If you didn't know it before now, it's news

Sit Ups

2009-09-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Trainer Mike had me do these medicine ball sit ups two days ago. I remember a time when I would be sore the day after an activity or workout, but recently my greatest pain is TWO days later.

Mike has me do 20 of these at a time (alternating with a standing medicine ball activity) and then two more sets of 20 reps.

Of course, I'm sore today. When I sit up straight or laugh my abs are on fire! I just realized that the way we count these I have to sit up to put the ball between my knees and AGAIN to retrieve it. That means I sit up twice for a count of "one." Which means I didn't do 60 sit ups a few days ago, but rather 120!

120, ow!

Results are coming, slowly but surely.

So true, so true...

2009-09-15T16:51:00.000-05:00

My horoscope for this week:

It’s time to stop dragging past issues into your current love agenda. A new moon in Virgo sounds the wake-up call. Instead of pointing the finger at other people, take a look at your own actions. It takes two to tango, Pisces . People are just mirroring back what you put out there. If you want a different response, bring something unexpected to the table. The element of surprise (and a little shock value) works in your favor when you pull an unpredictable move. All signs point to this truth: you’re ready for a serious (or more serious) relationship. Stop dragging your feet and dive in all the way. The adventure can only begin when you fully commit yourself.

Freezing Herbs

2009-08-19T16:56:00.001-05:00

A friend shared this and I can't WAIT to try it for myself!

Chop the herb, roll it into a log using bleach-free parchment paper and put that in an air tight bag. The point of preserving it this way, in this shape is so that you can slice pats of herb off like butter, or freezer cookies. You get just what you need and it's still super fragrant and flavorful.

More Love

2009-07-01T16:43:00.004-05:00

Whilst I'm posting about cousins I may as well post about my cousin Matt who is getting married this October. His Fiancee is wonderful and I think really good for him.

Here are some engagement shots. As always, click to enlarge.

Love

2009-06-29T16:40:00.002-05:00

I found this picture of my cousin, her boyfriend, and their dog (who shares their last names, hyphenated of course!).

To me, this sleeping family symbolizes the simplicity and ease involved in love.

I love them too!

Bad ending to an old flame

2009-06-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

A guy I dated around Christmas/New Year's of 2008 just posted his WEDDING photos on facebook.

?????

When did this happen?????

Also, to add to the excitement, when we were playing a wedding two weeks ago and someone asked us if we were playing for an Indian wedding, THAT WAS HIS WEDDING!!! So he was at the same venue I was for his wedding. Trippy.....

Eco Fix it!

2009-06-07T20:36:00.002-05:00

I had this clogged sink for WEEKS in my bathroom. I didn't want to use draino or liquid plumber, because those chemicals are super toxic. I tried buying an eco fix from from the grocery store, but it didn't touch this clog.

I read online that mixing white vinegar and baking soda will clear a clog. And SURE ENOUGH it did! I am so amazed that such a cheap and easy fix worked so well! Try it next time you have one.

Surfing in Madison, WI

2009-04-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

I love my cousin Jesse!!!!

http://dekerivers.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/surfing-on-lake-monona-in-madison-sight-to-see/

Socialism and the Anti-Christ

2009-04-16T16:34:00.002-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about "teabagging" (leave it to the super-prude conservatives to come up with the gayest name ever like that, since they DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!) parties lately. The associated photos always contain some comment about socialism and usually something about Obama being the Anti-Christ.

First of all, the conservatives are implying that social programs are bad. Really? Things we all pay for and only some of us use, that's bad? Let me tell you what that is: heath insurance, auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, the police, the fire department, libraries, schools..... so yeah, I think these are all GREAT things! I like to know that if I call 9-1-1 I can get a public servant to respond to my cry for help. I like knowing that the kids in my neighborhood (as I don't have any myself) are getting an education in order to grow up and contribute to society.

As a matter of fact, I think helping thy neighbor and doing onto others as you would have done to you are CORE Christian values! Which means if someone is against social programs and helping the less fortunate they themselves would be the Anti-Christ!

Therefore, Uber Conservatives = Anti-Christ.

Personal Growth

2009-04-15T09:56:00.001-05:00

I've been spending the past few years really trying to better myself. Classes, new hobbies, new friends, travel, forgiveness for bad things that have passed. Why shouldn't I strive to be the best, healthiest, happiest version of myself possible? Dating is difficult to work into this philosophy as we all act a little different when we first meet people, and before a relationship is defined there is a lot of seesawing and give and take and extra forgiveness (since there's no history or negative pattern to cloud the judgment) bending over backwards, etc…

It takes time to get to know someone, but also in that time I need to remember to be myself, and stay TRUE to myself and my values.

