Do you ever feel like your "to do list" just keeps growing instead of shrinking? Like you can't get anything done and when you do, there are three or four more things added to your plate?
It's almost like I should repeat the line from Animal House, "Thank you sir, may I have another?"
School has been going well and I got a great score on my first assignment. Let's just hope I can keep it up. I love the online class discussions. It is great to get insight from other marketing professionals. Lots of insight and new ways of thinking. It's great!
Lots going on.....new and different things at work, which can be interesting and challenging at the same time. Then there is school and volunteer duties..... So, we'll see how I can juggle this. Bad news is, I can't juggle. Well, tasks maybe, but not like a circus juggler.
So, I guess my wish is that my friends pray for me. I need sanity and strength at this point.
Thanks! :)
Monday, August 28, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Countdown is quickly approaching!
SO MUCH GOING ON! There are great things happening! I'm dealing with change fairly well and work is going great!
It's late and I am so sleepy. I wanna share the wonderful stories of the outreach we've been able to do. I promise that I will post it this week. PROMISE PROMISE!
I hope that you guys are having as great of a week as I am!!!!!!!!
It's late and I am so sleepy. I wanna share the wonderful stories of the outreach we've been able to do. I promise that I will post it this week. PROMISE PROMISE!
I hope that you guys are having as great of a week as I am!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Dr. Panucci and her staff are amazing!
Trying to think about the postitives.......
There's lots on my mind.....politics, the war, school starting soon, and man other things. I could have posted about any of them. I decided not to. I've already had my blood brought up to the boiling point several times today....I didn't need another.
So, I decided to take a moment to praise my wonderful orthodontist, Dr. Donna Panucci and her staff
(www.panuccismiles.com) for amazing care, customer service, and skill. They took great care of me and have changed my smile...and me forever (that is as long as I wear my retainer!)(pictures at right - pretreatment pictured first then post treatment)
I got my braces off on June 22, but I hadn't formally thanked the staff for an amazing job!
If you want an idea of what they can do....look at the photos.
I am so proud of my new smile! Most of all, I am so grateful for the wonderful care that the staff provided to me.
Dr. Panucci did not pay me to say this. I promise. I just want to thank her and her staff! I have NEVER had this level of professional yet very personalized care by any medical/dental professional in my LIFE! She has customer service down to a science! Me and my new smile! (at right)
I can smile proudly now! Orthodontic treatment is expensive. However, the treatment that I received was worth every penny! (and more!) I am honestly going to miss seeing the gals at the office every 8-10 weeks! (I'll miss them too much that I'll probably take them some baked goodies every once in a while!)
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Tom Cruise...before and after
WARNING! STUPID POST.....Just an observation that I thought was worth commenting on....
I came up with this post as I flipped through the TV channels today. Not one, but TWO wonderful Tom Cruise classics were on today. At the same time, on two different cable channels, Days of Thunder and Cocktail were on today. I started watching Days of Thunder, then flipped over to Cocktail and got wrapped up in it and didn't flip back to DOT until nearly the end. It made me a little sad.....no not the movies....but the wonderful actor and guy that Tom Cruise used to be. He went from famous to infamous, or so it seems. His relationship with Nicole going sour (one of the few Hollywood couples that I really thought had a chance), his shortlived relationship with Penelope Cruz, and his weird relationship/marriage/pregnancy with Katie Holmes. And I haven't even mentioned his inconsiderate comments about postpartum, his reaction to Katie's weight gain from the pregnancy, the wedding, the birth of the baby...and I'm not even going to talk about the religious beliefs. (I won't talk about it b/c I believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs. I think he's weird, but not b/c of his religion. I just think he's turned weird on us.)
Seeing the movies of his glory days really made me long for the Tom Cruise of the good ol' days. You know, the guy from Cocktail, Days of Thunder, Top Gun, and others....and we can't forget Jerry McGuire......one of my personal favorites. Gosh he is too cute in that movie.
I guess things change, people change. I can't expect every person to stay the same. I know I've grown and changed since the first time I saw Tom Cruise on the big screen. So, who am I to call him weird for changing, too?
Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that we have forgotten about how people were many years ago. I had forgotten about the young Tom Cruise......just as we often forget about the wonderful woman and songstress Whitney Houston of years ago.
***NOTE I didn't realize this until today.....Brian's (Tom Cruise) bartender friend, Doug, marries a beautiful blond in the movie Cocktail. She is the same girl that plays the doctor who falls in love with Dalton (Patrick Swayze) in Road House. (Another personal favorite!!!)
I came up with this post as I flipped through the TV channels today. Not one, but TWO wonderful Tom Cruise classics were on today. At the same time, on two different cable channels, Days of Thunder and Cocktail were on today. I started watching Days of Thunder, then flipped over to Cocktail and got wrapped up in it and didn't flip back to DOT until nearly the end. It made me a little sad.....no not the movies....but the wonderful actor and guy that Tom Cruise used to be. He went from famous to infamous, or so it seems. His relationship with Nicole going sour (one of the few Hollywood couples that I really thought had a chance), his shortlived relationship with Penelope Cruz, and his weird relationship/marriage/pregnancy with Katie Holmes. And I haven't even mentioned his inconsiderate comments about postpartum, his reaction to Katie's weight gain from the pregnancy, the wedding, the birth of the baby...and I'm not even going to talk about the religious beliefs. (I won't talk about it b/c I believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs. I think he's weird, but not b/c of his religion. I just think he's turned weird on us.)
Seeing the movies of his glory days really made me long for the Tom Cruise of the good ol' days. You know, the guy from Cocktail, Days of Thunder, Top Gun, and others....and we can't forget Jerry McGuire......one of my personal favorites. Gosh he is too cute in that movie.
I guess things change, people change. I can't expect every person to stay the same. I know I've grown and changed since the first time I saw Tom Cruise on the big screen. So, who am I to call him weird for changing, too?
Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that we have forgotten about how people were many years ago. I had forgotten about the young Tom Cruise......just as we often forget about the wonderful woman and songstress Whitney Houston of years ago.
***NOTE I didn't realize this until today.....Brian's (Tom Cruise) bartender friend, Doug, marries a beautiful blond in the movie Cocktail. She is the same girl that plays the doctor who falls in love with Dalton (Patrick Swayze) in Road House. (Another personal favorite!!!)
Banana Clips and Lycra Leggings....
Okay.....I'm officially OLD!
I've always heard that the first sign of getting old is if you see a trend come around the second time. Well, it's official, I'm OLD!
This weekend, my husband and I went to the mall. As usual, we save time by separating and going to our favorite stores and then meeting up at a specific time and store.
I don't often go into Claire's (an accessory store targeting the 10-15 demographic), but a new line of jewelry by Mariah Carey caught my eye. As I was looking around, I saw some really pretty earrings, etc. But, while I was looking over the hair accessories, I saw banana clips.......OH MY GOODNESS! I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but according to the sales associate (who was obviously younger than me) stated that they were in style. I'm not sure that she knew that they were BACK in style as opposed to being "a new style". Then, as I was walking around the store to see what deals I could find... I saw black leggings in two lengths....capri and ankle....with lace. Okay, I wore these under skirts when I was in middle school.... (about 15 years ago)
I hadn't thought about it much, but then I realized that I had seen several teenage girls wearing these under super short shirts over the past few trips to the mall....and this visit was no exception.
I vow that I will not follow this trend. A few years back, a friend told me that "friends don't let friends wear ponchos"....well, I make this comment....."If you wore banana clips or leggings the first time around, don't wear them the second time around....They weren't attractive then and they are still unattractive now!"
I know that I'm not "old" yet, but I am getting older. I also know that I have far outgrown the attire of the "youth" of today. I still feel that I keep up with styles...but they are styles for my age. I never thought that I would say this....I swore I'd never be this way, but we always say NEVER SAY NEVER. Okay, so here it goes.....I can't believe some of the skirts that young girls are wearing. I'm just thankful that they are wearing the black leggings under the skirts now. I'm tired of seeing girls with skirts so short they can hardly walk b/c they are afraid of showing off more than a little leg. I even attended a wedding this Spring where a teenage girl wore a skirt that could barely be considered a skirt. Even wearing this skirt to a club or a party would be a stretch, but a WEDDING??!!!!!!! OMG!
Okay, so the lesson is what is old is new again and I am getting old and I have turned into my grandmother.....which I've realized...isn't such a bad thing. My grandmother is a respectable lady and has always looked gorgeous, and has always dressed in good taste.
**Here's another observation from this weekend. Okay, maybe in some magazines, it is "cool" to wear the collar of a polo shirt flipped up, but it just looks a little rediculous to me. I am not the MOST fashionable by any means, but I have never seen a flipped collar look good on ANYONE.
I've always heard that the first sign of getting old is if you see a trend come around the second time. Well, it's official, I'm OLD!
This weekend, my husband and I went to the mall. As usual, we save time by separating and going to our favorite stores and then meeting up at a specific time and store.
I don't often go into Claire's (an accessory store targeting the 10-15 demographic), but a new line of jewelry by Mariah Carey caught my eye. As I was looking around, I saw some really pretty earrings, etc. But, while I was looking over the hair accessories, I saw banana clips.......OH MY GOODNESS! I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but according to the sales associate (who was obviously younger than me) stated that they were in style. I'm not sure that she knew that they were BACK in style as opposed to being "a new style". Then, as I was walking around the store to see what deals I could find... I saw black leggings in two lengths....capri and ankle....with lace. Okay, I wore these under skirts when I was in middle school.... (about 15 years ago)
I hadn't thought about it much, but then I realized that I had seen several teenage girls wearing these under super short shirts over the past few trips to the mall....and this visit was no exception.
I vow that I will not follow this trend. A few years back, a friend told me that "friends don't let friends wear ponchos"....well, I make this comment....."If you wore banana clips or leggings the first time around, don't wear them the second time around....They weren't attractive then and they are still unattractive now!"
I know that I'm not "old" yet, but I am getting older. I also know that I have far outgrown the attire of the "youth" of today. I still feel that I keep up with styles...but they are styles for my age. I never thought that I would say this....I swore I'd never be this way, but we always say NEVER SAY NEVER. Okay, so here it goes.....I can't believe some of the skirts that young girls are wearing. I'm just thankful that they are wearing the black leggings under the skirts now. I'm tired of seeing girls with skirts so short they can hardly walk b/c they are afraid of showing off more than a little leg. I even attended a wedding this Spring where a teenage girl wore a skirt that could barely be considered a skirt. Even wearing this skirt to a club or a party would be a stretch, but a WEDDING??!!!!!!! OMG!
Okay, so the lesson is what is old is new again and I am getting old and I have turned into my grandmother.....which I've realized...isn't such a bad thing. My grandmother is a respectable lady and has always looked gorgeous, and has always dressed in good taste.
**Here's another observation from this weekend. Okay, maybe in some magazines, it is "cool" to wear the collar of a polo shirt flipped up, but it just looks a little rediculous to me. I am not the MOST fashionable by any means, but I have never seen a flipped collar look good on ANYONE.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Countdown is ON!
Okay, so graduate classes start in less than a month and I am a craszy woman. My thoughts are.... "What the hell was I thinking?" "I can't believe I'm doing this!!!!" and "Wow, this seemed like a good idea a few months ago....."
So, what is going through my head right now? BUSY BUSY BUSY
I just keep thinking about how busy I am now and the fall is the busiest time for me at work (for our whole department, actually) and I can only imagine what it is going to be like with school added on top of that!
I know one thing.....my rear needs to get in gear! Get organized, accept loans, and get started reading my books when they come in.
I've got a large list of "must reads" for a marketing professional before school starts. I've "skimmed" most of them....still need to read a few more. Okay, so I realize that "skimming" doesn't count as really reading them, but I figured if I was going to get through the long list before classes started, that skimming was the only way to do that. I'm sure I'll get back to actually reading every word from cover to cover someday.......
So, say a little prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me......I can see it now.....Weather still warm....packing my laptop, notebooks, textbooks, files from work in my messenger bag...and just hoping that I meet all of the deadlines.
So if you see me walking around, pencil behind one ear, book in hand, cell on the other ear.....then you know....it's official. SCHOOL HAS BEGUN.
And, you know what is the worst thing???? Gone are the days that mom and dad would take me school shopping....gone are the days that I would get all dressed up for the first day of school after changing three or four times.....
It's an online program....I don't think that my husband will buy the fact that I need school clothes! :)
One thing that is still alive and well....First day of school jitters....Here is is three weeks away and I'm already getting the jitters....OH DEAR!
So, what is going through my head right now? BUSY BUSY BUSY
I just keep thinking about how busy I am now and the fall is the busiest time for me at work (for our whole department, actually) and I can only imagine what it is going to be like with school added on top of that!
I know one thing.....my rear needs to get in gear! Get organized, accept loans, and get started reading my books when they come in.
I've got a large list of "must reads" for a marketing professional before school starts. I've "skimmed" most of them....still need to read a few more. Okay, so I realize that "skimming" doesn't count as really reading them, but I figured if I was going to get through the long list before classes started, that skimming was the only way to do that. I'm sure I'll get back to actually reading every word from cover to cover someday.......
So, say a little prayer and keep your fingers crossed for me......I can see it now.....Weather still warm....packing my laptop, notebooks, textbooks, files from work in my messenger bag...and just hoping that I meet all of the deadlines.
So if you see me walking around, pencil behind one ear, book in hand, cell on the other ear.....then you know....it's official. SCHOOL HAS BEGUN.
And, you know what is the worst thing???? Gone are the days that mom and dad would take me school shopping....gone are the days that I would get all dressed up for the first day of school after changing three or four times.....
It's an online program....I don't think that my husband will buy the fact that I need school clothes! :)
One thing that is still alive and well....First day of school jitters....Here is is three weeks away and I'm already getting the jitters....OH DEAR!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Change is inevitable....
Okay, so we've all "learned this lesson". CHANGE...
I just wonder if we really learn the lesson EVER.
I don't think so because if we really learned it, we wouldn't be tested on it quite often. Maybe I'm speaking for myself, but change has always been difficult for me. I'm growing up and it's getting easier, but sometimes I experience a little regression and get a little whiny.
Is it just me....or does change always come just when you start getting "comfortable" or confident in what you are doing????
Everything is going great in my life, but I am having to say goodbye to a wonderful mentor and friend and boss. Our Executive Director is taking a wonderful position in higher ed in North Carolina and he will be leaving in August. I honestly wish him the best and I am excited about the future of our organization. I can't help but be saddened that I won't have him around.
