Monday, December 27, 2010
Some Websites to Share
Here are some free websites I have found useful this year:
Flylady.net : can at times be annoying, but she has great advice on getting your house in order, 15 minutes at a time. Surprisingly useful.
Cozi.com, the flylady version: outlook for home per hubs; easy to use and sync
Group on.com- some great deals with this and some new adventures
Retailmenot.com: this is an online promo code consolidator; the first few times I trolled this site, nothing. Then, pay dirt! I hate paying for shipping. Some websites, like Borders let's you use multiple coupons.
habit forge.com : create a free account and set up habits you'd like to do daily. It will send you daily email reminders for 21 days, the minimum to cement a habit. The deeper motivations gives you the chance to remind yourself why you are doing it. Mess up? It starts again.
Next: my top ten blogs
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wear Make-Up To The Mall
Really, this should teach me. One of the things I was planning for a goal for 2011 is to look more polished- meaning a little eyeliner, powder, hair...my new motto being "pretty is as pretty does"- meaning pretty does things beyond brushing teeth and wearing eyeliner.
No, I didn't run into an Ex at the mall (I wish! Uhh, no offense, Hubs.) Let me explain. You know how I love to watch endless reruns of Law&Order. How I've seen Sam Waterstone filming while living in NYC. (He looked younger in person). I watched one episode and this actor looked somehow familiar. So I googled him.
Eddie Trucco:
Turns out he went to the same very small elementary as me and my brother. He went to the same community college I was briefly exiled at. I don't think he looked like that back then.
But I had this weird feeling I'd see him. I mean after all this is his hometown.
Anyway, this was back in March or something, before I got into Criminal Minds and got temporarily distracted. (Don't worry, L&O, I always come back to you, no one else is as smart or contemporaneous or neatly moving as you, even if all your lawyers hate doctors.)
I forgot all about eddie Trucco.
Then today, bored with football and not wanting to clean up the house, Papoose and I went to the mall. In addition to the $30 cashmere sweater from Macys (could it really be cashmere?) I found Eddie Trucco.
He and his very pretty, very nice wife were at Nordstrom.
We talked about our school. He remembered Bro.
We talked about rain boots, Uggs and the rain in LA.
He was really nice.
YEah make up at the mall next time.
What if I run into Don Henley?
No, I didn't run into an Ex at the mall (I wish! Uhh, no offense, Hubs.) Let me explain. You know how I love to watch endless reruns of Law&Order. How I've seen Sam Waterstone filming while living in NYC. (He looked younger in person). I watched one episode and this actor looked somehow familiar. So I googled him.
Eddie Trucco:
Turns out he went to the same very small elementary as me and my brother. He went to the same community college I was briefly exiled at. I don't think he looked like that back then.
But I had this weird feeling I'd see him. I mean after all this is his hometown.
Anyway, this was back in March or something, before I got into Criminal Minds and got temporarily distracted. (Don't worry, L&O, I always come back to you, no one else is as smart or contemporaneous or neatly moving as you, even if all your lawyers hate doctors.)
I forgot all about eddie Trucco.
Then today, bored with football and not wanting to clean up the house, Papoose and I went to the mall. In addition to the $30 cashmere sweater from Macys (could it really be cashmere?) I found Eddie Trucco.
He and his very pretty, very nice wife were at Nordstrom.
We talked about our school. He remembered Bro.
We talked about rain boots, Uggs and the rain in LA.
He was really nice.
What if I run into Don Henley?
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Max-Pilot
Remember Max, the Grinch's poor dog who hauls all the toys?
Note RoRo has one antler as well.
I couldn't get Cindy Lou Who out of the picture, though.
I wonder who the Grinch is?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Is it Just Me, Or-
Was last week not totally stressful?
I may be relieved when Papoose officially stops believing in Santa, because, man, the elves are getting tired.
Work has been stressful. Note to self: no more jobs that require interactions with CPS. I mean not that it's technically difficult or anything- lots of letters and phone calls and irritating people.
I actually have had to lay down the law and assert my bossiness with certain staff. You all know how hard it is for me to be bossy. Well, at least doing it with the right balance of 'I am the boss and really, it's my ultimate decision and responsibility as well as liability, so, yeah, it's my way, but hey, I still respect your opinion and we have to work together, so I'll be as nice as possible, ok, though I know you are going to be pissed and passive aggressive after this'.
Commuting in the rain sucks and wastes even more time, as well as time spent at gas stations in the rain.
Is it weird I won't fill up at pump #13?
I need a new zip up rain coat, cause the buttons take too much time, but flapping in the wind doesn't quite work, especially while not pumping gas at #13.
Hubs, can we get a gas pump at home? With an attendant who pumps gas and checks tires?
Why doesn't Obama create those jobs?
Although my shopping was primarily done, there was wrapping. (Done. Finally. May have made a little tougher because I made reusable fabric bags this year to use now and in the future.) I had a discussion with Santa - and relayed to Papoose- about being as green as possible, which means less wrapping.
The class Christmas party. Sugared up eight year olds shrieking in small space. Driving like lunatic in rain to be there. Thanks Hubs for helping.
Teacher/staff gifts.
Gifts for mailman, barn, instructors of all sorts, dog walker...
Finished most Christmas cards, need to order some more. order more and had to reorder because they ran out of envelopes.
Doctor appointments, pharmacy time, blood draws, flu shots-
Hubs two day trip to Toronto for 1 hour presentation.
Taffy deciding that he needs to be gone for days in rainstorm. Have adopted Hubs philosophy that emotional attachment to semi-feral cat only leads to tragedy on part of human. He's a big kitty.
Hubs workers only Christmas party -
Papoose and I waiting at Macaroni Grill for 1 hour for dinner and first Yelp review ever. It was not a good one for Macaroni Grill.
Losing and finding car keys at Barnes& Noble.
A Douglas Fir that is brown tipped and loses needles when looked at. Maybe if I leave Douglas fir and Jack fur on floor will have nice new carpet?
Plastic looks better and better every year.
Then the usual suspects: laundry, groceries, cooking, cleaning.
Looking forward to this week:
Tuesday is first day of winter with lunar eclipse- first in 400+ years.
Happy Solstice! Now the days will get longer!
But Santa, could you still hurry?!
I may be relieved when Papoose officially stops believing in Santa, because, man, the elves are getting tired.
Work has been stressful. Note to self: no more jobs that require interactions with CPS. I mean not that it's technically difficult or anything- lots of letters and phone calls and irritating people.
I actually have had to lay down the law and assert my bossiness with certain staff. You all know how hard it is for me to be bossy. Well, at least doing it with the right balance of 'I am the boss and really, it's my ultimate decision and responsibility as well as liability, so, yeah, it's my way, but hey, I still respect your opinion and we have to work together, so I'll be as nice as possible, ok, though I know you are going to be pissed and passive aggressive after this'.
Commuting in the rain sucks and wastes even more time, as well as time spent at gas stations in the rain.
Is it weird I won't fill up at pump #13?
I need a new zip up rain coat, cause the buttons take too much time, but flapping in the wind doesn't quite work, especially while not pumping gas at #13.
Hubs, can we get a gas pump at home? With an attendant who pumps gas and checks tires?
Why doesn't Obama create those jobs?
Although my shopping was primarily done, there was wrapping. (Done. Finally. May have made a little tougher because I made reusable fabric bags this year to use now and in the future.) I had a discussion with Santa - and relayed to Papoose- about being as green as possible, which means less wrapping.
The class Christmas party. Sugared up eight year olds shrieking in small space. Driving like lunatic in rain to be there. Thanks Hubs for helping.
Teacher/staff gifts.
Gifts for mailman, barn, instructors of all sorts, dog walker...
Finished most Christmas cards, need to order some more. order more and had to reorder because they ran out of envelopes.
Doctor appointments, pharmacy time, blood draws, flu shots-
Hubs two day trip to Toronto for 1 hour presentation.
Taffy deciding that he needs to be gone for days in rainstorm. Have adopted Hubs philosophy that emotional attachment to semi-feral cat only leads to tragedy on part of human. He's a big kitty.
Hubs workers only Christmas party -
Papoose and I waiting at Macaroni Grill for 1 hour for dinner and first Yelp review ever. It was not a good one for Macaroni Grill.
Losing and finding car keys at Barnes& Noble.
A Douglas Fir that is brown tipped and loses needles when looked at. Maybe if I leave Douglas fir and Jack fur on floor will have nice new carpet?
Plastic looks better and better every year.
Then the usual suspects: laundry, groceries, cooking, cleaning.
Looking forward to this week:
Tuesday is first day of winter with lunar eclipse- first in 400+ years.
Happy Solstice! Now the days will get longer!
But Santa, could you still hurry?!
The Nutcracker
Every year, we see SF Ballet's Nutcracker. It really became cemented the year Hubs got Box seats. Box seats are like flying first class- once you experience it, it's miserable to go back. Anyway, as we are not huge patrons of The Arts, it seems like a justifiable splurge, although this year, if there is a subscription for a bunch of Tchaikovsky ballets, I may bite. I mean who doesn't love his music? It's so pretty.
The Nutcracker- I've seen a few different versions and the SF Ballet is my favorite. Visually appealing. Gorgeous choreography, great dancing, even if one of the Sugar Plum Fairies fell in the back of the corps this year. Slight changes every year keep it interesting. But-
This is a really extremely Freudian story.
I'll just stop now.
It's probably Roger Waters fault.
The Nutcracker- I've seen a few different versions and the SF Ballet is my favorite. Visually appealing. Gorgeous choreography, great dancing, even if one of the Sugar Plum Fairies fell in the back of the corps this year. Slight changes every year keep it interesting. But-
This is a really extremely Freudian story.
I'll just stop now.
It's probably Roger Waters fault.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Wall Concert Review
We saw Roger Waters perform"The Wall" last Wednesday, at the HP Pavillion.
Hubs was particularly excited as he's loved the album since being a teen.
I've always thought Pink Floyd was good- David Gilmore being a particularly elegant rock guitarist, even. And Roger Waters solo albums are great concept albums, especially "Pros & Cons of Hitchhiking", but that maybe because I also like Douglas Albums. I like Dark Side of the Moon, I just try not to listen to it the way I refuse to see sad movies- too depressing.
At the Pavillion, you can actually have a decent, if overpriced, sit down meal before the show. In a restaurant where you can have a conversation in normal tones.
Our seats were fantastic, even better than the Eagles.
The visual show was amazing- they actually built a huge wall on the stage, had all sorts of great video on HUGE screens, even a flying pig.
Yes, really. The pig was gigantic, with glowing red eyes and it flew all the way around the arena. You couldn't even see the strings, and I was looking.
The music was performed impeccably, including a back up singer for Roger Water's parts (well, Don Henley has a back up drummer, and RW is older).
Too bad I really hate the album.
During the intermission, there was a huge line to the bathroom- the men's.
A woman walking into the women's with me said,"How weird is that? All these guys?"
I replied,"It's cause Roger Waters is sexist."
From another stall, another woman with an emphatic,"Very!"
I smirked at the old dudes with prostate issues on my way back to my seat. Yeah, I'm mean.
I felt too grown up during the second half of the show. I mean the angst, the railing against "The Man", making money (yup Roger, that's why your $40+ concert tshirts are made by free people in China, right? Or is it cause they have a Great Wall?) - doesn't it get old after awhile?
Plus, I was sick of the misogynist rants against Mother and Venus Fly Trap wives. Of course, Roger would know- he's had 4.
Hubs said he just doesn't pay that much attention to the lyrics. Given his state of hearing, especially when I'm talking, I'm inclined to believe him.
At the end of the show, Roger Waters apologized for being such a jerk 30 years ago, when he wrote the album. And while he didn't apologize to his mom, that redeemed The Wall.
Thank you, Roger.
People do grow up and out of being jerks. Out of their walls.
And yeah, I did have a good time.
Hubs was particularly excited as he's loved the album since being a teen.
I've always thought Pink Floyd was good- David Gilmore being a particularly elegant rock guitarist, even. And Roger Waters solo albums are great concept albums, especially "Pros & Cons of Hitchhiking", but that maybe because I also like Douglas Albums. I like Dark Side of the Moon, I just try not to listen to it the way I refuse to see sad movies- too depressing.
