tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71248702098192495762024-03-13T06:50:35.429-07:00Entertainment in the Time of CovidReviews of the things I watch at home. Generally not well thought out or even really coherent. But, hopefully amusing. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-45409238132303068572020-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:002020-04-02T13:07:41.465-07:00The Marvel Movies- Captain America: The First AvengerBecause our entertainment options are limited, we (meaning mostly me and my husband, but occasionally a child or more) are going to take on the Marvel Movies. We're watching them in chronological order for the story, not how they were released. I don't usually watch comic book movies, so this will be an interesting experiment for me. I did watch The Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and I liked those. Moving on.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Captain America: The First Avenger</b><br />
<b>Release Date: July 19, 2011</b><br />
<b>Box Office: $370.6M</b><br />
<b>Have I Watched it Before: A couple of minutes here and there, but not the whole thing </b><br />
<br />
Captain America opens on the Nazi's finding the Templar Nights. The Head Nazi guy finds a glowing cube that I assume is the One Spark from the Transformers universe. There is also a Nazi doctor guy who shows up in other scenes of the movie and I think he's integral to the series. Oh, and there's a modern day scene where Captain America is frozen in ice.<br />
<br />
The next part, a skinny guy is trying to join the US Army to kill the Nazis in World War II. He hasn't been successful because he's too scrawny, but he's smart. We find out that skinny guy is named Steve Rodgers. Steve Rodgers has a good looking friend who did manage to join the Army, because he's not scrawny. Eventually Steve Rodgers meets German Stanley Tucci. Tucci says he'll let Steve Rodgers join the Army, but he has to be in some special program. Steve is all in. Steve gets to boot camp, and manages to be smart and gets the attention of Peggy. Eventually German Tucci takes Steve Rodgers into a secret bunker and injects him with stuff while Iron Man's Dad hits him with a laser beam. The laser beam makes Steve Rodgers turn into Captain America. Except, there's a Nazi Spy in the secret bunker. The Nazi Spy blows stuff up and shoots German Tucci. German Tucci dies and Steve Rodgers runs after him like he's just learning how to use his Avatar body.<br />
<br />
So Steve Rodgers chases down Nazi Spy, who is conveniently driving the only Yellow Cab in the city. He jumps into the water and punches through a submarine, capturing the Nazi Spy. Nazi Spy takes cyanide and dies, but not before saying that he's part of Hydra. We go back to Germany and Head Nazi and Doctor Nazi are there. They kill Hitler? Maybe? I wasn't really watching that part. But now the Nazis are all Hydra.<br />
<br />
Then we go to World War II and Agent Kay from Men in Black tells Steve Rodgers that he's useless as a soldier but he can take part in the musicals to sell war bonds as Captain America. So he does, and he's not great going off script. Captain America gets to the front lines and learns that his good looking friend has been taken captive by the Hydra Nazis. He decides to break them out. There's lots of fighting, and it turns out that Hyrda Nazis have laser guns and tanks that shoot lasers. But Captain America rescues his good looking friend. Head Nazi and Doctor Nazi escape, with Head Nazi pulling off his face and showing that he's actually a Red Guy. Red Guy escapes in a stupid looking flying machine, while Doctor Nazi gets to drive away in a cool car.<br />
<br />
Then somehow Steve Rodgers and Good Looking friend are on a mountain. They jump onto a Hydra train. Things get blown up. Good Looking guy dies. Steve is sad. Then some other things happen, and somehow Steve Rodgers gets frozen, leading back to the first scene. Then flash forward and Steve Rodgers wakes up. He figures out pretty quickly that he's not in the New York he remembers. But that's OK, because Samuel Jackson has a job for him. But he missed his date with Peggy.<br />
<br />
My review: It was OK. I mean, I probably won't watch it again. But I didn't hate it.<br />
<br />
And that's how Captain America: The First Avenger went down. Tonight we're supposed to watch Captain Marvel. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-84090557326920506752017-02-21T08:56:00.001-08:002017-02-21T08:56:04.642-08:00Seven Books that I Liked More or Less than Most People<div style="text-align: center;">
Books I Liked Less</div>
<ol>
<li>The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury- My Goodreads rating 1 Star. Average Rating 4.02 Stars. My review: <span class="readable reviewText">** spoiler alert **
<span id="freeTextreview436267307">I don't know why I read
this. I don't know why I wanted to read this. Because, it sucked. It was
an inspirational, first off. One of the genres I don't read. It was
short. It was schmaltzy. The story was ludicrous. The owner of a
bookstore can't find a way to make ends meet after a flood, so in a
"It's a Wonderful Life" type storyline, he decides to off himself.
Except, at the last minute, he doesn't want to die. So, he gets in the
accident and winds up in a coma. Then, these two star-crossed lovers
(except, no sex, because it's an inspirational, and a kiss was all they
did after 2 years fer fecks sake), who haven't seen each other for a
bunch of years, come to his aid. Of course, in an O'Henry type fashion,
there are misunderstandings, where they both think the other has moved
on, but they still pine for each other, yet hide their true feelings.
OMG- if you want to get with that guy, ASK HIM IF HE'S MARRIED, DON'T
WEAR YOUR DEAD MOTHER'S WEDDING RING TO PRETEND YOU ARE MARRIED. Urgh,
the stupid, it burns. Then, the town rallies around the guy in the coma,
a Christmas miracle happens because of prayer (rolling eyes right
here), and everyone gets a happily ever after. Even the star-crossed
lovers who confess to each other that they still want each other, and
the idiot guy of course proposes as soon as she confesses she still
loves him even though multiple years have passed. Just kill me now.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">Swamplandia! by Karen Russell- My Goodreads Rating 1 Star. Average Rating 3.21 stars. My review: </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextContainerreview201110384">Maybe I expected more comedy
from a book named Swamplandia!, because this books was just over-all
depressing. Child neglect, a rape scene and mental illness were just
some of the highlights of this book.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview201110384">It Sucked and Then I Cried by Heather Armstrong- My Goodreads Rating 2 Stars. Average Rating 3.47 Stars. My review: </span></span></span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview201110384">
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextContainerreview259529463">OK, so this is Dooce's
memoir. There were a few funny spots, but overall, there's not much
going for this book. As someone who read her blog, and found it
grating, the book is just too much. I didn't realize WHO wrote this book
until after I got it home and had a sense of deja vu. Thankfully this
is a library book and can get returned.</span>
</span> </span></span> </span></span></li>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">Carry On by Rainbow Rowell- My Goodreads Rating 2 Stars. Average Rating 4.18 stars. My Review: </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextContainerreview1354639162">I made myself finish this book. I'm glad I did. I did not love this book by any stretch. </span>
(I don't like fanfic. I really don't like that the book was so meta- fanfic about fanfic but by the original author)</span> </span></span></li>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">The Time Traveler's Wife by </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"><span id="freeTextContainer10612293416693808732">Audrey Niffenegger. My Goodreads Rating- 2 Stars. Average Rating 3.94 Stars. I did not review this book on Goodreads, but I've ranted about it elsewhere. It's just creepy. The guy goes all around time, sometimes spying on his future wife while she's child. Just ewww. </span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"><span id="freeTextContainer10612293416693808732"> </span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"><span id="freeTextContainer10612293416693808732"> </span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"><span id="freeTextContainer10612293416693808732"></span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer56340807"><span id="freeTextContainer10612293416693808732"> </span></span> </span></span></li>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">Just Like Other Daughters by Colleen Faulkner- My Goodreads Rating- 2 Stars. Average Goodreads Rating 3.88 Stars. My Review: </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span id="freeText2568668119734768915">Like the "normal" baby
was Alicia's consolation prize for raising her daughter with Down
