I love Jeni's Ice Cream. It is the Dom Perignon of the ice cream world. There is absolutely nothing like it. If you've never been there, you simply don't know what you're missing. The original store is in the North Market in Columbus with 7 other stores throughout the Columbus area. I encourage everyone to go and visit Jeni's.
But before you go, there are a few things you should know. First, you will not find vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors. Jeni's combines the oddest ingredients together to make the most amazing flavors. My personal favorites are Pistachio and Honey, Blackstrap Pecan, Salty Caramel, Mackenzie Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs and Cherry Lambic. Secondly, it is $4 a scoop. However, you can get two 1/2 scoops for the price of one. Thirdly, you can taste every flavor for free. Trust me, go for it! Lastly, if you are on Weight Watchers, you should know that each bite is probably worth 29 points each! And lastly, lastly, it is addictive!
My saving grace with Jeni's is that the nearest store is in Bexley. So, I can't just run into town whenever I have the urge to indulge. Well, that was until today. I found out from my buddy Beth Adkins that River Road Coffee in Granville, Ohio now sells pints and half-pints of Jeni's ice cream! Oh, man, here we go! So I headed off to Granville this afternoon to check it out. On the way, my defense mechanisms kicked in, and I convinced myself that they probably only carried a couple of flavors and none of which would be my favorites. Wrong! I got there and they had 3 of my 5 favorites. Damn it anyway! Luckily, they had one of them in a 1/2 pint. This is a blessing because if not I would have consumed an entire pint of Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs! Instead I savored every yummy bite of Pistachio and Honey. Of course when it comes to Jeni's I'm not sure eating only a 1/2 pint is any less destructive to my waist line then the entire pint!
So a new chapter in my weight loss battle begins...fighting the temptation to indulge in the greatest ice cream at every turn. Darn you Beth Adkins for telling me about it. Darn you River Road Coffee for selling it. Darn you Jeni for making the greatest ice cream in the world. As long as the coffee shop continues to sell the ice cream, I will never make my goal weight!
Oh and the noise you hear in the background. It is Weight Watchers doing a happy dance! They can expect my $11 a week for a long time to come.
Make Every Day Count.....
Denise
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
2.2 Is The Loneliest Number
As promised, a new installment chronicling my weight loss journey. I posted on Jan. 14 that I had lost 5.2 pounds. What I didn't tell you is that it was a single week loss, and it happened because I had the flu a few days prior! So I knew that I would gain some weight back when my appetite returned. Imagine my surprise last week when I lost another 2.2 pounds. (That's a total of 7.4 pounds for the mathematical challenged!) Now most people would be thrilled with another loss, but not me. Here's the problem: I didn't work the program and still lost weight. Oh, that's bad!
Weight Watchers encourages you to journal your food choices and calculate point values to help you keep track of what and how much food goes into your body. I'm only allowed 29 points a day! It works and really is the only way to be successful. I got off course last week and stopped tracking. I just tried to make better choices. Even though it worked, it was a recipe for disaster. You see I engaged in psychological warfare with myself. I decided that a little cheating didn't hurt. After all I lost the 2.2 pounds. So, in my mind that translated into I can have what I want with some moderation. To me moderation meant two meals at Chipotle in 3 days, 2 wine slushies and cheese, trail bologna and crackers for dinner at Buckeye Winery, multiple binges on Goldfish cheddar blast and chocolate, and....well, you get the point!
So, I weighed in last night and I gained 2.2 pounds! Yep, everything I lost the week before came back home to roost in my ass! I knew it before I weighed in because my pants were tight around the waist again. I also knew it would happen when I left the meeting last week. I know myself too well. It's the same mind games over and over.
I have vowed once again to change my ways. I journaled all of my choices and calculated all of my points today. As of this writing I ate all 29 points, but did not go over! Good start. Of course it is only day one. The problem though is I'm hungry and no more points for the day. So, I'm eating an apple and drinking water instead of scarfing down a bag of chips. (Note: all fruits and vegetables are point free so I can eat it without guilt! No enjoyment, but no guilt!) Man, 2.2 is such a lonely number!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
Weight Watchers encourages you to journal your food choices and calculate point values to help you keep track of what and how much food goes into your body. I'm only allowed 29 points a day! It works and really is the only way to be successful. I got off course last week and stopped tracking. I just tried to make better choices. Even though it worked, it was a recipe for disaster. You see I engaged in psychological warfare with myself. I decided that a little cheating didn't hurt. After all I lost the 2.2 pounds. So, in my mind that translated into I can have what I want with some moderation. To me moderation meant two meals at Chipotle in 3 days, 2 wine slushies and cheese, trail bologna and crackers for dinner at Buckeye Winery, multiple binges on Goldfish cheddar blast and chocolate, and....well, you get the point!
So, I weighed in last night and I gained 2.2 pounds! Yep, everything I lost the week before came back home to roost in my ass! I knew it before I weighed in because my pants were tight around the waist again. I also knew it would happen when I left the meeting last week. I know myself too well. It's the same mind games over and over.
I have vowed once again to change my ways. I journaled all of my choices and calculated all of my points today. As of this writing I ate all 29 points, but did not go over! Good start. Of course it is only day one. The problem though is I'm hungry and no more points for the day. So, I'm eating an apple and drinking water instead of scarfing down a bag of chips. (Note: all fruits and vegetables are point free so I can eat it without guilt! No enjoyment, but no guilt!) Man, 2.2 is such a lonely number!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
Monday, January 24, 2011
So Giddy, I Don't Know What To Do!
I'm am so giddy that I really don't know what to do! Do you know the feeling you get when you realize that you have an extra payday in a month? I get paid every two weeks. So three times a year I get an extra pay in a month. I always get so excited because it means I have extra money to spend as I want. Usually I'm very frugal with the money and use it wisely, but I will spend many hours thinking about the different ways I could spend the money.
