If you haven't seen it in 10 years, you probably don't need it...

As I said in my earlier entry....I've been helping my dad de-clutter the house for the past couple of weeks. It's such a pain...but that's the price you pay when you live like a pack rat and think you need to keep everything.

It's amazing the stuff that has been in boxes for years and years...and every once in a while I'd come across some real gems. Like my collection of porcelain dolls. There were probably 6 of them in the box and they are basically in mint condition. I'm not sure what I am going to do with them. I can remember how excited I was about them at the time, but now...I just don't have the space or the desire to put them up on display. I am either going to place them back into storage...or I am also considering selling them on ebay.

One thing my dad and I have been doing, it labeling stuff. Even if I wanted stuff in there, I had no idea what anything was. It was just box after box after box. If I found something that I wanted to keep...such as the dolls or some college textbooks, I would make a little label and stick it on there. My dad is going to try to find his little electronic label maker because that would just make the project go by so much faster. You know what I mean right? Let me see if I can find a link on the lovely internet. It's kind of like these Dymo labels and such. When I was a kid, my brother and I would use that label maker all the time just to play. We would make silly labels and put them on each other when we weren't looking. I can my dad glaring at us and reminding us that it wasn't a toy. tee, hee, hee...

Well, won't he be so happy for me to use it for it's actual purpose. I am really looking forward to getting my brother's room organized and put together. And then, I think my dad wants to turn it into an exercise room. Sounds good to me.

Spring cleaning report...

Hi to all in the internet...and by all I mean the 5 or so people who read my little blog. Happy Tuesday to all y'all!

First off...I forgot to update my weight report yesterday. Oopsie! I weighed in and all...I just forgot to tell you all about it. I stepped on the scale on Monday morning and learned that I lost 3 lbs. So, I am a little down this week...but I still feel fit and strong, so I'm cool with it. I don't want the downward trend to continue though.

I think I am still figuring out what kind of calories I need on a daily basis to stay the same...given my level of exercise and activity. You see...I am kind of at both ends of the spectrum. To figure out your daily caloric needs...you use this little equation...that calculates based on your age, your height, your current weight and your activity level. Everything is obviously constant except for my activity level. You select different levels...which range from sedentary to highly active. So, I have struggled with which one to pick...because my day to day job...is pretty sedentary. I sit at a desk and talk on the phone...and type away. The most active it is...is walking to the bathroom or to the time clock or to the door to let a client in. So, not a heck of a lot. But...my activity level outside of work...is pretty active. I am working out 6x per week...and constantly on the move. And...the calorie range in the equation is pretty significant. If I pick sedentary it says I need about 1800 calories a day...if I pick active...it says something like 2400 calories a day. So, I've been ranging for something in the middle...and hope it all shakes out alright.

Alright, enough about weight...I bore even myself. I got majorly into Spring Cleaning mode this weekend...and it was long overdue. I got sick and tired of the apartment being a god awful mess. I mentioned that in my last entry...that I was skipping church to clean the apartment. I cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom...and a quick clean of the living room (doesn't take much). I also went over to my dad's and helped him start to clean. We have a lot of clutter in that house and so there is a lot of stuff that just needs to be thrown away. I didn't get to my bedroom over the weekend, but I did make a dent in it yesterday. I was watching TV last night and instead of just sitting there like a bump on a log...I decided to get a garbage bag and start going through some things. I quickly picked up anything that was obviously garbage...and then started going through some boxes and baskets. I have a bunch of stuff in storage under my bed..and most of it, I don't even know what is in there...so, have I really needed it in the last 2 years? I am in the process of going through it all...and either saving it for a garage sale or just pitching it. I found some interesting things...I found an old journal from when I was in grad school. I read a little bit of it and it was nice to revisit those times. I found a box with a few wind chimes in it. I think I might put those in the garage sale box. They are nice...but well, I haven't used them...so I hope someone else enjoys them more than me. I found some old pictures too...from college days. I also found some old CDs that I haven't listened to in a long time. I am going to burn most of them to my laptop...and probably put some on my mp3 player. I want to get the clutter under control...so my room and the whole apartment is more useable.