Then after I found out about our ED leaving, my program director told us that she is taking a new position within the organization (which is a great thing). However, she will no longer be my boss. Thankfully, I will still get to see her and work with her. I have been blessed to have two great supervisors and I am struggling with this. My new direct supervisor (beginning next month) and I work well together. That doesn't help with missing working for my current boss. To beat it all, I'm "losing" both at the same time....August 15th. I am not the only one at the office dealing with this and we're going through this together. That has helped.
I swear...some days I feel like a mature professional....other days, I feel like a kid whining around about things. I know that this is selfish and I want things to stay the same and I know deep down that things will be okay. But, for right now, I have to deal with it the best way I can. I am in preparation of saying good bye to my bosses. I am sure that I will blubber like a baby. I guess I will say it in a letter b/c I don't want them to see me cry. My letters will go something like this....
To the ED -
I wish you the absolute best and I just hope that your new coworkers and employees are as grateful to have your leadership, expertise, and kind heart as we are. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. You have enabled me to reach new heights and achieve things that I didn't think were possible. May you continue to be a blessing to others as you have been to us. I truly hope that NC realizes what a great guy they are getting!
To my supervisor -
This new position is a great opportunity for you. It will be a way for you to use your amazing talents and expertise. It has been great working with you and I hope that we continue to work together. You have given me the confidence to attempt new tasks and overcome obstacles. You have been empowering, inspiring, and working for you has been gratifying. You are an amazing woman...a strong, intelligent, dedicated woman. Thank you for believing in me and giving a young girl who was "wet behind the ears" this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me!
I just wonder if we really learn the lesson EVER.
I don't think so because if we really learned it, we wouldn't be tested on it quite often. Maybe I'm speaking for myself, but change has always been difficult for me. I'm growing up and it's getting easier, but sometimes I experience a little regression and get a little whiny.
Is it just me....or does change always come just when you start getting "comfortable" or confident in what you are doing????
Everything is going great in my life, but I am having to say goodbye to a wonderful mentor and friend and boss. Our Executive Director is taking a wonderful position in higher ed in North Carolina and he will be leaving in August. I honestly wish him the best and I am excited about the future of our organization. I can't help but be saddened that I won't have him around.
Then after I found out about our ED leaving, my program director told us that she is taking a new position within the organization (which is a great thing). However, she will no longer be my boss. Thankfully, I will still get to see her and work with her. I have been blessed to have two great supervisors and I am struggling with this. My new direct supervisor (beginning next month) and I work well together. That doesn't help with missing working for my current boss. To beat it all, I'm "losing" both at the same time....August 15th. I am not the only one at the office dealing with this and we're going through this together. That has helped.
I swear...some days I feel like a mature professional....other days, I feel like a kid whining around about things. I know that this is selfish and I want things to stay the same and I know deep down that things will be okay. But, for right now, I have to deal with it the best way I can. I am in preparation of saying good bye to my bosses. I am sure that I will blubber like a baby. I guess I will say it in a letter b/c I don't want them to see me cry. My letters will go something like this....
To the ED -
I wish you the absolute best and I just hope that your new coworkers and employees are as grateful to have your leadership, expertise, and kind heart as we are. You have always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. You have enabled me to reach new heights and achieve things that I didn't think were possible. May you continue to be a blessing to others as you have been to us. I truly hope that NC realizes what a great guy they are getting!
To my supervisor -
This new position is a great opportunity for you. It will be a way for you to use your amazing talents and expertise. It has been great working with you and I hope that we continue to work together. You have given me the confidence to attempt new tasks and overcome obstacles. You have been empowering, inspiring, and working for you has been gratifying. You are an amazing woman...a strong, intelligent, dedicated woman. Thank you for believing in me and giving a young girl who was "wet behind the ears" this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Me and James Taylor
Okay, so it's not the best picture in the world. But, I guess it's cool that I stood this close to one of the best musicians EVER! I can't hear a James Taylor song without thinking about my dad. My dad is a James Taylor fan....although not as much as I thought b/c he didn't want to pay the large ticket price to go. But he enjoyed seeing this photos along with the others that I showed him. If nothing else, it got a "That's cool" from my dad. Which for me, is priceless.So, here's my "MasterCard" commercial:
Ticket to James Taylor Concert: $90
Tshirts from the concert for me and dad: $70
Getting to meet James Taylor and hearing my dad say, "That's cool" ---- PRICELESS
**Note: Mr. Taylor doesn't look very happy to be in this photo with me. I know why. The random guy in line who was getting a cd or something signed that I handed the camera to didn't understand to hold down the silver button to take the photo. So I, oh yes, I had to ask JAMES TAYLOR to take a second photo. I apologized sincerely and he replied, "I'm sorry too." But, he was a good sport and took the second photo. This explains the scornful look. He was smiling in the first one...or at least I pretend that he was. :)
Friday, May 05, 2006
James Taylor Concert
Okay, I was going to mention it in my previous post, but I figured that it deserved it's own post. I AM GOING TO SEE JAMES TAYLOR IN CONCERT ON MONDAY NIGHT! OH MY! I grew up listening to JT with my dad. Tickets were a small fortune (just under $100 each), but I think that it will be worth it. And even better, I am going with a close friend and her mom. I can't wait!!!!!! Okay, I guess it's been a long time since I've been to a concert b/c I just found out that you can't bring in cameras any more to concerts. WHAT???!!!! Since when? From what coworkers and friends tell me, it's been that way for a while. I know, I don't get out much. HAHA But, I am sure that I will post on Tuesday and give you all the details. I would post pictures BUT!!!! WE CAN'T TAKE IN CAMERAS! ARGHHH!!!!! You know who's even more out of the loop, though??? I've actually had people ask me who James Taylor was when I was talking about the concert! WOW! Talk about living under a rock! :)
Here is the photos that I just added:
It's been a month!!!
Okay, so I feel guilty. I haven't posted in a month. Pretty pathetic, I know.
I know it's not an excuse, but I have been swamped with work. Traveling all over the state providing trainings and having a great time. I have to admit though, it's wearing me out! I've been places I've never been and it's been great.
Last month, I turned 26. Yeah, 26! I know that to some people that isn't a big deal or you're thinking "that's young". But, what you don't understand is that time is passing too fast. I can remember when a year lasted forever. Now, it's over in a flash. I guess I'm just getting older. I have had to come to terms with it. DOESN'T MEAN THAT I LIKE IT THOUGH! I graduated high school 8 years ago! 8 YEARS AGO! I can't believe that I will be attending my HS reunion in two years. OMG! (I think I'm going a little overboard. I can't help it.)
I should be thankful for what I've been able to accomplish in my years on the Earth and celebrate the people that have helped me acheive these things. I do celebrate them, but there are times when I just wish that I could eat a donut without having to buy new pants (because by eating the flippin' donut it makes my pants too tight). I wish that I could dance like I used to and move like I used to. I need to get back to the gym. My thighs are a little "thicker" than I would like. I watch Dr. 90210 on E! quite frequently and have been dreaming about having plastic surgery. Mainly, liposuction and fat injections. I know, that sounds like an oxymoron. Lipo for my stomach, hips, and thighs and fat injections under my eyes (I have a small indentation under my eyes...something that has bothered me for as long as I can remember.) My husband doesn't know about this. He would think I was crazy. Besides, it is so far outside my budget, that it won't ever happen anyway. I can keep dreaming!
That leads to another thing. I am going back on South Beach on Monday. I know, I know, I've said that before. But I am doing it FOR REAL this time. I wish I had something to keep me motivated like I did the last time. Something about having to fit into a spandex aerobics outfit that makes you wanna eat right and work out.
But, for now, I'll have to settle for the fact that I get my braces off in June! I can't wait. I go to the orthodontist at the end of this month for a check up. As long as everything is still on track, then I will get them off in June! :) I am excited and sad. I love my orthodontist and her staff and I will miss them. I guess I'll have to just go in and visit every now and then! :) (I might as well as enjoy their perky personalities....I'll be paying for the braces for at least 3 more years! YIKES!)
So, I guess that's what is going on with me. Waiting to hear back about my application to grad school, trying to lose some weight and get healthy, get lots of work done, and spend time with my husband and Wrigley.
I know it's not an excuse, but I have been swamped with work. Traveling all over the state providing trainings and having a great time. I have to admit though, it's wearing me out! I've been places I've never been and it's been great.
Last month, I turned 26. Yeah, 26! I know that to some people that isn't a big deal or you're thinking "that's young". But, what you don't understand is that time is passing too fast. I can remember when a year lasted forever. Now, it's over in a flash. I guess I'm just getting older. I have had to come to terms with it. DOESN'T MEAN THAT I LIKE IT THOUGH! I graduated high school 8 years ago! 8 YEARS AGO! I can't believe that I will be attending my HS reunion in two years. OMG! (I think I'm going a little overboard. I can't help it.)
I should be thankful for what I've been able to accomplish in my years on the Earth and celebrate the people that have helped me acheive these things. I do celebrate them, but there are times when I just wish that I could eat a donut without having to buy new pants (because by eating the flippin' donut it makes my pants too tight). I wish that I could dance like I used to and move like I used to. I need to get back to the gym. My thighs are a little "thicker" than I would like. I watch Dr. 90210 on E! quite frequently and have been dreaming about having plastic surgery. Mainly, liposuction and fat injections. I know, that sounds like an oxymoron. Lipo for my stomach, hips, and thighs and fat injections under my eyes (I have a small indentation under my eyes...something that has bothered me for as long as I can remember.) My husband doesn't know about this. He would think I was crazy. Besides, it is so far outside my budget, that it won't ever happen anyway. I can keep dreaming!
That leads to another thing. I am going back on South Beach on Monday. I know, I know, I've said that before. But I am doing it FOR REAL this time. I wish I had something to keep me motivated like I did the last time. Something about having to fit into a spandex aerobics outfit that makes you wanna eat right and work out.
But, for now, I'll have to settle for the fact that I get my braces off in June! I can't wait. I go to the orthodontist at the end of this month for a check up. As long as everything is still on track, then I will get them off in June! :) I am excited and sad. I love my orthodontist and her staff and I will miss them. I guess I'll have to just go in and visit every now and then! :) (I might as well as enjoy their perky personalities....I'll be paying for the braces for at least 3 more years! YIKES!)
So, I guess that's what is going on with me. Waiting to hear back about my application to grad school, trying to lose some weight and get healthy, get lots of work done, and spend time with my husband and Wrigley.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Cookies and *&#%...
"Where's the cookies and -BLEEP-????? That came from a line from Bernie Mac's stand up on The Kings of Comedy. It is too funny.
It is appropriate for what I've been up to, though.
Besides the creation of my version of muffies, I have tried to create other SBD friendly recipes. Tonight, I fell off the wagon, though. I had a Krispy Kreme donut, a couple of salt and vinegar potato chips, and a cheese breadstick from Giovanni's. Now, I wish I wouldn't have. But it was so good. Now, I can leave my cravings behind and get back on the wagon tomorrow.
Diets are a roller coaster for me. I'm trying to make a lifestyle change. So, if I "treat" myself every now and then (and I don't make a habit of it), then I should be ok.
As for the muffies, the recipe is provided at the end of this post.
I made cookies with organic naturally white whole grain flour tonight. They turned out good. At least I thought that they were good. Not amazing, but good. Anthony thought that they were "okay", which means that they are good, but not "bangin" as he would say. Now, my self filled cupcakes are "bangin" and my meatloaf (which I made tonight) is "bangin". What he means by this is that he can eat a lot of them or as he says, "bang the heck out of them".
So, I guess it is back to the drawing board for something different...something better.
Here are my recipes: SBD Friendly.....
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffies
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
A splash of milk
½ or ¾ cup sour cream
½ bag of semisweet chocolate chips
Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.
Batter will be very sticky like muffin batter.
Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.
Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Check them at 8 and you may need to bake them a little longer. I like my cookies and muffies a little chewy.
Mamaw's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made over.....
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain/organic naturally white WW flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup (a little less is what I use)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 bag of semisweet chocolate chips
Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, syrup, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.
Add more flour if sticky.
Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes
It is appropriate for what I've been up to, though.
Besides the creation of my version of muffies, I have tried to create other SBD friendly recipes. Tonight, I fell off the wagon, though. I had a Krispy Kreme donut, a couple of salt and vinegar potato chips, and a cheese breadstick from Giovanni's. Now, I wish I wouldn't have. But it was so good. Now, I can leave my cravings behind and get back on the wagon tomorrow.
Diets are a roller coaster for me. I'm trying to make a lifestyle change. So, if I "treat" myself every now and then (and I don't make a habit of it), then I should be ok.
As for the muffies, the recipe is provided at the end of this post.
I made cookies with organic naturally white whole grain flour tonight. They turned out good. At least I thought that they were good. Not amazing, but good. Anthony thought that they were "okay", which means that they are good, but not "bangin" as he would say. Now, my self filled cupcakes are "bangin" and my meatloaf (which I made tonight) is "bangin". What he means by this is that he can eat a lot of them or as he says, "bang the heck out of them".
So, I guess it is back to the drawing board for something different...something better.
Here are my recipes: SBD Friendly.....
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffies
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
A splash of milk
½ or ¾ cup sour cream
½ bag of semisweet chocolate chips
Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.
Batter will be very sticky like muffin batter.
Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.
Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Check them at 8 and you may need to bake them a little longer. I like my cookies and muffies a little chewy.
Mamaw's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made over.....
1 cup whole wheat/whole grain/organic naturally white WW flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 cup splenda
1 tbsp SF maple syrup (a little less is what I use)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 bag of semisweet chocolate chips
Mix flour with soda and salt. Cream butter; gradually add splenda until light and fluffy (5 minutes) blend in vanilla, syrup, egg, sour cream; grad add flour mix; beat until smooth.
Add more flour if sticky.
Stir in choc chips. Drop on greased sheet.
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes
Monday, April 03, 2006
Muffies!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE PANERA BREAD! It is a great place to eat. It is a restaurant with a wonderful menu, lots of choices, and reasonable prices! This weeekend, I found another reason to LOVE Panera!
This weekend, my husband and I went, (as a part of me losing the NCAA Tourney Bracket bet) and we ate. As we were leaving, we got a few pastries to take home. Who could resist?
(I did have Whole Grain bread and a WONDERFUL GREEK salad, so I thought that a bite of a cookie wouldn't kill me.)
Anyway, Anthony got a Muffie. Okay, so I'm sure you're asking the same thing that we wondered....what's a muffie? It is a hybrid of a muffin and cookie. I don't think that Panera has a trademark on the name, but it is genius.
For those of you who are Seinfield fans....there is finally something that is like the top of the muffin - muffin caps! NO STUMPS HERE! He got a banana nut muffie and I tried a bite.
