Caught my eye!

I just received an email from someone I was working with to closeout a contract. What caught my eye was a line from the end of her email that read the following:
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
I don't know but it is so true. It reminds me of a story I heard on the radio awhile ago but I still remember it. It's about a man on a subway heading home with his two kids. His kids were jumping around and goofing off and just plain loud. Another passenger was annoyed at the behavior of the children and even more so at the father's unwillingness to do anything about it. He was just sitting there letting them behave like this. The other passenger had to do something and confronted the dad to tell him to tell his children to simmer down. The man looked up and simply replied "I'm sorry we just came from the hospital where their mom just died." I'm not the best storyteller but the point should come across. Be kind. More to come later I've got to get back to work.

Daily Affirmations

I really like take aways as they are called. I've been reading Jillian Michael's new book and I just came across a section titled daily affirmations. In her book she describes an affirmation as a statement directed toward yourself. Basically it confirms that what you want to happen is happening. Basically it's the opposite of negative self talk. I tend to do this alot. I say "what a dope I was for doing this thing or that." It may not seem that big a deal but what I am learning is that it is a big deal. It goes straight to our subconscious mind. So what we do with daily affirmations is transform those negative beliefs into postive one. This will help build our self-confidence. The affirmations must be in the present tense. Say I have now not I am going to have or I would like to have. It's a mind game. So I liked this little tid bit of information from the book so I am going to take it and do something with it.
Daily Affirmation 1 : I will have an awesome workout.

A Bit of Sadness

Well life is not always good to all of us. As was the case today when I heard that Baby Oscar (a child from the family we adopted at Christmas time) stopped breathing and was rushed to the hospital...he passed away a short time later. We all know that losing a child is the most devastating loss of all. I do though think that he is not suffering anymore, which his parents should find comfort in at this terrible time. Rest in Peace.

The Scale

I got on the scale and 1/2 pound up. :-( I have no one to blame but myself. Although I ate well I didn't exercise as much as I should have. I did try out the Jillian Michael's beginner's DVD. I was skeptical that it would be challenging enough, but trust me it was. I did the backside portion and 1/3 of the frontside. Boy was I sore and still am. I wanted to work out this morning, but the alarm went off at 4 and I thought I am too tired. I stayed up late watching a portion of the Celebrity Fit Club that just started, however much to my chagrin the MOXI didn't record it all. It was programmed but didn't record. Oh well ...so I came in on it at 9:22 so I did see most of it. I will be anxious to see what happens on the show especially with Maureen McCormick. I can't believe she is 50. Just watching a bit of it last night, I thought these people seem to be a bit defensive and confrontational, but thinking about it today...in a way it makes sense. Being overweight doesn't make you feel good about yourself...and don't believe those heavy people that say they are happy the way they are; it's a bunch of you know what. So there's the guy from Saved by the Bell...well he may be just an arrogant son of a gun...but would you be happy being overweight and all you are known for is a goofy character Screech and a sex tape. So we will see what happens...I hear they kick him off the show. Then there's Da Brat...the name alone should tell you enough about how she behaves.
Anyway tired from staying up late to watch the show and I thought I would have time after work but I realized Thomas has a game...so no workout for me. I may go for a qucik walk if the game gets out early. At any rate I'll be up early tomorrow to work the frontside. Better get back to work.

Happiness is a Moral Obligation

In the spirit of my husband's new view on keeping his blog all about the good things. I thought I would follow suit.
Who doesn't want to be happy? So I thought I would take excerpts and general ideas from Dennis Prager's book on happiness called "Happiness is a Serious Problem and write them here.
Let's start at the beginning. Dennis Prager is a radio talk show host and he talks about the importance of happiness frequently and always in the 2nd hour of his show on Fridays. So some comments from me first. I thoroughly believe that we decide if we want to be happy. My sister seems to believe lately given her own circumstances that she should be the victim and I think that stems from unhappiness. I don't think she reads this so it won't matter so much for her, but it does for me. It reminds me how much work it is to be happy. It is so easy to blame others and be unhappy. Some out there would say the opposite but I think not. It also brings to my mind personal responsibility.
Dennis Prager in the first chapter of his book "Happiness is a Serious Problem" describes happiness as a moral obligation. In that sense it is up to us to change out mindset and consciously be happy. It is important to be happy for ourselves but as Prager states "We owe it to our husband, wife, our fellow workers, our children, our friends, indeed to everyone who comes into our lives, to be as happy as we can be....We owe it to others to work on our happiness." It is a moral obligation. He believes that we act more decently when we are happy.
Just think about those in your life that have a sour attitude or who always focus on the negative. Do you want to be around them? I don't. So something to think about. More to come.

