This week has been a long one as I try to figure out my new job. It is gonna take a while to really get the hang of it. There is so much to learn. I think I have done OK as far as getting the hang of cutting video, saving it in the right format and putting it up the website. And I have spent some quality time on the wire service looking for stories to put up. Even made good use of the stock photo site to get photos with stories.
But there is still a lot of more to learn.
The schedule is another thing to get use to. I take about a two hour break in the afternoon since I get into the office around 8 a.m. and stay until 1:30ish and have to be around for the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. broadcast to get that video up on the website. I generally don't get home until 7:30, 8 p.m. Right now it has kind of interrupted my exercise schedule.
I get home around 7:30, 8, and we need to eat dinner and I am tired. Most of the days I had the motivation enough to get on the elliptical machine, minus two nights. Wednesday I had too many little chores I had to take care of and my head was hurting. Thursday was Grey's Anatomy and I have to see how the lives of the Seattle Grace doctors are unfolding. Yeah, it is a guilty pleasure.
But the weekend means more time for the elliptical machine and spending time with the ones that I love.
So, now to go have some fun. :)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Some days are better than others
Day Two at work was a little more challenging. Not sure why, I did all the same things and I kind of felt like I was getting the hang of it. It might be that it is still so new that I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Don't worry, I still like it...I just worry that I am not doing a very good job, even though it is my second day and I still have so much to learn.
Just have to keep telling myself it will get better and easier. :)
On the workout front, I made it to 20 minutes, 2300 strides and 230 calories. I am satisfied, wished I could do more...just feeling really tired. Trying to get use to working a regular split, and that will take time.
That is more than enough to bore everyone out there....I think I am going to hit the hay.
g
Just have to keep telling myself it will get better and easier. :)
On the workout front, I made it to 20 minutes, 2300 strides and 230 calories. I am satisfied, wished I could do more...just feeling really tired. Trying to get use to working a regular split, and that will take time.
That is more than enough to bore everyone out there....I think I am going to hit the hay.
g
Monday, October 11, 2010
I still don't like exercise...
But I know it is good for me. While I haven't shed any inches, my endurance has improved. Mowing the lawn Sunday before Mass didn't wind me like it usually does....needless to say I was saying a litany of profanities under my winded breath. :)
Please don't misinterpret that into me liking to cut the grass. I still see it as a necessary evil to avoid a ticket from the city's code enforcement.
While I still don't like exercise, I look forward to it as a nice part of my routine. I am trying very hard to keep realistic goals. I'll be honest the competitive person in wants to jump on the elliptical machine for as long as Mr. X and do the uber challenging exercises. But I don't have that type of endurance. We have very different work lives. He is on his feet and moving. Heck, there are times when he is lifting things. His job requires to him to move. Newsroom jobs don't. There is a lot of time spent in front of a computer or on the phone, or sitting at number events: court hearings, press conferences (if you are lucky enough to get a seat at a press conference), various government meetings, even some civic events. Don't let the fact that we are busy fool you...there is a lot of time in a sitting position.
Needless to say, I don't move very much. As a result, I can't do the same exercises as Mr. X. But -- and this is hard for me to say -- that is OK. For exercise to be beneficial and not make me hate it, I have to take small steps and have REASONABLE goals.
So here are my goals: One, work out each day except for the day that I mow the lawn -- that counts as exercise.
Two, try to work out for 20 solid minutes with very small breaks. Water is important for Heatstroke Shepherd :)
Three, aim to burn about 250 to 260 calories. I know the number seems low but I know that the body burns calories in other ways and I don't need to burn everything on the elliptical machine.
Four, try to walk 2,300 strides. The workout that I like best targets the midsection (a big problem for me) and it generally gets me to 2,100 to 2,200 strides....so I have to do a few extra.
So far, I am doing well generally meeting these goals. Well except for tonight when I burned 302 calories and had 2,700 strides. I was pretty proud...my legs ache but I am proud.
