Wait!!! weight

After my last entry, it would seem that Dan, the Ladybug, and Lisa all seem to think that my losing weight is somehow influencing other folks' gaining weight. Not guilty, I tell ya. ;-)) We're all in this together.

But I have noticed one thing about some of my friends - it is sometimes easy to see who loves me for my looks and who loves me for my brain/heart. The ones who love me for my heart and brain never even mention the weight. They are the ones who offer hugs and smiles and ask me how I feel about [insert topic of the day here]. We share - we care - and, yes, if weight is mentioned they will congratulate me and encourage me. But, it is not their first thought, you know?

Okay, some of this is coming from the promos for Monday night's episode of Average Joe. Melana dons a fat suit and poses as her own cousin and then exposes the men for their comments. Am I looking forward to this? You betcha. Don't we all just wonder a teensy bit what people are saying behind our backs when they think we'll never find out? Yup.

Do I think that it is a good thing to trap the men? Well, I have mixed emotions on that one. I dislike subtrefuge and deceit. I think it is a good way to get to the core of how these men are really thinking, but then, the whole program has been about subtrefuge, now, hasn't it?

Reality TV? Bah! In whose reality is it that people live like these folks are doing? I would dare say not the average joes, nor even the average melanas of the world. It is fantasy - fun for awhile, but all too soon gone.

Aherm . . . well, I guess my stint as guest lecuturer is done. LOL Have a great Monday, everyone.

the day after . . .

We had a day of fun. Yes, we did. The Ladybug family and Lessa's clan and the PurpleMoose went to the Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities. This is a day after Thanksgiving tradition - it used to be held out of doors in the blowing snow and chilly temps, but last year the Chamber of Commerce decided to utilize some empty store space and held at least the Santa visit inside. Yay.

This is the place, btw, that we all went to on Tuesday to decorate the purple tree. They had several trees all gussied up today - all for auction - winner of each to take it home and display for the season.

But back to our exciting morning. We arrived prior to the 11:00 a.m. opening time and had to sit in our cars until they opened the doors. Once we made it inside each of the children was handed a numbered slip of paper . . . our group was numbered 9 through 14. Then they were given cups of hot chocolate and a cookie each and sat at a table to color pictures or work word puzzles while waiting.

When that got to be too long, Kinzie and Timothy and JessiAnna took Nana for a walk - around and around and around the room. We rocked to the music the radio station deejays were playing and had a great time.

And then . . . .

. . . what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a little old man and . . .
a big honking fire truck!! Woo-hoo! Santa has arrived. Yay.



HO-HO-HO! The man himself had finally arrived. Everyone gathered around and waited patiently (not) for their turn. We were glad to have arrived early enough to get low numbers.
Each one of the children had their turn to snuggle with Santa and to ask him for something special (generally at some promptng), then to receive a candy cane and a Rudolph mask. Even the Ladybug sat on his lap.

While the grands all then went for some lunch, Nana went to her weigh-in for the month. (ta-dah!!! another 5.5 pounds! That's a total of 16.5 pounds lost since September 18th. Happy, happy, joy, joy moose dancing around the room. October, November, and December weigh-ins are unofficial. We will be going back to the hospital in January for an official weigh-in and other such hooha. (hi, Batty! I said hooha just for you - heh)

Another tradition for the day after Thanksgiving is going to the big craft fair. That was my next stop. I wandered through and visited with friends and checked out the new stuff - for a little over an hour. Only spent $31, which I thought was quite good. Just couldn't find anything that called out to me - take me home, take me home. But it's neat to visit with people and to mingle. Mix and a mingle and a jingle . . . . that's the Jingle Bell Rock!

The last two traditions I did not take part in this year - the Electric Light Parade, and the fireworks display. You see, we have 20+ hour daylight on the 4th of July, so we save our fireworks until the day after Thanksgiving. Both daughters and their families went to see the parade and fireworks. (I was walking on my treadmill. It was a pretty fair trade, I guess.)

So, that's about it from our end of the world. Hope that you have a wonderful weekend. My week off is just about over and I will be heading back to my desk on Monday. I plan to enjoy these last two days off. ;-))

Night all.

Blessings

For my Lord and Savior;

For my family;

For my friends;

For my health;

I am truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends

Dates and Decorations

Sunday steps: 8340 • Monday steps: 8397

What is wrong with this picture?

Can't tell? How about now . . .

I did not notice it until grandson came down to sell me a Christmas swag from his school - I was writing the check and looked down at the receipt, then up at the calendar for the correct date and noticed that they said different dates. Hmm? What gives? Sean - look at that! Wow, Gramma! The calendar is messed up! Yup - laughing out loud at that one.

Friday our small town celebrates Christmas Comes to Kenai. It is an annual affair, with Santa arriving by dog sled, fire truck, or helicopter (depending on the weather and the whims of the city fathers) [side note: one year the purplemoose and daughter, lessa, rode the helicopter with Santa. lessa was Rudolph and the moose was Frosty the Snowman for the kiddies - I kid you not - it was my first and only helicopter ride - and I had to do it in costume!]

Anyway . . . there will be hot chocolate and cookies for the kiddos and Santa will give out candy canes and listen to wishes. This used to be done outdoors, in the frosty air, which had many little noses and toes-es turning blue. Last year the Chamber of Commerce utilized an empty building and will do so again this year. To give the parents and the children something to do while waiting their turn at Santa's lap, there is a tree decorating contest, and craft tables.

The trees are decorated by businesses or non-profits and then auctioned off fully decorated. Our agency was contacted by Agrium, a company which produces urea. They sponsored a tree, and donated funds to purchase decorations. Our job was to buy said decorations and have someone decorate. Today was the day. As I am on vacation, and therefore not on company time, I was not permitted to help - so I found volunteers (thanks Ladybug and Lessa) who brought their little ones (thanks Jessi and Kinzie) and another co-worker who was on company time brought her daughter in law and mother.

