Just for You, C :)

South Beach Diet "Revisited"

Most of you probably remember my post earlier this year about trouble with weight gain and other symptoms that had me thinking I had hypothryoidism. Most symptoms are gone or aren't as severe, but not the weight gain. I have gained more weight since then. I still eat healthy foods and appropriate portions, I exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Since nothing seems to be working, I have gone back to South Beach Diet Phase 1.

I never "left" SBD, but none of my doctors suggestions have worked so this is the last resort. If going back to the SBD Phase 1 works, I will move on to Phase 2 to lose that weight that has crept back. If Phase 1, again, does nothing, I will schedule another appointment with my doctor who will probably refer me to an endocrinologist.

My fingers are crossed that this will work!! Today is Day #2!

Thirty Years Ago...

today my mom & step-dad, Pat, were married!

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom & Pat!!

I remember the day you got married like it was yesterday! Scott & I couldn't have had a better "second dad"! I love you both! Hope you have a wonderful day!

I'll Be Back

Bob being off work all last week put a cramp in my blogging schedule, but I hope to be back in full force this week! :D

A Different Thanksgiving

Bob & I are seriously considering changing up our Thanksgiving traditions this year. We are thinking of serving a meal at a nearby homeless shelter. I love my family and all, but I think it is time for Bob, Olivia, & I to make traditions of our own.

When I mentioned it to Olivia she said I would rather go to grandma's. Well, of course, she would. However, I told her these people would rather not be homeless. She got my point & has come around to the idea.

I think this will be a great thing for us to do as a family!

Real Simple Thought of the Day

Love this one...

Joy is the best makeup. ~ Anne Lamott

My Husband Goes to Vegas

and all I get is this crazy picture sent from his Blackberry...

My Fall/Winter Fashion

Olivia & I went shopping this afternoon. She had money from her paycheck burning a hole in her pocket (This is what's leftover, as she calls it, after the 50% we require her put into her savings account.) She bought herself some goodies and never once hinted that I should buy it for her. She thought about her purchases a lot longer than she would have had Mommy been paying. She's starting to think of how many hours it takes her to make a certain amount, and realizing it's "real" value.

I also made a few purchases to freshen up my seriously boring fall wardrobe. I picked up this sweater in perfect plum at TJ Maxx for $19.99, this sweater in dark brown (not on website), and this top for under it. A couple more of the fun fall sweaters that are out there, and I will be all set!

My Inspiration

I decided on a subject for class tomorrow: A large white pitcher of daisies with a few strawberries "scattered" on the table. I will vary the props around the main subject a bit and go with what looks best! I am also bringing along a white bowl, yellow & white cloth napkins/dishtowel, Granny Smith Apples, and Bartlet Pears.

I am sure most students will be doing something "fallish" which is what I was thinking initially, but decided against it. I want to use something that would match a room in our home so I can print & frame if they turn out as good as I am hoping.

I found inspiration in a photo on flickr. You can see my inspiration photo here!

Matthew Zucker's Photography

For photography class tomorrow, I have to figure out what I am going to use as my subject for some studio work. The instructor gave some websites to look at to get ideas. One is workbook.com & the other is photo.net. I have been spending a little time on workbook.com where I ran across this:


I love this image!!

I'm still trying to figure out what to bring tomorrow. This has me stumped!!

Need...err...I Mean Want

I want a slide scanner. I have taken quite a few shots for my photography class, and some of them are really great. The problem is right now I have no way of getting those slides onto my computer so I can share them with you.

So far our assignments have been...

• People, Places, and Things (at least 36 images of whatever you want -- at least 10 images had to contain people)
• Shutter Speed (at least 36 images -- 18 of them blurring action & 18 of them stopping action)
• Aperture (at least 36 images -- 18 with limited depth of field (subject in focus background not) & 18 with extended depth of field (entire image in focus)
• Graphic Images & Abstract Color (at least 64 images -- extreme close ups, intentionally out of focus, moving camera, moving zoom as you take picture, etc -- the FUN stuff)

Shutter Speed was my least favorite. I think my favorite images are from the Aperture assignment, but there are some GREAT ones in the Graphic Images & Abstract Color as well.

My quiz average so far is 101% (yes, we get a couple extra credit questions on them). We have our mid-term exam this week which I think I will do well on. We have only turned in the first two assignments at this point, and only have the first back graded. I got a B+.

I am enjoying this class and learning a lot in it. I plan to take another next semester!!

I *heart* Neil Cavuto

While watching Shep Smith on FOXNews a bit ago, he was talking to Neil Cavuto about the Dow's plunge today. In a follow up question to the announcement that President Bush would speak tomorrow, Shep asked him what our leaders should be out there saying, and his answer was they should just SHUT UP! I love it! :D

White House Goes Pink

No Paris Hilton did not move in...LOL!

First Lady, Laura Bush, flipped a switch to light the White House in pink light tonight in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Wish I could find a pic on the web because the shot I saw on TV was spectacular!

ETA: you can see the White House bathed in pink light here & here.

Fall Look

I did a little housekeeping and got my blog ready for fall. I still have a few tweaks left, but it is mostly complete!

I used a Shabby Princess digital scrapbooking kit for my banner & background once again. I don't have the name of the kit easily accessible right now, but will give credit and include the name on my sidebar.

Editing to say: Complete other than the strange phenomenon of half my header disappearing when I scroll back to the top of my page in IE. Things that make you go hmmm. If you use IE, don't scroll up to the top of the page after scrolling down, and that will solve it...LOL!!

I will look into this when I have a little more time.

*giggle*

Our Homecoming Girl

The finishing touches!


All ready to go!


Just being silly!
(I love the way the light hits Olivia's face in this pic!)

Shady Lane

For $475,000 a 3,000 sqaure foot 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in Ashwaubenon, WI can be yours!! The taxes are $7,525.00! :eek:

Why is this house important enough for me to mention? It is owned by D.L. Tynes. Who is D.L. Tynes? Deanna Favre!