New Job Update
Oh, and the new job went well today. It will take time to really learn the system and get good at it. But the people are great and I still get to work in a newsroom in front of a computer.
I suggest people log onto ktvl.com and see what is going on in the Rogue Valley...great story about the National Career Readiness Certificate.
Please don't misinterpret that into me liking to cut the grass. I still see it as a necessary evil to avoid a ticket from the city's code enforcement.
While I still don't like exercise, I look forward to it as a nice part of my routine. I am trying very hard to keep realistic goals. I'll be honest the competitive person in wants to jump on the elliptical machine for as long as Mr. X and do the uber challenging exercises. But I don't have that type of endurance. We have very different work lives. He is on his feet and moving. Heck, there are times when he is lifting things. His job requires to him to move. Newsroom jobs don't. There is a lot of time spent in front of a computer or on the phone, or sitting at number events: court hearings, press conferences (if you are lucky enough to get a seat at a press conference), various government meetings, even some civic events. Don't let the fact that we are busy fool you...there is a lot of time in a sitting position.
Needless to say, I don't move very much. As a result, I can't do the same exercises as Mr. X. But -- and this is hard for me to say -- that is OK. For exercise to be beneficial and not make me hate it, I have to take small steps and have REASONABLE goals.
So here are my goals: One, work out each day except for the day that I mow the lawn -- that counts as exercise.
Two, try to work out for 20 solid minutes with very small breaks. Water is important for Heatstroke Shepherd :)
Three, aim to burn about 250 to 260 calories. I know the number seems low but I know that the body burns calories in other ways and I don't need to burn everything on the elliptical machine.
Four, try to walk 2,300 strides. The workout that I like best targets the midsection (a big problem for me) and it generally gets me to 2,100 to 2,200 strides....so I have to do a few extra.
So far, I am doing well generally meeting these goals. Well except for tonight when I burned 302 calories and had 2,700 strides. I was pretty proud...my legs ache but I am proud.
New Job Update
Oh, and the new job went well today. It will take time to really learn the system and get good at it. But the people are great and I still get to work in a newsroom in front of a computer.
I suggest people log onto ktvl.com and see what is going on in the Rogue Valley...great story about the National Career Readiness Certificate.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Is it evil?
That is the first question that came to mind when my Mr. X told me he wanted to get an elliptical machine.
Left side of Ginger's Brain: "This is for exercise isn't it?
Right side: "Yes. And thus it is evil."
Left side: "Yikes!!!"
Right side: "Yes, we should be scared."
And up until Thursday, I was frightened. I am not a big exercise person and understand that is partly why I am round and jolly despite diet efforts. And yes, I have tried exercise in the past and I know it can actually make me feel better. But it requires physical exertion, like mowing the lawn, and we all know how well I like that.
Then the machine was delivered and I got a little excited. This was an opportunity to improve myself. Start making myself feel better. Increase lung capacity. Maybe slim down a little. And just get the blood flowin'.
After we got it put together, I took it for a test spin. It was OK...six minutes was more than enough time on it.
But this morning, I couldn't wait to get on it and do a real workout. The biggest debate in my head was if I should eat first and have a cup of coffee before I launched into a cardiovascular workout.
Yeah, I had coffee and cereal first. Coffee always comes first. :)
But I was anxious and wanted to get started.
I wanted to do more than six minutes but I didn't want to overdo it...I do have to walk and be able to move in order to get through my day.
So I decided that I would do 15 minutes. Yeah, the Giggler here had to take a breather in the middle, but that is OK. I completed 15 minutes of exercise that got my heart rate up and made my muscles work a little. I am going to slowly work up to 20 to 30 minutes.
I don't think it is fun, but I liked that it made me feel full of energy that helps me get more done.
And that, my friends, is motivation enough to keep going.
Left side of Ginger's Brain: "This is for exercise isn't it?
