You know what that number means! Yep. Nelson Mandela. Today, he's 90. 90! Whoa.
Happy Birthday, Madiba!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Not So Flash
So Dave-O has been dying to see Flash Gordon. For years, it was nearly impossible to find a copy of the 1980 version of the film unless you imported through Brazil. (Why Brazil? I have no idea.) A few months ago, Flash Gordon became available through Netflix. It's been steadily climbing up our queue since then. It finally made its way to our house two weeks ago. We watched it on Thursday night...and...yeah.
Can you say super campy? Seriously, folks. I guffawed through the entire film. My sides still ache. Melodramatic acting. Shat lines. Special effects a third grader could cook up with a roll of duct tape, a flash light, and some colored transparency sheets. A plot without a plot. The costumes were spiffy. I can give it that much praise.
Dave was really disappointed. Our conversation went something like this:
Dave: I'm so disillusioned. I know this movie was better.
Me: Dude, you were, like, seven when this film came out. Everything is cooler when you're seven.
Dave: God, did it really come out that long ago?
Me: Dave, this movie is so old my parents hadn't even been introduced yet! Technically, I was two haploid cells chilling out in two different states separated by thousands of miles, just waiting for my chance at the baby dance.
Dave: (After a long pause.) That's just wrong.
Me: It's not my fault you're--
Dave: Old. Yes. I know.
Then the last few lines of the movie's end credits rolled by and, as luck would have it, twisted the "Damn, You're Old!" knife a little deeper in Dave-O's belly. What were those lines, you ask?
Soundtrack Now Available on Record and Tapes.
Me: Dave, AND TAPES!!! (And then I fell off the couch laughing.)
Dave: I hate you. Really. I do.
He doesn't. We're so desperately, madly, foolishly in love with one another it's quite sickening. Or so I'm told from outside sources...
Can you say super campy? Seriously, folks. I guffawed through the entire film. My sides still ache. Melodramatic acting. Shat lines. Special effects a third grader could cook up with a roll of duct tape, a flash light, and some colored transparency sheets. A plot without a plot. The costumes were spiffy. I can give it that much praise.
Dave was really disappointed. Our conversation went something like this:
Dave: I'm so disillusioned. I know this movie was better.
Me: Dude, you were, like, seven when this film came out. Everything is cooler when you're seven.
Dave: God, did it really come out that long ago?
Me: Dave, this movie is so old my parents hadn't even been introduced yet! Technically, I was two haploid cells chilling out in two different states separated by thousands of miles, just waiting for my chance at the baby dance.
Dave: (After a long pause.) That's just wrong.
Me: It's not my fault you're--
Dave: Old. Yes. I know.
Then the last few lines of the movie's end credits rolled by and, as luck would have it, twisted the "Damn, You're Old!" knife a little deeper in Dave-O's belly. What were those lines, you ask?
Soundtrack Now Available on Record and Tapes.
Me: Dave, AND TAPES!!! (And then I fell off the couch laughing.)
Dave: I hate you. Really. I do.
He doesn't. We're so desperately, madly, foolishly in love with one another it's quite sickening. Or so I'm told from outside sources...
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Sliding Back to Normalcy
So I'm trying to get back into a normal routine after having house guests. I know it's weird, but whenever we have people staying in the house, I feel guilty if I head to bed before our guests. Then I'm tired and off the next day but can't go to bed early because we still have guests. Bizarre. I know. Also, Rob and Stephanie hadn't visited in a year so there were a lot of nights we'd sit up and shoot the breeze. Hell, one night, Stephanie and I sat up yakking until the sun rose!
All in all, I enjoy having people in the house. It reminds me of my childhood. Growing up in a bustling household with two brothers and a sister and numerous cousins or friends over all the time is such a contrast to the rather quiet and calm existence Dave, Bos, and I live. I also love cooking for more bigger groups. I think my orange cranberry scones were a hit with Rob and Steph. Man, that is a recipe that took me, like, five tries to perfect. Finally, I realized the missing link was butter. More butter, specifically. 3/4 of a pound, actually. Totally not healthy, but they're so effing good!
Speaking of healthy, I'm still running my butt off on the Couch to 5K program. I'm really enjoying the runs. It is such a rush to finish that final running segment! I also love the priceless expressions on drivers' faces as they blow past me in their trucks. It's always a look of utter shock that a chub like me is hoofing it down the side of the road mixed with amusement and/or encouragement. I get a lot of waves, lol. Today, a sheriff's deputy gave me a wave, a double hit on the horn, and thumbs up as he inched past me in his cruiser.
I'm going to try to incorporate more cardio/resistance training on my off days. I slacked on cardio all last week. Not good. I seem to be in a weight loss plateau but that's all right. I had enough awesome weight loss weeks during the last few months that I'm still on track with my weight loss goals despite the plateau.
