In my quest to change things up a little, I now drink a protein shake on the way to work in the morning. I bought the powder for the drink at GNC. One serving has 25 grams of protein. The first morning I tried to make it without my glasses. I could barely make out the milk line on the shaker container. Then I wasn't sure if one scoop was one serving or not. I didn't see a line on the scoop provided so I just used one scoop. It was a chocolate flavor drink. Once I had the two ingredients in the shaker bottle, I added the small ball that serves like a wisk to mix the two ingredients. I wasn't thrilled about the 8 ounces of skim milk and then adding the powder..... I wasn't sure how it would taste but as I drove to work, I kept taking slugs and it really was not bad at all. I don't know if it was psychological or not but I wasn't hungry all morning at work. I am trying to work up to 100 grams of protein a day.....ugh......
I also once again tried yogurt. I know it is good for me but for some reason I just haven't acquired a taste for it. I need suggestions on which brand people like and how to get used to eating it. I bought a plain or vanilla flavor and it had pomegranate flavor to mix with it but once I saw the expiration date was only a week from now I decided the taste was tainted. I am sure it wasn't but that is the way my brain works.
I got one the scale after a week and I was down a few pounds on the scale......I may have been down anyway since I hadn't been on the scale in a few weeks. Either way.....it was good news!!
Now the make-up thing.......a while back I went to a Mary Kay party. I bought all kinds of make-up. I had finally finished most of my old make-up so I was read to start using the new stuff........the problem was it involved using 14 different things. Here was the order.......moisturizer for my face, hands, arms and legs. Then primer on my face followed by under eye consealer, base coat and blush. Next primer on my eyes, eyeliner, 3 shades of eye shadow, eye lash primer and mascara. Lastly, lip primer and lipstick.
I was given some free samples of hair gel and hair spray that will help volumize my hair, so that was another step added to the beautification process. I really liked the gel and spray but it is more time I need in the morning......
I normally don't have an extra 20-30 minutes for hair and make-up application so now it means I have to get up earlier. But I have also read I need to get more sleep and that not getting enough sleep can also slow down weight loss.. So I need to go to bed by oh maybe 8:00.......the problem is most nights I am not home from work until then.....it is a vicious cycle. But at least now I have my weight struggle figured out......it is because of the make-up.....
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Another busy week....from elections to birthdays...
Last week, I started to wonder what is going on in my life......
Sunday, I was in my PJ's at 4:00 in the afternoon. OK since when do I put on my pj's in the middle of the afternoon. I guess I justified it by saying if it wasn't for the time change it would have been 5:00. We watched the Giant game....which they lost. The funniest part was watching Jenn watch the game.She screams at the TV. Yelling "fundamentals guys, come on fundamentals!!!!" Yes, she comes from a family of football fans. By the time she was two she knew the signals for clipping, offsides, time out and touchdown. Jenn would be watching a game with us and someone would yell "that was a clip" and Jenn would give the appropriate signal. Her cousin Jill is just as passionate about football. Get those girls together in a room and watch out!!
Tuesday, Election Day......people were coming into work telling horror stories about the polls and how long they were taking to vote. Things were a mess in Richland County where the polls closed at 7:00 and the last vote was cast after midnight. I gave those people a lot of credit for standing in line all those hours to exercise their right as a citizen. I arrived at my local polling place at 6:59:59 PM. I was the last person on a very long line but I was home by 8:30. As I entered the gym to cast my vote a news clip came across my IPhone that Romney had carried SC. It is hard to believe there were still people on line in Richland County SC when President Obama was declared the winner.
A four day weekend!!!! I have vacation time I need to use before the end of the year so using time for a long week-end worked for me.
Thursday was Jenn's birthday. We started it by dropping her car off to be repaired (a master cylinder needed to be replaced), next a pedicure, the cupcake store, lunch, the supermarket to get steaks for dinner and then a break while Jenn taught her University 101 class. After class it was off to Victoria Secret, American Eagle and Belk. The stop at Belk was for her Frye boots. Actually, it took 2 stops about 30 miles apart since the first Belk didn't have any Frye boots and the one 30 miles away did. We left the house at 8:00 AM and didn't get home until almost 11 hours later......what a day.
Friday was a little more relaxed but did involve errands and the gym.
Saturday was the gym and college football.
Today more errands and football.
I was very good and didn't look at my blackberry once. I only turned on my work laptop once and that was to delete e-mails so I would have hundreds of them when I go back to work tomorrow. But the days flew. The good thing is I only work 3 full weeks between now and the week of January 7th. I can handle that!!!!