Right side: "Yes. And thus it is evil."
Left side: "Yikes!!!"
Right side: "Yes, we should be scared."
And up until Thursday, I was frightened. I am not a big exercise person and understand that is partly why I am round and jolly despite diet efforts. And yes, I have tried exercise in the past and I know it can actually make me feel better. But it requires physical exertion, like mowing the lawn, and we all know how well I like that.
Then the machine was delivered and I got a little excited. This was an opportunity to improve myself. Start making myself feel better. Increase lung capacity. Maybe slim down a little. And just get the blood flowin'.
After we got it put together, I took it for a test spin. It was OK...six minutes was more than enough time on it.
But this morning, I couldn't wait to get on it and do a real workout. The biggest debate in my head was if I should eat first and have a cup of coffee before I launched into a cardiovascular workout.
Yeah, I had coffee and cereal first. Coffee always comes first. :)
But I was anxious and wanted to get started.
I wanted to do more than six minutes but I didn't want to overdo it...I do have to walk and be able to move in order to get through my day.
So I decided that I would do 15 minutes. Yeah, the Giggler here had to take a breather in the middle, but that is OK. I completed 15 minutes of exercise that got my heart rate up and made my muscles work a little. I am going to slowly work up to 20 to 30 minutes.
I don't think it is fun, but I liked that it made me feel full of energy that helps me get more done.
And that, my friends, is motivation enough to keep going.
Thankful and Relieved!
On Monday I won't be in the number of unemployed. I start the web job at the local television station. The actual title is interactive content producer.
I am really excited and relieved to have found a job so quickly. I left my page design job at the beginning of July when we officially moved from the Oregon Coast to the Rogue Valley. We had decided that a month of no work might be good for me since the last two years have been filled with a full-time job and school (don't let the idea of online fool you, it felt full-time). It was hard for me to do because I don't do well when I don't have something to do. That and I like to make a little green. (Gotta think about retirement now!)
The last three months I have been looking and looking for work.
I'll be honest, I was getting a little nervous. There were few choices for someone with a journalism degree, ten years experience at newspapers and a new master's degree in military history.
It has been an opportunity to truly understand what the unemployed and underemployed have said in various news stories. I definitely understood the sense of hopelessness. Even had a few days where I felt that hopelessness.
Luckily, I know the media industry is a changing beast and am willing to change with it. That understanding helped me apply for the television station job that I get to start on Monday!
And I am excited, not only because I have a job, but I get to have a role in the new frontier.
Can't beat that.
I am really excited and relieved to have found a job so quickly. I left my page design job at the beginning of July when we officially moved from the Oregon Coast to the Rogue Valley. We had decided that a month of no work might be good for me since the last two years have been filled with a full-time job and school (don't let the idea of online fool you, it felt full-time). It was hard for me to do because I don't do well when I don't have something to do. That and I like to make a little green. (Gotta think about retirement now!)
The last three months I have been looking and looking for work.
I'll be honest, I was getting a little nervous. There were few choices for someone with a journalism degree, ten years experience at newspapers and a new master's degree in military history.
It has been an opportunity to truly understand what the unemployed and underemployed have said in various news stories. I definitely understood the sense of hopelessness. Even had a few days where I felt that hopelessness.
Luckily, I know the media industry is a changing beast and am willing to change with it. That understanding helped me apply for the television station job that I get to start on Monday!
And I am excited, not only because I have a job, but I get to have a role in the new frontier.
Can't beat that.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I might love the smell of ink but...
The interview went OK. It was certainly one of the better ones I have had...I think that is because I wasn't nervous and let myself feel comfortable for a change.
New black heels are awesome even if they do create some numbness in the toes on my right foot. But don't care because they looked gooooood!
LOL
The interview reinforced how the news industry is really changing. TV and newspapers face the same issue: They can't compete with the Web. It is sad how newspaper people and TV people each love their medium but where do we really turn for our news? Yep, online. The station manager and I both admitted that yesterday.