I've decided to stop with the pursuit of my latest date. He was so very cool and exciting when we met, and now he just seems kind of lost and sad to me. If I had a PARTNER, who was going through some trying times, I would be there to support him. But someone I've been dating for a month, it seems easier to cut my losses.

I am still holding out for an equal partner. Someone who will support me, and be in love with me, and vice versa. I want someone who is willing to grow and learn with me. Since I'm that way, there HAS to be a male counterpart to me within say 100 miles or so…..

Ethical Dilemma RESOLVED!

2009-03-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

I hate Wal-Mart. I think the company and those who run it are pure evil. They have driven the demand for cheap, non-regulated slave labor items from China and helped close numerous American based companies. They are the employer with the MOST employees on social welfare programs in the country (as they don't pay employees a living wage). They consistently pay women less than men for the same work and seniority levels. And on and on…. http://www.now.org/issues/wfw/wm-facts.html

http://www.wal-martlitigation.com/currentd.htm

Despite my hate for them, they are the ONLY place in my city to sell a generic version of Lactaid. Which costs about a QUARTER of what actual Lactaid costs. *sigh* So I've been wrestling with hating myself for patronizing the store for ONE product that I NEED (which isn't available anywhere else).

Have you ever noticed how products you depend on and love get discontinued? Well, Wal-Mart no longer MAKES the generic bottles of Lactaid.

I spent quite a significant amount of time online searching for an alternative and FINALLY found one through Rite Aid's website. Of course we don't have a Rite Aid within 100 miles of where I live… but the shipping was free AND they had a $5.00 coupon. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=76531&catid=9323

I made my first purchase of non Wal-Mart Lactaid in years (since Walgreens stopped making it) and it feels like I no longer have to be a hypocrite about hating Wal-Mart. I can now eat dairy with a clear conscious! And I can be pretty sure that I will NEVER step foot in Wal-Mart again!!!!!

Baby Steps

2009-03-21T13:51:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I need to just take a breath and slow down for a moment.

My new "friend" explained that he wasn't sure he felt the fireworks. BUT he still said that he really enjoys me, spending time with me, and who he is and how he feels with me. Mixed messages?

It's OK. We've spent some time together since then, and it was still pretty amazing. We have plans coming up too.

I guess it's OK for me to get excited about all the ideas and feelings, but everything happens in due time. Baby steps are OK with me. As long as we can keep moving mostly forward.

Date Two, Completed

2009-03-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

OK! Date number one was a hit. So much so that we had date two three days later. It too was successful!

I almost don't know what to do with all the good feelings here! It's all so easy too, I'm almost not even trying. I'm pretty confident that I am 100% being myself. ALREADY!

The more we talk, the more we have in common, the more interesting and appealing he becomes to me. I am VERY smitten right now! And he seems to be as into me as I am into him. WOW! Things are off to a great start there! With many, many more levels to be reached.

I continue to be filled with hope.

Love the HOPE

2009-03-06T10:02:00.002-06:00

I'm meeting a really interesting new guy tomorrow. And right now I am FILLED with excitement, anticipation, and hope. I love that feeling! All the what ifs and could be.... There is ALL the potential in the world! A build up of kinetic energy...

And the BEST thing in the world would be for this feeling to continue to grow and progress.

Cross your fingers for me!

Indoor Gardener

2009-02-13T16:00:00.005-06:00

We had a little bout of spring-like weather last week (over 50 degrees!) and as a result the two feet of snow in my back yard melted to reveal a sad looking dormant lawn (and mud, I saw lots of mud too...).

The spring tease has gotten MANY of us excited about the idea of spring, summer, and locally grown food. Case in point, I'm going to the Garden Expo with a friend tomorrow morning. She bought us some fabulous 10 cent clay pots earlier today. Sounds like the future home of an herb garden to me!

To try and quench my thirst to grow food NOW (it's still February...) I started some micro greens a few days ago. I like the photos on this site: Micro Greens

I've also been taking inventory of my seeds from Fedco in order to know what more to order this year. For sure I'll be trying my hand at brussels sprouts and kohlrabi. In addition to the usual snap peas, 8 kinds of organic and heirloom tomatoes, many zucchinis, swiss chard, and cukes.

With all the food I'm growing, you'd never know I belong to a CSA as well. What can I say, I'm doing my part to be more green and live sustainably. All the little things add up, and I hope my things add up to really making a difference.

Long time...

2009-02-08T22:36:00.002-06:00

It was brought to my attention that:

1. I have not posted in QUITE a while
2. Anything I write on Facebook is NOT the same as writing here.

Good to know.