All right. Enough blogging. I started a new novella last night. It's super steamy! I'm dying to work on it!
All in all, I enjoy having people in the house. It reminds me of my childhood. Growing up in a bustling household with two brothers and a sister and numerous cousins or friends over all the time is such a contrast to the rather quiet and calm existence Dave, Bos, and I live. I also love cooking for more bigger groups. I think my orange cranberry scones were a hit with Rob and Steph. Man, that is a recipe that took me, like, five tries to perfect. Finally, I realized the missing link was butter. More butter, specifically. 3/4 of a pound, actually. Totally not healthy, but they're so effing good!
Speaking of healthy, I'm still running my butt off on the Couch to 5K program. I'm really enjoying the runs. It is such a rush to finish that final running segment! I also love the priceless expressions on drivers' faces as they blow past me in their trucks. It's always a look of utter shock that a chub like me is hoofing it down the side of the road mixed with amusement and/or encouragement. I get a lot of waves, lol. Today, a sheriff's deputy gave me a wave, a double hit on the horn, and thumbs up as he inched past me in his cruiser.
I'm going to try to incorporate more cardio/resistance training on my off days. I slacked on cardio all last week. Not good. I seem to be in a weight loss plateau but that's all right. I had enough awesome weight loss weeks during the last few months that I'm still on track with my weight loss goals despite the plateau.
All right. Enough blogging. I started a new novella last night. It's super steamy! I'm dying to work on it!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
What. The. F#$k.
Can you believe this? A 70 year old woman in India gave birth to IVF twins because her husband wanted an male heir. Apparently their daughters were worthless to them. He needed a male to inherit so he mortgaged his land, sold his livestock and took out loans to finance the IVF procedure. Uh, counter-productive much?
I hate to make judgments against different cultures, but seriously? The fact that women have so little value is equally as disturbing as the horribly unethical doctor who performed the IVF on this geriatric patient.
Any other day this would not have bothered me. I'd have made a weird face, had a wtf moment, and moved on... Today, though, it really stings. We thought this was going to be our month, but yeah, it wasn't. Then to see this 70 year old lady having twins. It's almost too much to swallow. Some days it feels like you have to be a 15 year old crack whore or a ninety year old hag out to break a world record for world's oldest mom to get that big freakin' positive on that evil piss stick.
Back to square one it seems...
I hate to make judgments against different cultures, but seriously? The fact that women have so little value is equally as disturbing as the horribly unethical doctor who performed the IVF on this geriatric patient.
Any other day this would not have bothered me. I'd have made a weird face, had a wtf moment, and moved on... Today, though, it really stings. We thought this was going to be our month, but yeah, it wasn't. Then to see this 70 year old lady having twins. It's almost too much to swallow. Some days it feels like you have to be a 15 year old crack whore or a ninety year old hag out to break a world record for world's oldest mom to get that big freakin' positive on that evil piss stick.
Back to square one it seems...
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Ran So Far Away...
So I completed my second C25K run today, and it went beautifully! I was able to run 3/4 of the workout and walk the rest. I couldn't believe how much easier it was. As I completed the final jog, I started laughing like a crazy person. Seriously. I was huffing and puffing and laughing. I'm sure the couple sipping tea on their front porch thought I was a loon. It felt so good though. I can't even describe it. I'm totally stoked for Friday's run. I really think I'm going to be able to run the whole thing.
Dave, Rob, Steph, and I went out to Blue Baker for a late lunch. I finally tried one of their totally yummy pizzas. It was so tasty. I think I'm going to have the rest for dinner in a sec. After lunch, we watched Hancock. It was pretty good. My only issue with the film (and script) was the under developed backstory of Hancock's origin. Even so, it was entertaining and well worth the price of a ticket.
All right. Off to munch.
Dave, Rob, Steph, and I went out to Blue Baker for a late lunch. I finally tried one of their totally yummy pizzas. It was so tasty. I think I'm going to have the rest for dinner in a sec. After lunch, we watched Hancock. It was pretty good. My only issue with the film (and script) was the under developed backstory of Hancock's origin. Even so, it was entertaining and well worth the price of a ticket.
All right. Off to munch.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Shelved
So I got some surprising and totally awesome news today. My novella, Nocturnal Obsession, or rather, Lolita Lopez's novella, is going to be in a print anthology releasing September/October. I know! I love digital publishing (e-books) because you have so much more literary freedom and can take risks in your subject matter and style, but even so, it's exciting to know I'll have a trade paperback with my name on it! Hopefully, some of my other novellas releasing later this year will find their way into print anthologies too!
On the running front, I'm postponing today's run until tomorrow morning. I didn't get to bed until almost one last night, and then, of course, I couldn't sleep! I tossed and turned until five or so, dozed off and on, and then woke up a little after eight. I barely made it through a shower. There was no way I could have made it through a run. I'd go tonight but Dave's coming home and I still have to make dinner and do laundry. Oh, and Hell's Kitchen is on tonight. I refuse to miss my Gordon Ramsay fix.