News outlets are constantly looking for a better way to deliver information to online readers: Longer stories, maps, graphics, photo galleries, videos.
And then you try to find ways to bring up your page counts with Facebook, Twitter, trying to get your stuff on CNN or Fark.
What is sad, and I didn't really realize this until yesterday during the interview, is that I use Facebook as a source for information. But some of my Tulsa World Facebook friends post stories that I have to go look at it (Brian Barber is an incredible city government reporter and a heck of a writer). When Manny posts stories from the Huffington Post or CNN, I want to go check it out. And then there are the news links that I have "liked" that I get news story feeds...like the NPR stories.
And don't get me wrong, I love the feel of a newspaper between my fingers. I like the smell of wet ink that still rubs off on my fingers. I love to see how a page designer has presented the news...but there is just more online.
Speaking of which, it is 8:30 a.m. here on the Pacific Coast...I need to see what is happening in the world.
g
New black heels are awesome even if they do create some numbness in the toes on my right foot. But don't care because they looked gooooood!
LOL
The interview reinforced how the news industry is really changing. TV and newspapers face the same issue: They can't compete with the Web. It is sad how newspaper people and TV people each love their medium but where do we really turn for our news? Yep, online. The station manager and I both admitted that yesterday.
News outlets are constantly looking for a better way to deliver information to online readers: Longer stories, maps, graphics, photo galleries, videos.
And then you try to find ways to bring up your page counts with Facebook, Twitter, trying to get your stuff on CNN or Fark.
What is sad, and I didn't really realize this until yesterday during the interview, is that I use Facebook as a source for information. But some of my Tulsa World Facebook friends post stories that I have to go look at it (Brian Barber is an incredible city government reporter and a heck of a writer). When Manny posts stories from the Huffington Post or CNN, I want to go check it out. And then there are the news links that I have "liked" that I get news story feeds...like the NPR stories.
And don't get me wrong, I love the feel of a newspaper between my fingers. I like the smell of wet ink that still rubs off on my fingers. I love to see how a page designer has presented the news...but there is just more online.
Speaking of which, it is 8:30 a.m. here on the Pacific Coast...I need to see what is happening in the world.
g
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Should I be nervous?
I have a job interview today. Normally, I would be a little nervous about it. The job interview process can make a gal crazy. You have to worry about your appearance, what you are going to say and if you are making the best possible impression.
Today, I am not going to drive myself crazy before my interview with a local TV station manager. The job is for an interactive content producer (that position helps get news item -- stories, videos and photos -- to the station's web site. The job includes some writing)
Do I want a job? Absolutely. I am bored and there is only so much social interaction I can get from the cats and Facebook. :) More importantly, this type of job would allow me to round out my resume a bit, give me experience with the Web. I know that sounds strange, but online news is the way many people get their news and if you want to stay in this business you need some online skills.
So you would think I would be uber nervous. I'm not. While I would very much like to have this job, I am not working myself into a tizzy.
My best interview suit is ready to go. Have a great pair of heals. And great hair cut that styles very nice and looks more professional then my old long locks did. Sent the GM at the station my Food Junkie blog (it is still on the World website) and my best clips are easily accessible.
I will go in, be pleasant, professional and try to make the best possible impression. But what is the worse thing that can happen? Me not getting the job, and that is just not the end of the world.
If I keep that in mind, I will be just fine.
:)
Today, I am not going to drive myself crazy before my interview with a local TV station manager. The job is for an interactive content producer (that position helps get news item -- stories, videos and photos -- to the station's web site. The job includes some writing)
Do I want a job? Absolutely. I am bored and there is only so much social interaction I can get from the cats and Facebook. :) More importantly, this type of job would allow me to round out my resume a bit, give me experience with the Web. I know that sounds strange, but online news is the way many people get their news and if you want to stay in this business you need some online skills.