We decided on a purple and silver decorating scheme - purple being the color for domestic violence awareness month, you see. The tree turned out lovely. This picture doesn't do it justice - I took a group shot of all of the helpers, but don't have permission to place their faces here - so you are getting a bit of the tree only.

Pretty, huh? Great job, ladies. Thanks.

Well, that's it for now - have a great Wednesday, everyone.

stepping up

Sunday steps: 8340

Decided it was time to step up a notch on the treadmill this week, so Sunday's steps included 50 minutes instead of 45. I've been doing 45 since 10-28, so it was time to make the move, right? The last 10 were pretty much the cool down phase, rocking on at about 1.6 mph.

Left knee has been acting up a bit when I first get on the treadmill, though. I have injured that knee in the past - the sort of injury where you plant your foot and then the knee goes P-O-P!!! and you go OW!! Yup, that kind. So, from time to time it flares up and I have to baby it a bit. But, tonight, even though it started out feeling really rocky, by the time I had been walking for 10 minutes or so it was feeling just fine. Yay!

This morning I helped hubby and his buddy reload the boxes into the van, then hubby pulled it out onto the road so his buddy could park in his spot. All of a sudden steam was blowing out of the van like mad. A blown radiator hose. Ack! So we unloaded the boxes again - and loaded them into his buddy's pickup bed. They hadn't wanted to use it because it is so cold outside, but he threw a tarp over it and away we all went to the first school - grades 3-5. Dropped off 15 boxes there. Also dropped off granddaughter for her classes.

Then we three went for a late breakfast before going to the next school. They had asked us to wait until all of the busses had dropped off their students - then we could have the bus lane as the drop off zone. Happy to oblige. Dropped another 15 boxes at the K-2 school.

After that I went to our shop to sit by the phone while they drove down to Kasilof to the Tustumena elementary school with another 8 boxes. They also delivered some individual boxes while out and about.

It was a full morning. While we were doing our deliveries, other members of ABATE were going to different schools making deliveries. My hat is off to ABATE on a job well done.

Did some "last minute" shopping for the big dinner and that pretty much did in my day.

Oh, I did get a call from the bookkeeper at work - she was checking on my "druthers" for some software for my new computer system. A grant is purchasing computers for our entire agency. What a blessing. We are all using Windows 95 and that sucks, frankly. We will be getting XP, which Kim Komando says is good. But, I asked for some software for use in the newsletters and web site which are under my responsibility. I will be getting an Adobe software package including PageMaker, Publisher, PhotoShop and Adobe Acrobat. yay!

Right now when I need something converted to pdf I have to borrow hubby's computer at the shop, or ask him to do it for me. It will be nice to have it there. I don't think I'm getting the digital camera I asked for, though. So, will have to continue using my own.

Well, tomorrow I have to get serious about cleaning - so I had best get off here for now. Have a great Tuesday, friends.

Gobble, gobble

Sunday steps: 7143
Monday steps: 7128 • Tuesday steps: 8479
Wednesday steps: 9098 • Thursday steps: 7217
Friday steps: 7520 • Saturday steps: 6359
week's steps: 52944

Gobble, gobble - yup, it's getting close to turkey day. We took advantage of the free turkey offer at Fred Meyer last week (buy $100 worth of groceries and get a 10-15 lb. turkey free). Decided to do the same thing today when we went shopping and that one will be taken to the Food Bank tomorrow.

The Kenai Peninsula ABATE chapter held a fundraiser a while back. The funds were spent yesterday for families in area schools. Today hubby and his friends got together to pack up 112 boxes with a complete turkey dinner - all of the fixings you would want. Then they loaded up cars and vans and trucks and several garages tonight are keeping them cold for tomorrow's distribution.

Hubby and his buddy delivered three tonight. Tomorrow they will go to two schools together to drop off another 27 boxes and also to some individual familes they had been told about. Other members of the group will be distributing the rest of the boxes.

We live in a pretty small extended community - there are two "major" towns (Kenai and Soldotna) which are surrounded by several smaller communities, Sterling, Ridgeway, Nikiski, Kasilof. The area has lost some businesses (KMart for instance) which has put a lot of people out of work. Many are finding it difficult to survive. ABATE has done this for several years now, but I think this has been the biggest effort to date.

Club officers contact the school nurses because they have their fingers on the true need. No names are requested, they only ask how many boxes are needed. Then they are delivered to the nurses who contact the families to pick them up. It has always worked out really well.

On Dec. 6th ABATE will have their annual Toyz 4 Totz fundraiser. They will use the monies raised for a big shopping trip at some local stores. Without KMart this year, the funds won't go quite as far, but they will do what they can. One mom and pop owned store in Soldotna always supports hugely, so the bulk of the money will be spent there.

The toys and other items (mittens, scarves, boots, teen-type gifts, etc.) will then be distributed through the Salvation Army Christmas program.

Yup - snow, fundraisers - Thanksgiving - Christmas is on its way.

good times, good times

Sunday steps: 7143
Monday steps: 7128 • Tuesday steps: 8479
Wednesday steps: 9098 • Thursday steps: 7217
Friday steps: 7520

Oh, my goodness! What a time we had last night. :-)) Have you any idea how much noise 2 excited little birthday boys (and all of their cousins and sister) can make? I must remember ear protectors next time. LOL. And a wonderful time was had by all.

Everyone played nicely and even shared their new toys. Not too big of a mess was made with pizza, chips and cake. A bit bigger mess was made with wrapping paper. (what a scam that is, huh? Spend a few bucks on paper, wrap the gift nicely, see it ripped to shreds in no time - ah well, no matter).

We left the kiddos happily playing and watching Santa Claus 2.

Poor Mama Ladybug, though. She had to be up bright and early this morning. I picked her up and took her to the hospital for the dreaded 3 hour glucose tolerance test. YUK! She was poked and given cups to fill and had to drink carbonated sugar water. But we had a lovely time chatting.

Not only chatting between the two of us, but a friend from church came by on her way to therapy and we all chatted for awhile. Then a friend from writers group came by and we chatted some more. And, in between the blood lettings and waterings, the Ladybug and I chatted. The three hours fairly flew - well, okay, they didn't, but it was over in . . . well, about three hours.

