Christmas dinner is over. It was a quiet one this year - just Mom, Dad, and me. Not like when I was a kid and the house was full of people. Gosh there were lots of us. We lived up North then - where Christmas really felt like Christmas because it was cold and there was snow. We live in the South now...mainly because it's not nearly as cold and there's rarely any snow.
Back when I was a kid, there were always at least a dozen people at the dinner table for every holiday. We'd celebrate at my Grandma & Grandpa's. They would spend hours and hours cooking. Mom & Dad would help. No matter who else would come, it was guaranteed that my Uncle Everett and Aunt Iole would be there. And, my Uncle Donald and Aunt Hazel would be there, too. ALWAYS.
And, ALWAYS, Hazel (like the rest of the family) would sit down at the table and build a plate a food made up of delicious roasted turkey and dressing - with homemade croutons, mashed potatoes...the real ones, gravy, cranberry salad, an assortment of vegetables and salads. There'd be dinner rolls - homemade from scratch - and real butter to put on them. The food would go on and on. It would fill the center of the table, line the buffet on the side of the room, cover the cutting boards set on top of the radiators, and fill two card tables set up along the other wall. Plus there'd be more out in the kitchen. But ALWAYS, Hazel would comment on how good the pickles were! I never remember her ever commenting on anything else. Not one of the delicious dishes slaved over by my parents or grandparents. But she sure liked those jars of pickles from the grocery store. No matter the holiday, she pointed out how good they were. I'd give anything for her to be alive today and have her comment on the pickles Mom and Dad served with dinner.
She'd have had something else to comment on today. You see, Hazel was one member of our family who was always mindful of my weight. "Charmi, honey, you're rear is getting bigger. Perhaps you shouldn't have such a big piece of pumpkin pie today." Nope, she wasn't afraid to point it out if I was gaining weight. However, she was also quick to point it out if I was losing weight! "Why Charmi, I think you're losing weight! I can see it in your knuckles!" That was Hazel! She always saw by butt getting bigger and my fingers getting smaller. It was never the other way around!
This Christmas, she would have seen my knuckles about 50 pounds thinner. She probably would have even pointed at my knuckles with a baby gherkin as she told everyone that I was losing weight. And, I would have been so proud, I'd have taken a smaller piece of pumpkin pie to make sure my knuckles kept getting smaller - because they still have more to lose.
Merry Christmas, Hazel! (And Donald, Everett, and Iole...and Grandma & Grandpa and Grandpa. I miss you all so much!)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve already. It seems like just yesterday I was listening to Mannheim Steamroller and thinking that Christmas was so far away. Now it's almost over.
I've had two health related goals this month - avoid eating the holiday sweets and maintain my workout schedule. I've managed to hang on to both of them...although somedays just by my fingernails! So I bet you're wondering how much weight I've lost this month! Ready? Nothing! Zero! Zilch! Nada! UGH! BUT...I haven't gained anything either. I call that I major victory.
The month isn't over yet so I'm not willing to throw in the towel. Nor am I willing to do the victory dance. There's plenty of time for it to go either way. But I'm still pretty proud of the way things have gone so far.
Santa is coming tonight. What's on your list this year? I researched some Tiffany jewelry for my novel so you know what I want! LOL! Maybe someday. Maybe that will be my reward to myself when my novel is published or when I reach my weight-loss goal. Or both!
I hope you have the Merriest Christmas ever - or the Happiest Hanukkah if that is the holiday you celebrate. And for those of you really lucky enough, I wish you Mele Kalikimaka!
I've had two health related goals this month - avoid eating the holiday sweets and maintain my workout schedule. I've managed to hang on to both of them...although somedays just by my fingernails! So I bet you're wondering how much weight I've lost this month! Ready? Nothing! Zero! Zilch! Nada! UGH! BUT...I haven't gained anything either. I call that I major victory.
The month isn't over yet so I'm not willing to throw in the towel. Nor am I willing to do the victory dance. There's plenty of time for it to go either way. But I'm still pretty proud of the way things have gone so far.
Santa is coming tonight. What's on your list this year? I researched some Tiffany jewelry for my novel so you know what I want! LOL! Maybe someday. Maybe that will be my reward to myself when my novel is published or when I reach my weight-loss goal. Or both!
I hope you have the Merriest Christmas ever - or the Happiest Hanukkah if that is the holiday you celebrate. And for those of you really lucky enough, I wish you Mele Kalikimaka!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Oh Fudge!
Not just fudge - but chocolate-covered nuts and a box of candy, too! Yep. Three boxes of candy in the last four days. All from friends who know I'm trying to lose weight. One from someone who goes to the gym with me!
I've gotta tell you, none of this sits well with me. Don't tell me "it's the thought that counts" because there was no thought put into these gifts. Seriously. If I was an alcoholic would they have given me a bottle of wine? Or if I was recovering from lung cancer would they have handed me a carton of cigarettes? I hope not! So please, no chocolate for the overweight gal working so damn hard to find her thin, healthy self again.
Tomorrow, the candy is going to the food bank along with several healthy items. I have a personal rule to only donate healthy items to the food bank but the candy is too expensive to just throw away. (My friends do have excellent taste in chocolate!) So, three families will get a special holiday treat this week. Perhaps that's the best gift of all.
I've gotta tell you, none of this sits well with me. Don't tell me "it's the thought that counts" because there was no thought put into these gifts. Seriously. If I was an alcoholic would they have given me a bottle of wine? Or if I was recovering from lung cancer would they have handed me a carton of cigarettes? I hope not! So please, no chocolate for the overweight gal working so damn hard to find her thin, healthy self again.
Tomorrow, the candy is going to the food bank along with several healthy items. I have a personal rule to only donate healthy items to the food bank but the candy is too expensive to just throw away. (My friends do have excellent taste in chocolate!) So, three families will get a special holiday treat this week. Perhaps that's the best gift of all.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It's All A Mystery...
So you've still got some holiday shopping to do and the folks on your list are mystery fans. Good! So am I! I've been trying to figure out how best to organize today's suggestions and have decided upon doing it by author.
For the most part, I prefer "cozy" mysteries. Ones that are not graphic or violent or full of blood and gore. I like to work the puzzle of what happened and enjoy the characters. My favorites are ones that involve travel, shopping, and (surprise!) food. There are a few exceptions to my cozy rule and I will list two of my favorites after I list some cozy authors. One, sadly, passed away a couple months ago. The other is still writing but not fast enough for me. (All I want for Christmas is for Kirk Mitchell to finish the next book in his mystery series. I'm waiting!)
Now for a few cozy authors...
MADDY HUNTER - Maddy writes the Passport to Peril series. These are FUN travel mysteries that take place all around the world. Emily Andrew escorts a group of old folks from Iowa (including her grandma) on tours to Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Hawaii (on a cruise), Australia, and Norway. Where ever they go, it is a given that people will turn up dead - in the darnedest ways. The adventures of these senior citizens and Emily's efforts to reign them in are hilarious. If I had to recommend one, I'd suggest HULA DONE IT?...only because I'm in a Hawaiian kind of mood. All of Maddy's books are enjoyable. Note that there is a running romance throughout the series so if you want to pick up where it starts, start with Switzerland (ALPINE FOR YOU). It's not necessary though. Perfect for the traveler - armchair or otherwise - on your list.
TAMAR MYERS - Tamar writes two series - Den of Antiquity and Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery. Both are good. My favorite of the two is the Den of Antiquity series. The D of A books are set in Charlotte and Charleston. The only problem is, now I'm always afraid I'll find a dead body when I'm searching for treasure in the local antique stores! Tamar, like Maddy, writes with a lot of humor. All of her books are fun, fast reads. Do you have someone on your list who is a fan of Antiques Roadshow? Get them one of the Den of Antiquity mysteries!
JOANNE FLUKE - Joanne writes clever cooking - actually baking - mysteries! Her characters are definitely memorable. And, her recipes are quite tasty, too. Reach into the "Cookie Jar" and grab one of these mysteries for a person on your list who enjoys mysteries and baking.
There are literally hundreds of cozy mystery writers writing series for any subject you can think of - NASCAR, dogs, cats, bird watching, scrapbooking, quilting - you name it! Go into your bookstore and look in the mystery section. You will see the series all lined up. Look through the books. I bet you'll find something for yourself and for the people on your list.
Now for the not-so-cozy recommendations. First up, Tony Hillerman.
TONY HILLERMAN - Tony wrote Navajo mysteries better than anyone around, in my opinion. His Chee and Leaphorn mysteries wove the Navajo legends and beliefs in with the modern day realities of life on the reservation. Like the authors I mentioned above, any of his books are excellent choices. Men and women alike enjoy his writing and are immediately engaged in the mystery from page one. In addition to his mysteries, he wrote one of the best memoirs I've ever read. I mentioned it in an earlier post but it bears repeating. SELDOM DISAPPOINTED is an excellent read. If you have someone on you list who likes books on tape, you can find man of Tony's books, including his memoir, in the audiobook section of your bookstore!
KIRK MITCHELL - If there is anyone who even comes close to Tony Hillerman in the category of American Indian mysteries, it is Kirk Mitchell. CRY DANCE is the first in his series of Emmett Parker - Anna Turnipseed mysteries. He leaves the Navajo to Hillerman, but he engages several other Indian nations in his writing as Parker is 1/2 Comanche and Turnipseed is 1/2 Modoc. CRY DANCE starts on the Havasupai reservation but moves to other locations, including Las Vegas. Mitchell includes even more Indian legend than Hillerman in his writing. Be forewarned, he is also more graphic. And, you may have guessed that with a man and woman, there is also some romantic tension. I mentioned CRY DANCE first because of this. The tension builds throughout the series. CD is followed by SPIRIT SICKNESS, ANCIENT ONES, SKY WOMAN FALLING, and DANCE OF THE THUNDER DOGS. If you have someone on your list who enjoys Hillerman but has read all his books, pick up this series for them.
Again, a gift card to a bookstore is an excellent option, too! And pick up a book for yourself while you're picking up that gift card!
Seasons readings!
For the most part, I prefer "cozy" mysteries. Ones that are not graphic or violent or full of blood and gore. I like to work the puzzle of what happened and enjoy the characters. My favorites are ones that involve travel, shopping, and (surprise!) food. There are a few exceptions to my cozy rule and I will list two of my favorites after I list some cozy authors. One, sadly, passed away a couple months ago. The other is still writing but not fast enough for me. (All I want for Christmas is for Kirk Mitchell to finish the next book in his mystery series. I'm waiting!)
