The House of Fowler

Act Your Age

2012-01-23T19:40:00.002-05:00

To the lady on ABC Sunday morning talking politics I think I know who are but you look nothing like yourself: If you are over 40, your forehead should move when you talk. I am not against a little botox or what have you. But absolutely no movement is so obvious. As obvious the black turtleneck your wearing to hide your neck.

We are all going to grow old and wrinkled. Maybe we should face facts and embrace it. Or at least remember everything is better in moderation and that includes injections...

Cheap or Expensive

2012-01-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

I love coffee. Similar to my taste in wine, I can't tell the difference between good and bad. Which I am told is a plus in regards to the coffee at work.

Have a great Friday!

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My Perfect World

2012-01-19T20:19:00.002-05:00

In my perfect people would not post about their political beliefs on facebook. And I'd stop being invited to play mafia wars.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do.

2012-01-16T21:56:00.004-05:00

Lolly broke up with her first boyfriend. I took it hard, not as hard as the boy. Maybe residuals from the past, but it made me feel super sad.

Rock On

2012-01-14T20:02:00.004-05:00

In honor of Dave Grohl's 43rd birthday.

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Breakfast of Champions

2012-01-12T20:57:00.003-05:00

Protein Shake

1 cup of almond milk
1 cup of unsweetened frozen strawberries
1 scoop of whey protein

222 calories of yum.

Hunger

2012-01-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

I've been sticking to a diet of protein and veggies and I am hungry ALL the time. Seriously, all the time. Like go to bed hungry. But here are three things I know

Being 4'11 and 3/4 it takes a lot of calorie restriction to get the scale to move
While I've been non-stop hungry, I haven't lacked any energy.
There are plenty of people who go to bed hungry not of their on choosing

It's that last point that motivates me the most. To get control, stop wasting money on food and treats that aren't needed, and to use that extra money toward food to donate to the food pantry.

Point to Ponder

2012-01-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

"Live simply, so that others may simply live"

~Blessed Mother Theresa

Gettin Serious

2012-01-09T15:48:00.001-05:00

...and learnin how to be nice when hungry. Veggies may be good for you but you have to eat a truck load to fill you up...

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Drop the Bag

2012-01-07T21:19:00.003-05:00

These are not my friend...they are more like a frienemy.

Note to self: I am trying to lose 20lbs not gain them.

Deja vu

2012-01-06T21:55:00.002-05:00

Don't you hate when you buy a magazine only to realize that you read the bulk of it for free while waiting at the orthodontist office.

Winter Wipeout

2012-01-05T21:03:00.002-05:00

Why is it so much fun watching people get their clock cleaned while trying to make through an obstacle course? I laughed my butt off watching tonight's show. I wish that counted as exercise.

Happy Feet

2012-01-04T07:26:00.001-05:00

While I had to trade pj bottoms and sweat shirts for suits this week at least I can keep my feet comfy while seating in my cube.

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Goals and Resolutions

2012-01-03T19:41:00.005-05:00

Normally, I set a goal in every area of my life but this year I decided to focus on one and only one goal...lose 20lbs. I know, how overdone. But so needed.

You see on Nov 12, 2011, the day before I turned 45 I ate my last bit of sugar in the form of cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy, pies, frozen yogurt, etc. It was a cookie sandwich with sprinkles to be exact. I had decided that I wanted to challenge myself, to do something big in my 45th year. I would give up sugar for one year. Wonderful, lovely, delicious sugar.

I made it through the holidays without so much as a Christmas cookie, not even a candy cane. I also haven't lost one stinkin pound. I feel a lot better but I don't look a lot better. I wasn't expecting to lose a ton of weight but a few pounds, sure. I mean I eliminated cookies, candy, frozen yougurt, etc from my diet. Not seeing a difference in my weight, tells me that's there's a lot of other work that needs to go into cleaning up my eating in order to get into shape.

Hopefully it won't take all year to meet the goal. I do know I am going to have to do a lot better in the eating and exercising department than I have done for the first three days of 2012.

Any tips, secrets, motivators?

Shock to the System

2012-01-02T17:18:00.005-05:00

I am pretty sure returning to work tomorrow after having been off since the 21st of Dec. will be an adjustment. I am positive trading my wardrobe of pajama bottoms for a suit will be down right painful. If only I had a suit made out of flannel...

Out with the Old

2012-01-01T19:46:00.001-05:00

and in with the new. 2012...bring it. I hope 2012 is your best year yet!