Well, today I got the same feeling of euphoria that I usually experience with extra money. Instead of cash, my joy comes in the form of time. I looked at my calendar this morning, and I realized that I have nothing scheduled for the next 4 days. No meetings, no friendship groups, no National Honor Society activities, no appointments... NO NOTHING! I generally get out of school around 3:00. (I let the kids get off the road before I venture out!) I go to bed around 9:00. So usually the 6 hours of time between school and bed is spent in all of the above mentioned activities. So, if my math is correct, 4 days X 6 hours = 24 hours of free time this week! Like my 3 week paychecks, this only happens a few times a year.
Today I spent a hour and half working uninterrupted in my classroom. I finally got to tackle the "low importance" pile. We all have them. Things that need to be done, but there is no hurry. Then I went home and sewed! I can't even remember the last time I got to sew for 10-15 minutes in an evening much less for 2 entire hours! Woo-hoo! I made some serious progress on Andrea's baby quilt! It's a good thing too...the baby is due next week! I actually cooked a meal and did the dishes. I spent the rest of my evening watching an old movie with my hubby and typing this post....AND, it's only 8:30! I still have 30 minutes before bed. What should I do?
I have no idea how I will spend the remaining 18 hours of my unexpected free time. But I will guarantee you that I will enjoy every single minute of it. I'm just giddy!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
Well, today I got the same feeling of euphoria that I usually experience with extra money. Instead of cash, my joy comes in the form of time. I looked at my calendar this morning, and I realized that I have nothing scheduled for the next 4 days. No meetings, no friendship groups, no National Honor Society activities, no appointments... NO NOTHING! I generally get out of school around 3:00. (I let the kids get off the road before I venture out!) I go to bed around 9:00. So usually the 6 hours of time between school and bed is spent in all of the above mentioned activities. So, if my math is correct, 4 days X 6 hours = 24 hours of free time this week! Like my 3 week paychecks, this only happens a few times a year.
Today I spent a hour and half working uninterrupted in my classroom. I finally got to tackle the "low importance" pile. We all have them. Things that need to be done, but there is no hurry. Then I went home and sewed! I can't even remember the last time I got to sew for 10-15 minutes in an evening much less for 2 entire hours! Woo-hoo! I made some serious progress on Andrea's baby quilt! It's a good thing too...the baby is due next week! I actually cooked a meal and did the dishes. I spent the rest of my evening watching an old movie with my hubby and typing this post....AND, it's only 8:30! I still have 30 minutes before bed. What should I do?
I have no idea how I will spend the remaining 18 hours of my unexpected free time. But I will guarantee you that I will enjoy every single minute of it. I'm just giddy!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kim and Denise's Excellent Adventures
My friend Kim and I are quite the pair. No matter where we are or where we go, it's an adventure! We seem to compliment each other quite well. You know what they say about opposites attracting. She is calm, thoughtful, quiet, and kind. And I'm loud, obnoxious, and out of control. Call us Thelma and Louise!
We met four years ago at Scrapper's Gallery. She worked and taught classes there. We struck up a conversation and a friendship blossomed...as well as my ever growing stock of card making and scrapbooking supplies! (Refer to post #1 ) As we got to know one another we found out we had quite a bit in common. For one, I had her son Jesse in class. (Refer to post #6), Poor Jesse, I think he secretly wishes the friendship would dissolve. He does a lot of head shaking when he's around us. Secondly, Kim went to school with my Rick. She also dated Rick's brother Brad...why she admits it I'll never know. She also works with Rick's sister Suzy at State Farm. So you see our friendship was inevitable.
So Kim had knee replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately, her knee is "frozen," and she has to go back in the hospital tomorrow to have it manipulated. It's a setback and, as you can imagine, she has cabin fever. Now while she has a lovely husband and 4 wonderful sons, they just aren't supportive of her need to go to Scrapper's Gallery for the 40% off sale before her procedure. But as her buddy, I get it. So we planned for a girls' afternoon out for today. Well, the meteorologists (See Post #4) had everyone in a tither again over another forecast of the white death. So we were dismissed early from school. I'm like yeah, now we can head to Pataskala early!! As responsible adults, we called ahead to the store to make sure it was open and that the road conditions were conducive to travel. Everything was a go.
Kim lives out in the middle of nowhere. So, by the time I got to her house and got her in the car, it was already 2:30. By the time we got to Route 16, the snow started to pick up a bit. But who noticed? We were too busy laughing and enjoying of our latest adventure. We had visions of great sales dancing in our heads. It wasn't until 21st Street that some common sense finally set in. My suggestion was to keep going and assess the situation a few miles down the road. We only made it one more exit before we realized that Pataskala was simply out of the question. Kim was gracious and suggested that we just turn around and go home. She said she was just happy to get out of the house and go for a ride. Of course the irresponsible one wouldn't have any of that! We were out and it wasn't time for this adventure to end. So, what do we do? Kim says she has a $50 Hobby Lobby gift card. So, we rerouted ourselves to Hobby Lobby! I have no idea how long we were in the store, but by the time we got to the register we realized there was now three inches of new snow on the ground! OOPS! Looks like the meteorologist got this one right. (Refer to post #4 again) Now we have to get Kim back to the boondocks and me to the metropolis of Marne! It was quite the 45-minute ride to Kim's. It was slow going, but it was a riot. We just laughed at ourselves for being so stupid for trying to go to Columbus during a winter storm warning. The belly laughs continued as we told story after story while creeping along at 5 mph.
I got Kim home without any major problems. Once she was ensconced safely in her living room, I began my journey to Marne. The trip home seemed to be easier than getting to Fallsburg. Then it hit me. The reason is was easier was because I was the only fool on the road heading BACK into town! Everyone else was heading OUT of town to get home. I was the only one on my side of the road for 10 miles. It went pretty smoothly until I hit Route 16 again. Needless to say I got home without any major troubles.
I called Kim and let her know I was home. Of course we started laughing all over again. Why? Because we realized that we risked our lives for a $1.50 purchase at Hobby Lobby. That's right! We endured everything for a couple of packages of stickers! At least they were on sale!
I love my friend Kim. We always have such a good time together and today was no different. I'm counting down until the next Kim and Denise's excellent adventure.