Rainy Friday...Hopefully

We are expecting some rain today...80-90% chance so for us that means it might actually rain. I did get a few sprinkles hitting my car at the ungodly hour of 5am here at work. So I think the rain is on its way. I also think I saw some lightning high in the mountains. I do wish I was home if it rains but I do love this OT thing and I have to keep it going as long as I can. I actually think we will get lots of OT this year as they want our records to be clean for the conversion to the new accounting system. Anyway...that's so boring...let's move on.
I received my new Jillian Michael's book and DVD. I got sidetracked yesterday during lunch so I did not get a lot of time to look it over. I am excited to read more. I will review the dvds too. I heard that watching them through the first time is helpful. So I am looking foward to some time to catch up on things. The tivo is out of control too. Too many programs and not enough time to watch them. I should have some timne today after work. I will be out of by 11:30 and then over to see Tia perform a poem. I forgot a camera...darn it. okay well I think that's enough for now. I was supposed to go to a game today bit it looks like it will be cancelled. So we will have to figure our plans for tonight. Anyway back to work.

Lots of Energy

I feel energetic today...not so much this morning but just as the day has been going on. Which make s me wonder if my blood pressure medication is going into effect. I stopped taking it but when I tested my BP it was high so I hope to be on it for awhile and then gradually get off as I lose more weight, I am getting really excited about Jillian's new book. I should have just picked a copy up at the store but I thought I would order it so I could get her beginner workout dvd's and not have to pay shipping but when you don't pay shipping they take longer to ship...oh well. Hopefully by the weekend. I am also hoping that I can get some cardio in tonight or some weight training at the gym after watching the kiddos, but it is unpredictable about the time I will get done with the kiddos. Anyway I am looking forward to getting out of here and off to watch Tia play her TBall game...she is such a cutie. Then tomorrow and Friday Thomas has games also. It will be a busy week.
So the day has been great. I stopped listening to the coverage about the campus shooting as it was depressing me I think...just like Dr. Laura does sometimes...when I listen to her and then think about my sister and my kiddos...it makes me angry, disgusted and worried all at the same time...too much stress for me. I can only make my life wonderful and it is. I am blessed to have my Robb and my family...drama and all. Just wish there was less drama, less selfishness and more respect and caring. Well off to toast my bread for PB&J. Yummy.
I also found another tracker this time for our 1st year anniversary.

Tragic Monday

I've been listening and watching coverage of the shooting at Virginia Tech and it saddens me as it is so senseless. I worry about my Robb too as he teaches in a school and all it takes is one crazy loon as my Robb says. So I am excited to get out of here and home to my man.
I hope to have time to do some weights tonight. I need to help my momma file her tax returns. I finally got mine done and we are looking forward to the money we are getting back. I was worried we might owe as it is the first time we filed as married :-). It worked out great. So king bed here we come and also some schooling for my Robb and some in the savings hopefully. Anyway time to get out of here and get home.

Happy Sunday

It's a cool morning this wonderful Sunday. We slept in after working half day yesterday giving the ACT. Not a bad way to make some extra money. The kids were pretty good. The more I do this proctoring thing the more confident I feel about it...it's not so bad. So all in all it went smoothly. I was hoping to be with Robb but I had to do my own group. We were anxious to get out of there as our stomachs were begging for some food. It seems like tradition after the ACT we go and get Sushi...well Robb does and I usually get something cooked (if they have something). I decided on a Sushi place that cook kabobs of different things ranging from asparagus to chicken to salmon to mushrooms...so I enjoy the lunch more and Robb thought it was a good idea too...so we had a very nice lunch and then came home to nap. We needed it. Then woke up did a few things and before we knew it was dinner time and more yummy black bean soup. Checked the TIVO and not much going on. Robb didn't want to watch the Ghost Whisperer because he thought Jennifer Love would be preachy but the show is not Touched by an Angel...she deals with the dead and crossing them over...no preaching just helping people see the light. Anyway we then checked HBO and found UNITED 93...I think our nation as forgotten the tremendous act of evil that was...I think we still have a naivete about terrorism. Anyway I liked the movie as it makes me remember and it makes me feel good that Americans stood up to that evil...well enough soap box for me...it's time to run some errands with my man. I better go as the day is a wastin'.

Paraskavedekatriaphobia

I had a yummy dinner last night with my man...Robb made black bean soup with peppers, ham and a bunch of different seasonings...not sure what they were but they made the house smell good and the food taste tasty. Thanks babe!!! Speaking of my man...he is hanging in there. I will be happy after I know he has gone to the Dr. to find out what is wrong and to see what he can do to make his foot feel better. I seem to be dragging a bit this morning and the morning is dragging too.
So today I feel a bit tired. My energy seems to have faded since yesterday. Not sure why... as I had a good night's sleep. I think I might just get out of here for a bit and get some fresh air.
Work has been uneventful if not a bit boring this past week. This could be contributing to my mood...but I will change it. I have the power...to be happy or be crappy. I choose happy.
Fresh air is calling.