OK just one more note: last week I wrote about needs vs. wants. Under the wants I wrote I would like to have enough money for the next big repair bill that comes along. This morning the washing machine stopped mid-cycle....ugh. I do have a homeowners warranty so I left a message to schedule an appointment. Hopefully, it will be fixed soon and for not much more than the service call.
In the last few months we have had to replace a water pump in the car, the lawn mower overhauled, a sewer line replaced, pest control in for a treatment on the house, the outside of the house treated for termites and now the washing machine. I also spent time on the phone with my insurance agent trying to find out why my homeowners insurnace premium is now more than my property taxes.....the answer was....... a claim I filed almost two years ago when I had a flood in my house. Cha Ching Cha Ching ........ I know I promised not to complain last week and I am not complaining.....really I am not......but can someone just cut me a little slack in the repair and bills department.....just a little......please......
Sunday, I was in my PJ's at 4:00 in the afternoon. OK since when do I put on my pj's in the middle of the afternoon. I guess I justified it by saying if it wasn't for the time change it would have been 5:00. We watched the Giant game....which they lost. The funniest part was watching Jenn watch the game.She screams at the TV. Yelling "fundamentals guys, come on fundamentals!!!!" Yes, she comes from a family of football fans. By the time she was two she knew the signals for clipping, offsides, time out and touchdown. Jenn would be watching a game with us and someone would yell "that was a clip" and Jenn would give the appropriate signal. Her cousin Jill is just as passionate about football. Get those girls together in a room and watch out!!
Tuesday, Election Day......people were coming into work telling horror stories about the polls and how long they were taking to vote. Things were a mess in Richland County where the polls closed at 7:00 and the last vote was cast after midnight. I gave those people a lot of credit for standing in line all those hours to exercise their right as a citizen. I arrived at my local polling place at 6:59:59 PM. I was the last person on a very long line but I was home by 8:30. As I entered the gym to cast my vote a news clip came across my IPhone that Romney had carried SC. It is hard to believe there were still people on line in Richland County SC when President Obama was declared the winner.
A four day weekend!!!! I have vacation time I need to use before the end of the year so using time for a long week-end worked for me.
Thursday was Jenn's birthday. We started it by dropping her car off to be repaired (a master cylinder needed to be replaced), next a pedicure, the cupcake store, lunch, the supermarket to get steaks for dinner and then a break while Jenn taught her University 101 class. After class it was off to Victoria Secret, American Eagle and Belk. The stop at Belk was for her Frye boots. Actually, it took 2 stops about 30 miles apart since the first Belk didn't have any Frye boots and the one 30 miles away did. We left the house at 8:00 AM and didn't get home until almost 11 hours later......what a day.
Friday was a little more relaxed but did involve errands and the gym.
Saturday was the gym and college football.
Today more errands and football.
I was very good and didn't look at my blackberry once. I only turned on my work laptop once and that was to delete e-mails so I would have hundreds of them when I go back to work tomorrow. But the days flew. The good thing is I only work 3 full weeks between now and the week of January 7th. I can handle that!!!!
OK just one more note: last week I wrote about needs vs. wants. Under the wants I wrote I would like to have enough money for the next big repair bill that comes along. This morning the washing machine stopped mid-cycle....ugh. I do have a homeowners warranty so I left a message to schedule an appointment. Hopefully, it will be fixed soon and for not much more than the service call.
In the last few months we have had to replace a water pump in the car, the lawn mower overhauled, a sewer line replaced, pest control in for a treatment on the house, the outside of the house treated for termites and now the washing machine. I also spent time on the phone with my insurance agent trying to find out why my homeowners insurnace premium is now more than my property taxes.....the answer was....... a claim I filed almost two years ago when I had a flood in my house. Cha Ching Cha Ching ........ I know I promised not to complain last week and I am not complaining.....really I am not......but can someone just cut me a little slack in the repair and bills department.....just a little......please......
Sunday, November 4, 2012
And I thought I knew what the week was going to be like...
When I wrote my blog last week month end at work and Halloween were all I really thought about for the week.
Over last week-end I had heard about "Sandy" but hadn't given it too much thought. I mean how often does a hurricane hit NY? They had already had Hurricane Irene last year. I had Monday off and got a lot of things done that I had planned. Around 3:00, I decided to look on the news and see how things were going. I ended up sitting there for a long time watching what was going on......
I kept in touch with my family to see how they were making out. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Trees down on houses, broken windshields, noise sounding like jets were flying past their houses and no electricity. Schools closed, businesses closed, no gas........