Front


Kitchen


Living Room
It's near an area we would love to live someday, but I don't think Olivia is ready to switch from her school to one 130 miles from here. Not sure we are ready to plop down that kind of money on a home right now either! It's nice having a mortgage payment that is the size of a rent payment.

Dear Miss Olivia

Please stop growing up!

Olivia is going to her first homecoming dance this weekend. After school she & I went shopping for a dress and found one pretty quickly. The shoes are proving to be the difficult thing to find. She wants a ballet-style flat in patent leather, and we can't find a pair anywhere. I have a few more places to hit. I know we will find something, but it is frustrating when you have something in mind and just can't find it.

Another Night of Music

I went to see Celine Dion with Olivia's friends mom. We had a GREAT time. Celine was GREAT live!! I was hoping she would sing my favorite song -- her cover of Heart's Alone -- and I was not disappointed!! :) I'm just glad I didn't cry because that song usually does!

We're In

Woohoo!! It has been 26 years since the Milwaukee Brewers have made it to the post season. Needless to say, fans here (me included) are pretty excited about it.

My favorite then)...

Paul Molitor

My favorite now...

Ryan Braun

Fun Baseball Weekend in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the playoff hunt for their first post-season appearance since the 1982. They open a three-game series at home against the Chicago Cubs tonight. The Brewers are tied with the New York Mets in the National League Wild Card standings.

Hopefully, by this time on Sunday we will know that the Brewer's have secured their spot. However, with the rain on the East Coast there could be several games that would impact the Wild Card standings that could be postponed due to weather. Let's hope they are able to get the games in and that the Mets lose one more game than the Brewers.

Words, Photographs, Silence

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~ Ansel Adams

I Don't Get It

People know the dangers of drunk driving -- yet they continue to do so. You would not believe how many reports of a pedestrian or a bicyclist being killed in a hit-and-run accident we have had here lately. More often than not, when authorities find the suspect in the hit-and-run, the reason they ran is uncovered -- they were drunk at the time. The latest incident really made me sick...

A 25-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident around 9PM Sunday. A short time later, police in a neighboring city noticed a car with what looked like "fresh" accident damage -- headlights dangling from the cables AND steam was coming from under the hood. As they followed her a description of the vehicle involved in a hit & run matched this vehicle. They pulled over the vehicle which was driven by a a 21-year-old woman. When the woman was asked about on her car, the woman said it happened a couple days earlier. Upon inspection of the damage, police found the hit-and-run victim's PURSE hooked to the car. The woman failed the field sobriety test and has TWO prior drunk driving convictions.

How can someone have so little regard for a human life? It makes me ill!

I think there are several things that contribute to the problem in Wisconsin. These are just a few...

• Drinking is a part of the culture.
• Punishment for repeat offenders is TOO LENIENT
• Discussions of drunk driving are too focused on fines, loss of license, etc. instead of LOSS of PRECIOUS LIVES.

If you choose to drink, that is completely up to you. However, please take the bus, call a cab, or have a designated driver.

Does Anyone Know...

where this week went?

The roof is COMPLETELY done...
DirecTV is operational again and includes another room in the house...

That means I am officially done getting things ready for someone to come do work at the house. Now I need to get this place put back together. Once the house is put back together I will not feel so "pressured" to get things done and will have a more scaled back weekly schedule. It will be a nice change from the last few.

Our Sub Girl

Olivia started her job Friday night! She is working again right now. So far she really likes it. In fact, she said it was FUN. Lets hope she continues to feel that way about having a job. :)

It's funny to see her with the calculator adding up her hours & figuring out how much her check will be. Last night, Daddy had to burst her bubble and remind her of Uncle Sam's portion. Welcome to the workin' world Miss Olivia!

Hurricane Ike

Those in Ike's path are in my thoughts & prayers! Be safe!

Seven Years Later (9-11)

I will never forget the sky that September morn. However, I wonder had that day been "normal" would I remember the beautiful shade of blue the sky was that morn? I don't think I have seen it that shade since...

Not Much Better

I have not been much better about blogging this week. It's a freakin' 5 hour class! Why does it feel like my life revolves around it right now? Don't get me wrong I LOVE it, but it's a lot of "work".

Hopefully, I got a good grade on my first quiz. I know I blew one question as I totally blanked. I had the right answer, but didn't write it because I thought it was wrong. I could kick myself for that -- never leave a question blank -- guess if you don't know! GRR! I need to remind myself that I am learning how to use an SLR camera, and what matters. Not whether or not I can recall the name of a part of the camera when it's on a piece of paper with no other hint around.

Amazing

No matter your political views or which candidate you are backing for the November election, you have to admit this is one POWERFUL video...

Break Time

I took an unintentional break from blogging this week. This week just kicked me in the backside. Today is the only day I have been able to stay home and the only reason I am here is because I came down with a late summer cold or something Tuesday.

I have missed you all and hope to be back on schedule next week.

Woohoo!!

Remember that orientation? It's happening right now!

Remember the plan for the new roof? It's happening right now!

We ended up going with barkwood for the color. After seeing, hickory on a couple homes we just didn't care for it. The contrast between the colors in the actual shingle were too great and it kind of looked like plaid or checkerboard up on the roof. It would probably would have looked find, but a roof color mistake is a bit tougher to fix than a paint color mistake. Not to mention a bit more costly.

So far they have the roof over the second story done (or nearly done). I am lovin' it so far. I will post before, during and after pictures once the project is completed. It looks to me like that could be as early as tomorrow.

Photo 101

It was really weird to be back in the classroom after being out for nearly 20 years. Of course, we will be learning the how to use an SLR camera. The class is not only to teach about how to use the camera, but how to look at things more creatively. We won't be learning developing and we don't use the film you would think we would (negative film). We use slide film. Our slides are put into a slide projector after they are graded for a group critique -- YIKES. Hopefully, my classmates aren't too brutal...LOL!!

There are only two places in the area who develop slide film in house, and since we need them back quickly we have to use local. The nearest place is about 40 minutes from my house & a little further from my friend's house. We are carpooling to school & we will also take turns running films out & picking up. No sense on both of us driving out there.