Soooo.... my work is bonkers due to three retirements and zero replacements. I feel like I'm quite possibly being punished for doing a good job. Uggggh! The situation, one way or another, can NOT remain as is for too long. That's all I'm sayin'.

Aldo needs three surgical procedures this month. He has a little mole-growth thing that needs to be removed from his leg, he has ANOTHER broken tooth that requires removal, and since the chylothorax is gone now he needs his port removed too. Ka-ching. So I need to hurry up and get my tax refund and book more weddings.

I helped my chiropractor move her clinic on Saturday. Wow, the former military women know how to get shit done! I was amazed at what the seven of us accomplished, without any men I might add!

Musevia, I hope you stopped by to read this! =)

Color Coding My Career

2008-09-20T11:26:00.002-05:00

I just took some color coding test on what I should be doing with my life. You can get your profile here: http://www.deweycolorsystem.com/

Here are my results:

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER
Key Words:Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate
These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

ORGANIZER CAREERS Suggested careers are Administrator, Secretary, Printer, Paralegal, Building Inspector, Bank Cashier, Private Secretary, Statistician, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Bookkeeper, Medical Records Technician, Developer of Business or Computer Systems, Clerical Worker, Proofreader, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, Banker, Certified Public Accountant, Credit Manager, Store Salesperson, Actuary, Dental Assistant, Business Education Teacher, Food Service Manager, IRS Agent, Budget Analyst, and Underwriter.

ORGANIZER WORKPLACES Your very careful, conscientious, conservative nature gives others the confidence to trust you with handling money and material possessions. Structured organizations that have well-ordered chains of command work best for you.
Suggested Organizer workplaces are large corporations, business offices, financial lending institutions, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and quality control and inspection departments.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or whether they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

Old School 90210

2008-09-04T13:11:00.002-05:00

Remember that one episode of 90210 where Brandon and Steve co-owned that little newspaper, and Brandon and Kelly were living together, and there was some relationship advice lady writing at the paper and she had a thing for Brandon? And then Brandon slept with the advice columnist and she gave him a watch for some reason… and then Brandon needed a gift for Kelly's birthday and he have her the watch. Was the advice lady named Emma? And THEN the advice columnist SAW Kelly wearing the watch and Brandon got caught for cheating, and there was lots of drama?

I bought myself a men's watch a few days ago, and every time I look at it I think of that one episode of 90210. Good times!!!

Dating vs. Stalking

2008-09-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

I had a date Friday night. Things got off to a weird start...

He picked me up, and the microchip in the key to his car short circuited. Of course, his car was in my driving, blocking my car (in my garage). He called AAA to see about getting it towed, repaired, and a loaner in the mean time.

The AAA call didn't go well. He apparently forgot to renew his membership so he was no longer a member. He renewed it over the phone. Tempers may have been heating up at this point.

Next, the place he wanted it towed is no longer a AAA approved mechanic. He was not happy with this info either. They would have to tow it to the dealership which is about 20 minutes from his place.

Lastly (and about an HOUR later) the phone call to the car rental place did NOT go well. he was rude, short, and MEAN to the people on the other end of the phone. If this is "best behavior" as practiced on a second date, I would HATE to see how pissed he really would have been!!!

We did finally end up going out that night, and it was OK.

The following morning he called me at 8:00 AM. Dude, my mom knows better than that! He proceeded to call me 6 times on Saturday, send 4 e-mails, and 8 texts. In fact, when I didn't respond soon enough he started getting concerned for me. I got one "are you OK?" text and a voicemail as well.

The next morning, I got two more phone calls (8 AM AGAIN!!!) and two more texts. If I was ever interested in seeing him again, the pushiness and neediness have TOTALLY put me off. It feels controlling! Like stalker-ish style controlling! We've been out twice, I'm not your girlfriend, so CHILL OUT!

I do NOT respond well to the controlling nature of men.

Like curly hair, wild horses, and the weather, I will NOT be contained or controlled!

Sarah Palin, no way!

2008-09-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Sarah Palin is the LEAST qualified VP pick EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the personal stuff (since she's so in favor of abstinence) is so hypocritical. I can't believe the republicans didn't sniff that out better before the offer was made.

Do they really think that just because she has a vagina the former Hillary supporters will now vote McCain/Palin??

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN/PALIN!

Oh Sheboygan...

2008-08-04T11:35:00.003-05:00

For some reason, almost every time I read about Sheboygan in the news something totally bizarre is going on there.

Since that's where my family is from (and most of my family still lives there) I always take note.

Today: Car slams Brat Days in Sheboygan; 4 hurt, drunken driving suspected

Past wonders include: Boy Stuck in Supermarket Game

and: Man Drowns in Storm Sewer

I try as hard as I can to NOT make news whenever I'm there on a visit....