I remember getting cranky when I lived in NY and we didn't have power for 2 days.......talk about a wimp.....
Is there something wrong with me that I keep having to be reminded how lucky I am????
I have a roof over my head, I have a job I really like, no serious health issues, enough money to meet the monthly bills even with Bob out of work ( I have become very creative in the meal department) and a daughter who can make me laugh even when I don't want to (now that can make me crazy!!!).
I really have everything I need......maybe not everything I want.....
Needs and wants.......very very different.....
Needs:
roof over my head
enough $ to pay the bills
good health coverage
good health
a loving family
good friends
a good job
Wants:
extra $ in the bank
not to have to worry about the next big unexpected bill that rolls in (and you know they always do)
more time with my family
Dreams:
If I start on this list it would go on forever and you might think of me as shallow (hey I dream big!!!)
But once again after a week like this past one.....I come back to reality and thank God for what I do have and at least for this moment I am satisfied. It has been a humbling experience for me this week.......I am sure any of those people I watching this week after that devastating storm would give there eye teeth to have my life right now.
And maybe I need to think about that more often........
Over last week-end I had heard about "Sandy" but hadn't given it too much thought. I mean how often does a hurricane hit NY? They had already had Hurricane Irene last year. I had Monday off and got a lot of things done that I had planned. Around 3:00, I decided to look on the news and see how things were going. I ended up sitting there for a long time watching what was going on......
I kept in touch with my family to see how they were making out. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Trees down on houses, broken windshields, noise sounding like jets were flying past their houses and no electricity. Schools closed, businesses closed, no gas........
I remember getting cranky when I lived in NY and we didn't have power for 2 days.......talk about a wimp.....
Is there something wrong with me that I keep having to be reminded how lucky I am????
I have a roof over my head, I have a job I really like, no serious health issues, enough money to meet the monthly bills even with Bob out of work ( I have become very creative in the meal department) and a daughter who can make me laugh even when I don't want to (now that can make me crazy!!!).
I really have everything I need......maybe not everything I want.....
Needs and wants.......very very different.....
Needs:
roof over my head
enough $ to pay the bills
good health coverage
good health
a loving family
good friends
a good job
Wants:
extra $ in the bank
not to have to worry about the next big unexpected bill that rolls in (and you know they always do)
more time with my family
Dreams:
If I start on this list it would go on forever and you might think of me as shallow (hey I dream big!!!)
But once again after a week like this past one.....I come back to reality and thank God for what I do have and at least for this moment I am satisfied. It has been a humbling experience for me this week.......I am sure any of those people I watching this week after that devastating storm would give there eye teeth to have my life right now.
And maybe I need to think about that more often........
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Laughter is the Best Medecine....
OK this is one of those entries that Jenn would say "Oversharing Mom....Oversharing Mom!!"
Last night, I joined three friends for an evening at the theatre. We went to see "Menopause The Musical". Any of you ladies who have the chance.....go see it!!!! I haven't laugh so long, outloud and so much in ages. It was 1 hour and 40 minutes of some of the funniest material I have ever heard.
You know when you reach a certain age Mom has "the talk" with you. Yes, I remember having "the talk" with my Mom. I guess I was a little confused because when she asked me if I had any questions I asked "Do men know about this?" OK Mom had to do some more explaining. Ugh....
Well, why doesn't anyone tell me about the BIG M? Huh? Why not?
Yes, you notice the obvious changes but it's the ones no one tells you about that make you feel like you are losing your mind. Then when you mention something to one of your friends they laugh and says it's menopause. Your cranky it's menopause......trouble losing weight it's menopause......trouble sleeping......memory issues.....hot flashes.....night sweats.....you got it.....MENOPAUSE!!!!!
One day my boss and friend, Lisa, came up behind me at work while I was looking up the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. She asked why I was looking at that.....I told her I was worried about my memory.....she laughed and said........."It's Menopause."
On another occasion, I was having a hot flash in Walmart of all places......I did what every other sane (or insane) woman would do......I headed to the frozen food section and fanned myself with the freezer door. Just as luck would have it a male friend I have known since high school was there shopping with his wife (OK so it was Dan and Kathy). Poor Dan just happened to came down the aisle while I was fanning myself with the freezer door. He made a big mistake and asked what I was doing? After my head spun around three times in my best exorcist voice I said...."I AM HAVING A HOT FLASH!!!!!" Let's just say he left the aisle very quickly. Kathy, Dan and I have laughed about it since but that day I am sure he thought I was losing my mind.....and he may have been right!!!!