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
PS: Just spoke with Kim and her procedure went well. She's loopy on drugs and drunk dialing her friends! She wants me to break her out of the hospital and take her to the scrapbook store! Now, THAT would be an adventure!!! I'm thinking about it.......
We met four years ago at Scrapper's Gallery. She worked and taught classes there. We struck up a conversation and a friendship blossomed...as well as my ever growing stock of card making and scrapbooking supplies! (Refer to post #1 ) As we got to know one another we found out we had quite a bit in common. For one, I had her son Jesse in class. (Refer to post #6), Poor Jesse, I think he secretly wishes the friendship would dissolve. He does a lot of head shaking when he's around us. Secondly, Kim went to school with my Rick. She also dated Rick's brother Brad...why she admits it I'll never know. She also works with Rick's sister Suzy at State Farm. So you see our friendship was inevitable.
So Kim had knee replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately, her knee is "frozen," and she has to go back in the hospital tomorrow to have it manipulated. It's a setback and, as you can imagine, she has cabin fever. Now while she has a lovely husband and 4 wonderful sons, they just aren't supportive of her need to go to Scrapper's Gallery for the 40% off sale before her procedure. But as her buddy, I get it. So we planned for a girls' afternoon out for today. Well, the meteorologists (See Post #4) had everyone in a tither again over another forecast of the white death. So we were dismissed early from school. I'm like yeah, now we can head to Pataskala early!! As responsible adults, we called ahead to the store to make sure it was open and that the road conditions were conducive to travel. Everything was a go.
Kim lives out in the middle of nowhere. So, by the time I got to her house and got her in the car, it was already 2:30. By the time we got to Route 16, the snow started to pick up a bit. But who noticed? We were too busy laughing and enjoying of our latest adventure. We had visions of great sales dancing in our heads. It wasn't until 21st Street that some common sense finally set in. My suggestion was to keep going and assess the situation a few miles down the road. We only made it one more exit before we realized that Pataskala was simply out of the question. Kim was gracious and suggested that we just turn around and go home. She said she was just happy to get out of the house and go for a ride. Of course the irresponsible one wouldn't have any of that! We were out and it wasn't time for this adventure to end. So, what do we do? Kim says she has a $50 Hobby Lobby gift card. So, we rerouted ourselves to Hobby Lobby! I have no idea how long we were in the store, but by the time we got to the register we realized there was now three inches of new snow on the ground! OOPS! Looks like the meteorologist got this one right. (Refer to post #4 again) Now we have to get Kim back to the boondocks and me to the metropolis of Marne! It was quite the 45-minute ride to Kim's. It was slow going, but it was a riot. We just laughed at ourselves for being so stupid for trying to go to Columbus during a winter storm warning. The belly laughs continued as we told story after story while creeping along at 5 mph.
I got Kim home without any major problems. Once she was ensconced safely in her living room, I began my journey to Marne. The trip home seemed to be easier than getting to Fallsburg. Then it hit me. The reason is was easier was because I was the only fool on the road heading BACK into town! Everyone else was heading OUT of town to get home. I was the only one on my side of the road for 10 miles. It went pretty smoothly until I hit Route 16 again. Needless to say I got home without any major troubles.
I called Kim and let her know I was home. Of course we started laughing all over again. Why? Because we realized that we risked our lives for a $1.50 purchase at Hobby Lobby. That's right! We endured everything for a couple of packages of stickers! At least they were on sale!
I love my friend Kim. We always have such a good time together and today was no different. I'm counting down until the next Kim and Denise's excellent adventure.
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
PS: Just spoke with Kim and her procedure went well. She's loopy on drugs and drunk dialing her friends! She wants me to break her out of the hospital and take her to the scrapbook store! Now, THAT would be an adventure!!! I'm thinking about it.......
Monday, January 17, 2011
A Baby Shower and A Wedding, Oh My!
I am not a big fan of baby showers or weddings. Never have been and most likely never will. So what did I do on Saturday? I went to a baby shower and then a wedding! Yep, a baby shower AND a wedding all on the same day. Mercy!!!
First up was the baby shower. The reason I don't like them is because of the ridiculous games one is forced to play. I don't want to taste and then identify the mystery jars of baby food. There's a reason they call it BABY food! It sucks. Then there is the name all of the gadgets on the tray in 60 seconds or less. I didn't have any children so I don't know the difference between a snot sucker and a rectal thermometer. Of course, what baby shower wouldn't be complete without the toilet paper game! You know the game. The one where you are to use your superior intellect to calculate the precise amount of paper that will fit perfectly around the mother's belly. To me these games seem geared to humiliating guests instead of celebrating the mother. Now if it were me in charge of these events, I would have chair massages, manis, catered food and wine! I would pamper the mother and guests. Thank goodness Andrea feels the same way about baby showers as I do. While there was no spa treatment, she refused to play silly shower games! She hates them as much as I do. I've known Andrea since she was 5, and I know she will make a wonderful mother. I'm honored that she included me on her day. Good luck and thanks for not making us play the games!
I had to leave the party early to rush to the wedding. There are so many reasons why I dislike weddings. The biggest reason for me is that the focus seems to be on the wedding and not the marriage. Couples get so caught up in planning the perfect wedding that they forget to plan for the marriage. I did not have a wedding. Surprise, right? Rick and I went to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Newark. His mother served as his witness and my friend Kelly was mine. It was two days after Christmas so the church was beautifully decorated with poinsettias and greenery. Afterwards we met his family at a local restaurant for lunch. It was the way I wanted it. Heck, growing up most of my friends started planning their weddings in middle school. Not me! I was never going to get married, much less have some grand wedding. I know, I am the wedding pessimist!
Saturday's wedding celebrated the new life of Jesse and Caitlin. It was lovely wedding and reception. What I enjoyed most was the focus wasn't so much about the event, but about the fun these two people have in their hearts. The bride and groom come from wonderful, fun-loving families. And it was evident in the reception. While they followed the reception protocol, their personalities definitely shined through. The cake cutting tradition found the best man and maid of honor with the cake in their faces and not the bride and groom. The garter removal was something I've never seen before! Jesse is a mechanic. So, when it was time to remove the garter, he arrived on a creeper!! (For those mechanically challenged, a creeper is the movable apparatus that mechanics lay on to get under cars.) Jesse "used" wrenches to remove the garter. It was fun and it really spoke to who the new couple is. Not once that night did I feel I was attending an event. I can honestly say I felt as if I was a part of a new beginning. Thank you to Jesse and Caitlin for including me on their big day. I can honestly say that I had a wonderful evening. Thanks for making this wedding pessimist an optimist for the night!
