Old Ones, it's a woman after my own heart. A reading challenge. A challenge to read books. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
It's a family joke: go to auntie Kim's house and just TRY to find a horizontal surface without reading material. My dearest nephew once said "between the mattresses!" and I had to show him where I kept the magazines...
A list?
The Ethnobotany of the Kiowa-Apache by Julia Anne Jordan
Shamanic Spirit by Kenneth Meadows
Spirits of the Earth by Bobby Lake-Thom
White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
Dracula in Love by Karen Essex (Thanks for the book, Magaly, it arrived today!)
Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway
Book of Witchery by Ellen Dugan
and others to be added--Judika Illes, Blackwell, Thurlows, Alts, etc.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Saga of the Holiday Dinner
My 90 year old mother rarely cooks anymore. I usually have her over for dinner--especially holiday dinners. This year, we decided to have a crown rib pork roast with a cherry-apricot-apple dressing, green bean casserole, agave glazed carrots, pumpkin pie and Royal Chef Darren McGrady's Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake.
Monday I went to the butcher counter in the market I've patronized for over 30 years and ordered the roast, French cut, to be picked up Tuesday at 5 p.m. The man at the counter had me write it down in the order book, myself, and sign it.
Tuesday, I went in to pick up the roast.
"I'm sorry, but no one ordered a crown rib pork roast for today".
"Yes, I did. I wrote it in the special order book myself. And signed it."
"I'm sorry, but no one ordered a crown rib pork roast for today."
"Go look in the special order book."
"Oh. Here it is. No one posted this on today's work board. I'm sorry, it isn't ready."
"Will you have it ready tomorrow?"
"Oh, yes, definitely!"
"At the sale price?"
"Oh, yes, definitely."
Wednesday, I went in to pick up the roast.
"I'm here to pick up my special order crown rib pork roast. The name is Roberts."
"Oh, yes. I worked over an hour on your order today. It was just beautiful."
It was beautiful. It. Was. Beautiful. WAS??
"There's a problem with your order."
"Really?"
"Someone set it in the display case and sold it."
"You sold my special order French cut crown rib pork roast. To Someone Else."
"I'm sorry. I have a four pound--"
"You've sold the 10 pound French cut crown rib roast that I ordered on Monday, to be picked up Tuesday that wasn't done on time, that you spent over an hour on today, to someone else???"
"I'm really very sorry. If you come back in 30 minutes, I'll have a 10 pound crown rib for you."
"I'm not leaving without my order."
I stood there for 30 minutes.
I got my order at the sale price.
It wasn't the French cut.
The French cut would have made a prettier presentation.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Update and Under a Spell
Update on Amanda: sad news; at the last appt., no heartbeats. She had a D and C. And her snarky monster-in-law wouldn't even spot them $10 for gas to get to the doctor's office.
Under a Spell
External clutter = internal clutter, therefore external clutter must go for the sake of clarity of thought and clarity of emotion.
Clutter must go.
So, a simple declutter spell isn't going to hurt, right?
Day 1: One candle and a cuppa later:
"If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it".
I wore it last year; it no longer fits. Pack it in the box. Get another box, and pack it. And another. All the sweater-look sweat shirts. All the corduroys. All the Irish wool sweaters. And the jackets and wool coats. Ditto the wool skirts (no heartache there--I can't wear heels anymore, so, so long skirts!). Cashmere sweaters (hyperventilate) packed in a box. Ran out of boxes, so 3 large black trash sacks came to the rescue. All loaded into the bed of the pickup and taken to the thrift store operated by (and for) a group of developmentally handicapped adults. And it only took 6 hours to clear the walk-in storage closet.
Day 2: same candle, same spell, 1 cuppa
5 hours later, everything in the bathroom has been taken out of every cabinet. Cabinets wiped down (inside and out), reorganized, fixtures cleaned, old items trashed, old meds set aside for disposal at the pharmacy, floor steam mopped, light fixtures washed, and how the hell did I manage to get 2 large black trash bags of stuff to throw away?