So you would think I would be uber nervous. I'm not. While I would very much like to have this job, I am not working myself into a tizzy.
My best interview suit is ready to go. Have a great pair of heals. And great hair cut that styles very nice and looks more professional then my old long locks did. Sent the GM at the station my Food Junkie blog (it is still on the World website) and my best clips are easily accessible.
I will go in, be pleasant, professional and try to make the best possible impression. But what is the worse thing that can happen? Me not getting the job, and that is just not the end of the world.
If I keep that in mind, I will be just fine.
:)
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Danger of Coffee
I like to drink coffee. Can't start my day without it.
The crisp roasted flavor is just soothing to a mind going a mile a minute with a big things-to-do list.
It is great to have a cup-o-joe when I am pecking away at the keyboard.
Mmmm, mmm
Coffee.
Now I have a horrible habit of drinking this caffeine-laden concoction when I am tired or need to feel inspired. It gets me all peppy.
But there should probably be a limit. Drinking it all day, and drinking a pot and half by myself is not a good idea. Because today I need the coffee to stay awake since I couldn't sleep last night.
Bad coffee making Ginger stay up all night.
Now, is that second pot brewed yet?
The crisp roasted flavor is just soothing to a mind going a mile a minute with a big things-to-do list.
It is great to have a cup-o-joe when I am pecking away at the keyboard.
Mmmm, mmm
Coffee.
Now I have a horrible habit of drinking this caffeine-laden concoction when I am tired or need to feel inspired. It gets me all peppy.
But there should probably be a limit. Drinking it all day, and drinking a pot and half by myself is not a good idea. Because today I need the coffee to stay awake since I couldn't sleep last night.
Bad coffee making Ginger stay up all night.
Now, is that second pot brewed yet?
Peaches-n-Cream and childhood memories
I was strolling through the clearance aisle at Wally World the other day. I was looking for a fan and managed to turn down the clearance aisle with all the of the toys.
The toys always make me laugh a little because they are so different from the toys of my childhood. Trendy or uber high tech. There was this cat with a motion sensor that would meow and move. It freaked me out a little until I figured out what was going on. It is a long way from My Little Pony.
But as I pushed my cart along, I saw something that was from a simpler, more innocent time.
It was Barbie. An older Barbie. MY Barbie.
There in Walmart was a 1985 Peaches-n-Cream Barbie.
I was dumbfounded. And then I was flooded with happy memories. I remember having this Barbie in 1985. That Peaches-n-Cream Barbie was a surprise from my mom. And the 7-year-old Ginger liked it and played with that Barbie a lot. In fact, I think that Barbie was one of the first Barbies to wear the beautiful blue formal Barbie gown my dad brought back from the Philippines. That's right, my Barbies had fashions that Imelda Marcos would envy.
Sigh, such happy times.
And so long ago.
Funny what you find in the clearance aisle.
The toys always make me laugh a little because they are so different from the toys of my childhood. Trendy or uber high tech. There was this cat with a motion sensor that would meow and move. It freaked me out a little until I figured out what was going on. It is a long way from My Little Pony.
But as I pushed my cart along, I saw something that was from a simpler, more innocent time.
It was Barbie. An older Barbie. MY Barbie.
There in Walmart was a 1985 Peaches-n-Cream Barbie.
I was dumbfounded. And then I was flooded with happy memories. I remember having this Barbie in 1985. That Peaches-n-Cream Barbie was a surprise from my mom. And the 7-year-old Ginger liked it and played with that Barbie a lot. In fact, I think that Barbie was one of the first Barbies to wear the beautiful blue formal Barbie gown my dad brought back from the Philippines. That's right, my Barbies had fashions that Imelda Marcos would envy.
Sigh, such happy times.
And so long ago.
