Our elk

Imagine my excitement to look out our living room window yesterday morning and see this magnificent creature RIGHT THERE! I have been waiting patiently for one of these animals to show up during daylight hours and finally there he was. I grabbed the new little digital camera and started snapping pictures right and left. John grabbed the big digital and thank God he did. I have never heard of a scan card being corrupt but apparently that is what happened and the pictures on the little camera are gone. Just vanished! Never to be seen again apparently. I am so grateful that we at least have these few pictures. Our elk in the back yard. he was so close to the house that if you look closely you can actually see my clothes line. I want those antlers. Oh boy! How badly I want those antlers.

Personalities

Do personalities change after life threatening experiences? I am really curious about this today and guess I have been for a while now. It used to be that on days like this, where I am home alone and off from work I would have spent a good part of the day curled up with a good book. i have not done that in years. Today, I have a list, a stupid list but still a list of everything I want done today while I am off work. It includes such stuff as laundry, clean the kitchen and bathroom floors, empty the shredder, change my ipod music, exercise, (always a biggie) and shoveling. It seems I never truly just sit and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Years ago I would have loved some of this energy. Years ago I was lazy. Now?? Anyway, it seems to me that this all came about after my two heart attacks almost 3 years ago and I am wondering if that near death experience has anything to do with this.

I just took this personality test and it seems to describe me to a "T" A friend of mine emailed this morning her and her hubby are leaving for a cruise in the Carribean today and won't be home to the middle of March. As I was thinking how much fun that sounded like I realised that I would probably be totally miserable and jusst want to come home. Here are those test results.

Results


Your answers suggest you are a Realist
The four aspects that make up this personality type are:
Summary of Realists
Loyal and steady workers who meet deadlines
Believe in established rules and respect facts
Think of themselves as mature, stable and conscientious
May appear too logical or tough-minded and forget their impact on other people
More about Realists
Realists are loyal to the people around them and work hard to keep their promises. They are honest and straightforward with others and expect the same in return. Realists believe in standard procedures and will only support change when there is a demonstrable benefit.
Realists are the most common personality type in the UK, according to a nationwide survey.
Realists respect factual information, which they store up to use when making decisions. This group likes to have time to think quietly and carefully before taking action.
These extremely productive people like to be occupied in their leisure time with pursuits such as craftwork, hiking or reading.
In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Realists may become obsessed with schedules, critical of others or have trouble trusting other people to get the job done properly. Under extreme stress, Realists may complain loudly that events have taken a turn for the worse and predict negative outcomes.

Here is the link to the web site. Take the test yourself and see what you get.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/whatamilike/index.shtml

Bluebirds and elk

this past Sunday the bluebirds were here and I was sure spring was right around the corner. We had them here checking out both houses and I was thrilled to see them back, although I had seen them earlier, just a few weeks ago on a bright sunny day. Then last night around 9:15 I look out the kitchen window to see three large bull elk out between our two driveways. One crossed the road, the other two stood there like statues for what seemed like hours. One finally decided to try to cross but got scared when traffic went by, they both took off running through the yard and up the hill out back. Its funny, the bluebirds are a sign of spring, but the elk are only here in the winter. This was my first sighting of the elk this year, although John has seen them and so have the neighbors. I do love seeing them, they are such magnificent creatures. I do wish they would come around during daylight, would love to get pictures of them in my own backyard.

Big, fat, fluffy flakes

YES! the boss called, I have the day off. Unless it clears up and she needs me to maybe work 5 to 8 or something but she is not expecting that. How cool is that! I have a snow day. So far I have walked the treadmill and done 30 minutes ab work, am sure I will be back down there eventually. For now, I am going to put some ice on my neck and sit in the chair.