Syndrome to adulthood. I think that was the part that completely turned
the book on me from something that was tolerable to something that I
actively hated.</span>
</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">Books I Liked More</span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307">Cleaving by Julie Powell- My Goodreads Rating- 4 Stars. Average Goodreads Rating- 2.41 Stars. My Review: </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview351428950">This
book is the opposite of Julie & Julia. Where Julie & Julia was
light and farcical at times, this is dark and heavy, but in a very good
way. The author has done a 180 in her personality, or maybe she's
finally found who she really is. I'm in the minority in that I enjoyed
this book just as much as the first.</span></span></span><span id="freeTextreview436267307"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview351428950"></span></span></span></span> </li>
</ol>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-87010068873757585852017-01-03T09:18:00.001-08:002017-01-03T09:18:20.649-08:002016 In ReviewFirst off, I did not blog much (or at all) this year, but want to review 2016 just for the hell of it.<br />
<br />
<span>1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?</span><br /><span>I went to a High School reunion. My 20th. I'd never been to one before. I can't honestly say I'll go to one again. But it was an an experience. I have nostalgia about high school. I liked high school- it was easy and fun. But I don't think it was "the best years of my life."</span><br /><br /><span>2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?</span><br /><span>I did not make New Years resolutions, so I didn't have anything to keep. This year, I'm expecting more of the same. </span><br />
<span> </span><br /><span>3. Did anyone close to you give birth?</span><br />
<span>My sister, my sister-in-law, a few friends. </span><span></span><br />
<span></span><br /><br /><span>4. Did anyone close to you die?</span><br /><span>Not this year</span><br /><span><br />5. What countries did you visit?</span><br /><span>Just the US. We did the middle of the country ball parks this year. Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox (we'd been to Wrigley in past years, who would have guessed that this would be THE YEAR for the Cubs?). A few trips to California. Massachusetts and New Hampshire. </span><br /><span><span><br /></span></span><span></span><span>6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?</span><br /><span>A firm path to the future. I know. Vague. But I think that we're getting better with long term planning, and I'd like to continue with that. </span><br /><br /><span>7. What moments from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span><br /><span>We had a fall down, drag out fight in October, due to bad communication and technology failures. It snowballed. However, at the end, we realized we'd let some things go and they were bothering both of us. The fight brought our issues to a surface and we've been working on it since.</span><br /><br /><span>8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?</span><br /><span>Saying NO. Giving up things that hold no value to me. Not volunteering for everything that comes along. </span><br /><br /><span>9. What was your biggest failure?</span><br /><span>Ignoring some really great things my kids did, because I was wrapped up in my own issues. </span><br /><br /><span>10. Did you suffer illness or injury?</span><br /><span>Not really. I got a tubal ligation on 12/27 and I'm still recovering from that surgery. </span><br /><br /><span>11. What was the best thing you bought?</span><br />
<span>A new mattress set. We spent way too much money on a Simmons Beauty Rest Black, and it is worth every penny. It took a couple of weeks for me to get used to sleeping on it- I'm a front sleeper, and it's not ideal- but my back and shoulders feel so much better. My husband's back is way better too. </span><br /><br /><span>12. Whose behavior merited celebration?</span><br />
<span>My husband- he's been much better at trying to accommodate me, rather than the other way around. My youngest is amazing. She's somewhat of a math genius, and has been taking gifted math classes for this school year.</span><br /><br /><span>13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</span><br /><span>I have a few friends who turned out to be Trump supporters, and it was bad.</span><br /><br /><span>14. Where did most of your money go?</span><br /><span>Mortgage, paying off debt</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?</span><br /><span>My husband kept his job, and pushed through a really tough year for him. And it looks like it paid off, because he's starting a new position in a few weeks that will be more rewarding to him. </span><br /><span><br />16. What song will always remind you of 2016?</span><br /><span><span>Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, mostly because it was ALWAYS on </span></span><br /><span><br />17. Compared to this time last year, are you:</span><br /><span>a) happier or sadder?</span><br /><span>b) thinner or fatter?</span><br /><span>c) richer or poorer?</span><br /><span>a) Happier</span><br /><span>b) Fatter- gained back 20 of the 60 lbs I lost two years ago</span><br /><span>c) Richer- we've done a good job on finances this year</span><br /><br /><span>18. What do you wish you’d done more of?</span><br /><span>Working out, taking time for me</span><br /><br /><span>19. What do you wish you’d done less of?</span><br /><span>Stressed about the future. I realized I can't change the world as a whole, it's better to become introspective and try to change myself.</span><br /><br /><span>20. How did you spend Christmas?</span><br /><span>The same as usual. Stayed at home. I have the youngest kids in the family in this geographical area, so I host. My kids didn't get out of bed until 10 AM. We leisurely opened presents, ate candy and then went to the movies. It was pretty awesome. </span><br /><span><br />21. Did you fall in love in 2016?</span><br /><span>Just more in love.</span><br /><span><br />22. What was your favorite TV program?</span><br /><span>This is Us is amazing. I also love Superstore and The Good Place.</span><br /><br /><span>23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</span><br /><span>Hate is a strong word.</span><br />
<span> </span><span><br />24. What was the best book you read?</span><br /><span><span>Nothing stands out as AMAZING this year. I read a lot of books that were good, some that were better than average, but nothing new that will become a yearly re-read. </span></span><br /><br /><span>25. What was your greatest musical discovery?</span><br />
<span>Hamilton soundtrack. </span><br /><br /><span>26. What did you want and get?</span><br /><span>Family, friends and good times. </span><br /><span><br />27. What did you want and not get?</span><br /><span>The first woman president. </span><br /><span><br />28. What was your favorite film of this year?</span><br /><span>We saw a lot of movies, nothing fantastic. </span><br /><span><br />29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span><br /><span>I turned 38 in August. My husband took me out for a drink. We didn't give each other birthday presents or anniversary presents this year, because we bought a new bed that cost way too much money.</span><br /><span><br />30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?</span><br /><span>Better phones. My husband and I had a few fights, including the culmination in October that may have been avoided if we had phones that did not suck. The Apple 5-C is maybe the worst phone of all time (that doesn't explode).</span><br /><span><br />31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?</span><br />
<span>Lularoe. So worth the money. </span><br /><br /><span>32. What kept you sane?</span><br />
<span>Family. The kids getting older and more independent. </span><br /><br /><span>33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</span><br /><span>Sam Rockwell. </span><br /><br /><span>34. What political issue stirred you the most?</span><br /><span>The election was horrific. Everything leading up to the election. Realizing that old white men still hold all the power in the United States. Realizing that my access to birth control might be limited led me to fast track a tubal ligation this year, because I do not want to have any more children. And if my birth control had failed, my access to a safe, fast abortion is going to be limited. </span><br /><br /><span>35. Who did you miss?</span><br />
<span>My family and friends who live on the east coast, while I live in Arizona. </span><br /><br /><span>36. Who was the best new person you met?</span><br />