Funny what you find in the clearance aisle.
 |
| I got this photo from the Walmart website...I am a little too frugal to spend $40 on her today. Besides, I still have the original. |
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hair minus four inches
Bun no more
For the last ten years or so, I have kept my hair fairly long and one length. On occasion, a hair cut would result in me losing more hair than I wanted, but those are few especially when I get my hair cut maybe once a year.
I like long hair. I like to wear it up in a bun or a ponytail. But lately, that just, I don't know...felt too bland. Too routine. Even worse, I didn't like the way it looked. Even when I curled it, my hair just looked like it was hanging there. It wasn't doing my face any favors. I already have a chunky round face and I have been battling dark circles for a while. My uber long and straight hair just made me more look a little fatter and a little older.
In March or April, I first attempted doing something different. I colored it for the first time ever -- at 32 I had never colored my hair before. But I needed it then. The blond highlights were nice but they weren't the change I really needed.
I have mulled the haircut idea over since then. Not really acting on it because, well, change is scary. And it is a big change to have long hair cut. Yes, I have been known to cry, which is probably why I only get a haircut once a year.
But last week, I knew it was time. I needed something different. So I had about four inches cut off. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it is enough to make it very hard to put my hair up in a bun. And I had the stylist put layers in it, in an attempt to better frame my face and maybe give my hair a little umpf. Monday was the big day, and I have never been so happy to see that much hair on the floor!
Change is good.
But the hair is the only the first change. I am trying to eat better, maybe lose a little of that weight that makes me feel so very self-conscious. And I am going to try to exercise. I can't make any real promises, but I want to feel better and a walk around the neighborhood would be a step in the right direction. :)
It is little changes that may make the difference between feeling bland and feeling good. Maybe it will even improve my outlook -- not so newspaper negative but maybe a little bit more positive with a touch of newsroom smarmy.
I like long hair. I like to wear it up in a bun or a ponytail. But lately, that just, I don't know...felt too bland. Too routine. Even worse, I didn't like the way it looked. Even when I curled it, my hair just looked like it was hanging there. It wasn't doing my face any favors. I already have a chunky round face and I have been battling dark circles for a while. My uber long and straight hair just made me more look a little fatter and a little older.
In March or April, I first attempted doing something different. I colored it for the first time ever -- at 32 I had never colored my hair before. But I needed it then. The blond highlights were nice but they weren't the change I really needed.
I have mulled the haircut idea over since then. Not really acting on it because, well, change is scary. And it is a big change to have long hair cut. Yes, I have been known to cry, which is probably why I only get a haircut once a year.
But last week, I knew it was time. I needed something different. So I had about four inches cut off. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it is enough to make it very hard to put my hair up in a bun. And I had the stylist put layers in it, in an attempt to better frame my face and maybe give my hair a little umpf. Monday was the big day, and I have never been so happy to see that much hair on the floor!
Change is good.
But the hair is the only the first change. I am trying to eat better, maybe lose a little of that weight that makes me feel so very self-conscious. And I am going to try to exercise. I can't make any real promises, but I want to feel better and a walk around the neighborhood would be a step in the right direction. :)
It is little changes that may make the difference between feeling bland and feeling good. Maybe it will even improve my outlook -- not so newspaper negative but maybe a little bit more positive with a touch of newsroom smarmy.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Who can stop the rain?
I have to confess. I do like a raining day, but only when it fits into my schedule.
It is great to curl up with a book about war, strategy, theory...or any other good book. The sound of the rain gently failing to the ground sometimes sets a creative mood and one can do a little writing.
Rain is even a great way to catch up on a little sleep. It is very soothing and just encourages me to snuggle up in the blankets with a hubby and kitten.
However, it is not conducive to being uber productive. I have a long list of things to do today, one of which is to cut the blasted grass. And I can't do that when it is wet -- the little mower and big Ginger just couldn't handle that.
So, who can stop the rain?
Anyone?
No one?
Sigh.
I guess I have two choices. One, I can reevalute my things-to-do list or two, I can just grab a book and lay in be.
Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.