Then we went to the bookstore for lunch. She had been fasting since late the night before and was a hungry gal. The bookstore has a lovely lunch every day - I had quiche and she had a sandwich and lentil soup. Yum.

And, then of course we book shopped. Yay! Christmas presents.

One more stop - to pick up something for the oldest granddaughter for Christmas - and then home to collapse. Both of us. She grabbed a nap in her bed and I snoozed a bit in my chair.

Dinner . . . movie . . . treadmill . . . sharing with you. A full day.

Say, before I sign off for the night, I'd like to congratulate Lessa on completing NANOWRIMO in 19 days!! Ccontact her if you would like to read her work. I have it in my hands right now editing it. She did a bang up job. Proud of you, Lessa.

Have a peaceful and restful Sunday, friends.

Timothy

Sunday steps: 7143
Monday steps: 7128 • Tuesday steps: 8479
Wednesday steps: 9098

Called Timothy this morning to sing happy birthday to him. He seemed tickled. Then asked to speak to his Auntie B____. Sorry, honey, she's not here. How 'bout Grandpa, then? I hand off the phone and pretty soon I hear the one sided conversation:

You want ME to sing? Nana is the singer . . . oh, all right . . . happy . . .
lol. It was so sweet. I guess that Grandpa then went over to their house to say it in person before the little guy went to school.

Five years . . . what a precious addition each one of our grandkiddos has been to our family. What a joy, even in their terrible twos and their ornery fours and . . . my heart sometimes feels like it will burst with the love I feel for each one of them. You know that kind of joy that just makes you ache? Yup, that kind.

Timothy's was the first birth I was privileged to witness. (My older daughter had to have C-sections with hers, so only hubby could go with her.) Ladybug had asked me to video tape the birth. The other grandma was asked to take still shots. So, imagine if you will . . . two grandmas standing on the window ledge (in order to be out of the way) aiming cameras at unmentionable parts of my baby girl, watching a true miracle take place.

All through the video you can hear both of us blubbering. It was so beautiful - and I cry at beauty as well as at pain.

Ladybug was awesome, I tell you. All through this little guy's labor she hardly grunted or moaned. She did slow, deep breathing right through EVERY stage of the labor - right up to the transition phase. I knew it was coming because she started shaking all over. The doc rushed in and caught the boy.

He was perfect - pinked up and cried lustily. He had long dark hair just like his Mama's when I had her. He suckled voraciously. All was well in our little world. They released her within 24 hours. She spent his first night on this earth in her own bed, with him tucked into a Moses style basket at her side.

I got a phone call that evening - something was not right - he was spitting up bright green stuff - and the other end was blood. The hospital said to wait, "all" babies do that. But, daughter, having received her CNA while pg with the little guy knew something was wrong. We finally headed back to the hospital.

A doctor was called in, did a check, got in trouble with all of us because he kept saying "the kid" when referring to his highness. We said His name is Timothy! and the doc finally realized that this is a human being in our eyes and he had best be treated as such.

A specialist in Anchorage was called - he diagnosed the problem as a malrotated bowel. We needed to get the little guy up to Providence hospital. We drove to Kenai to catch a flight. Fogged in. Waited . . . call from the hospital - bring him back we'll prep him so it'll be easier to start an IV in Anc. You'll have to drive them up if the fog won't lift.

While back at the hospital (this, btw, is a 10 mile OW trip each time between our house and the hospital in Soldotna - on a black November night - in the fog) we get a call from the airport - the fog is lifting, come back, we'll hold the plane.

We call oldest daughter to meet us at the airport with bags of clothes and such - I use my credit card to get three seats on the plane - we head to Anchorage - me sitting behind the ladybug and the baby and the daddy - my hand on her shoulder through the entire flight. I am praying fervently for this little guy - a lady next to me on the plane told me when we got off that she had no idea what was wrong but she was praying, too, because she felt it was needed.

My pastor had arranged for a friend in Anchorage to meet us at the airport and to drive us to Providence. She was a blessing - but dropped us at the wrong entrance - we found a poor orderly who rushed us through more tunnels and hallways than I care to remember and got us to the NICU where we were met by the surgeon.

Doctors tend to talk down to you in times like these - and this one tried to, until he realized that both the ladybug and I knew a whole lot more than he thought we did. Permission forms were signed, and she let her baby be taken from her to go into surgery. Timothy turned 2 days old on the operating table.

Dr. Bleicher saved our little guy's life. He has the sweetest scar near his belly button which I love to kiss and blow raspberries on.

We were told it c/would be a few weeks before he could come home. Timothy came home in 10 days. He is our precious blessing from Heaven.

I wish I could tell you the emotions we all suffered during those 10 days. I would not wish for anyone else to suffer them. But, if you have to take your baby to the hospital, believe me, Providence NICU in Anchorage is THE BEST!

And, God's people are wonderful, too. Baby Timothy was surrounded by love and prayers - some by people we didn't even know. Our stay at Providence House was a blessing - people in the community even brought in Thanksgiving dinner for the residents. I don't think I was able to eat it. A friend in Anchorage came by one day and picked me up to take me to the mall for a bit - to get me out of the hospital - to let me pick up some thngs we needed. Two of the ladybug's friends gave me a lift back to Kenai to pick up my car in blinding snow through "the Pass". We figured we had a few days, I could take care of stuff at home and then come back up to pick up her and the baby after the weekend. Instead, I got a call that he was ready to come home after one night.

Whatever this little guy decides to do in his life - wherever he decides to go - he will always know (because I will always tell him) that he has the hand of God on his shoulder and that he is a blessed child.

Love you, Timothy
Nana

bits and pieces and inane remarks

Sunday steps: 7143
Monday steps: 7128 • Tuesday steps: 8479

edited 11-20 7:15 a.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIMOTHY!

Five years ago today this Nana was witnessing the birth of a precious little guy. I cannot tell you how awed I was by his mama Ladybug as she breathed her way through what seemed to be a painless delivery. More about Timothy's birth later tonight.

for now . . . just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the boy. I love you more than you can ever know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEZI!