Day 3: ditto
6 hours later: all the old videos of recorded TV shows in the trash (Man from U.N.C.L.E., Murphy Brown, Babylon 5, Northern Exposure, all the Star Trek, etc. = 2 big bags). Ceiling fan and beams dusted. Paneling wiped and oiled. Fireplace cleaned, built-in storage emptied, sorted, and 3 bags of useless stuff. Steam mopped the Spanish tile. The spell was meant for me. It kinda bled over on my roommate, who tackled the dining room and her room.
The trash collectors are gonna hate me.
Day 4: ditto.
Everything out from under the bed. All those books. I boxed them up for the Senior Citizens library. The leftover tile from the bathroom remodel. Dust dinosaurs. Bookshelves cleared, cleaned, reshelved. And more useless stuff. (I think wire coat hangers metamorph into cluttery stuff). And laundry. Closet floor cleared, shoes unworn for years--trashed. Purses to resale shop.
Day 5: Didn't use the candle, just the empowered tea (Peet's "Winter Solstice Tea")
Swept, steam mopped and vacuumed the house.
Baked a turkey.
Made pumpkin chili.
Made The Queen's Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake (Royal chef's recipe--Prince William's groom's cake).
Baked Old German Rosewater Sugar Cookies.
Made white chocolate peppermint bark.
Made dark chocolate peppermint bark.
Wrapped the presents. Every. Last. One.
Took a bath and went out to dinner.
Haven't weighed, haven't measured, haven't walked.
But, by golly, my house is decluttered and clean.
Wahe guru!
Under a Spell
External clutter = internal clutter, therefore external clutter must go for the sake of clarity of thought and clarity of emotion.
Clutter must go.
So, a simple declutter spell isn't going to hurt, right?
Day 1: One candle and a cuppa later:
"If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it".
I wore it last year; it no longer fits. Pack it in the box. Get another box, and pack it. And another. All the sweater-look sweat shirts. All the corduroys. All the Irish wool sweaters. And the jackets and wool coats. Ditto the wool skirts (no heartache there--I can't wear heels anymore, so, so long skirts!). Cashmere sweaters (hyperventilate) packed in a box. Ran out of boxes, so 3 large black trash sacks came to the rescue. All loaded into the bed of the pickup and taken to the thrift store operated by (and for) a group of developmentally handicapped adults. And it only took 6 hours to clear the walk-in storage closet.
Day 2: same candle, same spell, 1 cuppa
5 hours later, everything in the bathroom has been taken out of every cabinet. Cabinets wiped down (inside and out), reorganized, fixtures cleaned, old items trashed, old meds set aside for disposal at the pharmacy, floor steam mopped, light fixtures washed, and how the hell did I manage to get 2 large black trash bags of stuff to throw away?
Day 3: ditto
6 hours later: all the old videos of recorded TV shows in the trash (Man from U.N.C.L.E., Murphy Brown, Babylon 5, Northern Exposure, all the Star Trek, etc. = 2 big bags). Ceiling fan and beams dusted. Paneling wiped and oiled. Fireplace cleaned, built-in storage emptied, sorted, and 3 bags of useless stuff. Steam mopped the Spanish tile. The spell was meant for me. It kinda bled over on my roommate, who tackled the dining room and her room.
The trash collectors are gonna hate me.
Day 4: ditto.
Everything out from under the bed. All those books. I boxed them up for the Senior Citizens library. The leftover tile from the bathroom remodel. Dust dinosaurs. Bookshelves cleared, cleaned, reshelved. And more useless stuff. (I think wire coat hangers metamorph into cluttery stuff). And laundry. Closet floor cleared, shoes unworn for years--trashed. Purses to resale shop.
Day 5: Didn't use the candle, just the empowered tea (Peet's "Winter Solstice Tea")
Swept, steam mopped and vacuumed the house.
Baked a turkey.
Made pumpkin chili.
Made The Queen's Chocolate Tea Biscuit Cake (Royal chef's recipe--Prince William's groom's cake).
Baked Old German Rosewater Sugar Cookies.
Made white chocolate peppermint bark.
Made dark chocolate peppermint bark.
Wrapped the presents. Every. Last. One.