Tomorrow morning is better because Dave can watch the dog while I run. Bos makes such a racket when I leave him! I couldn't stand the idea of leaving him to whine and bark and cry for half an hour or more while Todd & Steph try to sleep upstairs.
Anywho. That's my update. Off to get some work done.
On the running front, I'm postponing today's run until tomorrow morning. I didn't get to bed until almost one last night, and then, of course, I couldn't sleep! I tossed and turned until five or so, dozed off and on, and then woke up a little after eight. I barely made it through a shower. There was no way I could have made it through a run. I'd go tonight but Dave's coming home and I still have to make dinner and do laundry. Oh, and Hell's Kitchen is on tonight. I refuse to miss my Gordon Ramsay fix.
Tomorrow morning is better because Dave can watch the dog while I run. Bos makes such a racket when I leave him! I couldn't stand the idea of leaving him to whine and bark and cry for half an hour or more while Todd & Steph try to sleep upstairs.
Anywho. That's my update. Off to get some work done.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Born to Run
Yeah. Not so much, it seems. I did my first C25K workout yesterday, and holy shit, I thought I was going to die. For some reason, jogging is a lot more work than 60 minutes of cardio. I don't know why, but it felt different. Harder. Lots harder. I couldn't finish the first workout, but seriously, I'm okay with that. I'll just have to repeat a week, it looks like. I mean, damn folks, I'm lugging around 200 plus pounds. Just getting halfway through the run was an accomplishment.
Even so, I had a rather embarassing experience. Okay. It was humiliating. So Dave and I live out in the boonies in this really pretty, very quiet, laid-back subdivision. I chose a running path along this country road that winds through farms, ranches, and equestrian centers. Last night, I was huffing and puffing and just trying to keep my feet moving. This truckload of teenage boys, maybe 15 or 16, approaches, and of course, they slow down as the pass me. They rolled down their windows and started calling me names. And, of course, I just happened to be running in front of a pasture full of cows. Yeah. I totally got mooed at.
So there I am, crying and running down this road, and thinking, holy shit, I've worked SO hard to lose 24 pounds, and oh my god, I still have a eighty pounds to go. Even though I can tell a difference in the way I look, and my friends and family can tell a difference, to every one else, I'm still FAT. It was so demoralizing.
Dave was really sweet and supportive about the whole thing. He had that angry tick in his jaw. If we hadn't been expecting house guests any minute, I suspect he might have gone off to find the little ass clowns. I have a feeling he'll want to join me as his escort from now on, lol.
No, I'm not going to dwell on this. And, yes, I realize they were just punk ass jerks. Still, it hurts. I've decided to use it as motivation to get through these (for me) grueling workouts.
Even so, I had a rather embarassing experience. Okay. It was humiliating. So Dave and I live out in the boonies in this really pretty, very quiet, laid-back subdivision. I chose a running path along this country road that winds through farms, ranches, and equestrian centers. Last night, I was huffing and puffing and just trying to keep my feet moving. This truckload of teenage boys, maybe 15 or 16, approaches, and of course, they slow down as the pass me. They rolled down their windows and started calling me names. And, of course, I just happened to be running in front of a pasture full of cows. Yeah. I totally got mooed at.
So there I am, crying and running down this road, and thinking, holy shit, I've worked SO hard to lose 24 pounds, and oh my god, I still have a eighty pounds to go. Even though I can tell a difference in the way I look, and my friends and family can tell a difference, to every one else, I'm still FAT. It was so demoralizing.
Dave was really sweet and supportive about the whole thing. He had that angry tick in his jaw. If we hadn't been expecting house guests any minute, I suspect he might have gone off to find the little ass clowns. I have a feeling he'll want to join me as his escort from now on, lol.
No, I'm not going to dwell on this. And, yes, I realize they were just punk ass jerks. Still, it hurts. I've decided to use it as motivation to get through these (for me) grueling workouts.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
C25K Countdown
So I made a decision regarding the Couch to 5K program. I'd originally planned to start once I dropped 30 pounds. I'm down 24 pounds right now, and well, I just can't wait. I feel caged. I need to get out and move!
Tomorrow I'm picking up a pair of shoes, a watch, and an MP3 player of some kind. I plan to start running on Sunday morning. My new workout schedule will be:
Sunday: C25K
Monday: Cardio/Strength Training for 60-90
Tuesday: C25K
Wednesday: Cardio/Strength Training
Thursday: C25K
Friday: Off/Maybe C/S
Saturday: Off
Hopefully this will provide the change I need. Also, I'm curious to see how the scale will change...
