Good walk

Bundled up and out for a nice walk this afternoon, high of about 35 degrees, so was cold but felt good. Takes me a while to get ready to walk, I like to use the heart rate monitor, the pedometers, (two of them ) ipod, and today I took the new camera along to get some pictures. It takes some nice pictures and is easy to carry. The stream over by 555 is pretty full and looks quite different than it did this past summer. REally enjoyed the walk this afternoon, felt great to just strap on the music and go. Wasn't gone long, just to darn cold, but was out about a half hour. Went up to the big pond when I got back, the fish up there thought they were going to get fed, and came up to see me. My four favorites are still there and alive and well, and growing. They are getting so nice and big! I cannot wait for spring! Wish it would hurry up and get here!

Present??!!

Anyone who knows me knows how I am with Christmas and presents. Imagine me, if you can, coming home from work today around 1:00 to find this present, big present, sitting on the back porch. No name anywhwere from what I can see. It's now been sitting here about 4 hours driving me nuts. Do I want to open it?? You betcha! Do I know who its from or who its for? Not a clue, but am thinking its from Johns brother Roger and his wife, Barb..we have their presents from 2 years ago and they have ours...or did. I called, left them a message but haven't heard back yet. Am sure it will get opened tonight and we will know what it is and who its for. Sure hope it was left at the right house..LOL

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone

Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Eve Day! Different from the past thirty or so in that I will not be going to my parents house tonight. We have to work today, so we spent yesterday with my mom, dad, sister and brothers and their families. It was a really nice day and thanks to Nikki we have some good pictures which will be posted soon. Am sorry that we didn't get a group photo, and is something that should be done. This family is the pitts when it comes down to photos though. I was surprised to get home and see some really nice ones on the camera that Nikki was able to get. Good news too, in that even with all the good food I ate yesterday, I didn't gain anything. Still, I am up early, its only 5:15 and going down on the tread for a bit before work this morning. Tonight we are having Christmas here at our house with the kids.

Going to be so nice working just 3 1/2 hours today and i work the best ones from 9 to 12:30. Am sure there won't be much going on in there. Saturday night we watched a movie one of the girls had brought in.

Happy Holidays everyone!

My Motto For the Day

Read this on a spark people post this morning and loved it. The post was written by Merno2.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have SOME standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a very Merry Christmas everyone.

NEW PET

We've got a new pet in our neighborhood. This huge bull elk was seen in our backyard. Our good neighbor Peggy, got this picture with her night camera at her birdfeeders. sure hope I get to see him over here.

For my daughter and her dad

Love this picture of my daughter and her dad from last summer. Thought everyone else would enjoy it too.
Be glad that you two are not here, we are experiencing snow and ice storms today. Yesterday too, notice not a vehicle on the road and the church parking lot is empty at church time Sunday morning. They must have cancelled. I am wondering though, they are supposed to be doing a live Nativity tonight, and I am thinking they will have to change it. it was to be done in a manger built out front.

For my dad

Hey, dad notice the hat on my head! It works great for this time of year, but am going to buy one that is fur lined I think..
Here are the elk antlers my dad got me. they look great on the downstairs fireplace, a perfect fit. If you look real close to the left you'll see a picture of my mom and dad hanging there and also a clock they bought one Christmas a zillion years ago. Hey, Bo, notice the Steelers stocking hung there!

PLANS

Whew! Think I am tired out already just thinking about all i want done today. My plans include wrapping presents, cleaning guest room, ( Marissa is coming to stay Friday night) changing sheets on bed, cleaning bathroom, cleaning kitchen floor, sweeping all floors, exercising, balancing the checkbook, making out a check for the credit union. If there is time through here I may watch a Christmas movie on Lifetime, or thanks to the dvr I can record one and may do that to watch after the holiday.

Christmas music is going to be on and blasting, I found my Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakum, Tractors tapes..Yippee. going to go get this day started.

Oh, we got snow last night! Will probably fit in some time trying to shovel out the drive also, that counts for good exercise.

Thought for the day

Just received this on an email and really liked it, very thought provoking.

May we find serenity in sun and shadow,
May we bend with the winds of adversity yet never break.
May we grow through the seasons of life with dignity and grace.

Article from sparkpeople

This is yet another article from sparkpeople. I found it interesting and thought to share it here. It's funny considering I got up an hour and a half before my alarm this morning and am going downstairs to work out this morning before showering for work. I find though that I sleep so much less than what I used to. Is that just that I am getting older and require less? Is it the fact that they have me on meds for an underactive thyroid or is it truly that the exercise gives me that much more energy. I used to wish that I was one of those people who had so much energy and now it seems that I do. I remember naps, vaguely, and I loved naps. Now? I'm lucky if I get one a month. May put that into my plans for tomorrow though. I have got tomorrow off and home alone! Truly off, no working at the Y tomorrow.

Top 5 Reasons to Love A.M. Exercise
Exercising early in the morning "jump starts" your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, sometimes for up to 24 hours! As a result, you'll be burning more calories all day long--just because you exercised in the morning.
Exercising in the morning energizes you for the day--not to mention that gratifying feeling of virtue you have knowing you've done something disciplined and good for you. (Much better than a worm!)
Studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity--a benefit that lasts four to ten hours after your workout ends. Exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you're snoozing.
Assuming you make exercise a true priority, it shouldn't be a major problem to get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier--especially since regular exercise generally means a higher quality of sleep, which in turn means you'll probably require less sleep. (If getting up 30 to 60 minutes earlier each day seems too daunting, you can ease into it with 10 to 20 minutes at first.)
When you exercise at about the same time every morning--especially if you wake up regularly at about the same time--you're regulating your body's endocrine system and circadian rhythms. Your body learns that you do the same thing just about every day, and it begins to prepare for waking and exercise several hours before you actually open your eyes. Exercise Extra: More than 90% of those who exercise consistently have a morning fitness routine. If you want to exercise on a regular basis, the odds are in your favor if you squeeze your workout into the a.m.

Little Known Facts About Reindeer

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag an overweight man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost !!!