It is great to curl up with a book about war, strategy, theory...or any other good book. The sound of the rain gently failing to the ground sometimes sets a creative mood and one can do a little writing.
Rain is even a great way to catch up on a little sleep. It is very soothing and just encourages me to snuggle up in the blankets with a hubby and kitten.
However, it is not conducive to being uber productive. I have a long list of things to do today, one of which is to cut the blasted grass. And I can't do that when it is wet -- the little mower and big Ginger just couldn't handle that.
So, who can stop the rain?
Anyone?
No one?
Sigh.
I guess I have two choices. One, I can reevalute my things-to-do list or two, I can just grab a book and lay in be.
Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Trying something new
Generally, no real good comes out of me experimenting with food. But today, I thought I would try something new.
I really like chicken-and-rice casserole. Really like it with bacon on bottom.....mmm, bacon. But, Mr. X is not a fan. And I understand, so I try not to fix it often...the few times I do, I add a lot of cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
I found turkey breast tenderloins at the grocery store last week. The packaging had an enticing message: "Be Bold." It went on to say that the enclosed turkey can be substituted for chicken or pork loin.
"OK," I thought to myself. "What the heck, I will try it in chicken and rice. And besides, Mr. X likes turkey"
Now, I decided to make it in the crock pot. Added a little soup, some onions and herbs Provence. Keep your fingers crossed. This can only go one of two ways, and I am hoping it goes the good way. :)
I really like chicken-and-rice casserole. Really like it with bacon on bottom.....mmm, bacon. But, Mr. X is not a fan. And I understand, so I try not to fix it often...the few times I do, I add a lot of cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
I found turkey breast tenderloins at the grocery store last week. The packaging had an enticing message: "Be Bold." It went on to say that the enclosed turkey can be substituted for chicken or pork loin.
"OK," I thought to myself. "What the heck, I will try it in chicken and rice. And besides, Mr. X likes turkey"
Now, I decided to make it in the crock pot. Added a little soup, some onions and herbs Provence. Keep your fingers crossed. This can only go one of two ways, and I am hoping it goes the good way. :)
Friday, September 3, 2010
The best part of waking up
Is a nice cup of coffee and a sunny day.
It is kind of corny, but I like to get up a little earlier than everyone else, make the coffee and sit in my chair and just look outside.
On the coast, I could see a little bit of the ocean from our living room. In Southern Oregon, I can see the mountains. Once I get all of my lawn furniture repaired (it needs to be repainted, the sea air was not kind to my set), I may move outside with my cup-of-joe.
It is kind of corny, but I like to get up a little earlier than everyone else, make the coffee and sit in my chair and just look outside.
On the coast, I could see a little bit of the ocean from our living room. In Southern Oregon, I can see the mountains. Once I get all of my lawn furniture repaired (it needs to be repainted, the sea air was not kind to my set), I may move outside with my cup-of-joe.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I don't care what they say
Cutting the grass is not a lot of laughs.
It is 9:11 p.m. PDT. and I think I may go to bed. Why, well I am tired, have joint pains and I am pretty sure I actually pulled a muscle in my butt. And I really didn't think I had muscles back there that could be pulled by mowing the lawn. Needless to say, I am not entirely amused with lawn mowing.
When I took over the lawn-cutting duties because my husband (known as Mr. X) is pretty busy with work, I thought it would be this way to get outside. Get a little exercise. And find the work fulfilling ... or in a strange way relaxing.
Yes, I know that sounds a little weird. But I look at my mom. She cuts a lot grass. She and my dad live on a farm in Oklahoma...and the yard around the house is pretty big. She complains, but she gets a certain amount of satisfaction from cutting the grass. For her, it is another reason to be outside and time to think.
I even have friends who talk about how they like to cut the grass. Some even talk about how it is a good way to get a little exercise. Right now, I don't see any of that.
As much as I want to, I can't give up on this little project. One, I am pretty sure the city of Medford has code enforcers that would write a high grass ticket.