I got home and immediately I wanted to recreate it in my kitchen. So, with a couple recipes to look off of: my grandmother's famous choc chip cookies, an oatmeal cookie recipe, and a muffin recipe, I combined some of the components and I came up with an oatmeal chocolate chip muffie!
So, congrats to Panera for finding the best of both worlds....a soft moist cookie/muffin top. It's a MUFFIE! Get 'em while you can!
If you can come up with some other muffie combinations, let me know! :)
Since the recipe I came up with this weekend was experimental, once I jot down everything and the measurements, I'll post the recipe.
MUFFIES - YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you had any muffies?
This weekend, my husband and I went, (as a part of me losing the NCAA Tourney Bracket bet) and we ate. As we were leaving, we got a few pastries to take home. Who could resist?
(I did have Whole Grain bread and a WONDERFUL GREEK salad, so I thought that a bite of a cookie wouldn't kill me.)
Anyway, Anthony got a Muffie. Okay, so I'm sure you're asking the same thing that we wondered....what's a muffie? It is a hybrid of a muffin and cookie. I don't think that Panera has a trademark on the name, but it is genius.
For those of you who are Seinfield fans....there is finally something that is like the top of the muffin - muffin caps! NO STUMPS HERE! He got a banana nut muffie and I tried a bite.
I got home and immediately I wanted to recreate it in my kitchen. So, with a couple recipes to look off of: my grandmother's famous choc chip cookies, an oatmeal cookie recipe, and a muffin recipe, I combined some of the components and I came up with an oatmeal chocolate chip muffie!
So, congrats to Panera for finding the best of both worlds....a soft moist cookie/muffin top. It's a MUFFIE! Get 'em while you can!
If you can come up with some other muffie combinations, let me know! :)
Since the recipe I came up with this weekend was experimental, once I jot down everything and the measurements, I'll post the recipe.
MUFFIES - YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you had any muffies?
YUMMY Veggie Lasagna :)
Veggie Lasagna (This is a variation of a recipe that I found on www.3fatchicks.com - A GREAT diet online support site with GREAT recipe swaps!)
Yellow Squash/Zucchini (I used 3 yellow squash and 1 zucchini)
1 tablespoon of Italian dressing (I made my own viniagrette instead).
Use just enough to coat the squash and zucchini
Marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator
Grill the squash and zucchini until tender (I used my George Foreman Grill)
Spray a deep baking dish with Pam
Layer the bottom with the grilled Zucchini and Squash
Cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce (I made my easy marinara-see below), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese (I added 1 egg to bind it together and added some drained frozen spinach - It was excellent. Next time, I may add just a little italian sausage.)
I layered this.....little sauce (to prevent sticking), then a layer of squash, marinara, cheese filling, squash, marinara, cheese, squash, marinara, and LOTS OF CHEESE ON TOP!
Bake at 400 until done. (About 20 mins.) (Let it set for about 5 minutes before cutting/serving.)
This was so good, you just can't believe it!
Jen's easy marinara (This is a variation of a Weight Watcher marinara)
1 large can of stewed crushed tomatoes
palmful (2 tbsp) of garlic powder (or a minced garlic clove if I have it on hand)
palmful (2 tbsp) of italian seasoning blend (I use Emeril's Italian Essence, but any brand will be fine)
1/4 tsp or small pinch of salt
1 tbsp or 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (depending on whether or not you like spicy food)
1 tsp of splenda (or sugar if you like) --- Any time you add sugar/splenda to a tomato product, it brings out the tomato flavor and helps develop the flavor in the sauce. I use a pinch of splenda in my salsa too.
Mix together and simmer in a sauce pan until warm throughout. I use this for pizza sauce, pasta sauce, and dipping sauce for grilled veggies or breadsticks.
If you like your sauce extra chunky, then add a small can of diced/whole stewed tomatoes. Dump contents of can into a bowl and use a fork to break up the tomatoes into chunks, then mix in with other sauces.
As easy as this sauce is, I will never buy store bought sauces again. At least, I know what goes into it......Also, to make it a meat sauce, I just brown the meat (Italian Sausage or ground beef, etc.) and then drain. Then, I add the sauce to the skillet.
The viniagrette that I used to marinate my squash was a mixture of a good grade olive oil (you want something with a green tint. Light color olive oil is good for cooking, medium color (for my tastes) are better for salad dressings, etc.) I used about 3 tbsp of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for those of you who don't watch Rachel Ray HAHA) and about a 1 tsp or so of red wine vinegar. I added a little salt, a little Emeril Italian Essence. I would have added a little more seasoning if it was a dressing, but since it was a marinade, I made a little heavy on the EVOO since I was grilling the veggies.
Yellow Squash/Zucchini (I used 3 yellow squash and 1 zucchini)
1 tablespoon of Italian dressing (I made my own viniagrette instead).
Use just enough to coat the squash and zucchini
Marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator
Grill the squash and zucchini until tender (I used my George Foreman Grill)
Spray a deep baking dish with Pam
Layer the bottom with the grilled Zucchini and Squash
Cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce (I made my easy marinara-see below), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese (I added 1 egg to bind it together and added some drained frozen spinach - It was excellent. Next time, I may add just a little italian sausage.)
I layered this.....little sauce (to prevent sticking), then a layer of squash, marinara, cheese filling, squash, marinara, cheese, squash, marinara, and LOTS OF CHEESE ON TOP!
Bake at 400 until done. (About 20 mins.) (Let it set for about 5 minutes before cutting/serving.)
This was so good, you just can't believe it!
Jen's easy marinara (This is a variation of a Weight Watcher marinara)
1 large can of stewed crushed tomatoes
palmful (2 tbsp) of garlic powder (or a minced garlic clove if I have it on hand)
palmful (2 tbsp) of italian seasoning blend (I use Emeril's Italian Essence, but any brand will be fine)
1/4 tsp or small pinch of salt
1 tbsp or 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (depending on whether or not you like spicy food)
1 tsp of splenda (or sugar if you like) --- Any time you add sugar/splenda to a tomato product, it brings out the tomato flavor and helps develop the flavor in the sauce. I use a pinch of splenda in my salsa too.
Mix together and simmer in a sauce pan until warm throughout. I use this for pizza sauce, pasta sauce, and dipping sauce for grilled veggies or breadsticks.
If you like your sauce extra chunky, then add a small can of diced/whole stewed tomatoes. Dump contents of can into a bowl and use a fork to break up the tomatoes into chunks, then mix in with other sauces.
As easy as this sauce is, I will never buy store bought sauces again. At least, I know what goes into it......Also, to make it a meat sauce, I just brown the meat (Italian Sausage or ground beef, etc.) and then drain. Then, I add the sauce to the skillet.
The viniagrette that I used to marinate my squash was a mixture of a good grade olive oil (you want something with a green tint. Light color olive oil is good for cooking, medium color (for my tastes) are better for salad dressings, etc.) I used about 3 tbsp of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for those of you who don't watch Rachel Ray HAHA) and about a 1 tsp or so of red wine vinegar. I added a little salt, a little Emeril Italian Essence. I would have added a little more seasoning if it was a dressing, but since it was a marinade, I made a little heavy on the EVOO since I was grilling the veggies.
Doing well....
I know I haven't posted in forever. I've been one busy girl! :)
My diet has been going well. I haven't weighed in yet, but I already feel better and my clothes aren't screaming for relief! (I've still got a ways to go, but I'm getting there!)
I've come across some new and great recipes! YUMMY! I'll be posting those on here soon!
We moved to our new office last week. It is SO nice. I'm still unpacking boxes, but it's coming along slowly but surely!
I'm still trying to find time to submit my application for school. I really need to do that this week. Man, I'm a slacker. :)
So, what's been going on with you guys!???
My diet has been going well. I haven't weighed in yet, but I already feel better and my clothes aren't screaming for relief! (I've still got a ways to go, but I'm getting there!)
I've come across some new and great recipes! YUMMY! I'll be posting those on here soon!
We moved to our new office last week. It is SO nice. I'm still unpacking boxes, but it's coming along slowly but surely!
I'm still trying to find time to submit my application for school. I really need to do that this week. Man, I'm a slacker. :)
So, what's been going on with you guys!???
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Back on the wagon....this time for real!
Okay, so I've said before that I was getting back on the healthy eating wagon. It wasn't successful. So unsuccessful in fact, that I have gained 10 pounds and my clothes are too tight. I have a couple suits and pants that still fit. (Clothes that were too big a year ago.) This time, I have decided to go back on the South Beach Diet. I went on the diet before and felt SO good. Lots of energy and just felt good overall. I have decided to get back on the wagon and be serious about it!
So, in the morning, I will be back on the BEACH. I hope it works as well this time as it did last time. Wish me luck!
FYI - Don't worry about me. South Beach is NOT ATKINS and you won't see me die of a coronary in the next month. South Beach is low carb and low fat diet. You can eat good fats (lean meats, olive oil, etc.) and good carbs (whole grain breads, pastas, etc.). So, don't worry. :)
This decision was not just about the gained weight or tight clothes, it was about the way I've felt the past couple of weeks. With the food that I have been eating, it is no wonder why I have felt like crap. So, I made this decision to feel better and to be comfortable in my clothes. Plus, when I felt better and my clothes fit, I felt better about myself and was more confident. So, just cheer me on as I try to get back into my "skinny clothes". ;)
Not that you guys want to hear it, but I will be posting my progress (hopefully) every week.
Thanks for your support!
So, in the morning, I will be back on the BEACH. I hope it works as well this time as it did last time. Wish me luck!
FYI - Don't worry about me. South Beach is NOT ATKINS and you won't see me die of a coronary in the next month. South Beach is low carb and low fat diet. You can eat good fats (lean meats, olive oil, etc.) and good carbs (whole grain breads, pastas, etc.). So, don't worry. :)
This decision was not just about the gained weight or tight clothes, it was about the way I've felt the past couple of weeks. With the food that I have been eating, it is no wonder why I have felt like crap. So, I made this decision to feel better and to be comfortable in my clothes. Plus, when I felt better and my clothes fit, I felt better about myself and was more confident. So, just cheer me on as I try to get back into my "skinny clothes". ;)
Not that you guys want to hear it, but I will be posting my progress (hopefully) every week.
Thanks for your support!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
WOW! What a week....and it's only WEDNESDAY!
In all honesty, I was dreading this week a little. On Monday, we had the farewell luncheon for our office manager. (I really wasn't ready for her to go. Also, I dreaded being without her asisstance.) Then, I spent two days in Parkersburg for a training that my organization provided. We had wonderful contracted trainers/consultants to provide the information, but I still went up to help facilitate and do registration, etc. So, I was dreading the trip and the time away from the office because there is SOOOO much to do!!!!!!!!!!
However, it was a blessing in disguise. Tuesday was an empowering day. One attendee said it best on her evaluation comments, "I felt as though I have gained a better working knowledge of [the topic]. I also leave this training feeling empowered with new skills & abilities." WOW! I felt the same way. During a group exercise, success stories of organizations emerged. One story lead to another and soon tears began to flow without guard or apology. Stories of children having a joyous holiday (when they weren't expecting to receive anything), families having a warm place to stay, welfare moms making it and becoming successful professionals, teenage mothers having neccessities for themselves and their children, more and more.....
Pauses during the sharing session were only evident when the words were hard to form through the emotion. Every attendee was involved, whether it was verbal or just shown through their body language. There were nods of understanding and hands over mouths to help keep the emotion from purely erupting from their bodies.
Today's training was a little less emotional, but greatly informative and engaging. Today also gave us an opportunity to dive into each other's life experiences and successes.
It's so often that we just go through the motions...not knowing what impact we have on one another. One of the many things I learned (or at least was reminded of) this week is that our lives do not go unnoticed. That we are all intersecting beings and we all have impact on others. It is our choice whether it is a postive or negative one. I hope that my impact is positive.
We will never know what we mean to another....or how many we have touched. But, what we do know and remember are the people that have touched our lives. So, as long as we pay that forward, then we can make a difference.
Two quotes that I think are appropriate:
"I believe that everyone is the keeper of a dream - and by tuning into one another's secret hopes, we can become better friends, better partners, better parents, and better lovers." Oprah
"Unless you choose to do great things with it, it makes no difference how much you are rewarded, or how much power you have." Oprah
And just a quote that I received in an email forward today from my friend, Michael, that really helped me today....
"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." - Michael J Fox
I just want to thank ALL of you that have helped me in a variety of ways. Thank you.....
***For those of you who think this might be cheesy, I truly wish that you could have been at the training this week. I truly believe that events like these can be LIFE changing. You just have to accept the message that was given to you. The message I received yesterday is that things are going to be fine and that I am making a difference and that my work and life is worthwhile. It's hard to not yell it at the mountain tops when you get this kind of message.
My response is, "I hear you loud and clear."
However, it was a blessing in disguise. Tuesday was an empowering day. One attendee said it best on her evaluation comments, "I felt as though I have gained a better working knowledge of [the topic]. I also leave this training feeling empowered with new skills & abilities." WOW! I felt the same way. During a group exercise, success stories of organizations emerged. One story lead to another and soon tears began to flow without guard or apology. Stories of children having a joyous holiday (when they weren't expecting to receive anything), families having a warm place to stay, welfare moms making it and becoming successful professionals, teenage mothers having neccessities for themselves and their children, more and more.....
Pauses during the sharing session were only evident when the words were hard to form through the emotion. Every attendee was involved, whether it was verbal or just shown through their body language. There were nods of understanding and hands over mouths to help keep the emotion from purely erupting from their bodies.
Today's training was a little less emotional, but greatly informative and engaging. Today also gave us an opportunity to dive into each other's life experiences and successes.
It's so often that we just go through the motions...not knowing what impact we have on one another. One of the many things I learned (or at least was reminded of) this week is that our lives do not go unnoticed. That we are all intersecting beings and we all have impact on others. It is our choice whether it is a postive or negative one. I hope that my impact is positive.
We will never know what we mean to another....or how many we have touched. But, what we do know and remember are the people that have touched our lives. So, as long as we pay that forward, then we can make a difference.
Two quotes that I think are appropriate:
"I believe that everyone is the keeper of a dream - and by tuning into one another's secret hopes, we can become better friends, better partners, better parents, and better lovers." Oprah
"Unless you choose to do great things with it, it makes no difference how much you are rewarded, or how much power you have." Oprah
And just a quote that I received in an email forward today from my friend, Michael, that really helped me today....
"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." - Michael J Fox
I just want to thank ALL of you that have helped me in a variety of ways. Thank you.....