Weight Tracker

I found this great way to track my weight in a cute graphic from another blog I have linked to mine - Addicted to McDonald's. I've lost more weight but I am going to start today. So here it is. I updated it and started from awhile ago. When I was losing weight for the BIG DAY. I thought this was better....gave me a greater sense of accomplishment. Yippee!

Hospital Wednesday

Well my poor hubby has a bad foot and cannot walk on it. It was so bad he couldn't drive...we thought it might be an infection, so I took off work and drove him to work to set up for the sub and then we headed to Urgent Care. Couldn't see anyone till 11:15. So we had a nice breakfast and then headed home. Got a call that we had to see Robb's primary dr....they couldn't see us...so headed to the emergency room at Los Robles. Needless to say we waited a long time. Found out it appears to be a strained tendon in his foot. Ice, elevation, no weight bearing, brace and crutches. I hate to see my man in pain and the worst part is we don't really know why. So he's hanging in there. He'll see a doctor tomorrow and we'll see what the problem might be.
I got so lazy yesterday just waiting around at home and at the hospital. I think it is so true that low energy even creates less energy...not sure that make sense but the more I rested the more tired I felt. This morning I feel pretty good. I had a decent night's sleep...we went to bed early. Robb even slept pretty well considering he feels like he's being stabbed in the foot. Of course it could be the Vicadin that helped that. :-)
So today I feel energetic and great. I am anxious to get home to take care of Robb and make the house cozy. Well back to work I go...not too much work to do today so I can do my own thing. No OT this week because of the sick day but I am happy that I am not working as much. I think I need more time to myself...so it's good.

Sore Tuesday

Yesterday I left work early as I was getting a bit burned out looking at contract folders all day long. I thought if I left work early that I should make the most of it. It is amazing how when you set your mind to it that you can get a lot done. I moved my dad's car to keep the battery charged...gave it a quick wash to make sure it doesn't look abandoned then moved it to another spot. I also applied some weatherstriping to the garage door. I am hoping it will keep the leaves out that the gardeners blow when they clean the grounds periodically. I unloaded the dishwasher. Thanks goodness it is all fixed now.Then did some laundry. Then thought I might sit down and watch some TV but then my hubby came home and I thought I better get going again. I thought I would workout. So I worked out last night. It's great to have the DVD player available in my mini-garage gym. I didn't have a cardio dvd to watch yet so I played the Maui DVD we got for a Christmas gift. It is scenes of beautiful Maui. It was nice to watch while I worked my triceps, shoulders chests and abs. I feel I did a good job as the muscles are sore this morning. I was listening to one of my fitness radio shows or podcasts and heard that when it really burns that the muscle has the best chance of developing...somehting to that effect. Anyway, I hope to work my biceps, hamstrings and back tonight after work. I am excited today as Jillian's new book is coming out today and I ordered it on Amazon. I also ordered her beginning dvd to work the frontside and backside. So I am looking forward to getting them and reading and doing more to get in shape and look better. Our Mediterrasian book arrived yesterday. So Robb and I are very excited to look it over and try some recipes. Here's to good health!!! Back to work I go.