Merry and Blessed

2011-12-25T17:54:00.001-05:00

What I Removed From My Christmas List

2011-12-21T22:57:00.005-05:00

Feather tattoos on my forearms. I've been mesmerized by them since I saw the Foo Fighters in concert. But I've come to the realization, I am a middle aged woman. I neither play the guitar or rock a mic. Damn it, if only...

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Christmas Interrupted

2011-12-20T19:49:00.003-05:00

Mister calls me at work to inform me that the Christmas tree feel over, there were causalties, but on the bright side I'll get to re-decorate the tree.

I failed to see the bright side. I am not sure if he knocked it over trying to water it or plugging it in but I could tell the way he dodged my "how'd that happen questions" that the animals weren't the guilty party.

(pretend you don't see the cord hanging off the mantle)

It's been a long time...

2011-12-11T08:45:00.007-05:00

Having been a student at IU when we won the 1987 national championship (...so what I am old) it warms my heart to think that perhaps (fingers crossed) we are finally back on track.

I think I may be wearing a sweet little smile when I walk into work on Monday and face my co-worker across the aisle, a Kentucky grad.

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Thanksgiving with the family

2011-11-24T15:20:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for wine but that's only because I am at the bottom of the glass and feelin good.

Hope you all are as blessed as I and are spending this day with family and friends.

Black is black

2011-11-22T08:55:00.006-05:00

Although I disagree with the Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. I do understand the joy the holiday season brings. That's my guess as to why in the last year or so everyone seems to need to get a jump on the holiday season. I am hoping it's the joy and happiness and not that everyone seems stressed and lacking time.

Times are hard. I know I am thinking twice about my decisions before I part with my money. Especially when it comes to spending for Lolly. Will this be something she'll really use? Something she really wants? Or is it something I just think is cute, good buy, etc. but will one day soon be boxing up for Goodwill? I am thinking twice. I plan to be more thought out about what I purchase.

It makes me wonder, do we really need to start our Christmas shopping on Thanksgiving night? Will the retailers really be making more money? Or will they just be paying more overhead for the same amount of sales they would have made with the normal Black Friday openings?

Are you planning on spending more, the same, or less than last year on your Christmas shopping?

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Cuttin Corners

2011-11-18T19:19:00.004-05:00

Much to my dismay, Target is running the same set of Black Friday commericals from last year. I guess everyone's trying to save money these days. But am I the only one who hates these commericals? They creep me out.

45

2011-11-13T19:36:00.005-05:00

Easy to do today, since it was my birthday. Time is flying by...just seems like yesterday was the big 4-0. Now I am half way thru my forties.

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Time to get our Grohl on

2011-11-07T15:30:00.003-05:00

I am taking Lolly and a friend to see the Foo Fighters tonight.

I realized some changes need to be made when it dawned on me that I actually had to shop for something appropriate to wear. How uncool would it be to roll up there in my usual button down and argyle sweater and khaki capris? Yeah, I need to make a few changes...

Word

2011-10-28T14:42:00.002-04:00

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A First...

2011-10-26T20:05:00.004-04:00

...Boyfriend for Lolly. While we knew it would happen sooner or later, Mister's not that keen on it. I am not too worried. She's got a good head on her shoulders, already concerned about keeping a balance between boy and life.

The boy told her he couldn't think of one thing he would change about her, she's perfect in everyway.

I like him for now. But for his own good, I think it's important he knows her step dad keeps shot guns under the bed, she has an uncle whose an ultimate fighter, and an aunt who beat up boys in high school so he better be good to her.

Work, work, and more work

2011-10-07T08:31:00.001-04:00

That's what I've been up to. That picture is a snapshot of my computer screen. That 933 is the number of candidates who applied for 1 admin position in a weeks time. That's only one opening. Do you know how long it takes to screen that many resumes? A long damn time.

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What am I missing

2011-09-13T21:44:00.004-04:00

I don't get the appeal of Missoni but it seems to be all the rage. I don't see it. I am staring at it but I just don't see it.

It might just cause a complex. I don't get Lilly Pulitzer patterns either but at least when I look at those patterns I see beach house furnishings.

Do you love it or hate it?

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Its the little things

2011-09-12T13:17:00.001-04:00

After an emotional weekend, I found this taped to me steering wheel this morning. I am the luckiest momma in the world.