Now for a few cozy authors...
MADDY HUNTER - Maddy writes the Passport to Peril series. These are FUN travel mysteries that take place all around the world. Emily Andrew escorts a group of old folks from Iowa (including her grandma) on tours to Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Hawaii (on a cruise), Australia, and Norway. Where ever they go, it is a given that people will turn up dead - in the darnedest ways. The adventures of these senior citizens and Emily's efforts to reign them in are hilarious. If I had to recommend one, I'd suggest HULA DONE IT?...only because I'm in a Hawaiian kind of mood. All of Maddy's books are enjoyable. Note that there is a running romance throughout the series so if you want to pick up where it starts, start with Switzerland (ALPINE FOR YOU). It's not necessary though. Perfect for the traveler - armchair or otherwise - on your list.
TAMAR MYERS - Tamar writes two series - Den of Antiquity and Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery. Both are good. My favorite of the two is the Den of Antiquity series. The D of A books are set in Charlotte and Charleston. The only problem is, now I'm always afraid I'll find a dead body when I'm searching for treasure in the local antique stores! Tamar, like Maddy, writes with a lot of humor. All of her books are fun, fast reads. Do you have someone on your list who is a fan of Antiques Roadshow? Get them one of the Den of Antiquity mysteries!
JOANNE FLUKE - Joanne writes clever cooking - actually baking - mysteries! Her characters are definitely memorable. And, her recipes are quite tasty, too. Reach into the "Cookie Jar" and grab one of these mysteries for a person on your list who enjoys mysteries and baking.
There are literally hundreds of cozy mystery writers writing series for any subject you can think of - NASCAR, dogs, cats, bird watching, scrapbooking, quilting - you name it! Go into your bookstore and look in the mystery section. You will see the series all lined up. Look through the books. I bet you'll find something for yourself and for the people on your list.
Now for the not-so-cozy recommendations. First up, Tony Hillerman.
TONY HILLERMAN - Tony wrote Navajo mysteries better than anyone around, in my opinion. His Chee and Leaphorn mysteries wove the Navajo legends and beliefs in with the modern day realities of life on the reservation. Like the authors I mentioned above, any of his books are excellent choices. Men and women alike enjoy his writing and are immediately engaged in the mystery from page one. In addition to his mysteries, he wrote one of the best memoirs I've ever read. I mentioned it in an earlier post but it bears repeating. SELDOM DISAPPOINTED is an excellent read. If you have someone on you list who likes books on tape, you can find man of Tony's books, including his memoir, in the audiobook section of your bookstore!
KIRK MITCHELL - If there is anyone who even comes close to Tony Hillerman in the category of American Indian mysteries, it is Kirk Mitchell. CRY DANCE is the first in his series of Emmett Parker - Anna Turnipseed mysteries. He leaves the Navajo to Hillerman, but he engages several other Indian nations in his writing as Parker is 1/2 Comanche and Turnipseed is 1/2 Modoc. CRY DANCE starts on the Havasupai reservation but moves to other locations, including Las Vegas. Mitchell includes even more Indian legend than Hillerman in his writing. Be forewarned, he is also more graphic. And, you may have guessed that with a man and woman, there is also some romantic tension. I mentioned CRY DANCE first because of this. The tension builds throughout the series. CD is followed by SPIRIT SICKNESS, ANCIENT ONES, SKY WOMAN FALLING, and DANCE OF THE THUNDER DOGS. If you have someone on your list who enjoys Hillerman but has read all his books, pick up this series for them.
Again, a gift card to a bookstore is an excellent option, too! And pick up a book for yourself while you're picking up that gift card!
Seasons readings!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas Shopping? Please Buy A Book!
Okay gang, times are tight this year. You're probably wondering what to get the people who are left on your list. And, by left on your list, I don't necessarily mean those you haven't yet shopped for...I mean those that you haven't had to cross off due to lack of funds. Either way, the BEST deal going is books. It's also one of the most thoughtful gifts.
Now, some of you are probably thinking "but I don't know what book to get this person or that person". Well, that's okay. I'll help you out with some suggestions in a minute. But, if none of these seem to fit, get a gift card to a local bookstore and let the recipient pick out their own book. Present it with a pretty bookmark and wa-la...a GREAT gift the person will enjoy for endless hours. C'mon - we all have enough clothes and dust-collectors. Everyone loves a good book. Trust me on this! Your gift will be loved - and remembered!!
So here goes - some suggestions for books I've enjoyed and given as gifts...
EARTHLY PLEASURES - Karen Neches - (Simon & Schuster) What do the angels watch in Heaven? The hit reality show Earthly Pleasures, of course! It's heavenly greeter Skye Sebring's favorite show - especially when she wants to track the activities of a certain hunk after his near-death experience. What follows is a bit mystery, a bit romance, and a whole bunch of fun! Anyone who enjoys a fun book will enjoy reading this tale. While EARTHLY PLEASURES was written for adults, it is appropriate for older teen readers as well.
SUMMER AT TIFFANY - Marjorie Hart - (William Morrow) What college student hasn't turned to their best friend and schemed about running away to a big city for the summer? Who hasn't imagined the adventures of youth? Imagine two single college gals doing that in 1945. Better than imagining it, read about it in this memoir written by 82 year-old Marjorie Hart. From celebrities to soldiers, you'll have fun reliving the summer of '45 when Marjorie and her best friend Marty spent the summer working as pages at Tiffany & Co. - a long way from their home in Iowa. And, if you're like me, you'll hold your breath and realize that you would find yourself in the exact same spot as Marjorie in the Tiffany elevator! Again, this book would be appropriate for all ages. If you have a person on your gift list who remembers the 1940's, this would be a perfect gift for them! (And, it's available in large print.)
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN - Garth Stein - (Harper) Enzo the dog wants to be reincarnated as a man. He should - he knows more about humans than most humans do. This is a wonderful book that will make you, at times, sad and mad but will leave you damn glad you read it. You'll cry but plenty of those tears will be from laughter. Read this book - and scratch your dog behind his ears just a little bit longer tonight. If you have a dog-lover or race-lover on your list, this book will appeal to them. (btw - I'm a dog-lover...racing, not so much - but I really enjoyed this book.)
WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL! - Fannie Flagg - (Ballentine) New York City to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, this novel follows the journey of TV anchorwoman Dena Nordstrom as she searches for answers about her family's secret past. Fannie Flagg's humor shines through in creating memorable characters from the nosey Southern neighbors to the New York shrink. This is a book that hits you with an "I'll be darned!" moment and you'll wonder why you didn't see it coming. But no one I've given this book to has ever seen it coming - and they all agree it was right there all along. This is my favorite of Ms. Flagg's books.
MR. MONK AND THE BLUE FLU - Lee Goldberg - (Signet) Actually, ALL of the Monk books are excellent and I'd recommend any of them. Lee Goldberg does a phenomenal job of capturing Mr. Monk and his eccentricities in these novels. For the Monk lover, these are a must. The the casual Monk viewer, these are still a must. You might find you enjoy the books more than the show!
Be sure to treat yourself to a book or two while you're visiting the bookstore.
I have more books on my list of suggestions. I'll post them over the next couple days. In the meantime, take a look at your gift list and jot down a title or two for each person on your list. They will be glad you did!
Happy readings to all!
Now, some of you are probably thinking "but I don't know what book to get this person or that person". Well, that's okay. I'll help you out with some suggestions in a minute. But, if none of these seem to fit, get a gift card to a local bookstore and let the recipient pick out their own book. Present it with a pretty bookmark and wa-la...a GREAT gift the person will enjoy for endless hours. C'mon - we all have enough clothes and dust-collectors. Everyone loves a good book. Trust me on this! Your gift will be loved - and remembered!!
So here goes - some suggestions for books I've enjoyed and given as gifts...
EARTHLY PLEASURES - Karen Neches - (Simon & Schuster) What do the angels watch in Heaven? The hit reality show Earthly Pleasures, of course! It's heavenly greeter Skye Sebring's favorite show - especially when she wants to track the activities of a certain hunk after his near-death experience. What follows is a bit mystery, a bit romance, and a whole bunch of fun! Anyone who enjoys a fun book will enjoy reading this tale. While EARTHLY PLEASURES was written for adults, it is appropriate for older teen readers as well.
SUMMER AT TIFFANY - Marjorie Hart - (William Morrow) What college student hasn't turned to their best friend and schemed about running away to a big city for the summer? Who hasn't imagined the adventures of youth? Imagine two single college gals doing that in 1945. Better than imagining it, read about it in this memoir written by 82 year-old Marjorie Hart. From celebrities to soldiers, you'll have fun reliving the summer of '45 when Marjorie and her best friend Marty spent the summer working as pages at Tiffany & Co. - a long way from their home in Iowa. And, if you're like me, you'll hold your breath and realize that you would find yourself in the exact same spot as Marjorie in the Tiffany elevator! Again, this book would be appropriate for all ages. If you have a person on your gift list who remembers the 1940's, this would be a perfect gift for them! (And, it's available in large print.)
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN - Garth Stein - (Harper) Enzo the dog wants to be reincarnated as a man. He should - he knows more about humans than most humans do. This is a wonderful book that will make you, at times, sad and mad but will leave you damn glad you read it. You'll cry but plenty of those tears will be from laughter. Read this book - and scratch your dog behind his ears just a little bit longer tonight. If you have a dog-lover or race-lover on your list, this book will appeal to them. (btw - I'm a dog-lover...racing, not so much - but I really enjoyed this book.)
WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY GIRL! - Fannie Flagg - (Ballentine) New York City to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, this novel follows the journey of TV anchorwoman Dena Nordstrom as she searches for answers about her family's secret past. Fannie Flagg's humor shines through in creating memorable characters from the nosey Southern neighbors to the New York shrink. This is a book that hits you with an "I'll be darned!" moment and you'll wonder why you didn't see it coming. But no one I've given this book to has ever seen it coming - and they all agree it was right there all along. This is my favorite of Ms. Flagg's books.
MR. MONK AND THE BLUE FLU - Lee Goldberg - (Signet) Actually, ALL of the Monk books are excellent and I'd recommend any of them. Lee Goldberg does a phenomenal job of capturing Mr. Monk and his eccentricities in these novels. For the Monk lover, these are a must. The the casual Monk viewer, these are still a must. You might find you enjoy the books more than the show!