At the Pavillion, you can actually have a decent, if overpriced, sit down meal before the show. In a restaurant where you can have a conversation in normal tones.
Our seats were fantastic, even better than the Eagles.
The visual show was amazing- they actually built a huge wall on the stage, had all sorts of great video on HUGE screens, even a flying pig.
Yes, really. The pig was gigantic, with glowing red eyes and it flew all the way around the arena. You couldn't even see the strings, and I was looking.
The music was performed impeccably, including a back up singer for Roger Water's parts (well, Don Henley has a back up drummer, and RW is older).
Too bad I really hate the album.
During the intermission, there was a huge line to the bathroom- the men's.
A woman walking into the women's with me said,"How weird is that? All these guys?"
I replied,"It's cause Roger Waters is sexist."
From another stall, another woman with an emphatic,"Very!"
I smirked at the old dudes with prostate issues on my way back to my seat. Yeah, I'm mean.
I felt too grown up during the second half of the show. I mean the angst, the railing against "The Man", making money (yup Roger, that's why your $40+ concert tshirts are made by free people in China, right? Or is it cause they have a Great Wall?) - doesn't it get old after awhile?
Plus, I was sick of the misogynist rants against Mother and Venus Fly Trap wives. Of course, Roger would know- he's had 4.
Hubs said he just doesn't pay that much attention to the lyrics. Given his state of hearing, especially when I'm talking, I'm inclined to believe him.
At the end of the show, Roger Waters apologized for being such a jerk 30 years ago, when he wrote the album. And while he didn't apologize to his mom, that redeemed The Wall.
Thank you, Roger.
People do grow up and out of being jerks. Out of their walls.
And yeah, I did have a good time.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Goals
It's almost the end of the year. I'm super far behind with our Christmas cards- I've usually done the picture, designed and ordered them by now. Not this year.
But it has got me thinking about my yearly goals- where I've been and where I'm going.
What about you?
But it has got me thinking about my yearly goals- where I've been and where I'm going.
What about you?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
How I Love Thee, Oh Groupon!
Are you familiar with Groupon? It's on online form of "coupon" which you subscribe to by city and ta different retailer has a coupon good for that day. I have gotten some deals, but the main thing is, I get to try a retailer I probably would not have considered. Here are some examples:
Good deals:
Belmont Ice Rink for $5
Gap- $25 for $50 gift card
Peninsula Beauty Supply $15 for $30 gift card
Mariner's Point golf 1/2 off
New Experiences:
Cassis Boutique in Palo Alto
Bella Boutique in San Jose
Oceanic Foot Spa
Oceanic Foot Spa, in Foster City- I got a 1 hour foot massage for $15. Well, they ask you to "tip" there for another $15, but it was well worth it. It was an interesting experience- for an about 20 minutes my scalp and shoulders were massaged while my feet soaked in hot water. Then my feet were oiled and rubbed for 20 minutes. Then I had a clothed massage (like the type you might get at a mall), finished with hot rose tea.
I also bought a whale watching trip and a photography session. Can't wait!
Good deals:
Belmont Ice Rink for $5
Gap- $25 for $50 gift card
Peninsula Beauty Supply $15 for $30 gift card
Mariner's Point golf 1/2 off
New Experiences:
Cassis Boutique in Palo Alto
Bella Boutique in San Jose
Oceanic Foot Spa
Oceanic Foot Spa, in Foster City- I got a 1 hour foot massage for $15. Well, they ask you to "tip" there for another $15, but it was well worth it. It was an interesting experience- for an about 20 minutes my scalp and shoulders were massaged while my feet soaked in hot water. Then my feet were oiled and rubbed for 20 minutes. Then I had a clothed massage (like the type you might get at a mall), finished with hot rose tea.
I also bought a whale watching trip and a photography session. Can't wait!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Trending
Apparently if you tweet, you can get messages: trending...
I have a Twitter account but don't Tweet. It's like FB- I had an early account, cuz I'm super cool like that, but now don't FB at all.
Anyway, trending is kinda neat though, so I decided to share with you my current random "trending":
In List:
leg warmers
nordstrom mod card
dangly necklaces
perfumed shower gel and matching body lotion
pony tail/twisty messy bun/get my hair outta my face
house slippers
cleaning out closets
chocolate salted caramels
new blackberry
yoga
walking the dish
Still In List:
bar method
trashy romance novels: reading and writing
don henley
mac makeup
lululemon
the barn
mexican coke
banana republic sales
helmets
Out List:
child protective services
j crew
soccer practice
small cars
halloween candy (as in out the door to Hubs office)
reading blackberry manual to learn how to turn it on
halloween decor (miss my witches)
christmas decor too early
dalai (r.i.p.)
the vet
new pets/horses/hobbies
the garage
garage organizing salesmen
I have a Twitter account but don't Tweet. It's like FB- I had an early account, cuz I'm super cool like that, but now don't FB at all.
Anyway, trending is kinda neat though, so I decided to share with you my current random "trending":
In List:
leg warmers
nordstrom mod card
dangly necklaces
perfumed shower gel and matching body lotion
pony tail/twisty messy bun/get my hair outta my face
house slippers
cleaning out closets
chocolate salted caramels
new blackberry
yoga
walking the dish
Still In List:
bar method
trashy romance novels: reading and writing
don henley
mac makeup
lululemon
the barn
mexican coke
banana republic sales
helmets
Out List:
child protective services
j crew
soccer practice
small cars
halloween candy (as in out the door to Hubs office)
reading blackberry manual to learn how to turn it on
halloween decor (miss my witches)
christmas decor too early
dalai (r.i.p.)
the vet
new pets/horses/hobbies
the garage
garage organizing salesmen
Monday, October 25, 2010
Blog,Blog ,Blog
Blah, Blah,Blah.
Monday.
I have a list of "To Do" things that have completely blown my Bar inducced (Bar Method, not ETOH) endorphin high. Appointments to make, returns, grocery shopping, dry cleaners, more appointments, Papoose homework assignments and school stuff...blogging.
Blah, blah, blah,but after this post, my list will only read:
blog, blog.
Monday.
I have a list of "To Do" things that have completely blown my Bar inducced (Bar Method, not ETOH) endorphin high. Appointments to make, returns, grocery shopping, dry cleaners, more appointments, Papoose homework assignments and school stuff...blogging.
Blah, blah, blah,but after this post, my list will only read:
blog, blog.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Derailed
It's Tuesday morning and I'm at Whispers Cafe. With Papoose, who claimed she wasn't feeling well. I was inclined to believe her as my stomach hasn't been well but now as she plays with the phone and I use the iPad, I'm not quite as sure.
I had plans: Bar method, making appointments, some household shopping...I think we'll go to the Pumpkin Patch instead.
And yesterday, as I looked at our checking account, I saw I spent over my monthly budget- how'd that happen? Maybe I shouldn't have bought those new pants last week...foiled again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I had plans: Bar method, making appointments, some household shopping...I think we'll go to the Pumpkin Patch instead.
And yesterday, as I looked at our checking account, I saw I spent over my monthly budget- how'd that happen? Maybe I shouldn't have bought those new pants last week...foiled again.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Happy Monday!
This week has been a good one. I rode three times. I drank beer and champagne (don't worry, on different nights). I saw a movie. I went to Bar four times. I worked. We were on time to school. I managed to scream moderately at Papoose's soccer game. The week's lunches are done, the laundry is folded and put away. I bought a new pair of pants and the weather has obligingly turned cold so I can wear my cool, cool weather clothes. I'm even blogging again.
How about you?
How about you?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Life's Been Good To Me So Far
(Snicker if you recognize the Joe Walsh quote)
Thank you for the birthday love!
So many friends remembered and called that I almost suspected the Hubs of planning a surprise party for me.
He denies it, so I am left with the conclusion I really have awesome friends!
You rock, my friends.
Thank you for the birthday love!
So many friends remembered and called that I almost suspected the Hubs of planning a surprise party for me.
He denies it, so I am left with the conclusion I really have awesome friends!
You rock, my friends.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Perspective; I'm not renaming my blog to: I Wanna Date Don Henley
Hubs has admitted to being a little jealous of my DH obsession. Since I think that's a bit ridiculous and the Eagles concert was his idea, I thought I'd put things into perspective:
Here's Glenn Frey who I had a crush on during the Smugglers Blues/Miami Vice era.
Here's Glenn now. Note pot belly behind belt buckle. I have not once stated I'd like to go out with Glenn Frey since the '80s.
Sigh.
Here's Hubs (Note clever choice of picture of Hubs with Hawaiian shirt on)
Just thought I'd insert Joe Walsh here. Talk about growing to look like your spouse. Wonder what their dog looks like?
Here's what I think Hubs will look like when he's Don Henley's age, which is, of course, why we remain together:
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Life In the Fast Lane?
As soon as Papoose got in the car, she asked me to play,"Life In The Fast Lane". Of course.
I had a nice lunch with Rainbow Brite today: I told her I want a more rock-n-roll life. More excitement. That the Chanel national make up artist told me to wear more undereye eyeliner. That I'm writing a romance novel. That I want a vintage Porsche 911 (and I'm going to pay 5K for it). That life was too short to *not* ride in my "good" jeans.
I think she thought I was crazy.
I think I'm having a mid life crisis.
And Don Henley is too old to date.
I think she thought I was crazy.
I think I'm having a mid life crisis.
And Don Henley is too old to date.Wednesday, October 6, 2010
More Eagles Obsessions
Did you know "Almost Famous" (please don't tell me you didn't see it; it was great) the singer is based on Glenn Frey?
Don Henley is from Texas and a conservationist- instrumental in saving Walden Woods?
Joe Wash sings,"Life's Been Good To Me So Far" and had an epiphany about his drug use in New Zealand?
Don Henley's girlfriends include: Stevie Nicks, the Bond girl from Moonraker and Athena from the original Battlestar Galactica?
The bassist, Timothy Schmidt sang for Crosby Stills and Nash when Crosby was too drugged out to record?
That Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt (remember she dated Jerry Brown back when he was governor?) and the Eagles all hung out together?
Kenny Rogers met Don Henley in Texas while shopping for bell bottoms and gave him his first break? (and Kenny Rogers face lifts are scarier than Joe Walsh's)
Conversation with Papoose while playing "One of These Nights" in the car:
Don Henley singing:
I'm searching for the daughter of the devil himself/
I'm looking for an angel in white/
I'm waiting for a woman who's a little of bot
I can feel her but she's no where in sight
Papoose:Why would he want to meet the Devil's daughter?
Me, weighing options rapidly, grateful for the red light. Light turns green, decide to go with simple truth: "Well he's also looking for an angel- someone who's a little both."
Papoose: I get it. It's like my Halloween costume (pink pirate princess) both good and bad.
God help us.
And I'd better stop playing "Life In The Fast Lane" when she's around around.
Don Henley is from Texas and a conservationist- instrumental in saving Walden Woods?
Joe Wash sings,"Life's Been Good To Me So Far" and had an epiphany about his drug use in New Zealand?
Don Henley's girlfriends include: Stevie Nicks, the Bond girl from Moonraker and Athena from the original Battlestar Galactica?
The bassist, Timothy Schmidt sang for Crosby Stills and Nash when Crosby was too drugged out to record?
That Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt (remember she dated Jerry Brown back when he was governor?) and the Eagles all hung out together?
Kenny Rogers met Don Henley in Texas while shopping for bell bottoms and gave him his first break? (and Kenny Rogers face lifts are scarier than Joe Walsh's)
Conversation with Papoose while playing "One of These Nights" in the car:
Don Henley singing:
I'm searching for the daughter of the devil himself/
I'm looking for an angel in white/
I'm waiting for a woman who's a little of bot
I can feel her but she's no where in sight
Papoose:Why would he want to meet the Devil's daughter?
Me, weighing options rapidly, grateful for the red light. Light turns green, decide to go with simple truth: "Well he's also looking for an angel- someone who's a little both."