***For those of you who think this might be cheesy, I truly wish that you could have been at the training this week. I truly believe that events like these can be LIFE changing. You just have to accept the message that was given to you. The message I received yesterday is that things are going to be fine and that I am making a difference and that my work and life is worthwhile. It's hard to not yell it at the mountain tops when you get this kind of message.
My response is, "I hear you loud and clear."
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Interesting Recipes....
I just realized that I never posted about this....
For the Super Bowl, Anthony wanted something different. So, after looking around Food Network's website, he found a recipe from one of Emeril's episodes on party food. It was called Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna. At first, I have to admit that I was skeptical. The ladies in the deli at Kroger were intrigued when I asked for a 3 pound chunk of bologna.
But I brought it home and prepared it. The aroma filled the kitchen and I was reminded of Easter Sunday as a kid. It smelled just like a yummy, sweet baked ham.
We were even more surprised when we pulled it out of the oven and it tasted even better than it smelled! We served it on bread as sandwiches. Next time, I think I'll make some au gratin potatoes to go with it. WHO KNEW that bologna could taste so good.
As you know, I love to cook and to find new and interesting recipes. So, I'm glad that Anthony found this one!
So, if you know of any other interesting recipes that are worth a try, send them my way!
If would like to try the Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna for yourself, click here. (It goes over really well for when the guys all get together for basketball or football games.) ***Hint - I made a 3 pound bologna instead of the 6 pounder that it calls for. It fed a crowd, but if you are having a big group, then get the 6 pounder..... It is really easy to adjust the recipe to feed your crew!****
For the Super Bowl, Anthony wanted something different. So, after looking around Food Network's website, he found a recipe from one of Emeril's episodes on party food. It was called Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna. At first, I have to admit that I was skeptical. The ladies in the deli at Kroger were intrigued when I asked for a 3 pound chunk of bologna.
But I brought it home and prepared it. The aroma filled the kitchen and I was reminded of Easter Sunday as a kid. It smelled just like a yummy, sweet baked ham.
We were even more surprised when we pulled it out of the oven and it tasted even better than it smelled! We served it on bread as sandwiches. Next time, I think I'll make some au gratin potatoes to go with it. WHO KNEW that bologna could taste so good.
As you know, I love to cook and to find new and interesting recipes. So, I'm glad that Anthony found this one!
So, if you know of any other interesting recipes that are worth a try, send them my way!
If would like to try the Emeril's Favorite Brown Sugar-Crusted Baked Bologna for yourself, click here. (It goes over really well for when the guys all get together for basketball or football games.) ***Hint - I made a 3 pound bologna instead of the 6 pounder that it calls for. It fed a crowd, but if you are having a big group, then get the 6 pounder..... It is really easy to adjust the recipe to feed your crew!****
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Can't help but LOVE Vicki's!
Okay, so I'll admit. I'm a Victoria's Secret customer. I love their products. No one makes undergarments like they do. Also, from a girl who has always been self conscious of her chest size, Vicki's has been a self esteem builder. (If it wasn't for Vicki's Very Sexy bra with SUPER DUPER padding, i'd still be in a training bra.....:( )
Their undergarments are comfortable and well made. Initially, I thought that they were expensive, but once I realized how great their products are, I knew that it was worth the cost!
A college classmate once told me, "Once you start wearing Victoria's Secret, you won't be able to wear your other underwear." She was right! I started buying from VS several years ago. I haven't purchased underwear anywhere else since!
So, what does all of this mean? Well, as a marketing professional, I look at the reasons why I am a loyal VS customer. I LOVE their products, their sales professionals (they are so helpful), and their commercials are intriguing. Their commercials make me think of several things.
When I saw their new IPEX commerical last week, I caught myself wanting to rush out to VS and get a new bra. Other than the fact that I could use a new one, I decided that I wanted an IPEX one because the ad "suggested the idea". Once I realized that the ad worked for me, I wanted to analyze why it did. So, I wanted to find out what the thought process was for this outcome. I realized that I first thought, "Wow, look how beautiful those women are. If I have a bra like that, I will be beautiful." Then, I thought, "I really need to put down these potato chips and get into shape."
I realize that it is obvious that they play on the beauty and sex appeal of their models to sell their products. Hey, I know that sex sells. But to me, this is more than that. I love their products and sales staff. Their products have helped me build self esteem. So, I take that positive image/memory and mixing that with great ads, I just can't help myself!
A friend told me that the ads have the opposite effect on her. She thinks, "I can never look like that, so why even try." She isn't a VS customer. She said that the fit is not quite right.
I guess that just goes to show that advertising affects people in different ways.
So, what do you think about when you see Victoria's Secret ads?
I hope you will read this post and reply. I really want your input.
Their undergarments are comfortable and well made. Initially, I thought that they were expensive, but once I realized how great their products are, I knew that it was worth the cost!
A college classmate once told me, "Once you start wearing Victoria's Secret, you won't be able to wear your other underwear." She was right! I started buying from VS several years ago. I haven't purchased underwear anywhere else since!
So, what does all of this mean? Well, as a marketing professional, I look at the reasons why I am a loyal VS customer. I LOVE their products, their sales professionals (they are so helpful), and their commercials are intriguing. Their commercials make me think of several things.
When I saw their new IPEX commerical last week, I caught myself wanting to rush out to VS and get a new bra. Other than the fact that I could use a new one, I decided that I wanted an IPEX one because the ad "suggested the idea". Once I realized that the ad worked for me, I wanted to analyze why it did. So, I wanted to find out what the thought process was for this outcome. I realized that I first thought, "Wow, look how beautiful those women are. If I have a bra like that, I will be beautiful." Then, I thought, "I really need to put down these potato chips and get into shape."
I realize that it is obvious that they play on the beauty and sex appeal of their models to sell their products. Hey, I know that sex sells. But to me, this is more than that. I love their products and sales staff. Their products have helped me build self esteem. So, I take that positive image/memory and mixing that with great ads, I just can't help myself!
A friend told me that the ads have the opposite effect on her. She thinks, "I can never look like that, so why even try." She isn't a VS customer. She said that the fit is not quite right.
I guess that just goes to show that advertising affects people in different ways.
So, what do you think about when you see Victoria's Secret ads?
I hope you will read this post and reply. I really want your input.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
I want to take a walk down the red carpet!!!!
The Academy Awards are tomorrow night. I have only seen one movie that is nominated for best picture. I have a desire to see many of the movies that have received nominations in a variety of categories. I want to see Memoirs of a Geisha, Brokeback Mountain, Capote, TransAmerica, Good Night and Good Luck, Munich, among others. The one movie that I have seen is Crash. It was a moving movie and leads the audience to deal with issues of prejudice and intolerance in an 'in your face' true realistic way. I personally loved this movie and found it extremely insightful. It is a movie that my husband agree with. We both agree that it was outstanding. The cast, the story, the concept, etc.
So, as I try to make my picks for the winners, I'm having a difficult time since I have not seen all of the movies. So, here are my picks....We'll see tomorrow night who will take home the little gold bald men!
Leading Actor - Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Supporting Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
Leading Actress - Felicity Huffman - TransAmerica
Supporting Actress - Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain
Directing - Crash
Musical Score - Pride & Prejudice
Best Picture - Crash
Those are just a few of the awards being presented tomorrow night. We'll see if I'm right. I think I might be off on a few of them?!??!
So enjoy the walk down the red carpet! I wonder who will have the most contraversial speech tomorrow night?!? That's one of the best things about award shows.....you never know who is going to say what!!!!!!
So, as I try to make my picks for the winners, I'm having a difficult time since I have not seen all of the movies. So, here are my picks....We'll see tomorrow night who will take home the little gold bald men!
Leading Actor - Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Supporting Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
Leading Actress - Felicity Huffman - TransAmerica
Supporting Actress - Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain
Directing - Crash
Musical Score - Pride & Prejudice
Best Picture - Crash
Those are just a few of the awards being presented tomorrow night. We'll see if I'm right. I think I might be off on a few of them?!??!
So enjoy the walk down the red carpet! I wonder who will have the most contraversial speech tomorrow night?!? That's one of the best things about award shows.....you never know who is going to say what!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
March has been sneaky!
I can't believe that it is already March! I have a training in Wheeling on Tuesday and I didn't realize until yesterday that the training is next Tuesday! OH MY!
Spring will be here (and gone) before you know it!
I guess I am getting older because time flies by. I can remember when I would say, "I can't wait until summer" or "I wish it was Christmas"....My grandmother used to accuse me of wishing my life away. I used to take time for granted. Now, I WISH I had that time back.
I'm 25 years old. To some, I'm sure that it sounds like I have plenty of time left. Besides the fact that we never know when it's our time, even though I am 'young', it won't be long before I have kids, they grow up and graduate, and I begin to receive the senior discount at Shoney's. :)
So, until then, I'll try to enjoy every moment and not to "wish my life away".
Spring will be here (and gone) before you know it!
I guess I am getting older because time flies by. I can remember when I would say, "I can't wait until summer" or "I wish it was Christmas"....My grandmother used to accuse me of wishing my life away. I used to take time for granted. Now, I WISH I had that time back.
I'm 25 years old. To some, I'm sure that it sounds like I have plenty of time left. Besides the fact that we never know when it's our time, even though I am 'young', it won't be long before I have kids, they grow up and graduate, and I begin to receive the senior discount at Shoney's. :)
So, until then, I'll try to enjoy every moment and not to "wish my life away".
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Great Weekend....
I have had a great weekend!
Friday evening was spent at home......After a one hour deliberation with the Tax Dept and the Assessor's Office about my property taxes.....ALL $270 of it! (They misquoted me....original quote was $136 - over the phone....Then, in person on Friday, when I went to pay it, it was $270. Then, they said that they had misquoted it and it should be nearly $350, but since they misquoted me at the $270 amount, that is what they will charge me. I'll have to go in tomorrow AM to give them the check. ARGHHH!!! $270!!!!!)
Saturday was spent with my friend, Annette, and her parents. They are so nice! I went with Annette and her parents for a quick tour of Charleston. We went through Kanawha State Forest. We made a wrong turn and even though we thought that we would come out on Rt. 119 in Corridor G, we actually came out in Hernshaw (right outside of Boone County). Nothin' like a Saturday adventure!!!! Plus, Annette's dad is afraid of heights and he was a little concerned winding around a curvy dirt road with NO guard rails! :) It was a trip to WV that I doubt they soon forget!!!!! Anthony and I met up with them for dinner and had a great chat and some great food! Annette's mom paid the bill before I even had a chance! So, we will return the favor next time. It was such a great visit! I also got to talk with Michael Ann and Libby on the phone. It was a great day!
Sunday was spent with my family. I hadn't seen mom, dad, and the boys for a few weeks. I had a great visit. I didn't get to spend much time with dad though. He got off work after 4 and I thought he got off work at 3. :( I hope to spend more time with him soon.
It's back to work tomorrow....a good week ahead, I think. I am always excited to get back to work after a great weekend. Good times with friends and families recharge me for work!
Talk to you guys soon! Have a great MONDAY!
Friday evening was spent at home......After a one hour deliberation with the Tax Dept and the Assessor's Office about my property taxes.....ALL $270 of it! (They misquoted me....original quote was $136 - over the phone....Then, in person on Friday, when I went to pay it, it was $270. Then, they said that they had misquoted it and it should be nearly $350, but since they misquoted me at the $270 amount, that is what they will charge me. I'll have to go in tomorrow AM to give them the check. ARGHHH!!! $270!!!!!)
Saturday was spent with my friend, Annette, and her parents. They are so nice! I went with Annette and her parents for a quick tour of Charleston. We went through Kanawha State Forest. We made a wrong turn and even though we thought that we would come out on Rt. 119 in Corridor G, we actually came out in Hernshaw (right outside of Boone County). Nothin' like a Saturday adventure!!!! Plus, Annette's dad is afraid of heights and he was a little concerned winding around a curvy dirt road with NO guard rails! :) It was a trip to WV that I doubt they soon forget!!!!! Anthony and I met up with them for dinner and had a great chat and some great food! Annette's mom paid the bill before I even had a chance! So, we will return the favor next time. It was such a great visit! I also got to talk with Michael Ann and Libby on the phone. It was a great day!
Sunday was spent with my family. I hadn't seen mom, dad, and the boys for a few weeks. I had a great visit. I didn't get to spend much time with dad though. He got off work after 4 and I thought he got off work at 3. :( I hope to spend more time with him soon.
It's back to work tomorrow....a good week ahead, I think. I am always excited to get back to work after a great weekend. Good times with friends and families recharge me for work!
Talk to you guys soon! Have a great MONDAY!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
It's almost Friday....YIPPEEE!
I love my job, but man, I am so glad tomorrow's Friday. It's been a busy and long week. I'll be glad to see quitting time tomorrow. Heck, I may see about getting off early and taking some of the vacation time I need to take!!!! :) One good thing about tomorrow is that I have a lunch meeting at my favorite restaurant downtown, Blossom Deli. So, that means some awesome chicken salad on mixed greens and a fountain cherry coke. MMMMM MMMMM (I could eat there every day and not get tired of it. I LLLLLOOOOVVVVEEE that place!)
I have a great weekend ahead, too. I think Anthony and I are going out to dinner again sometime this weekend. WOW Twice in one month...can you believe it? :) Annette's parents are coming in for a visit this weekend and I am going to visit with them on Saturday. I am looking forward to meeting them! Then, on Sunday, I will be at my mom and dad's visiting with them. My mom's birthday is today and I will get to visit with her on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it.
I just read through the two prior paragraphs and realized that this post is pretty lame, but I this is what is going on and I don't know what else to write about....heeeeeeeee
So, you'll just have to take it for what it's worth! :)
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)
I have a great weekend ahead, too. I think Anthony and I are going out to dinner again sometime this weekend. WOW Twice in one month...can you believe it? :) Annette's parents are coming in for a visit this weekend and I am going to visit with them on Saturday. I am looking forward to meeting them! Then, on Sunday, I will be at my mom and dad's visiting with them. My mom's birthday is today and I will get to visit with her on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it.
I just read through the two prior paragraphs and realized that this post is pretty lame, but I this is what is going on and I don't know what else to write about....heeeeeeeee
So, you'll just have to take it for what it's worth! :)
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Dreams and Thoughts....
DREAMS...
I have had crazy dreams lately, and from my conversation with my friend, Charlie, I'm not the only one. It seems as though it has been common lately. They just don't make sense!!!!
I dreamed one night this weekend that I was trying to save puppies from a cage. The puppies were in a cage with snakes and I couldn't get the puppies out without getting bitten. But, if I left the puppies in the cage, they would be eaten by the snake. (In my dream, I believed this.) So, I tried and tried. All the while, I was in an empty office space with realty signs all around me. I understand that part, though. We have been looking for new office space at work and there are three coworkers selling/buying houses right now. One of them has a dog who just had pups, so that might explain it. Who knows? It is all a little crazy for me, but most of my dreams are.