Christmas music

Can tell its Christmas time here. Brought the cd player up from the basement and it is blasting out Christmas music from Elvis, "The Tractors, Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakum etc. Even put some of it on the ipod. Can enjoy it while I am downstairs working out. A day off today, except for working at the Y tonight. Really wonder how much longer I am going to do that. One minute I am quitting, the next I am working there till spring. keep thinking that come January and February there won't be much to do. Right now I would enjoy not much to do. going down to walk the tread.

I DID IT, DID IT, DID IT

Check out the map of the US below on this page. It took me a bit over a year but I finally did it. completed my walk across the US. I started it 11-16-06. Not real sure when it was acuatually completed but think within the last day or so. I just now entered my steps there and saw it. Am 58 miles over what I needed, I walk an average of about 14,000 a day. Probablyachieved this about 4 days ago and never knew it! Woo Hoo! going to leave it up for a day or so and start all over again. Maybe I can do it quicker next time.

Unknown author

I don't know who wrote this poem, I copied it from a post on Sparkpeople. thought it worth sharing here.

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light. Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,' And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?" It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Shopping

I've been Christmas shopping after work the past two nights, trying to get some of it done. We exchange names in my family and I have decided its dangerous for me to get my sister. I have had fun shopping for her this year. You know how sometimes you buy something for someone and your just so excited about it?? Well, thats how this is. I can already here her laughing! I think I gotcha good sis!

This is stupid but I am excited about new socks for me! We have all been talking at work lately and most of us have decided they are making socks out of different material and we are all getting holes in the toes after one or two wearings. Mine have always been from walmart and I can tell the difference in the material. I bought some at Penny's last night and am so excited about trying them out. Also bought some wool ones from walmart to try also! Yeah!

Off today and big plans on getting some exercise in. Totally out of control yesterday and had a shmuffin from Sheetz. Loads of calories and fat and wasn't even good! then Long John silvers last night on the way home! that was good but sure expanded the belly a bit! Working it off today!

SPARKPEOPLE AGAIN

I'm not sure where this story originated, I read it this morning and am posting it here.

A Story of Priorities and a Jar
Tips for Squeezing More into Your Life
-- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian
SparkPeople Sponsors help keep the site free!
The following story is one that’s been circulating for awhile. I believe it holds a very important message regarding appropriately setting priorities in our lives. A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was full. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full. They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions.
If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important. Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand. Finding time in the day for fitness or participating in other athletic endeavors should be considered a “rock” for us all. Physiologically, working out releases endorphins in the body. These endorphins are natural pain-relievers produced by the body. This is what gives us the natural high experienced after a workout. This natural high has the potential to positively influence our daily interactions by making us feel better about ourselves. Make fitness a rock solid priority in your life and reap the benefits.

Enjoy the day everyone!

A Day off

Came home from work early yesterday with a cold. Already called off for tonight from the Y, which gives me the entire day off and home today. YIPPEE! Just wish I felt better. Am going to take it a bit easy and do some dusting, cleaning, laundry, etc. Am already thinking NAP later too. Didn't sleep worth a darn last night. Had a nice relaxing evening though and finally took some time to read through some of the magazines I have laying around here. Subscribed to both Health and Fitness and really enjoy them. It is such a shame that it took me over 50 years to learn that I love to learn about being healthy. This information could all have been put to such good use when I was younger and raising a family.

For example researchers are now learning that 30 minutes of exercise can help fight and prevent alzheimers. Research shows that moderate exercise seems to protect the brain in people with a genetic susceptibility to alzheimers. They are talking about moderate walking a few times a week. See, we're helping our bodies and our brains!http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/scitech/rel … cleID=1532 This was taken from a post on a message board on walkertracker.com I found it very interesting.

I guess we are never to old to learn new things. I'm going down on the treadmill and walk for 30 minutes. I need all the help I can get.

1 tree, 2 trees

Okay, I may be taking this further than I have in the past. Bought new decorations for the tree, did it, then took them off, bought other ones and redid it. Like it great now, the pic doesn't do it justice. For some odd reason I decided we needed a tree for downstairs, and Walmart had cute little four foot ones for a great price, so there is now one downstairs too. I'm sure to enjoy that when I am exercising..it has all my little Santas on it, and is actually quite cute...it is a favorite! Again, the pic doesn't do it justice, however I have now added to my Christmas wish list..we have that nice digital camera, but its quite large..I am adding a small one to my wish list..just for stuff like this. Couldn't sleep, have way to much I want done today. Went to bed about 12:30, up at 6 am and awake at least 3 times last night. Work at the Y today 10 to 2, and then home to maybe finish the decorating, housecleaning and maybe time to sit and read a magazine. I have enough of them here right now. We bought two health magazines and they come fairly often. They are piling up.

SPARKPEOPLE AGAIN

A quote again from a sparkpeople e letter.

The destructive power of worry. Legend has it that 90% of what we worry about never comes to pass. Whether that is statistically precise or not, there's probably some truth to it in your life. How much of our lives do we miss because we're agonizing over what might happen down the road? How often do we fail to act--even if it's the right thing to do--because we fear any number of possible consequences? Fretting over the future doesn't solve any impending problems. It only paralyzes your actions of the present. It stresses you out, makes you mentally and physically tired, and saps all the fun out of what could have been another great day. Next time you start to worry about what might happen, think of this: You can prepare, but you cannot predict. So do what you can, and forget what you cannot.

Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles.... it empties today of its strength.- Aunt Linda, as quoted by Jennifer Cribbs, SparkPeople community member

Thanksgiving Day Night

Hope you all had a very nice Thanksgiving Day, mine was nice but a bit different. It started out in the high 50's and me outside decorating the house. I wanted new lights up on the fence, part of them had burnt out. It soon started raining, so I grabbed my bucket hat, and kept on going. I remember other holidays when i was putting up lights and freezing cold, my hands so cold I had to keep going in to take a break, today I didn't even need gloves.

Drove to mom's for dinner by myself. That still hits me weird too, hasn't been too many holidays I've done that and it always makes me miss my kids. They called today, so I did get to talk to both of them for a bit. On the way home I drove past the old house, guess I was feeling melancholy. there are still times I wish we would have kept it, but sure wouldn't have made much sense.

Got home tonight and its more decorating, the outside now has plastic candy canes and red bows, the inside flower box on the fireplace is now done. A few pics here for you. Sure to see more in days to come. Hope you all like my decorating outfit.

happy Thanksgiving. need to finish up and get back to it here, have a lot I want done yet and its getting late.

