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April 30, 2004
Bad Night
After a surprisingly pleasant dinner with an old friend, I spent the night in my own bed for the first time in a few weeks. Wouldn't you know it that my sheets were at
Around 1:45 am I awoke with a start from a bad dream. It involved Mi Mama, Micah and I driving in a car (me in the back seat and Micah driving) when a scary storm came up. Tornadoes started to touch down all over the place and trees were falling across the road. I rolled up my window and was looking down to buckle my seat belt when I heard the sickening crunch of my family in the front seat being crushed. Thankfully in the dream I didn't look up -- instead I woke up. Needless to say it was really hard to shake the feeling of doom. It took me about an hour of redirecting my thoughts and reading a magazine to get back to sleep. I called home this morning for a reality check and everything is fine.
Not a very pleasant way to start a Friday.
Quote of the Day:
| "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Lat., "Seize the day, put no trust in tomorrow." Horace |
April 29, 2004
Another day, another pound
The last time I weighed in at the little gym room in
Quote of the Day:
"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life."
-Burton Hills
April 27, 2004
:*P
Blister. My new red driving mocs gave me a blister. BLAST THEM! So now, I am hobbling around in a totally different pair of shoes trying to keep my double bandanged heel away from the back of the shoe. Not graceful, or very professional if I am going to be honest with you.
It is a very beautiful day outside. I would love to walk with Mi Mama today at lunch but (and I know I sound like a whining slacker) but this stupid blister REALLY hurts. Maybe I will just suck it up.
Wow am I thirsty. I better go fill up my water bottle. Hmmm...this was not one of my better entries. Too late now.
Quote of the Day:
Do not wait! The time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand and work with whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.”
April 26, 2004
SHOES!
Saturday der_flounder and I went to DSW Shoe warehouse to get him some spring shoes. Prying him out of his Merrells, was tough, but I think we found a decent warm weather alternative. Then we went on the hunt for shoes for me! Well, I hunted and Flounder followed behind, carrying bags, looking dejected and writing emails on his blackberry. Afterpicking up every single shoe in the place (and it is a HUGE place...) I found nothing. Seriously.
So today, like a clod, I went to work in my sneakers expecting to find a loafer or two under my desk. Oh no, they weren't there. I tokk them home. D'Oh! So after spending my morning hiding from Administration (here after known as "the Man") I snuck out at lunch and bought not one but TWO pairs of shoes. 1) being a pair of short strappy sandles with a ankle strap. 2) being a lovey red driving moc that fit like a glove. Total damage? $47 and change. Not too shabby!
In addition to shoe hunting Saturday, Flounder and I attended a BBQ at Yoda and Bambi's house. We had a grand time. I proved (not that it really needed proving) that I SUCK at pool -- but can pull out a beautiful shot now and then. Good times.
Quote of the Day:
"I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."
-Abraham Lincoln
April 23, 2004
Quote of the Day
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
-Dale Carnegie
Inspiration
This is one for the REALLY BAD fashion ideas file.
I will be internet shopping for an inspiration outfit. A pitcure of a beatiful piece of clothing I will aspire to wear. I shall report back when I fin it! :)
As of this morning, I have officially cast of the funk that was troubling me this week.
Onward and Downward!
Posted by La at 9:03 AM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2004
Thursday Weigh In
Not good. But we knew that didn't we?
I gained 1.5 pounds.
I spent a lot of today in a funk for various reasons. I am frustrated by my job. Knowing that I am just doing time and collecting a paycheck. I feel a little lost when it come to going back to school. Even thought I have been kicking around the idea of ultimately becoming a teacher, I am begining to doubt that teaching is the career for me. I think these (and other factors) added to my internal stress and helped to lead me off point. I will admit today I got quite discouraged. However, I have bounced back. I ate On Point today and will take each day this week as it comes. I will not be undone by one tough week.
Quote of the Day:
"Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty."
-Henri Frdric Amiel,
*Grumble*
I hate people. The ones I love notwithstanding. But I hate everyone else for sure.