Took a bath and went out to dinner.
Haven't weighed, haven't measured, haven't walked.
But, by golly, my house is decluttered and clean.
Wahe guru!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Buster
A week ago some people took my grey tiger shorthair, Buster, from the convenience store where he liked to sit by the door and act as "The Greeter".
Right now he is curled up on my fuzzy pink bathrobe at the foot of my bed. He's fine.
I'm happy.
My best friend's daughter called. After 6 miscarriages, she's pregnant. The doctor at the high-risk pregnancy center found 2 heartbeats. If you pray, remember Amanda and Kyle; they want children so.
School term ends Friday. Giving a test tomorrow and final exams on Friday.
Right now he is curled up on my fuzzy pink bathrobe at the foot of my bed. He's fine.
I'm happy.
My best friend's daughter called. After 6 miscarriages, she's pregnant. The doctor at the high-risk pregnancy center found 2 heartbeats. If you pray, remember Amanda and Kyle; they want children so.
School term ends Friday. Giving a test tomorrow and final exams on Friday.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Week in Review
My uncle died.
OSU beat OU 44 to 10. (This is a good thing, but Uncle Don was a major OU fan--probably died that morning so he wouldn't have to watch the game).
Someone stole Buster, my gray tiger shorthair while he was visiting the convenience store behind my house. The manager tried to stop them.
My substitute teacher did not show up the day I took off to take my 90 year old mother to Uncle Don's funeral.
The cafeteria ran out of food at school.
I gave my college final Wednesday night. The interpreter for my deaf student was a little late (she had to interpret a police investigation ; child abuse case). Two of the students failed the class.
I got up at 4:40 this morning and walked until partial eclipse and sunrise--about 2.5 hours. I meant to go shopping, but ended up tossing out a decluttering spell and worked for 6 hours decluttering and cleaning.
I think that's part of my problem--internal and external clutter.
Dealing with the external clutter should help clear away the internal clutter. I have one more week of school before we break for winter holidays. Then I'm going after the reat of the house with a vengence.
As for the Fitness Challenge, I've plateaued. No weight loss, haven't measured, and right now I'm still upset about the cat, and too tired to do much else.
OSU beat OU 44 to 10. (This is a good thing, but Uncle Don was a major OU fan--probably died that morning so he wouldn't have to watch the game).
Someone stole Buster, my gray tiger shorthair while he was visiting the convenience store behind my house. The manager tried to stop them.
My substitute teacher did not show up the day I took off to take my 90 year old mother to Uncle Don's funeral.
The cafeteria ran out of food at school.
I gave my college final Wednesday night. The interpreter for my deaf student was a little late (she had to interpret a police investigation ; child abuse case). Two of the students failed the class.
I got up at 4:40 this morning and walked until partial eclipse and sunrise--about 2.5 hours. I meant to go shopping, but ended up tossing out a decluttering spell and worked for 6 hours decluttering and cleaning.
I think that's part of my problem--internal and external clutter.
Dealing with the external clutter should help clear away the internal clutter. I have one more week of school before we break for winter holidays. Then I'm going after the reat of the house with a vengence.
As for the Fitness Challenge, I've plateaued. No weight loss, haven't measured, and right now I'm still upset about the cat, and too tired to do much else.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Circle of Life
Dad's only surviving sibling, my Uncle Don, died this past Saturday. Don Parr, 1916-2011. R.I.P.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Simple Things, Random Thoughts, and Don't Light a Match for the Love of All the Gods
My dad died 3 years ago, and this is the first Thanksgiving at home since then (his birthday is the 28th). Last year my brother took my 90 year-old mother to NYC for the parade--and her little sister died, so that cut everything short. The year Dad died the CEO of Chesapeake Oil and his wife let us have their Santa Fe complex for the week. This week, we just had about 7 family members--7.5, since I'll be a grandmother again in April--for a traditional supper.
I thought it would be simple. One 15 pound bird, 3 types of stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pureed parsnips with roasted garlic, carrots, green bean casserole, fresh rolls, fresh cranberry salad, tossed saad with champagne dressing and 4 freakin' pies later...sigh. BUT, I took less than a 1/4 cup serving of any given item, except salad, which was already plated.