Being grateful

This just came through in an email I receive from Joel Osteen, he is the motivational preacher that I like to read. Wanted to share this today with you.

Being Grateful for the Gift of Today
When you learn how to remain grateful every day you are developing a habit of happiness in your life. There is no such thing as an ordinary day. Every one of your days is a gift from God that is unique and irreplaceable. When you train your mind to see the good and discipline yourself to focus on the positive you'll be happier, rise higher, and live the life of victory that God has in store for you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE

Happy Thanksgiving Day everyone! I'm up and moving and thousands of things I want done today. Stopped last night for more lights, the ones outside on the fence burned out. Got out there to put up the new ones and it started pouring, came in and didn't get it done. heading back out there shortly. Then I remembered that one year my nephew, Paul, was here and got roped into helping with that. That may have been our first year here. It's going to be three years next month.

That takes me to another thought I've had recently. You know how you develop routines about stuff? I have for some reason never gotten into a routine here with housecleaning...my old house I would start in the kitchen, work into the livingroom, bathroom and up the stairs..Here, I haven't quite figured it out yet. Actually laid awake last night trying to develop a plan and came up with a half assed one anyway. Then, the other thing is that with a living room at least twice the size of my other one and I can never decide where to put the tree. Don't want to move anything because I like it like it is. Think that tree is going back in front of the door, it just seems to work the best there. Have to figure that out by tomorrow. It is going up tomorrow while I am at work, then I can decorate it over the weekend. Oh! Here is one thing though, the tree is going to be blue and silver this year. I am doing it with blue and silver poinsettias. Hopefully it looks great.

Got new silk flowers for the fireplace flowerbox and going to make that a plan for tonight hopefully. You are sure to see pictures here when that is done.

Well, enough here this morning. Need to get moving, want to get the kitchen floor cleaned and out to put up the lights before getting ready for Thanksgiving at mom and dad's.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Gluten free

I stopped at Martins on the way home from work tonight, learned that they carried a bit of gluten free food and wanted to check it out. I now have gluten free bread, two kinds, cookies, cream of rice, rice chex cereal, and rice cakes. Back to that I guess. This time around it may be a bit easier, they even had gluten free pasta there.

The bread wasn't bad, just different, I toasted two pieces and ate it with peanut butter and jelly. Was edible. Calories not extreme either, but it is a bit pricey. Today is day two gluten free and I am anxious to see how it goes this week. A bad time to start with it being Thanksgiving. Today, one of the vendors even brought us in these big delicious cookies. I didn't eat any. Tomorrow is our party at work. That should be interesting.

Workouts, sisters and ice cream

Cher and I took off and went to the Y today, got a really good workout in, the first for us in a while. We were there about 2 hours, 42 minutes according to my heart rate monitor. We did the treadmill, the strength machines, the fit center, strength again, tread and bike. Hope we at least worked off the ice cream we stopped and had afterwards. Actually, it was frozen custard from the meadows. Can't find anywhere where it gives me nutrition info on that. i counted it same as DairyQueen, figured it has to be close.

Am going to lay off the wheat and gluten products again for a while, want to see if that helps with this gut. Ate a sub on wheat last night for dinner and belly is about 3 inches larger today. I have an easier time staying away from that when John is working nights and not cooking, so that will be this week, will test that and see what happens.

Snow

We've got snow. It's a light, beautiful snow, at least from inside. It isn't sticking to the roads and isn't accumulating much so I don't mind it. It actually makes you feel like Christmas. Cold though.

CHANGES

Made some changes to the blog tonight. Can tell I'm off work and have a bit of time to just play on the computer a bit, this is something I had been wanting time to do. I think I like the looks of it. What do any of you think?

POLLS

Check out the new additon to the blog. We now have a poll. It is to the right and will be there for a week before it changes. I took this one from sparkpeople.com. That is the best free site on the web and one I use often. It actually was voted one of the top 5 health and fitness sites on the internet both this year and last. Will be interesting to see the results.

Cold and blustery

Cold and blustery, those are the two words in our weather forecast today. Two words that I really didn't want to hear. Really don't like cold and blustery. Have been talking to a lady from Florida who now lives in the Carolina's. she has never seen snow. I cannot imagine that considering I have lived with it my entire life. Told her she was more than welcome to come visit though. Off to do errands before work this morning, going to be a long day.

Clipart from clipartheaven.com

Holidays..

John and I got a nice amount of Christmas shopping done today. WE had some time to just talk, of course, in the car driving back and forth and I learned that he has to work Thanksgiving Day. And Christmas Eve..then I got to thinking about it. I have to work until 6 pm Thanksgiving Eve, and on Christmas Eve I'm not sure how long we will be open, think last year it was until 6 pm. They call these holidays why? It was my understanding that the word Holiday is a holiday from work. A day off for friends and family, apparently not any longer.

The following is a direct quote from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "The word holiday has related but different meanings in English-speaking countries. A contraction of holy and day, holidays originally represented special religious days. This word has evolved in general usage to mean any special day of rest (as opposed to regular days of rest such as the weekend).
In the English-speaking world a holiday can mean a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation (e.g. "I'm going on holiday to Malta next week"); the North American equivalent is "vacation". Canadians often use the terms vacation and holiday interchangeably when referring to a trip away from home or time off work. In Australia, the term can refer to a vacation or gazetted public holiday, but not to a day of commemoration such as Mothers' Day or Halloween.
In all of the English-speaking world, a holiday can be a day set aside by a nation or culture (in some cases, multiple nations and cultures) typically for celebration but sometimes for some other kind of special culture-wide (or national) observance or activity. A holiday can also be a special day on which school and/or offices are closed, such as Labor Day.
When translated into other languages, the meanings of the word "holiday" are sometimes conflated with those of "observance" and "celebration".

So, I really wonder what part of the word "Holiday" do our employers of today not undertand?

HO HO HO

We are off to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow, should be fun, and going to check out the casino again too. Not for long, but a little bit. Trying a new program, but doesn't look like its animated, supposed to be Santa coming down this chimney...but I don't see him...darn,

Time to go

Enough! think I need to get off my butt, off the computer and do some housework or something. this sure is a lot more fun though. Really hope these pics come through for everyone. Loved this one.