Every time I do attend a wedding, I am transported back in time. You see 43 years ago, I was the flower girl in my babysitter's wedding. I wore a yellow Swiss dotted dress with a white bow in my hair. I carried a white basket of rose petals. My job was to gently spread petals down the aisle ahead of the bride. I was 1/4 of way down when my mother whispered to me that I was throwing too many and I wouldn't have any left at the end. So, what does any normal 5 year old do? I stopped, turned around and picked them all up and then started over! My mom wanted to die!!! Eventually I made it to the altar with just the right amount of petals left! So, the story should end there, right? No! You see, this wedding was the precursor to all future weddings. Half way through the vows I started crying. By the time the minister pronounced them husband and wife, I had the ugly cry going on. I ran from the altar and straight to the restroom. I locked myself in a stall and refused to come out. I was just so overcome with emotions I didn't know how to handle it. To this day, I can't get through a wedding without tearing up. And Saturday was no exception!
I am also reminded of a promise my mother made with me a quarter of a century ago. I remember my mom telling me that if I eloped and saved her the money and stress, she would give me the cash. December 27, 2010 our 24th wedding anniversary came and went. And I'm still waiting on the promised cash! May be for our 25th!!!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
First up was the baby shower. The reason I don't like them is because of the ridiculous games one is forced to play. I don't want to taste and then identify the mystery jars of baby food. There's a reason they call it BABY food! It sucks. Then there is the name all of the gadgets on the tray in 60 seconds or less. I didn't have any children so I don't know the difference between a snot sucker and a rectal thermometer. Of course, what baby shower wouldn't be complete without the toilet paper game! You know the game. The one where you are to use your superior intellect to calculate the precise amount of paper that will fit perfectly around the mother's belly. To me these games seem geared to humiliating guests instead of celebrating the mother. Now if it were me in charge of these events, I would have chair massages, manis, catered food and wine! I would pamper the mother and guests. Thank goodness Andrea feels the same way about baby showers as I do. While there was no spa treatment, she refused to play silly shower games! She hates them as much as I do. I've known Andrea since she was 5, and I know she will make a wonderful mother. I'm honored that she included me on her day. Good luck and thanks for not making us play the games!
I had to leave the party early to rush to the wedding. There are so many reasons why I dislike weddings. The biggest reason for me is that the focus seems to be on the wedding and not the marriage. Couples get so caught up in planning the perfect wedding that they forget to plan for the marriage. I did not have a wedding. Surprise, right? Rick and I went to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Newark. His mother served as his witness and my friend Kelly was mine. It was two days after Christmas so the church was beautifully decorated with poinsettias and greenery. Afterwards we met his family at a local restaurant for lunch. It was the way I wanted it. Heck, growing up most of my friends started planning their weddings in middle school. Not me! I was never going to get married, much less have some grand wedding. I know, I am the wedding pessimist!
Saturday's wedding celebrated the new life of Jesse and Caitlin. It was lovely wedding and reception. What I enjoyed most was the focus wasn't so much about the event, but about the fun these two people have in their hearts. The bride and groom come from wonderful, fun-loving families. And it was evident in the reception. While they followed the reception protocol, their personalities definitely shined through. The cake cutting tradition found the best man and maid of honor with the cake in their faces and not the bride and groom. The garter removal was something I've never seen before! Jesse is a mechanic. So, when it was time to remove the garter, he arrived on a creeper!! (For those mechanically challenged, a creeper is the movable apparatus that mechanics lay on to get under cars.) Jesse "used" wrenches to remove the garter. It was fun and it really spoke to who the new couple is. Not once that night did I feel I was attending an event. I can honestly say I felt as if I was a part of a new beginning. Thank you to Jesse and Caitlin for including me on their big day. I can honestly say that I had a wonderful evening. Thanks for making this wedding pessimist an optimist for the night!
Every time I do attend a wedding, I am transported back in time. You see 43 years ago, I was the flower girl in my babysitter's wedding. I wore a yellow Swiss dotted dress with a white bow in my hair. I carried a white basket of rose petals. My job was to gently spread petals down the aisle ahead of the bride. I was 1/4 of way down when my mother whispered to me that I was throwing too many and I wouldn't have any left at the end. So, what does any normal 5 year old do? I stopped, turned around and picked them all up and then started over! My mom wanted to die!!! Eventually I made it to the altar with just the right amount of petals left! So, the story should end there, right? No! You see, this wedding was the precursor to all future weddings. Half way through the vows I started crying. By the time the minister pronounced them husband and wife, I had the ugly cry going on. I ran from the altar and straight to the restroom. I locked myself in a stall and refused to come out. I was just so overcome with emotions I didn't know how to handle it. To this day, I can't get through a wedding without tearing up. And Saturday was no exception!
I am also reminded of a promise my mother made with me a quarter of a century ago. I remember my mom telling me that if I eloped and saved her the money and stress, she would give me the cash. December 27, 2010 our 24th wedding anniversary came and went. And I'm still waiting on the promised cash! May be for our 25th!!!
Make Every Day Count...
Denise
Friday, January 14, 2011
I'm not 30 anymore
I don't mind aging. I actually embrace it. I turned 40 and just blossomed. I became spiritually and emotionally stronger. I was no longer afraid to speak up and voice my ideas, thoughts and concerns. I am content and find ways to challenge myself everyday. I really like who I've become.