So....the cleaning will continue...and hopefully get to where I want it to be. It's a nice sense of accomplishment though...to keep trucking away at something and have the end product show the work you did. I know cleaning isn't some special thing...that deserves a prize, but for a messy, clutterbug like me...it is a whole new world.

co-ops, co-ops everywhere!

I love the idea of co-ops. In an ideal world, I'd like to live in a co-op. I like to shop in co-ops. We had one of the best co-op stores in Bloomington...and I always loved shopping there. I even like banking co-op style...using credit unions over regular ol' banks. I just think the whole idea of co-ops are fascinating.

I was reading recently about a college that works as a co-op. At first, my initial thought was...umm, what does that mean? I didn't see how being a co-op could lead itself to a college setting. So, I clicked on the link and started reading. The school is Kettering University in Flint, Michigan (you know the place where Michael Moore's movie Roger and Me was based upon).



So, what does it mean? Well, Kettering has engineering co-op programs. They place students starting in their freshman year with different companies and rotate them in order to get training and on the job experience. I think a program like that is fan-freakin-tastic! You not only get the education in the classroom, but you get practical experience in your field from your freshman year on. There are so many benefits to that. One, you get to truly know if the field is for you...and know pretty early on. A lot of school require an internship in your senior year, but what if you do your internship...months away from graduation...only to realize that it isn't the right field for you. Two, you get to apply all the stuff you are learning in a practical setting from day one. And three, you get on the job experience...which we know is so beneficial in getting a job after graduation. I imagine a lot of these companies end up hiring someone who has worked for them in their "co-op" experience. I know that the job I am currently in...started as an internship and now I am a full time, paid employee. I imagine that happens all the time there.

When I was getting my degree in social work, if there was a school who had this co-op philosophy, let me tell you, I would have signed up in 2 seconds flat. The ability to get practical experience and on the job training as part of my degree...I would consider that invaluable.

So, check them out...Kettering University...a co-op institution. Who knows, maybe it'll be the wave of the future.

Oyster Joke...and some seriousness too!

People at my office love cheesy jokes...we seem to not be able to get enough of them. One of my co-workers...just told me this joke the other day...get ready...cause it's so corny and cheesy...it's so pathetic, I think that is what makes it funny:

A female oyster walks into a bar and sees a cute, male oyster eyeing her up and down. She walks over and says, "Is that a pearl in your shell or are you just happy to see me?"

Yep...that's the kind of jokes we like people. We're sad. We're pathetic. Welcome to our world.

And now...since I am a vegetarian and all...I'd thought I share some of the dangers of eating raw oysters. I know the reputation...and "why" people eat them. I don't eat oysters anyways...being veggie and all, but for certain people who have high-risk conditions, it can be really risky. Gulf oysters which are eaten raw can be dangerous for people with diabetes, liver disease, cancer, stomach problems, etc. I was surprised to hear about the diabetes. I have diabetics all throughout my family. My mom was a diabetic, my dad is a diabetic, my aunt is a diabetic. I guess it can lead to infections and serious illness from a bacteria that is in the oysters. They say the bacteria is killed when it is cooked, but if you eat it raw...not so much.

So, I know raw oysters are supposed to help people get into the MOOD and all...but think about it next time and order something else off the menu!

Hello Spring!!!

Hi y'all....today I am happy to see is the first day of Spring. Of course, that doesn't mean the cold weather is gone for good, but it's on the way out. My two favorite seasons....are Spring and Fall. I like them both...for the same reason. I like that it is a time of change. It's a time when everything is transitioning. I love the smell of spring time...when the air is still cold, but it has this crisp newness to it. I love it when things start to bud...and grow. I love Fall as well...when the leaves start to change and the air changes from warm...to just starting to get cool...with a nice breeze.



So, I say hello and welcome to Spring!

What the hella?