Clipart from clipartheaven.com

Will this work?

Guess, it will. Been trying to find some easy way to add some clip art to the blog. Still miss the one program I had on here, but don't want to put it back on. goofs up the computer somewhat. Guess this clip art that I found will work, just have to take a roud about way to use it. I'm having fun playing on the computer though. It's a good day off. I'm having a grand old day. Still even in my jammies, don't hink I've had a jammie day in years, feels great. may eventually hop into some clothes and run down to the little store, but may not. Right now I am heading back downstairs. did the tread, going to do the weights.

A DAY OFF

Wow, a day off from both jobs. that desn't happen often. I am trying to figure out what I want to do with it. Think it is going to be a day for me. Possibly one of those days where I just stay in my jammies, read, exercise, clean. Whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. My hubby is working nights and is sleeping, so the need is there to be quiet. No running the sweeper until tonight. things on my list include cleaning the bathroom, doing some laundry, strength training, the treadmill, some turbo jam, possibly an afternoon in front of a good movie. Doing my nails is high on my list of priorities. think I may look for a few new tunes on itunes for the ipod. Am going to have a great day! And will drink my water, eat my veggies while doing it!
Think I will start by turning on the water fountain, lighting some candles, throw some laundry in and clean up the kitchen. this is all subject to change if my sis calls and want to go workout at the Y. We do sometimes when I am off. My dad brought me up a set of elk antlers and I want to get them hung today if at all possible too. Can;t wait to see them up on the fireplace downstairs if they will fit there. I want to take them and see if that guy down county can carve them and what it would cost. May just leave them as they are though. Sure you'll be seeing pictures once they are hung.

Motiviation

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Loved that quote, wanted to share it. Now I am off to my fitness room for some high kicking, boxing, punching turbo jam...

First snowfall

WE had the first snowfall of the season yesterday. It actually looked quite pretty from indoors, but the cold and the wind went right through you when you stepped outside. Not quite ready for this. Doubt that I ever really will be. Thankfully, it didn't stick, just a few flurries. A sure sign of what is coming though.

We were talking about the snow and winters pass at work yesterday. thankfully, our winters are nothing like they used to be. I remember Christmases and even some Thanksgivings in the years gone that we would push the snow with the bumper of the car trying to get back and forth to my parents for the holidays. We haven't had holidays like that in years and hopefully we don't.

It is sad and a bit scary though how low the water levels really are. We are still in stage two drought conditions and the lakes, streams and ponds here are really low. We could definately use some rain.

Motivational Rock Poem

This poem was posted on one of the threads on spark people. I loved it and decided to share it here. Thought it was really cute.

GIVE A LITTLE ROCK TO A FRIEND. I'm a little diet rock, As cute as I can be. Although I'm sweet to look at, I'm both fat and sugar free. When you get up each morning, Lift me high in the air, and set me on the floor 10 times, before sitting on your chair. Please place me on the table, at the place you plan to eat. Then remember that I'm watching, What you do and what you eat. When you are serving your plate, Please leave my section free, and I'll reduce the calories, by the space you leave for me. After you have eaten, although I'm just a rock, Please slip me in your pocket and take me for a walk. If you do this faithfully, then in a month or two, Although I'll be just the same you'll be a slimmer "YOU"

Have a great day everyone.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

What an absolutely gorgeous fall day this was. I remember Halloweens past where we have had sleet, snow, freezing cold, etc. However, today we had about 56 for the high and it was beautiful. This is a picture of my walk. Didn't get very far today, didn't have much time before working at the Y and stopped to talk to the neighbors on the way. got about a mile in, but really wanted more.

Tonight for some reason I am remembering one particular Halloween when my son was just a baby, I bundled him up and put him in the stroller and we went out for a walk. Actually he would have been about 4 maybe, pushed him in that stroller all over town. About the time he had outgrown trick or treat and I could have relaxed and stayed home on Halloween my daughter was old enough to go and it started over again. I was luckier this time around and her dad took her often. I am grateful for that Mike! thank you!

Happy Halloween everyone!

SPARKPEOPLE AGAIN

This is afrom a recent news letter from spark people. Again, I thought this one was worth sharing with you.

Another Fitness Myth Debunked Somewhere along your journey to fitness, whether in the gym, reading the latest books, or talking with your friends, you'll hear a lot of advice about exercise--not all of which is true. Fitness Myth If you can't exercise hard and often, there's really no point. TruthEven moderate activity is shown to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don't have 30 minutes in your day to exercise, try splitting it up into 10-minute segments instead. Everyone can find 10 minutes to spare sometime during the day! There are simple things you can do to increase your activity without having to go to the gym: take the stairs instead of the elevator, jump rope or do body weight exercises (push ups, crunches) at commercial breaks, take a short walk after lunch. Remember that any exercise is better than none!

Exercise Extra: Clip on a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps daily, which equals about 5 miles.

Make it a great day!

Final Payment

I made the final payment on the Aztec today. It's funny how something like that can take you back years to the day you bought it. I remember walking into that garage years ago to deliver an Avon order and there it was, that big, blue, brand new vehicle sitting on the showroom floor. I just fell in love with it then and there. I ended up looking at them at a few other places, considering if i really wanted it or not, trying to be patient. I had just started a brand new job less than a month before and wasn't to sure about anything at this point. A few days later on a Saturday morning I went over to look at it again, ended up test driving one on the lot. didn't want to take "mine" out of the showroom because when i bought it I wanted it with zero miles on it..Monday afternoon it was mine.

the first trip in it was to a city hours away for training class for the new job. Can't even remember the name of the city now but sure that i will eventually. It was in a bad area of town and I was there for a few days. Darn glad that the doors locked on this vehicle automatically.

less than a month later I had my first accident ever with my brand new vehicle, didn't even have the payment book yet. How ironic is that? Hit the first deer I ever hit. A year later to the day my dear son in law hit another one with the other bumper..think that was the Christmas that my brother bought me the deer whistles that are still on the front of it. I've taken a lot of teasing over this car, been told it looks like a pregnant roller skate among other things. there were times I wasn't sure I was going to be able to keep it. When I lost my job at Lowe's I didn't have a clue how I would make the payments but somehow i did and managed to keep on making them. I remember people used to stop at my house when I was outside washing it and wanted to know did I like it? did they think i would buy one if i didn't?