And two, at some point, I have to find some benefit out of it. I just need to keep an open mind, right?
On the bright side of this pain-in-my-rump, I think it makes some of the older male neighbors uncomfortable to see a girl behind a push mower. And that makes me smile a little bit. OK, a lot.
It is 9:11 p.m. PDT. and I think I may go to bed. Why, well I am tired, have joint pains and I am pretty sure I actually pulled a muscle in my butt. And I really didn't think I had muscles back there that could be pulled by mowing the lawn. Needless to say, I am not entirely amused with lawn mowing.
When I took over the lawn-cutting duties because my husband (known as Mr. X) is pretty busy with work, I thought it would be this way to get outside. Get a little exercise. And find the work fulfilling ... or in a strange way relaxing.
Yes, I know that sounds a little weird. But I look at my mom. She cuts a lot grass. She and my dad live on a farm in Oklahoma...and the yard around the house is pretty big. She complains, but she gets a certain amount of satisfaction from cutting the grass. For her, it is another reason to be outside and time to think.
I even have friends who talk about how they like to cut the grass. Some even talk about how it is a good way to get a little exercise. Right now, I don't see any of that.
As much as I want to, I can't give up on this little project. One, I am pretty sure the city of Medford has code enforcers that would write a high grass ticket.
And two, at some point, I have to find some benefit out of it. I just need to keep an open mind, right?
On the bright side of this pain-in-my-rump, I think it makes some of the older male neighbors uncomfortable to see a girl behind a push mower. And that makes me smile a little bit. OK, a lot.
Cheese with that whine
Well, it happened. I have found joy in the strangest place: A Walmart Super Center.
I know how it sounds. And trust me, I know it is pathetic. But since moving to the Medford area, I have searched for a place for decent prices on groceries that still bag the groceries for me.
It is probably selfish of me and elitist for me not to bag my own groceries. But I have to put them in the cart, unload them to the conveyor belt, load them into my car and have to unload them that home. This makes me feel like it is OK to expect the grocery store to bag my groceries.
OK, maybe I should stop whining before someone offers me cheese.
I know how it sounds. And trust me, I know it is pathetic. But since moving to the Medford area, I have searched for a place for decent prices on groceries that still bag the groceries for me.
It is probably selfish of me and elitist for me not to bag my own groceries. But I have to put them in the cart, unload them to the conveyor belt, load them into my car and have to unload them that home. This makes me feel like it is OK to expect the grocery store to bag my groceries.
OK, maybe I should stop whining before someone offers me cheese.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Here I go again
OK. I have missed blogging since schedules and then moving me took me away from my old newspaper one, "Misadventures of a Food Junkie."
It was about me trying to shed a few pounds. I think in terms of The World blogs, it was pretty successful. And I really enjoyed it.
It was a nice outlet.
This time, I am not limiting myself to my struggles with fat. It will be whatever pops into my little head! :) And trust me, I can have some out-of-the-blue thoughts.
I also don't promise to spell correctly or use my best grammar. You would think I would since I have a degree in journalism and a I spend a lot of time writing...but sometimes I need a chance to be sloppy with my copy. :)
And the name...well, I picked this name because I really laughed while I worked at The World. Everyone seemed to comment on it, so the blog name seemed appropriate.
It was about me trying to shed a few pounds. I think in terms of The World blogs, it was pretty successful. And I really enjoyed it.
It was a nice outlet.
This time, I am not limiting myself to my struggles with fat. It will be whatever pops into my little head! :) And trust me, I can have some out-of-the-blue thoughts.
I also don't promise to spell correctly or use my best grammar. You would think I would since I have a degree in journalism and a I spend a lot of time writing...but sometimes I need a chance to be sloppy with my copy. :)
And the name...well, I picked this name because I really laughed while I worked at The World. Everyone seemed to comment on it, so the blog name seemed appropriate.
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