Now, I feel free to blame everything on the BIG M......the heat, the snow, the dog getting sick, the grass growing to fast......you name it and I know what to blame.
The musical last night put everything into perspective. I am NOT losing my mind!!! I am normal!!!!The battles I am fighting are all part of the life of a mature woman!!! Sharing the evening with several hundred women and a few brave men was so much fun. My friends went on stage to joining the Menopause kick line at the end of the play......but you know me.....I didn't go onstage....I watched them and laughed and wished I had been allowed to take pictures.
OK Mom, I am mad at you......you never told me about this part of life......or maybe you tried to and I wouldn't listen because that only happens when you are old......LOL
Two more things.....when Jenn dropped me off at the play did she have to comment "there are a lot of younger people going to see the play".....she said it with such surprise like the only people who would go to see it would be ancient. Well, in fact it was definitely funnier for people who have been through it. The other thing was I stopped at the souvenir stand on the way out. I almost bought myself a T-Shirt because it just screamed to me.......it only had 4 words one it.......IT"S ALL ABOUT ME!!!! I may have to shop for it online.......
Those words have been my mantra these last few years.....why shouldn't I have a shirt that says it too!!!!!
Last night, I joined three friends for an evening at the theatre. We went to see "Menopause The Musical". Any of you ladies who have the chance.....go see it!!!! I haven't laugh so long, outloud and so much in ages. It was 1 hour and 40 minutes of some of the funniest material I have ever heard.
You know when you reach a certain age Mom has "the talk" with you. Yes, I remember having "the talk" with my Mom. I guess I was a little confused because when she asked me if I had any questions I asked "Do men know about this?" OK Mom had to do some more explaining. Ugh....
Well, why doesn't anyone tell me about the BIG M? Huh? Why not?
Yes, you notice the obvious changes but it's the ones no one tells you about that make you feel like you are losing your mind. Then when you mention something to one of your friends they laugh and says it's menopause. Your cranky it's menopause......trouble losing weight it's menopause......trouble sleeping......memory issues.....hot flashes.....night sweats.....you got it.....MENOPAUSE!!!!!
One day my boss and friend, Lisa, came up behind me at work while I was looking up the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. She asked why I was looking at that.....I told her I was worried about my memory.....she laughed and said........."It's Menopause."
On another occasion, I was having a hot flash in Walmart of all places......I did what every other sane (or insane) woman would do......I headed to the frozen food section and fanned myself with the freezer door. Just as luck would have it a male friend I have known since high school was there shopping with his wife (OK so it was Dan and Kathy). Poor Dan just happened to came down the aisle while I was fanning myself with the freezer door. He made a big mistake and asked what I was doing? After my head spun around three times in my best exorcist voice I said...."I AM HAVING A HOT FLASH!!!!!" Let's just say he left the aisle very quickly. Kathy, Dan and I have laughed about it since but that day I am sure he thought I was losing my mind.....and he may have been right!!!!
Now, I feel free to blame everything on the BIG M......the heat, the snow, the dog getting sick, the grass growing to fast......you name it and I know what to blame.
The musical last night put everything into perspective. I am NOT losing my mind!!! I am normal!!!!The battles I am fighting are all part of the life of a mature woman!!! Sharing the evening with several hundred women and a few brave men was so much fun. My friends went on stage to joining the Menopause kick line at the end of the play......but you know me.....I didn't go onstage....I watched them and laughed and wished I had been allowed to take pictures.
OK Mom, I am mad at you......you never told me about this part of life......or maybe you tried to and I wouldn't listen because that only happens when you are old......LOL
Two more things.....when Jenn dropped me off at the play did she have to comment "there are a lot of younger people going to see the play".....she said it with such surprise like the only people who would go to see it would be ancient. Well, in fact it was definitely funnier for people who have been through it. The other thing was I stopped at the souvenir stand on the way out. I almost bought myself a T-Shirt because it just screamed to me.......it only had 4 words one it.......IT"S ALL ABOUT ME!!!! I may have to shop for it online.......
Those words have been my mantra these last few years.....why shouldn't I have a shirt that says it too!!!!!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Small Things That Can Change Your Life....
I went to the gym early today. I had a good workout in the pool. I jogged and then took part in a water aerobics class with a really good instructor. I stopped at Publix on the way home and found they had bags of veggies on sale for $1 each. I bought 5 bags.....guess who will be steaming veggies and chicken tomorrow to eat this week. Me!!!!