We have our first assignment, and it is due Thursday. I have to get out and get shooting so I can have them developed and back by Wednesday afternoon or evening. Other assignments we get a lot more time for, but this one is only worth 10 point that will go toward our lowest project grade. It is basically for the instructor to see where everyone is and for us to get a feel for how he wants the assignments done.

I plan to have my film scanned to CD or purchase a slide scanner so I will post some of my assignment photos from time to time so you guys can see my progress (hopefully...lol).

I am a bit nervous, but really excited to learn new things at the same time.

I'm Tired

Today was my first photography class, and I am pooped! I will tell you all more about it tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary...

to a Milwaukee legend!

The anniversary celebration kicked off today. There are TONS of things going on around town in connection with the 105th. I am hoping to head down to the parade Saturday Morning.

Another Birthday

Happy Birthday to my crazy brother! Hope you have a wonderful day!!

A friend is a brother who was once a bother. ~Author Unknown

Scott & I gave you a hard time when you were little. We know you loved it. :) I love you, Joshie!

DWTS Celebs & Partners

Here they are...

Lance Bass (singer) & Lacey Schwimmer
Toni Braxton (singer) & Alec Mazo
Brooke Burke (TV personality) & Derek Hough
Rocco DiSpirito (chef) & Karina Smirnoff
Maurice Green (Olympic gold medalist track and field star)& Cheryl Burke
Kim Kardashian (TV personality) & Mark Ballas
Cloris Leachman (actress) & Corky Ballas
Cody Linley (actor) & Julianne Hough
Susan Lucci (soap opera actress) & Tony Dovolani
Misty May-Treanor (Olympic gold medalist beach volleyball player) & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Ted McGinley (actor) & Inna Brayer
Jeffrey Ross (comedian) & Edyta Sliwinska
Warren Sapp (NFL player) & Kym Johnson

No stars I am super excited about seeing except maybe Ted McGinley. I think he is hilarious. Cloris Leachman is 82 so that should be interesting as well.

I am THRILLED that Maksim is back this season. Bob will be happy to see Edyta is back, and something tells me he will be rooting for Brooke Burke...LOL!!

The Show!

Saturday night was Girls Night Out! We saw Sara Bareilles, Maroon 5, and Counting Crows.

First up was Sara Bareilles. We caught the very end of her show. She was OK. It was her last night on the tour with Maroon 5 and they brought out wine, flowers, teddy bears, bananas and stalks of celery for her. I wasn't there when they brought it out so I am not sure why they brought out bananas & celery...LOL!!

Next up was Maroon 5. They were AMAZING, and I have a new celeb crush. He might even be at number one right next to David Cook! Adam Levine (lead singer) is hot, hot, hot!

Adam.
Originally uploaded by Search Party Insider

We like them all, but the main reason we wanted to go to this show was to see Counting Crows. Every time you hear about one of their shows, the talk is how good they are live. Unfortunately, that didn't hold true for this show. We were quite underwhelmed by their show. How can Counting Crows do a show and not sing Mr. Jones? The best part of their show was Sara Bareilles joined them.

I <3 CVS

CVS
Shelf: $69.71
Paid: $13.68
Saved: $56.03 or 80.3%

That brings my numbers for the week to:

Shelf: $286.30
Paid: $116.34
Saved: $169.96 or 59.3%

This shopping also brought my most of my stockpile where it needs to be. I don't think I will spend half that this coming week. :)

Slightly Frustrated

As most of you know, Olivia was hired by Cousins late last month. She was told in the phone call when they hired her she needed to get her work permit and then call once she had it. She had her work permit two days later and called the person she was supposed the second we got home.

During that phone call she was asked when she would be available for an orientation. She said anytime, and was told someone would get back to her with a time. Two weeks had gone by since she had that conversation so she called to find out if a time had been set only to find out they already had an orientation AND that she was told about it. The person she spoke with on the phone spoke very loudly and I could hear every word. There were no messages left at our house or missed calls from this number or any other number we don't recognize. Also, if someone was supposed to be at an orientation and didn't show, wouldn't you call to find out why? We always did at McDonald's.

So now she has to wait until sometime after school starts for her orientation and to start working. Part of me wanted to call this person and tell him he needs to hire a secretary or keep better track of what he tells his new hires. Instead, Olivia is going to put in more applications in hopes that when (or should I say if) he calls she can say I found something else.

Birthday Wish

Happy Birthday Dad!

The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, 'Daddy, I need to ask you something,' he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan. ~ Garrison Keillor

That quote is true -- just ask my brothers...LOL!! Sorry, boys! ;)

Results: This Week's Game

Pick 'n Save
Shelf: $144.75
Paid: $34.32
Saved: $110.43 or 76.2 %

Woodman's
Shelf: $71.84*
Paid: $68.34
Saved: $3.50* or 4.8%

*The Woodman's shelf & saved amounts are not as high as they should be. The amount I listed as saved and included in the shelf price is only what I had in coupons. Because of the way their sale items ring I cannot tell what was on sale and what was not. I didn't write down regular prices so I could figure out my savings, and I am not going to start...LOL! I know I saved, and that I saved even more than when I did needs shopping at Pick 'n Save. On average, I would say regular prices are 10-15% lower at Woodman's than at Pick 'n Save on the items I normally purchase.

If you would like to play "the game", first timers can sign up for a $1 four week trail at thegrocerygame.com. Tell 'em penny-penn at sbcglobal dot net sent ya! :D

I still have to make a trip to Walgreen's or CVS. I haven't decided which one I am going to hit this week, but I think it will be CVS since I have a couple larger ExtraCare Bucks that should be waiting to print.

He's Here

Back in January I told you about The Bronze Fonz coming to Milwaukee. At the time the estimated an unveiling of Labor Day, but it was a couple weeks ahead of schedule. The Bronze Fonz was unveiled today. Here are both versions (flesh & bronze...lol)...