<span>The kids started at a new school this year, and one of the PTA moms is great. </span><br /><br /><span>37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.</span><br /><span>People believe anything that makes them right. Even if the source is flawed or conjecture or gossips, if it backs up their world view, it becomes TRUTH. </span><br /><br /><span>38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.</span><br /><span>I'm awful at this. </span>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-5046668024200098012016-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:002016-05-13T12:21:10.585-07:00So, Back to Weight WatchersI've been really crappy lately at eating and maintaining my hard fought weight loss of a few years back. So, today I bit the bullet and re-signed up for Weight Watchers (it was $104 for 3 months, a good deal, and probably just long enough to get me back on track). For accountability purposes, I'll try to remember to post my weekly results here, be they good or bad. These pants are uncomfortably tight and I'm not happy. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-13764540513820275002016-03-10T11:44:00.000-08:002016-03-10T11:44:13.177-08:00Breaking Up With A ForumOn Sunday, I broke up with my favorite message board forum. I'd been a member for years, and a mod for two years. I'll admit, I wasn't a great mod. Especially after we migrated to a new system. I never really felt it was easy to use, I was confused by it, and generally disliked it. I was spending too much time in this place, and not enough time in my real life. But what really broke my back was how negative the board had become. It's one thing to snark, it's another to just be flat out mean, and that's the direction the board was heading. So, good luck Freejinger, but I'm out. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-26620595274706887342015-01-02T21:30:00.005-08:002015-01-02T21:30:58.886-08:00That 2014 In Review That Everyone is Doing<strong>1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before? </strong>Didn't have to use after-school daycare!<br />
<strong>2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? </strong>I don't do Resolutions, so yeah *Slacker Achievement Unlocked*<br />
<strong>3. Did anyone close to you give birth? </strong>My sister and my sister-in-law, within 2 weeks of each other. My cousin. A few more friends. SO MANY BABIES!!!<br />
<strong>4. Did anyone close to you die? </strong>Not this year. All of my older relatives are mostly gone already.<br />
<strong>5. What countries did you visit? </strong>Just the one I live in. <br />
<strong>6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014? </strong>More free time<br />
<strong>7. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? </strong>Nothing specific really stands out.<br />
<strong>8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? </strong>I asked for a raise that I really deserved and I got it. Oh, and I lost 50 pounds. 50!<br />
<strong>9. What was your biggest failure? </strong>I spend way too much time on my ass when I should be moving around.<br />
<strong>10. Did you suffer illness or injury? </strong>Not me. My husband got Shingles though. Go figure. He's 36.<br />
<strong>11. What was the best thing you bought? </strong>Minecraft. The kids love it.<br />
<strong>12. Whose behavior merited celebration? </strong>My oldest is really coming into her own. She's becoming a grown-up. <br />
<strong>13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? </strong>There have been some issues in my neighborhood- petty crime, property damage, etc. It's sad.<br />
<strong>14. Where did most of your money go? </strong>Mortgage, kids, other stuff<br />
<strong>15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? </strong>My kids are now old enough to be left home without a sitter! It's AMAZING!<br />
<strong>16. What song will always remind you of 2014? </strong>"All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor<br />
<strong>17. Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />
a) happier or sadder? </strong>Happier<strong><br />
b) thinner or fatter? </strong>Significantly thinner- 50 pounds thinner!<br /><strong>
c) richer or poorer? </strong>Richer<br />
<strong>18. What do you wish you’d done more of? </strong>More exercise<br />
<strong>19. What do you wish you’d done less of? </strong>Played stupid online games<br />
<strong>20. How did you spend Christmas? </strong>Extended family was in town from 4 different states. It was the biggest Christmas I've had since I was a kid and 40+ of us would gather at my Grandmother's.<br />
<strong>21. Did you fall in love in 2014? </strong>Nah.<br />
<strong>22. What was your favorite TV program? </strong>I really like Scorpio. I watched a lot of Netflix this year, and found out that I like the show Bones when there's no commercials to interrupt things.<br />
<strong>23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? </strong>Nah.<br />
<strong>24. What was the best book you read? </strong>The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry <br />
<strong>25. What was your greatest musical discovery? </strong>Meghan Trainor<br />
<strong>26. What did you want and get? </strong>Can't think<br />
<strong>27. What did you want and not get? </strong>A hand mixer. Mine died around Thanksgiving, and I haven't gotten around to replacing it. <br />
<strong>28. What was your favorite film of this year? </strong>Guardians of the Galaxy was pretty amazing.<br />
<strong>29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? </strong>I turned 36 this year. We didn't really do anything.<br />
<strong>30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? </strong>Winning one of those lotteries where you get a set amount of money each week for the rest of your life. I could happily live on $2K a week for the rest of my life and never have to work again. <br />
<strong>31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014? </strong>Trying to dress like a grown-up sometimes, and failing 90% of the time. Jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are pretty much my uniform, even at work.<br />
<strong>32. What kept you sane? </strong>My husband. He can talk me down when I'm at my most out of whack. <br />
<strong>33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? </strong>Justin Timberlake. He's dreamy.<br />
<strong>34. What political issue stirred you the most? </strong>The war on Women's Rights. Seriously, what happens in my uterus is no business to anyone other than me and my doctor (and maybe my husband)<br />
<strong>35. Who did you miss? </strong>My hometown friends<br />
<strong>36. Who was the best new person you met? </strong>A tie between my newest nephews. <br />
<strong>37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014. </strong>I CAN achieve things even when they're hard to do. Body acceptance is a powerful thing.<br />
<strong>38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. </strong><br />
<i><strong> </strong>It's time to see what I can do<br />
To test the limits and break through</i><br />
From Let It Go from Frozen. Yup, Frozen. It's pretty powerful actually. <br />
<br />
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-10173422456866683652014-11-20T10:14:00.001-08:002014-11-20T10:14:29.480-08:00How Many Kids is Too Many Kids? I think we can all agree that the Duggars have too many kids, at 19. In the largely Irish Catholic town I grew up in, there were families with 8, 10 or even 12 kids. Not common, but enough. I'm one of four. Not huge by historical standards, but a "big" family by current standards. Even though most people I knew growing up were one of three or four kids in a family.<br />
<br />
So, how many kids is "too many"? I think it has to be judged by a case by case for sure. I have three, and I'm overwhelmed at times. And, to be honest, I was completely overwhelmed for six of seven the years that my youngest has been alive. My husband is very helpful, but he works 60-80+ hours a week (he's a chef). I work 40 hours a week (staying home is not an option for me for mental health reasons- I am not cut out to be a stay-at-home Mom). When I'm "home" I'm actually running around trying to get everything else done. Money isn't the problem as much as time- there's just not enough time in a week to complete everything, at least in my world. Another kid at this point would tip me over the edge completely. I'm just now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The day to day minutia of raising little kids completely burns me out (and I hated it a LOT of the time). Now that I can have some free time, grocery shop alone, and not have to watch the kids as closely, I'm staring to take a lot better care of myself. I don't regret any of my kids, but I do think, looking back, that I (we) really should have stopped at two. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-21204346211023318302014-08-07T10:46:00.000-07:002014-08-07T10:46:55.121-07:00Weight Loss Update- Summer 2014 EditionWeight Loss- 43.8 lbs (as of Monday, 8/4/2014)<br />
Goal Weight- 23.6 lbs to go<br />
Pant Size- 10, and they're roomy! <br />
<br />
As it's been for the past 9 months (really? that long already?), I'm doing Weight Watchers. And, it's working for me! I'm down 43.8 lbs. My average weekly loss is 1.2 lbs. I've dropped down to a size 10 pant, and even now, they're starting to get a little too big on me. If/when I get into an 8, it will be the first time I've had a single digit clothing size SINCE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. I am 23.6 pounds away from my goal. Pretty much 2/3 of the way there. I've kind of stopped tracking my food, because I basically eat the same thing every day, and it's working. I know I'll gain if I drink alcohol, even if it's in my points, so I just avoid it 90% of the time. And on those weeks where I don't avoid it, it shows in my numbers.<br />