Mother and I did the bird, one sressing, the cranberries, and 3 pies. My sister-in-law, brilliant woman that she is, had the caterer do the rest.
My 4 year-old grandson got to jump and bulldoze through the largest leaf pile in Oklahoma City and play on a homemade minature golf course designed and constructed by 9 year old Ivan from NY City who was visiting his grandmother next door. Ivan was so patient with Tag! My brother, "Unca Doug", played too. (Boy, is he ready to be a grandpa!).
As for the mini-challenge
I buy organic when I can. but it is so much simpler to buy Amy's frozen dinners for lunch at school because we have about 25 minutes to eat--if we're lucky. One organic apple a day, usually, or blueberries on my oatbran. I love fresh corn on the cob with a salad for lunch on weekends. I could eat oven roasted veggies every night (except when I teach a night class, then it's soup).
I am a carboholic. I don't think there's a 12 step program for that.
I have indulged too much in the sweets. It's a good thing I live alone. Toxic fumes emanating from my person have driven the cats out of my room--and I don't blame them; if I didn't have to, I wouldn't sleep with me, either..
I thought it would be simple. One 15 pound bird, 3 types of stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pureed parsnips with roasted garlic, carrots, green bean casserole, fresh rolls, fresh cranberry salad, tossed saad with champagne dressing and 4 freakin' pies later...sigh. BUT, I took less than a 1/4 cup serving of any given item, except salad, which was already plated.
Mother and I did the bird, one sressing, the cranberries, and 3 pies. My sister-in-law, brilliant woman that she is, had the caterer do the rest.
My 4 year-old grandson got to jump and bulldoze through the largest leaf pile in Oklahoma City and play on a homemade minature golf course designed and constructed by 9 year old Ivan from NY City who was visiting his grandmother next door. Ivan was so patient with Tag! My brother, "Unca Doug", played too. (Boy, is he ready to be a grandpa!).
As for the mini-challenge
I buy organic when I can. but it is so much simpler to buy Amy's frozen dinners for lunch at school because we have about 25 minutes to eat--if we're lucky. One organic apple a day, usually, or blueberries on my oatbran. I love fresh corn on the cob with a salad for lunch on weekends. I could eat oven roasted veggies every night (except when I teach a night class, then it's soup).
I am a carboholic. I don't think there's a 12 step program for that.
I have indulged too much in the sweets. It's a good thing I live alone. Toxic fumes emanating from my person have driven the cats out of my room--and I don't blame them; if I didn't have to, I wouldn't sleep with me, either..
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Good Intentions Pave the Road
Good intentions are paving stones
Within the path I tread.
But then they turned to stumbling blocks--
And they're all inside my head.
Intent is scattered like falling leaves,
Shattered will and focus fled.
I've fallen; bruised and scraped my knees;
On mental blocks I've bled.
Good intentions pave the way,
I cannot tarry here,
Nor sit and moan or bewail my fate,
Nor flounder in my fear.
This is my path, I laid the stones
And I must walk the way,
Knowing I'll falter and fall again,
And continue, come what may.
Within the path I tread.
But then they turned to stumbling blocks--
And they're all inside my head.
Intent is scattered like falling leaves,
Shattered will and focus fled.
I've fallen; bruised and scraped my knees;
On mental blocks I've bled.
Good intentions pave the way,
I cannot tarry here,
Nor sit and moan or bewail my fate,
Nor flounder in my fear.
This is my path, I laid the stones
And I must walk the way,
Knowing I'll falter and fall again,
And continue, come what may.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Which Way Did It Go?
the Domestic Pagan changed its URL
http://www.thedomesticpagan.net/
Which is why the .com gave me a domestic services directory.
http://www.thedomesticpagan.net/
Which is why the .com gave me a domestic services directory.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Peeking Out of the Broom Closet and Getting Off the Broom
Bust: 40.5
Waist: 36
Hips: 38.5
Half an inch each off the bust and the hips, waist is the same.