Tomorrow I'm picking up a pair of shoes, a watch, and an MP3 player of some kind. I plan to start running on Sunday morning. My new workout schedule will be:
Sunday: C25K
Monday: Cardio/Strength Training for 60-90
Tuesday: C25K
Wednesday: Cardio/Strength Training
Thursday: C25K
Friday: Off/Maybe C/S
Saturday: Off
Hopefully this will provide the change I need. Also, I'm curious to see how the scale will change...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Butternut Squash Fries...
Are AWESOME! Seriously, they are so tasty! Dave-O and I are trying to replace some of our less healthy foods with more healthy choices. I've been spending a lot of time on Hungry Girl for new recipe ideas. Last night, we tried the butternut squash fries paired with bbq pork sandwiches and cole slaw. Yummy! I think next week, we'll try making faux mashed potatoes.
I'm making progress on the novel. My writing pace has slowed these last few days because I feel funky. I'm not sure what's up with my body. My dreams are super effed up. I've been dizzy and thirsty. Food tastes funny. I had some weird ass sharp pain on my left side a few days back. Now it's a dull ache that's moved to the center of my lower tummy. If I had to guess, I'd assume it's another cyst or five. I'm cautiously ignoring it. If I spike a fever or start puking, I'm heading straight to the ER. No screwing around this time...
I'm making progress on the novel. My writing pace has slowed these last few days because I feel funky. I'm not sure what's up with my body. My dreams are super effed up. I've been dizzy and thirsty. Food tastes funny. I had some weird ass sharp pain on my left side a few days back. Now it's a dull ache that's moved to the center of my lower tummy. If I had to guess, I'd assume it's another cyst or five. I'm cautiously ignoring it. If I spike a fever or start puking, I'm heading straight to the ER. No screwing around this time...
Monday, June 23, 2008
24
Went to see Get Smart on Saturday evening with Layna. I'd heard mixed reviews so I wasn't sure what to expect. I loved it. I haven't laughed that hard in quite a while. The "Chuck Norris with a BB gun" quip almost made me fall out of my chair. Too funny!
I realized I haven't done a weigh-in in a few weeks. No worries! I haven't fallen off the wagon. As of this morning, I'm down 24 pounds! On Saturday, I whined to Layna about reaching a weight loss plateau because my Friday weigh-in showed no gain or loss. This morning, I hop on the scale, and I was down 2 pounds. Where the hell did that weight go? I have no idea. I'm just happy it's gone, baby, gone.
Okay. Back to work. I really need to finish this novel. I have to find a new agent, and this book is the key. I hope. Maybe. Possibly.
I realized I haven't done a weigh-in in a few weeks. No worries! I haven't fallen off the wagon. As of this morning, I'm down 24 pounds! On Saturday, I whined to Layna about reaching a weight loss plateau because my Friday weigh-in showed no gain or loss. This morning, I hop on the scale, and I was down 2 pounds. Where the hell did that weight go? I have no idea. I'm just happy it's gone, baby, gone.
Okay. Back to work. I really need to finish this novel. I have to find a new agent, and this book is the key. I hope. Maybe. Possibly.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Words to Live By
A friend sent me an awesome quote today. I've decided it shall be my new motto.
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh shit! She's awake!"
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh shit! She's awake!"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
368 And Counting
So Dave and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary a few days ago. We went the low-key route, a wonderful dinner and a movie. We could have boarded the dog and gone away for a few days, but we're determined to be debt free (except for the mortgage) in 15 months. It's rough some times when you want to run out and buy something super cool, but you get used to it after a while. It's worth the annoyance.
Speaking of annoyances... We decided to buy an elliptical machine instead of a treadmill. We went to Academy to pick one out, but out of the six or seven employees milling around, hands in pockets, making rude jokes, not a single one could be bothered to help us out. When Dave finally managed to snag one of the jerks, he informed us the elliptical machine we wanted was sold out. He didn't offer to order another one or show us a different model. He just walked away.
I was so pissed. We left. Screw them. We had the same experience at the second store we tried. Dave has some days off next week so I guess we'll have to try this again. You'd think with this economy, people would be more careful with their jobs. Jeez!
Oh, and I had quite a giggle today. A friend of Dave's is getting married in August. We received the invitation a few days ago so I decided to go ahead and browse their registries. I like to pick out a gift early when there are lots of cool choices. Anywho. I'm looking through their listing on BB&B and I notice there are multiple entries of items. Two coffee pots, four sets of tongs, two tea kettles, four omelet pans, two can openers, etc. I started laughing as I realized what must have happened. No doubt the bride made the mistake of allowing the groom to carry his own scanning gun. I can just picture him trailing along behind her and pointing the gun at random items while she's carefully choosing the best pieces for their new home.
Boys! Sigh.