Yup - 7 big years old today. This little guy came into our lives when he was not quite two years old. He is a pretty special kid. We love him a lot. I called his house today and left a message on the machine - a serenade of the birthday song by the nana for the birthday boy. Love you, Dezi.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Today's word, students, is communication. Several instances today showed lack of same - sigh! What we have here, is a failure to communicate!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Took a late lunch today so that I could go to the health center for a flu shot. They didn't begin giving them until 1:30. Ouch! No, I'm kidding. I take injections quite easily. They don't bother me - especially if the person giving them knows what they are doing. And, this one did.

Funnily enough, when I got home tonight after our all staff meeting I found a message on the machine from hubby. He had gone to his doctor's after work to get HIS flu shot. Great minds and all that you see.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Interesting, btw, that one of the trainings we received at all staff today was on communication. Heh - just thought I'd throw that in there.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Call this evening from the book store in Soldotna to let me know that a book I had ordered a month or so ago had finally come in. She had to order it from two suppliers before she could get a copy. So, I will pick it up on Friday.

A gift store in Soldotna just happens to be having a big sale and anniversary celebration on Friday . . . hmmmmmm, guess I'll just have to go there, too.

Oh! And then I will pick up some Papa Murphy pizzas for the boys' birthday party.

Full day planned on Friday. And, that's a good thing.

Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone.

Time off and busy-ness

Sunday steps: 7143
Monday steps: 7128

Worked on tying up loose ends at work today. Getting police ride-alongs scheduled for the participants of our recent workshop . . . finishing up a couple of projects . . . clearing off the desk. Tomorrow we have our monthly staff meeting which will take up the afternoon. Thursday I have a meeting I need to attend over lunch, then need to take my lunch as well. (the meeting is on "company time") So, the days are full.

Why worry about a cleared desk you might be asking. Well, Thursday is my last day at work - until December. Goodness! December has snuck up on us. I have arranged to take two leave days over Thanksgiving week - and, those added to my regular days off plus the two days we get for Thanksgiving, will give me 10 days off. So as not to have to do it all when I get back, I am trying to get it done ahead of time.

That will include turning in my end of the month time sheet, telephone log, and mileage sheet on Thursday before I leave - and picking up my first of the month paycheck on the same day.

And, the fun part . . . I get to do this again NEXT month. I have arranged to take Christmas week off also.

Sometimes the perks are just so nice - they are greatly appreciated. After having worked in our family business for 20 years withOUT such niceties, well, it is just like getting a gift over and over again. I hope I never quit appreciating it.

What will I be doing on my week off? Oh, the usual - cleaning - playing with the grandbabies - cooking (Thanksgiving) - playing with the grandbabies - shopping (big annual bazaar next weekend) - playing with the grandbabies. Yes, you can see where this is going, can't you? We also have two grand-boy birthdays this week. Dezi will be 7 on Wednesday and Timothy will be 5 on Thursday. We will celebrate together on Friday with pizzas and Santa Clause 2.

Life is good. Have a grand Wednesday, friends.

pontificating

Sunday steps: 7143

The local newspaper printed my article about the 10,000 Step Program today. And, the 10K Step program even linked it from their site. That was nice of them. The only thing they changed was the little bio blurb I sent them at the bottom of the article. They made it read a little more smoothly, I guess.

Glad that they don't publish the photo online that they use in the column. It is about 5 years old now and I have changed. I am starting to see the change when I look at recent older photos. It's fun to begin to see the differences that other people keep mentioning to me.

While we were in Anchorage two people remarked on it. Today another friend sent me an email and mentioned it. So, I just need to convince myself to stay with the program and tough it out when I want to quit walking or when I want a candy bar or bag of chips or whatever the craving is.

It's interesting about cravings, isn't it? They can be so strong - make you cave in - and then you realize that it wasn't worth it at all. No real satisfaction - just a momentary bit of pleasure.

The thing I have to tell myself is to just keep on taking it in small steps - pun intended. While it may seem like I grew this big overnight, I know full well, that I didn't. And, that means that I know - in my head - full well, that it won't come off overnight. So, each pound and each extra step are each small victories. Hard fought, hard won, long appreciated.

Hmmm - I've got the sneezies tonight, so I am going to get out of here. You all have a wonderful Tuesday.
>..<

snow gone? nope! brrrr!

Okay, friends, you heard it here first . . . Dan is a turkey! ;-)) That man's muse is gonna get him in trouble some day. Heh!

If you haven't done so yet, stop by Lori's and check out her greeting cards. Mine are ordered, and boy, was it difficult to choose which I wanted the most. I like them all. Now, I will have trouble using them, you know? They are going to taunt me and tease me and I am going to want to share them, but it will be hard because I will want to keep them. Weird, huh? Nah, I just like Lolo's artistic talents.

Lisa asked me today if our snow had melted yet. Nope . . . it's gonna be here for awhile, I think. The temps are pretty low:

see what I mean? That's a screen shot from just a few minutes ago from WeatherBug

And, here's a shot from the trip to Anchorage Friday afternoon:

See, Lisa . . . we still have snow. And, it's gonna be here awhile. So, get those bags packed and head on up.

Well, I had best get off here - it's back to work tomorrow and I'm sure that there is work piled up on my desk for me. Have a wonderful week.

weekend recap

Sunday steps: 5768
Monday steps: 9362 • Tuesday steps: 6450
Wednesday steps: 8807 • Thursday steps: 9097
Friday steps: 5594 • Saturday steps: 7471
Week total: 52549

The trip to Anchorage was nice. Hubby called to let me know he was done at his doctor's office just as I was pulling into Girdwood, 25 miles away. So, the timing was nearly perfect. We had a snack and then checked into our hotel.

Then we did the Grandpa, Nana walk . . . you know Toys R Us. Oh, yeah . . . we could do some damage in there. Got birthday gifts for two of the grandboys and a couple of Christmas gifts. Gonna need to go back, though. Still have grandkiddos without (enough) gifts. (hah)

After we killed some time (and hubby's wallet) there, we met some friends for dinner at Las Margaritas. Hubby said this morning that it is his new favorite restaurant in Anchorage.