Trying to get my focus back......sometimes others can help you find it. I called a friend the other night to tell her I had seen her son's Senior Speech on FB and I thought it was wonderful. As we moved from one subject to the next we finally hit something we have in common.......wanting to lose weight and get healthier. Debra told me about her success since August with changes to her way of eating. She shared some of the changes she has made. I am going to try some of them out and I will report as I see some success. Let's just say for now it involves a lot of protein, some yogurt (yuk), using Weight Watchers online faithfully and the pool at the gym. I am OK with the protein and the pool. I have to be better about using my WW online. I love the app on my phone but I just have to plan. I am going to try very hard to plan each night for the next day. I have found the "I don't have to eat dinner every night" is also working well for me. I like being able to come home from work and knowing I don't have to eat dinner. I think this may have been the shot in the arm or the kick in the ass I needed......we even texted each other today as part of a mutual support system. So off I go again.....hey it has to work at some point doesn't it.
After all my running around this morning it was time to get home for football. A 12:00 game is not my favorite but it is what it is. We needed to win this game. It was a decent game until one of the best players on the team had a devastating injury. It is definitely the end of his season, I hope it is not the end of his career. Last year, he was hurt and worked hard to recover and was ready to play again this year. The NFL was definitely in his future. One ugly play and it all changed. If he can comeback next year he will. While I was watching I saw something happen I had never seen before.......his team came out on the field to stand around him, patting him on the shoulder, hugging him.....then came the surprising part.......members of the opposing team came and joined in the group around the player. As he was taken off the field on the cart there was a standing ovation for the player who had his face covered by a towel.....it was obvious he was in pain, devastated and crying. In one second he went from an outstanding player to someone who may never take the field again. The best part of this is hearing all the sportscasters and players say what a great guy he is....not what a great athlete that is a given........but in the world of sports here is a young man who keeps himself grounded and never made a fool of himself or did anything to embarrass the team. Kind of like Derek Jeter in baseball.
Two very different things but changes made in seconds......a phone call with a friend has given me ideas on things I can change.......and in a second a person's life possibly change forever. I hope I can be like Marcus Lattimore and work hard to get to my goals the way he did in the last year to come back and play again.
Two people inspired me this week....a dear friend and a young athlete......in two very different moments......I am ready.....as the Giants said last season as they went through the playoffs to the Super Bowl...."all in baby....all in!!!".....
Trying to get my focus back......sometimes others can help you find it. I called a friend the other night to tell her I had seen her son's Senior Speech on FB and I thought it was wonderful. As we moved from one subject to the next we finally hit something we have in common.......wanting to lose weight and get healthier. Debra told me about her success since August with changes to her way of eating. She shared some of the changes she has made. I am going to try some of them out and I will report as I see some success. Let's just say for now it involves a lot of protein, some yogurt (yuk), using Weight Watchers online faithfully and the pool at the gym. I am OK with the protein and the pool. I have to be better about using my WW online. I love the app on my phone but I just have to plan. I am going to try very hard to plan each night for the next day. I have found the "I don't have to eat dinner every night" is also working well for me. I like being able to come home from work and knowing I don't have to eat dinner. I think this may have been the shot in the arm or the kick in the ass I needed......we even texted each other today as part of a mutual support system. So off I go again.....hey it has to work at some point doesn't it.
After all my running around this morning it was time to get home for football. A 12:00 game is not my favorite but it is what it is. We needed to win this game. It was a decent game until one of the best players on the team had a devastating injury. It is definitely the end of his season, I hope it is not the end of his career. Last year, he was hurt and worked hard to recover and was ready to play again this year. The NFL was definitely in his future. One ugly play and it all changed. If he can comeback next year he will. While I was watching I saw something happen I had never seen before.......his team came out on the field to stand around him, patting him on the shoulder, hugging him.....then came the surprising part.......members of the opposing team came and joined in the group around the player. As he was taken off the field on the cart there was a standing ovation for the player who had his face covered by a towel.....it was obvious he was in pain, devastated and crying. In one second he went from an outstanding player to someone who may never take the field again. The best part of this is hearing all the sportscasters and players say what a great guy he is....not what a great athlete that is a given........but in the world of sports here is a young man who keeps himself grounded and never made a fool of himself or did anything to embarrass the team. Kind of like Derek Jeter in baseball.
Two very different things but changes made in seconds......a phone call with a friend has given me ideas on things I can change.......and in a second a person's life possibly change forever. I hope I can be like Marcus Lattimore and work hard to get to my goals the way he did in the last year to come back and play again.