Speaking of annoyances... We decided to buy an elliptical machine instead of a treadmill. We went to Academy to pick one out, but out of the six or seven employees milling around, hands in pockets, making rude jokes, not a single one could be bothered to help us out. When Dave finally managed to snag one of the jerks, he informed us the elliptical machine we wanted was sold out. He didn't offer to order another one or show us a different model. He just walked away.
I was so pissed. We left. Screw them. We had the same experience at the second store we tried. Dave has some days off next week so I guess we'll have to try this again. You'd think with this economy, people would be more careful with their jobs. Jeez!
Oh, and I had quite a giggle today. A friend of Dave's is getting married in August. We received the invitation a few days ago so I decided to go ahead and browse their registries. I like to pick out a gift early when there are lots of cool choices. Anywho. I'm looking through their listing on BB&B and I notice there are multiple entries of items. Two coffee pots, four sets of tongs, two tea kettles, four omelet pans, two can openers, etc. I started laughing as I realized what must have happened. No doubt the bride made the mistake of allowing the groom to carry his own scanning gun. I can just picture him trailing along behind her and pointing the gun at random items while she's carefully choosing the best pieces for their new home.
Boys! Sigh.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Tim Russert & Pink Shoes
Wow. Tim Russert died on Friday. I am shocked. Speechless. Seriously. I loved Tim Russert. I loved Meet the Press. I think he took over Meet the Press in the early nineties. I was in, like, elementary school then and just discovering my love all things political. His tiny little dry erase board during the 2000 Presidential election is burned into my memory.
He is--well, was--one of the few journalists I trusted to ask the hard questions. He was tenacious, engaging, and always fair. He also wrote some great books. His wife is an amazingly talented writer for Vanity Fair. His kid just graduated from college. What a horrible tragedy running up to Father's Day! I really feel bad for his family.
Sunday mornings just won't be the same anymore...
As for the pink shoes, well, check out this pic: Pink Pumps & Sailors Return.
Personally, I think it's a gorgeous picture. It's evocative, it's sassy, and it speaks to the excitement and anxiety of a woman awaiting the return of her sailor husband. Everyone I've showed the pic to sees exactly what I see. Unfortunately, the readers of the paper where the pic was originally run along with an article about the return of the Harry S. Truman carrier felt the pic was "trashy" and "cheap."
Yeah. I know. What the hell? What is wrong with a woman or man dressing up for their returning spouse/partner/lover? Shoot, if Dave's gone for more than two days in a row, I always make sure I hop in the shower, get those legs smooth, and slip on some cute undies. He's my husband. I miss him. I want him to know that I care for him. Obviously, any spouse of a military member is going to feel that longing a thousand times fold.
If you're interested, check out the SB blog. They have an awesome post on the kerfuffle and hundreds of comments from military spouses, authors, and readers. And, yes, people always ask if that is THE Nora Roberts commenting on the SB blog. Yeppers. That's La Nora. She's surprisingly down-to-earth in her internet presence.
All right. I'm out. I won't blog this weekend. Our anniversary is coming up, and we've decided to celebrate a few days early. We've also decided to take the plunge, so to speak. Here's to flirting with danger!
He is--well, was--one of the few journalists I trusted to ask the hard questions. He was tenacious, engaging, and always fair. He also wrote some great books. His wife is an amazingly talented writer for Vanity Fair. His kid just graduated from college. What a horrible tragedy running up to Father's Day! I really feel bad for his family.
Sunday mornings just won't be the same anymore...
As for the pink shoes, well, check out this pic: Pink Pumps & Sailors Return.
Personally, I think it's a gorgeous picture. It's evocative, it's sassy, and it speaks to the excitement and anxiety of a woman awaiting the return of her sailor husband. Everyone I've showed the pic to sees exactly what I see. Unfortunately, the readers of the paper where the pic was originally run along with an article about the return of the Harry S. Truman carrier felt the pic was "trashy" and "cheap."
Yeah. I know. What the hell? What is wrong with a woman or man dressing up for their returning spouse/partner/lover? Shoot, if Dave's gone for more than two days in a row, I always make sure I hop in the shower, get those legs smooth, and slip on some cute undies. He's my husband. I miss him. I want him to know that I care for him. Obviously, any spouse of a military member is going to feel that longing a thousand times fold.
If you're interested, check out the SB blog. They have an awesome post on the kerfuffle and hundreds of comments from military spouses, authors, and readers. And, yes, people always ask if that is THE Nora Roberts commenting on the SB blog. Yeppers. That's La Nora. She's surprisingly down-to-earth in her internet presence.
All right. I'm out. I won't blog this weekend. Our anniversary is coming up, and we've decided to celebrate a few days early. We've also decided to take the plunge, so to speak. Here's to flirting with danger!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Klaus
Bosley goes through squeaky toys like my brothers and I used to go through boxes of Swiss Cake Rolls. (OMG. The sugar high memories!) Dave and I chose this garish orange goldfish that looks exactly like Klaus from Family Guy. Before we bought Klaus, I gave him a few experimental squeezes. Within the bustling confines of PetSmart, it didn't sound so bad.