Unfortunately, my body blossomed too! Now, I'm not 30 anymore, so I don't expect to still have the shape I had in my teens, 20s and 30s. But I sure as has hell don't like what it's become in my late 40s. I have no one to blame but myself. The truth of the matter is I eat too much and don't exercise enough. But my biggest problem is that I feel 30 inside and think I still weigh 140 pounds! The mirror and stairs, however, tell a different story. I hardly recognize the chick in the mirror. She has a double chin and linebacker shoulders. She looks like she is 6 months pregnant. And when she walks up the stairs, she feels 6 months pregnant! You'd think she ran a marathon the way she huffs and puffs! The reality is this is my life, and it needs to change
In 16 months I'll be 50, and I want to be healthy. I have some big plans for my birthday. My brother Mitchell wants to take me to Italy. And I want to be able to enjoy it to the max...hiking, walking, swimming, sightseeing, wine drinking and eating. But, more importantly, I want to be around for a long time because I feel I still have a lot to offer my family, community and students.
So, I joined Weight Watchers three weeks ago. So far I've lost 5.2 pounds. I have 37 more pounds to go! It is going to be long journey. As we all know, it takes a life time to create habits and they don't change overnight. I hope that I have the physical strength to make it to goal. I want to be healthy in all aspects of my life.
In the months to come, I will update you on my progress....the good along with the bad. I feel the more I vocalize my struggle with my weight, the more accountable I become. The more people who know, the more motivated I am to keep on the right path. I don't want to let me friends and family down. More importantly, I don't want to let myself down.
So, if you see me on the street, at a quilt show, in a scrapbook store or at Chipotle's, don't be afraid to ask me how I'm doing. I'll be happy to answer you...after I finish eating the carrot in my mouth!
Make Every Day Count....
Denise
Unfortunately, my body blossomed too! Now, I'm not 30 anymore, so I don't expect to still have the shape I had in my teens, 20s and 30s. But I sure as has hell don't like what it's become in my late 40s. I have no one to blame but myself. The truth of the matter is I eat too much and don't exercise enough. But my biggest problem is that I feel 30 inside and think I still weigh 140 pounds! The mirror and stairs, however, tell a different story. I hardly recognize the chick in the mirror. She has a double chin and linebacker shoulders. She looks like she is 6 months pregnant. And when she walks up the stairs, she feels 6 months pregnant! You'd think she ran a marathon the way she huffs and puffs! The reality is this is my life, and it needs to change
In 16 months I'll be 50, and I want to be healthy. I have some big plans for my birthday. My brother Mitchell wants to take me to Italy. And I want to be able to enjoy it to the max...hiking, walking, swimming, sightseeing, wine drinking and eating. But, more importantly, I want to be around for a long time because I feel I still have a lot to offer my family, community and students.
So, I joined Weight Watchers three weeks ago. So far I've lost 5.2 pounds. I have 37 more pounds to go! It is going to be long journey. As we all know, it takes a life time to create habits and they don't change overnight. I hope that I have the physical strength to make it to goal. I want to be healthy in all aspects of my life.
In the months to come, I will update you on my progress....the good along with the bad. I feel the more I vocalize my struggle with my weight, the more accountable I become. The more people who know, the more motivated I am to keep on the right path. I don't want to let me friends and family down. More importantly, I don't want to let myself down.
So, if you see me on the street, at a quilt show, in a scrapbook store or at Chipotle's, don't be afraid to ask me how I'm doing. I'll be happy to answer you...after I finish eating the carrot in my mouth!
Make Every Day Count....
Denise
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Denise vs. The Weatherman
Here is the post you all knew would come eventually. I hate winter. It's not a secret, but the reasons why may surprise you. It's not the snow or the cold weather that I dislike. It is the endless days of gloomy and gray days. As long as there is sun, I can handle the few inches of snow and below freezing temperatures. My mood really is affected by the sunshine. The more sun we have, the happier I am.
But there is another winter element that affects my mood even more than the minutes of brightness in a day. It is what I call The Meteorologist Conspiracy. I believe that the Central Ohio Meteorologist's Union has a secret agenda. It is their mission to torture the educators of the viewing audience with unprovoked, unfounded threats of the "impending chaos". Every winter we must endure these crazy predictions of substantial snowfalls, ice storms and blizzards, most of which never materialize. They do it because they secretly hated their science teachers from high school. They have a desire to see us suffer with endless speculations of 2-hour delays and snow days.
Need proof? No problem....Sunday night they began with a prediction of 3-5 inches of snow over the next two days. It was to start after 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning. So, guess what the hot topic of the day was at school on Monday. Instead of concentrating on studying for Quaterly Assessments (QAs), students relentlessly monitored the weather patterns outside. Every chance they got they were googling the weather channel, looking out the windows, and discussing the possibilities of a snow day. Of course, I'm constantly refocusing their attention back to the important task at hand...math, science, English and social studies.
So, what happened this morning...not a damn thing! Not one flake of snow had fallen overnight. There was no snow day nor a 2-hour delay. Only 650 disappointed teenagers to face at 7:30 in the morning. But don't despair, the weatherman graciously pushed back the arrival time of the snow. Now it's going to start at 10:00 a.m. and last all day. This refuels the expectations of an early dismissal and a possible snow day on Wednesday! It's like the Ground Hog Day movie... the same scenario day after day!!! Will it ever end? Of course not. So, the administration decided to adhere to the ramblings of the meteorologists and released us early to avoid the "impending chaos." And what happened? Nothing! So what do the weatherpersons do? They have once again moved the time back. They want us to believe the snow will now occur after 3:00 a.m. Wednesday. Here we go again!
My 9th period class today was discussing, what else, but the weather. I informed them we would all be at school on Wednesday and to be prepared to take their scheduled QAs. They called me a snow day pessimist! Really? A snow day pessimist?!?!?!? I informed them that I am a realist and have learned after 25 years in the classroom not to believe the weatherman. I was ready to explain my Meteorologist Conspiracy when the bell rang. Just as well! They would have just laughed at me and my theory. They don't care about anything but the next snow day and proving me wrong. That's okay I'll get the last laugh in end. If we go over our three snow days, we will be making up those days over Spring Break. We will see then who the make up day pessimists are!