Diet was shot to heck this week. I was submarined by chocolate and candy corn. I have gotten it out of the house, so this week will be better.
I have a mandatory luncheon with state legislators at work this week and will be bringing red velvet and cream cheese brownies and blondies, but I intend to use stevia in place of sugar. I'll let everyone know how they turn out. The menu is chicken spaghetti, so once again, I'll have to bring a microwave dinner (Amy's). We have these luncheons once a month, and they have yet to select a menu that everyone can eat. Why not a baked potato bar?
The mini challenge for the week was to examine the reason(s) for participating in this challenge. Self examination. OK.
A year ago I weighed over 200 pounds (15 + stone for friends across the pond).
I'm 5" 1". I looked like a refrigerator with a head. I wore a size 2X. I wheezed when I walked. My doctor wanted to remove my gallbladder, my liver functions were bad, my cholesterol was too high, my blood pressure was too high, my arthritis was spreading, and I was bordering on type two diabetes. I was "4F"--Fair, Female, Fat & Fifty-something. I couldn't see my feet. I hated shopping for clothes.
Then I flew to Phoenix to see my little sister. She showed me the little gizmo that had helped her take off her post surgery weight gain: a device from http://www.bodymedia.com/
I decided that my goal in 2011 would be to get to a size 10. I invested in the program and equipment. I knew what I needed to eat and began walking. The computer program keeps me honest. I started an herbal supplement routine to deal with the liver-gallstones-cholesterol-boodsugar issues. (The doc said they wouldn't work. I said I'd retake the tests in 3 months).
I am at a 10/12 trouser. I still need a Large size in shirts, usually. I still need to tone the upper body and whittle down the waist. I still wear the body sensor and try to eat well. And I find that I like walking. I don't mind getting up before dawn and walking.
Sometimes I wonder about hereditary insanity.
Holidays (for the poor) are about food. We can't afford a lot of "things", but if you can feed the family and guests, then psychologically, you improve your self-image ("at least we have a good meal"); in short, you feed the body and the ego. The traditional foods during the holiday tend to boost serotonin (that "feel-good" hormone). Being "working poor" (living from paycheck to paycheck), I tend to cook way too much with cream gravy, desserts, and home-made candies, cookies, etc. for friends and family. I think being poor equates a full belly to love in some fashion. And I have been poor or working poor most of my adult life.
The government classification still places me in the "working poor" catagory. I will still cook a big meal and feed a lot of the elderly in my neighborhood (with enough for a take-home meal). I will have a second family meal with relatives later in the weekend. But I will try to cut back on high fat ingredients and make sensible substitutions where I can. I will bundle up and keep walking.
None of my winter clothes fit, so I will have to go shopping, which I still hate to do. My mindset hasn't changed there. i don't care for the colors or styles right now. maybe I should "do a Steve Jobs" and get a signature shirt and trousers. Unfortunately, I have Champagne taste and a Kool-Aid budget.
Oh, my blood sugar is fine. Ditto the liver function, cholesterol, and I still take one prescription for hypertension. I still have my gallbladder. The arthritis is mostly in my hands and shoulders. I still take my herbal supplements. My doctor shut up about them.
And I joined the challenge because I thought it was a good idea. I wanted more motivation. I wanted to find new friends with similar backgrounds. I wanted to help, if possible.
Now, I think I'll take my 90 year old mother out to breakfast and then go shopping with her..
Waist: 36
Hips: 38.5
Half an inch each off the bust and the hips, waist is the same.
Diet was shot to heck this week. I was submarined by chocolate and candy corn. I have gotten it out of the house, so this week will be better.
I have a mandatory luncheon with state legislators at work this week and will be bringing red velvet and cream cheese brownies and blondies, but I intend to use stevia in place of sugar. I'll let everyone know how they turn out. The menu is chicken spaghetti, so once again, I'll have to bring a microwave dinner (Amy's). We have these luncheons once a month, and they have yet to select a menu that everyone can eat. Why not a baked potato bar?
The mini challenge for the week was to examine the reason(s) for participating in this challenge. Self examination. OK.