THOUGHTS....
I have been thinking a lot about people lately. Some people who I haven't thought of for a long time. A few of them are people who I was close friends with during high school. One girl in particular, has come up in conversations three times in the last few months. First, I heard that she was working in an office where my aunt used to work. Then, she is in women's club or group with a lady who called and registered for one of our workshops at work. (Coming from a small county, people always ask if you know 'so in so' and I usually do.) Then, today, another friend contacted me and asked me if I knew this girl (since she knew that the girl had went to the same high school.) My friend today had my high school friend's phone number. I think I might call her this weekend. It is a little strange, but I feel like there is a reason for me thinking so much about her and hearing so much about her. So, I figure it's worth a phone call. Besides, I would love to hear what she has been up to.
I have also been thinking about people that I continually think about. More so than usual, though. I always pray for my friends and family before I go to sleep at night. I pray for their health and safety. These are people that I think about at least each night. But, I have been thinking about them even more. I think about times that I spent growing up at my grandmother, aunt, papaw, mother and my best friend, Tamara, and her family. Then, I think about the wonderful times I spent with my brothers, my dad, my mom, my nana and granddad. I also think about all of my other family members and friends that I have such great memories with. I don't know why. Every little thing is triggering a memory......Maybe it is to help me appreciate things and not take things for granted. There are moments during the day when I still go down the hallway at work and for a split second, I forget that Michael Ann isn't in the office next to me anymore. And, now that our office manager is moving, it will be weird dealing with that too. I'm glad we are moving office space because maybe this won't happen anymore. Then, there are certain things that remind me of Tamara and the times that we spent every waking moment together. We are both married and have jobs and lives that we have to lead, but no matter what, we are still best friends. But I would love sometimes to just go back to the days when we played Barbies, swam in the neighbor's pool, and ate without care that it would go to our waistline. Just one day of being little carefree girls again. It's not that I don't want to be with my husband or have my current life...I am lucky to have the life I have. But, who doesn't want to go back to the carefree days of childhood?
And then, there is the times that I spent with my great friend, Lib, chatting on her couch and talking about our lives and enjoying each other's company. Even going to Walmart was fun with her. She and I are going to start grad school together, so I hope to get to see her more soon.
A friend who I have become close with at work, Annette, is our VISTA. She has a one year 'committment' to our organization and then she is probably moving back home to Ohio. I don't want her to leave and I have already told her that she moved to WV and we aren't letting her leave! HAHA Her one year project will be finished in October, so we've got some time. I'm trying to make the most of it. But, I know that she will be leaving when fall comes. I just hope it's one long summer.
Basically, this post is tributed to all of my friends and family.... from childhood buddies to career colleagues. A special thanks to the friends and family who have supported me for as long as I can remember. A special thanks to my friends from college, work and professional life that have supported me and pushed me to grow and learn. I can't believe how many people who have helped me get where I am. It truly takes a village to raise a child. I am still being 'raised' and still learning.....AND I am so grateful to my village.
I have had crazy dreams lately, and from my conversation with my friend, Charlie, I'm not the only one. It seems as though it has been common lately. They just don't make sense!!!!
I dreamed one night this weekend that I was trying to save puppies from a cage. The puppies were in a cage with snakes and I couldn't get the puppies out without getting bitten. But, if I left the puppies in the cage, they would be eaten by the snake. (In my dream, I believed this.) So, I tried and tried. All the while, I was in an empty office space with realty signs all around me. I understand that part, though. We have been looking for new office space at work and there are three coworkers selling/buying houses right now. One of them has a dog who just had pups, so that might explain it. Who knows? It is all a little crazy for me, but most of my dreams are.
THOUGHTS....
I have been thinking a lot about people lately. Some people who I haven't thought of for a long time. A few of them are people who I was close friends with during high school. One girl in particular, has come up in conversations three times in the last few months. First, I heard that she was working in an office where my aunt used to work. Then, she is in women's club or group with a lady who called and registered for one of our workshops at work. (Coming from a small county, people always ask if you know 'so in so' and I usually do.) Then, today, another friend contacted me and asked me if I knew this girl (since she knew that the girl had went to the same high school.) My friend today had my high school friend's phone number. I think I might call her this weekend. It is a little strange, but I feel like there is a reason for me thinking so much about her and hearing so much about her. So, I figure it's worth a phone call. Besides, I would love to hear what she has been up to.
I have also been thinking about people that I continually think about. More so than usual, though. I always pray for my friends and family before I go to sleep at night. I pray for their health and safety. These are people that I think about at least each night. But, I have been thinking about them even more. I think about times that I spent growing up at my grandmother, aunt, papaw, mother and my best friend, Tamara, and her family. Then, I think about the wonderful times I spent with my brothers, my dad, my mom, my nana and granddad. I also think about all of my other family members and friends that I have such great memories with. I don't know why. Every little thing is triggering a memory......Maybe it is to help me appreciate things and not take things for granted. There are moments during the day when I still go down the hallway at work and for a split second, I forget that Michael Ann isn't in the office next to me anymore. And, now that our office manager is moving, it will be weird dealing with that too. I'm glad we are moving office space because maybe this won't happen anymore. Then, there are certain things that remind me of Tamara and the times that we spent every waking moment together. We are both married and have jobs and lives that we have to lead, but no matter what, we are still best friends. But I would love sometimes to just go back to the days when we played Barbies, swam in the neighbor's pool, and ate without care that it would go to our waistline. Just one day of being little carefree girls again. It's not that I don't want to be with my husband or have my current life...I am lucky to have the life I have. But, who doesn't want to go back to the carefree days of childhood?
And then, there is the times that I spent with my great friend, Lib, chatting on her couch and talking about our lives and enjoying each other's company. Even going to Walmart was fun with her. She and I are going to start grad school together, so I hope to get to see her more soon.
A friend who I have become close with at work, Annette, is our VISTA. She has a one year 'committment' to our organization and then she is probably moving back home to Ohio. I don't want her to leave and I have already told her that she moved to WV and we aren't letting her leave! HAHA Her one year project will be finished in October, so we've got some time. I'm trying to make the most of it. But, I know that she will be leaving when fall comes. I just hope it's one long summer.
Basically, this post is tributed to all of my friends and family.... from childhood buddies to career colleagues. A special thanks to the friends and family who have supported me for as long as I can remember. A special thanks to my friends from college, work and professional life that have supported me and pushed me to grow and learn. I can't believe how many people who have helped me get where I am. It truly takes a village to raise a child. I am still being 'raised' and still learning.....AND I am so grateful to my village.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Back on the wagon.....I think.....????
I started back on Weight Watchers today. (I actually started yesterday, but didn't count my points.) Anyway, I'm already feeling better and I'm eating MUCH better.
I even resisted temptation when I made dinner tonight. I made hamburgers and homemade onion rings for Anthony and his dad. I didn't eat them. I had one bit of an onion ring to make sure that they were done, but no more. I had a huge salad and Chicken Enchiladas Suiza from Weight Watchers. I'll finish off with a Healthy Choice Chocolate Ice Cream Bar.
YUMMY!
I made a wonderful BBQ Chicken Pizza last night and homemade Cinnamon Rolls (all weight watcher friendly, I might add....) And tomorrow is Mexican Lasagna. YUMM-O!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed that I stick with it! :)
I even resisted temptation when I made dinner tonight. I made hamburgers and homemade onion rings for Anthony and his dad. I didn't eat them. I had one bit of an onion ring to make sure that they were done, but no more. I had a huge salad and Chicken Enchiladas Suiza from Weight Watchers. I'll finish off with a Healthy Choice Chocolate Ice Cream Bar.
YUMMY!
I made a wonderful BBQ Chicken Pizza last night and homemade Cinnamon Rolls (all weight watcher friendly, I might add....) And tomorrow is Mexican Lasagna. YUMM-O!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed that I stick with it! :)
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Cooking and eating are therapeutic for me!
I am feeling much better. I got up off the couch and went to the grocery store this afternoon.
Cooking and eating are therapeutic for me!
My father in law and I were watching Food Network (our favorite Saturday past time) and it was a day dedicated to Italian cooking. So, with that inspiration, I planned on making stuffed shells florentine with homemade marinara, salad, and dessert.
I got to the store and they didn't carry the jumbo shells! ARGHH!!! I hate planning a meal and then not being able to get everything to make it. It was bad enough that they didn't have shells (because that is a common item), but when I decided to make a prosciutto marinara with linguine instead, I went to the deli and they didn't have any prosciutto! So, I decided to make baked penne with an italian sausage and meat sauce. It turned out really well. Not stuffed shells, but good.
Anthony got me chocolate dipped strawberries from Godiva for Valentine's Day. So, I got some strawberries, cherries, and grapes to dip for dessert tonight. I've made them before, but they were especially good tonight. I also dipped some banana slices b/c I had some extra dipping chocolate left over. I will freeze the bananas next time before I dip them...it will make it a little easier! :)
The grapes are my favorite.....tart and sweet in the same bite. YUMMO! (I watch Rachel Ray, can you tell?)
A good dinner and a good evening.
Anthony rented SAW II and we are watching it. I'm trying to watch as little of it as possible b/c I'm a scaredy cat! HAHA
Let's hope it's a great evening.....and I win the Powerball Jackpot! :)
Even if I don't win the powerball, tomorrow morning will be good. The menu for breakfast is homemade scones with a brandied raspberry and cherry preserve. I bought the preserves at the store today. It is actually marketed as a "fruit caviar" and seems to be a very high quality preserve/ice cream topping. (And it could be that I am a sucker for good marketing!) It looks divine and I can't wait to try it with my homemade scones! YUMMMMMMY!
(I just read that last paragraph.....I actually compared eating breakfast to winning the powerball. Man, I've got a problem. I love food more than money....there's something wrong with that or is there????)
Cooking and eating are therapeutic for me!
My father in law and I were watching Food Network (our favorite Saturday past time) and it was a day dedicated to Italian cooking. So, with that inspiration, I planned on making stuffed shells florentine with homemade marinara, salad, and dessert.
I got to the store and they didn't carry the jumbo shells! ARGHH!!! I hate planning a meal and then not being able to get everything to make it. It was bad enough that they didn't have shells (because that is a common item), but when I decided to make a prosciutto marinara with linguine instead, I went to the deli and they didn't have any prosciutto! So, I decided to make baked penne with an italian sausage and meat sauce. It turned out really well. Not stuffed shells, but good.
Anthony got me chocolate dipped strawberries from Godiva for Valentine's Day. So, I got some strawberries, cherries, and grapes to dip for dessert tonight. I've made them before, but they were especially good tonight. I also dipped some banana slices b/c I had some extra dipping chocolate left over. I will freeze the bananas next time before I dip them...it will make it a little easier! :)
The grapes are my favorite.....tart and sweet in the same bite. YUMMO! (I watch Rachel Ray, can you tell?)
A good dinner and a good evening.
Anthony rented SAW II and we are watching it. I'm trying to watch as little of it as possible b/c I'm a scaredy cat! HAHA
Let's hope it's a great evening.....and I win the Powerball Jackpot! :)
Even if I don't win the powerball, tomorrow morning will be good. The menu for breakfast is homemade scones with a brandied raspberry and cherry preserve. I bought the preserves at the store today. It is actually marketed as a "fruit caviar" and seems to be a very high quality preserve/ice cream topping. (And it could be that I am a sucker for good marketing!) It looks divine and I can't wait to try it with my homemade scones! YUMMMMMMY!
(I just read that last paragraph.....I actually compared eating breakfast to winning the powerball. Man, I've got a problem. I love food more than money....there's something wrong with that or is there????)
Finally getting over my cold....
I caught the cold bug that has been going around earlier this week. It came down hard on me Thursday night. I woke up before the sun rose with a horrible headache. I managed to get the energy and motivation to go downstairs and get some medicine. I know from experience that if I wake up in the middle of the night or early morning with a headache, I have to take something. The concept of "Oh, I'll sleep it off" never works. So, I took some medicine and went back to bed. Then I went back to sleep after much tossing and turning. Then, before I knew it, it was time to get up. I kept thinking, "Just five more minutes", as I did when I was a kid. I finally rolled out of bed....late, but I did finally get up. I showered and began getting ready. I felt better after my shower, but by the time that I put my makeup on and dried my hair, I was wore out. It's sad when getting ready for work wears you out....I knew I was sick.
I had a press conference on Friday, so I couldn't miss work. Of course, if you ask my coworkers, I wouldn't have missed work anyway. One coworker told me after coming in about 1/2 hour late on Friday, "I told the other girls that Jen takes off early sometimes or comes in late, but Jen never takes a day off." She's telling the truth. I really don't take time off of work very much. I enjoy my job very much. I love doing what I do! Actually, my Executive Director told me that I have to take some time off soon or I'm going to lose it b/c I can't carry all of the hours over to next year. So, I guess I'll take some time off soon. I don't know what I'll do, but I figure out something. I'd rather take it off for a vacation or a day out with the girls rather than a day on the couch with a snotty nose! ;)
I had a press conference on Friday, so I couldn't miss work. Of course, if you ask my coworkers, I wouldn't have missed work anyway. One coworker told me after coming in about 1/2 hour late on Friday, "I told the other girls that Jen takes off early sometimes or comes in late, but Jen never takes a day off." She's telling the truth. I really don't take time off of work very much. I enjoy my job very much. I love doing what I do! Actually, my Executive Director told me that I have to take some time off soon or I'm going to lose it b/c I can't carry all of the hours over to next year. So, I guess I'll take some time off soon. I don't know what I'll do, but I figure out something. I'd rather take it off for a vacation or a day out with the girls rather than a day on the couch with a snotty nose! ;)
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
What I've been up to.....
Hye, i'ave had so much going on, but I jus thavne't been able to get it down into a post. So, here's a bulleted list of what I've been up to:
- First, I've been working on our training sessions for work. I've been bringing work home with me almost every evening for the past couple weeks so that I can get everything done. We are doing a "trial run" of some of our trainings with our staff this week (to make sure that everything we want to cover is included in the presentations). So, I have to make sure that my presentations are finished and ready to go by Wednesday. :) Wish me luck!
- I went to hear my friend Charlie (read his blog) and the band that he performs in, The Carpenter Ants, with another friend last weekend. I had a blast. They are SO talented. I love their music! It is a great blend of all different sounds and I truly enjoy their music. Many of their songs speak to me deep down....and a few others are songs that I listen to for a smile or laugh. If you ever get the opportunity to see the Carpenter Ants perform, DO IT! I had never seen them live, but I had heard two of their CD's. They are even better live! Because you get to see the joy and enjoyment on their face, but even on their CD, you can hear their joy and smiles. Check them out at http://www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame.com/. A BIG SMILE AND ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE ANTS for their wonderful performance at Vandalia Lounge last Friday night. I had a blast!!!!!