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So, what am I eating? Well, here goes-<br />
Breakfast-<br />
either an egg sandwich- 1 egg fried in a pan with a squirt of Pam, on a sandwich thin that's been toasted with a single slice of deli white American cheese<br />
or- 2 eggs scrambled, 1/8 of a cup of low-fat shredded Mexican style or low fat shredded Pepper Jack cheese, tons of salsa (both average about 7 Points)<br />
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AM Snack- Around 10 AM<br />
A serving of fruit- basically what's in season and smells good. Blueberries, peaches, nectarines, bananas are my go-tos. (0 Points)<br />
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Lunch-<br />
6 slices turkey, 1 slice Pepper Jack cheese, toasted on a sandwich thin, with mustard. I will and do eat this 7 days a week. It doesn't bother me to have the same thing day after day. It's got the protein I need, it's tasty, fast, and I know it's Weight Watchers friendly. (7 Points)<br />
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PM Snack- Around 3 PM<br />
Something crunchy that I can eat at my desk. Carrot sticks and hummus, celery and peanut butter, cucumbers with Greek dressing. I keep individual portions in plastic bags in my fridge at work. Grab and go depending on what I want that day. (2-3 Points, MAX)<br />
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Dinner- usually 4 Points of protein- chicken breast, turkey sausage, ground turkey are my main food choices. Then a choice of salad with dressing, a 1/2 cup of pasta and vegetables, 1/2 cup quinoa, salsa and cheese, oven roasted sweet potato, etc. (6-8 Points). I've found I'll eat most vegetables, as long as they aren't boiled to death, and are liberally covered with lemon juice. Except squash. I hate squash.<br />
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If I skip PM snack and have the Points, I might have an ice cream after dinner (2-5 Points, depending on brand). If I don't have the Points, and I still want something sweet, I like to freeze Gerber 1st Foods fruit baby foods, and then eat them frozen. They're kind of like a granita (1 Point). <br />
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That's really it. On the weekends, I skip breakfast too much and eat worse at dinner. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-77495872534038545122014-06-06T08:37:00.002-07:002014-06-06T08:37:50.196-07:00Eleven ThingsSo I got tagged by <a href="http://diniwilks.blogspot.com/2014/06/eleven-things.html" target="_blank">Laura</a> and since I've been meaning to blog for awhile now, it's as good a jumping off point as any!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>1) What is your favorite type of cheese?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cheese is amazing. I like all kinds, sheep, cow, goat. Smelly, not smelly. Moldy, not moldy. I don't think I've met a cheese that I didn't like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>2) What are you excited about?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The summer! We have actual plans and a list of things to accomplish. It's very satisfying to cross things off the To Do list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>3) How did you celebrate your last birthday?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just a cake with my family. It was my 35th. I don't like parties that center around me. I love a good party, I just don't want to be the guest of honor.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>4) What is on your bedside table?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A lamp, my alarm clock that is also a CD player (and possibly a genuine antique at this point), various cups of water (I bring a new one up every night, my husband collects them sporadically and brings them down to do the dishes, it's a point of contention between us), lotion, and my stack of library books.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>5) What do you order from the movie theater concession stand?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A vat of Diet Coke. I take my movie watching very seriously. I love movies, and the whole movie watching experience. I do not eat while I'm watching movies at the theater. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>6) Do you have a garden? What's growing?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have a couple of herb boxes. Basil, cilantro (that looks like it's going to die), mint (that's taking over everything), two types of thyme, and something else that I can't remember. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>7) Any summer plans?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have no children for the summer! Yay! So Flagstaff for the 4th. We're talking about a few other weekend trips as well. Maybe Vegas or LA or San Diego. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>8) Which TV couple(s) are you rooting for?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sheldon and Amy on Big Bang Theory. Maybe? I don't know. While I watch a lot of TV, I'm not really invested in any one show at this point with a lot of emotional drama. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>9) What is the last thing you bought?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Groceries. Like actual vegetables and stuff. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>10) What's one thing you are passionate about?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm a moderator at an online message board, freejinger.org, and I've become pretty involved in that community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>11) What are you grateful for this week?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's going to sound so cheesy, but my health. I've had a couple of people I know have some health scares recently, and I've been lucky. I really let myself go for a few years, and now I'm taking responsibility for my health in a way that I should have 5 or 10 years ago. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now I'm supposed to tag people, but I probably won't... </span></span>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-92186491941702193652014-04-30T11:25:00.001-07:002014-04-30T11:25:35.528-07:00Halfway to HealthyI've blogged a few times about trying to lose weight. But, as of Monday, I am officially halfway to my healthy weight (well, heaviest "healthy weight") of 145 lbs. In the past six months, I've lost 33 pounds. That's a fricking toddler! But, I have 33 more to go, and I expect those 33 pounds will be harder to lose. I'm doing Weight Watchers. Because I need someone to hold me accountable. I've gone from squishing myself into size 16 jeans into comfortably wearing size 12 jeans. My size 16's won't even stay on at this point, and that makes me feel amazing. I do wear a pair of 14's, but I need a belt to keep those up, and I only wear those because I'm not shopping for any clothes beyond what I really need. Speaking of which, I don't have ANY shorts for this summer. Last summer I didn't wear shorts, preferring skirts that let me hide the fact that my legs looked like sausages.<br />
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I'll see my extended family for the first time in a year, at a wedding at the end of May. While part of me wants them to notice my weight loss, another part of me HATES the idea that I'll be looked at. That's a whole other can of psychological issue that I need to deal with, and does come into play- fat girls don't get looked at. Fat girls can hide. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-35216049064123945162014-04-10T11:10:00.000-07:002014-04-10T11:10:46.111-07:00Babies, Babies, Babies (But Not For ME!)It seems that 2014 will be another year of babies, in my circle of the world. Three high school friends are having or just had a baby this year. Other classmates who I only follow on Facebook also seem to be having a fertility boom. My cousin just had a baby. My sister is having her third baby in October, and my sister-in-law will also be having a baby in October (her/their first!). Also, it seems like half of the bloggers I read on a regular basis are pregnant too.<br />
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A few years ago, I would have had ovary twinges, and maybe would have wanted to jump on the baby train. But not this year. I've really hit the time of my life when I feel really and truly done with the thought of having another baby in the house. Maybe I've become jaded. But, damn, my life is so much easier now that my kids are all in school full time, and are starting to become even more independent. Hell, my oldest turns 11 next week. Due to a slight bit of precocious puberty, I've already weathered the storm of a first period with her (yep, she'll kill me for this if she ever finds this blog). It's a strange feeling knowing that this child specifically is closer to being an adult than she is to being a baby.<br />