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In Memorian

2011-09-11T07:19:00.001-04:00

Wells Fargo Sucks

2011-09-07T19:37:00.005-04:00

I received a letter today from my bank indicating that I would be charged a $3 Debit Card Activity fee each month when I make a payment or purchase using the card tied to a specific account. Problem is my debit card is tied to two accounts. I rarely have activity on said account while the other is very active. So in trying to determine if I need to consolidate, will the $3 charge actually be a big deal, etc. So I decide to call customer service for clarifcation. This is where the suck part comes in.

So I go through all the prompts, cause gasp if you want something that's not automated. I get the prompt that they are connecting me to a personal banker, and what am I greeted by "Due to high volume of calls, please call back tomorrow" and then it HANGS UP on me.

Hey, Wells Fargo didn't your momma every teach it was rude to hang up on people? Well it is. Let me teach you a little business lesson. It goes like this...If you send out a mass mailing regarding a new fee that's going to be incurred by account holders, well then it's probably a good idea for you to staff your call center with enough Customer Service people/personal bankers to handle the volume. I don't mind waiting in a que until someone's available to answer my question, but I do mind being hung up on.

Come to think of it, tomorrow works well for me. Perhaps, I'll forgo the call back and possibly just visit a branch and put an end to our relationship. You being so busy and all.

My Feelings Were Hurt Today

2011-09-06T17:15:00.002-04:00

By a pair jeans that were once loose and are now looming on the edge of "suck in and zip".

On Labor Day

2011-09-05T08:15:00.007-04:00

I offer a prayer for all of those struggling to find gainful employment.

Dear St Joseph, you were once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with father compassion upon me in my anxiety over my current inability to support my family. Please help me find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trail spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen

You've Really Gotta Hold on Me

2011-09-04T16:09:00.005-04:00

I set out to clean my bedroom closet this weekend. I actually had planned on it all week and was really looking forward to it. ( Lame or super productive, you decide) When the time came on Saturday I found myself putting it off. I had a hard time getting started not because it was already clean. It looked like this...

It needed plenty of help. My plan was to pull out my summer stuff (usually I have all seasons in there year round) get rid of anything that I didn't like or didn't fit leaving only wearable stuff so I could go in at anytime and pull out an outfit.

What I didn't plan on is how hard it was mentally to put things into piles. I ended up with 3 piles - keep, things that don't fit or I don't like that I will use for a garage sale or donate, and things that didn't fit but I wanted to keep because mentally I was trouble letting go. The whole exercise bought a few things to light. First, I've got a get on top of the weight/healthy eating issue, but that's another story. Second, it got me thinking how much does one person really need? I have 14 suits for work. I know it sounds crazy I am in my closet every day but I never really realized that. They say you wear 20% of wardrobe 80% of the time, why not get rid of the other 80% so someone else can use it. I am not there yet.

While I thought this would just be an exercise in time, it really has become an exercise in thought. I' got some things to figure out. Oh and I do now have a nice clean closet.

I am ready for some football

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Point To Ponder

2011-08-30T10:55:00.003-04:00

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
- Ronald Reagan

Lunch

2011-08-24T12:31:00.003-04:00

As if the food and the prices weren't disappointing enough, these have been spotted in the cafeteria at work. I am completely grossed out.

What a day not to have packed a lunch...

Brace Face

2011-08-22T10:28:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow Lolly gets braces. Tomorrow I become a bit poorer...

Smells Like Teen Spirit

2011-08-16T20:45:00.002-04:00

Lolly read the Kurt Cobain Journals while she was away this summer. Now I am overdosing on Nirvana with a side of Foo Fighters.

One can only take so much grunge...

Calling Early Adopters and Tech Geeks

2011-08-02T19:22:00.001-04:00

Anybody using Google+?

1410

2011-07-14T13:03:00.008-04:00

1410 - That's the average SAT score for incoming freshmen at the University of Notre Dame. A fact we discovered during a behind the scenes tour of the university. That's stressful. Good thing we bought this book the day before at the campus bookstore.

We'll need the book, it's secrets, a lot of prayers, and a backup plan...

Enough

2011-07-13T21:08:00.003-04:00

Am I the only one whose heard enough already about the Casey Anthony verdict?

All I really know is that I am glad it wasn't my decision to make, that the family dynamics seemed off from the very beginning, that guilty or not guilty I don't think things will end well for Casey Anthony in the long run.