Papoose: I get it. It's like my Halloween costume (pink pirate princess) both good and bad.
God help us.
And I'd better stop playing "Life In The Fast Lane" when she's around around.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Eagles In Concert
The Eagles were at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday. I remember seeing Sting there when I was in college. The place hasn't changed a bit. Don Henley is 63 years old. Musically, his performance hasn't changed a bit. I've always been impressed with drummers- anyone who can split their body into four rhythms...then sing on top of that?
When the concert opened, four of the more original members sat in a row, with guitars, on stools. For a second, it looked like they were tapping their walkers to the beat. They were backed up by a greater number of musicians (poor Don, he can't be expected to keep playing and singing the whole time, right? There was a younger back up drummer) Joe Walsh changed guitars every song- my favorite was a Rickenbaucher. Only a Tiger Maple Fender made it for two songs, not even twice in a row. And as a blast from the past, he pulled out a Vocoder, which really confused the young people in the audience.
The audience was fascinating: ever generation was represented. There were beer swilling,($10 bucks for Bud?) Disney going middle Americans. There were great grandparents. There were Silicon Valley exec types. There were college students. A few people, inexplicably , brought kids- for the price of the ticket you couldn't get a babysitter?
The concert was long- or I'm really getting too old (let's go with the concert was long, okay?) with some overly indulgent stuff each Eagle had written- like did we really need to hear Timothy Schmidt (the bass player) sing "Love Will Feed Us"- a song apparently about homeless cats? Or their new song, "Waiting In The Weeds" (which apparently some concert-goers were) - a disturbing song, for those of us who could understand the lyrics- about some stalker following his would be girlfriend around.
Joe Walsh, the guitarist with bad plastic surgery, though was great with "Life's Been Good To Me So Far". And there were so many other great songs to sing along with.
Still, the talent of the Eagles is amazing- they started of as studio musicians in LA- I hope they keep playing, walkers and all.
When the concert opened, four of the more original members sat in a row, with guitars, on stools. For a second, it looked like they were tapping their walkers to the beat. They were backed up by a greater number of musicians (poor Don, he can't be expected to keep playing and singing the whole time, right? There was a younger back up drummer) Joe Walsh changed guitars every song- my favorite was a Rickenbaucher. Only a Tiger Maple Fender made it for two songs, not even twice in a row. And as a blast from the past, he pulled out a Vocoder, which really confused the young people in the audience.
The audience was fascinating: ever generation was represented. There were beer swilling,($10 bucks for Bud?) Disney going middle Americans. There were great grandparents. There were Silicon Valley exec types. There were college students. A few people, inexplicably , brought kids- for the price of the ticket you couldn't get a babysitter?
The concert was long- or I'm really getting too old (let's go with the concert was long, okay?) with some overly indulgent stuff each Eagle had written- like did we really need to hear Timothy Schmidt (the bass player) sing "Love Will Feed Us"- a song apparently about homeless cats? Or their new song, "Waiting In The Weeds" (which apparently some concert-goers were) - a disturbing song, for those of us who could understand the lyrics- about some stalker following his would be girlfriend around.
Joe Walsh, the guitarist with bad plastic surgery, though was great with "Life's Been Good To Me So Far". And there were so many other great songs to sing along with.
Still, the talent of the Eagles is amazing- they started of as studio musicians in LA- I hope they keep playing, walkers and all.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Off the wagon.
I have fallen off the wagon. Not that wagon. No, not the no shopping wagon ( that happened awhile ago). The no HFCS wagon. It was the usual, just this once excuse. Then it was well, we're traveling excuse. Then it was well once in awhile won't hurt.
And now, it's whenever I damn well feel like it.
What's weird is, I've been sore and achy and tired. And very very crabby. I was wondering why.
So convenient. So evil.
Back on the wagon I get!
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And now, it's whenever I damn well feel like it.
What's weird is, I've been sore and achy and tired. And very very crabby. I was wondering why.
So convenient. So evil.
Back on the wagon I get!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Will Simpson Conversation Part 2
Will Simpson: Yeah, we live in crazy times. ( ending follow up to part 1 of conversation Obama/Bush talk, 9/11)
Me: Aren't all times crazy times? I mean, doesn't everyone think they live in crazy times? (wondering what the hell is wrong with me? So moronic. Maybe I'm always moronic)
WS: ( after a few moments, probably thinking that lady is crazy) Yeah, like back in the days when there were dinosaurs. You had to leave the cave, looking out to make sure a big dinosaur wasn't about to eat you...
Me: yup, when you had to hunt something to eat before you were eaten, just to get a bite for dinner.
WS: and then build a fire, yeah, those were crazy times! (I gotta find some way to make money and avoid these people who have hit their head one too many times falling off horses...)
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Me: Aren't all times crazy times? I mean, doesn't everyone think they live in crazy times? (wondering what the hell is wrong with me? So moronic. Maybe I'm always moronic)
WS: ( after a few moments, probably thinking that lady is crazy) Yeah, like back in the days when there were dinosaurs. You had to leave the cave, looking out to make sure a big dinosaur wasn't about to eat you...
Me: yup, when you had to hunt something to eat before you were eaten, just to get a bite for dinner.
WS: and then build a fire, yeah, those were crazy times! (I gotta find some way to make money and avoid these people who have hit their head one too many times falling off horses...)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad @ Starbucks
Location:The Barn
Lunch With Will Simpson Part 1
Trainer: I love these Honest Teas.
Me: So does Obama.
Trainer: Then I'd better stop drinking them. That guy's a political whore.
Me: Aren't they all?
Trainer: You think so?
Trainer's Wife: Of course. They have so many people influencing them,, advisors, lobbyists, chief of staff that even if they wanted to make a good decision, they couldn't.
Will Simpson: That's how they get to office.
Trainer: Not Ronald Reagan. He believed in what he said. Didn't he make you proud to be an American?
Me, trying to think hard about RR beyond JellyBellys and Frankie Goes To Hollywood songs.
Will Simpson: He was an actor.
And for those of you who don't know who Will Simpson is, he's an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a super badasss rider.
.
And kinda cute.
Of course not as cute as Hubs.
Me: So does Obama.
Trainer: Then I'd better stop drinking them. That guy's a political whore.
Me: Aren't they all?
Trainer: You think so?
Trainer's Wife: Of course. They have so many people influencing them,, advisors, lobbyists, chief of staff that even if they wanted to make a good decision, they couldn't.
Will Simpson: That's how they get to office.
Trainer: Not Ronald Reagan. He believed in what he said. Didn't he make you proud to be an American?
Me, trying to think hard about RR beyond JellyBellys and Frankie Goes To Hollywood songs.
Will Simpson: He was an actor.
And for those of you who don't know who Will Simpson is, he's an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a super badasss rider.
.
And kinda cute.
Of course not as cute as Hubs.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The One Secret To Weight Loss....
I'm always intrigued by those ads with the "the one secret" to wealth or weight loss or whatever. I guess I'm supposed to be. When you click on the the link, though, there is always a link for some ebook, etc, that you need to buy. I mean how much writing does it need? It's *one* secret, folks. I haven't gone so far as buying one of these ebooks (googling an ex, yes, but that's another post). So here's my one secret to weight loss:
DO NOT BUY OR WEAR ELASTIC WAIST PANTS!
If you don't buy 'em, you won't wear 'em. If you wear 'em, then you will just have a waist that expands and expands...I was shocked to discover how many elastic waist pants I have.They are so comfy. I have no muffin top with them.
They are going to have to go.
After I lose five pounds, that is.
DO NOT BUY OR WEAR ELASTIC WAIST PANTS!
If you don't buy 'em, you won't wear 'em. If you wear 'em, then you will just have a waist that expands and expands...I was shocked to discover how many elastic waist pants I have.They are so comfy. I have no muffin top with them.
They are going to have to go.
After I lose five pounds, that is.
Friday, July 16, 2010
It Doesn't Get Better Than...
A house right on the beach? Temperatures in the 90s in the shade? Wild ospreys nesting? Outlet mall 2.4 miles away? The lulling sound of the tide drifting off to sleep? Hunting for the best shells at low tide? Amazon Kindle?
Nope. None of the above. It is:
Drive through Dunkin Donuts. The #1 is 2 donuts(chocolate frosted) and a medium coffee(light and sweet).
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Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Most Glamorous Store In America
We have been in four states this week. Of course on the East Coast, it's alot easier: CT, RI, MA, NY. Today, we went to NYC, as Hubs wanted to meet up with his friends. I met up with one of mine, and we visited some of our favorite stores. Hubs likes the exclusively ties store, Seigo, of Tokyo, Paris and NYC. Mr Seigo always manages to send him an exclusive sale postcard before we visit the East. Papoose got to American Girl and I got to go to Bergdorf. The most glamorous department store in the US. Today I got a pair of sunglasses at Bergdorf. Big,dark and glamorous, I told the sales guy. Like myself, preferably
minus the big. I wanted Chanel. He looked at me try on my choices and then guided me to ones that "balanced" my jawline. My jawline needed balancing? Apparently, because he guided me to a less expensive, larger, darker and way more glamorous pair. Hubs noted that Bergdorf was filled with famous looking people. Including me, of course.
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minus the big. I wanted Chanel. He looked at me try on my choices and then guided me to ones that "balanced" my jawline. My jawline needed balancing? Apparently, because he guided me to a less expensive, larger, darker and way more glamorous pair. Hubs noted that Bergdorf was filled with famous looking people. Including me, of course.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:New Haven Express
Friday, July 9, 2010
Travel sucks
Here on Tarmac at LAX, trying to connect to a flight in 10 minutes to CT. This one hour flight has already taken 3 hours. Who is to blame? Joe Biden going to Jay Leno, closing LAX airspace. Good use of our tax dollars, eh? Damn Joe Biden. First he insults my people on the campaign trail, now this. Is he related to Dan Quayle? What's Dan up to these days. Might as well google it since I'm stuck here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Tarmac LAX
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Top 7 Reasons You Know That You've Watched Too Much Criminal Minds:
1.You start turning the alarm on when at home. In the day time.
2. You try to park near the emergency button in the parking garage.
3. You avoid parking next to any battered white vans, especially if they don't have windows.
4. You start wondering if certain people you know- like the male substitute teacher, certain bald dads, weird guys at the supermarket are unsubs. And you are extra nice to them when you can't avoid them, just in case.
5.You are disappointed you are over the age limit (37) to become an FBI Special Agent.
6. You start and your day with obscure quotes from people like Goethe.
And it's time to shut the TV off when:
7. 1-800-Pro-Flowers sounds like 1-800- Profilers.
2. You try to park near the emergency button in the parking garage.
3. You avoid parking next to any battered white vans, especially if they don't have windows.
4. You start wondering if certain people you know- like the male substitute teacher, certain bald dads, weird guys at the supermarket are unsubs. And you are extra nice to them when you can't avoid them, just in case.
5.You are disappointed you are over the age limit (37) to become an FBI Special Agent.
6. You start and your day with obscure quotes from people like Goethe.
And it's time to shut the TV off when:
7. 1-800-Pro-Flowers sounds like 1-800- Profilers.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
What I've Learned So Far
This is what I wanted to write at the end of March, but better late than never:
What I've learned:
1. I shop when I'm stressed.
2. I shop for a feeling of control.
3. Knowing that, it's still kinda fun.
4. Stopping Coke for four weeks did not help me lose weight.
5. Nothing tastes like the real thing. I had my first Mexican Coke today. Yum.
6. Not shopping has helped me reassess my overall shopping. I really am much more aware.
7. I still love Bar method.
8. I do like spending on creative habits- flea markets, making jewelry, accessories. It feels like dprivation when I don't, but using up my stash has been good.
9. I need help with the weight loss.
10. I need help with the riding fear, because I deep down, I love riding and I love Hadley.
11. I really love blogging. Thank you for reading and commenting. It keeps me from watching Law& Order all day.
12. I love my friends. Especially when Almond Roca tells me which vacuum cleaner to buy.
13. Thinking about booking a facial, massage and pedicure is almost as satisfying as getting them.
14. Good haircuts last a long time.
15. I love lip gloss.
16. Giving up cleaning ladies may not be such a good sacrifice, but maybe an actual vacuum cleaner will change my mind. But I really love them more when they are here.