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I am at a different stage of my life than many of my peers. I got married pretty young- at 22- and had my first baby a few months before I turned 25. I had my last baby almost seven years ago, three weeks before my 29th birthday (she was "due" on my birthday, but complications and all that meant she was born earlier than expected). I've had four years of no diapers. Two good years of sleeping in on the weekends and not having to police the kids every waking moment. Two years of full time school, and the lower daycare bills that go hand in hand with that milestone. I am done. So, I'm making sure I'm done. I'll be getting Essure placed sometime in April or May. It's not my first choice, but it's the one that insurance will cover without a huge out of pocket payment. And my DH is not on board for a vasectomy. So, Essure it is. I'm sure I'll be writing about it. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-12300717980716721542014-02-28T08:16:00.001-08:002014-02-28T08:16:32.505-08:00Bill Gothard & The DuggarsI don't often post about serious topics or religious issues. But, I have a not so secret loathing of the Duggar Family. Yes, those Duggars. The squeaky clean, modest midwestern family with 19 kids. I think the Duggars aren't an awesome example of family values, rather an insidious marketing ploy for a damaging religious cult. The Duggars have close ties to Bill Gothard. Bill Gothard runs the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBPL) and Advanced Training Institute (ATI). When the Duggars are shown going to the meeting in Big Sandy, Texas, the are actually at the ATI annual meeting. Bill Gothard has appeared on the Duggars show in the past.<br />
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Bill Gothard has never been married and has no children, yet is held up as an expert who freely gives advice to families. Bill Gothard is anti-dating, preferring to use "courtship." He believes that fathers should hold authority over their daughters, and even have the right to deny an adult daughter the right to "court" freely. Bill Gothard believes that music, especially rock music (even Christian Rock) is dangerous (sounds familiar huh? The Duggars have said that before). Bill Gothard does not believe that women should work outside the home, as it might cause conflict where the woman is under the authority of a man who is not her husband or father. All in all, Bill Gothard is a big steaming heap of horseshit, and should never be trusted further than you can throw him. AND it looks like this is becoming public knowledge. The IBPL has placed Bill Gothard on leave, while sexual harassment charges against him are being investigated. Just how much of Bill Gothard's sketchy personal life were the Duggars aware of? Will they see this fall from grace as an opportunity to expand their world view? Bill Gothard is legalistic and spiritually abusive, and the world needs to know. <br />
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Other bloggers and news outlets have much more knowledge into the Bill Gothard scandal than I do.<br />
Please read: <a href="http://quiverfullmyblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">A Quiver Full of Information</a>, <a href="http://www.worldmag.com/2014/02/bill_gothard_placed_on_administrative_leave" target="_blank">World Magazine's Coverage</a>, Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-14561077006610986892014-02-17T08:59:00.001-08:002014-02-17T08:59:35.198-08:00Books Meme Totally stole this from <a href="http://bozoette.typepad.com/red_nose/2014/02/sunday-stealing-books-meme.html" target="_blank">Red Nose</a>, because I love books.<br />
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<div class="content" id="iJ+GDSi9kkwb8xnvDVjOLdYC0O3rmEWGQB8aMsUEXr0=_1443d4c3dfd:1e7ed1b:150a65e1_entryContent">
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<div>
<strong>1:</strong>Favorite children's book</div>
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I personally loved Dr Seuss. Reading them and having them read to me. I loved reading them to my kids too. But, even more than that, I loved reading them Where the Wild Things Are<br /><br /><strong>2:</strong>The last book you've read<br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/163460.Peaches" target="_blank">Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson</a> It was YA, somewhat typical YA to be honest. Not that great, but what I needed to keep my mind relaxed.<br /><br /><strong>3:</strong>Books on your "to read" list<br />Well, there are 90+ on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/keen23" target="_blank">Goodreads Profile</a> (friend me, I accept everyone!). I'm really waiting on Jasper Fforde to release the next book in the Shades of Grey series and Thursday Next series. I'm excited for the end of the Long Earth Trilogy by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Jaclyn Moriarty is writing a very interesting YA series, the second book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18371573-the-cracks-in-the-kingdom" target="_blank">The Cracks in the Kingdom</a> comes out in March 2014.<br /><br /><strong>4:</strong>Top 5 authors<br />Terry Pratchett</div>
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Julia Quinn</div>
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Douglas Adams </div>
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Marian Keyes</div>
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Jennifer Crusie<br /><br /><strong>5:</strong>Favorite genres<br />Chick lit, romance, YA, Sci-Fi</div>
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<br /><strong>6:</strong>A book that has made you extremely mad<br />I have had that reaction multiple times. Cody Diablo's autobiography made me angry and sad. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert had me fuming. Swamplandia by Karen Russel was awful.</div>
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<br /><strong>7:</strong>A book that you've cried over<br />Anything by Alice Hoffman. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn never fails to make me sob. Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett has one of the best death scenes EVER written- heart wrenchingly amazing.<br /><br /><strong>8:</strong>A book that made you laugh out loud<br />I don't know. I can't remember<br /><br /><strong>9:</strong>Fiction or nonfiction?<br />Fiction, 90% of the time<br /><br /><strong>10:</strong>First book you've read by your favorite author<br />Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett. Minx by Julia Quinn<br /><br /><strong>11:</strong>Best book-to-movie adaption<br />To Kill a Mockingbird<br /><br /><strong>12:</strong>Do you read comics/manga?<br />Not really. <br /><br /><strong>13:</strong>Hardcovers or Paperbacks?<br />Paperbacks and digital<br /><br /><strong>14:</strong>Do you buy books as soon as they come out or wait a while?<br />Depends on the the author. I'm at the point where I'll pre-order my favorite authors so I get a copy on my Kindle as soon as it's available. <br /><br /><strong>15:</strong>Do you buy books spontaneously without any prior knowledge of what happens in it?<br />If it's a Kindle Daily Deal, sure.</div>
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<br /><strong>16:</strong>Have you ever bought a book based on the cover alone?<br />Probably. <br /><br /><strong>17:</strong>Where do you usually buy your books?<br />Amazon.<br /><br /><strong>18:</strong>Book that had a strong impact on you<br />The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy turned me on to science fiction as a genre. <br /><br /><strong>19:</strong>Historical or science fiction?<br />I'll happily read both<br /><br /><strong>20:</strong>Dystopian or Utopian?<br />Again, I like both</div>
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<br /><strong>21:</strong>Worst book-to-move adaption?<br />Twilight was a bad book to begin with, so the movie adaptation was just even worse. Stardust killed the source material. <br /><br /><strong>22:</strong>Book that should have a movie adaption?<br />The Westing Game has never gotten a true movie adaptation. It was made for TV a few times, but I think it would work as a family movie. <br /><br /><strong>23:</strong>The first book you've fallen in love with<br />Little Women by Louisa May Alcott<br /><br /><strong>24:</strong>Humor or angst?<br />Humor most of the time, but there's a time and place for angst.<br /><br /><strong>25:</strong>How many books do you own?<br />A lot. But, we're paring down the collection. As I buy more books in digital format, I've been donating the paper copy to the VA or other charities.<br /><br /><strong>26:</strong>Do you go the library?<br />A LOT. </div>
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<br /><strong>27:</strong>How many books do you read a year?<br />200+<br /><br /><strong>28:</strong>Favorite "required reading" book?<br />Utopia by Thomas More<br /><br /><strong>29:</strong>Favorite quote?<br />
<div class="quoteText">
“Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.”