The man in the couple we met is an old friend, used to be business partner/sharer of work space. His wife is the director of one of the domestic violence agencies in Anchorage. So, while the hubbies caught up on old times, she and I talked shop. We had a great time - spent three hours holding down that table. And, the food was good, too.

When we reached our hotel, I was not too happy with my step count - I know it is understandable as I spent the morning in the dentist's chair and the afternoon in the car on a 3 hour drive . . . then the evening at the restaurant. But, still! So I did what I could do - got hubby settled in by the tv set and then did laps on our floor - from one end of the 6th floor to the next - around and around until I had accumulated enough steps to placate myself. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

This morning my sister-friend met us for breakfast and we had a grand time together. And the breakfast buffet at the Sheraton is not a bad deal.

More shopping followed our check-out. We went to the REI store for ice cleats like my friend's and found them - they are called Stableicers (about midway down that page). Hubby and I have fallen so many times on icy roads and sidewalks. And, we are not getting any younger (har-har) so, want to protect ourselves if we can. You should see these things overtop of Birkenstocks and polar fleece socks. snort!

We found a couple of other things there as well - did a bit more damage to the wallet.

Then we stopped by Alaska Leather to visit with our friend, Barb. I will be needing to visit her in the spring for new chaps - my old ones were getting too loose at the end of riding season this year, and they will probably not fit me at all in the spring (yay). A new all-purpose jacket may be needed also. I have a lavender one for "parades" or sunny rides, but need a new black one for everyday - rainy - slimy rides. Yup, yup, yup.

And, as is usual in Anchorage, we ran into a couple of motorcycle friends in the leather store. Another Barb . . . we had a 3-Barb confab, we did. It was fun because it was unexpected, and that made it nice.

Stopped by Barnes & Noble afterwards to have a light lunch and picked up a book on audio for the ride home - then a quick stop back at Toys R Us for something they were out of last night.

The ride home always seems longer than the trip up - maybe because it is usually at the end of the day. Traffic was weird - either traveling way too fast, or much too slow. But we made it home in good time and pretty much vegged for the rest of the evening - hubby sat in front of tv and I stepped out on the treadmill - then we watched SIL's loaner dvd of Charlie's Angels. All together now, can we say omg - what a BBBBBBBB movie that was! Even cornier than the tv show was.

And, now it is past my bedtime, so I am going to wish you all a good night. Have a wonderful day of rest.
>..<

Ring, ring, ring . . . hello?

Sunday steps: 5768
Monday steps: 9362 • Tuesday steps: 6450
Wednesday steps: 8807

Remember this entry? I mentioned our phone troubles and the visit from an old pre-school student.

Well, apparently when all the phone nonsense happened I lost my Call Wave call forwarding. Ummm, yeah, I just figured it out - slow, huh? Sigh! I will have to call the phone company and ask them again to set up my call forwarding. It was such a pain the first time, too. Oh well - I probably won't get to it until Monday. So, if you call and there's a busy signal - either we are on the phone or online. ;-))

Tomorrow morning hubby is flying to Anchorage after he gets the grands to their school/school busses. He has an eye specialist appointment in the afternoon. Normally I would drive him up - except that I have a dental appt. at 10:30.

Who would guess that the appointment he set a year ago - and the one I set six months ago would fall on the same day? Humpf.

So he is flying up - a friend of his will pick him up at the airport and they will buddy around for awhile and then he will go to his appt. Meanwhile, I will do the house straightening thing (always do before heading out of town) and then go to my appt. and then I will drive to Anchorage and pick him up at his doctor's office.

We plan to spend the night - maybe have dinner with his buddy and his wife - do bit of birthday boys shopping before heading back to Kenai on Saturday afternoon. I'd like to be on the road and through the worst of the mountains before dark because the roads are terrible right now - lots of snow in Turnagain Pass and LOTS of idiot drivers. Oh, you mean THAT'S why people have studded tires - or - Oh, you mean I should SLOW DOWN on roads like these?

Yup it's a learning experience for some - and for others a heartbreak. There has already been one traffic death (in Anchorage) because of poor winter driving skills. It happens every year. People just forget how to drive in this stuff.

So, I will be taking it easy - and watching out for the other guy - and, Lord willing, I will see you all back here Saturday night or Sunday morning. 'kay?

Alaska Snow Day

Sunday steps: 5768
Monday steps: 9362 • Tuesday steps: 6450

yup - the moose buddies did a snow dance apparently . . . and it worked

Here's one of Gramma's little Snow Angels

and here's her bigger sister

do I hafta go in now?

Core

Sunday steps: 5768
Monday steps: 9362

Still feeling a mite puny - was a slug all day. Chicken tomato soup for dinner, echinacea tea during the day, lozenge right now . . . maybe better tomorrow. I'll go in at least for awhile and see how I do. There is a meeting I am supposed to attend, so we'll see.

Husband went into town to rent a movie before I could tell him that daughter had one we could borrow. And, wouldn't you know it - that is precisely the one he rented. We watched the Core. It was good - in a cheesy, predictable sort of way.

But, does Aaron Eckhart remind anyone else of Patrick Swayze? Not his looks so much, although there is a slight resemblance, but his voice . . . I kept saying all through the movie - I wonder if he is Patrick Swayze's brother? So I went looking on the net for the actor's name - because hubby cannot abide to sit through credits at the end of any movie - and see that it is Aaron Eckhart. Ah well, he was good, nonetheless.

I know, I know, you have probably all seen the movie in the theater already. We don't do the theaters very often. (unless it is a Star Trek hubby wants to see) We wait for them to come out into the rental stores.

Well, this is going to be short - I need to get to bed. It's not so much that I am tired right this second, (I have been snoozing on and off all day) but I know that if I don't I will be truly wasted in the morning.

see you tomorrow.

ewwww - ick!