A year ago I weighed over 200 pounds (15 + stone for friends across the pond).
I'm 5" 1". I looked like a refrigerator with a head. I wore a size 2X. I wheezed when I walked. My doctor wanted to remove my gallbladder, my liver functions were bad, my cholesterol was too high, my blood pressure was too high, my arthritis was spreading, and I was bordering on type two diabetes. I was "4F"--Fair, Female, Fat & Fifty-something. I couldn't see my feet. I hated shopping for clothes.
Then I flew to Phoenix to see my little sister. She showed me the little gizmo that had helped her take off her post surgery weight gain: a device from http://www.bodymedia.com/
I decided that my goal in 2011 would be to get to a size 10. I invested in the program and equipment. I knew what I needed to eat and began walking. The computer program keeps me honest. I started an herbal supplement routine to deal with the liver-gallstones-cholesterol-boodsugar issues. (The doc said they wouldn't work. I said I'd retake the tests in 3 months).
I am at a 10/12 trouser. I still need a Large size in shirts, usually. I still need to tone the upper body and whittle down the waist. I still wear the body sensor and try to eat well. And I find that I like walking. I don't mind getting up before dawn and walking.
Sometimes I wonder about hereditary insanity.
Holidays (for the poor) are about food. We can't afford a lot of "things", but if you can feed the family and guests, then psychologically, you improve your self-image ("at least we have a good meal"); in short, you feed the body and the ego. The traditional foods during the holiday tend to boost serotonin (that "feel-good" hormone). Being "working poor" (living from paycheck to paycheck), I tend to cook way too much with cream gravy, desserts, and home-made candies, cookies, etc. for friends and family. I think being poor equates a full belly to love in some fashion. And I have been poor or working poor most of my adult life.
The government classification still places me in the "working poor" catagory. I will still cook a big meal and feed a lot of the elderly in my neighborhood (with enough for a take-home meal). I will have a second family meal with relatives later in the weekend. But I will try to cut back on high fat ingredients and make sensible substitutions where I can. I will bundle up and keep walking.
None of my winter clothes fit, so I will have to go shopping, which I still hate to do. My mindset hasn't changed there. i don't care for the colors or styles right now. maybe I should "do a Steve Jobs" and get a signature shirt and trousers. Unfortunately, I have Champagne taste and a Kool-Aid budget.
Oh, my blood sugar is fine. Ditto the liver function, cholesterol, and I still take one prescription for hypertension. I still have my gallbladder. The arthritis is mostly in my hands and shoulders. I still take my herbal supplements. My doctor shut up about them.
And I joined the challenge because I thought it was a good idea. I wanted more motivation. I wanted to find new friends with similar backgrounds. I wanted to help, if possible.
Now, I think I'll take my 90 year old mother out to breakfast and then go shopping with her..
Sunday, November 6, 2011
2nd Law of Thermodynamics.
All things descend into chaos.
Think of it. Everything in the Universe degrades from an ordered state to a state of chaos without the input of additional energy. This is known as entropy.
Boy howdy, did I embrace the law this week.
I still have laundry to do from last weekend's trip to New Orleans.
I have managed to grade all the folders turned in by my high school students (486 points each) while I was gone, graded this week's work (188 points each), written 1 powerpoint for my college class, graded the 11 page test my colleges class took, had my teacher's evaluation observation done during a burn lab, learned that the high school will go from a four period block schedule to a 7 period day, read 2 books, and battled an intestinal virus. OSU beat Kansas, LSU beat Alabama, and OU beat TX A & M. (These are actually good things in sports).
And we had a 5.2 to 5.6 earthquake last night.
Today was my first to go to the walking trail since last Tuesday. I did my 2 miles with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Got home and spent 45 minutes in the bathroom.
I think the virus is winning.
I had a tarot reading done in New Orleans. I'm going through a healing process this month. Good to know, isn't it?
Oh, right. My Dad came by for a quick hug Friday morning about 4 a.m. I really miss him.
Think of it. Everything in the Universe degrades from an ordered state to a state of chaos without the input of additional energy. This is known as entropy.