<br /> ―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654.Terry_Pratchett">Terry Pratchett</a>,
<i>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/9934116">I Shall Wear Midnight</a>
</i>
</div>
<br /><br /><strong>30:</strong>A book you absolutely hate<br />Mentioned above, but Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextContainerreview172530749">I too,
could have traveled the world and found myself for $250K. Because that's
what Ms Gilbert did. She got a hefty advance from her publisher and
used it to fund her self discovery. The premise of the book was rotten from the start. </span>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-83466895516556471612014-02-13T12:46:00.000-08:002014-02-13T12:46:07.727-08:00So, Valentine's Day (AKA Be Nice to Your Waiter)I'm married to a chef. You know what they call Valentine's Day in the restaurant business? Amateur Hour. You know why? Because everyone who doesn't go out to dinner the other 354 days a year decides to go out on this one night of the year AND they have high expectations. So, if you are one of those people who goes out on Valentine's and expects it to be The.Best.Night.EVER, it won't be. You want good service, and good food, pick any other day of the year (well, maybe not Christmas, Thanksgiving or another holiday, but Arbor Day might be fun) to go out. Not only will there be less people, you'll get better service. If you do insist on going out, be nice to your server and don't blame the kitchen. Blame everyone sitting around you (and yourself, just a little bit).<br />
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This brings us to Valentine's Day in our house. Well, we don't do anything. That's not true. We exchange cards. But, that's it. We do not go out on Valentine's Day. Even now, since my husband has moved from restaurants to corporate kitchens, we don't go out. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-50733979042894890342014-01-13T19:43:00.000-08:002014-01-13T19:43:47.443-08:00Weight Loss Has Made My Boobs DeflateSo I'm down a few more pounds. Officially, 197.2. Which, I hit on my scale at home on Christmas morning, but Christmas and New Year's indulgences pushed me back up a few pounds. But, the official Weight Watchers scale says 197.2, and I'm keeping it. For reals, I'm down a pants size. I'm in 14's now. Comfortably in 14's. They fit, there's room in the butt, room in the legs. Let's say they aren't sausage casings. It seems however, that the largest part of my weight loss has come off my boobs. This isn't the best. I was a 42D. Now, I'm a 38 B/C. My boobs are seriously deflating. I love my kids, but 18 combined months of breastfeeding has certainly taken it's toll. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-2003865241052603032014-01-06T09:12:00.002-08:002014-01-06T09:12:57.702-08:00Winter Wonderland Tag<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From <a href="http://diniwilks.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-wonderland-tag-christmas-and.html" target="_blank">Laura, at The Diniwilks</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's the Winter Wonderland Tag Blog, the blog craze that's sweeping the nation, except, well, it's not really-</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. What do you like best about winter?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I live in Arizona, so Winter isn't as impressive as it is in other parts of the country. I like that there's less kids activities on the weekend that we have to rush to. I like that I can declare a lazy Sunday, and no one has to do anything except occasionally go into the kitchen to nosh. Before kids, and before Arizona, Winter Sundays were an excuse to stay on the couch all day, watching football, and then going out for an early bird special dinner. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Scarves or beanies?</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scarves for sure. I love a long infinity scarf. It can double as a hood in a pinch. But my hair is awful in the winter- static, dry, etc- and hats just make it worse.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. What's your favorite holiday movie?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From childhood- Emmit Otter's Jugband Christmas. It's the Tale of the Magi, told by Muppet creatures that live in a swamp. It's awesome. I also like Scrooged, Elf, and A Christmas Story.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Favorite winter nail polish?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't wear nail polish ever.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Favorite Starbucks holiday drink?</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing I ever drink at Starbucks is a Chai Latte.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. What are your top three winter essentials?</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Extra sweatshirts everywhere. I stash some in my car, at work, and all over my house. I'm always cold. 2. Really good face moisturizer. Winter air and heat in buildings is harsh on my face. I like Hope in a Jar by Philosophy. 3. Fleece pants. Love them for weekends. So cozy!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. Name one item on your wish list this year.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, that's tough, because I didn't really want anything. But, I did get a baker's scale that I was quite happy with. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Favorite holiday song?</span> </b></span> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, so I'm an atheist, but<b> </b>I love Christmas hymns. In years past, I've been known to go to Catholic mass on Christmas Eve, just for the singing. The act of singing with a group actually makes me think better of human beings in general. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. Are you going Black Friday shopping this year? </b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOPE. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Must have winter lip product:</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carmex, in the little pot. I love that stuff.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>11. Will you be rocking an ugly sweater this year?</b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wore a fabulous green vest with all sorts of Christmas appliques, over a red and green plaid jumper, red snowman tights and a green snowflake turtleneck. I was rocking the ensemble. Too bad it was 70 degrees and I was sweating my ass off at the same time. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>12. Have you ever had a white Christmas where you live?</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Childhood, in Massachusetts, for sure. Here in Arizona- never. It just doesn't snow in Phoenix.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>13. Favorite winter candle scent?</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't do candles. They give me migraines.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. How will you be celebrating this holiday? </span> </span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secular Christmas at my house. Presents at 7 AM. Skype with my parents on the east coast while opening gifts. Made a turkey and everything else for dinner for 8. It was nice and low key, and back to work the next day. </span> </span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </b></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </b></span>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-11013848362453522592014-01-02T19:44:00.001-08:002014-01-02T19:44:47.727-08:00The New Year's Quiz That Everyone Has DoneI'm jumping on the bandwagon with this one. Why not right?<br />
<br />
<strong>1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?</strong><br />
Went to LA. I think that's about<strong> </strong>it. It was part of the California leg of my husband's Great Baseball Quest. Tried beets- I'd never had them before. While I like them, I don't like making them. I pickled some carrots. I bought an iPhone. <br />
<br />
<strong>2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? </strong><br />
I'm not really into the whole New Year's Resolutions things, so no and yes or simply N/A?<br />
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong><strong>3. Did anyone close to you give birth? </strong></strong><br />
My sister-in-law (married to my youngest brother) had a baby boy! The first on our side, after five girls between my sister and I.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong>4. Did anyone close to you die?</strong></strong></strong><br />
My grandmother. She was old, and it was her time. A peaceful passing. She'll be missed. My husband's grandmother died this year as well. But I wasn't close to her, having met twice in the 18 years I've been with my husband.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong>5. What countries did you visit?</strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
Does Guadalupe, AZ count as part of Mexico? Otherwise, nowhere other than the USA.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
A waistline.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
Oh gods, I have no idea. It was a pretty low key year. No super highs and no super lows. For a couple of weeks in April, it seemed like we'd be transferred to Texas, but that didn't happen. Maybe my brother's wedding in May. <br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
I'm down 11 pounds since Thanksgiving week. Go me!<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>9. What was your biggest failure?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
I don't know. Like I said, it wasn't a bad year. DH & I got into it pretty bad in February because he was being an asshole for a protracted period of time. Maybe we weren't the nicest to each other for the first quarter of the year.<br />
<br />
<strong>10. Did you suffer illness or injury?</strong><br />
Nothing huge. The regular aches and pains of being in my mid 30's.<br />
<br />
<strong>11. What was the best thing you bought?</strong><br />
We used our tax return to buy a brand new set of Caphalon pans and a few LeCreusets. They're AWESOME.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong>12. Where did most of your money go?</strong></strong><br />
Mortgage, daycare<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong>13. What did you get really excited about?</strong></strong></strong><br />