Sunday steps: 5768

Sorry to any who might have read some past comments . . . just deleted 5 ads for the big blue pill - ewwww - ick!! Leave me alone, already.

okay, that's out of my system. ;-)

thanks to those who commented about the picture that the Ladybug took of hubby, grandgirl and me. She's a cutie patootie, that one. So elfen and tiny. But, growing up so fast on us. And, the heart patters I have when she comes running to me full tilt with her little voice saying "Nannie!" Well, when you have grands of your own you will know . . . and those of you who already do . . . fun, isn't it?

Lots of co-workers feeling puny today - and I was right there with them. Ewww - Ick! I think a lot of us are glad tomorrow is a holiday. Today I worked a bit on the agency's webpage, adding information on our 2004 Run for Women. It is so nice to have a hubby willing to donate some volunteer time by converting files to pdf format for us. I am hoping to get that software soon so that I can do it myself. And, it is nice to have a daughter who won't laugh (too hard) when I call her with dumb questions - like how do I get this file onto my page, eh? Thanks, Lessa.

Hubby took SIL out to shoot some pool tonight while I walked on the treadmill. When he came home I was still sweating (erm, make that glowing) so he stated the obvious go for a walk? I nodded yes and smarted back go for a smoke? He quit smoking about 11 years ago - but was reeking of it tonight when he got home. No, he only inhaled second hand, but ewww, ick!

so, there you have my ewww, ick report for the day.

Remember to thank a Veteran tomorrow. Indeed, thank them every day you can wake up and feel free enough to walk the streets of your town, write a letter to your editor, or write an entry on your blog. Our country was founded on the backs of many young men and women - bought with their blood. Our country will only remain free as long as we remember where we came from, and remember to thank those who made it possible.

'night, folks

yawn!

Last week's total steps: 55031

Hubby asked me to go with him to a fundraiser for the local ABATE group last night. I only stayed a couple of hours, came home at 10. He didn't make it in the door until 2:30 this morning. He's a slug today, of course. And, no, neither of us drinks, he is just dead because of his self-imposed lack of sleep. Awww

I have not seen many of these folks for awhile - my life is taking me along a different path. But, I love many of them like the brothers and sisters they are. It was good to see them, if even for a short time. Last night was for a good cause - the annual Thanksgivig food drive. They will use the donated foods and purchase others to make up food baskets to be donated through area school nurses. It's a good thing.

The youngest grand was our shopping partner today. She has really turned into a little talker. Quite entertaining. Today, it seems, was Nana's day. She clung to me and only wanted me to carry her about, although she talked with Grandpa. She just was Nana's girl. Until we got her home - then she deigned to allow him to carry her indoors. Our little love bug.

This work week will be a bit unusual - work Monday, off Tuesday for Veteran's Day, work Wednesday and Thursday, off Friday-Sunday. Back to normal for a week, and then I am taking all of Thanksgiving week off. Actually it will be 10 days - the 21-30th.

And, then, oh my goodness - Christmas season will be upon us in full force. Where has our year gone?

Did anyone catch the eclipse yesterday? It was all over by the time the moon rose here in Alaska. Sigh! We miss out on some of the neatest stuff. Well, if any of you got photos, let me know where to come and see, okay?

Have a great week.

You meet the nicest people . . .

Sunday steps: 6648
Monday steps: 8909
Tuesday steps: 9349
Wednesday steps: 8059
Thursday steps: 8168

. . . when you are on a trail. A few weeks ago (Sept. 27th) my oldest granddaughter and I took part in a trail walk at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. They were opening a new section of the trail and the 10,000 Steppers had been invited out to join in the fun.

We had a great time - met several new people, and walked the trail with one couple the entire way. That was at the end of my first full week on the 10k step program, and I was not quite in good enough shape to do it.

But that couple and Mairi and I had a wonderful time - we made it in fine shape and enjoyed our afternoon together. I was very glad they were there, to be honest with you, because they kept Mairi and me up to pace and were good companions.

Today the 10k steppers were invited to Tsalteshi Trails for an orienteering event. This time I took along the oldest grandson, Sean. He found me a walking stick - actually the handle from his mom's broom - and we headed out for a late afternoon of fun.

The packets were handed out - we checked over the maps and decided we were just going to walk and not worry about finding all of the markers. As we hiked up the first hill I was so glad I had thought to ask Sean to find me a stick. Wow, did that come in handy!

It has been raining all week - the trail was extremely muddy in places - I was glad I had worn my motorcycle boots. (they are gonna have to be cleaned before I wear them again) We quickly decided to follow the organizer's advice to take the short loop back to the school. It is getting darker earlier every night and we were running out of daylight.

Another couple, the Olsons, decided to do the short loop also. So, the four of us kept each other company and visited along the route. Sean did find one of the markers, punched our card, and retrieved a candy treasure for each of us. Yay, Sean. [edited to note: he found 1 Tootsie Roll and 3 boxes of Dots - he offered me my choice and I asked him to offer first choice to the Olsons - one chose the TR and Sean was disappointed, but hid it pretty well. So, tonight Grandpa and I bought him a bag of TRs and asked him to share them with his sisters. Beeg grins from him.]

We were the first four people back to the starting point. While we were not staying for the carry-in dinner, we did go inside the school to check in with the organizers. We wanted to make sure they knew we had made it back safely so they wouldn't worry we were still out on the trail somewhere - with the moose - and the bears. We saw moose tracks - no bear sign, though. (phew!)

Yup, you meet the nicest people on a trail walk. I enjoyed meeting these two couples on these two walks. But, even more importantly, I enjoyed meeting my grandchildren. They were both joys to be with - kind and solicitous - young and energetic - loving the time we were able to spend together. They have each said they would love to do it again. And, they both thanked me for taking them along. What sweeties.

writers and such

Sunday steps: 6648
Monday steps: 8909
Tuesday steps: 9349
Wednesday steps: 8059

Writers Group tonight - so hubby and I met at Subway for a "quiet" dinner. Ha! Family came in with 7 kids, mom and grandma. Boys were normal (aka rowdy and noisy). Nah, it didn't bother us really. If we had wanted a quiet dinner it would not have been at Subway - we were looking for quick, without it being fast food, you see. I went off to my meeting, hubby went home for a few minutes and then to his meeting of ABATE (Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education), where they were planning their Thanksgiving basket food-raiser.