I was talking with my dad this morning after church...and he said something about his friend at work getting a new truck and how cool the Hella lights were. I immediately knew I was a female because I said...What is hella? I just barely learned what a Hemi is. What is hella? Is it what people say now instead of Hollah when something cool happens?? *giggles*

My dad said he didn't even know what it was until his friend at work explained...that it is the high beam lights that come on a lot of trucks now...and even some cars. I wonder if it is the bright blue lights that I often see. Remember all those commercials that had that hickish guy saying, "Got a hemi??" It's only a matter of time before we see Ford commercials with some guy saying, "Get a hella??"

Yep..I am not a car girl. What I know of cars is...it gets me from point A to point B. If I need to know more...this girl calls her daddy.

Happy Leap Year!

I couldn't let the day go by without posting...since it is Leap Year and all. I don't know why I find the idea of Leap Year exciting. I guess it is because it's the day that only exists once every 4 years...kind of like it's a magic day that only gets to come out and play every once in a while.

So, I hope you are enjoying your magical Leap Year day!!!

Cleanse away....

I went to BJ's with my dad this weekend....I love that store. I think it feeds the part of me that LOVES getting a deal on stuff. I bought some protein shake powder...and some vitamins...a bag of candy for work. I used to buy a lot of snack food there, but haven't lately since much of it just isn't as healthy as I used to think it was.

When I was over in the vitamin section...I saw all these cleanse products. They intrigue me. I had seen the ones for the colon cleanse before. I want to do more research on them. I wonder if they are effective, if they work. I know a lot of people buy them hoping to lose a few pounds doing just that. That's not why I would like to try it. I've been eating pretty low carb/high protein for months now...and I heard that it can hard on colon over time. So, if a product like this...can help maintain my colon's health...that's a good thing, eh? I just don't know if they work...how they work...why they work. Hmm, it's time to use google search and read up. (What did we do before the internet??? lol)

Another cleanse I saw was a liver cleanse. I had never heard of that at all before. I read the bottle and it says it really helps with gallbladder function. My immediate response was...it's probably something alcoholics should use since their liver gets damaged so much, but is it something we all could use? Well, the liver is the organ that takes all of the toxins out of our body, so maybe. I am not as interested in this one as I am in the colon cleanse...but, it definitely is something I wanna read up on.

I need to go see a new PCP doctor within the next month...and I am going to ask him/her about these cleanse products and see what they say. I know that we lived for a long, long time without them, but in the age of processed foods and additives in everything we eat, maybe it would help more than hurt.

Has anyone ever tried a cleanse?? What did you think of it? Do you recommend it? Google search can tell me a lot of info, but personal stories are always great information.

Tax Time...at least for me!

So, it's February...and for me, that means it is time to get cracking and get my taxes done. I have never been one of those people who leaves them to the last minute and is up at midnight...pulling my hair out...on April 14th. My dad..surprising...usually ends up being one of those people. He usually does everything early, so that always catches me by surprise. He keeps everything up to date in terms of finances with a bunch of excel worksheets and I think he even uses a budget software of some sort, etc...so his taxes should be easy as pie. This year it might be a smidge more complicated because of my mom passing away, but I am not sure.

My taxes are pretty easy. I don't own property and what not, so it is just the standard return. I do it online because it is simple and easy and you get your return so much faster. I had to wait for a couple of my W-2s and some of my interest statements to be ready, but now I believe I have everything. I went through and quickly did the federal return to see what it would look like. I didn't file it, but just entered the information...and wanted to see where I was at. I was worried that I was either going to get little to no return or might even have to pay...because I had a bunch of untaxed income I had to deal with. I have my Americorps money...which is great because I paid off a bunch of money on my student loans, but now not so great because I now have to pay taxes on it. Plus, I still have a little income from when I worked at the video store...and they never take taxes out. Plus, income from interest accounts and another side job. So, that's a lot of money NOT being taken out for taxes. I did set up my main job to have extra money taken out for taxes, but I wasn't sure it would be enough.