The same things I always get excited about- no kids during the summer. New books by Terry Prachett and Julia Quinn. The first box of Thin Mints of the year.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong>14. What song will always remind you of 2013?</strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
Blurred Lines, Royals<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong></strong>
</strong></strong></strong></strong>
<strong>15. Compared to this time last year, are you: </strong><br />
– happier or sadder? Happier.<br />– thinner or fatter? Thinner<br />
– richer or poorer? Richer<br />
<br />
<strong>16. What do you wish you’d done more of? </strong><br />
Cardio<br />
<br />
<strong><strong>17. What do you wish you’d done less of? </strong></strong><br />
Eating crap from the drive-through<br />
<br />
<strong>18. How did you spend Christmas?</strong><br />
At our house. I refuse to leave the house on Christmas. We were up by 7. Did presents, skyped with my parents, made cinnamon rolls from a tube. Cooked a turkey. Had over some relatives and neighbors to eat dinner with us.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong>19. What was your favorite TV program?</strong></strong><br />
My shameful secret- I love TV. The Office ending was so sad and happy at the same time. Now I need to find something else that I love as much as I loved this show.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong>20. What were your favorite books of the year?</strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eleanor-Park-Rainbow-Rowell-ebook/dp/B008SAZHLQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388719468&sr=8-1&keywords=eleanor+and+park" target="_blank">Eleanor & Park</a> </strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whered-You-Bernadette-Maria-Semple-ebook/dp/B006L8942U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388719523&sr=8-1&keywords=where+did+you+go+bernadette+by+maria+semple" target="_blank">Where'd You Go, Bernadette?</a> </strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penumbras-24-hour-Bookstore-Robin-Sloan-ebook/dp/B008FPOIT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388719598&sr=8-1&keywords=mr+penumbra%27s+24-hour+bookstore" target="_blank">Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore</a> </strong></strong></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong>21. What was your favorite music from this year? </strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
I loved the summer music. Blurred Lines was awesome to car dance to. Discovering the magic of Lorde. It was also the year of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>22. What were your favorite films of the year?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
Frozen. It's really going to be a Disney classic. It was SO GOOD.<br />
Fast & Furious 6<br />
Don Jon<br />
Warm Bodies<br />
The Heat<br />
<strong><br /></strong> <br />
<strong>23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</strong><br />
I turned the big 3-5 in August. The husband and I went out to dinner at some point, I think.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong>24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?</strong></strong><br />
I don't know that I have an answer. It was a good year. It would be hard to improve on it.<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong>25. What kept you sane?</strong></strong></strong><br />
For better or worse, my husband<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong>27. Share a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013. </strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
I have a pretty damn good life, so I shouldn't take it for granted. My husband puts up with a lot of crap and is a much better person than I am all around.<br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong> </strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>28. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.</strong><strong><strong><strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong><strong><strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>From Thrift Shop- "This is fucking awesome."<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><strong></strong><strong><strong><strong><strong></strong></strong></strong></strong> </strong>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-60113243793836846152013-12-24T12:09:00.003-08:002013-12-24T12:09:50.657-08:00It's a Christmas Miracle!I'm down to 197.3. Totally blew through my expected goal of 200 by year end. And, I've had social obligations where eating and drinking occurred. I've been eating really clean between social commitments, being active, everything. This is working for me, and I'm going to keep at it. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-35284219485331714022013-12-16T21:11:00.004-08:002013-12-16T21:11:58.249-08:00Weight Loss Journey Has BegunOver the summer, I went to my gyno, because I was having really irregular periods. I was on the doctor's scale for the first time in years. My state of denial of what I really weighed was shattered in an instant. I weighed 224 lbs. That's more than my Dad weighs, and he's 6 feet tall. Then, even more bad news. My gyno tells me that I'm most likely in peri-menopause, brought on by my obesity. This is what every 35 year old wants to hear. My blood pressure is also high. Honestly, I felt like shit walking out there that day.<br />
<br />
I had been in denial since my youngest was born in 2007. I didn't gain anything really during that pregnancy, but I started the pregnancy at 193 lbs. I was up to 195 at my heaviest, and actually walked out of the hospital at 193. But, then, I went back to work quickly, had three kids ages four and younger, and a husband who was never home. The older kids were/are picky eaters. It was no surprise that I cooked comfort, carb heavy foods, and the weight started piling on. Fast forward to 2013, and I'm barely able to button a size 18 pair of jeans, and most of my t-shirts don't fit. I feel gross. I hate my body and I hate myself. It's awful.<br />
<br />
The first thing I did after leaving the doctor on that day in August was to swear off fast food. Since August, I have not eaten french fries or anything else that I can buy through a drive through window. This means I've been making my lunches and taking them to work. Upside- it saves money. Downside- it's boring, and when I forget, I wind up eating oatmeal. The good news- 13 lbs fell off quickly. But, I plateaued.<br />
<br />
Step Two- a month ago, I joined Weight Watchers. The online tools make me aware of what I'm eating and make me make better choices. But, I fall off the wagon during the weekends. Therefore, I'm putting this out there on the internet for everyone to read and keep me honest. During this holiday season- from Thanksgiving week to today, I'm down 7.8 lbs, to 203.6. Today I wore the same pair of size 16 jeans to the meeting that I wore to my first meeting. The first meeting, those jeans hurt they were so tight. Today, they went on and buttoned easily. I'm not down a size yet. I can't claim to be in a size 14 yet, but I'm getting there. My first goal is breaking that 200 lb barrier. I hope to be there soon after the first of the year. According to the BMI chart my highest healthy weight should by 146. I still have a long way to go. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-28964576731361379982013-09-03T13:33:00.001-07:002013-09-03T13:33:14.442-07:00Bring Back the Words- Favorite Foods!Love this prompt-<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prompt 1:</strong></div>
<strong>Make us all hungry–what are your top 10 favorite foods (individual foods, or full meals, your choice)? (<a href="http://rambleramble.com/2013/09/01/bring-back-the-words-prompts-link-up-week-12/" target="_blank">Ginger's Bring Back The Words</a>)</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<ol>
<li>Lobster. Boiled lobster with butter to dip it in. Freshly boiled is divine. But I also like to eat very cold lobster in hot butter. The temperature difference makes it even better. My absolute favorite food of all time.</li>
<li>Strawberries. Fresh. </li>
<li>Reese's Peanut Butter Cups</li>
<li>Steak. Barely grilled. Filet is nice, but doesn't have the best steak flavor. Rare to black and blue for temperature. Over-cooked steak is a travesty. If you're going to get it Well Done, you might as well eat a shoe.</li>
<li>Apple pie. My Mom makes the best one in the world. Macintosh apples, strussel top.</li>
<li>Fried egg. I love a good fried egg. Just a touch runny in the yolk. </li>
<li>Gnocchi. </li>
<li>Caviar. I'm a horrible person, but I love really expensive, black Osetra caviar. We had an amazing tasting menu at Cesar's Palace in Vegas, and the caviar course was the thing that dreams are made of. </li>
<li>Tuna sashimi (again with the raw)</li>
<li>Sweet Italian Sausage, with peppers and onions. Served as a sandwich or alongside some soft polenta. </li>
</ol>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-88835869042723859862013-08-15T13:12:00.000-07:002013-08-15T13:12:05.445-07:00Bring Back The Words- Where Have You Lived?From Ginger's Bring Back the Words- <a href="http://rambleramble.com/2013/08/11/bring-back-the-words-prompts-link-up-week-9/" target="_blank">Right here!</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Prompt 2:</strong><br />
<strong></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A getting to know you list–share
all the places you’ve lived (and if you want to, how you got there, and
why you left). Bonus points for expanding on whether you plan to stay
where you are now, or if you have a dream location you still want to get
to.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aug 1978-June 1999- Weymouth, MA. A quaint town of 50K+, with one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the area. I grew up there, on a suburban almost farm (we had chickens and horses). It was a nice place to grow up. I had lots of friends, tons of family around. I met my husband during our senior year of high school, in November 1995. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sept 1996-June 1999- Amherst, MA. Does college count? Because I went to UMass Amherst. Got a degree in accounting. Continued to date husband long distance (he went to Johnson & Wales in RI). It was fun. I coasted through college. It was easy. Especially because I did not want to be a CPA. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