- I've decided to pursue my Master's Degree through WVU's Integrated Marketing and Communications program. I will go back into debt, but it will a wise investment. I am applying for some scholorships too, so I hope that will help. The program is an intensive program that takes less than 2 years to complete. Semesters are 9 weeks long and I will be taking two courses per semester. Man, I will be a crazy woman this fall!!!!! (I'm excited about this because my friend, Lib, is going to be in the program too. We'll be study buddies!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!)
- Anthony took me out to dinner at a great new restaurant downtown on Friday. The food was great and we got to spend quality time together. I couldn't tell you the last time we went on a "date" together. It was so nice. When we went out all the time before we got married, I took it for granted. Now, I truly appreciate him taking me out for a nice quiet evening....and not complaining when I ordered the Shrimp Scampi (that was a little expensive). We had a wonderful evening! I felt so bad though when Anthony was up all night vomiting. (I don't think it was the food...he was coming down with something last week and I think that it finally hit him hard Friday night.) I know that he said that it will be a while before he eats spicy food again....I take it that it wasn't as tasty coming back up! (Okay, that was gross and probably TMI, but I felt compelled to share....for some twisted reason.)
- As in my other post, we have had problems with email at work over the past couple weeks and it has driven me crazy!
I think that's all....Just workin', livin', and preparin' for grad school.
I'll keep you guys up to date! :)
Life without email....
Okay, so we live in the 21st century.....We depend on our state of the art forms of communication to survive.....cell phones, blackberry devices, PDAs, email, instant messaging, text messaging...the list goes on and on.
But what happens when you are without these things? PURE CHAOS! We have been having major difficulties with our email server for over two weeks now. Each morning, we pray and cross our fingers and click "Send and Receive" and hope that it will be a day when we are looked upon favorably by the "email gods". Today was a good day....most of us had email, but there were many days recently when we weren't so lucky. And, some employees are luckier than others....because some of our employees haven't been able to access their email in over a week.
My point to this post is that who knew how dependent we are on these forms of communications? These days were very nerve-wracking for me. I caught myself pacing back and forth from the copy machine to my office (which is about a 3 minute walk). Wondering around like I didn't know where I was going or where I should be was common during these days. I was physically and mentally lost.... When my email is working, I am a compulsive 'send and receiver'. Every few minutes, I click on my Outlook and hit the S&R. Then, I return back to whatever else I was doing. When I can't hit S&R constantly, it messes with my schedule and throws a wrench into my day.
Adding the fact that my cell phone has been on the fritz lately (it won't hold a charge and doesn't notify me of all calls....until it is a 'missed call'), it has been a hard couple of weeks.
So, am I the only one that is so dependent on technology? I don't think so because there were many of my coworkers who were frazzled by the lack of email access. It does feel strange that I rely on it so much, though. There were days when I jokingly told our executive director that he needed to order us straight jackets. Another employee and I joked that if he saw us rocking back and forth in a doubled over position, not to be alarmed....it was just email withdrawl.
So, the question that I pose to you is: What thing are you dependent upon? Did you realize that you were dependent when you had to go without it or did one day did you just have some other form of epiphany? I'd like to know....I'm generally interested in what you have to say AND I'm searching for someone who is in the same boat! :)
FUNNY NOTE: When I attempted to publish this post. An error message on blogger that I needed to repost it in 10 minutes b/c updates were being made to blogger. HAHAHA I just can't win with technology lately!!!!
But what happens when you are without these things? PURE CHAOS! We have been having major difficulties with our email server for over two weeks now. Each morning, we pray and cross our fingers and click "Send and Receive" and hope that it will be a day when we are looked upon favorably by the "email gods". Today was a good day....most of us had email, but there were many days recently when we weren't so lucky. And, some employees are luckier than others....because some of our employees haven't been able to access their email in over a week.
My point to this post is that who knew how dependent we are on these forms of communications? These days were very nerve-wracking for me. I caught myself pacing back and forth from the copy machine to my office (which is about a 3 minute walk). Wondering around like I didn't know where I was going or where I should be was common during these days. I was physically and mentally lost.... When my email is working, I am a compulsive 'send and receiver'. Every few minutes, I click on my Outlook and hit the S&R. Then, I return back to whatever else I was doing. When I can't hit S&R constantly, it messes with my schedule and throws a wrench into my day.
Adding the fact that my cell phone has been on the fritz lately (it won't hold a charge and doesn't notify me of all calls....until it is a 'missed call'), it has been a hard couple of weeks.
So, am I the only one that is so dependent on technology? I don't think so because there were many of my coworkers who were frazzled by the lack of email access. It does feel strange that I rely on it so much, though. There were days when I jokingly told our executive director that he needed to order us straight jackets. Another employee and I joked that if he saw us rocking back and forth in a doubled over position, not to be alarmed....it was just email withdrawl.
So, the question that I pose to you is: What thing are you dependent upon? Did you realize that you were dependent when you had to go without it or did one day did you just have some other form of epiphany? I'd like to know....I'm generally interested in what you have to say AND I'm searching for someone who is in the same boat! :)
FUNNY NOTE: When I attempted to publish this post. An error message on blogger that I needed to repost it in 10 minutes b/c updates were being made to blogger. HAHAHA I just can't win with technology lately!!!!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
I love the Super Bowl! And the commercials!
Okay, call me crazy, but I have always looked forward to the commercials on Super Bowl Sunday. I haven't always been a football fan, but I have always been a fan of a good commercial. I guess I was 'destined' for my career.....
I have always appreciated advertising and the "power of suggestion".
So, here are my favorite commercials so far (considering it is only the third quarter).
I have always appreciated advertising and the "power of suggestion".
So, here are my favorite commercials so far (considering it is only the third quarter).
- Dove - True Beauty: Okay, so I got teary-eyed. I can't help it. What girl hasn't felt like that? I have been a huge supporter of Dove's Beauty campaign from the beginning. Now, they are bringing our youth into it, which is awesome. This commerical had all of the elements....tugging on the heart strings, relating to personal experience of viewers (people relate to the young girls in the ad - at least I did), a great product to advertise, and a catchy tune to remember the ad. I have always loved Cindy Lauper, especially that song. It is definitely an ad that I will remember. (And as a consumer, I will remember it when I go to the store. I am already a Dove consumer, but I will look at their other products to help support their campaign.)
Here are a few cute ones that I enjoyed:
- FedEx "Cave Man"
- AmeriQuest Mortgage "Medical Misunderstandings" and "Turbulence" (both were great!)
- Careerbuilder.com "Chimps"
- Michelob Ultra Amber "Touch Football" I loved the end --- "That was a 'late hit'." HAHA
- NFL Network "Connected by the Game" (My favorite part was the little girl who had on the shirt that said 'Anyone but the Cowboys'. I LOVED THAT!)
- Sprint "Theft Deterrent" This had a surprise element. Very funny! ("The Music Downloads" commercial for Sprint was cute, too.)
- Hummer H3 "Little Monster" (not extremely funny, but it was cute and unique)
- DisneyWorld "I'm Going to Disney World" (It's amazing how many people relate Disney World to the Super Bowl. Everyone knows that the saying is, "You've just won the Super Bowl, now what? 'I'm going to Disney World!')
Since this is just the third quarter, I'm sure that there will be more. I wanted to post my favorites though before I got too nervous about the game to post. HAHA
I really want Pittsburgh to win and they are only up by 4. Anthony and I have bet against each other. I brought up the idea in a way to bribe him to take me out to dinner sometime soon. (We haven't been on a date in a long time!) Then, it turned into me wanting to go to New York. So, if I win, we go to NYC (which I doubt will happen anyway), and if he wins, he picks this year's vacation spot. I don't even know how it got changed to this, but I think I had a better shot at getting dinner with my husband than a weekend in the Big Apple. (Especially since he knows that if I got to NY, I want to go to see a play on Broadway. Shyeah, like that will happen!) But, we'll see!
The line before the game started was Pittsburgh -4. (Seahawks are getting 4 points.)
I want Pittsburgh to win so bad (even before we placed the bet) and Anthony has been cheering for the Seahawks for some unknown reason ???!!!!!! So, the Steelers has to win by more than 4 in order for me to win the bet. Steelers are up by 4 now and if things don't change, neither one of us win. I'd still be happy, though.
We'll see.
I'm going to go back to the game......
GO STEELERS!!!!!!!
So - here's what I want to know.....Who did you cheer for during the BIG GAME? And what were your favorite commercials??????
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
State of the Union.....
Okay, so I know that I am late posting this, but I was so fired up last night, I knew better than to post then.
So, here is my attempt to be calm.....
So, here is my attempt to be calm.....
- First, I would like to commend the President on his moment of rememberance for Mrs. Coretta Scott King. It was the honorable thing to do. It's nice to know that he would take the time to remember someone who is something that he will never be. (A strong AND compassionate visionary.)
- He wants to reform health care. Okay, so I give him credit. I just hope he doesn't screw it up and make it more complicated like he has Medicare.
- One main deficit of the speech - Very little mention of Katrina and no mention of the mining accidents AT ALL. This has been in the national news and has received attention by all levels of government....well, except our President.
- We're oil addicts. Okay, so while it may be true, our nation has been that way for a long time. I was just shocked that he worded it that way, considering his VP's company.
- His attempt to "recover" from the overwhelming response by the democrats in the audience after he stated that his social security bill didn't pass. He stuttered so much in his attempt to regain the attention of the room that no one could understand what he said.
- I'm not going to even touch the "War on Terror" discussions. Don't even want to go there. I do understand that we can't pull out now this far in the game. I just feel he's giving us the run around.
- No Child Left Behind - This program has not worked, is not working, and will never work. We need programs that help children achieve in school, not discourage them. (School test scores are combined and there are no considerations made to children with learning disabilties or those in special classes and therefore affects the entire school's test average.)
- He spoke about "working towards" a balanced budget. So, he's going to try to achieve something that he was given when he took office???? So, he's basically he's telling me he's going to try to fix what he screwed up.
- Bush wants to stop the divide between party lines. As one commentor said, 'It would be difficult for Bush to do so. You need respect from both parties to achieve this and Bush does not have support or respect from both parties.'
- I will be brief on this topic because you all know how I feel. He spoke about "morals" and "values". I don't agree with him. He states that he believes in family values. Are nontraditional and blended families not families? I believe that his "value" is lacking compassion and tolerance.
- He spoke for a few seconds about federal funding to nonprofit organizations to assist in community needs, focusing on AIDS support. I was pleased with this comment and shocked that he would even utter the letters A-I-D-S. I was so proud that for about 30 seconds, he seemed to show some concern and compassion for a problem that has been plaguing the world for years.
Okay, so there is my synopsis. I've condensed it down. I could have went on for days. I was so fired up last night, fire was coming out of my ears.
Then, this morning, on the local morning radio program, they were discussing Cindy Sheehan's arrest. I tried like hell to get through to the show this morning. I know that they had a ton of callers with varying opinions. For those of you who don't know, Cindy Sheehan, mother of fallen solider, wore a shirt to the Union Address last night with "2,245 Dead. How many more?" on it. She was escorted out of the building. Another woman wearing a tshirt with "support the troops" on it, was escorted out of the building. There are two differences between these two women. One woman is the wife of a republican senator and supports Bush. The other is not. Now, you tell me which one was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct?
I agree, in a way, with one of the radio show hosts. There is a time and a place for everything. There is tact and class. But, she wasn't holding a sign, obstructing someone's view. She wasn't "overly distracting". She was just there to hear what the President had to say and maybe by wearing the shirt, she was hoping that it would remind him of all the fallen soldiers....and their families.
I guess Hillary's obvious knod of disgust and disagreement should be considered "unlawful" too. Maybe the extended cheering and clapping of the democrats after Bush's statement about his SS bill rejection last night could be considered "unlawful conduct". After all, it did catch the President off guard....it was something he wouldn't agree with or approve of. AND it did reflect badly on the President. So, are all of those things "unlawful acts"? I guess most of the acts that the President does himself would be considered "unlawful acts" then. Afterall, he does a darn good job at making himself look bad.
Friday, January 27, 2006
I'm a Christian.....and.....
I saw a bumper sticker yesterday. One that I had seen before...many times.
"CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT"
Why do people see this as an oxymoron?
Why do people assume that a Christian is a right wing fanatic?
Why do people assume that right wing fanatics are religious?
A few months ago, I saw an inspiring quote that was posted in the comments on a friend's blog. "I'm a Christian, but I don't use it as a weapon."
I don't know who originated that quote, but it is definitely an insightful one.
So, I will say: I'm a Christian Democrat. I'm a liberal. I am a Christian but I do not use it as a weapon.
I'm not ashamed of any of those comments. I am ashamed of some of the activities of "fellow Christians". I'm ashamed of the "church" in Kansas that pickets funeral services and other services and blames tragedies and disasters on "punishments from God". I'm ashamed of Jerry Fallwell and Pat Robertson or any other "Christian" that uses their faith for acts of hate. (And the fact that they have the 'spotlight' or means of spreading that hate like wildfire makes it worse!) I'm ashamed of groups all across the country and the world who perform acts of violence, hatred, intolerance, and disrespect in the name of God, or a higher being.
So, I ask of you.....be proud of your faith, but do not use it as a weapon.
"CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT"
Why do people see this as an oxymoron?
Why do people assume that a Christian is a right wing fanatic?
Why do people assume that right wing fanatics are religious?
A few months ago, I saw an inspiring quote that was posted in the comments on a friend's blog. "I'm a Christian, but I don't use it as a weapon."
I don't know who originated that quote, but it is definitely an insightful one.
So, I will say: I'm a Christian Democrat. I'm a liberal. I am a Christian but I do not use it as a weapon.
I'm not ashamed of any of those comments. I am ashamed of some of the activities of "fellow Christians". I'm ashamed of the "church" in Kansas that pickets funeral services and other services and blames tragedies and disasters on "punishments from God". I'm ashamed of Jerry Fallwell and Pat Robertson or any other "Christian" that uses their faith for acts of hate. (And the fact that they have the 'spotlight' or means of spreading that hate like wildfire makes it worse!) I'm ashamed of groups all across the country and the world who perform acts of violence, hatred, intolerance, and disrespect in the name of God, or a higher being.
So, I ask of you.....be proud of your faith, but do not use it as a weapon.
I can handle making choices for myself...