17. Solo driving on road trips are tough, but the memories with Papoose are worth it.
18. Getting dressed up really makes a difference in my attitude. See #15
19. I need regular periods of rest.
20. If people on Criminal Minds just had home alarms, the FBI would have a lot fewer unsubs to catch.
Momma Ain't Happy
Today I was reading another blog, and she said,"A happy refreshed home has a happy refreshed mother." Really a nicer way of saying: If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
Then I noticed I haven't written since March! It's mid April.
As you all know, I love to place blame squarely where it belongs (rarely on me) and it belongs on (no, not you, Hubs) work. Oh yeah, there's a reason it's called work, not pleasure. Actually, I like the work itself, a lot. It challenges me, constantly, which I mostly like. I mean having a quadruple boarded boss? I take it in stride.We work at the same place after all. But yesterday, the super genius guy who manages the ventilated patients also worked in Africa and rode on the Serengeti and has done five Ironmans? Really? A jock and a genius? Bro further annoyed me by saying he found it inspiring and yeah, I'm supposed to know about ventilator settings. Never mind he's tripled boarded and does kung fu and in four months of exercising lost lots of fat and became skinny, while I have stayed the EXACT same weight and gotten Achilles tendonitis for my trouble.
Yeah, Momma ain't happy.
And I haven't even told you why I don't like work. I actually don't mind the commute since rediscovering audiobooks, even if I missed my exit yesterday. I like getting dressed up. I like interacting with people. I love running meetings.
I just hate chaos and disorganization. I also hate not having the cleaning lady every week. I hate not having a vacuum cleaner and I'm finding stressful buying a new one: upright or canister? One for upstairs, one for downstairs or just one to haul back and forth? Bagged or bagless? I mean I hate cleaning out the bagless ones, I hate keeping track of the bag reordering. Special pet hair one? Do I trust Mr. Dyson because he has a British accent? Or Mr. Oreck, cause he's American?
Mamma's taking a break today- she's hiring a nutritionist and scheduling a massage and maybe getting a pedicure. Yeah, that might make Mamma happy.
Coming up next: Adventures As American Girl
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Getting My Heels Down
Reluctantly, I've been riding.
Last week, I had a flat lesson with advanced riders and then a jumping lesson with the Cowboy Trainer. Papoose was riding with the Assistant. I jumped, and jumped okay. Towards the end, a large squeaking semi drove by- Hads spooked. I crouched, listened to Cowboy Trainer yelling to sit up, sat up, Hads calmed down, spooked again, I crouched and sat up again. Papoose called it "Hadley going cuckoo.Mommy leaned, didn't lean, leaned and then sat up" I got a lecture on sitting up...Papoose went on to jump and do a better job than me, even if at one point, her horse looked to the jump because the trainers were pointing at it and took her over. "She's a brave kid," said my Trainer, probably thinking,"Must take after her dad."
Over the weekend, I kept repeating to myself, "I am a capable and confident rider. I am brave." And visualizing sitting up and easily regaining control. I tried to feel like what it would be like to push my seat into the saddle (but not to get him to move forward, as he is dressage trained and pushing down and forward is a dressage cue to move up)- just sinking down firmly.
I reluctantly went to the barn today. I tried playing upbeat, happy music, pushing my rear into the car seat to practice that grounded feeling. I've still been having some back pain, so I asked Cowboy Trainer for some advice- I mean he is after all, an expert. His advice surprised me- he pointed out I could be carrying nervous tension in my low back- tightening the muscles, pinching with the knees. It seems so obvious but it was one of those lightbulb moments- my own nervousness causing my back pain and no doubt making Hadley uncomfortable. I rode with the advanced riders again. We did an interesting exercise of feet out of the stirrups, toes down, toes up, then lift our knees up without pinching, without balancing on the horses' necks. That was super hard, because it is all primary hip flexors- no secondary muscles. I've got some work to do- but so did the advanced riders. Thank you Bar!
We began jumping. I worked on keeping my heels down, my back relaxed and knees not pinching. I rode with Had's rhythm. For really the first time, I could see the distances- the point the horse has to start jumping to clear the fence- and I could go with him. One time, I could see the distance- that it was too close to put in an extra step and we'd have to take it long. In the past, this is where Hads would have stopped and I would have unceremoniously continued, but I just stayed still, and he took care of me- he took it long and big- so big I got a little left behind, but we were okay. "Your horse was brave and you went with him," Trainer said.
But it gets better- Hads spooked at another big semi (it's weird, only some of them seem to scare him).This time, my visualizing helped. I sat up, he came back to me, and the fear and panic that normally wash over me were absent. I was a capable and confident rider. We reorganized and did the jumps (2'3" feet, I might add) fairly well. And my back is a lot less sore.
So I guess it paid off to persevere- I had an incredible high seeing the distances and going with Hadley. It was great to feel capable, competent and confident. I want to do it again- to have that Flashdance feeling again.
Now I remember why I like to ride.
Last week, I had a flat lesson with advanced riders and then a jumping lesson with the Cowboy Trainer. Papoose was riding with the Assistant. I jumped, and jumped okay. Towards the end, a large squeaking semi drove by- Hads spooked. I crouched, listened to Cowboy Trainer yelling to sit up, sat up, Hads calmed down, spooked again, I crouched and sat up again. Papoose called it "Hadley going cuckoo.Mommy leaned, didn't lean, leaned and then sat up" I got a lecture on sitting up...Papoose went on to jump and do a better job than me, even if at one point, her horse looked to the jump because the trainers were pointing at it and took her over. "She's a brave kid," said my Trainer, probably thinking,"Must take after her dad."
Over the weekend, I kept repeating to myself, "I am a capable and confident rider. I am brave." And visualizing sitting up and easily regaining control. I tried to feel like what it would be like to push my seat into the saddle (but not to get him to move forward, as he is dressage trained and pushing down and forward is a dressage cue to move up)- just sinking down firmly.
I reluctantly went to the barn today. I tried playing upbeat, happy music, pushing my rear into the car seat to practice that grounded feeling. I've still been having some back pain, so I asked Cowboy Trainer for some advice- I mean he is after all, an expert. His advice surprised me- he pointed out I could be carrying nervous tension in my low back- tightening the muscles, pinching with the knees. It seems so obvious but it was one of those lightbulb moments- my own nervousness causing my back pain and no doubt making Hadley uncomfortable. I rode with the advanced riders again. We did an interesting exercise of feet out of the stirrups, toes down, toes up, then lift our knees up without pinching, without balancing on the horses' necks. That was super hard, because it is all primary hip flexors- no secondary muscles. I've got some work to do- but so did the advanced riders. Thank you Bar!
We began jumping. I worked on keeping my heels down, my back relaxed and knees not pinching. I rode with Had's rhythm. For really the first time, I could see the distances- the point the horse has to start jumping to clear the fence- and I could go with him. One time, I could see the distance- that it was too close to put in an extra step and we'd have to take it long. In the past, this is where Hads would have stopped and I would have unceremoniously continued, but I just stayed still, and he took care of me- he took it long and big- so big I got a little left behind, but we were okay. "Your horse was brave and you went with him," Trainer said.
But it gets better- Hads spooked at another big semi (it's weird, only some of them seem to scare him).This time, my visualizing helped. I sat up, he came back to me, and the fear and panic that normally wash over me were absent. I was a capable and confident rider. We reorganized and did the jumps (2'3" feet, I might add) fairly well. And my back is a lot less sore.
So I guess it paid off to persevere- I had an incredible high seeing the distances and going with Hadley. It was great to feel capable, competent and confident. I want to do it again- to have that Flashdance feeling again.
Now I remember why I like to ride.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Last Can For Love
Last can, last can, last can, for love (sung to the tune of Donna Summer's "Last Dance")
One week ago, I had my last can of Coke. Yes it had the dreaded HFCS, but it was free from the drug rep serving Walnut Shrimp on my first day of work. Then Bro mentioned if I really wanted to lose the belly, I should give up soda. Followed, randomly by an article in a Zen blog I follow about giving up soda. Tha kind of synchrony needs minding. I usually use the policy if I hear about something from two unconnected sources, preferably reliable, I should check it out.
So that was it. I switched to snooty Pellegrino, seltzer and mineral water. Now I can add that to my holier than thou list. And of course, if I can keep this up, I bribed myself with a Lululemon prize (the cocoon wrap) in three more weeks!!
Hmm, I need to admit that I did more shopping. It seems that Liberty at Target has given me some liberty. I got some pocket stuff at the Gap, since I don't have a desk,wear a lab coat, or use an easily pilfered purse but need to carry around the minimum MD paraphenelia- pager, cell, pen, small notebook, cash, reflex hammer...I need some pockets. Dark brown cargo pants and beige safari coat now sit happily in my closet, while all nonpocketed items, or items unable to be matched with pocketed items are in the storage closet downstairs. I think it's my Born Free look.
One week ago, I had my last can of Coke. Yes it had the dreaded HFCS, but it was free from the drug rep serving Walnut Shrimp on my first day of work. Then Bro mentioned if I really wanted to lose the belly, I should give up soda. Followed, randomly by an article in a Zen blog I follow about giving up soda. Tha kind of synchrony needs minding. I usually use the policy if I hear about something from two unconnected sources, preferably reliable, I should check it out.
So that was it. I switched to snooty Pellegrino, seltzer and mineral water. Now I can add that to my holier than thou list. And of course, if I can keep this up, I bribed myself with a Lululemon prize (the cocoon wrap) in three more weeks!!
Hmm, I need to admit that I did more shopping. It seems that Liberty at Target has given me some liberty. I got some pocket stuff at the Gap, since I don't have a desk,wear a lab coat, or use an easily pilfered purse but need to carry around the minimum MD paraphenelia- pager, cell, pen, small notebook, cash, reflex hammer...I need some pockets. Dark brown cargo pants and beige safari coat now sit happily in my closet, while all nonpocketed items, or items unable to be matched with pocketed items are in the storage closet downstairs. I think it's my Born Free look.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Riding Angst
I have a riding lesson today. The first one in a few weeks, since I injured myself doing Bar. Oh, I rode, Hadley- walking around, just sitting on him, watching Skylar while Hads got drowsy in the warm sun...I may have even trotted a bit. And I don't mind cantering, Hads has the smoothest canter, ever. But last time I saw the Assistant, she said, "You need to ride, and you need to jump."
So here's the real truth: I donwanna jump. I am scared Hads will stop and I'll go flying over him and break my remaining unbroken ribs. Hubs suggested I take up dressage.
I'm also scared, but less so, that Hads will panic and take off (not that he ever has) and I won't be able to control him. Strangely, I am worried about falling off him in that scenario- I think when he spooks, his fear is so palpable- I feel my heart revv up and feel panicked, too. And we all know what a freakin chikun I am. Hubs, dressage wouldn't solve this issue.
I'm gonna ride, cause I have to set a good example for Papoose, and my word is Go!, but...any advice, friends?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Oh No You Ditn't!
Liberty of London, a venerable and expensive design house had its much anticipated launch at Target on Sunday. I was in the midst of the foolishness and mayhem. Stuff that was being stocked as you came in was gone by the time you came back to it. People were grabbing armfuls of stuff. Everything online was sold out. I knew I was going to budget blowing bad- but I didn't. (well, I am making Hubs return stuff in the AM because it was a grab it now, think later kind of thing) At one point, there was a large group of women surrounding the beleagured employee opening boxes. We were waiting for the watering cans, because the teapots were already gone. E spotted the watering cans coming and grabbed the only two in a pretty peony print. A scraggly woman with lots of the stuff already in her cart, marched over and started complaining that she had been there since 8:30 ( it was now 10:30)- how dare did E grab those cans. E pointed out the other cans- Ms Nasty said, "I don't want that pattern."
Meanwhile, E and I noted some design flaws on the cans and decided we didn't really want them. E gave hers to another nice lady who had been chatting with us at the Liberty accessories.
Then Ms. Nasty called E rude.