VERY,VERY, VERY HOPEFUL

I am very hopeful that I may end up with the day off work. How great that would be. The boss called early this morning to see who was working what shift. She apparently didn't have a schedule at home with her. I am scheduled in at noon and she was calling off this morning two of the girls who live a distance away, she told me she would get back to me about me not going in later this morning. I would absolutely love to have the day off work! However, I am scheduled with the chiropractor before work, so I am going to call and cancel that appointment. I am not driving over there if I am not working. We are getting snow, snow and snow and supposed to be changing to an icy, wintery mix. I do hope its okay for my sister today though, she has to be on the roads and doesn't have much of a choice today. At least they do have 4 wheel drive.

I've changed some of the pictures on the bottom of the page. One summer and one winter. I want summer. Seems like a long way off right now.

Chiropractor

Well, I've been seeing the chiropractor now for a while and do believe he is helping. I have had better days in the past week or two than I have had in the past year since the accident. Who would have believed that I should be using ice instead of heat? The pain management doctor and therapist had meusing heat for the past year. I am seeing the chiro. 3 times a week for a month, then twice a week for a month. Eventually will be down to once a month. At least its not the middle of the summer or early spring. I am glad to get this over with now that its winter. Hopefully by the time the nice weather gets here I will not have to spend my time there. It is time consuming. I have been going before and after work and it takes about an hour out of my day. Time off is scarce enough as it is. this just adds to it. However, I do think he is helping more than anyone else has.

Valentines Day

A bright, sunny, beautiful day here for Valentines Day, except for the fact that right now, at this very minute it is only 23 degrees.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!

SNOW DAY!

We've got snow, lots and lots of snow and more snow still falling. I feel like a kid today. Remember what it felt like to have so much snow that school was cancelled or so much that they decided to close and send you home early? Well, unless your a teacher that is something that doesn't normally happen to us middle aged adults. However, it did today. I got to come home early. How cool is that! I actually punched out and left about 12:30. I've been home, changed, shoveled, ran to the little store for milk, ate lunch at home, had dinner, emptied the dishwasher, got the mail all before I would normally even have been out of work. Now, I'm on my way down for some quality time with my exercise equipment. Am really looking forward to that.

Oh! I found a new web site that you may enjoy looking at. As you know I am now seeing a chiropractor and one of the magazines in his office has a web site available. It is pretty interesting reading if you are interested in health and fitness. Check it out at www.toyourhealth.com

PLAYING

I sure do enjoy days off and time playing on the computer. I am trying to design a "goal met" award that I can post for when I achieve some of the physical goals I have going on. Here are a few of my choices.

May see if I can do a blingy one on this site. More sure to follow. think I am heading out in the blizzard to feed the little birds

Blizzard

I just came up from a really good workout to find out that we are in the middle of what looks like a blizzard. Had to take a picture for my daughter who misses the snow. Poor thing, wonder why i don't feel sorry for her? Hmm, lets see. Vegas, sunshine, warm temps, yep, that could be it.

A busy week

This has been such a busy week. It seems that every minute has been spent running from point A to point B and by running I do not mean at least healthy walking or jogging but sitting in the car or at work or between appointments. I have had no exercise time in the past three days and that seems to make me a bit tense lately. It is so weird how my body actually craves the movement. today is a day off, much needed and I cannot wait to spend a good portion of the day downstairs working out. I have it planned for the eliptical, the treadmill and aerobics.

I saw a chiropractor this past week on Friday morning, that was neat. Even from looking at the xrays I can see what the problem is. He made a minor adjustment to my neck and it felt great the past two days. Tomorrow I have to go to a class he does for new patients. He likes to teach us about what he is doing and how to not undo it. Thats after work so it will be another day of running from point A to point B. I am planning today on just having a day for me. Just a day of relaxing, laundry, cleaning house, working out or whatever. I am not planning on leaving this house. Sounds like an absolutely awesome day to me!

Also from Sparkpeople

I read this just now and have decided I need and want one of these balls. I used to have one years ago when I worked at Ames. We loved it! I will have one soon.