Posted by La at 9:27 AM | Comments (0)April 21, 2004
Longest week ever!
This week is moving in an extremely sluggish fashion. I think I am just anxious to get my weigh in over with tomorrow so that I can start a fresh week and put this week behind me. Is the pollen count especially high today? Hmmm...just checked weather.com and they say yes! The tree pollen count was VERY HIGH yesterday, and will be high today and tomorrow. Maybe that is why I have a pressure headache and I am walking around in a fog. Must find meds.
My WW lesson for this week? Preperation is everything. If I have the yummy, good for me foods I should be eatting on hand I am good to go. This week's negative performance has a lot to do with social eating, eating in restaurants and not having the right food on hand. I gotta watch that.
Last night's dinner was big fun. With a surprise appearance of Dr. Ruin (always a fun addition to the group!) and tales of medical oddity. Signe did not bring her hard working hubby (for now on her will be known as Lee), but somehow we carried on. Good times.
My bedroom is a disaster area. Really bad. This weekend, while KT is the Windy City and
Quote of the Day:
Nothing in fine print is ever good news.
- Andy Rooney
April 20, 2004
These shoes are made for walking...
Since I didn't get a chance to cook for tonight's the little dinner, I thought I would pick up an entree to bring. I thought that would be a relatively simple thing to do. Oh no, I was very wrong.
2 hours, $32.00 and 24 blocks later, I have picked up a pasta salad, a veggie and chicken dish and a bottle of wine. I am tuckered.
All for the love of friends. Martyr much?
Posted by La at 1:02 PM | Comments (0)Good news and Bad news....
Good News:
- I spoke to my Uncle last night and he has agreed to work on my car again! Soon in the future, my car will not be broke.
- All is quiet on the Micah/Car theft front. Let's hope no news is good news!
- The weather is going to be beautiful today.
- I am having dinner with some of my favorite people (KT, DK, Red, Signe and maybe S's hubbie?)
Bad News:
- My Uncle won't be able to get to my car until the begining of May. So I will continue to ride the boyfriend shuttle and use Peapod to bring me groceries.
- I am no where near being on point (WW) this week. I keep putting myself in bad food positions. No good at all. I have not given up on the week, but at this point, I will be happy not to gain weight at my Thursday weigh in.
In other news, nothing on my desk holds any sort of interest for me. Am I squandering my life at a job I don't enjoy (though I no longer hate it...). I have a million excuses not to leave. The money is good. No one seems to have found out how lazy I am. The office is in a fun neighborhood. I think what is really holding me back though is the fear that I am not really up to something more strenuous. I can't really handle going back to school. That the field I will ultimately be calling my name will be out of my league. That in general, I am just not good enough. Part of me wants to prove to myself that I can do my current job well -- but ultimately, it's just a boring job. Or maybe I am making it into a boring job in order to keep myself from investing and wanting to do better. Wow, now I am just confusing myself! Regardless, I have a pile of Sh#t to do, so I had better get to it.
Quote of the Day:
Even after all this time,
the sun never says to the earth,
‘You owe me.’
Look what happens with a love like that.
It lights the whole sky.”
Persian Poet
April 19, 2004
The weekend...
In general it was a pretty good one. I say two movies I have been looking forward to seeing, Lost in Translation and the previously mentioned Punch-Drunk Love. LiT, was just as odd and good as everyone has said. You don't often get to see a subtle love story so it was a nice change of pace.
Sunday
Foodwise, I did pretty poorly. The week can still be saved as far as weightloss goes, but it just wasn't pretty. The amazing thing (to my mind anyway) was just how NOT WORTH IT those splurges were. Friday it was pizza -- just out of sheer hunger. 3 slices of Papa John's = 22 points. It just wasn't that good, honestly. Not 22 points good. There were more bad choices, but I am sure you are not really interested in the gory details. Long story short, shake it off, make better choices and move forward. :)
In continuing honor of National Poety Month:
Emily Brontë
Love and Friendship
Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship like the holly-tree—
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?