Top Three Tuesday - Bucket List

2011-07-12T21:01:00.003-04:00

1. Become fluent in three languages
2. Live overseas for a few months
3. Earn a PhD

What's on your list?

Vacation Snapshots

2011-07-11T20:50:00.019-04:00

God Bless America

2011-07-04T20:44:00.004-04:00

Have a safe and happy fourth!

Top Three Pet Peeves

2011-06-28T12:30:00.002-04:00

1. Hearing someone chew, snap gum, chomp ice, etc.
2. People who cut in line
3. People who let their kids eat and drink during church. Seriously, it's a hour, they can make it. And we wonder why we have a generation of overweight kids. We teach them to eat for
entertainment.

However, comment problems on blogger may soon crack the my top 3...

I can't drive 55

2011-06-27T12:37:00.007-04:00

or 65, or 45, or anything within 5 miles of the posted speed limit.

Nothing like a newly permitted driver to make you realize how little you really remember about the rules of the road.

Maybe we should get one of these magnets now that Lolly's driving.

image

One Week

2011-06-24T10:41:00.003-04:00

This time next week I'll be on way home. (Mister thinks it strange that as a middle aged woman (gasp) I still refer to my parents place at home.)

I am looking forward too many things while I am on vacation...an 11 hr road trip with Lolly, a wedding, a 4th of July baseball game, a large does of extended family time...

But most of all, I am looking forward to unplugging from work. I am there. You know, that place where the little things that you normally brush off are now enough to drive you crazy. Ya, that place. I am living in it till the end of business next Thursday. I've told my co-workers if you hear me sobbing in my cube, just ignore it. But, I am gonna be strong. I think everyone is ready for a vacation and I am worried if I start to cry it will set off a chain reaction. You know the kind, like when one baby starts to cry and then every baby in the vicinity joins in... one week...

Top Three Things to Accomplish this Summer

2011-06-21T20:37:00.003-04:00

1. Clean out the storage area
2. Lose 5lbs
3. Take a trip to Indiana.

ok so #3's not so hard but the first two - wish me luck.

Anybody else have a to do list for the summer?

Monday Already

2011-06-20T09:06:00.001-04:00

Who the hell stole my weekend? Still yawning after 2 cups of coffee.

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Meet the Silver Lady

2011-06-16T21:03:00.007-04:00

Seems when the dealership needs to move some vehicles they actually can sell a car for what they once said was not possible.

I am lovin her. She's loaded with all the bells and whistles and lots of safety features. All very nice for someone stuck in traffic 2 hours a day Monday thru Friday.

Top Three Tuesday

2011-06-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

Top Three Ways to Relieve Stress:

1. Run
2. Watch movies
3. Read

At first I really thought eating should be on the list but when I thought harder I realized that eating is really a stress enhancer. Eat to relieve stress, then stress about what you just ate and how you're going to lose 10lbs. Vicious cycle.

How do you relieve stress?

In Need of Rehab

2011-06-13T21:24:00.004-04:00

I've fallen off the wagon. I am puffy and cranky and craving sugar. I tell you it's like liquid crack to me.

Tomorrow - cold turkey. No diet pop and no sugar, minus the two Newman O's I'll allow myself. (one step at a time)

I should have been a teacher

2011-06-09T09:53:00.001-04:00

Not because I love children or want to contribute to the betterment of the world (all of which I do) but because the idea of having the summer off sounds so stinkin awesome.

Momentary Lapse of Sanity

2011-06-07T07:59:00.005-04:00

This weekend I thought I wanted to buy a new car. One with everything. One to drive until the wheels fall off.

I started with Honda CRVs but just didn't feel it. If I am going to make a long term committment I have to feel the love. So I moved on to Toyota RAV4s. Found one with all the bells and whistles. Loved it, made my skip a beat.

But alas, 2 dealerships, 2 salesman, 2 managers, and no RAV4 for me. I am a bottom line kind of girl. If you can't meet the price I want to pay there's no amount explaination, sales techniques, etc that are going to work. And I have no problem cutting you off, thanking for your time and getting back to livin life and rollin around town in my used based out Rolla.

Go Big or Go Home

2011-06-02T15:04:00.005-04:00

I received a small promotion yesterday at work. I am very happy but feel a little funny about it in that it was long in coming. (Something I should have probably asked for coming in the door, but while I can negotiate for others, I am not that good at for myself.) Yesterday when I was living my boss's office he asked how I'd like to handle the announcement because he'd like to let the rest of the team know. My reply was can we keep it on the down low.