Well, guess what? Here in the relatively quiet confines of our house, it sounds like the most unholy wheezing, squeaking, guffawing possessed goldfish this side of Hell. Because of it's shape, Klaus double squeaks, one a normal mid-range dog toy squeak and the other a high-pitched, nails on a chalkboard screech reminiscent of my younger sis' banshee shrieks. (I love Tricia, I really do, but omg, when you get her wound up, her voice escalates into a range not normally accessible by humans. Seriously.)
Normally, I don't mind too much about Bosley's annoying toys. With those Great Dane jaws, he can tear up a toy in no time. Unfortunately, Klaus is one of those next-generation super durable silicone toys. I'm beginning to lose hope. I don't think I'll ever be free of Klaus. I've decided to be proactive. I'm about to activate the Google-fu to locate a set of background silencing earphones.
Oh, and just a quick quote that killed me. I so heart Perez Hilton. This is just too funny not to pass along.
"A lot of people like to fool you and say you're not smart if you never went to college, but common sense rules over everything. That's what I learned from selling crack." ~Snoop in Esquire magazine.
Well, guess what? Here in the relatively quiet confines of our house, it sounds like the most unholy wheezing, squeaking, guffawing possessed goldfish this side of Hell. Because of it's shape, Klaus double squeaks, one a normal mid-range dog toy squeak and the other a high-pitched, nails on a chalkboard screech reminiscent of my younger sis' banshee shrieks. (I love Tricia, I really do, but omg, when you get her wound up, her voice escalates into a range not normally accessible by humans. Seriously.)
Normally, I don't mind too much about Bosley's annoying toys. With those Great Dane jaws, he can tear up a toy in no time. Unfortunately, Klaus is one of those next-generation super durable silicone toys. I'm beginning to lose hope. I don't think I'll ever be free of Klaus. I've decided to be proactive. I'm about to activate the Google-fu to locate a set of background silencing earphones.
Oh, and just a quick quote that killed me. I so heart Perez Hilton. This is just too funny not to pass along.
"A lot of people like to fool you and say you're not smart if you never went to college, but common sense rules over everything. That's what I learned from selling crack." ~Snoop in Esquire magazine.
Friday, June 06, 2008
20
Hella busy week so I haven't had time to blog. Good news on the weight front though. As of this morning, I'm down 20 pounds. 20 pounds! Whee!!!
Since this way my first milestone goal, I rewarded myself with new workout clothes and a few books. I really, really wanted to binge on powdered donuts, nachos, and a pint (or two) of Blue Bell, but I decided it would be a waste of progress. Sick, huh? I decided that for our one year anniversary next week, I'm eating whatever the heck I feel like all day. You know, yummies like cake and pasta and maybe even a leaded Dr. Pepper. Oh, that's right. The good stuff.
I'm also thinking about pushing up the schedule of C25K. I'd wanted to start after 30 pounds of weight loss, but I may start as early as next week. I'm getting so bored. I need to get out of this house and move!
Speaking of moving, I need to get my butt in gear and finish a chapter or two before bed. I'm so behind...
Hopefully I'll have something witty or entertaining to blog about tomorrow. Hopefully.
Since this way my first milestone goal, I rewarded myself with new workout clothes and a few books. I really, really wanted to binge on powdered donuts, nachos, and a pint (or two) of Blue Bell, but I decided it would be a waste of progress. Sick, huh? I decided that for our one year anniversary next week, I'm eating whatever the heck I feel like all day. You know, yummies like cake and pasta and maybe even a leaded Dr. Pepper. Oh, that's right. The good stuff.
I'm also thinking about pushing up the schedule of C25K. I'd wanted to start after 30 pounds of weight loss, but I may start as early as next week. I'm getting so bored. I need to get out of this house and move!
Speaking of moving, I need to get my butt in gear and finish a chapter or two before bed. I'm so behind...
Hopefully I'll have something witty or entertaining to blog about tomorrow. Hopefully.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Couch to 5K
So I'm down 16 pounds and 3 pants sizes. I'm steadily losing 1-2 pounds a week. I'm rather pleased with my progress. That said, I'm not so happy with my current workout routine. Doing 60-90 minutes of cardio aerobics and strength training 5-6 times a week is wearing me out. I mean, the benefits are awesome. I'm still, you know, fat, but I'm toning up and looking a lot less flabby.
Earlier this evening, I passed the downstairs powder room and stopped to look at my reflection in the mirror. It was weird to see the changes.
Me: Dude, I'm, like, tight fat. You know?
Dave: No, I don't. What does that even mean?
Me: I'm not sure. I'm, like, fat, but tighter. See?
Dave: Yes.
