Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Volleyball Time

Olivia had her first volleyball practice of the season. They added doubleheaders for the first and last weeks of the season this year. In the past, they played six teams and this year it will be eight teams. I am looking forward to the Saturday morning games. It is fun to watch how much the kids improve each week.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Bengals 48, Packers 17

It's going to be a loooooong NFL season! I know it's only the pre-season, but the Packers haven't looked all that hot so far. Let's hope they turn things around and quickly!

They play again Friday afternoon.

Whew!

The fix was a simple one!

Apparently, the template I am using had some sort of bug (only showed up in IE) that sent my sidebar links to the bottom of the page when italic is used in a post. I just needed to make a little change in the CSS code. I thought I did that, but it turns out I missed one itty bitty } symbol that threw off my whole blog.

Whew, glad it was an easy fix! :)

Monday, August 28, 2006

Oh My!

What happened to my pretty pink blog? There is some sort of weird bug? I will have to look into and work on this tomorrow!

I'm Ready for Some Football

Green Bay Packers at Cincinnati Bengals -- time for kick off!

Grandma Spoils Granddaughter

Suprise, hey? LOL!!

Olivia spent the weekend with my mom, and they did some SERIOUS school shopping. My mom dropped Olivia off at home while we were at church yesterday. When we walked in the door, Olivia had half the kitchen table covered with new clothing and SHOES my mom got for her. Not one of the piles on the table were only one deep...lol!

Olivia and I both thank you! I love you, Mom!

Friday, August 25, 2006

Date Night

Olivia is spending the weekend with my mom! I decided to ask Bob out. He said yes...lol!! He has worked so much this week and will be all weekend. It will be nice to spend time with him without the piles work papers in front of him.

I better go get ready for my date!

22,603.75 Pounds!

FitLinxx is AWESOME. Once a month my instructor prints out a sheet that tells how I am doing on the machines that are contected to FitLinxx. There are ten connected. It keeps track of number of workouts, sets, reps, total weight lifted, my lift speed, my drop speed, and if I let the weights touch (a big no no...lol).

Yes, I have lifted over 22,603.75 pounds in 8 workouts on the machines that are connected to FitLinxx. I have actually lifted 10 times -- one day the log in kiosk wasn't working and the other was today. Those numbers aren't in there. Neither are five additional machines I work on. So I imagine the real numbers are probably close to double what is on the print out.

According to the print out, my lift speed is good. Up in two seconds. That's easy, in fact as you do more reps it gets harder to lift in that short of a time. I need to work on my drop speed. Do you know how hard it is to bring the weights down in 4 seconds? LOL! Chest press is the one I have to work on most.

The number for weights touching seems way high to me. I think some of the touches are from when my range was being set. One machine has 6 touches and I know I did not let the weights touch six times. You get this strange beep from the FitLinxx when the weights touch, and I would remember hearing that sound six times from one machine...lol!

So drop time and touches are what I will be working on!

It's time to register for fall classes. I am going to check out the book and might sign up for a class or two.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Very Vera

I was excited to hear this. I like her style...

KOHL'S AND VERA WANG ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE NEW COLLECTION
Introducing Very Vera by Vera Wang

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., August 24, 2006 — Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) is teaming up with Vera Wang to create Very Vera by Vera Wang - as a premium fashion and lifestyle brand. The exclusive brand will be available in all Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com starting Fall 2007.

The Very Vera by Vera Wang brand is licensed by a subsidiary of Vera Wang Group to Kohl's under a long-term agreement. Kohl's will be the exclusive provider and marketer in the United States of all Very Vera by Vera Wang merchandise such as sportswear, intimate apparel, handbags, leather accessories, jewelry, footwear, linens and towels.

"The Very Vera by Vera Wang brand will retain my personal design sensibility of a relaxed effortless approach to fashion," Vera Wang states. "I am thrilled to create a collection of creative lifestyle and apparel products for Kohl's. This new partnership with Kohl's, a company with incredible integrity and trust in the marketplace, is a true honor."

source: kohl's.com

Mission Accomplished

When we have a simple job on a to do list why do we put it off for so long?

