you date someone from your school?
No. I was too mature and too cool to date those "boys."
2. Did you marry someone from your high school?
No. Married in my 30's to someone not from my school
3. Did you carpool to school?
No.
4. What kind of car did you have?
'69 Fiat Spider convertible
5. What kind of car do you have now?
2000 VW Passat
6. It's Friday night ... where are you? (then)
Sneaking into a club with fake ID
7. It's Friday night ... where are you? (now)
At home in my jammies
8. What kind of job did you have in high school?
Cashier, Jack In The Box
9. What kind of job do you do now?
Director of Operations, Meetings industry
10. Were you a party animal?
I went to parties, but was the sensible one
11. Were you considered a flirt?
Not in high school - learned that skill in college
12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
No, came into high school from another country as a senior so had not idea there were these kinds of things
13. Were you a nerd?
I was a good student, but not considered a nerd
14. Did you get suspended or expelled?
Never
15. Can you sing the fight song?
Definitely not
16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?
Teachers were the enemy, by my Chem teacher (can't remember her name) was really caring and the english teachers were both cute to look at
17. Where did you sit during lunch?
Cafeteria or outside
18. What was your school mascot?
Kangaroo (you heard me ... now stop snickering)
19. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Only if circumstances were different (coming into High School before my Senior year) then maybe.
20. Did you have fun at prom?
I think so. I was glas to have been asked
21. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?
Never saw him after graduation. I think he moved back to Japan and became a doctor
22. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?
Nope - didn't know anyone then and don't know anyone now (except for Linda who found me on FB recently)
23. Do you still talk to people from school?
No - see answer above.
OK - I'm done now!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wish I Was Her
This beautiful girl-child of mine has gifts I couldn't even dream of having when I was her age. I don't even have as many now!
Parent-teacher conferences tonight and she was invited to participate. The main reason is that the teachers wanted her to set new goals for next trimester. She voluntarily pushed past her comfort zone setting high standards for herself and believing that they are achievable. And I know she will bust her buns to achieve them, too. She was said to be helpful to the teachers and to her friends, often helping her classmates through their difficulties after finishing her own work early. She has good time management skills, leadership skills, social and academic skills. And if you've been around, you know she can sing, too!
All of this I know about her, but to hear it from others is a bonus. It makes me proud of her and after her conference, I told her so. And she hit me with what makes her so gifted in my eyes ... she said "I'm proud if myself too, Mom!"
I wish I was her.
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Utopia
Every year, I try to spend some time on figuring out resolutions. So far, this year I haven't spent but a few moments before passing out in bed in the early morning hours thinking of what I want this coming year. I am a night owl and time off at the holidays was perfect for my indulgences in getting some family business organized (doesn't budgeting and your annual financial analysis just really do it for you, too?!?!?!?) and massive channel surfing so 10 minutes of pre-sleep list-making doesn't make for very strong resolutions.
The usual suspects make this year's list, as they have every year:
- Get healthy, lose weight (to get healthy)
- Spend more time with friends and family
- Get our home organized, re-do Julian's room
- Figure out how to win the lottery, or at least how to do better at spending and making money
- Not just think of myself first (although I don't really know how to do that) but to actually do something that will be good for my mind, body and spirit.
I'd love to get whiter teeth, download nine years of mini DV's onto DVD's and figure out how to move my iTunes library to my laptop (if anyone knows how to do either, please please PLEASE HELP), make a family 2008 photo album, and read all 25 books that I've started and are all on the floor by my bed. I also don't want to buy anything that we don't need, use or love and would like Myron to follow that philosophy, too. If we accumulate much more stuff in our house or in our garage I may go postal!
More sex, less yelling at the kids; more time playing, less trying to figure out what's for lunch/dinner; more sun, less rain (oh right, that one's out of my control).
I'd like to know how to make one or two favorite drinks and meals perfectly, understand how to read my investment account statements (are those dashes in front of the number normal???), and stop feeling guilty about the damage I'm doing to my kids by letting them watch so much TV.