The statue looks more like Wink Martindale to me than the Fonz. *snicker*

What Were You Wearing?

Do you remember what you were wearing ten years ago today? I do...

Happy Anniversary Bob! I love you!!

Confession about our wedding pictures: I don't really like any of the pictures of me from the wedding. Our photographer said my "real" smile looked too harsh in pictures and that I should try not to show my teeth when I smile. It made me very self conscious which in turn made every smile look unnatural and forced.

I wish I wouldn't have listened to that clod!

Digital TV Conversion

Last week I took grandma to get her DTV converter box. I swear that woman is going to drive me insane with it...LOL!

The PBS station in our area isn't broadcasting digital yet so she gets some other feed for that channel. I told her she will have to watch that channel the way she used to until Sept 1 when they start broadcasting.

The remote for the converter box only controls the box and the power for the TV which had to be programmed. I was very clear when I told her she needs to put down the new remote and use the old one if she wanted to watch PBS. However, she decided she could do it with the converter remote anyway. She turned on the TV, left the receiver off as she should, then tried turning on the PBS channel with that remote. Because that remote doesn't work with the TV it was still on channel 3 and she insisted that she doesn't get any channels at all any more on her TV. She ended up pressing so many buttons to try to get the TV to work that she deprogrammed the code for the TV power button.

While over there today, I fixed the problems, showed her how to get PBS to work, and wrote down all the instructions. So a few minutes ago she called and wanted to now why she only gets channel 3, but there are so many different "channel 3s".

I give up...LOL!!

Evening Rain

We have had a beautiful stretch of weather in recent days. Tonight brought some much needed rain. I enjoyed much of that evening rain curled up with a good book.

Tell me how many beads there are
In a silver chain
Of evening rain,
Unravelled from the tumbling main...
Thomas Lovell Beddoes

Canon's Captures

Here are a few shots I have taken with my new digital camera. I am lovin' it so far.

Yep, I still LOVE taking floral & sunset shots! :) They don't run away when I come with the camera like Bob, Olivia, Boomer, & Chevy do.

GRR!

Those Packers really know how to screw things up this season. They play their first pre-season game tonight. It just happens that the network that it is being aired on in the Milwaukee area is ABC. The same network that should be showing the finale of The Mole tonight. That episode will be shown, but not until SUNDAY AFTERNOON! Grrr -- what's wrong with airing it after Jimmy Kimmel like they do other shows that are preempted for whatever reason. Guess they don't realize one of the final three is from the area!

I know I can watch it online tomorrow, but it's just not the same so I feel like complaining!

For the record, I know it's not really the Packers fault, but after the saga of the last month or so I feel like blaming something else on them...LOL!

Photography for Two

Olivia hasn't gotten her "official" schedule yet, but her school uses a program where parents and students can check their grades. Olivia logged into that site yesterday and noticed her classes for the first term were listed. She got Photography. When she signed up we figured she wouldn't get it. There is only one class per year, the number of students are limited. They pick who gets into class seniors first, then juniors, and so on. It also goes by the date you registered for the class, but your grade comes first. Being a sophomore & signing up near the end of the registration period we figured Olivia wouldn't get it, but it was worth a try.

Looks like Olivia & I will be learning the same things this fall! :)

The school provides the cameras so we don't have to go on the hunt for another one. Thank goodness!

Back to the List

I don't recall if I mentioned it here or not, but shortly after the only grocery store that had a list available in my area closed I canceled my membership to the Grocery Game. I had more than enough stuff from CVS & Walgreens. I still used the principals of The Game to keep up my stockpile. The two years of requesting a list for my favorite grocery store has finally paid off. This week a list for that store became available! I have rejoined The Game.

I couldn't wait to use my list for the first time in nearly a year. The second I signed up I went though the list, marked the items I wanted to purchase, printed only those, pulled my coupons, and went off to the store. I couldn't find a single thing from that list. The whole time I was in the store I was thinking I am going to have to cancel if my stores sales are completely different the store the list maker uses. I was getting kind of bummed.

Later that evening, I decided I better read the game rules for my store. Apparently, I should have done that before I went to the store because I was a day EARLY! *snicker* On the bright side, my list is ready to go. I won't shop that list until the last day of the sale because it is double coupon day.

Guess I shouldn't have been so excited about getting back to the list & read the rules before running to the store! OOPS -- hehehe!

Two Steps Closer

Two steps closer to being all set for my photography class. Wednesday I picked up a camera bag & today I paid the tuition! The last step (unless I decide I deserve some back-to-school clothes -- hehehe) is the book. I have found several options to purchase it new at lower than bookstore used prices and a couple low priced used options as well. I will decide which one to go with next week.

The Answer

The answer to Tuesday's question is New York Jets. Brett has been traded to the Jets! Boo Green Bay Packers management!

What Will I Be Wearing This Season?

New York Jets or Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

I have a feeling we might know very soon.

Yes, I am Spoiled

Two cameras in two days! :)

I mentioned a while back that it was time for a new digital camera for us. I also mentioned that I would probably stick with Nikon. I was leaning toward the CoolPix S600. However, after reading some reviews & holding one in person I changed my mind. I ended up with the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS! They were the same price -- the Canon had a quicker start up & time between shots, the LCD is larger, the camera just feels sturdier, and everywhere I looked the SD790 got better reviews.

I have been playing around with it a bit yesterday & today, and so far I really like it. I can't believe how much faster (start up & from shot to shot) it is than my old Nikon!

Camera Located

I have found a Canon Rebel T2 that was only used with one roll of film. This person gets rid of clutter & I get something I need! WOOHOO!!

If my camera angel stops by, thank you from the bottom of my heart! :)

Entering the Workforce

Olivia got the job! Her exact words when I asked her if she was excited were, "no I want money, but I don't want to have to work for it." I told her welcome to the "real world, honey"...LOL!! When I told my mom that, she said she's way too much like Josh. As if I didn't know that already...LOL!!

Another Birthday Wish

Happy 87th Birthday Grandma Minnie!!