Oh no you ditn't.
E pointed out that Ms Nasty already had "so much crap" in her cart.
Ms Nasty kept saying she deserved the watering can because she had waited soo long.
Finally, I handed her a watering can and said, "You want this can so badly? Go ahead and take it, and let it be a reminder of your bad behavior!"
Ms Nasty now did not want the can, but I stomped off, dragging E with me, leaving the Target employees looking a bit dazed.
Sweet satisfaction.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Oh, the Drama!
Well after that last email, you must be wondering about how my job went.
Reluctantly, I will admit that it was overall, good. It did freak me out a bit that everyone- I mean everyone- greeted me with a zeal of cult members on a conversion mission. They didn't serve me popcorn and Kool-Aid, but there was a nice lunch and I had Walnut Shrimp and my very last can of Coke*.
So not to dismiss any of my previous worries- did you see that Becks is out 6 months with an Achilles tendon rupture?- but I will own up to being a bit melodramatic.
But you still seem to love me.
*Another entry
Reluctantly, I will admit that it was overall, good. It did freak me out a bit that everyone- I mean everyone- greeted me with a zeal of cult members on a conversion mission. They didn't serve me popcorn and Kool-Aid, but there was a nice lunch and I had Walnut Shrimp and my very last can of Coke*.
So not to dismiss any of my previous worries- did you see that Becks is out 6 months with an Achilles tendon rupture?- but I will own up to being a bit melodramatic.
But you still seem to love me.
*Another entry
Friday, March 12, 2010
Angst: Part 1
I'm feeling mule-ish. Recalcitrant. Irritable (watch out, I may kick you.) The reason is cause I'm starting a new job. (okay, injuring myself hula- hooping then developing Achilles tendonitis and being in constant pain doesn't help) But mainly it's the new job.
Here are some possible reasons:
I'm lazy and work is, well work. Blech.
I don't like my routines changed.
It's change.
I don't know what lies ahead.
Learning the new computer system, billing, pay time sheets, not to mention collegues,. patient population is intimidating. Overwhelming.
I feel overwhelmed.
Maybe they'll find out what a faker I really am.
I have to wear pants with regular, non-elastic waist bands.
I have to walk around a lot and my foot hurts.
I have to get lots of little things done, like have my ppd read, show proof of my MMR titers, get fit tested for a respiratory mask.
Then there's all the computer stuff.
Parking there is a bitch.
I'm the only one concerned about work life balance.
I'm going to have to ask permission to go on vacation.
Someone else can tell me what to do. Double blech.
I'll have a boss. Very hard for someone whose other motto is "You are NOT the boss of me!"
I have a desk with the residents.
Have I said I don't have the band width to learn two new computer systems?
And I have to do all this in under 10 hours a week? Seeing one patient- documenting, billing, making phone calls, talking to other staff- is at least one hour. And they are talking about adding more responsibilities.
And there is no regular schedule.
Plus, I still have my old full time job: home, Papoose, Hubs, not shopping, riding.
When am I going to ride?
Do I want to ride?
This will be angst, part 2.
Here are some possible reasons:
I'm lazy and work is, well work. Blech.
I don't like my routines changed.
It's change.
I don't know what lies ahead.
Learning the new computer system, billing, pay time sheets, not to mention collegues,. patient population is intimidating. Overwhelming.
I feel overwhelmed.
Maybe they'll find out what a faker I really am.
I have to wear pants with regular, non-elastic waist bands.
I have to walk around a lot and my foot hurts.
I have to get lots of little things done, like have my ppd read, show proof of my MMR titers, get fit tested for a respiratory mask.
Then there's all the computer stuff.
Parking there is a bitch.
I'm the only one concerned about work life balance.
I'm going to have to ask permission to go on vacation.
Someone else can tell me what to do. Double blech.
I'll have a boss. Very hard for someone whose other motto is "You are NOT the boss of me!"
I have a desk with the residents.
Have I said I don't have the band width to learn two new computer systems?
And I have to do all this in under 10 hours a week? Seeing one patient- documenting, billing, making phone calls, talking to other staff- is at least one hour. And they are talking about adding more responsibilities.
And there is no regular schedule.
Plus, I still have my old full time job: home, Papoose, Hubs, not shopping, riding.
When am I going to ride?
Do I want to ride?
This will be angst, part 2.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Help is on the way!
How does one pick a "word"? Well, it's not science but there are a few things to think about. The purpose of the word is to remind you of your greater goals. And a word to help you overcome inertia, if that what tends to hold you back, as it is in my case. And if it makes you smile a little, even if wryly, that much the better.
For example, let's say you want to lose weight and you find yourself snacking even if you aren't really hungry. Research shows that delaying yourself for fifteen minutes often allows you to skip the snack. So here are some words to consider:
"wait"- I like it because it it reminds you to wait and is a play on "weight".
"away"- because it reminds you to go away for a minute, has the sound of "weigh", and reminds you of your love to travel "away"
"desire"- is it really your desire to to eat now? Do you desire to lose weight more?
That's the starting point...
For example, let's say you want to lose weight and you find yourself snacking even if you aren't really hungry. Research shows that delaying yourself for fifteen minutes often allows you to skip the snack. So here are some words to consider:
"wait"- I like it because it it reminds you to wait and is a play on "weight".
"away"- because it reminds you to go away for a minute, has the sound of "weigh", and reminds you of your love to travel "away"
"desire"- is it really your desire to to eat now? Do you desire to lose weight more?
That's the starting point...
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Just A Pack of Cards
I am excited to see Alice in Wonderland.
I am not a huge Tim Burton fan, and I like Johnny Depp
(he and Keith Richards in Pirates...how perfect were they?)
enough, and the characters- the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire cat- but it's the story, Alice's story that I love so much. It's very Women Who Run With the Wolves (which should be required reading for every woman).
She falls down a dark hole. Things are tempting, nothing seems quite right. Others behave in strange, sometimes cruel ways. She's attacked for being who she is. Then, Alice's realization: You're all just a pack of cards! And she wakes up, herself, in a normal world.
It's a reminder to me that we often give things power over us, especially when in a dark, deep place- that when we remember who we truly are, we are returned home, and those things that seemed so overwhelming? Why, they were just a pack of cards, scattered leaves in the wind.
I am not a huge Tim Burton fan, and I like Johnny Depp
enough, and the characters- the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire cat- but it's the story, Alice's story that I love so much. It's very Women Who Run With the Wolves (which should be required reading for every woman).
She falls down a dark hole. Things are tempting, nothing seems quite right. Others behave in strange, sometimes cruel ways. She's attacked for being who she is. Then, Alice's realization: You're all just a pack of cards! And she wakes up, herself, in a normal world.
It's a reminder to me that we often give things power over us, especially when in a dark, deep place- that when we remember who we truly are, we are returned home, and those things that seemed so overwhelming? Why, they were just a pack of cards, scattered leaves in the wind.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
One Word
One of the bloggers I read, Ali Edwards, picks a word for every year. Her word for this year was nurture. It made me wonder about what my word would be and after some deliberation, I came up with: GO
As in GO
to the barn
do the dishes
to Bar
to study
to work
make dinner
to the dog park
to the gym...
all the things that it is easier to just stay at rest rather than in motion.
What is your word?
As in GO
to the barn
do the dishes
to Bar
to study
to work
make dinner
to the dog park
to the gym...
all the things that it is easier to just stay at rest rather than in motion.
What is your word?
Monday, March 1, 2010
What I have learned so far
Hubs said he felt the same way about this month as I did. That made me feel better. Dave Ramsey even says that it takes a few months to get the hang of the zero budgeting.
You know what has inspired me though? You, my friends. Rainbow Brite told me she felt inspired when she cleaned her closet and more thoughtful when buying. Almond Roca said if I had more spending sprees, she'd use the bar on me if I bought more a la Lululemon. (Umm thanks, I think.) One of the moms I know told me she switched to cash only purchases after we talked about zero spending.
Here is some stuff that I've read and found helpful:
1. Pay with cash. It is hard to part with.
2. Eat before you shop. Don't shop when you or any member of your party is tired, crabby or emotional.
3. Make a list, literally, plus what you think it may cost (even just mentally) - esp at places like Target.
4. Put the small items in first, with a running total in your head, before putting in the large items. It's easy to justify adding a bunch of little things after committing to buy something big. I'm not sure why.
5. Don't be afraid to "abandon ship" and leave stuff in your cart, virtual or real. I have left my cart behind and carried the few items I really needed to checkout. Is it rude? Maybe. But it's my cash.
6. Don't think "I can return it." Think, "I can purchase it later if I need it." because you want to
7. Stay out of stores. Like Oscar Wilde, I can resist anything except temptation, so why be tempted?
8. It seems paradoxic, but build in rewards, big and small. I noticed that it's at the end of the month that it is hardest to stick to the budget. For March, we planned for this.
9. Overbudget, underspend. It's rewarding.
10. Be accountable to others.
You know what has inspired me though? You, my friends. Rainbow Brite told me she felt inspired when she cleaned her closet and more thoughtful when buying. Almond Roca said if I had more spending sprees, she'd use the bar on me if I bought more a la Lululemon. (Umm thanks, I think.) One of the moms I know told me she switched to cash only purchases after we talked about zero spending.
Here is some stuff that I've read and found helpful:
1. Pay with cash. It is hard to part with.
2. Eat before you shop. Don't shop when you or any member of your party is tired, crabby or emotional.
3. Make a list, literally, plus what you think it may cost (even just mentally) - esp at places like Target.
4. Put the small items in first, with a running total in your head, before putting in the large items. It's easy to justify adding a bunch of little things after committing to buy something big. I'm not sure why.
5. Don't be afraid to "abandon ship" and leave stuff in your cart, virtual or real. I have left my cart behind and carried the few items I really needed to checkout. Is it rude? Maybe. But it's my cash.
6. Don't think "I can return it." Think, "I can purchase it later if I need it." because you want to
7. Stay out of stores. Like Oscar Wilde, I can resist anything except temptation, so why be tempted?
8. It seems paradoxic, but build in rewards, big and small. I noticed that it's at the end of the month that it is hardest to stick to the budget. For March, we planned for this.
9. Overbudget, underspend. It's rewarding.
10. Be accountable to others.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Confessions
The summary of the month:
Bad:
Shopping at Lululemon
Target clothes for Papoose
Earrings and bracelet at beadstore
Scrapbook supplies
Antique store for vintage jewelry pieces
1 Etsy purchase
Eating out at end of month out of carelessness
Snapfish order (but my iPhone Skin-it is way cool)
Ok:
Riding: 7 times this month
Good:
Bar Method 14 times!!!
Grocery shopping within budget
Made most lunches for whole family
Finished Science fair project with Papoose
Took Board exam, despite strong urge to run away
Seems to about balance out.
Bad:
Shopping at Lululemon
Target clothes for Papoose
Earrings and bracelet at beadstore
Scrapbook supplies
Antique store for vintage jewelry pieces
1 Etsy purchase
Eating out at end of month out of carelessness
Snapfish order (but my iPhone Skin-it is way cool)
Ok:
Riding: 7 times this month
Good:
Bar Method 14 times!!!
Grocery shopping within budget
Made most lunches for whole family
Finished Science fair project with Papoose
Took Board exam, despite strong urge to run away
Seems to about balance out.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Omentum- inside clutter
Omentum-huh?
The above link is an interesting article with Dr. Oz, who I normally don't like- not because he's wrong about stuff, in fact I agree with him on most things, but because (1) I want to be Dr. Oz, on Oprah, with my own show, and (2) How pretentious is it to go around in scrubs, like you're suddenly going to jump into the audience and perform an emergency cardiac bypass? and (3) Maybe I should wear my scrubs around more, as they are as comfy as pjs, but other doctors would certainly mock me.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
You Can Just Skip This Post
It's mostly complaining.
February is winding down and the tail end of it seems long. It's weird, I'd been so good about not shopping, not wanting to shop (baring Lululemon) except for...art supplies. I've been craving ribbons, vintage jewelry to tear up, Japanese fabric, stuff from Etsy, and Swarovski crystals. Nothing shines like Swarovski. I think it's because one of my projects got published in GreenCraft magazine (check it out, I saw it at Barnes& Noble and JoAnns!) and it looks better in the pictures than it did in real life. And I sold some jewelry at Shelby's Garden.