Be sure to treat yourself to a book or two while you're visiting the bookstore.
I have more books on my list of suggestions. I'll post them over the next couple days. In the meantime, take a look at your gift list and jot down a title or two for each person on your list. They will be glad you did!
Happy readings to all!
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's Better In The Middle
A friend was talking to me about Christmas cookies, lamenting the fact that she had to "bake" when she didn't much feel like it. I love baking Christmas cookies but have cut w-a-y back on this hobby over the past couple years. I don't need to eat 'em, so I try to limit making 'em, too. Anyway, I asked her what she was making. She was dipping Double-Stuff Oreos in milk chocolate! Somehow, I don't think that qualifies as "baking Christmas cookies". Mind you, I've eaten my share of these dipped goodies. I've even made my share of 'em. But, I've NEVER considered this "baking". And, I've certainly never thought to complain about the work involved. LOL!
But her mention of Oreos brought up a college memory that I'm almost embarrassed to mention. (So what better thing to do than to blog about it?!)
It was my freshman year. At Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, the freshmen were squirreled away in Carman Hall. Carman was actually two halls - a twin tower...one male and one female. Yep - a co-ed dorm! And, it was W-A-A-A-Y across campus across what was referred to as "the tundra". There was the EIU campus with all the academic buildings, then the other dorms, then this HUGE open field that went on forever, then Carman Hall. Where all the freshman girls and boys were. Out in the middle of nowhere. I think they put it over there, you know - across the tundra, because it was as far away from the bars as you could get.
My dorm room was on the 5th floor of the girls' tower - the middle floor. One of the first tasks assigned to all the Carman residents was to make floor shirts. So, the second week, we all gathered in our floor's common area and set about this very serious task. It didn't take long before we had our floor motto: It's Better In The Middle.
We giggled and laughed and turned red. Our Resident Assistant warned us about the picture for the shirts. "Young ladies, I know you are excited about your freedom but be careful how far you go with this." That brought about another round of laughter.
While everyone was picturing some pretty interesting scenes with the guys from the other half of Carman, I...you know, the biggest gal on the floor...was drawing a picture of Oreo cookies. What?! They ARE better in the middle! Right? Right!
We were voted the best shirts in all of Carman Hall that year. Not one of those skinny little freshmen would have ever come up with that design!
(Speaking of design, note to college administrators: not such a good idea to put your freshmen as far as possible from classes as you can...especially when they haven't yet developed the habit of getting up and going to class, and if they have to walk across a 2-block wide "tundra" in winter, and if there is a tower of kids of the opposite sex an elevator ride away. I'm just saying.)
But her mention of Oreos brought up a college memory that I'm almost embarrassed to mention. (So what better thing to do than to blog about it?!)
It was my freshman year. At Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, the freshmen were squirreled away in Carman Hall. Carman was actually two halls - a twin tower...one male and one female. Yep - a co-ed dorm! And, it was W-A-A-A-Y across campus across what was referred to as "the tundra". There was the EIU campus with all the academic buildings, then the other dorms, then this HUGE open field that went on forever, then Carman Hall. Where all the freshman girls and boys were. Out in the middle of nowhere. I think they put it over there, you know - across the tundra, because it was as far away from the bars as you could get.
My dorm room was on the 5th floor of the girls' tower - the middle floor. One of the first tasks assigned to all the Carman residents was to make floor shirts. So, the second week, we all gathered in our floor's common area and set about this very serious task. It didn't take long before we had our floor motto: It's Better In The Middle.
We giggled and laughed and turned red. Our Resident Assistant warned us about the picture for the shirts. "Young ladies, I know you are excited about your freedom but be careful how far you go with this." That brought about another round of laughter.
While everyone was picturing some pretty interesting scenes with the guys from the other half of Carman, I...you know, the biggest gal on the floor...was drawing a picture of Oreo cookies. What?! They ARE better in the middle! Right? Right!
We were voted the best shirts in all of Carman Hall that year. Not one of those skinny little freshmen would have ever come up with that design!
(Speaking of design, note to college administrators: not such a good idea to put your freshmen as far as possible from classes as you can...especially when they haven't yet developed the habit of getting up and going to class, and if they have to walk across a 2-block wide "tundra" in winter, and if there is a tower of kids of the opposite sex an elevator ride away. I'm just saying.)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
One Too Many for This Gal!
By now, you've probably seen the ad on TV for "fourth meal". I nearly spilled my Diet Pepsi when I saw the ad the first time. Have we really come to the point where we are eating an actual FOURTH MEAL?! Holy crap, Fatman!
Most folks snack during the evening. Heck, that's one of the ways I managed to pick up all this extra weight again. But I can honestly say that I have never gone out to a restaurant and eaten a fourth meal during the day. Nor have I ever made a fourth meal at home. Have I grazed enough to pack in enough calories to equal that of a meal? I'm sure I have. But if I ate everything in my house, I couldn't get all the fat grams that I'd get in one meal in a fast-food restaurant. (I know, calories are calories in the end!)
I think there needs to be some truth in advertising here. If a restaurant is going to advocate going out for a fourth meal, they should have the folks in the ads look like people who eat four meals a day - not like people who don't even finish their first meal of the day. There should be a group of pre-Subway Jared size people eating their taco and nacho fourth meal.
So, how 'bout it? I'm taking a pledge to pass on "fourth meal" - and to get serious about limiting my evening snacks so that the calories don't even add up to a quarter of a fourth meal. What about you?
Most folks snack during the evening. Heck, that's one of the ways I managed to pick up all this extra weight again. But I can honestly say that I have never gone out to a restaurant and eaten a fourth meal during the day. Nor have I ever made a fourth meal at home. Have I grazed enough to pack in enough calories to equal that of a meal? I'm sure I have. But if I ate everything in my house, I couldn't get all the fat grams that I'd get in one meal in a fast-food restaurant. (I know, calories are calories in the end!)
I think there needs to be some truth in advertising here. If a restaurant is going to advocate going out for a fourth meal, they should have the folks in the ads look like people who eat four meals a day - not like people who don't even finish their first meal of the day. There should be a group of pre-Subway Jared size people eating their taco and nacho fourth meal.
So, how 'bout it? I'm taking a pledge to pass on "fourth meal" - and to get serious about limiting my evening snacks so that the calories don't even add up to a quarter of a fourth meal. What about you?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Steamrolled...Man-oh-Man!
It's officially Christmastime. I saw Mannheim Steamroller in concert tonight.
We are very blessed here in Greenville to have a fabulous concert hall - The Peace Center. And, because it is so good, they are able to pull in excellent folks to perform. MS performed their Spring show here earlier this year and liked the venue so much that they wanted to come back for The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller! Can you believe it?! Mannheim Steamroller in the same town TWICE in one year!!!
I have been a Chip Davis fanatic ever since my stint in Omaha in the mid-80's. When I graduated college, I moved there for my first "real" job. A company from Omaha came to interview on my college campus. I remember very distinctly asking everyone "Omaha - who the hell would move to Omaha?" Well, I was the one person from the class who did. And, I loved almost every minute of it. (The car crash and resulting ambulance ride to the hospital and losing a job for the very first time in my life were two things I could have lived without!)
There are two things you learn within the first half hour of living in Omaha - that food there is AWESOME (I mean, some of the best restaurants in the country!) and that Chip Davis and Warren Buffett are heroes in town. By the end of the first week, I was up five pounds, learned more about the stock market than I'd ever known up to that point in my life, and was absolutely in love with Mannheim Steamroller and Chip Davis.
Tonight's show was phenomenal. The music was, of course, top-notch. It included the MS classics that you'd expect - Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, We Three Kings, Away in a Manger, I Saw Three Ships, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, and Silent Night - all the classics from "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas". But they also did several songs from their "Christmas Song" album and some of the Fresh Aire Christmas albums. The band's use of three small screens and one large screen was amazing. The screens never distracted but rather enhanced the music. Perhaps the most intriguing use of the screens was when the band was behind the large screen but fully lit - as in "seeable", not soused. The movie images were playing over and around the band and they melded into the scene so that they and the music and the images were all one. There was no delineation in the experience, they were all pieces of a whole and necessary to each other. Absolutely beautiful! And exquisitely clever.
The only thing missing tonight was Chip Davis. He is in Omaha recovering from neck surgery. I hope that Chuck Penington, Jeff Yang, Glen Smith, Tom Sharpe, and Joey Galizia and the supporting musicians remind him that he missed a really great show in a really great venue in an even better town. And, I hope he has a complete and speedy recovery - and that he rolls back into Greenville again in the near future.
If you get a chance, go see Mannheim Steamroller no matter the time of year. And if they're not coming to a venue near you, check out their CD's. My Christmas favorites are "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas", "Christmas Song", 'Christmas Extraordinaire" and "A Fresh Aire Christmas".
We are very blessed here in Greenville to have a fabulous concert hall - The Peace Center. And, because it is so good, they are able to pull in excellent folks to perform. MS performed their Spring show here earlier this year and liked the venue so much that they wanted to come back for The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller! Can you believe it?! Mannheim Steamroller in the same town TWICE in one year!!!
I have been a Chip Davis fanatic ever since my stint in Omaha in the mid-80's. When I graduated college, I moved there for my first "real" job. A company from Omaha came to interview on my college campus. I remember very distinctly asking everyone "Omaha - who the hell would move to Omaha?" Well, I was the one person from the class who did. And, I loved almost every minute of it. (The car crash and resulting ambulance ride to the hospital and losing a job for the very first time in my life were two things I could have lived without!)
There are two things you learn within the first half hour of living in Omaha - that food there is AWESOME (I mean, some of the best restaurants in the country!) and that Chip Davis and Warren Buffett are heroes in town. By the end of the first week, I was up five pounds, learned more about the stock market than I'd ever known up to that point in my life, and was absolutely in love with Mannheim Steamroller and Chip Davis.
Tonight's show was phenomenal. The music was, of course, top-notch. It included the MS classics that you'd expect - Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, We Three Kings, Away in a Manger, I Saw Three Ships, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, and Silent Night - all the classics from "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas". But they also did several songs from their "Christmas Song" album and some of the Fresh Aire Christmas albums. The band's use of three small screens and one large screen was amazing. The screens never distracted but rather enhanced the music. Perhaps the most intriguing use of the screens was when the band was behind the large screen but fully lit - as in "seeable", not soused. The movie images were playing over and around the band and they melded into the scene so that they and the music and the images were all one. There was no delineation in the experience, they were all pieces of a whole and necessary to each other. Absolutely beautiful! And exquisitely clever.