This quote describes grandma perfectly: A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend. ~ Author Unknown

One Year Later

One year ago today my dad had a major heart attack and emergency bypass surgery that required more than a month long stay in the hospital. Those first weeks were a roller coaster of emotion. I am so glad those days of initial worry are behind us. There are, of course, new worries, but right now he is doing really well physically.

I love you dad!

3-H

No, I don't mean 4-H. I mean the three H's of the Wisconsin summer. HOT, HAZY, and HUMID! Those days are here, and my body really dislikes them. I end up with a whoppin' headache every afternoon that nothing will touch. I'm not wishing days away because I LOVE each day and the opportunities each day brings, but I do look forward to Tuesday when it's supposed to be in the low 80s.

Back 2 Skool

Come August it won't be back to school for just Olivia. I am going back too. Just one fun class. :) This morning I signed up for a photography class at the technical college in our area. I will be taking the class with a friend -- we are both photography nuts and are really looking forward to this.

That means I have to get to work on finding an SLR. I need to email the instructor to find out if the camera is required to be film or if a digital would be OK. I really don't want to go back to film. However, if I have to get a film SLR for the class I will get an older used one, and then get a DSLR down the road. Ooh, just had a thought. Maybe my crazy brother has an older SLR that he isn't using! Off to call Joshie!

Fabulous Blooms

Daylily


Red (with one white petal) Dahlia

Thankful for...

The cooler weather that allows me to open the windows and shut of the air conditioning. I just love to see the lace curtains in the family room blowing in the breeze.

Head Banging Update

I love the tech who was at our house yesterday. In our are, our satellite company uses private contractors to do their installs. The tech who was here yesterday called first thing this morning to say his supervisor would like him to take care of the problem TODAY! I don't have a four hour window -- he will be here at 4:30!

The appointment tomorrow is with another company, who may or may not know anything about the new box that was installed yesterday.

Once we are getting all our channels as we should the supervisor will cancel our appointment for tomorrow.

Hooray -- I don't have to sit and WAIT for hours for someone to show up, and I don't have to sit and listen to commercials while on hold for 15 minutes waiting to cancel my appointment.

Good customer service may not be dead after all! Woohoo!! :)

Head Banging

Do you ever feel like you are banging your head against the wall when you are talking to the customer service people who are supposed to be there to help you with your problem?

I won't name the company, but you will be able to tell it is one of the satellite providers.

We have used this company since 2000 when our local cable monopoly made Bob mad. In 2003 or 2004 we upgraded to HD in one room and added another (a non-HD with TiVo) receiver in another room. Back in November we upgraded the non-HD w/TiVo to an HD with DVR. From install until the storms we had in June everything was fine. Since then there have been some channels that we can only watch the "searching for signal" graphic. Most are HD, but not all. At the time it wasn't priority because most of the ones we weren't getting were channels we didn't watch or we could watch them in standard def.

Friday when I get an email about upgrading the older HD receiver, I jumped at the chance. This box is different technology from receiver we got in November and doesn't get as many channels. When I called to set up the appointment for that upgrade, I was told we would get a new HD receiver, a new satellite dish, and a couple other things. I thought getting a new dish was strange since they would just be putting up what we already had, but I didn't say anything since I was fairly certain our "searching for signal problem" was an alignment issue. I knew a new dish would have to be aligned which would take care of our problem.

The tech came out today. His work order was just to replace the box. He swapped the receiver and did a check of signal strength. It was low -- as we already knew. However, he said he could not do the work because it was not on the work order and if they found out he could be reprimanded. We went out to take a look at the dish location. He stared at the dish for a few moments. When suddenly he said, do you have the service plan? He was contemplating doing the alignment so we wouldn't be charged the $80 service call, but since we have the service plan included for a year there will be no charge for a service call. So we came back inside, he activated his receiver and was on his way.

(As I continue remember, the tech already told me the problem is the alignment. The tech who has seen the dish and the signal strength in person.)

Shortly, after he left I decided to call the satellite company. The woman has me tune into a few channels and says my problem is that we don't have some sort of converter hooked up to the back of our boxes. So, I ask if something in their technology has changed because the signal was fine up from November until these storms. She said no, but still wouldn't set up a service call for the alignment. The worst part: she says we have to wait for a tech to bring the converters, hook them up, and then if there is still a problem we will have to call AGAIN for the realignment.

I probably wasn't as nice as I could have been, but she just REFUSED to listen to me when I was telling her what the tech told me or when I told her it worked fine until the storms. I stood my ground, and got that appointment I wanted it the first place. It only took 35 minutes -- not including the 10 minutes of hold time before I got transferred to her.

Now who wants to place bets on if the tech will arrive in his NOON - 4:00 PM window? The one today was nearly two hours late for the 8:00 AM - NOON window.

Jib Jab 2008 Campaign

Time for Some Campaignin' is TOO funny!!

Interview & Runway

Olivia said her interview went well. She was told she will hear something late this week or early next if she got the job.

Did you watch Project Runway last night? Do you have a favorite yet? I liked the challenge, but some of them played it WAY too safe. At this point I like Kelli & Kenley! (By the way, isn't the name Kenley adorable?) Stella makes me chuckle and think of Cher...LOL!

Enough Already

I love Brett Favre & I love the Packers, but if I have to hear one more story about them I am going to plug my ears and sing...

Grab Your Sketch Pad

Project Runway Season 5 premieres tonight! Oh man, I cannot wait! It is my most favorite show on television!

Another Sign She's Growing Up

About a month ago I mentioned Olivia put in job applications at McDonald's and Cousins. Then a couple weeks later she also put one in at Subway. I could have pulled some strings & gotten her in at McDonald's, but we wanted her to do this on her own. Well, last evening she got a call for an interview at Cousins. It's tomorrow afternoon at 12:45 -- she's really nervous about the interview, but I know she will do fine.

If she gets the job that's great -- really great because her concert hobby is EXPENSIVE! ;) However, if she doesn't get it, having an interview under her belt will be good for her as well.