I've managed to get Dave on the Get Healthy Wagon. He's not in bad shape or anything, but he knows that daily exercise (just 30 minutes) would greatly benefit his blood sugar control. We've decided to pick up a treadmill sometime this weekend/early next week. A treadmill will make my workouts much easier. I can do 30 minutes of walking then 60 minutes of aerobics/strength training. Or, some days, I can just walk for an hour or whatever. Also, I can edit while walking by placing my manuscripts on the treadmill dashboard thing.
Even with this addition of a treadmill to my workouts, I know I've got to ramp things up if I want to continue to lose weight and increase my stamina. A few of the chicas in my support group are starting the Couch to 5K program. Basically, you follow the walking/jogging/running regimen for 9 weeks and work your way up from slobby couch potato to running 5K in thirty minutes.
I've decided that as soon as I hit 30 pounds of weight loss, I'm starting the program. I'd start this weekend, but I'm a little worried about the extra strain on my joints with all the excess weight I carry. So 14 more pounds and I'm adding running to my workouts. I've already started looking at running shoes and clothes.
Life is becoming slightly surreal. Seven weeks ago, I was that girl who did ANYTHING she could to avoid any kind of phsyical exertion. Now, I'm that nutter looking for new ways to shake up my sweating routines. I used to devour sleeves of cookies and bags of chips and wash them down with leaded Dr. Peppers by the six pack. These days, I drink maybe 2 Diet Dr. Peppers a day, guzzle water like it's going out of style, and eat cookies and chips (one serving only) maybe once a week. I made some pumpkin pies for Memorial Day (Dave loves them,) but I haven't touched them. Each time I consider having a slice, I'm, like, well that's 200 or 300 calories and I could totally have an apple and peanut butter or (insert yummy healthy choice here) instead.
Bizarre, huh? I think it's because I finally realize that I can accomplish this. I mean, yes, I'm not even 1/6 of the way there, but dudes, I'm going to make it. Come hell or high water, I'm losing this weight!
Earlier this evening, I passed the downstairs powder room and stopped to look at my reflection in the mirror. It was weird to see the changes.
Me: Dude, I'm, like, tight fat. You know?
Dave: No, I don't. What does that even mean?
Me: I'm not sure. I'm, like, fat, but tighter. See?
Dave: Yes.
I've managed to get Dave on the Get Healthy Wagon. He's not in bad shape or anything, but he knows that daily exercise (just 30 minutes) would greatly benefit his blood sugar control. We've decided to pick up a treadmill sometime this weekend/early next week. A treadmill will make my workouts much easier. I can do 30 minutes of walking then 60 minutes of aerobics/strength training. Or, some days, I can just walk for an hour or whatever. Also, I can edit while walking by placing my manuscripts on the treadmill dashboard thing.
Even with this addition of a treadmill to my workouts, I know I've got to ramp things up if I want to continue to lose weight and increase my stamina. A few of the chicas in my support group are starting the Couch to 5K program. Basically, you follow the walking/jogging/running regimen for 9 weeks and work your way up from slobby couch potato to running 5K in thirty minutes.
I've decided that as soon as I hit 30 pounds of weight loss, I'm starting the program. I'd start this weekend, but I'm a little worried about the extra strain on my joints with all the excess weight I carry. So 14 more pounds and I'm adding running to my workouts. I've already started looking at running shoes and clothes.
Life is becoming slightly surreal. Seven weeks ago, I was that girl who did ANYTHING she could to avoid any kind of phsyical exertion. Now, I'm that nutter looking for new ways to shake up my sweating routines. I used to devour sleeves of cookies and bags of chips and wash them down with leaded Dr. Peppers by the six pack. These days, I drink maybe 2 Diet Dr. Peppers a day, guzzle water like it's going out of style, and eat cookies and chips (one serving only) maybe once a week. I made some pumpkin pies for Memorial Day (Dave loves them,) but I haven't touched them. Each time I consider having a slice, I'm, like, well that's 200 or 300 calories and I could totally have an apple and peanut butter or (insert yummy healthy choice here) instead.
Bizarre, huh? I think it's because I finally realize that I can accomplish this. I mean, yes, I'm not even 1/6 of the way there, but dudes, I'm going to make it. Come hell or high water, I'm losing this weight!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Save the Internet!!!
I'm totally a fan of Net Neutrality. The whole idea of having to pay for (faster or simply any) access to specific portions of the internet is ridiculous. Can you imagine the repurcussions? I mean, yes, I get the Jimmy and his grandmother argument that Mark Cuban (?) used. Namely, Jimmy's need to download a movie isn't as important as the hospital's need to download his grandmother's medical records. Okay. Sure. BUT how do we ensure that if these laws are passed, companies like AT&T, Verizon, ComCast, etc. won't find squirrely ways to screw us? We already know that Verizon practiced censorship of text messages when they kept pro-choice groups from sending text messages to their supporters on the Verizon network. No, I'm not kidding. Here's the story.