About three weeks ago I moved our phone/answering machine from the bedroom into the den. It just makes more sense in here. This, of course, created a problem. I needed another socket to plug the iron into. Since there was an unused extension cord in here. I started unplugging the TV every morning, plugging in that extension cord, plugging the TV into that, and then plugging in the iron. After I was done ironing I would reverse the process. I know it's silly and you are probably wondering why I didn't just leave the extension cord there. Well, I have this thing about cords and them being see in my house. They drive me crazy!!

Well, shortly after I moved the phone and discovered my outlet dilemma, I remembered we had a turn-one-socket-into-three gizmo being used in the family room where a surge protector would make more sense. An extra surge protector was in the basement. So if I don't even have to remember to pick up these items at the store why did it take nearly three weeks for me to cross it off my list?

Today I move it to my Ta Da list...lol!!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

I Heart Signing "Reality" Shows

American Idol is the best, but Rock Star: Supernova does find some really GREAT talent! Some are a little strange, but you would have to be to fit in with the guys that make up this group. Gilby Clark (Guns 'n Roses guitarist), Jason Newsted (Metallica bassist), and Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe drummer & my new crush...lol). Funniest line from Rock Star this season had to be last week when Tommy Lee told one of the "rockers" her interpretation of "I Will Survive" was "sauteed in wrong sauce". I am still laughing about that one.

There is a new one (signing show) coming! It starts next week and is called Celebrity Duets! Celebrities not necessarily known for signing will be paired with a recording artist.

Recording artists scheduled: Clint Black, Michael Bolton, Belinda Carlisle, Taylor Dayne, Peter Frampton, Macy Gray, James Ingram, Wynonna Judd, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Kenny Loggins, Richard Marx, Brian McKnight, Aaron Neville, Smokey Robinson, Randy Travis, Dionne Warwick, and Lee Ann Womack.

Celebrites not known for their signing are: Chris Jericho (WWE World Champion), Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica), Cheech Marin (Cars, Nash Bridges), Carly Patterson (2004 Olympic Gold Medal-winning gymnast), Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye), Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk), and Lea Thompson (Back to the Future, Caroline in the City).

I sound like TV junkie! I'm really not!

Speaking of music (and note to self): I need to pick up Christina Aguilera's new CD Back to Basics!! :)

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Race Fan Fashion for A Cause

I ran across the article below on jsonline.com today.
Track Couture, a Memphis company, usually produces clothing inspired by NASCAR and racing. But this time the inspiration is personal. Kathleen Smith, co-founder of the company, has unveiled a new T-shirt in memory of her late sister, Wendy Smith Rice, who died unexpectedly last year.

Smith Rice died from Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) Type 2, which causes more than 3,000 sudden, unexplained deaths in the United States every year.

The shirt, a white, long-sleeve tee with black sleeves and a checkered pink and black heart in the front, was designed to raise awareness about the disease and raise money for related medical research.

The shirts sell for $29.99, of which $19.99 will be donated to the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation. For more information, visit www.trackcouture.com/charity.aspx. - Vikki Ortiz


It may be because I am living a rock (lol), but this is the first time I have heard of Track Couture! Fashion for race fans? I think I am in love!!!

The list of drivers they have merchandise for is limited, but my guy (Tony Stewart) is available. I am going to have to take a long look at the site and pick out some new race day gear.

How about Race Royalty or Pit Lizard? :)

Monday, August 21, 2006

I Love Weekends

Yep, another busy weekend. I cherish that time, but wish it didn't go so fast.


Friday Evening: Dinner with Bob's parents. It was their last night in town and was SO hard to say good bye at the end of the night. We sure miss having them just a few minutes up the road.

Saturday Afternoon/Evening: Celebrated my grandma's 85th birthday. We waited until today because my Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Wayne are here from California for a high school reunion. It was also a date when my Uncle Ron & Aunt Gail could make it here from Michigan. The only ones missing were my Uncle Rick & Aunt Cindy who were attending a wedding out of town. It was nice to have most of the family together. We don't get to see them very often. It's always a good time when we do.