We had a smallish group at WG, only 9 tonight, but that meant that everyone who wanted to, was able to read. We only meet twice a month and I am honored to sit among some very good writers there.

Came home to the treadmill and then ER and now here.

Have any of you been following some of the NANOWRIMO writers? Oh, my, now that is dedication. I was reading some of the comments from the Alaskans involved (on the forum) and nearly ALL of the AK participants are high schoolers! Daughter tells me that some are home schooled and their parents are using NANO as their English studies for November. I would just wonder when they would have time to do the rest of their homework.

We touched on schools and teaching tonight at WG. One of the men had a bumper sticker on his satchel - about one of his kids being on the honor roll. He said that all of them had been, but that they still were normal kids - ie the kind who get into scrapes.

This all brought up a discussion on when my youngest was in junior high school (they call it a middle school now and include 6th graders in the building). The bumper sticker sent home for honor roll students read MY KID IS A HONOR ROLL STUDENT. Hmmm, whatever is wrong with that statement.

Everyone out there who attended catholic schools raise your hand nicely to be called upon, please. Suzie? Yes, you are correct. The proper sentence should read MY KID IS AN HONOR ROLL STUDENT. One of the ladies (a retired teacher) said that according to the English something or other that the first sentence is also correct. But, oh my, oh my . . . I would not be able to use it that way - the nuns must be rolling in their graves over it, you know?

Then, of course, we went on to other pet mistakes . . . the use of that and the non-use of who for humans, and vice versa for inanimate objects. Oh, dear . . . the local newspaper strikes again. The woman that said such and so . . . ARGH! Of course, the woman is a human being and the sentence should read: The woman who said such and so.

Little stuff, but peevish stuff.

back to the keyboard. I know that I must frustrate some because I don't always capitalize, and unless it is a formal letter (for work, for instance) then I generally do not capitalize my first name.

Sorry, I must go now . . . I sense a nun coming up behind me with a metal edged ruler and my knuckles don't want that . . . see you.

better day

Sunday steps: 6648
Monday steps: 8909
Tuesday steps: 9349

So – things were better today – had a talk with someone and we cleared some air, got some misunderstandings (on both sides) out of the way. It’s a good day when you can clear the slate and go onward, you know?

Finished the mock-ups of three projects for the Executive Director to see tomorrow when she returns from a conference. These need to be sent to a grant funder for approval and then on to the printer. The afternoon I spent getting firm bids on the projects. I had gotten preliminary bids in February when we were writing the grant. Now it is time to spend the money.

This morning two gentlemen came in to work on our construction project. They will be doing the electrical work on our new conference room . . . as volunteers! It looks like the only construction work (so far at any rate) we will have to pay for is the plumbing/heating portion – and he tells us he can give us a good deal because he believes in our mission. Is that awesome or what?

Our dirt work was donated, the materials used so far were donated, the labor and materials for the concrete work – donated. The manpower to build and raised the walls to this point – donated. And now the electric work – donated. We are blessed to be in such a community as this.

After losing a volunteer last week due to her snow bird status (she travels to the lower 48 during the winter months) I wondered what would happen next. Yesterday someone popped in and asked for an application, brought it back today, and she will take over where my other one left off – we only had one week with no volunteer to keep the donation closet straightened. How cool is that?

And, tomorrow is my Friday – I am back on my 30 hour schedule again. First order of business Friday morning – get the winter tires put on the car. Second order of business – begin to clean this house! Friday afternoon, Sean and I hope to go to an orienteering event at Tsalteshi Trails as part of the 10k steps program. We probably will not be doing the orienteering stuff (it’s a race and I am no runner nor racer right now), but hope to walk part of the trails before coming back to Kenai and then on to the Nikiski pool for swim time.

Saturday I have an appointment to get my hair cut. Yay!

And, I was invited to join an online writing group – one that has a challenge each month (with a prize, even) and a deadline for entry. This month’s entry is 1200 words (more or less) to be submitted Nov. 15th. We have two words as the basis for our stories – chosen at random from flipping open the dictionary. The words were a bit odd (I may share the story at a later date) and my mind immediately went blank. The next day, however, I had written over 500 words. Yesterday I had gotten it all out and accumulated nearly 1600 words. Daughter read it and offered some suggestions – I realized I had changed tenses in the middle of the second page and corrected that – tonight I have incorporated some of the suggestions and it is finished at just over 1500 words.

Now I will just let it sit for a few days and then pick it up to read it again – see what glares out at me then. Tomorrow is writers group – and I don’t think I have anything to share – I probably won’t share this story there until December. (after the challenge is over)

So there you have it – another day in the life of the moose. Hope yours was a good one.

birthdays and rants

Sunday steps: 6648
Monday steps: 8909

think I'll keep a running tally for this week.

First and foremost . . . Happy Birthday to Linky! May you have many more happy days. (ya kid ya!)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Office politics: Gah! never, never, NEVER tell anyone in your office what your salary is - me? nope, I didn't. Someone got wind of some grant information and made some big (and very wrong assumptions) about the salaries of many people. All I could say (once I realized what was going on and being said behind my back) was that I did not make what they were assuming I make.

I attribute all of the sniping and such to the budget cuts our agency (and every other non-profit domestic violence shelter in the state) suffered this year - to the salary freezes - to the (very small) co-pay on our insurance we are being asked to contribute - to the holidays coming and no bonuses forthcoming. Yup, that'll do it, all right.

And, then if even one person thinks that another makes a bit more than they do . . . well, then you have some morale issues.

Personally, I am thankful for each and every paycheck I receive. I am blessed to have this job, to have the opportunity to work in this field. After working with my hubby for no pay for 20+ years . . . after being a small business owner for nearly 25 years . . . after having NO insurance for 15 of those years . . . after raising our girls on very small take home (and no welfare, mind you) . . . I find it hard not to give more than 100% at my job each day.