Okay, first of all, I want to say that I am so glad that Marquee Cinemas in Charleston knows that the residents of the valley are capable of making a decision for themselves. Instead of the cinemas deciding not to offer "Brokeback Mountain", they have decided to let the customers decide. If you want to see it, you can, but if you don't, then you don't have to. Just like any other movie.
On the news last night, a manager from the theater stated that he had received complaint calls from customers. He said that some of them even threatened that they would never watch another movie in the theater again. He said that he had received calls of people who thanked him for allowing the movie to be shown. He said that it was a decision of the customer to make, not him. I totally agree. I personally want to see the movie, but I respect the choice of others who don't want to.
But I just don't understand why this movie is a problem. I never hear on the news about people calling the theater complaining when they show a horror movie, a movie with heavy sexual content, or extreme violence. That is because all of that is becoming accepted and you don't hear about people complaining about that as much. However a story of family, love, work, and friendship is a problem. Homophobia is becoming a huge problem. It scares me that so many people have such hatred and disrespect for a community the way that people do towards the homosexual community.
President Bush got caught off guard earlier this week. A person in the crowd told him that he knew that he was a rancher and thought he'd enjoy the movie and asked him if he'd seen it. His reply..... What do you think he said? (Besides being caught off guard of course.....) Check it out by clicking here.
Something on the other end of the spectrum, which I thought was weird and incorrect was the comment that Heath Ledger made about West Virginia. It was inaccurate and just WRONG!
According to MSN.com, Ledger also took a swipe at West Virginia, and displayed a dubious grasp of American history. “I heard a while ago that West Virginia was going to ban it but that’s a state that was lynching people only 25 years ago so that’s to be expected,” he was quoted as saying. (Click here for complete article)
I haven't seen the movie yet. I intend to see it this weekend. But, without seeing it, I know that it has taught me something. There are still stereotypes, hatred, and intolerance in this world. Whether it is regarding sexual preference, race, ethnicity, geographic location, heritage, and any other "category" that you can think of. In my opinion, it's being condoned in our society and by our government. I'll try not to dwell on it, but act on it. I will not stand for this hatred. I will do little things every day to educate myself and others. That's all I can do.
On the news last night, a manager from the theater stated that he had received complaint calls from customers. He said that some of them even threatened that they would never watch another movie in the theater again. He said that he had received calls of people who thanked him for allowing the movie to be shown. He said that it was a decision of the customer to make, not him. I totally agree. I personally want to see the movie, but I respect the choice of others who don't want to.
But I just don't understand why this movie is a problem. I never hear on the news about people calling the theater complaining when they show a horror movie, a movie with heavy sexual content, or extreme violence. That is because all of that is becoming accepted and you don't hear about people complaining about that as much. However a story of family, love, work, and friendship is a problem. Homophobia is becoming a huge problem. It scares me that so many people have such hatred and disrespect for a community the way that people do towards the homosexual community.
President Bush got caught off guard earlier this week. A person in the crowd told him that he knew that he was a rancher and thought he'd enjoy the movie and asked him if he'd seen it. His reply..... What do you think he said? (Besides being caught off guard of course.....) Check it out by clicking here.
Something on the other end of the spectrum, which I thought was weird and incorrect was the comment that Heath Ledger made about West Virginia. It was inaccurate and just WRONG!
According to MSN.com, Ledger also took a swipe at West Virginia, and displayed a dubious grasp of American history. “I heard a while ago that West Virginia was going to ban it but that’s a state that was lynching people only 25 years ago so that’s to be expected,” he was quoted as saying. (Click here for complete article)
I haven't seen the movie yet. I intend to see it this weekend. But, without seeing it, I know that it has taught me something. There are still stereotypes, hatred, and intolerance in this world. Whether it is regarding sexual preference, race, ethnicity, geographic location, heritage, and any other "category" that you can think of. In my opinion, it's being condoned in our society and by our government. I'll try not to dwell on it, but act on it. I will not stand for this hatred. I will do little things every day to educate myself and others. That's all I can do.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Friends are priceless....
I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know, but I have such great friends that I just thought I would share my excitement with everyone.
The silver lining
the icing on the cake
friends are what makes
a day great
tears and sadness
whiped away
and you make it
through another day
smiles with dinner
laughes with chocolate
all the great things
come with great friends
That poem doesn't tell it all and it PRETTY LAME, but I am so so blessed to have all of my wonderful friends and you all know who you are. I've had a very busy and demanding week and knowing that my friends are just a call or email away has helped me push through and get things done. :)
Slumber parties to dinners out to spending time with popcorn and a movie....friends are just the BEST!!!!!:)
Thanks to all of my friends who have loved me.....through tough times and fun times.
:)
The silver lining
the icing on the cake
friends are what makes
a day great
tears and sadness
whiped away
and you make it
through another day
smiles with dinner
laughes with chocolate
all the great things
come with great friends
That poem doesn't tell it all and it PRETTY LAME, but I am so so blessed to have all of my wonderful friends and you all know who you are. I've had a very busy and demanding week and knowing that my friends are just a call or email away has helped me push through and get things done. :)
Slumber parties to dinners out to spending time with popcorn and a movie....friends are just the BEST!!!!!:)
Thanks to all of my friends who have loved me.....through tough times and fun times.
:)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Still busy busy busy!
Man, I thought things would slack off, but ....ummm...not yet!
I get things marked off my "to do list" each day, but things keep getting added to it, so it continues to grow even though my days have been productive.
I hope to post something more interesting soon......
I get things marked off my "to do list" each day, but things keep getting added to it, so it continues to grow even though my days have been productive.
I hope to post something more interesting soon......
Thursday, January 19, 2006
There's a reason that chores are called chores!
I decided that I would clean out my closet tonight. Dancing with the Stars was on and Anthony hates the show, so I thought that I would clean out my closet while watching it on the bedroom tv, leaving Anthony to watch something else.
I went through shirt after shirt and dress after dress and finally went through every article in my closet. I had went through my dressers a few months ago, but only did a "skim" of my closet at the time. So, tonight was down and dirty....purging anything that I haven't worn in months....or don't plan to wear....or that my body or age won't allow me to wear any longer.
So, what resulted was a large black garbage bag of clothes. So, I'll take it to work and see if any of the coworkers would like any of the articles, and then what is left will be bound for my hometown's ministry center. I'm a PACK RAT, but for the first time, purging was a little easier.
This time, I found it theraputic to go through the closet, but I did get a little sad. Clothes that I can't wear....they are too small or too 'youthful' for me to wear now. I'm getting older and a short pleated skirt that is adorned by many girls is no longer appropriate for me...or my wardrobe. That doesn't mean that I don't miss the days when I could get away with a skirt like that...or was there ever such a day????
Okay, so this was physically AND emotionally draining. I'm older...and I'm okay with that. I just wish that I still had my youthful body. I've got to get serious about my diet....I've got to get serious about exercise! AND before it's too late.....I don't want to get to a "point of no return".
However, on a positive note, I did enjoy Dancing with the Stars tonight and did get one of my "to do" items checked off my list.
So, it was atleast a productive evening.....
I went through shirt after shirt and dress after dress and finally went through every article in my closet. I had went through my dressers a few months ago, but only did a "skim" of my closet at the time. So, tonight was down and dirty....purging anything that I haven't worn in months....or don't plan to wear....or that my body or age won't allow me to wear any longer.
So, what resulted was a large black garbage bag of clothes. So, I'll take it to work and see if any of the coworkers would like any of the articles, and then what is left will be bound for my hometown's ministry center. I'm a PACK RAT, but for the first time, purging was a little easier.
This time, I found it theraputic to go through the closet, but I did get a little sad. Clothes that I can't wear....they are too small or too 'youthful' for me to wear now. I'm getting older and a short pleated skirt that is adorned by many girls is no longer appropriate for me...or my wardrobe. That doesn't mean that I don't miss the days when I could get away with a skirt like that...or was there ever such a day????
Okay, so this was physically AND emotionally draining. I'm older...and I'm okay with that. I just wish that I still had my youthful body. I've got to get serious about my diet....I've got to get serious about exercise! AND before it's too late.....I don't want to get to a "point of no return".
However, on a positive note, I did enjoy Dancing with the Stars tonight and did get one of my "to do" items checked off my list.
So, it was atleast a productive evening.....
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
BUSY BUSY BUSY....
Man, I am one very busy girl this week.
I looked at my schedule and my "to do list" and I almost had a coronary! It's one of those situations where I didn't know where to even begin. But I decided to write everything down in order of importance or in order of how things needed to be done with due dates for myself. Taking the time to do this will save me time in the long run.
Tomorrow I have to get many of those things done on my list because I'm going to be out of the office on Thursday and Friday and I don't want to get too far behind. So, I'll try to tackle most of my list before the end of the day tomorrow.
I did well today. Even the webconference that I was dreading turned out to be very informative and interesting. I know, it's surprising....I usually despise conference calls.
So, I'll get to work early tomorrow to get a head start on my "TO DO LIST"....
I just hope that my to do list doesn't grow too much over the next few days...but unfortunately, I'm sure that it will.
I'll hurry back from an out of town meeting on Friday to make it to a memorial service on Friday night. Then, a friend is having a party on Saturday. Sunday is brunch with Michael Ann and I've got a Mary Kay party to hold on Sunday afternoon.
Busy....busy....busy.....
I looked at my schedule and my "to do list" and I almost had a coronary! It's one of those situations where I didn't know where to even begin. But I decided to write everything down in order of importance or in order of how things needed to be done with due dates for myself. Taking the time to do this will save me time in the long run.
Tomorrow I have to get many of those things done on my list because I'm going to be out of the office on Thursday and Friday and I don't want to get too far behind. So, I'll try to tackle most of my list before the end of the day tomorrow.
I did well today. Even the webconference that I was dreading turned out to be very informative and interesting. I know, it's surprising....I usually despise conference calls.
So, I'll get to work early tomorrow to get a head start on my "TO DO LIST"....
I just hope that my to do list doesn't grow too much over the next few days...but unfortunately, I'm sure that it will.
I'll hurry back from an out of town meeting on Friday to make it to a memorial service on Friday night. Then, a friend is having a party on Saturday. Sunday is brunch with Michael Ann and I've got a Mary Kay party to hold on Sunday afternoon.
Busy....busy....busy.....
It's TV time again.....
Hmmmm....I love January! New episodes of the great shows begin again. New episodes of Lost, Dancing with the Stars, Two and a Half Men, King of Queens, House MD, and many more! I'm so excited. I'm a tv fanatic...I can't help it!
And, with a new season of American Idol beginning tonight, I'm even more excited.
;)
So "stay tuned" for continued reviews of my favorite shows. I know....you guys are bored by this, but humor me! HAHA
And, with a new season of American Idol beginning tonight, I'm even more excited.
;)
So "stay tuned" for continued reviews of my favorite shows. I know....you guys are bored by this, but humor me! HAHA
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The BOOK Dilemma!
Okay, so many of you all know that my husband is in his second semester of grad school. As everyone knows, college (especially grad school) can be very expensive. Luckily, he has received student loans, etc. So, we have been blessed by that.
I was always amazed at how much books cost when I was in college...and how little we got back for them at the end of the semester. There was always a new edition coming out or the professor was going to use a different book the following semester. After my college bookstore was switched to a "barnes and noble" bookstore, it got even worse...
So, when my husband bought books last semester, we were reminded of the high cost. So, this semester, he decided that we should do some research online to see if we could find used or discounted books.
So, after hours of research last night, he got frustrated and said to forget it. (He does that when he is tired of dealing with something. Every once in a while, the "only child" in him comes out. And it did last night over these darn books!)
So, after hours of research and a few arguments later.....I found his books all online....a few used and one new (at a discounted price). I saved him over $100 and they should be shipped in time for him to get his reading done for his assignments. In a panic that they wouldn't arrive in time, I searched the Library Commission site for available copies of the books. The only ones they had were in Morgantown....so I don't think that will be much help.
So, pray for the packages to arrive on time. ;)
I was always amazed at how much books cost when I was in college...and how little we got back for them at the end of the semester. There was always a new edition coming out or the professor was going to use a different book the following semester. After my college bookstore was switched to a "barnes and noble" bookstore, it got even worse...
So, when my husband bought books last semester, we were reminded of the high cost. So, this semester, he decided that we should do some research online to see if we could find used or discounted books.
So, after hours of research last night, he got frustrated and said to forget it. (He does that when he is tired of dealing with something. Every once in a while, the "only child" in him comes out. And it did last night over these darn books!)
So, after hours of research and a few arguments later.....I found his books all online....a few used and one new (at a discounted price). I saved him over $100 and they should be shipped in time for him to get his reading done for his assignments. In a panic that they wouldn't arrive in time, I searched the Library Commission site for available copies of the books. The only ones they had were in Morgantown....so I don't think that will be much help.
So, pray for the packages to arrive on time. ;)
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Governor's Address....
First of all, I would like to say that I think that our Governor is a great communicator, eloquent speaker, and truly involved and dedicated to improving West Virginia. My father in law and I watched the State of the State Address tonight (Anthony was at school). We were amazed at his great news that he had to share.
First, he started out about the miners....read the names of all 12 miners. It was a very somber beginning. After talking about the Miners' Fund, he recognized Rev. Dennis Sparks, the Executive Director of the WV Council of Churches. Dennis is an amazing man and has worked very close with our programs at Mission West Virginia (where I work). The WVCC does great work!
Then, with the sad news provided, he moves on to some good news for West Virginians!
Some great health care news! Programs for $99/month for comprehensive health care and nearly a $1/day for preventative care programs. These programs will be provided WITHOUT government subsidies. Not sure how we are doing this....According to Gov. Manchin, it is through partnerships between the state and the healthcare providers..... I think this is great!
A great outlook for labor....They are creating a partnership/collaboration between DOW Industrial Park, several colleges, and a few other partners. My father in law told me that this center will resemble the Triangle Research Park in NC. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this initiative....there are changes being made to my alma mater, West Virginia University Instititute of Technology. They are moving the Engineering programs (which is the heart and "bank" of WVU Tech) to South Charleston. This will kill Montgomery and WVU Tech. I'm unsure of how this will affect the school in the short term or the long term, but I know it won't be good.... :( This is the only disappointment that I heard throughout the speech.
AEP has petitioned to build the IGCC plant in WV (convert coal into clean fuel). This will bring jobs and stretch our fossil fuel resources.
He also mentioned harsher penalties for sexual offenders and a few other important topics.
At the end of his speech, they revealed a new sign with the current tagline, "West Virginia - Open for Business" with a beautiful background. (Not the best design work I've ever seen, but good.)