Plus without having to study, I feel a bit out of sorts, and a little anxious about starting my new job. It's been raining and let's just face it- I really dislike riding in the cold, windy indoor arena.
Oh yeah, but here's a suggestion from an avid blog reader- a list of seedy bars I'd like to check out:
The Carlos Club
The place on 37th with super cheap drinks
Marvin Gardens on Old County Road
The Saddle Room
any place with a mechanical bull ride (waiting for you, Rainbow Brite)
Disco Night at BelMateo Bowl (technically not a bar, but kinda seems like a shady one on Friday nights)
and a karoake bar
February is winding down and the tail end of it seems long. It's weird, I'd been so good about not shopping, not wanting to shop (baring Lululemon) except for...art supplies. I've been craving ribbons, vintage jewelry to tear up, Japanese fabric, stuff from Etsy, and Swarovski crystals. Nothing shines like Swarovski. I think it's because one of my projects got published in GreenCraft magazine (check it out, I saw it at Barnes& Noble and JoAnns!) and it looks better in the pictures than it did in real life. And I sold some jewelry at Shelby's Garden.
Plus without having to study, I feel a bit out of sorts, and a little anxious about starting my new job. It's been raining and let's just face it- I really dislike riding in the cold, windy indoor arena.
Oh yeah, but here's a suggestion from an avid blog reader- a list of seedy bars I'd like to check out:
The Carlos Club
The place on 37th with super cheap drinks
Marvin Gardens on Old County Road
The Saddle Room
any place with a mechanical bull ride (waiting for you, Rainbow Brite)
Disco Night at BelMateo Bowl (technically not a bar, but kinda seems like a shady one on Friday nights)
and a karoake bar
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Defiant or Justified: You decide.
I'm torn between starting with justifications or just making a defiant statement: I went shopping. Spent a lot and I love, love, love what I bought.
Now the justification: it was all at Lululemon for Bar Method, and it's workout gear that's seriously supportive and slimming. Seriously slimming. (Ok, but I probably didn't need to buy the coverup and two headband, and pants that look like jeans but are all lycra and have an elastic waistband. The guilt, the shame.)
Of course, when you need to justify, you're probably guilty.
I'll do my penance on the bar.
Now the justification: it was all at Lululemon for Bar Method, and it's workout gear that's seriously supportive and slimming. Seriously slimming. (Ok, but I probably didn't need to buy the coverup and two headband, and pants that look like jeans but are all lycra and have an elastic waistband. The guilt, the shame.)
Of course, when you need to justify, you're probably guilty.
I'll do my penance on the bar.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Productive Procrastinator
There is so much that needs to get. RIGHT NOW!!!! Nevermind that I haven't done whatever it was for weeks, maybe months...but it my test is Monday, and I need to be studying, so I had to (HAD to) make reservations for a hotel package we "won" at an auction; make reservations for the King Tut exhibit at the deYoung with the tix I bought at Costco last year, organize my ribbons, fold the laundry, mop the floor, put up stuff on Etsy, throw the ball for Jack, eat star cake, make a coloring story book for Papoose.
Yeah, studying is going well.
Yeah, studying is going well.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January Summary/February Plans
In some ways, January was impressive, in some ways, depressing. Here are the figures:
Shopping: 0 (Though I got my earring leverbacks and changed all my old earrings, and spent $35 from my discretionary fund; Papoose bought a toy at Build A Bear with some Christmas money) Still, no clothes. Loving using only what I own. Impressive list.
Bar Method: 9 times; okay, considering; would have been closer to 12 if Papoose didn't get sick or have school holidays, and I wasn't intimidated by the Mixed Level class.
Gym & Yoga: 8 times. Tried to do much early on, which resulted in some recuperation days, overall, good.
Riding: A bit depressing: 6 times, but there were 14 solid days of rain so considering the other available 10 days, I suppose, pretty good.
I should look at it this way: in 31 days, I exercised 15 days and bought no clothes. Not bad at all.
I love playing with stats.
For February, I plan:
Bar Method: 11 times
Ride (weather permitting): 10
Gym: 6 times
Passing my Boards.
Going on one date night with Hubs.
Another girls party-one per month- the last one, only E showed up to scrap and another friend dropped by to visit. Rainbow Brite sent me a hilarious email on why she couldn't come. I'll post it (she agreed to let me) sometime soon. Anyway, this one will have a jewelry making/swap theme.
Lunch with friends once per week.
Finish off work application.
No shopping.
Stay on Zero plan budget- we actually made it last week, reviewed our Jan spending tonight and planned the week ahead.
Bed by 9:30; by far the hardest (the best Law& Orders are on 9-10)
I love being accountable to you, Dear Reader. Twice I have driven to the gym, sat in my car in the dusty outer parking lot and contemplated not going in. The weather was cold. The seat warmer so cozy. You, or blogging to you about it, made me go in. For that, I thank you.
Shopping: 0 (Though I got my earring leverbacks and changed all my old earrings, and spent $35 from my discretionary fund; Papoose bought a toy at Build A Bear with some Christmas money) Still, no clothes. Loving using only what I own. Impressive list.
Bar Method: 9 times; okay, considering; would have been closer to 12 if Papoose didn't get sick or have school holidays, and I wasn't intimidated by the Mixed Level class.
Gym & Yoga: 8 times. Tried to do much early on, which resulted in some recuperation days, overall, good.
Riding: A bit depressing: 6 times, but there were 14 solid days of rain so considering the other available 10 days, I suppose, pretty good.
I should look at it this way: in 31 days, I exercised 15 days and bought no clothes. Not bad at all.
I love playing with stats.
For February, I plan:
Bar Method: 11 times
Ride (weather permitting): 10
Gym: 6 times
Passing my Boards.
Going on one date night with Hubs.
Another girls party-one per month- the last one, only E showed up to scrap and another friend dropped by to visit. Rainbow Brite sent me a hilarious email on why she couldn't come. I'll post it (she agreed to let me) sometime soon. Anyway, this one will have a jewelry making/swap theme.
Lunch with friends once per week.
Finish off work application.
No shopping.
Stay on Zero plan budget- we actually made it last week, reviewed our Jan spending tonight and planned the week ahead.
Bed by 9:30; by far the hardest (the best Law& Orders are on 9-10)
I love being accountable to you, Dear Reader. Twice I have driven to the gym, sat in my car in the dusty outer parking lot and contemplated not going in. The weather was cold. The seat warmer so cozy. You, or blogging to you about it, made me go in. For that, I thank you.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Coveting
I've been such a good girl. I haven't gone shopping, at all. I even went to the mall (Papoose had saved enough money to go to Build A Bear) and we went to Godiva to get our free monthly chocolate and Boudin, where I registered a frequent buyer card and can now get a free loaf of bread!
For the most part, I haven't missed shopping. I love the Bar Method. I go to the gym, but I'm doing 25 minute sessions- any more was exhausting. I'm riding again tomorrow after all this rain. And certainly Papoose, her activities, my Boards, the dogs and using my art supplies (I bought leverbacks to switch my earrings,so I can use, not lose them, and paid for it with my discretionary cash fund).
But I am coveting this:
Fortunately this is all vintage and worn by some bright young thing who also accessorizes with Chanel 1994 fluorescent boas. And it looks cute on her. But this:
Doesn't it have a chic French look to it? And so practical, roomy, durable.
It's $143, with the monogram. I would have bought it last year. That's so last year! (I crack myself up)
I'm just thinking maybe with the money I save, I can fly to Paris and buy meself a lovely Speedy from LV!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Do You Believe In Angels?
I think I have a guardian angel.
I was completely stressed about my board certification, because on top of the test, there is some kind performance improvement arm to it. Reading the requirements made me realized it was geared for people in large practices or academic settings. Neither of which describe me. Hubs convinced me to call the Boards people, so I did. The very nice lady helping me guided me to an online module (on hand washing! we've both taught little kids about it.) for the performance improvement part and it turns out that I'm taking the test a year early- to give myself a cushion. Phew. Actually, I think that was the whoosh of my guardian angel's wings.
I was completely stressed about my board certification, because on top of the test, there is some kind performance improvement arm to it. Reading the requirements made me realized it was geared for people in large practices or academic settings. Neither of which describe me. Hubs convinced me to call the Boards people, so I did. The very nice lady helping me guided me to an online module (on hand washing! we've both taught little kids about it.) for the performance improvement part and it turns out that I'm taking the test a year early- to give myself a cushion. Phew. Actually, I think that was the whoosh of my guardian angel's wings.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
My High Riding Standards for 2010
This year my trainer was very particular that we develop our goals specifically and clearly for the year.He told us to start with what we are grateful for, what we learned last year, and then our plan for this year.
Grateful for:
Being able to own a horse
Trainer & Assistant as trainers for me and Hadley
Hadley’s health and happy attitude
Hadley’s canter
Supportive friends at barn- and out of barn
Going to Pebble
Ribbons from Pebble
Lessons Learned in 2009:
Getting pneumonia: rest when I get sick instead of trying to “push through it” – 3 days in the hospital is not fun!
Ride more=more confident riding
Going to the gym before riding helps riding- warmed up and feel positive
Riding in the Indoor Arena will help me at warm up arena at horse shows
Have Hubs or friend come with me to show- it is emotionally stressful!
Riding Goals for 2010:
1) Fitness:
Lose 10 lbs by 10/10
Increase endurance – goal to run 1 mile w/o stopping by 12/10
Bar Method 3x/week
Cardio at gym 3x wk
Schedule in calendar
2) Confidence while riding:
Ride minimum of 2x per week, preferably 3x
Schedule in calendar
3) Know feel of diagonals and leads without looking
4) Always say to myself: “Heels down and hands light”
“Saturday Night Fever strut”
5) Shows: 2-3
Stirrup Cup Champion
Place in Top 3 in Equitation on the flat in an A rated class
Then Trainer asked me to make it compelling for me to reach my goals, so with his help, I tweaked it to this:
My High Riding Standards 2010
I am a great athlete, a confident rider,
a focused planner and a consistent winner.
I do not accept any limitations.
I live as who I believe I am.
I do what I believe will make my riding better today and everyday, this moment and every moment.
I feel stronger physically and mentally by having an exercise routine.
I review and remind myself everyday of my goals.
I make sure everything is on track.
Success requires me to pay attention to the little details, take exceptional care of myself, my horse, my equipment.
I always look and feel like the winner I am.
I take action today and everyday to take my life to even higher level than it is now.
I SEE MYSELF AS A CHAMPION EVERYDAY.
Grateful for:
Being able to own a horse
Trainer & Assistant as trainers for me and Hadley
Hadley’s health and happy attitude
Hadley’s canter
Supportive friends at barn- and out of barn
Going to Pebble
Ribbons from Pebble
Lessons Learned in 2009:
Getting pneumonia: rest when I get sick instead of trying to “push through it” – 3 days in the hospital is not fun!
Ride more=more confident riding
Going to the gym before riding helps riding- warmed up and feel positive
Riding in the Indoor Arena will help me at warm up arena at horse shows
Have Hubs or friend come with me to show- it is emotionally stressful!
Riding Goals for 2010:
1) Fitness:
Lose 10 lbs by 10/10
Increase endurance – goal to run 1 mile w/o stopping by 12/10
Bar Method 3x/week
Cardio at gym 3x wk
Schedule in calendar
2) Confidence while riding:
Ride minimum of 2x per week, preferably 3x
Schedule in calendar
3) Know feel of diagonals and leads without looking
4) Always say to myself: “Heels down and hands light”
“Saturday Night Fever strut”
5) Shows: 2-3
Stirrup Cup Champion
Place in Top 3 in Equitation on the flat in an A rated class
Then Trainer asked me to make it compelling for me to reach my goals, so with his help, I tweaked it to this:
My High Riding Standards 2010
I am a great athlete, a confident rider,
a focused planner and a consistent winner.
I do not accept any limitations.