The only thing missing tonight was Chip Davis. He is in Omaha recovering from neck surgery. I hope that Chuck Penington, Jeff Yang, Glen Smith, Tom Sharpe, and Joey Galizia and the supporting musicians remind him that he missed a really great show in a really great venue in an even better town. And, I hope he has a complete and speedy recovery - and that he rolls back into Greenville again in the near future.
If you get a chance, go see Mannheim Steamroller no matter the time of year. And if they're not coming to a venue near you, check out their CD's. My Christmas favorites are "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas", "Christmas Song", 'Christmas Extraordinaire" and "A Fresh Aire Christmas".
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17th - My Luckiest Day of the Year
It's November 17th and I'm celebrating the day. Those who know always wonder if I plan to spend the day in bed, hiding under the covers. But that is not my style - and those who know me, know that. In fact, those who know me are celebrating the day with me - just like they have for the past two years.
You see, on November 17, 2004, at 4:07 p.m. I had a stroke. So, those of you who are quick with math might be asking, why haven't you and your friends been celebrating November 17th for the last three years instead of the last two? Because on November 17, 2005, I was in the operating room undergoing emergency surgery.
Now, I'll be honest with you, on November 17, 2006, I thought about staying in bed when the alarm went off. But I got up...and took the day off work - and made sure I had 911 on my speed dial. But then I realized that November 17th had to be the luckiest day of the year for me. First of all, sure I'd had a stroke on that day, but I'd survived it and recovered almost 100%! And, yeah, I'd had emergency surgery on that day - but the results were excellent and two and a half weeks later, I was back on my feet and ready to take on the world again. Both November 17ths could have ended in disastrous results - instead, things turned out pretty good. So, I consider myself lucky. And blessed.
So, I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating movement. I'm celebrating family and friends. I'm celebrating life.
I've learned to do that not just on November 17th but on EVERY day...because any day can be a November 17th. And maybe that day won't be as lucky.
So celebrate today with me. And if you happen to glance at the clock at 4:07 p.m. smile as wide as you can - because you can. And know that I will be, too - because I can now.
PS Thanks, Tama, you were my hero four years ago. You were the one who recognized what was happening and called for help. And you stayed by my side at the hospital until my parents arrived. You are the best!
PPS Thanks Carol and Val for following the ambulance to the hospital and staying by my side until my parents arrived, too.
Signs of a stroke:
You see, on November 17, 2004, at 4:07 p.m. I had a stroke. So, those of you who are quick with math might be asking, why haven't you and your friends been celebrating November 17th for the last three years instead of the last two? Because on November 17, 2005, I was in the operating room undergoing emergency surgery.
Now, I'll be honest with you, on November 17, 2006, I thought about staying in bed when the alarm went off. But I got up...and took the day off work - and made sure I had 911 on my speed dial. But then I realized that November 17th had to be the luckiest day of the year for me. First of all, sure I'd had a stroke on that day, but I'd survived it and recovered almost 100%! And, yeah, I'd had emergency surgery on that day - but the results were excellent and two and a half weeks later, I was back on my feet and ready to take on the world again. Both November 17ths could have ended in disastrous results - instead, things turned out pretty good. So, I consider myself lucky. And blessed.
So, I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating movement. I'm celebrating family and friends. I'm celebrating life.
I've learned to do that not just on November 17th but on EVERY day...because any day can be a November 17th. And maybe that day won't be as lucky.
So celebrate today with me. And if you happen to glance at the clock at 4:07 p.m. smile as wide as you can - because you can. And know that I will be, too - because I can now.
PS Thanks, Tama, you were my hero four years ago. You were the one who recognized what was happening and called for help. And you stayed by my side at the hospital until my parents arrived. You are the best!
PPS Thanks Carol and Val for following the ambulance to the hospital and staying by my side until my parents arrived, too.
Signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Songlines
Are you familiar with songlines? They are the Australian Aboriginal myths of Creation. And, they are fascinating...and beautiful. These Dreamtime stories tell of Australia's original wanderers giving names to places, birds, animals, etc. They explain everything. All cultures have their myths of creation. I mentioned in an earlier post that I also enjoy the Native American myths that Hillerman and Mitchell incorporate into their mysteries. But the Aboriginal songlines are especially close to my heart because as Bruce Chatwin says in his book "The Songlines", they sang their world into existence.
So...what does all this have to do with the Eagles tickets that I was about ready to pee my pants over yesterday? Well, I'm glad you asked!
Music has always been one of the most important things in my life. Music is interwoven through my entire world, my entire existence. I can tell you the first album my parents gave me as a child (Walt Disney Hits...and I swore that my mom's best friend Ruth sang Bippity-Boppity-Boo...and NO ONE could convince me otherwise...still can't...I don't care what the album jacket says), my first album as a teeny bopper (Wayne Newton Live! - hey! cut me some slack! we had just gone to Vegas and seen his show AND MET HIM and I thought he was SO cool!), my first 8-track (An Evening with John Denver...no excuses...I still love John Denver) - well, you get the picture.
Okay, okay...the Eagles. Heartache Tonight was released in 1979 and was a huge hit. The Sophomore class at East High School in Aurora will take credit for that, thank you. After all, we were the ones who called the radio station and requested it night after night as we worked our fingers to the bone on the homecoming float. Really. We twisted more tissue paper around chicken wire than you can ever imagine. And we constantly requested Heartache Tonight. And when it came on, we'd jump up from the garage floor and dance and sing at the top of our lungs. There was heartache for the Juniors and Seniors on homecoming night when our Tomcat beat their Tomcats. We'd sung out path to victory.
I could tell you stories for hundreds of songs in my life - including dozens of Eagles songs - but I'm only going to tell you one more for now. One that is immediate on my personal songline. You know, my path in the life I'm creating for myself.
I've already mentioned that music is important to me. My whole life has been and is set to music. When I think of a memory, I can immediately associate it with a song. When I hear a song, I immediately think of something that happened in my life. I've also mentioned that I am working on a novel. When you write a novel, they tell you that you should "know your characters". Things like what they'd eat, what's their favorite TV show, what's their favorite color, etc. Well, naturally, I also know what's on each of my characters' iPods. When I look at a person, I often think of a song. So, I associate my characters with songs as well. When the Eagles released their newest CD (Long Road Out of Eden) late last year, the song Busy Being Fabulous immediately became Stephanie's song. I don't know when Don Henley and Glenn Frey went on walkabout through my dreamtime but I'm glad they did. They nailed my gal Steph. Everyone should have a song. And Stephanie has hers. AND I'm going to get to hear the Eagles sing it live!
The Eagles have one other really special place on my songline. Yesterday I mentioned standing in line for tickets. That was on November 13, 2004. A Saturday morning. With snow flurries. It was a fabulous day and all was right with my world. Four days later, on Wednesday, I had a stroke. At age 40. I remember laying in the critical care area of the emergency room thinking "well damn it, I have Eagles tickets". (I couldn't piece it together at that very moment, but I had four months until the concert - March 8, 2005.) One of the legs that I had used to stand in line for those tickets would not keep my balance. The hand that I had used to hand the lady my credit card would not move. I knew what I was thinking but that's not always what I was saying. Only four days had passed since I stood in that line and requested those seats and paid for those tickets and at that moment, nothing was right with my world.
So, almost exactly four years to the day later - November 14, 2008 - I bought Eagles tickets again. I didn't have to stand in line but I could have if I had to. And, I used that hand that didn't move to type on the keyboard to purchase the tickets because it moves again. And, on most days, my mind and mouth do work together unless I'm REALLY tired or REALLY excited. And once again, all is right with my world. Now I just have to get through November 17th. (Stay tuned!)
Find your songs and dance along your songline in life. What are your songs? I hope that one of them is Life's Been Good!
So...what does all this have to do with the Eagles tickets that I was about ready to pee my pants over yesterday? Well, I'm glad you asked!
Music has always been one of the most important things in my life. Music is interwoven through my entire world, my entire existence. I can tell you the first album my parents gave me as a child (Walt Disney Hits...and I swore that my mom's best friend Ruth sang Bippity-Boppity-Boo...and NO ONE could convince me otherwise...still can't...I don't care what the album jacket says), my first album as a teeny bopper (Wayne Newton Live! - hey! cut me some slack! we had just gone to Vegas and seen his show AND MET HIM and I thought he was SO cool!), my first 8-track (An Evening with John Denver...no excuses...I still love John Denver) - well, you get the picture.
Okay, okay...the Eagles. Heartache Tonight was released in 1979 and was a huge hit. The Sophomore class at East High School in Aurora will take credit for that, thank you. After all, we were the ones who called the radio station and requested it night after night as we worked our fingers to the bone on the homecoming float. Really. We twisted more tissue paper around chicken wire than you can ever imagine. And we constantly requested Heartache Tonight. And when it came on, we'd jump up from the garage floor and dance and sing at the top of our lungs. There was heartache for the Juniors and Seniors on homecoming night when our Tomcat beat their Tomcats. We'd sung out path to victory.
I could tell you stories for hundreds of songs in my life - including dozens of Eagles songs - but I'm only going to tell you one more for now. One that is immediate on my personal songline. You know, my path in the life I'm creating for myself.
I've already mentioned that music is important to me. My whole life has been and is set to music. When I think of a memory, I can immediately associate it with a song. When I hear a song, I immediately think of something that happened in my life. I've also mentioned that I am working on a novel. When you write a novel, they tell you that you should "know your characters". Things like what they'd eat, what's their favorite TV show, what's their favorite color, etc. Well, naturally, I also know what's on each of my characters' iPods. When I look at a person, I often think of a song. So, I associate my characters with songs as well. When the Eagles released their newest CD (Long Road Out of Eden) late last year, the song Busy Being Fabulous immediately became Stephanie's song. I don't know when Don Henley and Glenn Frey went on walkabout through my dreamtime but I'm glad they did. They nailed my gal Steph. Everyone should have a song. And Stephanie has hers. AND I'm going to get to hear the Eagles sing it live!
The Eagles have one other really special place on my songline. Yesterday I mentioned standing in line for tickets. That was on November 13, 2004. A Saturday morning. With snow flurries. It was a fabulous day and all was right with my world. Four days later, on Wednesday, I had a stroke. At age 40. I remember laying in the critical care area of the emergency room thinking "well damn it, I have Eagles tickets". (I couldn't piece it together at that very moment, but I had four months until the concert - March 8, 2005.) One of the legs that I had used to stand in line for those tickets would not keep my balance. The hand that I had used to hand the lady my credit card would not move. I knew what I was thinking but that's not always what I was saying. Only four days had passed since I stood in that line and requested those seats and paid for those tickets and at that moment, nothing was right with my world.