I can go on and on, but the little dreams I have that fill my heart with longing is a utopia that will likely remain a dream:
Living in a community development with my close friends as neighbors in a beautiful area overlooking the Sound with good schools nearby. Custom built buildings including communal kid playroom/adult playroom, hobby room, sports courts and pool and outdor kitchen with fun/sparkling lights strung across the courtyard. Earning a living by doing something creative that everyone in the world can't live without. Holiday craft parties and cookie baking sessions, summer plays and concerts - performed by all who live there - and lots of pool parties, friendly contests and competitions, watching each other's kids on date nights out and late night brainstorming sessions on how to be of service to the world (and actually following through on the ideas). In this world, no such thing as limited money, resources or time. No conflicts, only days filled with joy and laughter. There would always be enough room for new friends to join and nothing but love, love, love!
Yep, that's my utopia.
And I've masterfully managed to make it one more day without having to figure out my plan for not eating my MIL's delicious homemade peanut brittle in the pantry (once that's gone there's still holiday cookies and chocolate that beckons) while sizing up international dance champions, catching up on BET's top 25 breakups of all time, getting the gist of the new "beauty is more than skin deep" reality show by watching only 6.5 non-consecutive minutes including the elimination, weighing in on what house to buy on HGTV show, entering the HGTV's Dream Home contest, watching the news (what is the Governor up to, anyway?) and blogging. Yep - it took me 1.5 hours to write this!
Tomorrow ... that's when I'll make that health/fitness/diet plan. For sure!
The usual suspects make this year's list, as they have every year:
- Get healthy, lose weight (to get healthy)
- Spend more time with friends and family
- Get our home organized, re-do Julian's room
- Figure out how to win the lottery, or at least how to do better at spending and making money
- Not just think of myself first (although I don't really know how to do that) but to actually do something that will be good for my mind, body and spirit.
I'd love to get whiter teeth, download nine years of mini DV's onto DVD's and figure out how to move my iTunes library to my laptop (if anyone knows how to do either, please please PLEASE HELP), make a family 2008 photo album, and read all 25 books that I've started and are all on the floor by my bed. I also don't want to buy anything that we don't need, use or love and would like Myron to follow that philosophy, too. If we accumulate much more stuff in our house or in our garage I may go postal!
More sex, less yelling at the kids; more time playing, less trying to figure out what's for lunch/dinner; more sun, less rain (oh right, that one's out of my control).
I'd like to know how to make one or two favorite drinks and meals perfectly, understand how to read my investment account statements (are those dashes in front of the number normal???), and stop feeling guilty about the damage I'm doing to my kids by letting them watch so much TV.
I can go on and on, but the little dreams I have that fill my heart with longing is a utopia that will likely remain a dream:
Living in a community development with my close friends as neighbors in a beautiful area overlooking the Sound with good schools nearby. Custom built buildings including communal kid playroom/adult playroom, hobby room, sports courts and pool and outdor kitchen with fun/sparkling lights strung across the courtyard. Earning a living by doing something creative that everyone in the world can't live without. Holiday craft parties and cookie baking sessions, summer plays and concerts - performed by all who live there - and lots of pool parties, friendly contests and competitions, watching each other's kids on date nights out and late night brainstorming sessions on how to be of service to the world (and actually following through on the ideas). In this world, no such thing as limited money, resources or time. No conflicts, only days filled with joy and laughter. There would always be enough room for new friends to join and nothing but love, love, love!
Yep, that's my utopia.
And I've masterfully managed to make it one more day without having to figure out my plan for not eating my MIL's delicious homemade peanut brittle in the pantry (once that's gone there's still holiday cookies and chocolate that beckons) while sizing up international dance champions, catching up on BET's top 25 breakups of all time, getting the gist of the new "beauty is more than skin deep" reality show by watching only 6.5 non-consecutive minutes including the elimination, weighing in on what house to buy on HGTV show, entering the HGTV's Dream Home contest, watching the news (what is the Governor up to, anyway?) and blogging. Yep - it took me 1.5 hours to write this!