I live as who I believe I am.
I do what I believe will make my riding better today and everyday, this moment and every moment.
I feel stronger physically and mentally by having an exercise routine.
I review and remind myself everyday of my goals.
I make sure everything is on track.
Success requires me to pay attention to the little details, take exceptional care of myself, my horse, my equipment.
I always look and feel like the winner I am.
I take action today and everyday to take my life to even higher level than it is now.
I SEE MYSELF AS A CHAMPION EVERYDAY.
Monday, January 25, 2010
An Interview with Shay
I met Shay at Thanksgiving. Hubs and I had just returned from walking the dogs on the beach and were waiting for a table at the Half Moon Bay Brewery with the dogs (Papoose was with my parents in Seattle). Shay noticed my socks (K Bells, with blue ribbons on them) peeking out of my Uggs and asked me if I ride. We started talking and I discovered Shay is an amazing person.
She's tall, pretty and really nice. She has an open and generous spirit. She also won a golf cart riding. In the same division as me, the Stirrup Cup. So I finally figured out Blogger enough to publish an interview with her. She had great pictures, but Blogger won't let me pull them up.
What made you start riding?
I was at a dog park with my two German Shepherds.I met this gal, G, wearing a sling.
I asked her what happened to her arm she asked me if I knew anything about English riding. She said, “Well, I fell jumping over this 6 foot oxer!” The effect was lost on me- I didn’t know what an oxer was.
She confessed she was really only jumping 2’ and at the time of the accident, she was at a dead stop.
G asked me if the belt I was wearing was crocodile. so I told her its story: we were in Florida when a crocodile crossed us. We had no choice but to wrangle it, eventually the game wardens put it down and so since we had the leather I thought I might as well put it to good use.
G: “Really?”
Me: “No!”
We laughed, laughed, and thus started our friendship.
She asked if I wanted to ride. I thought about it, and answered with a definitive yes.
A week later we were at the local Saddlery where I purchased $900 dollars worth of gear (I still have the receipt). My first lesson Aug. 23, 2007.
I have a ton of pictures of me during my progress as a rider and they are funny to look at. At the beginning, particularly when you could really tell that I didn’t know what I was doing; I used to hold the reigns, high, almost as if they were stinky dirty diapers.
Exactly two years later, I happen to win two-year end divisions, 3 reserves with different associations, a golf cart for overall highpoint, two champion jackets,
an embroidered champion scrim sheet, a hunt coat, Champion engrave leather halter, Ariat duffle bag, Ariat quilted vest, 41 blue ribbons, 11 show champions, 2 silver champion buckles, several horse engraved glass pitchers, pilsner glasses, a Swarovski horseshoe necklace, stuff animal horses, horse tin, Swarovksi adorned & silver engraved spurs, show socks, saddle pads, house welcome mat, embroidered boot back, a medal and the three awards banquets are still to come. At some point, I gave my ribbons to teammates; everyone in my barn got a prize(s)…All this in only 8 months of showing.
I am telling you this not because I wish to come across as cocky but because I am proud to have achieved physical prowess when two years prior I could barely walk. I had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease where your own body attacks itself as it is confused and cannot distinguish healthy tissue from invading bacteria. So when I met G in the park and she said do you want to ride, I thought, you got your body back, use it to the FULLEST, you don’t know for how long and I didn’t want to have regrets in life or a bucket list of unfulfilled “could have beens”.
How did you win the golf cart?
At my local riding club, there are many different rated shows there but regardless of the rating, when hosted by Camelot Riding Club, points earned accrue. The Amateur rider with the highest points gets a golf cart and the Junior Rider with the highest amount of Camelot points gets a golf cart.
At the very last Camelot show at the Expo Center in Industry Hills, the person in second place for the golf cart brought two horses. She was able to increase the number of classes she was in from 28 to 44!
I am in the low amateur division which means I cannot jump higher than 2’3” . I simply could not be in as many classes. I am also not skilled enough to jump higher so I was at a disadvantage with the number of classes that I could enter. That girl, who jumps 3’ even dummied down to my very class and jumped 2’3” in my class. I was devastated that this loop completely could exist and it looked like she was going to win the golf cart.
G let me rider her horse in a few of the classes so that I could increase that number of classes that I could ride in for 18 classes to her 44. I even did cross rail jumpers, which I’d never done. I was competing against ponies who can take inside turns that I cannot on a horse that is 17 hands. It wasn’t easy, I was especially tired, my groom was sick of moving my saddle from horse to horse, and I had to switch the number on my back as well... It was frantic. We all thought that the golf cart was out of reach. We broke out a bottle of wine to help ease the madness that was going on into the evening- I was still showing at 6:30pm, in the dark, shadows making the horses frisky.
Apparently, I got a seven stride in five- but it was cross rails mind you and my friend’s horse is a 3’9” jumper so he did not have any problems. In fact, it took me ¾ the length of the ring to get him to finally slow after we crossed the final timer. I remember coming out of the ring -my trainer just looked at me like “That was atrocious, but it’s jumpers and you are never doing that again so I’m not going to say a thing.”
I knew it was awful, but I had no energy left. I just held on and spurred.
Out of the three jumper classes with the two horses I Disqualified my first attempt by not going through the timer, then I got 1, 1, 2, 3, 3.
As it turned out, those points clinched the golf cart for me.
How has riding affected other parts of your life?
It has helped me avoid the mid life question of “what the hell am I doing with my life” because I feel I did something awe inspiring and whenever I feel questionable, I think of this past year to raise me up. I’m really, still in disbelief to have accomplished this much in such a short period of time. Two years ago I had not even seen an English saddle up close. So the amount of pride that I feel has swelled into the self esteem part of my life. Whether I continue to ride our not I will always look back on this and say, “I did it.” It also makes me feel that the barriers and obstacles in life look less ominous, I’ve gained new mental strength and belief in myself not to give up and that new heights can be reached if you just believe you can EVEN if you start the proverbial rat race late. I think often we are fearful to start something new in life, career, hobby etc because we are afraid of not doing well and starting a race late certainly makes us feel like its hard to catch up and the odds are against us from being competitive.
I have to say that I was extremely fortuitous that several people took an interest in helping me improve.
She's tall, pretty and really nice. She has an open and generous spirit. She also won a golf cart riding. In the same division as me, the Stirrup Cup. So I finally figured out Blogger enough to publish an interview with her. She had great pictures, but Blogger won't let me pull them up.
What made you start riding?
I was at a dog park with my two German Shepherds.I met this gal, G, wearing a sling.
I asked her what happened to her arm she asked me if I knew anything about English riding. She said, “Well, I fell jumping over this 6 foot oxer!” The effect was lost on me- I didn’t know what an oxer was.
She confessed she was really only jumping 2’ and at the time of the accident, she was at a dead stop.
G asked me if the belt I was wearing was crocodile. so I told her its story: we were in Florida when a crocodile crossed us. We had no choice but to wrangle it, eventually the game wardens put it down and so since we had the leather I thought I might as well put it to good use.
G: “Really?”
Me: “No!”
We laughed, laughed, and thus started our friendship.
She asked if I wanted to ride. I thought about it, and answered with a definitive yes.
A week later we were at the local Saddlery where I purchased $900 dollars worth of gear (I still have the receipt). My first lesson Aug. 23, 2007.
I have a ton of pictures of me during my progress as a rider and they are funny to look at. At the beginning, particularly when you could really tell that I didn’t know what I was doing; I used to hold the reigns, high, almost as if they were stinky dirty diapers.
Exactly two years later, I happen to win two-year end divisions, 3 reserves with different associations, a golf cart for overall highpoint, two champion jackets,
an embroidered champion scrim sheet, a hunt coat, Champion engrave leather halter, Ariat duffle bag, Ariat quilted vest, 41 blue ribbons, 11 show champions, 2 silver champion buckles, several horse engraved glass pitchers, pilsner glasses, a Swarovski horseshoe necklace, stuff animal horses, horse tin, Swarovksi adorned & silver engraved spurs, show socks, saddle pads, house welcome mat, embroidered boot back, a medal and the three awards banquets are still to come. At some point, I gave my ribbons to teammates; everyone in my barn got a prize(s)…All this in only 8 months of showing.
I am telling you this not because I wish to come across as cocky but because I am proud to have achieved physical prowess when two years prior I could barely walk. I had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease where your own body attacks itself as it is confused and cannot distinguish healthy tissue from invading bacteria. So when I met G in the park and she said do you want to ride, I thought, you got your body back, use it to the FULLEST, you don’t know for how long and I didn’t want to have regrets in life or a bucket list of unfulfilled “could have beens”.
How did you win the golf cart?
At my local riding club, there are many different rated shows there but regardless of the rating, when hosted by Camelot Riding Club, points earned accrue. The Amateur rider with the highest points gets a golf cart and the Junior Rider with the highest amount of Camelot points gets a golf cart.
At the very last Camelot show at the Expo Center in Industry Hills, the person in second place for the golf cart brought two horses. She was able to increase the number of classes she was in from 28 to 44!
I am in the low amateur division which means I cannot jump higher than 2’3” . I simply could not be in as many classes. I am also not skilled enough to jump higher so I was at a disadvantage with the number of classes that I could enter. That girl, who jumps 3’ even dummied down to my very class and jumped 2’3” in my class. I was devastated that this loop completely could exist and it looked like she was going to win the golf cart.
G let me rider her horse in a few of the classes so that I could increase that number of classes that I could ride in for 18 classes to her 44. I even did cross rail jumpers, which I’d never done. I was competing against ponies who can take inside turns that I cannot on a horse that is 17 hands. It wasn’t easy, I was especially tired, my groom was sick of moving my saddle from horse to horse, and I had to switch the number on my back as well... It was frantic. We all thought that the golf cart was out of reach. We broke out a bottle of wine to help ease the madness that was going on into the evening- I was still showing at 6:30pm, in the dark, shadows making the horses frisky.
Apparently, I got a seven stride in five- but it was cross rails mind you and my friend’s horse is a 3’9” jumper so he did not have any problems. In fact, it took me ¾ the length of the ring to get him to finally slow after we crossed the final timer. I remember coming out of the ring -my trainer just looked at me like “That was atrocious, but it’s jumpers and you are never doing that again so I’m not going to say a thing.”
I knew it was awful, but I had no energy left. I just held on and spurred.
Out of the three jumper classes with the two horses I Disqualified my first attempt by not going through the timer, then I got 1, 1, 2, 3, 3.
As it turned out, those points clinched the golf cart for me.
How has riding affected other parts of your life?
It has helped me avoid the mid life question of “what the hell am I doing with my life” because I feel I did something awe inspiring and whenever I feel questionable, I think of this past year to raise me up. I’m really, still in disbelief to have accomplished this much in such a short period of time. Two years ago I had not even seen an English saddle up close. So the amount of pride that I feel has swelled into the self esteem part of my life. Whether I continue to ride our not I will always look back on this and say, “I did it.” It also makes me feel that the barriers and obstacles in life look less ominous, I’ve gained new mental strength and belief in myself not to give up and that new heights can be reached if you just believe you can EVEN if you start the proverbial rat race late. I think often we are fearful to start something new in life, career, hobby etc because we are afraid of not doing well and starting a race late certainly makes us feel like its hard to catch up and the odds are against us from being competitive.
I have to say that I was extremely fortuitous that several people took an interest in helping me improve.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
...the melancholy's boring.
It's raining nonstop. Even the indoor arena has been flooded at the barn. G, the Assistant called me today and said it was fine not to ride. Good, because thunder and lightning were testing my will to improve my riding. I was relieved.
Of course, that meant I could stay home and study for my re-certification, which was actually less appealing than riding a skittish horse in slippery mud with gusty winds and thunder in a crowded arena full of other antsy horses. It's been ten years since I took a big exam. And I'm so rusty at it. I didn't start to get anxiety dreams until last week, and that queasy sick feeling of not being prepared and hoping the test would magically disappear, did not come up until this week. It's just a few short steps to full on panic and housecleaning. I always got the overwhelming urge to scrub the bathtub before finals. Now I just surf the web.
It's raining it's pouring, the pity party's going...