The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?
Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck thee with the holly's sheen,
That, when December blights thy brow,
He may still leave thy garland green.
A REAL entry to come later on today....
Quote of the Day:
Another plan I have is World Peace through Formal Introductions. The idea is that everyone in the world would be required to meet everyone else in the world, formally, at least once. You’d have to look the person in the eye, shake hands, repeat their name, and try to remember one outstanding physical characteristic. My theory is, if you knew everyone in the world personally, you’d be less inclined to fight them in a war: ‘Who??? The Malaysians??? Are you kidding??? I know those people!!!’”
George Carlin
American Comedian
April 18, 2004
Driving Ms. Debbie
Yesterday turned out a little differently than I expected. Getting up early, der_flounder and I headed down to pick up Mi Mama and then south to VA. We were going to the Ethan Allen wearhouse sale. It was a bust. And a disapointment. They had some ready beautiful REALLY EXPENSIVE furniture. Nothing was marked down anywhere close enough to be worth our while. So very sad.
Poor Mama, her car is currently broken as well as mine. So Flounder, being the good boy he is, willingly carted us around and too Mama to a couple stores so she could get the materials she needed to start painting her bedroom. Mama also took us to Clyde's for lunch, which is always a joy.
Upon returning home, we lumped around for awhile. There was dinner, there was Punch-Drunk Love. This was the P.T. Anderson film (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) that finally allowed Adam Sandler to show his range. Let me be clear, the film is odd, but all the strangness is redeemed in the end.
Today is still a mystery. I don't know what this day will bring, I have no plans. We shall see.
Quote of the Day:
"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life."
-Burton Hills
April 16, 2004
Afternoon Interlude
My work day was interupted with a lovely little break. DK rang me up and invited me out for Ben & Jerry's around 3:00. Don't mind if I do! Not only did I get to enjoy a "kids cone" and DK, I also got to meet his new(ish) boyfriend H. (will come up with good name for him later. I am happy to report that H is funny, enterraining, attractive and VERY tall. A very nice way to wrap up my day.
As always, I am extremely pleased that Friday has arrived. Tomorrow Mi Mama, der_flounder and I are going to VA for an Ethan Allen warehouse sale. Maybe we will find some beautiful and amazingly marked down furniture.
Quote of the Day:
"When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character."
-W. Somerset Maugham
April 15, 2004
Weigh Day
Whoo Hoo! I just weighed in for week two, drum rolls please....
I lost 4.5 pounds!!!!!
Now, I seriously think some of that loss is spill over from last week. Regardless I am thrilled!!
That is now a total of 6.5 pounds. Happy Happy Happy!!!
The break down:
Fri.- 38.5
Sat.- 34.5
Sun.- 42.5 (what can I say? It was Easter!)
Mon.- 31.5
Tues.- 35.5
Wed.- 26
Thur.- 26
Total Points this week = 234.5
Total possible points = 245
Whoo hoo! Un like last week I was under my weekly points.
What a beauty!
The sky is just gorgous! Crystal blue and spotless. Such a transendant change from the gray cloudy veil that has hoovered over us the last few days. What can I say except, Well done God!
Ah! April is Washington -- so it isn't Paris, but me make due.
My new Palm is up and running! Hurrah!
All but one of the people I support are out of the office today. This means one of three things: 1) I will make lots of progress on my pending projects. 2) I will won't feel held accountable to do work (since no one is around) and will be easily distracted (damn internet) and won't get anything of substance done at all. or 3) All the people that normally call the people I support for help will call me and I will be up to my ears in work that normally isn't mine. Lord, I hope it is option #1.
Today is Weigh Day and I am excited to see what progress I have made this week. Foodwise, I have done well. Exercise has been a bit spotty though. The proof will be in the pudding! :-S
And finally, Yes
Quote of the Day:
'Well, thank you for the generous life-saving. Now please go away.'