Anyways, its paid for, over and done. Mine, totally , completely and paid for and now...what next? Most people don't much care for my taste in cars. John hates the thought of us ever having to shop for one together...I'm liking the thought of no car payment for a while, a little while, a long while, whatever...in the meantime though I'm still thinking solstice hmmmmm

How fast

I cannot believe how fast this month has just flown by. We had our first frost last night which was actually quite late for our area, I had flowers up till yesterday.

We took off a few days last week and went and got some Christmas shopping done and also got to the casino for a bit. I lost way to much as usual. LOL The pic is of mom and Cher as we are packing to leave, that little camera phone sure does take nice pictures and my sister should be darn glad I didn't use the one of her sticking her tongue out at me. the truck was a lot fuller coming home, should have gotten pics of that to I guess. Was nice to get a start on the shopping. The weather really cooperated, its a lot nicer to shop when its not freezing and snowing. I really enjoyed this mall and the casino and we are going back up in about two weeks for the day.

My fitness goals for this month are sadly lacking however. Haven't come anywhere near my step count for the past week or so, and am going to miss my monthly goal. Also my exercise minutes are way low. I miss that and need to get back on track. Kept thinking it would settle down a bit now with the colder weather and being indoors more but so far it hasn't. Hopefully it does soon. I have got two new magazines sitting her I want time to read and have this vision of being curled up by the fire in my new velour lounge outfit just relaxed and reading..wonder when that time will come? If ever?

BINGO

Off to play bingo with my mother and sister. Wearing my lucky "renew the wealth" bracelet. Am I superstitious? You betcha! :)

Theraputic Magnetic Jewelry

Hey! Have any of you seen this? I went into the mall to do some shopping the other day. One thing I had been wanting was a bracelet made out of hematite. It's a natural grayish black stone and according to the paper I found at a store at the airport it is supposed to help your memory...grin, grin, grin. (The fluorite bracelet I bought does help renew wealth. LOL) Anyway, at the mall they had an entire booth set up for magnetic therapy jewelry made out of ...you guessed it HEMATITE.. they have a web site..its www.thepainstopper.com check it out. I bought a necklace, supposed to help reduce pain due to migraine headaches, shoulder pain, NECK PAIN! And a bracelet just because they are pretty. Then went back and bought two more necklaces...mom and Michelle will be getting those. Hoping it can help mom with her back and Michelle with the headaches and sinuses but even if not they are pretty and can be worn with anything. to get the "healing powers" they need to be worn 24/7 I love mine and some of you may get them for Christmas gifts.

The next paragraph is a quote again from www.sparkpeople.com I sure love that site.
If you can do your best and forget your worst, you've already got a head start on tomorrow. As long as you lay it out there every day, you can relax when yesterday is behind you. Of course, the only way this will happen is if you give yourself permission to forget. You can use this approach in anything: Pick up a problem, do what you can with it, and then put it down. Work your tail off at the office, then leave it there (the work, not your tail). Deal with a personal crisis by finishing off one day at a time. There's a great deal of satisfaction in leaving things be for a moment. There's a great deal of freedom in knowing that you could do no more. And there's a great deal of success awaiting the person who gives it her all, no matter what.

Article from Sparkpeople

I received this article this morning in an emailed news letter from www.sparkpeople.com I really enjoyed it and so am using it here.

Sometimes the Littlest People Know the Most Forget about talk radio, research labs, late night TV, or a magazine rack full of scantily clad cover models. Everything you need to know about fitness and nutrition, you can learn from your kids. Here are 11 things children can teach you about healthy living:
1. Everything can be a game. Why slog through the same workout routines in boredom, when you can add a little fun? Make up rules, shoot for personal records, and regain your competitive spirit.

2. Don't walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to increase your fitness. This rule is closely related to "don't drive when you can walk."

3. If you don't like it, don't eat it. Chances are, your eating habits won't stick around long if you hate what you're eating. Healthy eating involves balance and moderation.

4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy, and help you reach your goals.

5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, and "have-to's" that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only does relaxing make life worthwhile, it has real health benefits.

6. The world should be full of color--especially on your dinner plate! Splash it with as many colors as possible; paint it like a rainbow with food. It's more fun to look at, the most colorful produce options often pack the most nutrients, and chances are you'll be eating a healthy, balanced meal.

7. It's always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Working out with other people is almost like having your own little playgroup.

8. Adventures are found outside, not inside. Every kid knows that the good stuff is in the great outdoors--fresh air, wide open spaces, limitless possibilities. You can't find those things cooped up in a tiny, stale gym. Open the door and start a new adventure every day.

9. It's important to use your imagination. You can be Major Fantasia or Stupendous Woman any time you want. Give yourself permission to believe in your own super powers and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go.

10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubts, no negative self talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. To a child, he/she can do anything. And do you know what? They're right.

11. You have your whole life ahead of you. Here's your chance to do it right.

Self timer

I had fun tonight playing with the tri pod and self timer for the camera. Never knew how to use it before, but John showed me this morning, here is a picture of me taken after work. I've been sitting here a while now and I really need to get busy. We had a busy day at work and it was late when i got out. Late when I got home too, had to go to the bank and wanted to stop at walmart for a few things including gingko biloba, want to see if it will help improve my memory. think I'm going to go get the summer clothes put away and the winter ones out. God, I hate that chore, never mind so much getting the summer ones out but this stinks. Want it done in time to relax a bit, so need to get moving. Today was Susan's last day at the store, were all going to miss her a lot. We celebrated with pizza and pumpkin desserts for her last day.

New machine

Forgot I wanted to put the picture of our new resistance machine on here for my sis to see. She really needs to come up and try it out. going down on it now for a while.

Walking

This was one of the roads on my walk this morning. I took my cell phone along and took a few pictures that will be showing here. I've been wanting a small digital camera to take along and realised I could use that and send them to the computer. It seems to have worked. it is a gorgeous fall day in Pa today and I am glad to be off and home for a while. I do work at the Y at 4 today though. If you look far to the end of the road you can see the house and the township building. it is a tiny white dot and is where I walk to. The walk today was over 2 miles. Speaking of walking, my darling daughter, Michelle just did the 4 mile breast cancer walk. That was this past weekend in Vegas. funny thing, it was "Only 60" there and freezing..her words. LOL

Haven't outgrown.