Boy howdy, did I embrace the law this week.
I still have laundry to do from last weekend's trip to New Orleans.
I have managed to grade all the folders turned in by my high school students (486 points each) while I was gone, graded this week's work (188 points each), written 1 powerpoint for my college class, graded the 11 page test my colleges class took, had my teacher's evaluation observation done during a burn lab, learned that the high school will go from a four period block schedule to a 7 period day, read 2 books, and battled an intestinal virus. OSU beat Kansas, LSU beat Alabama, and OU beat TX A & M. (These are actually good things in sports).
And we had a 5.2 to 5.6 earthquake last night.
Today was my first to go to the walking trail since last Tuesday. I did my 2 miles with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Got home and spent 45 minutes in the bathroom.
I think the virus is winning.
I had a tarot reading done in New Orleans. I'm going through a healing process this month. Good to know, isn't it?
Oh, right. My Dad came by for a quick hug Friday morning about 4 a.m. I really miss him.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
We took a little trip to the port of New Orleans
We got up at 4:30 to heavy rain in Oklahoma City. Thank goodness for my wonderful sister-in-law who got us to the airport, so we didn't have to stand in long term parking for a shuttle in the wee hours of the morning.
No problems getting through security.
Then we got to the gate. Boarding time came and went. Mechanical problems made the airline cancel the flight. So the simple OKC to Houston to New Orleans became something more.
The next two flights to Houston were already overbooked. By the time I got to the counter, the poor guy was frazzled. Apparently the group of five women on their way to Sodona were, shall we say, "demanding". So I smiled, laughed, and just asked him to get us to NO. It took him a bit, but we were out of OKC by 11 a.m.
True, we were going to Detroit, but that's where we were connecting to a flight to New Orleans. We may have flown to Detroit coach, but the counter guy booked us first class from Detroit to New Orleans. That was nice.
The New Orleans airport smells of beignets. This may be difficult. We have a fridge and microwave in the hotel room, so perhaps we'll go to market and "make groceries".
We are currently expecting dinner to be delivered momentarily.
No problems getting through security.
Then we got to the gate. Boarding time came and went. Mechanical problems made the airline cancel the flight. So the simple OKC to Houston to New Orleans became something more.
The next two flights to Houston were already overbooked. By the time I got to the counter, the poor guy was frazzled. Apparently the group of five women on their way to Sodona were, shall we say, "demanding". So I smiled, laughed, and just asked him to get us to NO. It took him a bit, but we were out of OKC by 11 a.m.
True, we were going to Detroit, but that's where we were connecting to a flight to New Orleans. We may have flown to Detroit coach, but the counter guy booked us first class from Detroit to New Orleans. That was nice.
The New Orleans airport smells of beignets. This may be difficult. We have a fridge and microwave in the hotel room, so perhaps we'll go to market and "make groceries".
We are currently expecting dinner to be delivered momentarily.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
End of the 3rd Week: Daily Magic
Week 1
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Week 2
Bust: 42 inches
Waist: 36.5 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Week 3
Bust: 41 inches
Waist: 36 inches
Hips: 39.5 inches
Morning Salutations (before I run)
Oldest of the Ancient Ones
Whose Name is lost to modern tongues,
Air, Fire, Water, Earth,
Joined to Spirit from my birth.
She who calls honors Thee:
Mother of All Things,
One with me.
Sunrise:
At the gates of Dawn I stand,
Mother of All Things at my hand.
Guard me with your magic power,
Guide me through the crossroads hour,
From the beauty of the Night
To the glory of the Light.
2 Running/walking mantras/chants (italicized words or syllables are cadence steps for the left foot).
I am one with Earth and Air,
I am Fire and Water.
I answered the Call
Of the Oldest of the Ancient Ones;
I am Her daughter.
or
Every step increases my magic.
Every step empowers me.
Every step increases my metabolism.
Every step means a healthier me.
At the end of the run/walk
Spirits of Air, come be with me,
Fill me with Your energy.
Spirits of Fire, come be with me,
Burn the fat right off of me.
Spirits of Water come be with me,
Flush the fat away from me.