Anya, BtVS, Him 
April 14, 2004
3 Questions
So I was directed by phuzzydee to offer up the opportunity to all that come...You can ask me any three questions you want.
I realize that most of the people who visit my blog know me very well...so I don't know how tempting this offer is...but here is regardless.
Posted by La at 9:15 PM | Comments (0)Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days!
Yesterday I spent the almost entire work day in Windows XP training. My firm is WAY behind the times, and we are just now switching from Office 97 and Windows NT to Office 2003 and Windows XP. First let me say, I am a Mac girl all the way. That said I was volunteered to be part of the pilot group to test the new system before ti is rolled out firm wide. I love being in the know.
I was surprised I really like the changes to Outlook thus far. There are a few things they have done to the office suite that are supposed to make it more user friendly, but really just make it confusing. In general I approve.
So when I did get to my desk at 5:00 last night, there were a few things I had to do -- making it so I didn't leave until 6:00. Not a biggie, except I was a little cranky from learning all day and then trying to make my new system (IT set it up while I was in training) go so I could get a few pieces of real work done.
For some reason I had a yen for Beef, so Flounder and I went to dinner instead of the gym :) Yummers! I got the smallest steak on the menu and had a salad and steamed veggies. Overall a good meal that didn't blow the top off my WW points.
Today, I am tackling the moster that is my desk. At this point it is looking a LOT better. I am also hoping to get some quite file time (I HATE TO FILE) during the next two days since most of the people I support will be out of the office. Hurrah for organization. I need more of it for sure.
I just got back from lunch with Signe, KT, DK and Red. Very nice. Good times.
Tonight? I am going to be industrious. Picking up stuff from home, going to Flounder's place, setting up my new Palm, AND going to the gym! Well...don't hold me to it....
Quote of the Day:
"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
-William Shakespeare
April 12, 2004
Easter and other stuff
I have had a terrible time getting myself really lucid today. I think the sleepy, and the Monday and the pollen have all ganged together into a force to be reckoned with. I almost hate to admit it, but am feeling a bit more alert since I got back from a 15 min. brink walk with Mi Mama. We would have gone longer, but the rain is really starting to pour. Since I don't love exercise, I have always rejected the idea that it has restorative properties. I guess I have to give in on that one.
The really great news from this weekend is that
Secondly, my car is yet again broke! AGH! Actually, the expensive problems I am having now are just fall-out from my car acident in December. I am going to call my Uncle this week to see what he can do, other wise I might have to scrap it. Fingers crossed!
Easter brough a lovely day with the family. We had a yummy dinner and watched the movie Radio. The movie was an uplifting tear-jerker. Foodwise, I did pretty well for a holiday, 40.5 points. I was nice to spend time with the fam. I also found out my brother got a tatoo! Scandlous!
My new Palm M500 came in on Saturday, and I am looking forward to setting it up this week.
Quote of the Day:
"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit."
-Kahlil Gibran, "The Vision"
April 8, 2004
Week One Success!
I am extremely pleased with myself!
Let's do a quick review of the situation. Last Thursday I started working the Weight Watchers point System. My boss has been doing WW and had great success. I didn't feel like I could spend the money on official working the system (with weigh ins and meetings) so I am working the system on my own with support from MellyMel.
Starting last June, I began steadily gaining weight -- to the tune of approx. 20 pounds. I knew I needed to do something about the new weight I had put on (not to mention all the fat I was already carrying around!) but I need some sort of structure without too much restriction.
Hello Weight Watchers!
I have been eating so better this week, than I can ever remember. For the first time, I feel like I am making a change in my approach to food, eating and meal preperation. Taking the control I have always had and never grasped. Now, I am not deluded. I know that at only 1 week in, I am not in a position to declare a global life change. But *insert music* The TIMES, they are a changeing!