Sunday: A beautiful relaxing day! Church, out to lunch, watched the race (maybe a little nap too...lol), and then a nice evening walk with Bob. The weather was beautiful yesterday and the cool, crisp air of the late summer nights is beginning to set in here. I love this time of year!

Yesterday was my Dad's 60 birthday! Happy Birthday Dad! It was wonderful talking to you yesterday. You always make me laugh. I love you, Daddy! :)

Friday, August 18, 2006

Dancing with the Stars

The third season is nearly here! Have you seen the line-up for this season yet? Could be pretty interesting...lol!!

TUCKER CARLSON (professional dancer Elena Grinenko)
MONIQUE COLEMAN (professional dancer Louis Van Amstel)
SARA EVANS (professional dancer Tony Dovolani)
WILLA FORD (professional dancer Maxsim Chmerkovskiy)
VIVICA A. FOX (professional dancer Nick Kosovich)
HARRY HAMLIN (professional dancer Ashly Delgrosso)< href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/">Dancing with the Stars.

I am glad to see Tony, Max, Edyta, and Cheryl back. I think Ashly needs to go away. I find her dance style hard to watch.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

QUICK, Inexpensive, SIMPLE

Those are exactly the types of suppers I LOVE! Last night I wanted a pasta meal, but wanted sauce other than spaghetti. Here is what I came up with:

Perdue Short Cuts Italian Style Grilled Chicken ($1.00)
Ragu Light Parmesan Alfredo Sauce (19¢)
Bird's Eye SteamFresh Broccoli/Cauliflower (70¢)
Whole Wheat Fettucini (FREE)

Yes, supper to feed three with enough left over for my lunch today was only $1.89! It turned out so yummy and only took about 15 minutes to get to the table. Funny that most of that time was boiling the noodles...lol!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

August 15, 1998

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

Happy Anniversary Bob! I LOVE YOU!
(Boy, do we look young there!)

Home Again

Sama's funeral was wonderful*. It was small, but that was what Sama wanted. Just family and a few people from the church.

When Sama moved to Arizona with Bob's parents, she left the home she had lived in since she was just 4 years old. Can you imagine living in the same house for 87 years? When Sama's health declined, she said over and over she wanted to go home -- home to Wisconsin. This made the message at the service about going home even more touching.

The funeral procession drove past and slowed in front of the home the home where she lived 87 years. She is now home with those who have gone before her and more importantly The Lord.

*I know it sounds silly to say a funeral was wonderul, but it really was!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Successful Workout Week

I have made it to the Y everyday this week. Wednesday and today I did not get up with before the birds. I feel great other than a few aches and pains. No pain, no gain right? LOL!!

Bob's parents are coming into town tomorrow afternoon, and his grandma's funeral is on Monday. Not sure how much I will be around much for the next few days.

Ya'll have a great weekend!

Thursday, August 10, 2006

This Morning

Shortly before 5:00 this morning Bob's grandma passed away. While we miss her already, we take great comfort in knowing she is no longer in so much pain.

The grave is but a covered bridge leading from light to light, through a brief darkness! -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

The Treadmill Dance

I saw a portion of a video from youtube.com this morning on Good Morning America. I thought it was hilarious. Check out The Treadmill Dance.

Now that takes coordination! I have a hard time just walking and running a treadmill...LOL!!

Monday, August 07, 2006

Full Steam Ahead!

I "officially" started my Y workouts today! I was up and at 'em bright and early this morning. I entered the parking lot before the doors were open at 5:30. (note to self: leave house five minutes later...lol) I feel really good about my workout plan and look forward to doing it each morning!

Bob is home from Arizona. Now the hectic month at the firm starts. It's late and he is still at work dealing with things that piled up while he was away. Something tells me there are going to be some late nights in the next few weeks. He is an over achiever and puts so much pressure on himself to get it all done.