I know that there are a number of people who could (and would, if the opportunity arose) replace me at my job. I know that my position is a dispensable one, one that the agency could survive without a person filling it. I know that I have a solid work ethic and while there are times I may feel that I am overpaid, I am simply being paid the salary I was offered when I was hired. I didn't ask for it, would have been happy with less, even.

Do I think I deserve it? Not really. Do I think I work for it? Yes, indeedy. Would I miss it if it were gone? You betcha. Do I question what other people in our organization make? No - it is plainly none of my business.

wish others could see it that way, too.

There was stiff competition for the receptionist position we recently filled. People know that this is a good place to work - well, at least the people outside of the agency who want to get in know that it is a good place to work.

My bread is buttered quite well - I hope to keep it butter side up.

/rant

normalcy(?)

Sunday steps: 6648

Back to my regular work week today - it felt good to be in my office. But I did find myself out in the main area several times to chat with the new receptionist. She is doing a great job - picking things up, and there are a lot of things to pick up, truly. She has a quiet personality, but I sense a strength there and that is needed in that position.

We have two people at a conference the beginning of this week, our director and one of the advocates. So, it is a bit quieter than usual. I was able to get my stats for the month of October done today. They are due on the 5th, so I am ahead of the game. It is hard sometimes because I depend on several other people to get their stats to me in order to combine them all. Then I pass them on to the administrative assistant. One person told me today that the stats weren't due until the 10th and I had to say yes, but mine were due the 5th - it is the AA whose are due the 10th, so she needs to get mine before then. Sigh. Usually the person who is at the conference gets them to me, so it was a bit out of the norm. All things work out, though, and I had them before the end of the day.

Tomorrow it is report time - have to compile it all into a nice and neat one page report for the director.

Tomorrow I also have a photo shoot - several area men who are willing to be photographed and posterized. ;-)) I wrote a grant funding this and a few other projects last year and now is the time it all comes together. I baked a coffee cake tonight to take in tomorrow - yes, a bribe of sorts.

Oh, speaking of bribes - did anyone else watch The Average Joe tonight? What a concept - really puts some preconceived notions at risk, doesn't it? I feel sorry for the guys, but you know they had to know what was coming, right?

Don't really care for the premise of these "reality" shows much. There is too much twisting of hearts and psyches for me. I try to be a really open person - without hurting anyone's feelings if I can at all help it. So, when I see a premise that is aimed at doing just that, well, it sort of rankles on me.

And, yet, I watched it. So what does that say about me?

On another note - I bought some New Balance shoes Saturday and they really help on the treadmill - they grab the tread and you can really zip along. Of course, I have raised (and popped) a humongous blister on my right heel. Ouch! Will have to keep an eye on it. Tonight in my 45 minutes, however, I made it through every one of the mardi gras beads . . . . twice! Yup, 4000 steps in 45 minutes. I was kicking it at about 3.5 mph pace during the first 10 minutes - slowed down to about 2 for the next 20 and then kicked it back up to 2.4 during the last 15.

Tonight they had a second sign up for 10000 step participants. I know they had room for another 125 to join. Several people I know were planning to go over to sign up. I hope they all made it onto the program. It just helps to be held responsible - for reporting steps and weight and such. Being held accountable makes you more conscious of doing what you have said you would.

Anyway, that's enough deep thinking for one night. Hope your Tuesday is great.

long lost relatives

Saturday steps: 8164 weekly total: 57000

Came home this afternoon to a message from my aunt - news about a cousin of mine. I called to discover that my cousin had passed away on the 24th, and my aunt wanted to know if I had been told. Nope. (this, btw, was not the daughter of said aunt) I was glad that I had gotten to visit with this cousin the last time I was in Ohio, three or four years ago. Sorry our visit could not have been longer.

We always have those kinds of regrets.

But, my aunt then told me about this cousin's son. He had been asking her about his family history, which for many and varied reasons, he knows very little about. She said that she is gathering some things for him, but was sorry that he had not given her his phone number or address. She knew about where he lived (town and state) and that he was an attorney.

Well, Aunt B___, I will go and google him to see if I can get that info for you.

And, surely enough, it only took me about five minutes to find him - complete with home address and phone number. So I did what any red-blooded Alaskan would do (after calling my aunt with his information) - I made a bit of my own fun - I called him up.

And we had a lovely chat.

We exchanged email addresses, addresses, and the like, and chatted about family memories. I said something about him being a lot younger than I, only to find out that he is a little less than 4 years younger -- so we are essentially the same age.

I just sent him a long email telling him all he ever wanted to know (and perhaps a bit more) about his long lost Alaskan cousin. I hope I didn't scare him away. ;-))

And, how was your Sunday?

tired old granny - heh

Friday steps: 7391

Busy day - lovely evening. Did some laundry and ran the vacuum. We bought a new vacuum - bagless sort. The purple porch lady recently said something about the stuff that is left in the cup - oh my is she ever right! Yuk!

Gonna cut this pretty short tonight - call it an early night. I am beat. Went to the pool with daughters (both) and grands and their friends and my niece. Niece and I walked laps in the lap lane - both did 40 laps, although she finished ahead of me. While we were walking daughters kept the younguns occupied and safe in the kiddie area.

Then after showers we all went to the Ladybugs where my sister had been busily setting up a Halloween party for all of us. I will download pics and post them for you tomorrow. My sister and niece have the neatest imaginations. I keep telling them they ought to go into the business of providing "theme" parties. Tonight was just too cute.

We made individual pizzas with blood, vampire fangs, maggots, scabs, slugs, brains, eyeballs, and much more. Yum! No, seriously - it was yummy!

Came home to discover that phones here were giving hubby fits again - hope that we don't have an early morning visit from the KPD again. He says he has it narrowed down to one of two places.

More crawling around to find the trouble spots I'm thinking. Sigh.

In the meantime - you all have a wonderful Sunday.
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