Happy Monday

Well it was a great weekend...but as usual too short. Again I worked my Friday off to get more OT. 13 hours this week alone. So that ate up a bit of my day to get things done...but I think it is worth it as this OT thing may not last much longer, but we shall see. I know they are working to get as much done before they close us as well as the new accounting system they are going to be implementing in October for the new fiscal year. Hope it continues but it does have a way of burning you out a bit, even though the job is not stressful at all.
So Friday...Good Friday after work...took a short nap and got ready to celebrate Robb's mom's birthday. Viva La Pasta was the spot. I was trying to avoid the pasta that night as it has too many calories and carbs. So I went for the Macadamia Nut Halibut with a Thai peanut sauce. Absolutely delicious. I got to thinking after the fact that I probably ate a ton of calories...nuts are good but in moderation. Oh well it was good. Robb is going to modify the recipe a bit so we can enjoy it again except with Panko as the outside crunch and then change the fish to Tilapia and then we will still have the Peanut Sauce we got from Williams Sonoma. I am looking forward to it. Then we headed to a caching party for a bit. By now I am getting tired but I know my sweet Robb likes to enjoy the company of his fellow cachers and since he is the social butterfly of our couplehood I don't want to deny him. We had a good time. As usual as we are leaving, we end up talking more and probably stayed another 45 minutes just saying goodbyes and such. Head home. So happy I could sleep in as it was a long day and a long week. Too much and too complicated to go into here but Divorce sucks. As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that."
Saturday was one of the best days I had with my Robb. We slept in. We needed it. So we slowly woke up and I mentioned waffles and then Robb thought that sounds good. We didn't have enough stuff to make a batch so we headed out to Trader Joe's. I started driving to the Westlake store, but Robb thought let's see the newer one in the heart of T.O, where TJ's took over the Whole Foods store that was there. Now Whole Foods is good too but TJ's is the poor man's Whole Foods and we are po'. We were impressed. The aisles were wider and it was more open than our little Westlake one. Anyway we grabbed up what we needed and two cloth grocery bags to help do our part with the paper/plastic thing. We just have to remember to use them. So we made waffles and my mom called and I invited her over to enjoy some with us. It was a good morning.
We then did a few things around the house and got ready to go run some errands at Target and then meet Brad and momma G for lunch. I was very full from breakfast so I had a little taco from Baja and a few chips. I am trying to watch what I eat and Robb has helped a ton. He is so supportive. So lunch was enjoyable, laughing and having fun. We then headed to run some more errands...first to Border's to get a world map to track Robb's student's travel bugs. Then to Old Navy to see if they had any dresses...no luck...but we did find a cool new store in the Janss Mall...it's called Borealis...not sure on the spelling and I couldn't find a website or telephone listing but it's an adventure equipment store. Sort of a cross between REI and Sports Chalet...not quite as big but still cool. They carry Life is Good gear and clothes...so if I need to get a new shirt I don't have to wait for them to ship it or pay shipping costs. We spent a good 30 minutes looking at all the stuff they have. I tell you it's expensive to be an adventurous/active person. I also watched some guys climb free handed on virtually vertical rocks...incredible strength they must have. Anyway we headed back home after our errands. I started to clean out the garage to make way for an old TV and DVD player I want to add to my home gym to watch workout DVDs. I've been contemplating stopping my membership to the gym...save 35 dollars a month. Although in the winter it is nicer to go to the gym than workout in the cold. So we will see. If I get some good results in the next month. I will revisit the idea. Finished late and had some trouble with the TV and the DVD player. They are older and don't have all the modern connections and plugs that I needed. But not to worry my hubby came to the rescue on Sunday morning and found me a solution. So I am grateful. Thanks babe!!! We finished the night with a nice dinner...tri-tip and mashed potatoes and a small salad....very yummy. Watched one of our shows and headed to bed.
Sunday I woke up early and went to church with my mom...we went to St. Max's. I was looking forward to it. I wanted to see the priest we worked with for our wedding. We enjoyed our premarital meetings with Fr. Jim so I was hoping for a bit more. I thought he would be more inspirational. I came home and told Robb I think I get more out of the Jesus show on KFI. Sad but true. Had a great breakfast with my man...he's awesome...cooked me an egg, sausage and a small waffle for breakfast. All yummy and my blood sugar didn't go crazy like the morning before. So all good and then I listened to Jillian Michaels on the radio and I think I fell asleep because before I knew it, it was 11 o'clock and we needed to get our butts going to Court's for an Easter brunch. I have pictures to load up later. Hopefully tonight when I get home. Anyway it's almost lunch and I want to post this. So the kids were crazy, funny and we just had a good time...food was yummy...company good. So headed over to the folks for Easter dinner...again food yummy...company good. By this time I am getting tired and thinking about all I have to do before bed. So got everything done and headed to bed. So the weekend was good and to sum it all up in just a few words: I have the best husband.

Happy April

Easter's is coming up and I thought I would
post one of the many comic strips about Easter my friend sent me.
I thought this one was one of the funniest.
I had a wonderful weekend with my husband and my munchkins. Saturday I worked a few hours...love the OT...then went to see Tia's game and then headed over to have some breakfast. Then back to the new house Paul is renting with the kids. All I can say is Stepford...I know it's probably a really nice thing to happen...but in the few short hours I was over there I meet 4 neighbors and their kids. I don't even know 4 neighbors in my neighborhood. One comes over to introduce herself and gives hugs all around. Then I met one of the kids from next door and that was all in 30 minutes. The next time I was over I met another neighbor and his wife and their child. Another neighbor as I was leaving brought over some flowers in a vase. I hear they have block parties and watch out for each other...so it's nice but nothing I had ever experienced. The kids seem to love it...so as my good friend Brad says...Let's hope for the best! Sunday was a GREAT day with my hubby. We had breakfast together. Then went grocery shopping...had a great lunch of cheese, meat and tomato paninnis and a Caesar salad...then my hubby cleaned out the patio and make it look so nice as I did cleaning around the house. Then we enjoyed our patio by eating some of our favorite Mediterranean cheese and drinking some cocktails well Robb a bob did. I was trying a lemon-lime seltzer, as I am trying to get off Diet Coke and caffeine. not as good as I was hoping for. It was such a nice time talking and being with each other. Then we had some delicious ribs, corn and potato salad...Thanks babe for a truly wonderful day.
Mondays come too soon...so back to work I go.

Independence Day Quiz

Independence Day Quiz