Two people inspired me this week....a dear friend and a young athlete......in two very different moments......I am ready.....as the Giants said last season as they went through the playoffs to the Super Bowl...."all in baby....all in!!!".....
Sunday, October 21, 2012
This is What I Think....
I am starting to like the one entry a week as long as you don't mind me wandering from subject to subject.....if I feel there is something worthy of an entry all by itself I will do one.
The dog:
We had a wonderful dog named Salt. We had him for 15 years. When we had to put him to sleep it broke my heart. We had gotten him for Jenn's 7th birthday. He slept with us at night. When Jenn was sick for weeks with mono in the 2nd grade she slept alot on the couch. Salt slept on the floor next to her never leaving her side. He didn't have a mean bone is him body. He was a big mush!!!! It seemed logical to me that after having such a great experience with Salt we would get another Westie (White West Highland Terrier). Well, as we have learned Salt was a unique Westie. Our newer dog (he is 6 yrs. old), Jeter, is as our vet says a true Westie. Stubborn, not always nice and basically gives us the finger on a regular basis. He had a ear infection 2 weeks ago. Because he is not always nice, we have to take him to the vet to let them give him his medication. So the initial visit was $145 then $44 for the time he stayed at the vet's office each day, the $70 for the next week, $20 yesterday for an ear culture only to find out we have to bring him in each day this week so that is another $70 and then once this week is over we will have to bring him to the vet once a week to have his ears cleaned. We tried to give him the ear drops oursleves but when the dog uses his paws and rips off the muzzle we put on him we have no option but to take him to the vet......or let him go deaf......
The Election:
OK my liberal relatives may hate me for saying this but this country has not had a great President since Reagan. I loved him!!! He was an amazing leader. I do respect the office of the President, If President Obama or former President Bush showed up at my house I would invite them in. I hate the negativity of the campaigns....and no one is without fault!!! Watching the debate this week aggravated me.....I hate the smirks and snide remarks. I can't wait for Election Day for all the nonsense to be over. And I hope my guy wins!!!!! But I am grateful to live in a country where the transition of power is done peacefully.......that is what I love about the USA.
Changing Up Dinner:
I used to feel obligated to have a regular dinner each night. Not anymore. I eat what I feel like having,,,,a can of soup....a salad.....a peanut butter and jelly sandwich......a handful of pretzels. I am sure I am eating less calories this way too!!!! With the long days and late nights sometimes I would rather have a bowl of oatmeal than a steak....it is just easier and satisfies my hunger. Why hadn't I thought of that before? It makes so much sense and I love eating less calories
Being Homesick:
There are times I miss my family so much. My brother was in a play the last few weeks, I wish I could have been there to see him. Other members of my family told me what a wonderful job he did. Sunday's used to be the day the family got together to watch football....I miss that......I guess I shouldn't complain though with facebook and skype and facetime you can still catch up with everyone. But I sure would like an afternoon with all of us in the same room cheering for the Giants.
Job applications:
OK it not bad enough that most job applications are online so if you are not computer savvy that is a problem. Then many do not even let you know that they have gotten your application. And since when does every application not only ask employment history but they also have a questionnaire that can be up to 80 questions long with a variety of scenario's. You have to give the best answer, the worst answer, you have to strongly agree or strongly disagree and on and on......hey folks this is not to be president of Apple or IBM this is to be a damn cashier at McDonald's or Lowes!!!!! Give me a break!!!!
Well, how is that for a variety of topics....dogs, politics, dinner and unemployment.......well I left out religion and sex otherwise I think I covered a lot.......I guess I will save those topics for another day.
See you next week.....
The dog:
We had a wonderful dog named Salt. We had him for 15 years. When we had to put him to sleep it broke my heart. We had gotten him for Jenn's 7th birthday. He slept with us at night. When Jenn was sick for weeks with mono in the 2nd grade she slept alot on the couch. Salt slept on the floor next to her never leaving her side. He didn't have a mean bone is him body. He was a big mush!!!! It seemed logical to me that after having such a great experience with Salt we would get another Westie (White West Highland Terrier). Well, as we have learned Salt was a unique Westie. Our newer dog (he is 6 yrs. old), Jeter, is as our vet says a true Westie. Stubborn, not always nice and basically gives us the finger on a regular basis. He had a ear infection 2 weeks ago. Because he is not always nice, we have to take him to the vet to let them give him his medication. So the initial visit was $145 then $44 for the time he stayed at the vet's office each day, the $70 for the next week, $20 yesterday for an ear culture only to find out we have to bring him in each day this week so that is another $70 and then once this week is over we will have to bring him to the vet once a week to have his ears cleaned. We tried to give him the ear drops oursleves but when the dog uses his paws and rips off the muzzle we put on him we have no option but to take him to the vet......or let him go deaf......