When I plugged the numbers in for the federal...it shows me getting a return. It's not a huge amount of money, but heck...I am just glad I am not going to owe them anything. I haven't done the NY State one yet and for that one, I am pretty sure I might end up in the owe column, but hopefully not a lot. I plan on getting all the paperwork together and officially doing my taxes this week. Cross your fingers for me...that the state doesn't kill me. *winks*

Lent commitments....

I mentioned in a post a while back...that I was unsure what I was going to do for Lent. Was I going to give up pizza and candy like I always do? Was I going to do something different since my diet is taking care of that anyways??

Today Lent officially starts. I'm not Catholic, so it's not a requirement that I give up anything, but I usually always do. I can remember being a little kid and telling my mom I was giving up homework for Lent...and just being impressed with how cute I was.

For 2008, here are my commitments for the Lenten period:

1. Giving up Pizza...as I always do. It should be easy enough. I haven't had a slice since mid-September, so 6 more weeks should be no big deal.

2. Giving up candy...as I always do. Once again, should be easy enough to do since simple sugars are not on my plan.

3. Giving up soda. I haven't had soda in the longest time, but I want to commit to not having any for the next 6 weeks. I doubt it will be a problem since I have had the same 2 bottles of diet Pepsi in my fridge since before Christmas.

4. Instead of giving up, I am giving back. I am committing to going to church for the next 6 weeks of Lent, no exceptions. Plus, I am going to increase the amount of money I put in the offertory plate each week. I am also going to look for ways to continue to get involved with church activities during this 6 weeks, etc.

I know my friend Heather (hey Hottie!) is doing the same church commitment...in hopes of finding a new church home.

Anyone else giving up something for Lent???

What would you spend it on?

So...if you have watched the news or read the newspaper and spent anytime on the internet, I am sure you have heard of the economic stimulus package that the Pres and Congress want to do. Basically...the economy is headed into a recession (we are in a war...it's supposed to!), so to try to stop that from happening, they are proposing refund checks of some of our tax dollars.

Right now...the package basically says this. If you are single and don't make more than $75,000...and paid a penny of taxes last year, you would get $600 bucks back. If you are single and didn't make enough money to actually pay taxes, you would get $300 back. If you are married and jointly don't make more than $150,000....you would get $1200 back. Plus...you could get an additional $300 back for every kid you have.

So, I would be eligible to get $600 back. How much might you see?

The point of the money is to use it in the ecomony. So, what would you buy with the money you got back? I have heard some people around my office say they would get repairs to their car. One person said they would buy a couch that they wanted. One person said they would put it towards a family vacation. One person said they would buy a plasma lift (it's an entertainment center for a swanky plasma TV...I had to look it up since I still have an ancient old 19" TV that I owned in college!). But, most of all...I hear people saying they would pay off bills or save it. I am with those people. I know I am supposed to put it into the ecomony, but as soon as I got that check...I'd be sending that money right to my student loans...no question.

Would you spend it? Would you save it? Curious minds want to know.

lent sment...

Happy Tuesday all!!

I went for another run yesterday. I get out of work an hour early on Mondays and Fridays, so I got home...strapped on my shoes...got my workout clothes...and headed out for a quick run. I did a warm up walk for about a mile...then ran...jogged rather for 2.5 miles and then did a cool down walk for about 3/4 of a mile. It was a nice day to go out for a run because the weather was a little warmer....it was in the mid-30s. I am hoping to get another run out of the way during the week...and then run to dad's again on Saturday...and increase the distance to at least 4 miles. The 5 mile race I want to run is at the end of March, so from today...I have 60 days until it's go time. I am pretty sure if I keep on pace, I'll be ready. I have to accomplish two things...I have to increase the distance I am running...and increase the speed of which I run. I'll work on the distance first...then the speed.

Let's see...what else is going on??? Oh, Lent is coming up. I have to decide what I am going to do for Lent. Lent starts on 2/5 and goes until 3/23. Now, I am not Catholic, so Lent isn't a requirement for me, but I usually do participate. I like the idea of giving something up for 6 weeks with a higher purpose.