So, almost exactly four years to the day later - November 14, 2008 - I bought Eagles tickets again. I didn't have to stand in line but I could have if I had to. And, I used that hand that didn't move to type on the keyboard to purchase the tickets because it moves again. And, on most days, my mind and mouth do work together unless I'm REALLY tired or REALLY excited. And once again, all is right with my world. Now I just have to get through November 17th. (Stay tuned!)
Find your songs and dance along your songline in life. What are your songs? I hope that one of them is Life's Been Good!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Life's Been Good To Me So Far...
...and today was no exception. Eagles pre-sale tickets were made available to people with American Express cards today and I got awesome seats! WOOHOO!!!
I saw the Eagles here in Greenville three years ago. It was the only group that I'd always wanted to see but had never had the opportunity to. When I say wanted to see, I swore that if they ever did another concert tour, I would crawl across the country on my knees if I had to to see them. Because remember, they had done their Farewell Tour so I was sure I'd never have the opportunity to see them.
But, they did a Farewell Tour 2! And, it came to little ol' Greenville! I wouldn't have to crawl on my knees anywhere! Instead, I'd just have to go down on a COLD, COLD day and stand in line for tickets because the only time they put tickets for any good concerts on sale in Greenville is on COLD days. Yes, Greenville is in the south. But it doesn't matter. Elton John, Cher, Eagles. They seem to come here in the winter or early Spring so the tickets go on sale in the winter and it's always on COLD days. So I went downtown and stood in line and it started snowing. No lie! Snow flurries! But I got my tickets!
I went to the concert with a sense of absolute excitement and a bit of dread. I'd looked forward to this concert all my life. How could it possibly live up to my expectations? Oh My God! I've seen at least sixty or seventy concerts in my life - and probably a few dozen more than that. None of them compared to the Eagles concert. The clarity of sound (in a venue known for often having poor sound quality, no less!), the quality of their voices and instrumentation, the non-stop entertainment (the show went on for over 3 1/2 hours and it was just them!), the mood they created in the arena, the rapport with the crowd... It was FABULOUS!
I figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Then two days ago they announced the Eagles were coming back. To Greenville! After the Farewell Tour 2! Go figure! And they're going to be here three days before my 45th birthday. AND even though I got the tickets through the pre-sale where you can't choose your seating section (it just pops up the available seats and you take what it offers or you don't get any tickets) it came up with my favorite section - the one that I always choose when I go to the box office to purchase tickets. What are the chances?! Indeed, life's been good to me!
Now, some of you are probably thinking "Chill Charmi, it's just a concert!". Tomorrow I'll explain why this is such a big deal to me.
11/21 Update...Eagles tickets went on sale at the box office today and just to prove my point from four paragraphs up, it was 27 degrees this morning. The wind chill brought it down to 14 degrees. I TOLD YOU! Concert tickets don't go on sale in Greenville, SC, unless it's COLD. (Thank you, American Express, for letting me sit in my warm, cozy living room to get my tickets this go'round!)
I saw the Eagles here in Greenville three years ago. It was the only group that I'd always wanted to see but had never had the opportunity to. When I say wanted to see, I swore that if they ever did another concert tour, I would crawl across the country on my knees if I had to to see them. Because remember, they had done their Farewell Tour so I was sure I'd never have the opportunity to see them.
But, they did a Farewell Tour 2! And, it came to little ol' Greenville! I wouldn't have to crawl on my knees anywhere! Instead, I'd just have to go down on a COLD, COLD day and stand in line for tickets because the only time they put tickets for any good concerts on sale in Greenville is on COLD days. Yes, Greenville is in the south. But it doesn't matter. Elton John, Cher, Eagles. They seem to come here in the winter or early Spring so the tickets go on sale in the winter and it's always on COLD days. So I went downtown and stood in line and it started snowing. No lie! Snow flurries! But I got my tickets!
I went to the concert with a sense of absolute excitement and a bit of dread. I'd looked forward to this concert all my life. How could it possibly live up to my expectations? Oh My God! I've seen at least sixty or seventy concerts in my life - and probably a few dozen more than that. None of them compared to the Eagles concert. The clarity of sound (in a venue known for often having poor sound quality, no less!), the quality of their voices and instrumentation, the non-stop entertainment (the show went on for over 3 1/2 hours and it was just them!), the mood they created in the arena, the rapport with the crowd... It was FABULOUS!
I figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Then two days ago they announced the Eagles were coming back. To Greenville! After the Farewell Tour 2! Go figure! And they're going to be here three days before my 45th birthday. AND even though I got the tickets through the pre-sale where you can't choose your seating section (it just pops up the available seats and you take what it offers or you don't get any tickets) it came up with my favorite section - the one that I always choose when I go to the box office to purchase tickets. What are the chances?! Indeed, life's been good to me!
Now, some of you are probably thinking "Chill Charmi, it's just a concert!". Tomorrow I'll explain why this is such a big deal to me.
11/21 Update...Eagles tickets went on sale at the box office today and just to prove my point from four paragraphs up, it was 27 degrees this morning. The wind chill brought it down to 14 degrees. I TOLD YOU! Concert tickets don't go on sale in Greenville, SC, unless it's COLD. (Thank you, American Express, for letting me sit in my warm, cozy living room to get my tickets this go'round!)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Hey, Mabel...this one's for you and your friend!
So the economy sucks and the mall is having some killer sales. Purse 3/4 empty...glass 3/4 full type of situation.
I haven't shopped a lot in the last six months for a couple reasons. The first is that since I was outsourced - or since my job was - I've been on a tight budget until I have an actual income again. The second is that I've been trying to lose weight so I haven't wanted to spend what money I still have budgeted for fun on clothes that hopefully will be too big before long.
But today was sale day and I went. Now, I'm still a plus-size gal. But I thought I'd wander down to the regular size area and look around. I was looking at some sale racks in the Liz Claiborne area when Mabel and her friend entered my life.
"Mabel, isn't this the regular size area, Mabel? I didn't think they had anything BIG over here, did you, Mabel?"
I ignored the screechy-voiced elderly lady. I assumed that Mabel, her equally elderly friend, must've been hard-of-hearing because she was certainly talking loud enough for the near-deaf to hear. Although Mabel didn't respond, so maybe she couldn't hear her. Mabel's friend must've assumed the same thing because she just continued on...getting louder for both our benefit, I guess.
"Mabel, BIG sizes are down the way, aren't they?"
I looked up at the woman. She just stared back at me. I picked up an XL knit dress and held it up. I was sure it would fit.
"Mabel..."
I looked at Mabel. Mabel looked at me. I picked up another XL knit dress and looked at Mabel again.
"These are the regular sizes. I'm just sure there's another department..."
Finally, Mabel found her voice! "I think there are some larger sizes here."
Well, that wasn't exactly what I was thinking about saying to Mabel's friend but I just bit my tongue. I found two more dresses that I liked. I took all four of them into the dressing room, much to Mabel's friend's horror. (I could hear the gasp!)
I slipped the first dress on - AND IT FIT! I sashayed out to the sales floor...and Mabel and her friend were no where to be found. I looked all over. I padded, actually, I stomped around in my stocking feet from one end of the department to the other. I couldn't find them anywhere. I stomped back to the dressing room and tried on the second dress - AND IT FIT! I stomped out of the dressing room and made another tour of the department. I wanted to cup my hands around my mouth and yell "MABEL!" at the top of my lungs. But I didn't.
I went back and tried on the other dresses. AND THEY FIT! I swear, if Mabel had ever called her friend by name, I'd have gone and had them paged and I'd have made them watch me model the dresses.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I could not get my hind end into a single pair of pants in that entire department. I have no doubt about that. But every one of those knit Liz Claiborne dresses fit me and looked nice. I could wear them to dinner tonight and feel comfortable doing so.
So there you go Mabel and friend! You were so worried about whether or not I should be shopping in your area and it turns out, the answer was YES! And those dresses...they were all 80% off! I got all four for less than the original price of one! So, there's still some money floating around in my purse. And that glass I mentioned at the start...it's definitely 100% full tonight!
I haven't shopped a lot in the last six months for a couple reasons. The first is that since I was outsourced - or since my job was - I've been on a tight budget until I have an actual income again. The second is that I've been trying to lose weight so I haven't wanted to spend what money I still have budgeted for fun on clothes that hopefully will be too big before long.
But today was sale day and I went. Now, I'm still a plus-size gal. But I thought I'd wander down to the regular size area and look around. I was looking at some sale racks in the Liz Claiborne area when Mabel and her friend entered my life.
"Mabel, isn't this the regular size area, Mabel? I didn't think they had anything BIG over here, did you, Mabel?"
I ignored the screechy-voiced elderly lady. I assumed that Mabel, her equally elderly friend, must've been hard-of-hearing because she was certainly talking loud enough for the near-deaf to hear. Although Mabel didn't respond, so maybe she couldn't hear her. Mabel's friend must've assumed the same thing because she just continued on...getting louder for both our benefit, I guess.
"Mabel, BIG sizes are down the way, aren't they?"
I looked up at the woman. She just stared back at me. I picked up an XL knit dress and held it up. I was sure it would fit.
"Mabel..."
I looked at Mabel. Mabel looked at me. I picked up another XL knit dress and looked at Mabel again.
"These are the regular sizes. I'm just sure there's another department..."
Finally, Mabel found her voice! "I think there are some larger sizes here."
Well, that wasn't exactly what I was thinking about saying to Mabel's friend but I just bit my tongue. I found two more dresses that I liked. I took all four of them into the dressing room, much to Mabel's friend's horror. (I could hear the gasp!)
I slipped the first dress on - AND IT FIT! I sashayed out to the sales floor...and Mabel and her friend were no where to be found. I looked all over. I padded, actually, I stomped around in my stocking feet from one end of the department to the other. I couldn't find them anywhere. I stomped back to the dressing room and tried on the second dress - AND IT FIT! I stomped out of the dressing room and made another tour of the department. I wanted to cup my hands around my mouth and yell "MABEL!" at the top of my lungs. But I didn't.