A little hard to keep it on the down low when Mister sent these flowers. And in true Mister style the flowers came with a box of candy, a teddy bear and a Congratulations balloon. I love that man!

How the heck I am getting these out the building without any questions?

Top Three Tuesday

2011-05-31T15:21:00.005-04:00

Give me your top three places you love to vacation.

Mine:

1. Indiana - seems lame but there really is no place like home.

2. New Orleans, actually make that the French Quarter with a drink in my hand people watching.

3. I'd like to say Florence or Paris, but I've only been once. So I'll go with some place on the water - I am not particular, or in a particular hurry to get back to the water since putting on a swimsuit seems far from relaxing these days.

Man, I want a vacation!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T07:46:00.004-04:00

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

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Top Three Tuesday

2011-05-24T19:24:00.006-04:00

What are your top three favorite ice cream flavors?

Mine:

Chocolate Chip (old school chocolate chip, not chocolate chip cookie dough)

Extreme Moose Tracks (Kroger Private Selection)

Strawberry (preferably with chunks of real strawberries)
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Small Message, Big Impact

2011-05-22T20:57:00.006-04:00

I just finished reading Small Message, Big Impact by Terri Sjodin

I was interested in this book because it's about how to put the power of the elevator speech effect to work for you. You know the elevator speech - the three minute spiel to sell yourself, your services, your ideas, etc. The elevator speech makes me uncomfortable because selling anything makes me uncomfortable.

While I was interested in the book it took me a while to actually pick it up and start reading. I didn't have to read far into the book to realize I should have picked it up right away.

This book is full of valuable information and helpful tools, whether you are developing an elevator speech or a longer presentation. I can count at least three missed opportunities where I could have benefited from the information in this book the week before I started reading this book. From the basic of how to have structured a presentation I gave down to how to determine the amount of time spent of each area of the presentation to how to define my intention when presenting an idea to my boss for buy-in.

Good for anyone in sales, anyone who presents, and more importantly anyone who is not comfortable with either of those situations.

The day after

2011-05-22T18:36:00.002-04:00

Top Three Tuesday

2011-05-17T15:50:00.008-04:00

My top three movies (at this time) are....

You've Got Mail, Beautiful Girls, and Torch Song Trilogy

Now tell me what movies make your top three list.

The Beginning and The End

2011-05-14T20:20:00.004-04:00

It started like this

and ended like this

more to come...

Warrior Dash

2011-05-04T14:29:00.003-04:00

Next Saturday at 8:00am Lolly and I will be running the Warrior Dash in North Georgia with a dear friend and her daughter.

There's been no prep and I don't like to get dirty but I do believe I am mentally tough. I hope I am not proven wrong...

Good Riddance

2011-05-02T08:20:00.002-04:00

Something tells me that there weren't any virgins waiting on him...

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Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T18:28:00.004-04:00

The wedding, Will, Kate, they're all fabulous but what I want is more of him.Everything about him says "Let's get in some trouble". If I was young, single, and located in England I'd be crushin all over him.

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

2011-04-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

Man, I wish I could belt out a song like Adele!

Quinze

2011-04-09T06:55:00.004-04:00

Lolly turns 15 today. Which she told me means that she's half way to 30 and 5 years from 20.

I now need a slice of cake, or a drink...

Detroit Comes to the ATL

2011-04-08T07:24:00.004-04:00

August 28 I want to be sittin on the lawn at Lakewood Amphitheatre watching Don't judge...I have a 20% chance of talking Mister into joining me.

First Thoughts

2011-03-30T19:05:00.000-04:00

When I saw this at Walmart today my fisrt thought was "suck it SI" Not sure if it's the ice cream high I am coming down from or if its the picture of "beauty" their trying to sell us that pisses me off.

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Reading Instead of Writing

2011-03-21T20:15:00.003-04:00

Lately when I am not working, I can be found sitting and reading, and re-reading. Books, magazines, blogs. Well maybe not enough blogs. See, I do my best blog reading at work. I've been busy at work so busy I haven't been able to stop by all my favorite blogs. I am not a slacker at work, really I promise. Whenever I need a brain dump, say after veiwing a couple hundred resumes, I will spend a few minutes catching up on my favorite blogs. It energizes me. Clears my head. Enough about me, I am off to read about you all...