Now, I usually always give up candy and pizza for Lent. One, it usually helps me say no to eating them...and two, it's a great health conscious thing to do. One of my favorite candies in the world is the Cadbury Mini Eggs, so if I give up candy for Lent...I am not tempted to eat my body weight with those little suckers. And pizza...is always something I love. If it was at all healthy, I could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert and never grow sick of it.

I have been thinking if I want to give those things up again...because in essence, I have given them up since mid-September already. I haven't had a slice of pizza or a piece of candy since mid-September. So, do I really need to give it up completely for another 6 weeks? Well...I guess I don't, but why not? It's not going to hurt me to be without pizza and candy for another 6 weeks. Plus, it might help since I am starting to transition out of the weight loss phase into the maintenance phase.

But...I think I might do something else for Lent too. It's not giving something up, but increasing my commitment. I think I might put more $$$ in the offertory plate at church for those 6 weeks...and commit to going to church each week. That might be a nice addition to giving up the pizza and sweets.

I don't know...I have a week until I have to decide...but that is what I am thinking.

new tv lineup

So, tv premiere week has come and gone. I'll admit it, I enjoy a good tv show. I always look forward to seeing my favorite shows return and what new shows might be on the horizon. I was really looking forward to new episodes of Grey's, The Office, Ugly Betty, Bones, etc.

And there were a few new shows that I was excited to see too. I wanted to check out the Grey's spin-off 'Private Practice.' I am not sure I will like it because I didn't really like Addison's character on Grey's...but I am going to give it a shot. Plus, it has a stellar cast. I always wonder when they are making a new show...how do they test it? Do they do market research? Do they do test screenings like they do for the movies? I mean, they have to have some indication of how it might do before it hits the air waves. Hmm..always been curious as to the process of a new show actually hitting the air. Of course, I imagine it is easier with a show like Private Practice because it has the Grey's popularity to build of off, but they isn't always enough...just ask Friends Joey! lol

I also am interested in the new show Big Shots. It's a Sex in the City, but with men on ABC. It's on the Tivo...and I haven't watched it yet, but it looks interesting. Plus, it has a yummy cast. It has Dylan McDermott and Michael Vartan in it. hummina, hummina, hummina. I hope I like it...cause it looks good.

Any other new shows that people are watching this fall season?

catching up...

This week has just flown by...it doesn't feel like it is Friday already. Oooh...and I have been a good and healthy girl all week long. I haven't eaten out at all. I haven't been tempted to order lunch with co-workers, etc. All in all..it's been a good week.

I don't have much planned for this weekend...just doing some laundry and lazing around the apartment. My dad and I might make a trip to Devil-Mart...and maybe purchase my bday gift...which is going to be a new elliptical machine. whoo hoo! I have missed the thing...since it broke down and broke my working out heart! *winks*


I hope everyone had a great week and has a fabulous weekend in store of them!

the complete heebie jeebies!

I was reading on the internet last night...yes, on my new LAPTOP...and came across this story. Just reading it made me panicked. *shudders* For those of you who are too lazy to click on the link...it's a story about spiders in Texas who made a huge spider web which scans over 200 yards. They say that some people are visiting and some people are staying very far away. I would be one of those people...who wouldn't get near that place if you paid me. They also say that you can hear the screeching of the mosquitoes who are all caught in the webs. Eww....ewwww....ewwww!!!!!!!!!!

I am afraid of spiders...I'll admit it. I find them tricky and just plain mean. And don't bother telling me how good they are...and that they eat bugs that are real pests, etc. I've heard it before....still terrified.

So...the idea of possibly millions of spiders working together to make a HUGE spiderweb. I am sorry...that's just chuck full of creep. I think they are starting their plan of taking over the world....and of course, they'd start in Texas...evil, evil Texas.

*shudders* Evil, evil spiders.

I need all the self-help I can get!