The time in Arizona was great for him. Not only did he get to see his parents and most importantly his grandma, but he also got a much needed break from work. He didn't pull out one bit of work while he was there. No position statements, contract, settlement agreements, etc.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

REG-GIE, REG-GIE!

From espn.com:

Reggie White Member of the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2006


Defensive End/Defensive Tackle, 6-5, 291
Played: 1985-1992 Philadelphia Eagles, 1993-1998 Green Bay Packers, 2000 Carolina Panthers. 15 seasons, 232 games.

Highights: Selected in the first round (fourth player overall) of 1984 supplemental draft. Nicknamed "Minister of Defense," joined Eagles after two years with USFL's Memphis Showboats. During eight seasons with Eagles recorded more sacks (124) than games played (121). In 1987, recorded 21 sacks, second most in NFL history at the time. Became only player to accumulate 20 or more sacks in just 12 games. His 1.75 average sacks per game in that season was also a record. In 1993, went to Green Bay and recorded another 68.5 sacks, becoming Packers' all-time sack leader. A dominant defensive performer, at time of retirement his 198 sacks were NFL record. Important contributor to Packers two Super Bowl appearances. Chosen the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998. Briefly retired following 1998 season. Signed with Carolina Panthers for 2000 season. Elected to 13 straight Pro Bowls. Picked All-Pro 13 of 15 seasons, including 10 as first-team selection.

Died Dec. 26, 2004 at age 43.

He was real and stood for what he believed in. Those that played with him always talk about the impact he had on their lives.

I am really ready for the football season to kick into gear. The Packers are playing tonight. It is just a scrimmage against each other, but it's still a sell out at Lambeau. It's not even a real game and they still fill the seats!

Counting the Minutes

Not really counting, but I am looking forward to seeing Bob. Only two hours until his flight is due in! It will be so nice to see his smiling face!

Missed you, hon! Welcome home!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

It's SO Quiet Here

Bob is in Arizona...
Olivia went to the Wisconsin State Fair with her cousin...
Boomer is sleeping on Olivia's bed...
Chevy is sleeping in the chair near me...

I don't remember the last time the house was this quiet. It's kind of nice to have that quiet time once in a while.

It's ME time, and I don't know what to do...lol!!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Feel the Burn :)

I can feel that good workout burn already!

The way my workout was Mon, Wed, Fri were my cardio (treadmill) days. Tues, Thur, and Sat were my BowFlex days. Sun I rest...lol! I stuck with mostly cardio today. I did a very little bit of weight training. That was just to get my computer program set up. Each machine is hooked up to a computer that keeps track of your workouts. (Oh no, my trainer can see what I am doing even when she isn't there...lol!) I enter my ID into the touch screen at each machine and it tells you where to set weight, seats, bars, etc. It is also set with the correct range of motion to keep track of reps. It scolds you when you let the weight you are lifting touch the stack or if you don't complete a rep. Not really scolds, but it beeps and doesn't count the incompleted reps.

Tomorrow afternoon I will go to finish up the computer set up and do my weight lifting. The trainer I was supposed to meet with wasn't in because of a family emergency. The trainer I did meet with was doubled up with appointments. She got me as far as she would with the initial set up, but we agreed to meet tomorrow rather than have her rush with either one of us "new" exercisers.

My new workout plan is going to include swimming. I plan to do that Mon, Wed, Fri morning. I will strength train Tues, Thurs, and Sat along with that I will do a warm and cool down on one of the cardio machines.

I will keep you posted on my progress!

Today's the Day

Today is the day I have been looking forward to for a week! I meet with the trainer for my orientation at the gym later this afternoon. My workout WILL finally be kicked up a notch!

Here's to rock hard muscles...lol!!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

UPS Was Just Here

Look what UPS just delivered for me!

That sweet husband of mine ordered it Sunday night while I wasn't looking so it would be delivered today.

It is a GREAT shade of red and has the American Family Insurance logo along with a darling heart on the left side...

In AZ Safe and Sound

Bob arrived in Tucson safely this morning. Who knew the temps there would be cooler than at home? It was 88 there and 98 here!