A Couple Gripes

If you were going on vacation asked a family member come mow your lawn while you are gone, wouldn't you show that family member where your lot ended and the next person's began? I know I would, but our neighbor didn't and this person cut quite a bit of our lawn which wouldn't normally bother me, but she cut it down to the soil in a couple areas. Here come the weeds -- GRRRR!

A little over week ago one of our neighbors across the street put in a new mailbox. A nice new mailbox -- this morning there are three yellow spray paint marks on one side. (Update: the neighbor's were able to get the paint off their new mailbox with a little WD-40 & a lot of elbow grease.) A truck was parked on the street a few blocks from our house, but on the next street -- the truck also has spray paint on it. A different color and "design". Last week it was on the garage of one of Olivia's friends, the gas station that is next to their garage, and a nearby bus stop.

I am fairly certain this is just kids being a bunch of jerks and not any dangerous gang activity. People work hard for their property and the police should be making their presences known in our neighborhoods -- not just out writing tickets for traffic offenses along the busier streets. I WANT them patrolling our neighborhoods, as well; and have sent emails to the appropriate places to let my city officials know that.

Bob's ready to put up a for sale sign. That silly guy tends to over react at times. Like the time he called the mayor to complain about a letter we got from the city telling us to trim a tree that hung too low over the road. Then it went on to state the exact city ordinance and call our property a blight on the community. It was a form letter sent to everyone who needed a tree trimmed, but it sent Bob over the edge and running to the phone to leave a message for the mayor. The mayor did call to apologize, sent a written apology, & they changed the way they inform homeowners in these situations now. Oh and in case you are wondering, we did NOT get reassessed because of that call...LOL!!

Storm Was More of A Heavy Shower

Last night I Stormed the Bastille. However, my "storm" was more like a heavy shower. I have had limited run training time this summer due to crazy weather here and a HUGE dislike for the treadmill. Not to mention the knee pain I end up with when running on a treadmill. It do not get that when I run outside -- I think I must change my stride and that causes the knee pain.

We had a great time! This run has such a different atmosphere than the others. It is run at night through the streets of downtown Milwaukee. There was one water station and one BEER station! See I told you it was a different atmosphere...LOL!! The beer station isn't a official run station, as you probably guessed. It is a bunch of customers from one of the bars along the run route. They purchase pitchers & are given a bunch of plastic cups which they fill for the runners. Only in Milwuakee...LOL!!

I probably ran 2/3 of the 5K -- my time (42:30) was better than 5K segment of my triathlon by about a minute, but worse than my Around the World in 5K time by about 10 minutes. When I think of how much running I had to do last year to be able to get that 43:40 in the tri, I am amazed it didn't take me twice as long to run this 5k. I guess I haven't lost "it" as much as I thought.

New Adored Blogs

I have added two new blogs to the Blogs I Adore list on my sidebar. Check out Good Yarns & That's My Answer!

It Never Fails

One project leads to another!

The basement decluttering has sent me into the kitchen. I am now working on thinning out what we have in one of our cabinets so I can put dishes that were Bob's grandma's into our daily rotation. That, of course, leads to moving some of her items to the corner cabinet in the family room, and that leads to rearranging the things on display on the tops of our cabinets. Oh well, I needed to get those cabinet tops washed off anyway.

I am guessing this project will lead to something else...LOL!!

The Great Basement Declutter

I am a "declutterer" by nature and Bob is a pack rat. Our basement is packed with things we are NEVER going to use again, but Bob was hesitant to get rid of because we might need it. I think the amount of time we have had to spend in the basement recently because of tornado warnings has opened his eyes to how much stuff is really down there. He has FINALLY agreed that something needs to be done. Woohoo!

I began The Great Declutter yesterday afternoon and have already taken a full load of stuff to Goodwill. And by full load, I mean full load -- back seats of the Blazer down and filled to the top! Had to get it out of here before Bob changed his mind...LOL!!

There is more work to do, but I am well on my way to a decluttered, organized basement.

ACK -- The Poor Book

Just before Father's Day I purchased a book for myself. I began reading it over the weekend, and what did I find after I finished reading page 52? PAGE 117! Yes, my book is missing all those pages, but the funny part is page 98-117 are in there twice.

I don't think I have my receipt anymore because I figured it's a book, I know I will like it, and what could be wrong with it that I can't see. Well, I got my answer and will NEVER get rid of a receipt for a book until I finish reading it or at least count the pages! :)

Happy Independence Day

Barkwood, Hickory, or Weathered Wood

Yesterday afternoon Bob & I signed a contract with a roofer. Now comes picking a color for the asphalt shingle. They will be the architectural style that is popular now -- at least here. I thought I had it narrowed down to one color, but some others have caught my eye now.

The shingle manufacturer's website allows you to upload a picture of your home, map the areas you would like to change, and then change those areas. I did that with an image of our house today and here are the results...

While this isn't an exact representation of what our house will look like when it is done, it gives us a good idea. The contractor is going to get us the address of some houses that they have done in those colors. I have it narrowed down to either Barkwood or Hickory with a slight preference for Hickory. Weathered Wood is too much like what we have now, and I want something with more contrast.

Which is your favorite?

Reminder for Each Day

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

I'm a Klutz!

Last night while Bob, Olivia, & I were watching Hell's Kitchen, I was on the couch and got a little chilly because the air conditioning was on at the cool temps Bob likes. I tried pulling the quilt out from under me, but I couldn't pull it out. I shifted my body a bit and suddenly I was rolling off the love seat. Chevy was sleeping on the floor right next to the love seat, and I knew if I just rolled off I would likely hurt him. I tried catching myself so I wouldn't land on him. Well, it kind of worked. I landed on my hands & knees over Chevy, but instead of the palm of my left hand being on the floor, the top of my hand was on the floor. (You know fingers pointing toward the toes) Initially, I thought I might have broken something because the pain was so sudden and intense. I nearly fainted too! (Some of you know my family's fainting tendencies. I don't know if I have shared any of those stories here before. If not, I will another time.)