I went back and tried on the other dresses. AND THEY FIT! I swear, if Mabel had ever called her friend by name, I'd have gone and had them paged and I'd have made them watch me model the dresses.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I could not get my hind end into a single pair of pants in that entire department. I have no doubt about that. But every one of those knit Liz Claiborne dresses fit me and looked nice. I could wear them to dinner tonight and feel comfortable doing so.
So there you go Mabel and friend! You were so worried about whether or not I should be shopping in your area and it turns out, the answer was YES! And those dresses...they were all 80% off! I got all four for less than the original price of one! So, there's still some money floating around in my purse. And that glass I mentioned at the start...it's definitely 100% full tonight!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Find Your Pizza Party - And VOTE!
Election Day...finally! I hope everyone has voted. If not and you still have time, go - now! I'll wait.
I'm a political junkie from waaaay back. As long as I can remember, there were pictures of John Kennedy and the Kennedy family mixed among the family photos at my grandparent's house. For the longest time, I just thought they were relatives of ours. Heck, we even had a picture of him at our house. He died two months to the day before I was born. I never experienced him during his lifetime but still, I knew all about him.
My first actual political experience was a George McGovern rally at my dad's union hall. Dad worked at the Caterpillar factory, on the line. It was a big deal when Senator McGovern announced that he was coming to the union hall to talk to the guys working in the factory. My dad and his buddies worked so hard, oftentimes working overtime four days a week and at least two Saturdays a month. It was great that he was going to hear the stories of the working men and their families. We all went down to the union hall for the big event.
When we got there, you know what they had? The biggest pizzas I'd ever seen! Oh my God! In all the eight years I'd lived to that point, I'd NEVER seen pizzas that big. I had no idea who this George McGovern guy really was but if I could have voted, I would have walked barefoot across hot coals to vote for him! Democratic Party? Republican Party? Pizza Party!!!! Yep - I was for the Pizza Party. I had politics all figured out by age eight. (Is it any surprise that weight has been an issue in one way or another throughout my life?!)
So there it is. Which candidate is going to give everyone, especially the working man, the biggest piece of the pie when the day is done? Which one is going to give the children something to smile about and look forward to? Which candidate would you walk barefoot across hot coals for? Go out and vote for that person. Now!
And grab an extra large pepperoni pizza on the way home. It's a great day for a pizza party!
I'm a political junkie from waaaay back. As long as I can remember, there were pictures of John Kennedy and the Kennedy family mixed among the family photos at my grandparent's house. For the longest time, I just thought they were relatives of ours. Heck, we even had a picture of him at our house. He died two months to the day before I was born. I never experienced him during his lifetime but still, I knew all about him.
My first actual political experience was a George McGovern rally at my dad's union hall. Dad worked at the Caterpillar factory, on the line. It was a big deal when Senator McGovern announced that he was coming to the union hall to talk to the guys working in the factory. My dad and his buddies worked so hard, oftentimes working overtime four days a week and at least two Saturdays a month. It was great that he was going to hear the stories of the working men and their families. We all went down to the union hall for the big event.
When we got there, you know what they had? The biggest pizzas I'd ever seen! Oh my God! In all the eight years I'd lived to that point, I'd NEVER seen pizzas that big. I had no idea who this George McGovern guy really was but if I could have voted, I would have walked barefoot across hot coals to vote for him! Democratic Party? Republican Party? Pizza Party!!!! Yep - I was for the Pizza Party. I had politics all figured out by age eight. (Is it any surprise that weight has been an issue in one way or another throughout my life?!)
So there it is. Which candidate is going to give everyone, especially the working man, the biggest piece of the pie when the day is done? Which one is going to give the children something to smile about and look forward to? Which candidate would you walk barefoot across hot coals for? Go out and vote for that person. Now!
And grab an extra large pepperoni pizza on the way home. It's a great day for a pizza party!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Local Biggest Losers Lose
Well, the Red Team is out. I mentioned earlier that the Red Team is from my town. And, in fact, they work out at my gym...at least part of the time. According to the local news, they work out at a few gyms around town. And why shouldn't they? They work out for AT LEAST three hours a day. THREE! Hello!!!
I guess that's how Phil (the male half of the Red Team) has lost 120 pounds in the last five months. Amy (lady Red) has lost 80 if I remember the news report correctly. When they were at "the ranch", they were working out eight - yes EIGHT - hours a day. So, I guess they are taking it easy now. (Go ahead, roll your eyes. I did.)
Now, I gotta tell you, I lost 128 pounds - actually a bit more but I don't often count those last few pounds. (Too painful to remember...but that's for a later post.) I lost the first 118 exercising ONE hour a day...and not even every day. Granted, I didn't do it in five months. But I also had a life. And I didn't suffer. And it wasn't hard. Really! I also didn't have a television camera in my face until AFTER I lost the weight.
They're keeping up the grinding exercise schedule in hopes of "winning" $100,000 on the Biggest Loser season finale. They won't be the Biggest Loser Big Winners but they can still be Biggest Loser Winners. Ummm. Sitting here thinking about it. Biggest Loser is really an appropriate name for the show. "Winning" can come at a really big cost - one that I'm sure they can't even begin to comprehend at this point.
I'm so glad that when I lost my weight the first time it was when you had to lose weight and then get on TV, not the other way around. I took the time to do it right. Do it in a healthy, realistic way. Biggest loser? Nah. But guess what? In the overall scheme of things, I win!
I guess that's how Phil (the male half of the Red Team) has lost 120 pounds in the last five months. Amy (lady Red) has lost 80 if I remember the news report correctly. When they were at "the ranch", they were working out eight - yes EIGHT - hours a day. So, I guess they are taking it easy now. (Go ahead, roll your eyes. I did.)
Now, I gotta tell you, I lost 128 pounds - actually a bit more but I don't often count those last few pounds. (Too painful to remember...but that's for a later post.) I lost the first 118 exercising ONE hour a day...and not even every day. Granted, I didn't do it in five months. But I also had a life. And I didn't suffer. And it wasn't hard. Really! I also didn't have a television camera in my face until AFTER I lost the weight.
They're keeping up the grinding exercise schedule in hopes of "winning" $100,000 on the Biggest Loser season finale. They won't be the Biggest Loser Big Winners but they can still be Biggest Loser Winners. Ummm. Sitting here thinking about it. Biggest Loser is really an appropriate name for the show. "Winning" can come at a really big cost - one that I'm sure they can't even begin to comprehend at this point.
I'm so glad that when I lost my weight the first time it was when you had to lose weight and then get on TV, not the other way around. I took the time to do it right. Do it in a healthy, realistic way. Biggest loser? Nah. But guess what? In the overall scheme of things, I win!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Trick-Or-Treat!
Today is Halloween. If I was a kid, that would mean that I would be bouncing my leg and looking at the clock and sighing and fidgeting and whining that time moved so slow. Then I'd run home from school, skipping with excitement.
The five of us - my friends Denise and Lisa, Carol and Linda, and me - we'd gather in front of my grandma & grandpa's house and we'd ready our pillowcases. The planning would begin. We'd look up and down the street.
"The 600 block sucked. Remember? The white house gave raisins. The tan house gave apples."
"Yeah, and we got bubblegum and Dum Dum suckers from that block, too."
"Okay, so we'll skip that block and hit it last if we have time."
We'd huddle and draw up the map in our minds - five little girls planning a strike that would impress an Army general. All of us undercover, a gypsy, a ballerina, a princess, a butterfly, and an angel. No one would suspect that we were on such a planned mission - commandos dressed liked princesses.
None of us would even mention the first two stops but we'd know where they were. We'd turn as a group and head to Max' house. Max lived three houses down from my grandparents. He and his wife were always fond of us girls. It was a good thing because we liked to go collect the chestnuts from his chestnut tree in the Fall. And we liked to run in his big side yard. And, we liked to pretend that his pretty brick house was ours so we'd sit in his front yard and have picnics. He and Miriam never chased us away like some older people do. They seemed to delight in the fact that we visited. And, they were always waiting for the five of us to show up on Halloween.
"Trick-or-treat!"
Max would open the door and made a huge fuss over us just like he did every year. Then Miriam would arrive with THE TRAY. Our eyes would grow wide because even though we knew that Max was going to treat us all like princesses, we'd still be surprised. Max and Miriam would first give us each a homemade popcorn ball and a homemade caramel apple. Then we would have our choice of a full-size Hostess cake (I always took the Suzy-Q) and then a full-size candy bar (I always took the Milky-Way)! Can you even imagine all that?! We'd thank Max and Miriam and leave the porch squealing like we'd just robbed the candy store. We'd run home and drop the booty off so it didn't get crushed beneath the rest of the night's haul, meet in front of my grandparent's house again, and then set out for the second house.
The second house would be a house that was never discussed either. We just knew it was where we were going. It was the corner house on the next block. We would have a two-fold mission, we were to collect our booty and to deliver an envelope from our parents. The lady who lived in the house was an old lady. A really old lady. Every year we wondered if she'd be there the next year.
"Trick-or-treat!"
We'd all smile when the old lady opened the door. She'd smile too. She'd drop the nickels into our empty pillowcases. We would be thrilled with the nickels - we would go to Rusty's, the corner store - the next day and buy some penny candy. I don't know why we needed to buy penny candy. We'd have a whole sack full of candy before the night was over but at that minute as the nickel tumbled into the cotton sack, all any of would think about was going to Rusty's to get fistful of candy...because Ray would always give us more than a penny's worth.
We'd thank the old lady and I'd hand her the envelope. It was only later that I learned that our parents would give her money every year. Halloween was a treat for her as well! I'm glad to know that.
Off we'd go on the rest of our mission. At the end of the night, we'd return with our pillowcases full of candy and our hearts full of incredible memories of a mission completed in a way that only friends could. Talk about shock and awe! It was sugar-shock and AWESOME!
The true treat of all those Halloweens is the memory of the costumes made by Mom & Dad, the time spent roaming the neighborhood with Denise, Lisa, Carol, and Linda, the kindness of Max and Miriam and the old lady whose name I never knew, and the laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.
(btw Dad, I finally figured out that the candy you sorted out that I "didn't" like when I was little was the candy that you did like...but that's okay, you earned it!)
The five of us - my friends Denise and Lisa, Carol and Linda, and me - we'd gather in front of my grandma & grandpa's house and we'd ready our pillowcases. The planning would begin. We'd look up and down the street.
"The 600 block sucked. Remember? The white house gave raisins. The tan house gave apples."