Also, for the past few weeks Mama and I have been walking at least 2 times a week (30 min. a piece) and Flounder and I generally get to the gym or take a walk a minimum of once a week. This week Mama and I walked twice (and we have picked up the pace enough to get my heart rate going) and Flounder and I went to the gym tonight. I was excited at the gym tonight when I used the elliptical machine for 30 minutes (twn more minutes than in the past!) and I "sprinted" (38 RPM for 25min, 50 RPM for 5 min.) for the last few minutes. So proud am I!
And now for the moment of truth!
I LOST 2 POUNDS!!!
YAY!
Now to be honest, I didn't strictly say under 30 points (my per day point limit) each day this week. But honestly, I ate so much less and such better food that I still did just fine. I do need to be on point next week however -- the first week is always the easiest.
This weeks Stats:
Thursday - 35
Friday - 41.5
Saturday - 33.5
Sunday - 42
Monday - 23.5
Tuesday - 44
Wednesday - 36.5
Thursday - 27
Total Points Eaten= 283
Total Program Points = 240
What's up with the Justice system?
Mama and Micah are back. It seems that He was offically charged MONTHS ago when the police first call mi Mama regarding this matter. Apparently, they are under no obligation of letting one know they are charged with a crime when it is commmitted by a minor. WHAT THE F*C#? The hearing today was a total waste of time because the judge only seemed interested in getting him to confess and give up new info, of which there was none. I don't know what the next step is, Mama needs to talk our lawyer. UGH! BAH! Sh*tMonkey!
Posted by La at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)What to say....
So last night, we didn't go to the tidal basin. No Cherry Blossoms. Why you ask? Well...
Our
My Favorite part is that SM was calling all over the DC area yesterday RESEARCHING RECEPTION SITES! No we are not engaged. Nor are we planning any weddings at the moment. Um...yeah. Ok then. So...what can you say to that? Other than Quit It of course? But that's Flounder's department.
Instead of going to see the blossoms, we went to dinner at Fuddrucker's and 21 points later we had talked it all out. Let's just say I am happy not to be going home with him this weekend for Easter. As we were chatting I realized something. Over the last few years SM has been in training. Training to be a Mother In-Law. That's right. I am convinved it's true. She has got it down pat. The funny thing is she is really is a wonderful, kind caring woman. I have come to understand that she just gets, fixated now and then.
So that was our evening. Stressing, over eatting, getting over it, and riding home on the Metro. Whoo Hoo!
In other News: Micah's (brother) hearing is today. Pray hard. I will report back once I hear something.
Also, The Time Travelers Wife (my Book Club book) is ripping my heart out. It's a great read I highly recommend!
Quote of the Day:
"We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses."
-C. G. Jung, Psychological Reflections
April 7, 2004
Wednesday
Let's see...I just got back from lunch with KT and Signe. Yummy grilled chicken salad at Levante's. Good stuff.
Tonight
Tomorrow is the day of truth. Weight in Day! I will be sure to report back. I have NOT been staying under my 30 points each day so I am not expecting any miracles. It shall be enlightening.
A bit of odd levity for the day: Scotty Bunny
Also, in honor of National Poetry Month:
The Orchid Flower
Sam Hamill
Just as I wonder
whether it's going to die,
the orchid blossoms
and I can't explain why it
moves my heart, why such pleasure
comes from one small bud
on a long spindly stem, one
blood red gold flower
opening at mid-summer,
tiny, perfect in its hour.
Even to a white-
haired craggy poet, it's
purely erotic,
pistil and stamen, pollen,
dew of the world, a spoonful
of earth, and water.
Erotic because there's death
at the heart of birth,
drama in those old sunrise
prisms in wet cedar boughs,
deepest mystery
in washing evening dishes
or teasing my wife,
who grows, yes, more beautiful
because one of us will die.
Quote of the Day:
"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."
-Ben Franklin
April 6, 2004
My new Favorite snack!
My new favorite snack is the Dannon Light 'n Fit Smoothie! It is 7 ounces as opposed to most yogurts which are 4 or 6 ounces. It is made with Splenda so it doesn't have that chalky and aspartame-ish after taste. It's smooth, it's fruity, it's yummy AND it's only 1.6 points!