Tomorrow ... that's when I'll make that health/fitness/diet plan. For sure!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A Moment of Reflection on Being Thankful
I love having a holiday to reflect on all the things I've been thankful for all year. Here's what I gave thanks to since last Thanksgiving:
FAMILY
We spent more time with family this year, just like we wanted. Winter wonderland in Chelan - sledding, visiting, roasting hot dogs in the fire pit in the snow, making igloos, hanging with cousins, brothers, sisters and parents. We added new family members (Ali's first Christmas this year!). Camping, giant pumpkin weigh offs and our traditional Chrsitmas Eve made this year so fun. We lost family too last year and will remember Curtis and Greg fondly each holiday season. My nuclear family is so special and I am so thankful for Myron, McKenna and Julian. They are healthy and happy and smart and talented and I love them so very much.
FRIENDS
We also made a point to spend more time with friends and those times were the highlight of our year. Even the most casual get togethers, GNO's, coffee dates, special occasions fed my soul. At the top of my New Year's resolutions list is to get with friends even more in 2009! I am so grateful for all our friends and cherish you all.
PETS
Merlin is almost 11! While his hips are pretty arthritic and painful, he is such a trooper and is otherwise healthy. How wonderful that he is here for yet one more Holiday season. One more season of wearing funny antler head gear while we trim the tree. One more season of a big fat rawhide bone from santa in his very own stocking.
WORK
I could not have asked for a better work environment this year. The RealTime team is such a fabulous team and group of people and even the customers were pretty good. The work is challenging and we had the best year ever. I worked hard but feel like I've contributed and that's what makes my work feel worthwhile.
VOLUNTEER WORK
As much as I complained this year about how overwhelmed and overextended I've been, I am grateful for all the learning and connections I made this last year. I now know where my limits are and that passion cannot be substituted. I know that I must feel connected to the cause I'm representing in order to make a difference and at least feel like I make a difference.
OPPORTUNITY
We finally reached one goal of ours - to expand our investment portfolio by buying an investment rental property. An opportunity to learn more about investing in this area and trying to secure an adequate retirement or college funding. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to do this, that for all the doom and gloom going on that we still can try to reach for that American Dream and see where it takes us. We are grateful for all our opportunities!
VACATIONS
If you know me, you know I LOVE vacations. As we've been blessed to have taken some wonderful trips this last year: Disneyland, Cannon Beach, Mt Rainier, Silverwood. We had so much fun this year and being able to spend my free time with my family is what I look forward in my life most.
THE OBVIOUS
Health, we have enough of the things we need, we give and receive tons of love ... we are truly blessed and I am so thankful for all that I have.
I hope you are as blessed as I am and I wish everyone to have a peaceful, joyful and sparkly Holiday Season.
FAMILY
We spent more time with family this year, just like we wanted. Winter wonderland in Chelan - sledding, visiting, roasting hot dogs in the fire pit in the snow, making igloos, hanging with cousins, brothers, sisters and parents. We added new family members (Ali's first Christmas this year!). Camping, giant pumpkin weigh offs and our traditional Chrsitmas Eve made this year so fun. We lost family too last year and will remember Curtis and Greg fondly each holiday season. My nuclear family is so special and I am so thankful for Myron, McKenna and Julian. They are healthy and happy and smart and talented and I love them so very much.
FRIENDS
We also made a point to spend more time with friends and those times were the highlight of our year. Even the most casual get togethers, GNO's, coffee dates, special occasions fed my soul. At the top of my New Year's resolutions list is to get with friends even more in 2009! I am so grateful for all our friends and cherish you all.
PETS
Merlin is almost 11! While his hips are pretty arthritic and painful, he is such a trooper and is otherwise healthy. How wonderful that he is here for yet one more Holiday season. One more season of wearing funny antler head gear while we trim the tree. One more season of a big fat rawhide bone from santa in his very own stocking.
WORK
I could not have asked for a better work environment this year. The RealTime team is such a fabulous team and group of people and even the customers were pretty good. The work is challenging and we had the best year ever. I worked hard but feel like I've contributed and that's what makes my work feel worthwhile.