"Yeah, and we got bubblegum and Dum Dum suckers from that block, too."
"Okay, so we'll skip that block and hit it last if we have time."
We'd huddle and draw up the map in our minds - five little girls planning a strike that would impress an Army general. All of us undercover, a gypsy, a ballerina, a princess, a butterfly, and an angel. No one would suspect that we were on such a planned mission - commandos dressed liked princesses.
None of us would even mention the first two stops but we'd know where they were. We'd turn as a group and head to Max' house. Max lived three houses down from my grandparents. He and his wife were always fond of us girls. It was a good thing because we liked to go collect the chestnuts from his chestnut tree in the Fall. And we liked to run in his big side yard. And, we liked to pretend that his pretty brick house was ours so we'd sit in his front yard and have picnics. He and Miriam never chased us away like some older people do. They seemed to delight in the fact that we visited. And, they were always waiting for the five of us to show up on Halloween.
"Trick-or-treat!"
Max would open the door and made a huge fuss over us just like he did every year. Then Miriam would arrive with THE TRAY. Our eyes would grow wide because even though we knew that Max was going to treat us all like princesses, we'd still be surprised. Max and Miriam would first give us each a homemade popcorn ball and a homemade caramel apple. Then we would have our choice of a full-size Hostess cake (I always took the Suzy-Q) and then a full-size candy bar (I always took the Milky-Way)! Can you even imagine all that?! We'd thank Max and Miriam and leave the porch squealing like we'd just robbed the candy store. We'd run home and drop the booty off so it didn't get crushed beneath the rest of the night's haul, meet in front of my grandparent's house again, and then set out for the second house.
The second house would be a house that was never discussed either. We just knew it was where we were going. It was the corner house on the next block. We would have a two-fold mission, we were to collect our booty and to deliver an envelope from our parents. The lady who lived in the house was an old lady. A really old lady. Every year we wondered if she'd be there the next year.
"Trick-or-treat!"
We'd all smile when the old lady opened the door. She'd smile too. She'd drop the nickels into our empty pillowcases. We would be thrilled with the nickels - we would go to Rusty's, the corner store - the next day and buy some penny candy. I don't know why we needed to buy penny candy. We'd have a whole sack full of candy before the night was over but at that minute as the nickel tumbled into the cotton sack, all any of would think about was going to Rusty's to get fistful of candy...because Ray would always give us more than a penny's worth.
We'd thank the old lady and I'd hand her the envelope. It was only later that I learned that our parents would give her money every year. Halloween was a treat for her as well! I'm glad to know that.
Off we'd go on the rest of our mission. At the end of the night, we'd return with our pillowcases full of candy and our hearts full of incredible memories of a mission completed in a way that only friends could. Talk about shock and awe! It was sugar-shock and AWESOME!
The true treat of all those Halloweens is the memory of the costumes made by Mom & Dad, the time spent roaming the neighborhood with Denise, Lisa, Carol, and Linda, the kindness of Max and Miriam and the old lady whose name I never knew, and the laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.
(btw Dad, I finally figured out that the candy you sorted out that I "didn't" like when I was little was the candy that you did like...but that's okay, you earned it!)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Seldom Disappointed...but definitely sad today
I couldn't believe it when I saw the news that Tony Hillerman died on Sunday. I had just returned home from the annual South Carolina Writers Conference at Myrtle Beach when I heard the news.
On Saturday evening of the conference (just the night before), I'd had dinner at a table hosted by a literary agent. One of the topics of conversation was what authors we always bought in hardback. I immediately responded Tony Hillerman. His Navajo mysteries were to me like Harry Potter novels were to others. I would anxiously anticipate the release date and would be first in line when the bookstore opened on the Tuesday release day. I could not get enough of Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee. Another dinner table topic was audio books - did we like them and if so, what did we like. I said that I preferred ones read by the author and again referred to Mr. Hillerman's memoir, SELDOM DISAPPOINTED, as an example.
I became intrigued with the Navajo when I was a young child. My parents loaded up the old station wagon and off we went - a three-week drive from Aurora, Illinois, through the Southwest and back. We stopped at a little roadside stand on a Navajo reservation and my parents bought me a handmade Indian doll. The Navajo woman who sewed it told me stories of children my age on the reservation. I still have that doll.
The summer I graduated high school, I spent several weeks in Spain with some friends from my Spanish class. I was wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz (the Jewish Quarter) in Seville one sunny afternoon and happened upon an elderly Navajo man selling dreamcatchers. I sat with him for a while while he told me stories and drew one of the legends on a bookmark for me. I still have that bookmark.
Tony Hillerman took all of those stories I'd heard - and many more - and wove them into mysteries that not only kept me guessing, but also increased my desire to learn more about the Navajo way. It was because of him that I kept reading more, learning more about the Navajo and other Native American nations. It was because of him that I found another fabulous mystery author, Kirk Mitchell. Both men are masters at writing well-crafted Native American mysteries that honor the Indian legends, the natural beauty of Indian Country, and the strength and beauty of the Native American people while dealing with the real problems of reservation life.
Mr. Hillerman's mysteries are all top-notch. And, his memoir is one of the most interesting I've read. SELDOM DISAPPOINTED got it's title from Mr. Hillerman's mother's favorite saying. "Blessed are those who expect little. They are seldom disappointed." He writes in his memoir, "Looking back at life, I find I have often received more than I ever expected and suffered less than my share of disappointments."
At least for this gal, Mr. Hillerman never disappointed. Here's hoping that we all receive more than we expect and suffer less than our share of disappointments during our lifetime.
Thank you, Tony Hillerman. You will be missed.
On Saturday evening of the conference (just the night before), I'd had dinner at a table hosted by a literary agent. One of the topics of conversation was what authors we always bought in hardback. I immediately responded Tony Hillerman. His Navajo mysteries were to me like Harry Potter novels were to others. I would anxiously anticipate the release date and would be first in line when the bookstore opened on the Tuesday release day. I could not get enough of Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee. Another dinner table topic was audio books - did we like them and if so, what did we like. I said that I preferred ones read by the author and again referred to Mr. Hillerman's memoir, SELDOM DISAPPOINTED, as an example.
I became intrigued with the Navajo when I was a young child. My parents loaded up the old station wagon and off we went - a three-week drive from Aurora, Illinois, through the Southwest and back. We stopped at a little roadside stand on a Navajo reservation and my parents bought me a handmade Indian doll. The Navajo woman who sewed it told me stories of children my age on the reservation. I still have that doll.
The summer I graduated high school, I spent several weeks in Spain with some friends from my Spanish class. I was wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz (the Jewish Quarter) in Seville one sunny afternoon and happened upon an elderly Navajo man selling dreamcatchers. I sat with him for a while while he told me stories and drew one of the legends on a bookmark for me. I still have that bookmark.
Tony Hillerman took all of those stories I'd heard - and many more - and wove them into mysteries that not only kept me guessing, but also increased my desire to learn more about the Navajo way. It was because of him that I kept reading more, learning more about the Navajo and other Native American nations. It was because of him that I found another fabulous mystery author, Kirk Mitchell. Both men are masters at writing well-crafted Native American mysteries that honor the Indian legends, the natural beauty of Indian Country, and the strength and beauty of the Native American people while dealing with the real problems of reservation life.
Mr. Hillerman's mysteries are all top-notch. And, his memoir is one of the most interesting I've read. SELDOM DISAPPOINTED got it's title from Mr. Hillerman's mother's favorite saying. "Blessed are those who expect little. They are seldom disappointed." He writes in his memoir, "Looking back at life, I find I have often received more than I ever expected and suffered less than my share of disappointments."
At least for this gal, Mr. Hillerman never disappointed. Here's hoping that we all receive more than we expect and suffer less than our share of disappointments during our lifetime.
Thank you, Tony Hillerman. You will be missed.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hoop-Dee-Do!
After being stuck forever (at least it seemed like forever) at the same number on the scale, the darn thing is finally down FIVE pounds. Five! 5!!! WOOHOO!!!!
That loss didn't come without a new, old trick. I got out my hula hoop. Or, more correctly, I took it off the hook on the garage wall. I've spent as much time bending over and picking the plastic ring up off the floor as I have spent spinning it around my ample hips. But I'm not complaining! It did the trick. It got me headed downward again.
I have a history with hula hoops. I learned the benefits of hula hooping years ago when I was stuck at a plateau. I'd lost a lot of weight but was stuck then, too. I don't know what made me do it but I picked up a hula hoop one day. It did the trick back then just like it did this time. I guess that's why I've always had a hula hoop hanging around all these years. The thing is, it doesn't do a darn thing hanging on the garage wall. It sure does the trick running circles around my waist though!
How 'bout you? What's worked for you in the past? More importantly, what FUN thing has worked in the past?
That loss didn't come without a new, old trick. I got out my hula hoop. Or, more correctly, I took it off the hook on the garage wall. I've spent as much time bending over and picking the plastic ring up off the floor as I have spent spinning it around my ample hips. But I'm not complaining! It did the trick. It got me headed downward again.
I have a history with hula hoops. I learned the benefits of hula hooping years ago when I was stuck at a plateau. I'd lost a lot of weight but was stuck then, too. I don't know what made me do it but I picked up a hula hoop one day. It did the trick back then just like it did this time. I guess that's why I've always had a hula hoop hanging around all these years. The thing is, it doesn't do a darn thing hanging on the garage wall. It sure does the trick running circles around my waist though!
How 'bout you? What's worked for you in the past? More importantly, what FUN thing has worked in the past?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
On The Level
I'm stuck. The scale hasn't moved in two weeks. I'm not a happy plateau camper, either. Smooth and level is boring for me. When I'm bored, I get in trouble...usually in the form of double pepperoni and extra cheese. That's a sure plateau breaker!
I've added exercise. I've stopped exercise. I've eaten more kiwis. I've eaten less kiwis. I've sucked down water like I live in the desert. I've done everything but stand on my head. The thing that has me most frustrated was that I was editing my memoir last night and realized that this is FAR from my longest plateau. I could be stuck at this weight for weeks. WEEKS! I think I must have lost my patience along with the all the weight I lost several years ago because I don't think I'm up for several weeks without the scale moving.
I keep reminding myself that, yes, the smaller clothes are fitting...but I can't help it, I want the freakin' scale to move! No matter what anyone says, it is a numbers game in the end.
I guess as bad as a plateau is it could be worse...I could be heading back up the scale. UGH! I don't even want to go there. I'd rather stay on the level. Boring can be good!