My Head is Pounding

2011-03-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

All day long my head has been killing me. I couldn't drink enough coffee to get the hurt to go away. I tried all day long. Finally it dawned on me, it's not a lack of caffeine. I am going through sugar withdrawls. I probably should have figured it out sooner but it's hard to think straight when you're strung out on sugar.

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Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T07:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all! Rest assure I will do my best to put the Fat in Fat Tuesday. Enjoy your day to the fullest!

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Signs from a Mall

2011-03-07T19:53:00.002-05:00

I wanted to buy to buy all three but didn't think Mister would appreciate the sentiments...

Too Much of a Good Thing

2011-03-06T20:46:00.002-05:00

A Menchies opened about 2 weeks ago about 3 minutes from the house. I am averaging a trip every other day.

I think I know at least one thing that needs to be given up for Lent

Crazy Charlie

2011-03-02T19:42:00.004-05:00

I haven't been following all the Charlie Sheen drama but I did catch him on the Today Show this morning. The three things that struck me that he's gone over the edge are

1. the 2 "godesses" he lives with

2. although he says he's healthy he's got that skinny cracked out look

3. his whole attitude of how he's the reason Two and 1/2 Men is such a hit. Call me crazy but I think perhaps the writing has something to do with it.

It's hard to imagine this will end well...

Book Report

2011-02-20T19:35:00.004-05:00

For Jan I had planned to read Social Nation by Barry Libert for development (because I told the agent I would read it and wirte a review) and Sliding into Home by Kendra Wilkinson.

Well I did read Social Nation. It was a quick read and easy to digest. Of course if you are reading this you already understand social media and how powerful the connection can be whether its personal or business. But lots of businesses don't get it. This a good book for them. The premise of the book is how to attract customers, motivate employees, and grow your business. I am handing it to my boss tomorrow as he has not embraced social media himself yet and while we talk about at work I don't believe he understands the power behind it. (Which really pisses me off because he cited an example of someone using LinkedIn to recruit for a position, as if it wasn't something I wouldn't think to do. To which I had to educate him that nobody in our department knew what LinkedIn was until I walked into the door over 3 yrs ago ~ ok so I am still a little bitter about the recent goings on at work) Anyways I think he'll find it enlighting.

I just couldn't bring myself to read Sliding into Home. Fail.

As to make up for falling short of my 2 book goal for January, I have already finished two books this month and am a good way into a 3rd.

So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore, Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure, and The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly. With all this "self help" reading this month, I have a good feeling I am going to March as an improved version of myself.

Say Cheese

2011-02-15T14:20:00.003-05:00

I am in the market for a new camera.

The last camera I bought looked this...

Anybody have a camera they just love? Any camera buying tips?

Valentines For The Real World

2011-02-14T07:57:00.009-05:00

Is it just me or did anyone else have trouble finding the right Valentine card this year. They were either too mushy, too corny, too religious, or too racey. What I really wanted was a card that said...

Happy Valentines Day. It is what it is.

Mister's a lucky man, right?!

Today We Feast

2011-02-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

Today is Mister's 40th birthday. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he said Arby's. Seriously.

Maybe it's because we are going out to a nice restaurant with his family on Saturday. Or maybe it's because everytime I want to grab something quick and he suggests Arby's I say "No, that crap's not good for you and I am not driving over to Arby's" (expect maybe I say sh*t instead of crap)

I guess we are a living example that refinement doesn't always come with age.

I work hard for the money

2011-02-09T20:19:00.006-05:00

The review process at work is complete with the exception of learning what increase we receive. So my funk is about over. But let me ask you. Who gives a review without telling you your increase? According to my boss the experts say you should do them separate so that you focus on performance during the performance review. Well my research tells me that it's the money that gets people to get up in morning roll out bed and put their clothes on and come into work. ( I may or maynot have said as much)

This is my 3rd yr going through this review process. While I work for a great company with great people this process has been nothing short of disappointing. Part of the issue I think is that we went through a change in management and it really has been like starting over, maybe even worse than starting over. There has been a lot of talk of getting to the "next level" which has seemed to be a moving target. This year an example of wanting to see me using a industry tool was sited which was maddening since nobody in my department even used or knew about the tool until I walked in the door 3 yrs ago. When I get past the bitching I believe I am really being taught a lesson in humility and it's extremely painful.