How do those BRATS, Bob & Olivia react? They LAUGH! Nice family, hey? LOL!! During the commotion of me flying to the floor and the thud of my landing that stinkin' dog never moved. Does he know the hurt from which I saved him?

I swear every joint on the left side of my body hurts today. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, & knee. Glass half full: at least my finger joints & ankle are OK. :D I'll be fine in a few days I am sure, and I can laugh about it now too. I am sure I looked hilarious.

Could You Pass?

A Citizenship Test

I got a 95%. I missed question #7! :(

A Day of Music

Yesterday I took Olivia and some friends to see Paramore. They were in town to perform at the largest music festival in the world, Summerfest. It runs 11 days, and during that time over 700 bands play on 11 stages. The best part is there is only one concert a day that requires you to purchase a ticket. (Yesterday that show was Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts.) I was just as excited about that part as Olivia was about seeing Hayley & the gang...LOL!!

Olivia had a blast with her friends. They were in the fifth row -- that's about where they usually pick because they want to be close but not pressed up against a stage or barricade. (Smart girls, hey? LOL!) We got there around 4PM. The show wasn't until 10PM, and these girls did not move from their spots once.

I walked around to check out other bands. Remember Dot Dot Dot from The Next Great American Band last winter? I saw them and they were AWESOME! I hope to see them at the end of July again. Also saw the Gin Blossoms and a few "undiscovered" bands who were pretty good.

Around 8PM I headed over toward the Paramore stage and was amazed at how many people were there. I figured there would be a lot, but it was incredible how many there actually were. Hayley mentioned that several times during the show. They were INCREDIBLE!!

If you like Paramore, and ever get a chance to go to one of their shows, do not pass it up.

Olivia will be back at Summerfest Sunday for the Jonas Brothers!

Ah, Nature

Thursday night Olivia was out in the garage emptying the canister from the vacuum when all of a sudden she runs in the house saying Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. I thought she got stung by a bee or something, but it turned out she saw a possum (or opossum if you prefer). Yes, a POSSUM! Olivia said when he saw her, he scurried under my vehicle. I went out to the garage to investigate. I noticed he had used our garage floor as his litter box, but opened the garage door before cleaning it up. I searched under the car and behind the few things that are stored next to the car, but did not see him. I figured he had ran out of the garage when I opened the door. I closed the garage door and we went to bed a bit after this adventure.

First thing Friday morning I go out to check the garage under the light of day. That bugger wasn't gone - how do I know you wonder? Well, he had used my garage floor as a litter box again. I opened the door, ran the car, moved things around in the garage. Cleaned up his second mess which as in nearly the same spot as the first I had cleaned up. I know he is nocturnal, but left the door open most of the day so if he wanted to escape captivity he could. All day long no messes, no sight of him. I figured he must have been gone, but decided to check again in the middle of the night when one of the dogs needed to go out. No sign of him so I was pretty confident that he was gone this time.

First thing Saturday morning, I checked the garage! Sure enough, he had used the floor as a litter box again. I decided that meant I needed to take everything out of the garage to get rid of him. So I pulled my vehicle out of the garage and got to work. The first thing I reached for was a bag of mulch (there were four) we didn't use when we added the bed by the mailbox and laid new mulch in another area of the yard. As I am moving that first bag, what did I see? Yep, you guessed it -- that little stinker curled up in a ball playing possum on top of two of our bags of mulch...

It took some time and a little gentle guidance with a metal pole (yes, I am a chicken), but I finally got that little bugger out!! :)

It gives me the willies to look at the pictures I took Saturday morning...LOL!!

Happy Birthday

my dear brother, Scott!!

Scott's birthday concludes the wishes for now! :)

Happy Birthday...

JEANNIE!!

Happy Birthday...

LINDA!

Estimates Gathered

All our roofing estimates are all in, and we are close to a decision. The whole process is enough to make my head spin. I don't think I want to hear 30 year, 40 year, lifetime, redeck, fascia, roof-to-wall, ice & water dam, etc for a VERY long time.

Isn't it funny how when you set out on the "estimate journey", you think you will go with the least expensive quote, but you rarely do? We have decided to go with the quote that is pretty much smack dab in the middle. He's $3500 higher than the lowest, and $3689 lower than the highest. We were most comfortable with the person they sent out, they use the same shingle as the highest quote which is a little better quality brand than the one used by the lowest quote, but most importantly of the work we have checked out this company's looks the best.

So sometime in August you should be seeing pictures of our house with a whole new look! The color we will most likely use is here! I think it will look great with the colors of our siding, trim, shutters, & doors.

I know it will be a big improvement from whatever that color is! I like to call it washed out -- ACK!

Our Happy Trail

This morning Erin & I met at the trail we used for triathlon & 5K training last year. We haven't been to that trail since the Friday before the 5K which was in November. I hate to admit it, but I haven't run much since then either. In fact, I think today was the first outside run since the 5K. I've got to get into shape to at least run a 5K. We are getting ready to Storm the Bastille on July 11.

Help Me

My hair needs help big time! My bangs are too long, I need the length trimmed, and my roots are beginning to show. I am trying to wait until my usual stylist, Diane, returns from maternity leave to have my hair done, but I need it done SOON! I am not sure of the exact date she will be back, but she better hurry!! :) The stylist I went to last time wasn't bad, but she wasn't Diane either. Diane just knows my hair!

Hurry back woman or I will be spending the foreseeable future in ponytails with headbands! LOL!!

Second Blogiversary

Two years ago today I started Just Bloggin' Along. I was halfway expecting to run out of things to write about. There have been days like that, but the majority of the time I find something. I think each and everyone of you who stops by to read what's happening in my little part of the world!

Oh Baby...LOL!

One of People's 2008 Hottest Bachelors

That Roof Over Our Heads

Well, the time has come to gather quotes for a new roof on our house. Even if you are prepared for the cost (have it in savings), the numbers can be shocking! I am really excited to get this project behind us because I know it will make a HUGE difference in the look of our house!

Slowly, but surely we are getting those pesky home improvement projects off our list.