Squeezing Your Stress AwayStress Ball: The Anytime Exercise Equipment -- By Liz Noelcke, Staff Writer

What if we told you that it’s possible to work out and relieve stress at the same time? And that it’s easy, requires little concentration and won’t cause you to break a sweat? Or that by consistently using this hand-held object, you will notice an increase in strength?You’d probably respond, "What’s this magic device?" Well, it’s not the mirror on the wall or Jack’s bean stalk. We present to you the stress ball, a palm-sized rubber ball filled with beans or seeds or another similar object. Stress balls come with a short instruction manual: you just squeeze. Over and over.How they benefit you is simple. When you squeeze, the muscles not only contract in your hand, but up your arm as well. Hold the squeeze for a second or two and then release. As your muscles relax, the tension will leave your arms and hands, thereby relieving stress. It’s a great way to take out your frustration.There are numerous benefits besides just relieving stress. You’ll improve hand strength and dexterity. Even if you’re not a professional athlete that needs to grab a basketball like a magnet, you’ll type more efficiently and grip and grab things easier. Stress balls also stimulate blood circulation and can help to reduce arthritic pain and stiffness. Just by squeezing a simple ball!So take a ball with you in your purse or briefcase. When you’re talking on the phone at work, instead of doodling on that new proposal you just printed, distract your hands with a stress ball. Have a few minutes to kill? Squeeze away. Trying to stay awake in a meeting? You’d be surprised how effective these can be at boosting your attention level. And if you’re relaxing in front of the TV, why not use it then? Maybe even try one in each hand.Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or home, instead of losing your temper or breaking down in tears, take a second, take a few deep breaths and exercise with your stress ball. Use it each day as a stress management tool; it can go just about anywhere that you can.

SPARKPEOPLE AGAIN

I do love sharing information from Sparkpeople.com with my family and friends. This article was from a news letter received this morning and I just had to copy it on to share with all of you. I hope that you enjoy it and may even benefit from it.

The positive cycle of forgiveness Ok, be honest. Do you hold grudges? Do you allow old drama to determine your behavior? Is there someone you just can't seem to forgive? Grudges and a non-forgiving attitude do nothing but harm both parties. You might feel like you're "winning" by not letting someone off the hook, but you're only increasing your own worry and stress. Bitterness can lead to hate, which can sour a life. Today, write a letter explaining your point of view to the person you feel resentful towards. Clear the air; forgiving him. Even if you don't send it, it is an excellent way to relieve tension. Forgiving someone does not absolve them of the wrong that you experienced. It can simply free you to live a life that isn't anchored to the hurt and resentment of past events.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Relay for Life 2008 will be held on July 12. WE are in the process of forming a new team. I am not going to be captain this year. A friend from work is going to head up the team with me as a team member. We so far have about 6 members. Room for more.

SPARKPEOPLE AGAIN

Brew up some Green Tea
The Healthy Alternative to Coffee
-- By Liz Noelcke, Staff Writer

People have been drinking green tea for centuries. In fact, Buddhist monks began consuming it regularly due to its medicinal powers as a beverage. Recent research has supported their early claims, as more and more benefits have been found.There actually is a difference between green tea and the two other varieties: black and oolong. In fact, green and black teas actually come from the same plant. Green tea is the only one that is not fermented though, so it keeps a lot of the antioxidants that are usually lost in processing the other two types. When prepared, green tea leaves are steamed or baked when still fresh, therefore retaining their natural green color.Researchers have discovered green tea is loaded with antioxidants, specifically polyphenols. This type helps to fight against free radicals. Free radical molecules cause “bad” cholesterol to form plaque on the inside walls of the body’s arteries. Polyphenols are said to stop this, as well as to relax blood vessels. Therefore, green tea is also effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.Additionally, many people feel these antioxidants help to slow down the aging process, as well as boost the immune system. Furthermore, recent research from Case Western University has found drinking green tea regularly can prevent or reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Lastly, green tea has been found to fight the ever-raging battle against cancer. It has been found, for example, that men who drink green tea on a daily basis reduce the risk of prostate cancer by two-thirds.Just like “regular” tea, green tea is brewed. It can be served hot or iced, before, during, or after a meal. It is a great replacement to coffee in the morning, as it has much less caffeine per cup. Or, use it as a great after-meal counterpart to dessert.