The Election:
OK my liberal relatives may hate me for saying this but this country has not had a great President since Reagan. I loved him!!! He was an amazing leader. I do respect the office of the President, If President Obama or former President Bush showed up at my house I would invite them in. I hate the negativity of the campaigns....and no one is without fault!!! Watching the debate this week aggravated me.....I hate the smirks and snide remarks. I can't wait for Election Day for all the nonsense to be over. And I hope my guy wins!!!!! But I am grateful to live in a country where the transition of power is done peacefully.......that is what I love about the USA.
Changing Up Dinner:
I used to feel obligated to have a regular dinner each night. Not anymore. I eat what I feel like having,,,,a can of soup....a salad.....a peanut butter and jelly sandwich......a handful of pretzels. I am sure I am eating less calories this way too!!!! With the long days and late nights sometimes I would rather have a bowl of oatmeal than a steak....it is just easier and satisfies my hunger. Why hadn't I thought of that before? It makes so much sense and I love eating less calories
Being Homesick:
There are times I miss my family so much. My brother was in a play the last few weeks, I wish I could have been there to see him. Other members of my family told me what a wonderful job he did. Sunday's used to be the day the family got together to watch football....I miss that......I guess I shouldn't complain though with facebook and skype and facetime you can still catch up with everyone. But I sure would like an afternoon with all of us in the same room cheering for the Giants.
Job applications:
OK it not bad enough that most job applications are online so if you are not computer savvy that is a problem. Then many do not even let you know that they have gotten your application. And since when does every application not only ask employment history but they also have a questionnaire that can be up to 80 questions long with a variety of scenario's. You have to give the best answer, the worst answer, you have to strongly agree or strongly disagree and on and on......hey folks this is not to be president of Apple or IBM this is to be a damn cashier at McDonald's or Lowes!!!!! Give me a break!!!!
Well, how is that for a variety of topics....dogs, politics, dinner and unemployment.......well I left out religion and sex otherwise I think I covered a lot.......I guess I will save those topics for another day.
See you next week.....
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Random Stuff.......
The last few weeks have provided a lot of material for this blog but to make every one's life easier it will just be this one entry.....so if I sounds like I am rambling.....I am.
Sports:
I love football. I love Baseball. I love the Gamecocks!! I love the NY Giants!! I love the Yankees!! So this time of year is nirvana for me. Except when.......we have a day like yesterday....ugh.... USC lost......Yankees lost and Jeter broke his ankle. The Giants are on TV here this afternoon and the Yankees are on too at the same time......double ugh.......well at least with picture in picture I can keep up on both games. Would someone in the TV scheduling department take my viewing needs into consideration???
The Fall;
I love autumn. Pumpkins, Halloween, the sound of leaves crunching as you walk (OK that is not happening in South Carolina......we don't get that sound until if we are lucky Thanksgiving....maybe Christmas). I love sweater weather.....where I live it is more like sweat weather for months on end. This week it is supposed to be in the 70's.....that is fall for us!!! I drove by Lowe's last weekend and they had their Christmas trees and decorations out on display. I love Christmas as much as the next person but can we at least get past Halloween before we trim the tree?
Work:
I love my job. No, I do not sit at my desk playing on my computer all day as has been alluded to by some. Unless you work in a mortgage operations job you have no idea of the stress, deadlines and pressure that makes up the job. Friday was a humdinger of a day......problems, issues, rushes, goals and anything else that can make a day fly and your blood pressure go up. I know everyone has parts of their job that is stressful and mine is no different. By the time I left the office Friday, my brain was fried......I couldn't make one more decision. Tomorrow morning it is back up and at it again..........I can't imagine how it would feel if I hated my job.
Friends:
I am blessed with some wonderful friends. They have helped me through what has been a difficult year. I really make a conscious effort to not be negative about things in my life when I talk to them but sometimes I can't help it. So, I apologize if I have been a downer to talk to.....I promise to try and do a better job!!! Last week, my sister had something going on in her life that was pretty serious. I was so happy when she told me a good friend (shout out to Sheila Miller) showed up to sit with my sister while Cheryl waited for am important decision.