While looking up my current salary today for something unrelated, I stumbled across my increase. I am beginning to think that pay isn't tied to performance or my boss total under estimates my awesomeness.

Ground Hog Day

2011-02-02T19:25:00.002-05:00

On Ground Hog Day I can never remember do we want the ground hog to see his shadow or not. What I do remember is my Great Grandma because Feb 2nd is/was her birthday.

I spent may days and nights with my great grandma growing up.

I remember picking lilacs and lilly's of valley in her yard

I remember playing dress up in her formals and costume jewelry

I remember eating burnt toast and drinking hot chocolate in her tiny kitchen

I remember the countless trips to the zoo and the park

I remember how she crocheted a baby blanket for my future baby before I even cared about babies or marriage because she knew that time would come after her.

But most of all I remember how much I miss her and how truly blessed I was to have her as my great grandma.

Feel Better Trifecta

2011-01-28T07:29:00.003-05:00

I tried cupcakes and a massive amounts of sugar in candy form to work myself out this work-inflicted funk. Upon good recommendation, I moving on to alcohol, from there shopping.

The trifecta of feel better goodness - sugar, wine, and shopping.

I had a bad day

2011-01-26T20:14:00.004-05:00

Thank goodness I thought to leave early to take a conference call from home because the last place you want to bust out crying when a team announcement is made is when you are sitting among your co-workers. So much better to do it in the quiet of your home office with the mute button pressed.

Regardless of today and yesterday, I am a happy person dammit!

Advice

2011-01-25T13:35:00.003-05:00

What do you do when everyone and everything is on your nerves? I mean really on your nerves and for no apparent reason. I've taken the counting your blessings approach to no avail.

Do you think it would be a bad idea to go into the boss's office and say " I need to go home, I am in deseparate need of an attitude adjustment and I am certain that it can't happen while I am sitting out here in a cube."

If my performance review wasn't next Monday, I'd do just that. Man, I hope this mood passes before Monday.

Very Happy Person

2011-01-20T20:34:00.003-05:00

When I got home today there was two packages waiting for me from Zappos. One was my shoes and compression pants. And can I tell you those pants stinking rock! I tried them on immediately and was so inspired that no I didn't run, it was dark out, but I did the 30 Day Shred. (For those of you who haven't been initiated to the Shred, nobody wants to do the Shred). The pants are that great. I can't wait to get to the gym tomorrow morning so I can run in them.

The second package was notifying me that I was a member of Zappos Very Happy Person (VHP) program for my enthusiastic support of the launch of Delivering Happiness, which is a great book and should be required reading for anyone running a business. How fun is this little package. It included a signed book and t-shirt.

I am off to spread happiness...

Ode to Zappos

2011-01-19T15:48:00.004-05:00

I love you. I love how easy and worry free you making shopping. If you were a man, I'd marry you.

I just order these and I can't wait for them to arrive tomorrow.

I have heard great things about these compression pants. However in my shopping excitment, I forget to research if they make your butt look smaller. Cause I tend to neglect what I don't see and that hasn't served my back side very well.

But so be it, because if I look scary in them I know I can return them with no problem because I love Zappos and Zappos loves me.

Report for Duty

2011-01-12T16:42:00.003-05:00

As most people know Atlanta has been shut down due to ice. Everyday since Sunday I've gotten the very nice automated phone call saying "Don't report to work" (I am paraphrasing) Today's call said "Tomorrow, business as ususal".

Mixed emotions - happy to escape the constant call of the food in the kitchen. Sad - I have to put on work clothes tomorrow. Will said call of the kitchen allow anything to fit tomorrow morning...

National Championship

2011-01-10T06:46:00.006-05:00

Is it just me or has there been a stinking bowl game of some kind on almost every single night since Christmas? Honestly, I am not real invested in the game tonight. I'll pull for Auburn for the sake of Lolly and her dad's side of the family.

What I am really invested in is the end of the bowl season. I woke up to this.

the head of Ilya Kovalchuk on the living room floor. My best guess is that poor Ilya was chucked from the office into the living room after Mister checked some score, line or what have you that didn't sit well with him.

What's not sitting well with me right now is Mister.

The amount of snoring that woke me up and kept me up this morning lets me know that Ilya's untimely death probably involved a whole lot of this

I am assuming that Mister's head is going to be feeling awful lot like's Ilyas this morning.