And to the meteorologists seeking their revenge on the educators of tomorrow's future. The next time you make unfounded weather predictions, I invite you to come and send the day in my classroom. I think you should have to deal with the chaos you create with snow day propaganda! You can listen to the ramblings of 650 teenagers for 7 hours.
Of course, there will most likely be a snow day tomorrow. Know why? One, because I wrote this post with my theory and weatherman wants me to look like a fool. Two, Rick has the day off tomorrow, therefore, ruining my snow day. And you all wonder why I hate winter!
Make Every Day Count
Denise
But there is another winter element that affects my mood even more than the minutes of brightness in a day. It is what I call The Meteorologist Conspiracy. I believe that the Central Ohio Meteorologist's Union has a secret agenda. It is their mission to torture the educators of the viewing audience with unprovoked, unfounded threats of the "impending chaos". Every winter we must endure these crazy predictions of substantial snowfalls, ice storms and blizzards, most of which never materialize. They do it because they secretly hated their science teachers from high school. They have a desire to see us suffer with endless speculations of 2-hour delays and snow days.
Need proof? No problem....Sunday night they began with a prediction of 3-5 inches of snow over the next two days. It was to start after 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning. So, guess what the hot topic of the day was at school on Monday. Instead of concentrating on studying for Quaterly Assessments (QAs), students relentlessly monitored the weather patterns outside. Every chance they got they were googling the weather channel, looking out the windows, and discussing the possibilities of a snow day. Of course, I'm constantly refocusing their attention back to the important task at hand...math, science, English and social studies.
So, what happened this morning...not a damn thing! Not one flake of snow had fallen overnight. There was no snow day nor a 2-hour delay. Only 650 disappointed teenagers to face at 7:30 in the morning. But don't despair, the weatherman graciously pushed back the arrival time of the snow. Now it's going to start at 10:00 a.m. and last all day. This refuels the expectations of an early dismissal and a possible snow day on Wednesday! It's like the Ground Hog Day movie... the same scenario day after day!!! Will it ever end? Of course not. So, the administration decided to adhere to the ramblings of the meteorologists and released us early to avoid the "impending chaos." And what happened? Nothing! So what do the weatherpersons do? They have once again moved the time back. They want us to believe the snow will now occur after 3:00 a.m. Wednesday. Here we go again!
My 9th period class today was discussing, what else, but the weather. I informed them we would all be at school on Wednesday and to be prepared to take their scheduled QAs. They called me a snow day pessimist! Really? A snow day pessimist?!?!?!? I informed them that I am a realist and have learned after 25 years in the classroom not to believe the weatherman. I was ready to explain my Meteorologist Conspiracy when the bell rang. Just as well! They would have just laughed at me and my theory. They don't care about anything but the next snow day and proving me wrong. That's okay I'll get the last laugh in end. If we go over our three snow days, we will be making up those days over Spring Break. We will see then who the make up day pessimists are!
And to the meteorologists seeking their revenge on the educators of tomorrow's future. The next time you make unfounded weather predictions, I invite you to come and send the day in my classroom. I think you should have to deal with the chaos you create with snow day propaganda! You can listen to the ramblings of 650 teenagers for 7 hours.
Of course, there will most likely be a snow day tomorrow. Know why? One, because I wrote this post with my theory and weatherman wants me to look like a fool. Two, Rick has the day off tomorrow, therefore, ruining my snow day. And you all wonder why I hate winter!
Make Every Day Count
Denise
Saturday, January 8, 2011
"Back When I Was a Kid....."
Life has a way of coming full circle, doesn't it? When we were kids we all swore we would never be like our parents. They bombarded us with stupid sayings and outlandish stories. Did they really walk 20 miles in a blizzard without shoes to get to school? I think not! What I know for sure though is that nothing could bring a huge eye roll to my face faster than my mother starting a sentence with "back when I was a kid..."
So, what has me pondering "back when I was a kid"? Well, Facebook actually! I had a friend post the following message: They say everlasting friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship. These types of friends pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy, but you will always love them.... It got me thinking about the friends I have in my life. I am blessed to have some wonderful women and men who are the core of who I am. They laugh at me when I'm at my geekiest. They accept my loud voice. They encourage me when I need it. They support me during good and bad times. They believe in me when I can't believe in myself. They love me unconditionally. They make me a better person. And I hope that I do the same thing for them.
So where's this going, Denise? Well, "back when I was a kid", I could count on both hands the number of friends I had. It was a small, tight-knit group. It was one for all and all for one. We were the Musketeers! But with technology the way it is today, it seems that a kid needs a spreadsheet to kept track of her friends. The number of friends has multiplied exponentially over the last 30 years. Don't tell my nieces, but I was lurking on their walls and I found out that they have some friends! Ashley has 977 and Mikaela has 476 and Raelene has 676 and Adrianne has 1194!!! Really? You have that many friends? It makes me wonder what the requirements are to be a friend these days?!?!?!?! Perhaps a pulse and a Facebook account! Don't get me wrong, I have the most beautiful, loving, wonderful nieces, and people would be lucky to have them as friends. But 1,000 of them??? Are these 1000 friends going to encourage my nieces to be the best they can be? Are they going to believe in them when they can't believe in themselves? Are they going to love them unconditionally? (I can see my nieces rolling their eyes right now as they read this. There goes crazy Aunt Denise again!)
Of course I'm being a bit dramatic! Just ask my husband, he'll tell you I"m a drama queen. But as any good aunt, I worry about my nieces and nephews in the age of technology. With Facebook, My Space and Twitter, it is easy to get caught up in the need to share all aspects of our lives with so many. I just pray that they will be safe while having fun socially networking!
And how many friends do I have on Facebook? A measly 70...and 10 of them are family!!!!! I'm sure that is an embarrassment to my nieces! But that's okay! Someday they will tell their children "back when I was a kid, I only had 1000 friends!"
Make Every Day Count....
Denise
So, what has me pondering "back when I was a kid"? Well, Facebook actually! I had a friend post the following message: They say everlasting friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship. These types of friends pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy, but you will always love them.... It got me thinking about the friends I have in my life. I am blessed to have some wonderful women and men who are the core of who I am. They laugh at me when I'm at my geekiest. They accept my loud voice. They encourage me when I need it. They support me during good and bad times. They believe in me when I can't believe in myself. They love me unconditionally. They make me a better person. And I hope that I do the same thing for them.