Excuse me. I'm going to go stand on my head for a while and think about that.
I've added exercise. I've stopped exercise. I've eaten more kiwis. I've eaten less kiwis. I've sucked down water like I live in the desert. I've done everything but stand on my head. The thing that has me most frustrated was that I was editing my memoir last night and realized that this is FAR from my longest plateau. I could be stuck at this weight for weeks. WEEKS! I think I must have lost my patience along with the all the weight I lost several years ago because I don't think I'm up for several weeks without the scale moving.
I keep reminding myself that, yes, the smaller clothes are fitting...but I can't help it, I want the freakin' scale to move! No matter what anyone says, it is a numbers game in the end.
I guess as bad as a plateau is it could be worse...I could be heading back up the scale. UGH! I don't even want to go there. I'd rather stay on the level. Boring can be good!
Excuse me. I'm going to go stand on my head for a while and think about that.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Growin' Some
Tonsils...UGH!!! I had mine out two and a half years ago when I was 41 years old. It was HORRIBLE. It didn't get HORRIBLE until about eight or nine days after the surgery...just like the doc said it would. He was right. "They" always say it's harder on adults to have this surgery. He told me exactly what to expect and he was spot on. (He is a great doc.) Wish he'd have been my doc when I was nine years old and taken the suckers out then!
Anyway, for the last month, my throat has been hurting. For the last week or so, it's been really hurting. REALLY. I tried fat-free fudgesicles. They didn't work. I tried sucking on sour balls. Nope. I even tried cough drops and ibuprofen. Not a bit of relief. So, I tried more fudgesicles more often. Today, I finally gave in and went to the doctor. Did you know that your tonsils can grow back???!!! What kind of deal is that? I'll tell you, it's a BAD deal!
Now I'm not sure that that's why my throat hurts but all I know is that I have a small right tonsil again! I couldn't get much past that bit of news. I go see the ENT in a couple weeks. In the meantime, I'm going to have another fudgesicle...and maybe a margarita or three.
Shortly after my first tonsillectomy, I told my ENT that I'd rather have another hysterectomy than another tonsillectomy. Uh-oh...you don't suppose ovaries can grow back too, do you? Oh my goodness...maybe I'll just skip the fudgesicle in favor of an extra large 'bucket-o-margarita'. The kind that it takes two hands to hold. That might sooth my throat AND my nerves.
Pass the salt, please.
Anyway, for the last month, my throat has been hurting. For the last week or so, it's been really hurting. REALLY. I tried fat-free fudgesicles. They didn't work. I tried sucking on sour balls. Nope. I even tried cough drops and ibuprofen. Not a bit of relief. So, I tried more fudgesicles more often. Today, I finally gave in and went to the doctor. Did you know that your tonsils can grow back???!!! What kind of deal is that? I'll tell you, it's a BAD deal!
Now I'm not sure that that's why my throat hurts but all I know is that I have a small right tonsil again! I couldn't get much past that bit of news. I go see the ENT in a couple weeks. In the meantime, I'm going to have another fudgesicle...and maybe a margarita or three.
Shortly after my first tonsillectomy, I told my ENT that I'd rather have another hysterectomy than another tonsillectomy. Uh-oh...you don't suppose ovaries can grow back too, do you? Oh my goodness...maybe I'll just skip the fudgesicle in favor of an extra large 'bucket-o-margarita'. The kind that it takes two hands to hold. That might sooth my throat AND my nerves.
Pass the salt, please.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Downsizing My Closet
I've spent the last couple days going through my oversized closet. Not only is the closet oversized but so are the clothes in it. The good news is, some of the clothes are now too big. YEAH! So, I'm downsizing.
I should have done it twenty pounds and a dozen trips to the mall ago. The only reason I'm doing it now is because my neighborhood is having its Fall garage sale in a couple weeks. In my neighborhood, that's a big deal. We can't just have a garage sale...we can only have one when the neighborhood association decides we can. Part of the covenants. (Don't get me started!)
I've been trying on clothes am tickled to find how many zippers zip without a struggle now. I'll have to remember that when I'm kicking and cursing as I head out to the gym. I'll still kick and curse, just not quite as loud or for quite as long. The scale hasn't been moving as much as I'd like but today showed me progress in other ways.
I'm still a long way from the point of "rightsizing" my closet but as long as the downsizing keeps happening, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.
In the meantime, I've got a lot of stuff to go through in the next couple weeks. Ugh! Is there anything worse than having a garage sale? (I know the answer to that...yes, having it on a weekend not of your choosing! Don't get me started!!)
I should have done it twenty pounds and a dozen trips to the mall ago. The only reason I'm doing it now is because my neighborhood is having its Fall garage sale in a couple weeks. In my neighborhood, that's a big deal. We can't just have a garage sale...we can only have one when the neighborhood association decides we can. Part of the covenants. (Don't get me started!)
I've been trying on clothes am tickled to find how many zippers zip without a struggle now. I'll have to remember that when I'm kicking and cursing as I head out to the gym. I'll still kick and curse, just not quite as loud or for quite as long. The scale hasn't been moving as much as I'd like but today showed me progress in other ways.
I'm still a long way from the point of "rightsizing" my closet but as long as the downsizing keeps happening, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.
In the meantime, I've got a lot of stuff to go through in the next couple weeks. Ugh! Is there anything worse than having a garage sale? (I know the answer to that...yes, having it on a weekend not of your choosing! Don't get me started!!)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Picture this...
I got the monthly email update from the gym a couple days ago. It was full of the standard stuff. New classes, time changes, reminders to stop taking the towels home, etc. But then there was something definitely out of the ordinary..."no pictures, please". That got my attention. In all the years that I've worked out at gyms, I don't think I've ever seen anyone taking pictures. I've certainly never had anyone specifically tell me not to take pictures. I guess when I was juggling my water bottle, towel, keys and iPod, I just never thought to reach for my camera as I was heading out for a workout.
It seems that one of this season's "Biggest Loser" couples belongs to the gym. Okay. Got it. I also understand the request to respect their time and space. After all, I'm going to the gym to get a workout, too. Heck, I want my time and space respected. But, I'd have never known they were there if they hadn't pointed it out in the email - or if the local news station and newspaper hadn't done stories on them and made a specific point of the fact that they were working out at that gym. My guess is, neither would 99.9% of the rest of the city. They could have just left the name of the gym out. You know, like I have. So much for flying under the radar.
Several years ago, I was a Richard Simmons success story. When Deal-A-Meal was all the rage. Back when you had to lose weight at home and then get on TV via an infomercial - not lose weight on TV via a reality show in order to be a "weight loss star". I was everywhere when you flipped the channels. I did national talk shows, local talk shows, Richard showed my clip on QVC for months and the infomercial ran morning, noon, and night for over a year. There were print ads in the Sunday newspapers. Heck, I was even paging through "Glamour" magazine one day and came across my picture in a review of "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3". I have to say that in all the time that I was in the national spotlight, other than a photo shoot I did at the Y in Aurora, Illinois one day, no one ever took a picture of me working out at the gym. And, rarely did anyone ever interrupt my workout.
But times have changed. Paparazzi have changed the expectations and the bounds of reasonableness. I wonder if people really do have to be told to not take pictures at the gym? It will be interesting to observe from the distance. I hope that my workout schedule crosses theirs sometime just so I can see how others react to them - and vice versa. My guess is that everyone will do their own thing and no one will even notice that they are working out. Don't you think?
(btw Red Team...best of luck! I hope you win it all!!)
It seems that one of this season's "Biggest Loser" couples belongs to the gym. Okay. Got it. I also understand the request to respect their time and space. After all, I'm going to the gym to get a workout, too. Heck, I want my time and space respected. But, I'd have never known they were there if they hadn't pointed it out in the email - or if the local news station and newspaper hadn't done stories on them and made a specific point of the fact that they were working out at that gym. My guess is, neither would 99.9% of the rest of the city. They could have just left the name of the gym out. You know, like I have. So much for flying under the radar.
Several years ago, I was a Richard Simmons success story. When Deal-A-Meal was all the rage. Back when you had to lose weight at home and then get on TV via an infomercial - not lose weight on TV via a reality show in order to be a "weight loss star". I was everywhere when you flipped the channels. I did national talk shows, local talk shows, Richard showed my clip on QVC for months and the infomercial ran morning, noon, and night for over a year. There were print ads in the Sunday newspapers. Heck, I was even paging through "Glamour" magazine one day and came across my picture in a review of "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3". I have to say that in all the time that I was in the national spotlight, other than a photo shoot I did at the Y in Aurora, Illinois one day, no one ever took a picture of me working out at the gym. And, rarely did anyone ever interrupt my workout.
But times have changed. Paparazzi have changed the expectations and the bounds of reasonableness. I wonder if people really do have to be told to not take pictures at the gym? It will be interesting to observe from the distance. I hope that my workout schedule crosses theirs sometime just so I can see how others react to them - and vice versa. My guess is that everyone will do their own thing and no one will even notice that they are working out. Don't you think?
(btw Red Team...best of luck! I hope you win it all!!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Welcome to * Results Not Typical
Thanks for stopping by my new blog! This is the place for discussing novels and navels...books and bellies. I'll be posting about weight loss and weight gain (oh no!). And, I'll be telling you about some great books and authors.
As soon as I get this whole blogging thing figured out, I'll post a couple pictures. Some of you might recognize me from "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3". That's where I got my asterisk. You know - "* results not typical". Of course, I should have had the asterisk much earlier - like on my birth certificate. Nothing has been typical about my life...and I wouldn't have it any other way. My life has been a grand adventure. And God willing, it will continue to be for years to come!
So, I'm going to do what I always do. Instead of holding on with both hands, I'm throwing my arms up in the air as the roller coaster crests this hill and I'm going to laugh and scream and enjoy the ride. I hope you will come along and enjoy it, too!
As soon as I get this whole blogging thing figured out, I'll post a couple pictures. Some of you might recognize me from "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3". That's where I got my asterisk. You know - "* results not typical". Of course, I should have had the asterisk much earlier - like on my birth certificate. Nothing has been typical about my life...and I wouldn't have it any other way. My life has been a grand adventure. And God willing, it will continue to be for years to come!
So, I'm going to do what I always do. Instead of holding on with both hands, I'm throwing my arms up in the air as the roller coaster crests this hill and I'm going to laugh and scream and enjoy the ride. I hope you will come along and enjoy it, too!
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