Location, Location, Location

2011-01-07T21:24:00.004-05:00

Why is it that these candy bars can sit in a bowl on my desk at work and cause me no harm? I couldn't care less about them. But when they are located in a glass jar with lid shut in my pantry at home they scream my name.

photo credit

January Reads

2011-01-04T19:11:00.004-05:00

For business/knowledge - Social Nation by Barry Libert. I was asked if I'd like to recieve a copy of this book to review and I anxiously awaited its arrival. Unfortunately it hit my door right the day before Thanksgiving. I read a few pages while waiting in the car for Lolly and then the book ended up in my trunk during the holiday season. But now I am ready to dig in to it.

For fun -Sliding Into Home by Kendra Wilkinson. Truth be told, this is just a book of convenience. I was starting to worry because I didn't have a fun book picked out or have I been able to get to the library Lolly bought it with some Christmas money while at her dads' and loved it. So we'll see.

I hope to knock these both out pretty quick so I can get back to reading Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Lapin. It's been a slow read for me and I know it's a slim chance I could get the rest read this month.

2011 Goals

2011-01-03T18:49:00.004-05:00

Without further ado. Far from original.

Lose about 10 lbs - Starting at 118 or it could be 120. I haven't stepped on the scale in two days. I am shooting for 108 but probably would be happy at 112. It's kind of a moving target. The weight charts say I should weigh in around 100-112 but I am really going by how I look and how my (old) clothes fit.
Stick to a budget.
Read 2books a month. One for fun, one for some sort of learning.

There are other areas and things I would like to focus on through out the year but I didn't want to put them in goal form and over complicate things. My intention is to post at least monthly on my progress - what's working, what's not working, etc.

Just a word or two on the weight goal. I know that to some my goal of 112 is enough to elicit an eye roll but remember I am only 5' and I am rounding up and 3 months ago I was weighing in at 130and starting to feel the effects. My second bit on weight is this, especially if you are younger, learn to eat healthy, to get exercise, and love yourself they way you are. If you do that weight will not be an issue. I promise you the last thing you want to do is spend the next 10, 20, 30 years focusing on your weight because you'll wake up at 44 and think you wasted a hell of a lot time. There's a great big wonderful world out there just waiting for you and it's hard to enjoy when you spend decades making your weight your focus.

I am stepping off my soap box - older and wiser.

2011

2011-01-01T09:39:00.000-05:00

I didn't want the day to go by without saying that I hope 2011 brings you everything you hope for and more!

I'll be back to talk about my goals for 2011. But for now I am working on getting New Year's Day lunch prepared early because I off to the Resolution Run at noon. Let me just add that it's raining. I mention that because running on New Years Day is one thing, but in the rain is a whole another thing. I hope you are impressed because I assure that will be the only thing impressive about this race. It certainly won't be my finishing time. But hey, I have a whole year ahead of me to improve on my time and distance.

Grinch or Genius

2010-12-31T19:22:00.000-05:00

Last year the day after Thanksgiving I pulled out all the outside Christmas lights and got to work. The day after Thanksgiving this year I pulled out thisAnd then I quit. It could have been laziness or it could of been that I wasn't emotional prepared to find any of the lights for bushes not working. However, I was beginning to feel like the Grinch because we have quite a few houses in the neighborhood that go all out with Christmas lights. Then today as I watched my neighbors tackle their decorations and all I had to do was thisI was feeling pretty pleased with my decision.

Proof That Nobody is Perfect

2010-12-30T07:18:00.000-05:00

Reese Witherspoon, super cute. Paul Rudd, super cute. This movie, blah. It's not bad, but it's not good. I can see where they tried but it just missed the mark for me.

Did anyone else see it and love it? Am I missing something?

What's It Gonna Be

2010-12-29T07:56:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year, the verge of a new year. Oh the possibilities. Anything can happen in a years time. I've had years that stood still, years with huge steps back, and years with huge improvements. What kind of year will 2011 be?

I am working getting some goals on paper for 2011. Decisions, descisons...stay tuned.

Celebration Gone Wrong

2010-12-27T05:36:00.000-05:00

In honor of the birth of the sweet baby Jesus, I spent the last few days consuming enough food to gain the weight of an avg new born - 7lbs 8oz.

I am not even going to tell how close I came. Pretty darn close.

photo credit

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:54:00.000-05:00

14 and 4

2010-12-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

14 - the number of pounds I've lost since my birthday. 4 months too late for my class reunion.

Better late than never, dang it.