So where's this going, Denise? Well, "back when I was a kid", I could count on both hands the number of friends I had. It was a small, tight-knit group. It was one for all and all for one. We were the Musketeers! But with technology the way it is today, it seems that a kid needs a spreadsheet to kept track of her friends. The number of friends has multiplied exponentially over the last 30 years. Don't tell my nieces, but I was lurking on their walls and I found out that they have some friends! Ashley has 977 and Mikaela has 476 and Raelene has 676 and Adrianne has 1194!!! Really? You have that many friends? It makes me wonder what the requirements are to be a friend these days?!?!?!?! Perhaps a pulse and a Facebook account! Don't get me wrong, I have the most beautiful, loving, wonderful nieces, and people would be lucky to have them as friends. But 1,000 of them??? Are these 1000 friends going to encourage my nieces to be the best they can be? Are they going to believe in them when they can't believe in themselves? Are they going to love them unconditionally? (I can see my nieces rolling their eyes right now as they read this. There goes crazy Aunt Denise again!)
Of course I'm being a bit dramatic! Just ask my husband, he'll tell you I"m a drama queen. But as any good aunt, I worry about my nieces and nephews in the age of technology. With Facebook, My Space and Twitter, it is easy to get caught up in the need to share all aspects of our lives with so many. I just pray that they will be safe while having fun socially networking!
And how many friends do I have on Facebook? A measly 70...and 10 of them are family!!!!! I'm sure that is an embarrassment to my nieces! But that's okay! Someday they will tell their children "back when I was a kid, I only had 1000 friends!"
Make Every Day Count....
Denise
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Big Bang Theory
I am a science idiot. If you don't believe me, just ask Mr. Weeks the chemistry and physics teacher at my school. He's the one who gave me the moniker. Now, before you, my loyal followers (all two of you), get mad at him for the giving me the nickname, you must understand that he is absolutley right. I AM a science idiot. Understanding how E=MC2 works is like trying to figure out how a man's mind works. It makes no sense at all. Every year the science department celebrates Mole Day. To them it is some super relevant equation that is the basis of all things important. I, on the other hand, don't understand why they celebrate a creature that tears up my yard and my dogs kill and eat. Really!?!?!?!? There's a whole day dedicated to moles?
While I don't get science, I do acknowledge the huge importance science plays in my life! Because of science I have a Pfaff sewing machine with IDT technology. I have no idea what it stands for or how it works. All I know is that it makes my stitches even. I also appreciate the work that went into designing the super efficient way my convertible top works. It is mesmerizing to watch, but I don't get or care how it works....unless it quits working!!!! Then some brainy mechanic had better figure out how fix it fast!! Then there is my LA Gear Tone Up tennis shoes. While my butt is no where firm from wearing them, I do appreciate that my back feels much better. Just the fact that there is the Internet and HDTV is mind boggling! Really, how does all of this cyber space stuff work? Those who understand and apply science are maniacs! (*NOTE: I do have to state that I don't understand for one moment why anyone would invent fat-free cheese. I'm sorry but if it doesn't melt in the microwave it shouldn't go into anyone's digestive system. Sorry Weight Watchers, but I'll stay overweight if it means I have to eat that shit! Just sayin')
So here's the irony of this blog.....punch line, if you will. Every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. on channel 10, Rick and I watch our favorite show...The Big Bang Theory. Yep, you read correctly. I LOVE a show about 4 geeky MIT scientists and a hot, ditzy waitress from Omaha. I absolutely belly laugh through the entire 30 minutes. In fact, I love the show so much that I just bought the first season on DVD. I watch an episode every time I get on my treadmill. It makes the time go fast and tolerable. If you're laughing your ass off, you don't think about how much you hate the treadmill and any form of excerise.
What is amazing about the show is that you laugh even though you have no idea what they are talking about most of the time. It is just the dynamics of the relationships of the five characters. Of cousre, we all recognize my character..the hot, ditzy waitress. I'm not hot, or ditzy, or a waitress. But like Penny, I have no idea what the heck the geeks are talking about most of the time! However, every once in a while there is glimmer of understanding. While "working out" today, I watched Season 1 Episode 2. Leonard and Sheldon had to carry a huge heavy box up 3 flights of stairs. Being the stereotypical scientists, they have all brains and no brawn. So they used their super genius to figure out how to get the box up the stairs. They decided to use the Archimedes principle of displacing weight. What? The Archimedes Principle? Holy crap Batman, I know what that is!!!! I darn near fell off of the treadmill. I couldn't believe that I knew what they were talking about!! (Note: There is some inconsistiences in the logic of the principle and the writing of the script, just go with it). Basically, using specifically placed levers and such, you can make the object do the work!
I guess after 25 years as a high school tutor, I have actually learned a little something about science! I have to credit Mrs. Garver, Mrs. Rozsa, Mrs. Yates, Mr. Zidron and Mr. Weeks with teaching me about science even when I didn't want to learn it! Who knows, may be I'll get science yet?!!?!?
Btw, just so you know, I have a nickname for Mr. Weeks. I call him...Bill Nye, the science geek. It fits him well!! LOL
In the words of Sheldon...Bazinga!
Make Every Day Count....