I haven't outgrown my love affair with little red convertibles yet. You would think maybe that at my age, and after having my little red convertible since 1998 that I would but I haven't. Here is a picture of my new dream car.

Check it out, it is a Pontiac Solstice, darn the picture is little, lets try the yellow one. Heree is another view. I'm done playing with this. Okay, thats better. Now, I have it here anyway. A funny story for you all today. I drove over to work at the Y, punched in and was there a few minutes when I looked at the schedule to realise they had changed it and I was actually off today, and have to work next week when I should have been off. What fun. So, I stayed and worked out a bit, then went shopping and came on home.

ADDED DAILY CARTOON

Look to the left, click on the cartoon! Enjoy and let me know feedback, it should update daily!

MAP

Hey everyone, check out the map at the bottom of the page. It tells of my virtual walk across the United States. I started this virtual journey on 11/17/2006 and almost there. This "walk" started in San Francisco, California and ends in Washington, D.C. a total of 2830 miles. So far, I have walked 2574.2 miles Yeah me! At work at the Y last night my boss informed me that they want to train me to do the fit evalutions, and to get me more involved with setting up the fitness plans for the members. That would be awesome! Also, she gave me free day passes for Cher! It sure is a lot more fun when she is there and were working out instead of just working!

Going down on the eliptical for a bit before work. My new resistance machine kicks butt, its harder at 10 pounds than the cybex at work are on 35 or 40. Wish i had someone who enjoyed the fitness close by that would like to work out here once ina while.

Absolutely gorgeous

It is an absolutley gorgeous day in Pa. today. 75 and sunny with a slight breeze and leaves gently falling down. All the beautiful colors and smells of fall. Just got back from a nice long walk, 1.75 miles, had to cut it a bit short, have to finish some housework and get ready to work at the gym tonight. Am thinking today that I must be nuts..why would someone actually take another part time job when they already work full time and don't really need to do it? Can't think of any other answer except that I must be nuts. Saw a beautiful black squirrel on my walk today, have often wondered why with all the squirrels around here we don't have a black one. We still don't have one here but there is one down by the senior apartment complex. If our weather would stay like this always I wouldn't think again about moving south or west. Unfortunately we know winter will be coming, it always does.

Apologetix concert

The picture was actually taken with my cell phone so not a real good one. the concert however, was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The band is Apologetix and they do parodies of popular songs, all kinds, including rock, country, the blues etc using bible stories, versus etc. Check it out at www.apologetix.com

Back to work at the Y today, haven't been there in a week. Not real sure why I am there anyway. A gorgeous fall day today, going to get busy and get some housework done here and get outside for a good long walk, been a while since I've had the time to do that.

APOLOGETIX

Well, this should be interesting and hope its fun to. Tonight I am going to a Christian Rock Concert with our next door neighbor. I have the day off work, both jobs yippee! Margie came over the other night and asked me to go. I have never heard of the band, Apologetix, but they do parodies of rock music. Such as the Beatles, Elvis, everyone basically including country and all styles of music. It's all based on the bible. They are like WEird Al Yankovic only their words are based on the bible history and stories.

She brought me over a few cd's and a dvd, for me to check it out. it's actually pretty neat and they are very well known. A few of the girls at work knew them. Margie is a big fan and they are here in our area tonight from Philly. Well, she told me either Philly or Pittsburgh, I can't remember for sure. I'm thinking this should really be fun and hopefully won't be real late. I have to be at work an hour early tomorrow for a mandatory meeting.

ENERGY

I really cannot believe the amount of energy I have anymore. Truly do wonder if the problem for all of my younger years was my thyroid. It seems that ever since that was diagnosed two years ago, I haven't sat down. That coming from someone who would spend her days sleeping in, then taking a long nap. I guess this energy could also come from all of the exercise I get anymore also, but truly do wish that a doctor would have checked the thyroid all those years ago. To think now that this was something that could have been fixed so simply does upset me. I truly do believe that youth is wasted on the young. They don't know enough to enjoy it, its not until you hit about 50 that you truly start to enjoy all of the things you wish you could still do. Why don't we know enough to treasure it at the time?

I had a good night at the gym tonight. did get some strength training in while there and met more of the people. Have found out why two of the guys seemed so familiar to me, both of them have been in the store before. One of them thinks I sold him and his wife furniture, I'm not real sure on that but will be checking tomorrow. LOL

Our new weight machine still isn't working properly here at home. I'm not to sure what is going on with it, but the cable doesn't go back in fast enough on the one side when doing a one arm row, or any of the other one arm exercises. it's fine when using both sides but not for just one. Very frustrating and I may have to call the company and see if they have any clues.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWIE

Well, today my son is 36 years old! Wow! How long ago that famous day seems. Yet sometimes, it seems like just yesterday. Some memories of this boy would include the time he set my purse on fire. It was sitting on the kitchen table. My friend, Robin, tried to put it out by dumping a cup full of water on it. Or the time I thought he had drank gasoline, and we spent the night in the hospital. Howie was never one to sit still, always on the go. Usually going fast, like when he got his drivers license. What was it? Something like 37 speeding tickets, Howie? Believe it, he kept each and every one of them. Cars seemed to be a passion for him for a while, I remember him actually washing the paint off of one, think it was his little black cavalier. The garage ended up repainting it for him.

I sure would love to sit here and reminice this morning but want to find a picture or two to post here and need to get ready for work. Enjoy the day everyone!

At the gym

Cher and I spent 5 hours yesterday at the Y. We had a blast. Took time to show her everything and we did the fit center, the eliptical, bike and treadmill and got all of her settings down on paper for all the cybex equipment. Then actually took time to do it all. Thought maybe she would be a bit sore today, but a quick email says she isn't. I wonder how many steps she ended the day with?