The Gym:
I have been letting my job come between me and the gym.....not good. I have been getting there on the weekend but not the twice a week I had normally done. Well this week....it is back on track. I have to force myself to leave work and do what is good for me. I am going to try and be flexible as far as what days of the week I get there and that may help. Where is it written that I must go on Tuesday and Thursday.....why not Monday......why not Friday???? Back to a minimum of 4 times a week....no ifs ands or buts......promise!!!
The Weight:
I am in such a quandary about this......you would think after 3 years I would have this figured out.....but I am as confused about it all as I was almost three years ago when I started this journey. I have tried resetting, refocusing, refiguring.......but I am still no where near where I should be......I still hate the way I look......I hate that others look at me as the fat lady......so maybe I still hate me. But somewhere inside I still haven't given up......I can't give up......I need to believe. I know people love me for who I am. I know I have a lot to offer. Part of what I have to do is love me......I am working on it!! I heard a story that once someone asked Michelangelo about a sculpting he had done out of marble. They said to him you created something beautiful. He said it was inside all the time all I did was remove the excess pieces on the outside. Maybe that's me.......I need to break away the outside so people can see what's inside of me.
The list above ......they are all things that are important to me (in no particular order). I didn't mention my family because they are stuck with me (sorry guys but dropping me in not optional...LOL).
So there you have it.....my random thoughts on this Sunday afternoon in October........
Sports:
I love football. I love Baseball. I love the Gamecocks!! I love the NY Giants!! I love the Yankees!! So this time of year is nirvana for me. Except when.......we have a day like yesterday....ugh.... USC lost......Yankees lost and Jeter broke his ankle. The Giants are on TV here this afternoon and the Yankees are on too at the same time......double ugh.......well at least with picture in picture I can keep up on both games. Would someone in the TV scheduling department take my viewing needs into consideration???
The Fall;
I love autumn. Pumpkins, Halloween, the sound of leaves crunching as you walk (OK that is not happening in South Carolina......we don't get that sound until if we are lucky Thanksgiving....maybe Christmas). I love sweater weather.....where I live it is more like sweat weather for months on end. This week it is supposed to be in the 70's.....that is fall for us!!! I drove by Lowe's last weekend and they had their Christmas trees and decorations out on display. I love Christmas as much as the next person but can we at least get past Halloween before we trim the tree?
Work:
I love my job. No, I do not sit at my desk playing on my computer all day as has been alluded to by some. Unless you work in a mortgage operations job you have no idea of the stress, deadlines and pressure that makes up the job. Friday was a humdinger of a day......problems, issues, rushes, goals and anything else that can make a day fly and your blood pressure go up. I know everyone has parts of their job that is stressful and mine is no different. By the time I left the office Friday, my brain was fried......I couldn't make one more decision. Tomorrow morning it is back up and at it again..........I can't imagine how it would feel if I hated my job.
Friends:
I am blessed with some wonderful friends. They have helped me through what has been a difficult year. I really make a conscious effort to not be negative about things in my life when I talk to them but sometimes I can't help it. So, I apologize if I have been a downer to talk to.....I promise to try and do a better job!!! Last week, my sister had something going on in her life that was pretty serious. I was so happy when she told me a good friend (shout out to Sheila Miller) showed up to sit with my sister while Cheryl waited for am important decision.
The Gym:
I have been letting my job come between me and the gym.....not good. I have been getting there on the weekend but not the twice a week I had normally done. Well this week....it is back on track. I have to force myself to leave work and do what is good for me. I am going to try and be flexible as far as what days of the week I get there and that may help. Where is it written that I must go on Tuesday and Thursday.....why not Monday......why not Friday???? Back to a minimum of 4 times a week....no ifs ands or buts......promise!!!
The Weight:
I am in such a quandary about this......you would think after 3 years I would have this figured out.....but I am as confused about it all as I was almost three years ago when I started this journey. I have tried resetting, refocusing, refiguring.......but I am still no where near where I should be......I still hate the way I look......I hate that others look at me as the fat lady......so maybe I still hate me. But somewhere inside I still haven't given up......I can't give up......I need to believe. I know people love me for who I am. I know I have a lot to offer. Part of what I have to do is love me......I am working on it!! I heard a story that once someone asked Michelangelo about a sculpting he had done out of marble. They said to him you created something beautiful. He said it was inside all the time all I did was remove the excess pieces on the outside. Maybe that's me.......I need to break away the outside so people can see what's inside of me.
The list above ......they are all things that are important to me (in no particular order). I didn't mention my family because they are stuck with me (sorry guys but dropping me in not optional...LOL).
So there you have it.....my random thoughts on this Sunday afternoon in October........
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