How are small businesses supposed to compete with big businesses if they can only afford so-called "slow lane" access? Who the heck is going to sit around and wait and wait and wait for a small business' page to load if they can zip over to a larger company's website that loads super quick?
Blogs are an amazing equalizer in the media field. How are small bloggers going to compete with huge media outfits like CNN and Fox and the BBC if we have to pay for access to users, video and audio sharing, etc?
I could go on, but you get the idea. If you're interested, visit Save The Internet.
That's my do-good for the week. Tomorrow a weight update and the C25K program.
How are small businesses supposed to compete with big businesses if they can only afford so-called "slow lane" access? Who the heck is going to sit around and wait and wait and wait for a small business' page to load if they can zip over to a larger company's website that loads super quick?
Blogs are an amazing equalizer in the media field. How are small bloggers going to compete with huge media outfits like CNN and Fox and the BBC if we have to pay for access to users, video and audio sharing, etc?
I could go on, but you get the idea. If you're interested, visit Save The Internet.
That's my do-good for the week. Tomorrow a weight update and the C25K program.
Wordpress & Me
So I've been sitting on a pair of domain names for, like, a year. I seriously need to build a few websites to support my pen names and such. All of my writing buddies were, like, "Hey, just use Wordpress. It's so easy!" So I did.
Except, apparently, I'm an idiot. Seriously. For the past three hours, I've been doing a lot of this: Head. Desk. Head. Desk. Head. Desk.
I capitulate. I'm raising the white flag. I yield to the Oh Great Powers of Wordpress which conspire to humiliate and frustrate me. Done. I'm done.
Any one know a good website designer/builder person?!?!
Except, apparently, I'm an idiot. Seriously. For the past three hours, I've been doing a lot of this: Head. Desk. Head. Desk. Head. Desk.
I capitulate. I'm raising the white flag. I yield to the Oh Great Powers of Wordpress which conspire to humiliate and frustrate me. Done. I'm done.
Any one know a good website designer/builder person?!?!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Adventures In Dog Owning
So Bosley chewed up an entire package of Apri today. (Apri is the brand of birth control pills I take as part of my HRT.) He swallowed 3-4 pills. No, I don't know why. Maybe it's because he's got a bad case of puppy acne and heard me extolling the virtues of bcp's for clearing up my skin. Who knows.
Luckily, the pills are super tiny and low dose. Apparently, it's not a big deal. It happens more often than you'd think. He doesn't seem to be having any side effects so I'm not too terribly worried. Tomorrow, I fully expect him to whine about man boob soreness and throw a few moody temper tantrums.
I'm not sure what we're going to do with Bosley. He's never acted like this before, and it's getting ridiculous. We can't crate him because of the history of abuse and neglect. He loses control of his bladder and shakes violently when he hears metal scraping so crates/kennels aren't feasible. We can't leave him outside because he's not an outside dog, and I don't trust passersby not to tease or hurt him.
I guess it's time for another round of obedience training. Sigh. Back to the drawing board...
Luckily, the pills are super tiny and low dose. Apparently, it's not a big deal. It happens more often than you'd think. He doesn't seem to be having any side effects so I'm not too terribly worried. Tomorrow, I fully expect him to whine about man boob soreness and throw a few moody temper tantrums.
I'm not sure what we're going to do with Bosley. He's never acted like this before, and it's getting ridiculous. We can't crate him because of the history of abuse and neglect. He loses control of his bladder and shakes violently when he hears metal scraping so crates/kennels aren't feasible. We can't leave him outside because he's not an outside dog, and I don't trust passersby not to tease or hurt him.
I guess it's time for another round of obedience training. Sigh. Back to the drawing board...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mushaboom
Really, really short post tonight.
Lately, MUSHABOOM by Feist has been heavy in my iTunes rotation. Why? The lyrics really hit home for me, for us, right now. Actually, I'd chance a guess that they describe probably ninety percent of my generation. With outrageous student loans, a crappy job market, insane costs of living, eye-popping gas prices, and nearly unaffordable medical care, it's all most of us can do just to survive. Forget about marriage, homes, and babies. We're screwed.
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born oh
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups oh
But in the meantime we've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
My dreams will match up with my pay
I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house oh
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done oh
Lately, MUSHABOOM by Feist has been heavy in my iTunes rotation. Why? The lyrics really hit home for me, for us, right now. Actually, I'd chance a guess that they describe probably ninety percent of my generation. With outrageous student loans, a crappy job market, insane costs of living, eye-popping gas prices, and nearly unaffordable medical care, it's all most of us can do just to survive. Forget about marriage, homes, and babies. We're screwed.
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born oh
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups oh
But in the meantime we've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
My dreams will match up with my pay
I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house oh
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done oh
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