When I posted mine on walkertracker.com I had 21465 for the day. The following is the message I got after posting. "Diligently done. You walked 6,314 more steps than Your average of 15,151. xNice work. You walked 6,464 more steps than This month's average of 15,001. xGood job. You walked 7,422 more steps than Last month's average of 14,043. xYes! You walked 8,728 more steps than Your score of two days ago of 12,737. x"

I did go out for a nice long walk after getting home last night, and then did some housework too. We actually took a break and went over to Perkins and ate a bite, then went back and did another workout. Then grin, grin, grin, we stopped for frozen yogurt on the way home!

hey! I am so proud of my little sister too! She quit smoking! YAH YAH YAH

Interesting day

Well, tomorrow should be an interesting day. Cheri and I are going over to the Y for a while. I've learned that she can get a day pass or even a 7 day pass and we can go work out. I haven't had the time to actually do that yet and get to really learn the machines so tomorrow we are going over and I can show her the different things available and we can have time and get some exercise in.

Hard to believe I am 53 and she is 50 and we have never done this before. We have people there at the Y who basically have grown up there. they never knew anything any different and for us its all new. I am really looking forward to showing her the cybex machines and the fit center.

Its my one day off for two weeks and we are going to go spend it working out...LOL

A disgruntled Sears customer

This was just sent by me to http://www.sears.com/

On Thursday,Sept 6, 2007 at approximately 11:15 am I was in your store in Dubois, Pa. 15801. I wanted an item that I was hoping to find in your fitness area. I had not been in your store for a while, but was always favorably impressed with your fitness area. We have bought numerous items here at this store. The most recent being a new range just a few months ago.
I was quite pleased to find the item I wanted in your store at a close out price, along with another item I had wanted also at close out prices. The two items didn't amount to much, sale prices would have been approximately $22.00 for both items. The items were an ab exerciser and a mat (purple) for floor exercises. I was not able to find an associate to check me out, so I wandered around the store for a few minutes and finally found a register in jewelry. The mat didn't ring on sale. The associate shoved it across the counter at me and told me I'd have to go back to that area. Note: there had not been anyone there. I went back. Still no one around, I went to automotive, they couldn't ring me out. Finally we found an associate who could take me at a back counter. At this point I was close to running late for work and had spent almost 35 minutes in this store just trying to check out. The associate then proceeded to tell me the mat wasn't on sale, she went to see the sign, and actually brought the sign back to show me. It was the purple mat and I had a blue one. Note, she admits there was not a purple one there, although the computer says you have 6. She then went to the store room to find me one, at this point I am late for work and pacing. To make this short, she could not find one, wouldn't let me have the "blue" one for the price of the "purple" one and neither would the manager, Dawn, who I asked to speak to. I have been in retail for over 30 years. I have never been treated the way I was in your store. When I overheard Dawn telling a customer about this after she thought I had left I was even more upset. I went to Dunhams that evening, bought a more expensive brand than what your store offered and feel very comfortable knowing that I would rather spend twice as much somewhere else. I would like you to know that I am not sure if I will ever enter your store again. You can also believe that everyone I work with and met yesterday has heard this story. I have been informed that I am not the first person recently to have left this store empty handed and very upset with your company and with this manager.
Thank you for listening.

I am leaving my full name of this one safetys sake, but believe it was on the letter I sent them.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

My daughter is walking for Breast Cancer in Las Vegas and recently sent me this email. I am going to post it here for any of you to read and hopefully the link will come through if you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause.

Dear Coworkers, Friends and Family,

This year, hundreds of thousands of people will hear the words
"You have breast cancer," and there's a good chance
that some of them will be people we know and love. I have chosen to
fight back against this disease and help make a difference by
participating in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer walk ... and I hope you will join me.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is our opportunity to honor and
celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about early detection
and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and
support programs to help fight breast cancer. But Making Strides is
more than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress
we can make if we work together to defeat this disease.

Below is a link to my personal page. I hope you will visit my
site and sign up to join my team. If you prefer, you can start your
own team, sign up to walk as an individual, or make a donation. Hope
starts with me and it can continue with you. Please join my team and
walk with us to experience an incredible day of inspiration and
meaning, and to provide hope for all people facing breast
cancer.

To donate now, use this link to visit my personal page

http://teamacs.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=2370568&pg=personal&fr_id=3484

New month

Although I normally love the first days of new months, September usually brings me down. The start of fall, and knowing that winter cannot be far behind. I hate the thought of it and hate it more the older I get.

I am looking forward though to getting back on track with my exercise program, that has been the pitts the month of August. Vacation really lost me my step count average. The new job at the Y should help with that. I am going to be working again on Wednesday, then maybe will have a regular schedule from there.

First Day

Yesterday was the first day working with and learning the equipment at the Y. It was quite fun and informational and I have a lot to learn. Had thought I would be stiff and sore this morning but I'm not, so thats a good thing. We went over all the cardio machines and then did the lower body resistance machines. I am going in before work this morning and we are going to do the upper body resistance, then will have just the free weights and the fit center left to do.

No regular schedule yet, but am hoping to have that by Sept, which is coming quickly

Michelle Now, Me Then

Tonight while talking to my darling daughter we somehow got on the subject of ages. She is 27 and for some reason this came as a shock to me. Worse yet, is the fact that she reminded me that she was born when I was 26. That means she is one year older now than I was then. she seems so darn young to me and I just truly don't think I was ever that young. I thought it would be fun to show pictures of us side by side, so this is her a few weeks ago when she was home and driving my little red convertible and me 27 years ago pregnant with her. fun wow! found some really neat pictures going through some of these. Wish i'd have thought to post a few of them for my sister's 50th birthday blog. Some of them were pretty cute. guess I'll save them sis. And get you next time.

I do seem to have a real problem with ages, I guess its just not really important to me any more. Quite a far cry from the year I turned 30 and got tattoed! It's only a number.

Seems strange

I need to get ready for work at the Y this morning. We are starting in the cybex room this morning and I need to be there by 10:30. Not to sure how long I will be there today, but it seems strange taking a shower and getting dressed before going to work out. I am sure that I will not actually be doing a real workout there this morning but she is showing me how all of the machines operate. Usually people shower after using the equipment. I will be showering before.

I think it was ironic also that a few months ago when buying shoes for the relay and walking I kept an extra pair. I lked the way they felt and they were plain white. Have only worn them maybe twice inside for aerobics. My uniform for the Y requires white sneakers. I'm all set.

Well, I'm anxious to see how this day goes and do wish that they would get me a real schedule, so far they have just been scheduling day by day as I am there. Maybe by now they will have it worked out somewhat. Guess I'll find out when I get there.