Dad and Maggie

2008-07-17T11:01:00.001-05:00

We picked her up last weekend, and she is happily fiting in to our pack. Welcome miss Maggie!!!

Haves vs. Have Nots

2008-07-17T10:55:00.002-05:00

My friend MK sent me the following e-mail forward (from her step-dad):

Subject: Words to Remember
~~~~~~~You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
---Abraham Lincoln

The sender is ALSO convinced global warming is a hoax. I HAD to respond:

short response on global warming: There is NO SUCH THING as a peer-reviewed scientific journal that states global warming is a hoax. There are however, hundreds (if not thousands at this point) of peer-reviewed journals to indicate that it IS scientifically proven that humans are causing the overall temperature of the earth to increase (which causes melting of polar ice, extinction of animals, severe weather patterns including floods/draught/hurricanes/etc...).

If global warming is a hoax, and we take action to stop "warming" nothing happens. No one is hurt. No harm no foul.

If global warming is REAL, and we do NOTHING, we could lose the planet as we know it (Manhattan and Florida under water, etc....)

short response on rich v. poor: When Abe Lincoln said that, people could still basically live off the land. People had incomes, not generational inherited wealth. Being poor wasn't what it is today. Technology has changed it. Health care was a non-issue (people died around 40 yrs old) people could grow their own food and build their own house.....

The divide between the rich and the poor has NEVER been greater! 1% of the people own 50% of the wealth. Additionally, NOT helping people who need help generally means that they will die. DIE! Who would make a decision to not help another person stay alive? And if somehow the shit hit the fan, and Gil had NO money (for whatever reason) the same programs would help him out too.

http://www.cooperativeindividualism.org/wealth_distribution1999.html

http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/faculty/hodgson/Courses/so11/stratification/income&wealth.htm

http://www.levy.org/pubs/wp_502.pdf

http://robertdfeinman.com/society/wealth_distribution.html

http://www.lcurve.org/ slightly older info, the gap has widened....

on both issues: Since we are ALL IN IT TOGETHER and making the world a better place benefits ALL OF US, how could anyone be against that?

Gun Rant

2008-07-03T15:26:00.001-05:00

I recently heard the 9-1-1- tape for this case, and this guy SUCKS!!!! The dispatcher pleaded with him NOT to go outside and confront the burglars, but he INSISTED that he was going to go shoot and kill them. In fact, he even tried to be all dirty-Hairy on them and said something brilliantly-witty like, "FREEZE, you're dead!" And in TX, they let him off…

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/30/burglary.shooting.ap/index.html

It just seems to me, like any kind of burglary or robbery or anyone's property they own is NOT worth another human being's life. And the guy was TOTALLY playing wild-west-vigilante-style-justice. Don't get me wrong, at the end of "New Jack City" when the crack dealer mastermind guy (Nino Brown) gets killed by the old guy who was originally from the neighborhood Nino destroyed, I cheered for that. But it's a MOVIE.

On the 9-1-1 tape, the guy sounded like a trigger-happy redneck. The two robbers were absolutely no threat to him if he would have just stayed in his house. He had already called 9-1-1 and the police were on their way. The operator TOLD him to stay in his house. Begged him to stay inside. But he was out for blood and WANTED to shoot these guys. The shooting also seems racially motivated. The guy who did the shooting was white, and the two robbers were Latino. Since they were "others" and looked different from him, it was probably even easier for him to take their lives (which I find appalling).

I was just explaining to my friend Ramon yesterday how I never think of him in terms of his race, I just think of him as my friend, and I can't BELIEVE that people gave him a hard time for being Mexican when he was growing up. The only time I ever think about it is when I hear him speak Spanish (so very well...). When I was growing up, my parents had so many friends who were all so different from each other that I never think about the differences as being bad or good... just different. My parents have friends of all different races, religions, sexual orientation, disabilities, financial status, political affiliations.... I have just always thought of people as people, so racism has never made sense to me.

I can't even begin to think of a way to implement it, but I think the U.S. would be better off without guns. I saw an episode of Morgan Spurlock's "30 Days" last night where a woman who is a gun control activist was sent to live with some gun-culture enthusiasts (and work at a gun store) for 30 days. By the end of the episode everyone (on both sides of the issue) had changed their minds a little, and come to more of a compromise. But we do have too many guns, too much gun violence, and way too many accidental shootings and deaths because of the wrong people having guns in our country.

Can't Take That Away From Me

2008-07-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No, no they can't take that away from me.

The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no they can't take that away from me.

We may never, never meet again on the bumpy road to love
Still I always, always keep the memory of...

The way you hold your knife
The way we danced 'til three
The way you changed my life
They can't take that away from me.