There have been great strides in the improvement of WV over the past year. Workers' Compensation reform, insurance reform, education reform, and further improvements being made as we speak. The Governor and the First Lady are very dedicated to the people of WV. I have had the pleasure of meeting both of them several times. Gov. Manchin is a wonderful man, but there is something about Ms. Manchin. She is a delight....intelligent, articulate, beautiful, classy, and amazing. She has a way to brighten up the room (and the woman dresses to a "T")!
So, overall, I am excited about the work that the Governor and his administration has been doing....I just wonder what will become of WVU Tech. We'll just have to wait and see.
First, he started out about the miners....read the names of all 12 miners. It was a very somber beginning. After talking about the Miners' Fund, he recognized Rev. Dennis Sparks, the Executive Director of the WV Council of Churches. Dennis is an amazing man and has worked very close with our programs at Mission West Virginia (where I work). The WVCC does great work!
Then, with the sad news provided, he moves on to some good news for West Virginians!
Some great health care news! Programs for $99/month for comprehensive health care and nearly a $1/day for preventative care programs. These programs will be provided WITHOUT government subsidies. Not sure how we are doing this....According to Gov. Manchin, it is through partnerships between the state and the healthcare providers..... I think this is great!
A great outlook for labor....They are creating a partnership/collaboration between DOW Industrial Park, several colleges, and a few other partners. My father in law told me that this center will resemble the Triangle Research Park in NC. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this initiative....there are changes being made to my alma mater, West Virginia University Instititute of Technology. They are moving the Engineering programs (which is the heart and "bank" of WVU Tech) to South Charleston. This will kill Montgomery and WVU Tech. I'm unsure of how this will affect the school in the short term or the long term, but I know it won't be good.... :( This is the only disappointment that I heard throughout the speech.
AEP has petitioned to build the IGCC plant in WV (convert coal into clean fuel). This will bring jobs and stretch our fossil fuel resources.
He also mentioned harsher penalties for sexual offenders and a few other important topics.
At the end of his speech, they revealed a new sign with the current tagline, "West Virginia - Open for Business" with a beautiful background. (Not the best design work I've ever seen, but good.)
There have been great strides in the improvement of WV over the past year. Workers' Compensation reform, insurance reform, education reform, and further improvements being made as we speak. The Governor and the First Lady are very dedicated to the people of WV. I have had the pleasure of meeting both of them several times. Gov. Manchin is a wonderful man, but there is something about Ms. Manchin. She is a delight....intelligent, articulate, beautiful, classy, and amazing. She has a way to brighten up the room (and the woman dresses to a "T")!
So, overall, I am excited about the work that the Governor and his administration has been doing....I just wonder what will become of WVU Tech. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Grieving in the Spotlight...
I wrote this last week and realized that I hadn't posted it.
Grieving in the Spotlight
to grieve is so hard
to grieve in front of the camera is unbearable
for flashes of light from in front of the media
to the front page of the paper
how can they move on
how can they grieve
with every tear that falls down
is on the evening news....??
Grieving in the Spotlight
to grieve is so hard
to grieve in front of the camera is unbearable
for flashes of light from in front of the media
to the front page of the paper
how can they move on
how can they grieve
with every tear that falls down
is on the evening news....??
Lucky Charmz Blog is a GREAT READ! :)
Check out a great blog at http://oneluckycharm.blogspot.com/.
It is entitled "A Gift of Life" for a reason....read it and you will see!
It is entitled "A Gift of Life" for a reason....read it and you will see!
More about the miners.....
Something was said during the newscast at 10 pm tonight that was so fitting....sad, yet true....
"IT IS OFTEN SAID IN APPALACHIA ... THAT IF YOU WANT TO MAKE GOOD MONEY ...AND YOU HAVEN'T GONE TO COLLEGE ... YOU HAVE TO CUT YOUR FORTUNE FROMTHE EARTH ... WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, MOTHEREARTH DEMANDS PAYBACK IN THE FORM OF BLOOD.THESE MEN, SAY FAMILY MEMBERS, UNDERSTOOD THE DELICATE DANCE ... AND WEREBOUND TOGETHER BY THEIR TENOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MINES ... IN LIFE... AND IN DEATH."
So sad.....really makes you think, though. Just so sad.
Continuing to pray.....and think....
"IT IS OFTEN SAID IN APPALACHIA ... THAT IF YOU WANT TO MAKE GOOD MONEY ...AND YOU HAVEN'T GONE TO COLLEGE ... YOU HAVE TO CUT YOUR FORTUNE FROMTHE EARTH ... WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, MOTHEREARTH DEMANDS PAYBACK IN THE FORM OF BLOOD.THESE MEN, SAY FAMILY MEMBERS, UNDERSTOOD THE DELICATE DANCE ... AND WEREBOUND TOGETHER BY THEIR TENOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MINES ... IN LIFE... AND IN DEATH."
So sad.....really makes you think, though. Just so sad.
Continuing to pray.....and think....
OH MY! Do I LOVE watching ballroom dancing!
It all started as a kid with my favorite movie of ALL TIME - Dirty Dancing. The "plain young girl" becomes a beautiful dancer through the lessons of her partner. (It doesn't hurt that her partner is totally HOT and that she falls in love in the process....)
Now, as I have watched another wonderful movie, "Shall We Dance?", and watched part of the first season of Dancing with the Stars on ABC...it strengthens the desire to want to become a ballroom dancer.
I took ballet and jazz when I was little and was a dancer on the dance squad in high school. (Yes, I danced.....competitively...and in my mind, it is a SPORT!!!!!)
I LOVE DANCE! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT....and I will someday take ballroom lessons. I don't have to compete....I just want to learn....because I know I will love it. :) :) :)
Just a little wish....maybe for the New Year...who knows??????
I'm going ContraDancing again tomorrow night, so maybe that will feed my need for dance for a little while! :)
I watched ABC's Dancing with the Stars season premiere tonight. It was great and I was very surprised by some of the celebrities' talent....or lack thereof (HAHA).
I will post soon my reviews of tonight's performances......STAY TUNED!
ADDITION:
Here's my reviews from tonight (as if you all care! HAHA)
Lisa Rinna (Soap Star/Talk Show Host) and her partner Louis van Amstel were great Her movements were as smooth, but they were very good.
George Hamilton (actor) and his partner Edyta Silwinska were fair. She was great, he was decent. And compared to the other ones who were poor to mediocre, he was pretty good.....
Giselle Fernandez (journalist) and her partner Jonathan Roberts --- To be honest, somehow i missed this performance....so I can't "judge" them....
Master P (rapper) and his partner Ashly DelGrosso - Well, P was HORRIBLE...he just stood there while she danced around him. I felt bad for her b/c she was really talented!
Tia Carrere (actress) and her partner Max Chmerkovskly were good. She just had a baby a couple months ago and did a damn fine job!!! and looked stunning!
Kenny Mayne (ESPN Commentator) and his partner Andrea Hale....Once again, I felt sorry for her because he was so awful. He really tried...poor thing...at least he tried...but he should go back behind the sports desk. :)
Tatum O'Neal (actress - was the famous athlete in Bad News Bears) and her partner Nick Kosovich were really good. I was proud of them. There were a few others that were better, but she was in character and pulled it off.
Jerry Rice (football star) and his partner Anna Trebunskaya were good. I was actually very impressed by Jerry. He tried, had heart, and did well. :)
Stacy Keibler (professional wrestler) and her partner Tony Dovolani were AWESOME! They are my #1 pick! OUTSTANDING!!!!! WOW!!! Her legs are what I would dream of having! She's got a dancer's heart and body!
Drew Lachey (98 degrees band member and star in RENT) and his partner Cheryl Burke were great. They are my #2 pick! I was SO surprised by Drew's talent. (His brother Nick was there to cheer him on....without Jessica, of course???!!!!)
That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.....More info on the dancers and the show can be found at www.abc.com.
:)
Now, as I have watched another wonderful movie, "Shall We Dance?", and watched part of the first season of Dancing with the Stars on ABC...it strengthens the desire to want to become a ballroom dancer.
I took ballet and jazz when I was little and was a dancer on the dance squad in high school. (Yes, I danced.....competitively...and in my mind, it is a SPORT!!!!!)
I LOVE DANCE! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT....and I will someday take ballroom lessons. I don't have to compete....I just want to learn....because I know I will love it. :) :) :)
Just a little wish....maybe for the New Year...who knows??????
I'm going ContraDancing again tomorrow night, so maybe that will feed my need for dance for a little while! :)
I watched ABC's Dancing with the Stars season premiere tonight. It was great and I was very surprised by some of the celebrities' talent....or lack thereof (HAHA).
I will post soon my reviews of tonight's performances......STAY TUNED!
ADDITION:
Here's my reviews from tonight (as if you all care! HAHA)
Lisa Rinna (Soap Star/Talk Show Host) and her partner Louis van Amstel were great Her movements were as smooth, but they were very good.
George Hamilton (actor) and his partner Edyta Silwinska were fair. She was great, he was decent. And compared to the other ones who were poor to mediocre, he was pretty good.....
Giselle Fernandez (journalist) and her partner Jonathan Roberts --- To be honest, somehow i missed this performance....so I can't "judge" them....
Master P (rapper) and his partner Ashly DelGrosso - Well, P was HORRIBLE...he just stood there while she danced around him. I felt bad for her b/c she was really talented!
Tia Carrere (actress) and her partner Max Chmerkovskly were good. She just had a baby a couple months ago and did a damn fine job!!! and looked stunning!
Kenny Mayne (ESPN Commentator) and his partner Andrea Hale....Once again, I felt sorry for her because he was so awful. He really tried...poor thing...at least he tried...but he should go back behind the sports desk. :)
Tatum O'Neal (actress - was the famous athlete in Bad News Bears) and her partner Nick Kosovich were really good. I was proud of them. There were a few others that were better, but she was in character and pulled it off.
Jerry Rice (football star) and his partner Anna Trebunskaya were good. I was actually very impressed by Jerry. He tried, had heart, and did well. :)
Stacy Keibler (professional wrestler) and her partner Tony Dovolani were AWESOME! They are my #1 pick! OUTSTANDING!!!!! WOW!!! Her legs are what I would dream of having! She's got a dancer's heart and body!
Drew Lachey (98 degrees band member and star in RENT) and his partner Cheryl Burke were great. They are my #2 pick! I was SO surprised by Drew's talent. (His brother Nick was there to cheer him on....without Jessica, of course???!!!!)
That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.....More info on the dancers and the show can be found at www.abc.com.
:)
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
A Contract for 2006
I resolve to do the following in 2006. No excuses. No whimping out.
- I will get back on a weight loss plan and stick with it!
- I will join the gym and work out AT LEAST 3 days a week.
- I will visit my family at least twice a month (hopefully more!) and I will call family members at least twice a week.
- I will plan get togethers with my girlfriends. We will get together at least once every 2 months. (Because I know that our schedules are so busy and travel is an issue.)
- I will learn more about my faith and the Episcopalian Church. (I have been a practicing Christian and Episcopalian for many years, but there is still so much to learn.)
- I will learn more about other faiths. (I have wanted to do this for years and have even made it my resolution for the past three years...but this is the year! NO EXCUSES!)
- I will learn to say NO to any more outside responsibilties. I will continue my charity work that I am currently involved in, but will not take on any more. I will be using that spare time to spend with my family.
- I will read at least one book a month.
- I will obtain information about graduate school and begin to get serious about starting back to college. (I hope to start grad school this coming fall.)
Ok, so there are a few more that I might want to add. But for now, at least I've covered:
- Stimulating my mind, body, and spirit.
- Doing some things for ME and spending time with friends and family
- Cutting back on other obligations and attending to my primary obligation, which is my family.
Lessons Learned....
As you already know....My grandfather passed away before Christmas. With many deaths surrounding me the past few months....friends' family members and a family member of my own, it has been a very realistic few months. I found out today that a friend's grandfather also passed away. As I told her in an email today, "I knew that we were close and that we would share special moments together, but I never thought that we would share the same loss…at the same time. I guess it will be another time that we remember how much our friendship means and how it helps us get through tough times. You are a very special friend…thank you for being there…always!"
My next post includes my resolutions for 2006. I learned so much in 2005 and I will not forget those important lessons. Celebrate the little things, give praise, and be grateful for friends and family, and spend as much time with your loved ones as you can. Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Those moments with your family and friends that you will remember forever. You don't always get a chance to say good bye....you don't always get the opportunity to tell them how you feel....you have to seize the moment and let people know their importance.
So, let me take a moment to say to all of my loved ones - You make me who I am. Every day... I carry something of yours with me.... Even though people pass on or move on, those memories will never fade. I am a tapestry, woven of lessons and memories from you.
May you receive many blessings in the new year.
My next post includes my resolutions for 2006. I learned so much in 2005 and I will not forget those important lessons. Celebrate the little things, give praise, and be grateful for friends and family, and spend as much time with your loved ones as you can. Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Those moments with your family and friends that you will remember forever. You don't always get a chance to say good bye....you don't always get the opportunity to tell them how you feel....you have to seize the moment and let people know their importance.
So, let me take a moment to say to all of my loved ones - You make me who I am. Every day... I carry something of yours with me.... Even though people pass on or move on, those memories will never fade. I am a tapestry, woven of lessons and memories from you.
May you receive many blessings in the new year.
Prayer Request....
I received this email from my friend, Michael, via email this afternoon. I thought I would share.
"As most of you know, West Virginia is suffering from a horrible situation right now. There are 13 coal miners trapped in the Sago Mine in Upshur County. This happened around 6:30 a.m. Monday morning, and as of right now, there still hasn't been any contac
t made with these miners and no one even knows if they are alive or not. We, as West Virginia, not only need to come together as a state but as a family. We need to pray hard for the 13 men that are trapped as well as praying for their family and friends who patiently wait to find out any updates. Please send this to everyone on your mailing list, even if they don't live in WV, prayer does work and God can work miracles, we just have to keep our faith."
"As most of you know, West Virginia is suffering from a horrible situation right now. There are 13 coal miners trapped in the Sago Mine in Upshur County. This happened around 6:30 a.m. Monday morning, and as of right now, there still hasn't been any contac
t made with these miners and no one even knows if they are alive or not. We, as West Virginia, not only need to come together as a state but as a family. We need to pray hard for the 13 men that are trapped as well as praying for their family and friends who patiently wait to find out any updates. Please send this to everyone on your mailing list, even if they don't live in WV, prayer does work and God can work miracles, we just have to keep our faith."Thank you, Michael, for sending this to me. I will continue to pray for those miners and their family and friends. As Governor Manchin has said, "in West Virginia, we believe in miracles." And that is what we are hoping and praying for.
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