HURRAH!
I just had a Mixed Berry Smoothy with a giant green salad and I am stuffed.
YAY!
Posted by La at 2:14 PM | Comments (0)Italian Love Affair
Why do I even bother getting my nails done? I got a manicure on Saturday and by sunday morning, my polish was already chipped. Let me tell you, a pinky pink nail color like OPI's Italian Love Affair looks pretty trashy all chipped up.
Well last night I set out to cook a new dish -- Chicken in Peanut Sauce. I was a recipie I got out of my new healthy cookbook. I had all the ingredients and was ready to roll when I realized, Damn! I needed a food processor or at least a blender to make the sauce work. Of course I was at
Good news, I got my car back last night. It seems the rattle I was hearing was just a loose headlights. So they tightened those up, preplaced the guard on the front of my car under my bumper (it came off in my accident in December) and changed my oil. It still cost me $138.00, but I was expecteding to shell out a lot more, so I was pretty pleased.
I was a bit of a slacker yesterday at work. I am so easily distracted! Today I am going to work on clearing the clutter and making a better environment for my easiler distracted mind!
Also, I have recently been admonished for not keeping my blog as up today as I could do. To this I was say: Ladies, I promise to do better.
Quote of the Day:
| "I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree." -Joyce Kilmer, "Trees" |
April 5, 2004
When it's over, it's over
Damn the short weekend! Gah to Monday, GAH!
The update:
So Friday night,
Saturday! Saturday? What did we do? Oh yeah, I went had a manicure and lunch with my Grandma while Flounder continued the (seemingly) never ending journey to register his car in MD. In the afternoon we went to see Hellboy. Though not exactly a thought provoking film, I think we both enjoyed it a good deal.
Then Sunday...we took the contract to the seller where it was confirmed that neither Flounder nor Mr. Seller were comfortable signing the thing without professional guidence....We dropped my car off at the shop. I wanted to have the funny knocking noise checked out. I should get a call from them this morning -- hopefully with good and cheap news! Then to Mi Mama's place. She was so excited about all the new fabric she bought to redecorate her bedroom. Muy Excited. It is very nice, though not something I would have picked. The three of us went to Red Hot and Blue for Lunch. Yummers. After that? I quite Sunday afternoon, reading watching T.V. and playing on the computer. Isn't my life enthralling? Wow Whee!
Now for a food check in. If I told you I was ahearing you my points, I would be lying to you. That said, I am doing much better than I have been. I am certainly eating healthier foods and less of them than I would have otherwise. I think I have even managed to loose some weight...though not as much as I would have if I was beeing an angel. I will continue to count my points and search out new and different diet foods, like Spray Butter, Skinny Cows and Kraft Free Salad Dressing! The fact is, I want to loose over a hundred pounds. I have accepted that this isn't going to be a quick and easy process. Now If I can just accept a little hunger now and then, I will be golden!
Quote of the Day:
All your life you are told the things you cannot do.
All your life they will say you're not good enough
Or strong enough or talented enough.
They'll say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight
Or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this.
THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no
Until all the no's become meaningless.
All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.
They will tell you no.
AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES.
Athletic Shoe Advertisement
(I know this quote is really sneaker propaganda, but I found it rather invigorating!)
Posted by La at 9:14 AM | Comments (0)April 1, 2004
Weight Watchers recipe cards from 1974
So last night I decided to take the plundge. I am going to start working the Weight Watchers points system. My boss is doing Weight Watchers so I have a little support system. I am not going to join up officially for the moment...it's just too expensive, but my boss MellyMel has promised to report all the meeting back to me and such. Here goes!
So last night I was searching around the web for good WW resources and I came across this: Weight Watchers recipe cards from 1974. This is the funniest thing I have seen in a LONG time. I laughed so hard I was crying. I think my favorite might be the Chicken Liver Bake. Good Golly Miss Molly!
Quote of the Day:
"A person who aims at nothing is sure to hit it."
-Anon.