While I don't get science, I do acknowledge the huge importance science plays in my life! Because of science I have a Pfaff sewing machine with IDT technology. I have no idea what it stands for or how it works. All I know is that it makes my stitches even. I also appreciate the work that went into designing the super efficient way my convertible top works. It is mesmerizing to watch, but I don't get or care how it works....unless it quits working!!!! Then some brainy mechanic had better figure out how fix it fast!! Then there is my LA Gear Tone Up tennis shoes. While my butt is no where firm from wearing them, I do appreciate that my back feels much better. Just the fact that there is the Internet and HDTV is mind boggling! Really, how does all of this cyber space stuff work? Those who understand and apply science are maniacs! (*NOTE: I do have to state that I don't understand for one moment why anyone would invent fat-free cheese. I'm sorry but if it doesn't melt in the microwave it shouldn't go into anyone's digestive system. Sorry Weight Watchers, but I'll stay overweight if it means I have to eat that shit! Just sayin')
So here's the irony of this blog.....punch line, if you will. Every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. on channel 10, Rick and I watch our favorite show...The Big Bang Theory. Yep, you read correctly. I LOVE a show about 4 geeky MIT scientists and a hot, ditzy waitress from Omaha. I absolutely belly laugh through the entire 30 minutes. In fact, I love the show so much that I just bought the first season on DVD. I watch an episode every time I get on my treadmill. It makes the time go fast and tolerable. If you're laughing your ass off, you don't think about how much you hate the treadmill and any form of excerise.
What is amazing about the show is that you laugh even though you have no idea what they are talking about most of the time. It is just the dynamics of the relationships of the five characters. Of cousre, we all recognize my character..the hot, ditzy waitress. I'm not hot, or ditzy, or a waitress. But like Penny, I have no idea what the heck the geeks are talking about most of the time! However, every once in a while there is glimmer of understanding. While "working out" today, I watched Season 1 Episode 2. Leonard and Sheldon had to carry a huge heavy box up 3 flights of stairs. Being the stereotypical scientists, they have all brains and no brawn. So they used their super genius to figure out how to get the box up the stairs. They decided to use the Archimedes principle of displacing weight. What? The Archimedes Principle? Holy crap Batman, I know what that is!!!! I darn near fell off of the treadmill. I couldn't believe that I knew what they were talking about!! (Note: There is some inconsistiences in the logic of the principle and the writing of the script, just go with it). Basically, using specifically placed levers and such, you can make the object do the work!
I guess after 25 years as a high school tutor, I have actually learned a little something about science! I have to credit Mrs. Garver, Mrs. Rozsa, Mrs. Yates, Mr. Zidron and Mr. Weeks with teaching me about science even when I didn't want to learn it! Who knows, may be I'll get science yet?!!?!?
Btw, just so you know, I have a nickname for Mr. Weeks. I call him...Bill Nye, the science geek. It fits him well!! LOL
In the words of Sheldon...Bazinga!
Make Every Day Count....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Purge and Organize
One of my favorite things to do is to create art. The form varies....quilts, wallinghangings, cards, scrapbook pages. I'm not really good at it, but I enjoy it so much. My favorite place to work is my "art studio". I use the term loosely. To me an art studio means you create art and make money from it. Something I do not do!!! But my friend Renie assures me that the only qualification to be a studio is that you make something while you're in it!
Unfortunately, I haven't been making too much of anything lately. Why? Because I have so much in my tiny "studio" that I can't find anything. I have to move mountians of stuff in order to get to the sewing machine, Cricut machine and/or cutting table. As a somewhat organized individual, this drives me crazy! (There are some people who may call me anal! Whatever!!!). The hardest part for me was determining why this happened in the first place. The answer: I simply outgrew my current organization system.
So, I decided this Christmas break I would purge and reorganize the "studio". First I went to visit my buddy Kim. She creates beautiful pieces out of a closet!! So, I took notes about her system. (BTW, if I'm anal, then there is no word for her!!!!) I decided what I needed and hit the after Christmas sales at Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Lots of money and containers later, I was equipped with what I needed. What a job! I spent hours going through every drawer and container in the room. I sorted 1000s of pieces of cardstock and paper. I made piles after piles of stuff only to re-sort them again. I priced and boxed up items for the annual Marne Yard Sales in June. I threw things away....don't worry I recycled everything I could!
Finally, at 2:20 p.m. on New Year's Day, I am officially done! It looks spectular and I really think I created a place that I can be happy in. It may take a few days to remember where I put everything, but I do think it will be better. I just sit in the middle of the room and smile. I can't wait to get to work in there.
Unfortunately, there is a down side to my accomplishment. I spent my entire break organizing and purging the "studio" Normally I spend my break sewing and carding. It's my way of relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Well, I have to go back to work in 36 hours! Once school starts on Monday, I won't have the time to do much in the "studio". Now I will have to wait until Spring Break to spend some quality time with my Cricut and sewing machines!
Of course, being a teacher in Ohio, there is always a chance of a snow day. May be there will be one on Monday!!!!
Make every day count....
Denise
Unfortunately, I haven't been making too much of anything lately. Why? Because I have so much in my tiny "studio" that I can't find anything. I have to move mountians of stuff in order to get to the sewing machine, Cricut machine and/or cutting table. As a somewhat organized individual, this drives me crazy! (There are some people who may call me anal! Whatever!!!). The hardest part for me was determining why this happened in the first place. The answer: I simply outgrew my current organization system.
So, I decided this Christmas break I would purge and reorganize the "studio". First I went to visit my buddy Kim. She creates beautiful pieces out of a closet!! So, I took notes about her system. (BTW, if I'm anal, then there is no word for her!!!!) I decided what I needed and hit the after Christmas sales at Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Lots of money and containers later, I was equipped with what I needed. What a job! I spent hours going through every drawer and container in the room. I sorted 1000s of pieces of cardstock and paper. I made piles after piles of stuff only to re-sort them again. I priced and boxed up items for the annual Marne Yard Sales in June. I threw things away....don't worry I recycled everything I could!
Finally, at 2:20 p.m. on New Year's Day, I am officially done! It looks spectular and I really think I created a place that I can be happy in. It may take a few days to remember where I put everything, but I do think it will be better. I just sit in the middle of the room and smile. I can't wait to get to work in there.
Unfortunately, there is a down side to my accomplishment. I spent my entire break organizing and purging the "studio" Normally I spend my break sewing and carding. It's my way of relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Well, I have to go back to work in 36 hours! Once school starts on Monday, I won't have the time to do much in the "studio". Now I will have to wait until Spring Break to spend some quality time with my Cricut and sewing machines!
Of course, being a teacher in Ohio, there is always a chance of a snow day. May be there will be one on Monday!!!!
Make every day count....
Denise
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