I have read a lot of self-help books in my time. I am always interested in reading someone else's advice on how to make changes in my life. I've read retirement books, financial books, weight loss books, self esteem books....the list goes on and on. There is a new book for women out. Well, actually...it's not that new. It's been on the best seller's list for ever and it's now in its 5th printing. It's called "Inside Every Woman: Using the 10 Strengths You Didn't Know You Had to Get the Career and Life You Want Now" by Vickie Milazzo. If you go to the website, you can read the first chapter for free. I think that is so cool. I have often thought a book would be super duper cool, but once I got it...I realized it just wasn't the right book for me.

I took a quick read and it had me intrigued. Part of the free chapter talks about the promises that we, as women, should make to ourselves in our lives and especially business. One that really struck home is #2: "I will go for it or reject it outright." That just makes so much sense to me. I know so many people that half do something. I know I have done it. Going at something halfway...seems to give me an out if it doesn't workout. I can tell myself...it's ok, I didn't really want it anyway. Well, that may be well and good, but it's the coward's way to do things. So...cheer, cheer to Vickie Milazzo. It's definitely something I should be applying in my life. Hey, if I fail...at least I know I gave it 100%.

So, check it out. I think I am going to see if my library has the book and if not, you could always buy it on amazon.

Auntie Em...Auntie Em!

There was a freaking tornado in Brooklyn yesterday. That is just ridiculous. They said it was a F2 tornado, which means the winds were between 111 and 135 miles per hour. There were trees uprooted...roofs taken off.

You know, when I lived in Indiana...there would be tornados from time to time. Since I am from the east coast, I was always timidly amazed by them. They are such powerful creatures....and we never usually have them around here. The news report said that there hasn't been a tornado in that area since 1889....so, yeah...I guess it would be a rarity.

The morning news also said that there is more extreme weather (flooding, drought, fires, tornados, tropical storms) than usual...and it is the beginning signs of global warming. Hmmm, I wonder what will have to happen before people will stop thinking that we have made this whole global warming thing up???

It doesn't feel like Wednesday!

This week...it feels like is has taken forever. Work has been pretty busy, so it feels like I have done much more work this week than just a couple days worth. Now, I know I get down time at my job too...so I am just praying for some of that down time to come my way.

I'm going on vacation in a few weeks so if nothing else, I will get some down time then. I am not going to do much for the week...clean the apartment, do some shopping, get some rest, and a lot of nothing.

Okay...back to the grind...the busy grind!

Pay Someone Or Do It Yourself???

You know, I wish I was more handy than I am. I am often so jealous of my dad and the made skills he has. He has replaced the plumbing in the house. He has added a deck to the house and has replaced the porch twice. He's updated our back room and had designs on putting another bathroom in the house for years and years.

Right now, I can't do any of those things. I wish I could. And, I know my dad only learned those things by doing them. I mean, he wasn't born knowing how to put a deck on a house or how to dry wall a room, etc. So, I am deciding to do more DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. For example, I want to install some security features to my current apartment. I want to add a peep hole and a dead bolt. I hate that when someone knocks at the door, I have no idea who is there. Of course, I would have to get permission from the apartment complex first, but that should be easy enough. And who knows, maybe if they will let me make the apartment more secure, they will also let me make it look prettier too!

I am going to read over more info on their site and when I need something done, instead of calling someone...I am going to attempt to Do It Myself! (of course...with some help and support from my dear ol' dad).

what the....

You know, sometimes I think people think it is just too much of a bother to be nice, to be cordial, etc.

I get to work about 15 minutes early each morning...and before clocking in, I walk around the building once or twice. It's good to start the day with a smidge of exercise and if I clock in too early, I will get the dreaded red box on my timesheet! dum, dum, dum....

So, there are often people working or standing outside smoking cigarettes when I am walking around. I usually always walk by and say "hello" or "good morning" to them as I pass. Most people will say hi back or ask how I am doing, etc... There are a couple of people that just REFUSE to answer. Every single day I walk by and say, "Good Morning" and every single day they sit there like no one said anything to them.

It's just rude...and well, unnecessary. *grumbles* But, I won't let their rudeness get to me...so every single morning I will say "g'mornin" to them...if they don't respond, it their problem...I still wish them a good morning!

P.S. I am doing Relay for Life tonight...so wish me luck!