New puppy

Finally remembered to send this picture of Howie and dog, Arby to the email address. It has been on my cell phone since Vegas and I kept forgetting it. it turned out pretty good I think for being taken with my cell phone. Amazing stuff, all this technology, I love it. Howie named the dog Arby because thats where he had eaten lunch that day. Michelle thought it was a good thing that he hadn't eaten at Wendy's. LOL

I'm still not real sure why he thought he wanted or needed a dog and especially a pit bull. I am anxious to see how it works out for him.

The other picture is Michelle and I taken at Mandalay Bay in the Shark Reef, that was really pretty neat. think my mom would have liked it and possibly we can get her there the next time out.

I didn't get much done today except some cleaning, my exercise has still been left behind for this month, although I did get a nice 2 mile walk/jog in this morning and that felt great. I've been doing some new protein shakes and made one today that I absolutely loved, think I'm going for another one now. used chocolate soy milk, protein powder, half a banana and chopped ice in the blender..boy, was it good. and Yep, going for another one now..

Heading out

I haven't had a real walk for over two weeks now. Not to sure when the last one was but it had to be the Saturday before we left for Vegas or earlier. I am putting on the ipod, the heart monitor and heading out of here. Hoping for about 2 miles, but may not make it quite that far this morning.

The rest of the day will be spent wiping down walls and trying to get the burnt chicken smell out of this house. It's been three days now and still smells terrible.

I am enjoying the thought of a day off and home. Wed, which will be my next day off is going to be spent at the Y in some serious training. I've worked some extra long hours since getting back to work this week. Have had two days where customers have kept me late but both time have bought and some nice respectable sales, so that was excellent.

Not to sure why, but this morning I woke up thinking that I want to take a few days in the upcoming months and go stay with my daughter in her new home to help her get organized. Not to sure where that thought came from, but think I would like the time to stay there and get acquainted with the area where the kids are living. she could have maybe helped with this thought, I had a message on the cell yesterday from her asking about her loft. We didn;t get much time there when we were out. Something to think about I guess.

Have a great day everyone, I am plugging into that ipod and heading out a bit.

Goals

This month has not been good for hitting any of my fitness goals. My step count is real low, not even close to my 15,000 steps a day. I lost that somewhere in Vegas. then we had 4 days of rain and cold when we got home, and that didn't help a lot either. I found it funny that my sister and I both were under 5000 steps for her birthday. that sure doesn't happen often thankfully.

At this point I am just going to start fresh in Sept. My minute goal is just non existent this month also. About the only good thing I can say is that I started a new part time job at the Y as fitness instructor and will be spending some time there helping other people get fit. I will be spending a good part of the day there on Wed and it looks very interesting. A very diverse mix of people.

Total surprise

It was quite a shock to me to learn that our team was the top, #1 fundraising team for the Relay for Life in our area. We had our Relay Wrap Up Party tonight and awards were given out. Our first year and this was quite an accomplishment. We should all be very pleased with this accomplishment. I am quite pleased to be taking a framed certificate into work to show everyone tomorrow, and Relay pins for all with the bronze level award on them. We did good! thanks everyone who helped with this in any way! Think I better send an email out to all friends and family who participated while I am thinking of it. Relay for next year is scheduled for July 12 through the 13th. Chances are good we will be having another team. Anyone interested shoot me an email.

I started the new part time job yesterday and am going in tomorrow for just an hour before work. I am excited about this still and hope its going to work out. So far, it seems to be what I am looking for. I like the idea of being a fitness instructor and hopefully can learn a lot and help other people to reach the goals that they set for themselves. As long as they will let me keep my hours low to work my main job it should be fine.

Through the years..

Today is my baby sisters, Cheri's, birthday. She is 50, count them, FIFTY, years old today. I needed to do something to mark her birthday and this was the best I could come up with considering the day I had, which went something like leave home at 8:20 this morning, get home for one hour at 12 to 1, then leave again to start new job, have car that wouldn't start leaving the new job, then dinner at Red Lobster, and finally arrive back home at 7:30 tonight.

Anyway, I kind of thought everyone (except her of course) may enjoy seeing pictures through the years of my dear, sweet, sister..Love ya Cher!

Cheri's version of the story to this picture is a bit different than mine. Cher will tell you that I dared her to ride her bike down Barton's hill with her eyes closed..(LOL, when did she ever listen to me anyway??) My version is that I wasn't even there and she it a rock with the tire on the bike and skidded...Mom? any ideas on whose story is closest? Cher must have been what about 8 maybe in this picture? Eddie probably about 5. NEXT PICTURE.

Mom would probably have a better idea of ages in these pictures but I'm thinking I must be around 14 or 15, cher possibly 11 or 12? Cute picture, taken in the projects where we grew up, I believe on E 245 St?

Darn it, this program just moved the pictures out of context, the third picture of my baby sister is with my son in Emporium in 1976. That would make Howie almost 5 and Cher would be about 19. Where do these years go? Going to add a few more pictures just to make this interesting. I do have others, alot of them, but these ones are already on the computer so its easier. Just wish they'd go where I put them.

okay, this one of the three of us was taken on MY birthday, so I'm older, so what??

Two more pictures to go, or who knows maybe three? this is being done for all posterity you know. Sorry Trisha, no time to edit these pictures and i figured you were in it with Cher, you deserved to stay in it.

the last and final picture has got to be taken with her happy hubby, Jeff and what better picture than one including the bench he made for us to raffle off for the relay. OOps, I lied, thats not going to be the last picture because I just found one on here that has to be last. Going to apologize for it now sis. Good think I live aways away, your going to want to shoot me. Also, for anyone who doesn't know, Cher and jeff just celebrated their wedding anniversary on Aug 9 and i believe the year was 1974?? 33 years maybe?

One last picture and I'm out of here.

sorry sis, I had to do it..LOL

This last one was taken at the Relay for Life, Yard sale. Loved it, and doubt that Cher ever saw it. If anyone would like to leave a comment, simply click on the comment button and it will allow comments onto this page..

Thanks everyone, hope you enjoy reading this and looking at the pics as much as I enjoyed doing it.

HAPPY BIRHTDAY CHERI