June 1999-July 2001- Providence RI. Did an internship at a company in Rhode Island. Husband had quit college after his associates degree, and had an apartment. I moved in with him. He supported me the last year of college, while I commuted from Providence to RI twice a week for my classes (100 miles each way, door to door), I continued to work part time for the company that I had done my internship with. They would hire me at graduation for a full time staff accounting position. Husband and I got engaged in January 2000, and married in October 2000. The years in Rhode Island were really fun. We had a lot of disposable income, and very few expenses. Husband knew a bunch of chefs in the area, so we were always going out to eat, and meeting with people for drinks. Providence is small, and our area of the city, Federal Hill, was even smaller. We walked everywhere. We vacationed a lot. But knew that we didn't want to buy a house in Rhode Island, so we were looking to relocate somewhere. In June and July 2001 I took a bunch of job interviews. Took a new job, and relocated. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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July 2001- Present- Phoenix, AZ. We moved because I got sucked into a too good to be true job offer, in the then booming mortgage industry. Of course, it was a failure. But, by the time that company failed, we had purchased a house, and I was pregnant. And, the husband had started working for the Sheraton company in a venue that was starting to generate a lot of press. So, we hung on. Then, got pregnant for a second time. Sold the first house, bought the second house. Then, got pregnant for a third time. Husband now works for a very large food service company providing food services for an even bigger technology company. I manage a landscape company. The kids are all in school. We're stuck in the desert, and I hate it. We are holding out hope that husband's company transfers him anywhere but here (and New Mexico. I'm not moving to New Mexico). <strong> </strong></div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-16196306163034012612013-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:002013-07-26T08:58:22.368-07:00Cut Down on Spending Money Week 1I've put a goal to myself to stop spending money on work lunches. This week I brought my lunch from home 4 out of 5 days. The day I missed, I actually made my lunch, but forgot about it, and left it in the fridge (Mondays, they're a bitch).<br />
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Money that I Spent (outside of necessary items, like household food)<br />
Monday- Lunch from Q'doba- $7<br />
Wednesday- It was my turn to buy the office candy- $20<br />
Thursday- Bought The Brothers Sisters from Amazon, Kindle Daily Deal, $1.99. I heard it was good. <br />
Friday- Breakfast sandwich- $5 (we ran out of eggs when I put together a bread pudding last night)<br />
Total: $35.99 <br />
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Things That Are Going To Screw Up My Budget<br />
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Philosophy. They have a good sale going on, and while I don't exactly NEED anything right now, I WANT some things right now. But, I'm resisting. So far.<br />
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Old Navy. Again, things I WANT rather than NEED. So, I've been doing the old fill up the online cart, and then forget about it trick. <br />
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So, why am I saving money? Well, the time has come to take my darling children to Disneyland. We've promised them this trip for Christmas 2014. That gives me a little over a year to sock away money, and do this trip right, because we're only going once. I have no love lost for Disney. The thought of spending thousands of dollars on this trip to hang out in lines with horrible screaming children- my own and other people's- basically gives me hives. To even begin to deal with this, I'm taking my parents along for moral support. That means we need three hotel rooms, or a family suite and a room. I can't sleep for a week in the same hotel room as my kids. I just can't. So, it's adjoined rooms or a family suite for us, and a separate room for my parents. My Dad also has limits, and staying in a hotel room with children is one of them. My Dad also will not be going to Disney. He'll hang at the hotel pool or find other things to occupy his time. He did Disney with us when we were children, he has no want to do Disney with his grandchildren. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-92067962064836227042013-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:002013-07-24T11:40:00.135-07:00What’s your very earliest childhood memory?This is part of Ginger's <a href="http://rambleramble.com/2013/07/22/bring-back-the-words-prompts-link-up-week-6/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RambleRamble+%28Ramble+Ramble%29" target="_blank">Bring Back The Words Prompts</a><br />
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I'm not taking part in this on a regular basis, but my Earliest Childhood Memory is really specific, and strange, so I thought I'd share with you all.<br />
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My earliest childhood memory is from when I was about 3 years old. We apparently went to Disney World for the first time (I've seen pictures, I was there for sure). But, the only thing I remember is getting off the plane and walking across the tarmac. It was so hot, and the smell of asphalt was so strong! I remember nothing about Disney- this is why I've waited so long to take my own kids, I'm not dropping thousands of dollars on a trip I'll hate and they'll not remember. But I remember walking across the tarmac.<br />
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I really don't remember much about my childhood. Honestly. There are a few memories that stand out, but things are pretty blurry until maybe 10 or 12 years old. At the same time, certain things will trigger very clear memories of very specific events when I was much younger than 10 or 12. For example, when we buried my grandfather in 1998, I got a very clear flash of going to that very same cemetery with him. We- my brother and I- were playing around the graves, and I remember watching my grandfather plant flowers on his mother's grave. I was only 4 or 5. I can remember what I wore that day. What we ate for dinner. What he wore that day. But I can't remember Christmas of that year. It's strange. <br />
<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-53271673428578922152013-06-12T09:34:00.001-07:002013-06-12T09:36:15.776-07:00So You Want To Get A Job?The company I work for frequently gets walk-ins who are looking for a job. With these people in mind, I have put together a helpful list of items/pitfalls to avoid that potential job applicants might find useful.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Be sober. Don't come looking for a job application when you are drunk or high. Especially if you come in at 8 in the morning. If you can't be 100% sober, at least don't use whiskey as a mouth wash. If I feel like I'm getting a contact high from the fumes emanating from your body, your application will be shredded as soon as you leave the office.</li>
<li>Wear shoes. Now, I know you CAN wear bedroom slippers outside of your home when they have some sort of substantial soles, but it doesn't mean you should. </li>
<li>Know what the company does. For example, I work for a landscape company. We don't have any job openings for waiters.</li>
<li>Don't bring your Mom in to fill out your application. If you can't put your name and phone number on a piece of paper without Mom's help, we won't be trusting you with big pieces of machinery with sharp blades.</li>
<li>(Maybe 4a?) Mom is not your best choice for a reference. But, surprisingly, your Probation Officer is a good choice.</li>
<li>Don't complain about how long it took you to get to the office. You'll be starting and ending each work day at this office, so if it bothers you so much, find someplace closer to your house to apply.</li>
<li>Don't complain about how hot you got just walking down the street. This is a labor intensive job, done OUTSIDE. You don't like the heat, move to another state. </li>
<li>If you must bring your children along to pick up an application, at least be in control of them. Don't let them wander around the office unsupervised or let them trash the bathroom. </li>
<li>You might think your hat with a pot leaf on it is a good look. It's not.</li>
<li>Don't have a phone argument while you're sitting in the waiting area. Calling someone on the phone a "crazy bitch" and yelling other obscenities at her isn't giving us the best opinion of you. </li>
</ol>
This list shouldn't be considered the be all, end all of all How To Get A Job blogs, but I'd like to think it's been helpful in just a little way. Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7124870209819249576.post-72440375328904678512013-05-20T08:51:00.001-07:002013-05-20T08:51:21.134-07:00Is There An Emoticon for Slightly Homicidal? <br />I had a quick trip this weekend to Massachusetts. Left on Thursday night, came home to Phoenix on Sunday night. After yesterday's flight I was feeling slightly
homicidal. I had to go into the airport an hour early, because my aunt's
flight was an hour before mine, and it wouldn't be fair to my parents
to make them do the Logan drive twice. That wasn't so bad- hung out at
Boston Beer Works, and watched the hockey game.<br />
<br />
Then, I get on the
plane. I'm next to this Alzheimer's patient and her caregiver. The
patient is freaking out about something, and proceeded to have loud
verbal outbursts and panic attacks the entire flight. Honestly, it was
really bad. And, this was their return trip home to Phoenix. This woman
was in no shape to be flying, and whoever ok'd the flight in the first
place screwed up. Noise cancelling headphones can only do so much.<br />
<br />
Behind me was a very tall man. I couldn't put my seat back, because of
his legs. No big deal. He asked me nicely, I complied. However, that
didn't stop him from digging his knees into the back of my seat every
15-20 minutes during the last two hours of the flight. Somewhere over
Colorado I turned around to him and called him out on it. Then when he
wouldn't stop, I got passive aggressive and pushed back against him
whenever he moved his knees. We're probably both bruised this morning,
and I know that had I been a man and a foot taller, he probably would
have punched me outside of the airport. As it was he called me a bitch
and I told him to fuck off at the luggage carousel.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I was happy I was able to get back for the weekend, but damn, I'm sore and tired this morning! Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03033154889790887542noreply@blogger.com0