It's raining nonstop. Even the indoor arena has been flooded at the barn. G, the Assistant called me today and said it was fine not to ride. Good, because thunder and lightning were testing my will to improve my riding. I was relieved.
Of course, that meant I could stay home and study for my re-certification, which was actually less appealing than riding a skittish horse in slippery mud with gusty winds and thunder in a crowded arena full of other antsy horses. It's been ten years since I took a big exam. And I'm so rusty at it. I didn't start to get anxiety dreams until last week, and that queasy sick feeling of not being prepared and hoping the test would magically disappear, did not come up until this week. It's just a few short steps to full on panic and housecleaning. I always got the overwhelming urge to scrub the bathtub before finals. Now I just surf the web.
It's raining it's pouring, the pity party's going...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
48
There are a few magic numbers in life. When tasks get set to them, they seem easier to accomplish. I can do just about anything for fifteen minutes, and strangely, when I limit myself to that much time, I usually get the task, usually procrastinatingly odious, done.
It takes thirty days to make a habit.
It takes ten thousand hours- or about ten years, to make an expert.
My Bro said he lost twenty five pounds over the past eight months, but it took him four before he could really discern results. I went to Bar Method three times last week, rode three times and did cardio twice. (The third day of riding was great, even if I was pretty tired, I felt more confident. But I felt as if my legs were just rubbery with fatigue all of Friday) Four months is daunting, even to an optimistic planner like me.
But I started to think about it, and came up with forty eight. A nice number. On the short half of one hundred. Two days. A TV series. Doing the Bar Method three times a week for sixteen weeks was going to class forty eight times. And I've already done three. Forty eight times of riding over sixteen weeks, and I've already done three. Forty eight sessions of cardio maybe harder, but I'm hoping to add cardio to a day I ride or a day I go to Bar. (So far: Mon-Bar, Tues-Cardio, Wed- Bar& Ride, Th-Ride, Fri-Bar, Ride, Sat-Rest, Sun-Cardio)
And not shopping has been easier than I thought. I did have to go to Target for restocking the medicine cabinet with items not at Costco. (Papoose will only take grape flavored Motrin. Why fight a sick kid with orange flavor? It's just asking for trouble.) I stayed true to my task with the exception of an American Girl doll outfit ($17- compared to the $40 one in the catalog), three sticker books from the dollar bin($3) and ribbon (0.30) from the Christmas leftovers. A well spent $20. It wasn't as tempting as I thought it would have been, but I was sucked into browsing for some time. HUbs will come with me next time. Or I will set a fifteen minute timer.
Anyway, for my forty eight sessions of Bar, Riding and Cardio, I'm keeping a post it count down pad. I used to do this studying for finals, for reviewing chapters, etc. It's very satisfying to peel off the posties.
Wish me luck, tomorrow is post it 45!
It takes thirty days to make a habit.
It takes ten thousand hours- or about ten years, to make an expert.
My Bro said he lost twenty five pounds over the past eight months, but it took him four before he could really discern results. I went to Bar Method three times last week, rode three times and did cardio twice. (The third day of riding was great, even if I was pretty tired, I felt more confident. But I felt as if my legs were just rubbery with fatigue all of Friday) Four months is daunting, even to an optimistic planner like me.
But I started to think about it, and came up with forty eight. A nice number. On the short half of one hundred. Two days. A TV series. Doing the Bar Method three times a week for sixteen weeks was going to class forty eight times. And I've already done three. Forty eight times of riding over sixteen weeks, and I've already done three. Forty eight sessions of cardio maybe harder, but I'm hoping to add cardio to a day I ride or a day I go to Bar. (So far: Mon-Bar, Tues-Cardio, Wed- Bar& Ride, Th-Ride, Fri-Bar, Ride, Sat-Rest, Sun-Cardio)
And not shopping has been easier than I thought. I did have to go to Target for restocking the medicine cabinet with items not at Costco. (Papoose will only take grape flavored Motrin. Why fight a sick kid with orange flavor? It's just asking for trouble.) I stayed true to my task with the exception of an American Girl doll outfit ($17- compared to the $40 one in the catalog), three sticker books from the dollar bin($3) and ribbon (0.30) from the Christmas leftovers. A well spent $20. It wasn't as tempting as I thought it would have been, but I was sucked into browsing for some time. HUbs will come with me next time. Or I will set a fifteen minute timer.
Anyway, for my forty eight sessions of Bar, Riding and Cardio, I'm keeping a post it count down pad. I used to do this studying for finals, for reviewing chapters, etc. It's very satisfying to peel off the posties.
Wish me luck, tomorrow is post it 45!
The Pink Lady Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree
Papoose: You know shoes that make you feel like you can stomp on the whole world?
Me: Yes?
Papoose: Those are my favorite.
Mommy too, baby girl!
And if you haven't had a Pink Lady Apple, go out and get some. Yum.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Yeah, I'm, that easy.Thursday, January 7, 2010
That Clever Horse, Hadley (Or Hubs' Return From China)
I don't think I clarified in my last post that the offending Uggs were offending because they were fake fur. Not shearling. Anyway, after a brief quarrantine, Hubs is out of the dog house.
Clever Hadley. I rode today, even though I didn't want to, and Hadley was perfect. We jumped, and while I was scared, the Assistant told me to remember to push my heels down at the trot pole before the jump and to land in my heels. Nothing else. I remembered to push my heels down and relax my forearms (tried to avoid the rigor mortis elbow). It worked! I can remember max of two things, sequentially- not together, when riding. Of course as the Assistant says, if those are the only two things I remember every time, then I'll be a great rider. Guess Hadley and Hubs can both stick around.
For now.
Clever Hadley. I rode today, even though I didn't want to, and Hadley was perfect. We jumped, and while I was scared, the Assistant told me to remember to push my heels down at the trot pole before the jump and to land in my heels. Nothing else. I remembered to push my heels down and relax my forearms (tried to avoid the rigor mortis elbow). It worked! I can remember max of two things, sequentially- not together, when riding. Of course as the Assistant says, if those are the only two things I remember every time, then I'll be a great rider. Guess Hadley and Hubs can both stick around.
For now.
Riding, and Hubs Goes to the Doghouse In China
I rode yesterday, after two weeks. I went to Bar Method, then rode.
The day before, was super productive. I didn't post, on account of making Almond Roca too upset about my super productivity: I went to the gym, for forty five minutes on the treadmill and Precor. Combined, not each. I just kept looking at the rolls in the mirror and it kept me going. And I went grocery shopping, took the dogs out, helped in class. Made dinner. Took Papoose to Kumon, piano, scheduled major trash pick up day.Life was good. Well, Papoose was late to class, but overall, life was good.
Yesterday should have been the same. Took the dogs to the groomer, went to Bar went to the barn. I flatted with the Assistant (my Trainer was teaching the other class) after she rode Hadley. He was great. I felt great. Then Assistant said I should jump. I did, but it was ugly. Ugly. I was fearful and Hadley got excited going towards the gate. I curled forward and close to his neck, arms stiff and tight. We went the other way and it was better, but not much.
The Trainer said, "Unicorn, you gotta get out here and ride. Once a week if you can. Twice a week if you can. Three times a week is better. Because that's how you will progress, and you gotta feel like you are progressing. You see everyone today? No one rode since before Christmas, and they were all shaky. You gotta ride. Now stop getting all fetal, which I hate, and sit up!."
The Assistant said, "She hasn't ridden since Christmas, either. Use your New York walk."
The Trainer: "What's that?"
Assistant: "You know, so you won't get mugged."
Me: "Like John Travolta, singing Stayin' Alive."
The Trainer laughed and said,"That's a great analogy. Wear that white suit."
I relaxed, sat up, Hadley immediately stopped chomping the bit and walked, maybe even strutted, back to the barn.
But I felt crabby, defensive. It's true, I hadn't ridden since Christmas. I was sick last week. But I had ridden three times a week regularly before.
And I'm planning to ride today and tomorrow. Hell, it's in my schedule. But no. My first day back and that's all the Trainer can say?
But the day was going to get worse.
Now I was crabby, tired and hungry. I had forgotten my carefully packed lunch. Extra crabby.
Hubs chooses this moment to call, to tell me my Christmas Uggs had arrived. From China.
Folks, the rest of this story is ugly, so you can stop reading now if you have delicate sensibilities.
I will just say there were accusations (Really, who orders from unknown websites with multiple obvious spelling mistakes? We know who does.)
There were tears. Remember how I hoarded up to be prepared for 2010 so I wouldn't need to buy anything? That's what this Christmas present was about. I didn't buy them from October last year so Hubs could buy them for me for Christmas. I gave him my little list (cosy slippers, Uggs, Wellies) before Thanksgiving. I even gave him the websites to order from. I guarantee Ugg11.com was not one of them.
More crying because now I have to use my stretched out, water damaged, stained Uggs for another year. It's the stretched out, smushed shearling part I don't like. New Uggs are like sinking your toes into soft, thick piled carpet every time you put on your shoes. Like a cocoon of warmth, all the way up your shins. They even kinda have a new car scent to them.
I don't know what's worse: not having new Uggs or crying about them. And I don't want to go ride. Anyone want a horse?
The day before, was super productive. I didn't post, on account of making Almond Roca too upset about my super productivity: I went to the gym, for forty five minutes on the treadmill and Precor. Combined, not each. I just kept looking at the rolls in the mirror and it kept me going. And I went grocery shopping, took the dogs out, helped in class. Made dinner. Took Papoose to Kumon, piano, scheduled major trash pick up day.Life was good. Well, Papoose was late to class, but overall, life was good.
Yesterday should have been the same. Took the dogs to the groomer, went to Bar went to the barn. I flatted with the Assistant (my Trainer was teaching the other class) after she rode Hadley. He was great. I felt great. Then Assistant said I should jump. I did, but it was ugly. Ugly. I was fearful and Hadley got excited going towards the gate. I curled forward and close to his neck, arms stiff and tight. We went the other way and it was better, but not much.
The Trainer said, "Unicorn, you gotta get out here and ride. Once a week if you can. Twice a week if you can. Three times a week is better. Because that's how you will progress, and you gotta feel like you are progressing. You see everyone today? No one rode since before Christmas, and they were all shaky. You gotta ride. Now stop getting all fetal, which I hate, and sit up!."
The Assistant said, "She hasn't ridden since Christmas, either. Use your New York walk."
The Trainer: "What's that?"
Assistant: "You know, so you won't get mugged."
Me: "Like John Travolta, singing Stayin' Alive."
The Trainer laughed and said,"That's a great analogy. Wear that white suit."
I relaxed, sat up, Hadley immediately stopped chomping the bit and walked, maybe even strutted, back to the barn.
But I felt crabby, defensive. It's true, I hadn't ridden since Christmas. I was sick last week. But I had ridden three times a week regularly before.
And I'm planning to ride today and tomorrow. Hell, it's in my schedule. But no. My first day back and that's all the Trainer can say?
But the day was going to get worse.
Now I was crabby, tired and hungry. I had forgotten my carefully packed lunch. Extra crabby.
Hubs chooses this moment to call, to tell me my Christmas Uggs had arrived. From China.
Folks, the rest of this story is ugly, so you can stop reading now if you have delicate sensibilities.
I will just say there were accusations (Really, who orders from unknown websites with multiple obvious spelling mistakes? We know who does.)
There were tears. Remember how I hoarded up to be prepared for 2010 so I wouldn't need to buy anything? That's what this Christmas present was about. I didn't buy them from October last year so Hubs could buy them for me for Christmas. I gave him my little list (cosy slippers, Uggs, Wellies) before Thanksgiving. I even gave him the websites to order from. I guarantee Ugg11.com was not one of them.
More crying because now I have to use my stretched out, water damaged, stained Uggs for another year. It's the stretched out, smushed shearling part I don't like. New Uggs are like sinking your toes into soft, thick piled carpet every time you put on your shoes. Like a cocoon of warmth, all the way up your shins. They even kinda have a new car scent to them.
I don't know what's worse: not having new Uggs or crying about them. And I don't want to go ride. Anyone want a horse?
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