VOLUNTEER WORK
As much as I complained this year about how overwhelmed and overextended I've been, I am grateful for all the learning and connections I made this last year. I now know where my limits are and that passion cannot be substituted. I know that I must feel connected to the cause I'm representing in order to make a difference and at least feel like I make a difference.
OPPORTUNITY
We finally reached one goal of ours - to expand our investment portfolio by buying an investment rental property. An opportunity to learn more about investing in this area and trying to secure an adequate retirement or college funding. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to do this, that for all the doom and gloom going on that we still can try to reach for that American Dream and see where it takes us. We are grateful for all our opportunities!
VACATIONS
If you know me, you know I LOVE vacations. As we've been blessed to have taken some wonderful trips this last year: Disneyland, Cannon Beach, Mt Rainier, Silverwood. We had so much fun this year and being able to spend my free time with my family is what I look forward in my life most.
THE OBVIOUS
Health, we have enough of the things we need, we give and receive tons of love ... we are truly blessed and I am so thankful for all that I have.
I hope you are as blessed as I am and I wish everyone to have a peaceful, joyful and sparkly Holiday Season.
Friday, November 7, 2008
They Look Like Us
Along with many of you, we watch and high fived and kissed and hooted with joy on the historic night of Nov 4th 2008. Obama standing at the podium, giving his speech, is one of those moments that you wll look back on and know what you were doing and who you were with.
My kids were allowed to stay up late and watch, but the whole thing was just too much for Juice. He peacefully drifted off to Obama's words between Myron and I on the couch. Mac however, was glued to the TV, and was asking all the right questions and serving up her own opinions on McCain and especially Palin. Grown up opinions I might add. Sounds like she's been listening to a bit of Air America in dad's car?!?
But all of us were accutely aware of the significance of the moment and for my kids especially, to never know that there are barriers to doing whatever they want because of the color of their skin is incredible for me to witness and know. When Myron and I married our parents were each skeptical that it would bring us happiness or that our children would be treated properly in this world. Myron and I also worried some that they might have to face difficulties because of their ethnicity. But this brings us hope and the belief that in this new day, as small of an issue as it is, that having someone who looks like them in the highest position in the land, and possibly the world, will break down even more barriers and prejudices and allow them to thrive and make their way, like everyone else.
McKenna remarked: "Those girls are so lucky - they get to live in the white house!" and to her, knowing nothing else, it seems like the most natural thing. But Myron and I, with tears in our eyes, didn't realize that the image of the First Family being white and older was so etched in our patriotic consciousness that it's almost hard to comprehend the new look of our leadership.
The hard work now starts. We also realize how much we are going to be asked to sacrifice and that we must help put this country back together. If we believed in Obama's ideals so fervently, then it's time to walk the walk. Hope to see you all along that road!
My kids were allowed to stay up late and watch, but the whole thing was just too much for Juice. He peacefully drifted off to Obama's words between Myron and I on the couch. Mac however, was glued to the TV, and was asking all the right questions and serving up her own opinions on McCain and especially Palin. Grown up opinions I might add. Sounds like she's been listening to a bit of Air America in dad's car?!?
But all of us were accutely aware of the significance of the moment and for my kids especially, to never know that there are barriers to doing whatever they want because of the color of their skin is incredible for me to witness and know. When Myron and I married our parents were each skeptical that it would bring us happiness or that our children would be treated properly in this world. Myron and I also worried some that they might have to face difficulties because of their ethnicity. But this brings us hope and the belief that in this new day, as small of an issue as it is, that having someone who looks like them in the highest position in the land, and possibly the world, will break down even more barriers and prejudices and allow them to thrive and make their way, like everyone else.
McKenna remarked: "Those girls are so lucky - they get to live in the white house!" and to her, knowing nothing else, it seems like the most natural thing. But Myron and I, with tears in our eyes, didn't realize that the image of the First Family being white and older was so etched in our patriotic consciousness that it's almost hard to comprehend the new look of our leadership.
The hard work now starts. We also realize how much we are going to be asked to sacrifice and that we must help put this country back together. If we believed in Obama's ideals so fervently, then it's time to walk the walk. Hope to see you all along that road!
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