Here We Go Again

Olivia and I had to head to the basement again this afternoon because of a tornado warning. In my 38 years, I don't think we have ever had to head to the basement more than once in a season let alone three times in a less than a week. That threat has passed without incident here, but it is going to be a rough evening with a long line of severe weather moving this way and the unstable atmosphere. This is certainly the last thing we need with the swollen lakes and rivers, weakened dams, saturated ground, and nearly full sewer systems.

I am sure you are sick of reading about our weather, but there is really nothing else happening or being talked about here. Local stations have had weather coverage constantly since about 2PM.

Another One Down

Olivia is done with her freshman year! I can't believe I am the parent of a sophomore! YIKES!

There was a schedule change for the end of the year due to the flooding in the area. The exams that were to be taken on Monday were canceled. Tuesday's & Wednesday's exams were held as scheduled. Today was to be the last day of school, but with high water still near some schools the last day was changed to yesterday.

Students were able to Monday's canceled exams to try to improve their grades, but a poor grade on the exam would not hurt them. One of Olivia's canceled exams was for a class in which she had been struggling and the other she was close to an A so she took them both. She did well on those exams and improved those grades. For one class she was the only one to take the exam and one of three in the other. Yes, it took some nagging from mom & dad to get her to take those exams, but she is glad she did.

To celebrate Olivia & I went out to lunch. Then we went off to McDonald's & Cousins where she put in job applications. I think she has a pretty good shot at the McDonald's job because of her "connections". As most of you know Bob & I both worked there, and I still do two weeks per year to do those bunny parties.

Still Rising

The waters are still rising around the state.

It seems our city's water levels are going down, but not fast enough. The school parking lot was still under water this morning.

The flood waters broke through an earthen dam draining Lake Delton into the Wisconsin River (video). Can you even imagine watching your house just get swept away like that?

The house still standing in the video is owned by Bob's junior high math teacher. It eventually cracked & fell as well. Only when this one fell the water was gone so it didn't get carried away.

This is an EXTREMELY popular tourist area in our state. In fact, the summer months here feed the economy of that area of the state. A Wisconsin Army National Guard Engineering Team is working on figuring out how to get water into Lake Delton.

No School

This is the last week of school for Olivia. Today, tomorrow, and Wednesday were to be exam days and the last day of school is Thursday. School today had to be canceled due to flood waters from our weekend storms.

Entrance to school parking lot.

The parking lot!

The parking lot of the school was completely under water and not just a little water. It was up to the tops of the very few vehicles that were in the lot. There is some damage inside the school as well.

There are more photos of the flooding near us posted in my flickr account.

Twenty Years Ago Today

I graduated from high school! Another case of where has the time gone?

What a Weekend

We had a pretty exciting weekend here in Southeastern Wisconsin.

I spent about 40 minutes down in the basement Friday afternoon due to the possibility of a tornado moving into our area. Of course, right as the warning sirens sounded Olivia called to be picked up from school. She stayed after school for some much needed algebra help, the doors lock behind students when they leave after the end of the day so she wasn't able to get back in. Fortunately, she was with a friend who lived right across the street. She & her friend ran to the friend's house and headed straight to her basement. It worked out perfectly, I think. We were all safe in a basement and had Olivia not been with her friend she would have been home alone and might have been a little freaked out. After the all clear sounded I picked her up. We were home about 10 minutes when more severe thunderstorms moved in to the area. Thankfully, those did not bring the tornado warnings.

Tornado warning sirens sent us to the basement again yesterday afternoon for about an hour and a half. This time we were all home.

Thankfully, there were no tornadoes in our immediate area, but the rates at which the rain fell were down right incredible. We had more storms with heavy rain this morning and more are moving in as I type. I think most of the state is under some sort of flash flood and/or flood watch or warning tonight.

We don't live in a low lying area or near any of the rivers or creeks that are flooding in our area so the high water we have around here is minimal. We did get a bit of water in the basement. It was just coming down so fast and the ground is so saturated that it had now where to go other than into the window well and then into our basement. Most of it was soaked up by a rug I had on the floor nearby and nothing was ruined. So while it was a scary, wet weekend so far things are OK here.

Here are a couple pictures taken Friday afternoon. Believe it or not, these were taken within seconds of one another. I was standing in the middle of our deck, and to the east was the ominous, stormy sky while to the west was the beautiful blue sky with the sun shining brightly. VERY strange afternoon indeed!

I have added the rest of the pictures I took of the storms moving in Friday afternoon to flickr. You can see them here.

I hope to be able to get out tomorrow to try to capture some pictures of the high water. However, I don't know if that will be possible. It sounds like we are supposed to have more of the same for the next couple days.

Hilarious

Have you seen this?

Oh my goodness, HILARIOUS!! "It's worth the risk," ROFLMBO!!

Not Hypo

Oops...saved as a draft instead of publishing this baby!

Well, all my blood work came back fine. My cholesterol wasn't just fine -- it was excellent! :) I credit that to eating whole grains & good fats! Thanks to learning South Beach Diet way of life! :)

I do not have hypothyroidism at the moment, but the doctor believes my body could be headed in that direction since my number was on lower side of the normal range. She will test again in a year. If I don't start feeling better and my metabolism doesn't speed up, she will refer me to an endocrinologist.

For now, she had a few suggestions for boosting my metabolism based on the food/work out journal I keep. She thought my caloric intake was a little low for the amount of activity so she suggested I raised my caloric intake about 100-150 calories. She also suggested adding one more strength training workout to my week. I am going to make those changes and see how it goes!

Anyone know of other ways to boost a slow metabolism?

A Big Dip AGAIN

Yesterday's high 83! Today's high 53! Grrr! I want warm weather to stick around. It is June after all!

The Mole

One of my favorite shows is returning to television tonight. I will miss Anderson Cooper, but I am really excited about the return of The Mole!

One of the contestants is from the area so I will be rootin' for him to win (or be The Mole...LOL)! I have a couple in mind who I think it could be, but am not ready to say it out loud yet. :)