Spirits of Earth come be with me,
Reshape my body and strengthen me.
Bear in mind that my path is one of primitive singularity. I am not a follower of Wiccan traditions. I walk alone, and my ways are my own.
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Week 2
Bust: 42 inches
Waist: 36.5 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Week 3
Bust: 41 inches
Waist: 36 inches
Hips: 39.5 inches
Morning Salutations (before I run)
Oldest of the Ancient Ones
Whose Name is lost to modern tongues,
Air, Fire, Water, Earth,
Joined to Spirit from my birth.
She who calls honors Thee:
Mother of All Things,
One with me.
Sunrise:
At the gates of Dawn I stand,
Mother of All Things at my hand.
Guard me with your magic power,
Guide me through the crossroads hour,
From the beauty of the Night
To the glory of the Light.
2 Running/walking mantras/chants (italicized words or syllables are cadence steps for the left foot).
I am one with Earth and Air,
I am Fire and Water.
I answered the Call
Of the Oldest of the Ancient Ones;
I am Her daughter.
or
Every step increases my magic.
Every step empowers me.
Every step increases my metabolism.
Every step means a healthier me.
At the end of the run/walk
Spirits of Air, come be with me,
Fill me with Your energy.
Spirits of Fire, come be with me,
Burn the fat right off of me.
Spirits of Water come be with me,
Flush the fat away from me.
Spirits of Earth come be with me,
Reshape my body and strengthen me.
Bear in mind that my path is one of primitive singularity. I am not a follower of Wiccan traditions. I walk alone, and my ways are my own.
Friday, October 21, 2011
New Orleans Witches Ball: Persephone's Descent
I am going as Autumn. My mask isn't quite done, but you get the drift.
Places from My Past and Future
First attempt at making a video.
First attempt at inserting video.
I have so got to get back to work and finish the laundry.
First attempt at inserting video.
I have so got to get back to work and finish the laundry.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
3 Dog Night. Uhhhh,umm, make that "CAT"
Years ago I read that the aborigines of Australia considered a really cold night to be a 3 dog night--that being the number of dogs needed to keep warm. Having lost considerable weight since January, I am finding that I am affected more by temperature than in previous years--no insulation, as it were. This morning, the alarm clock went off at 4:40. Buster, the grey tiger shorthair who entered my life 2 years ago at Halloween (literally; he just walked into the house every time I opened the door to trick-or-treaters) was snugged into a knot between my ankles. Punkin, the starving, bedraggled 5 week old mewling handful of orange tabby that was gifted to me last Halloween (do you detect a trend here?) by my next-door-neighbor, had plunked his 15 pounds of tim-cat (calling him a "tom" would be untruthful now, wouldn't it?) along my right side. And JeepersCreepers, the tortoiseshell queen I received last May as a terrified 5 week old kit from my roomie (who should have known what would happen when she called me to her office with "come quick, I'm about to do something stupid"--I though she was going postal on her sexist misogynistic boss) because she was almost run over in the parking lot, was burrowed between the quilts and sleeping against my left side.
Ever try to extract yourself from the bed without disturbing a cat? Or 3 cats?
Sigh...
Needless to say, I got to the running trail a tad later than normal. Mostly because JeepersCreepers is really good at hiding things. Watches. Shoes. Toilet paper.
Don't ask. It isn't pretty.
I got out of my car and saw the first bit of vandalism. The trash bin had been removed from the containment holder and the trash strewn all about--including the length of rebar I had removed from a tree the day before. I picked it up, and replaced the bin. Then I started the run.
At the top of the northern most loop I saw a newly made wooden picnic table. I thought "how nice. The older walkers will like that". Kept on going. Stars were bright, quartermoon overhead. Cold crisp air. On my 3rd mile on the east loop I saw something in the creek. Large, white. Not normal. I stopped and went down the bank. Another new picnic table, top pulled apart, upside down in the water. Also another trash bin floating nearby. I managed to get the large part of the table out of the creek. I couldn't reach the others bits and pieces.
Oddly enough, for the first time in days, I had my cell phone with me. So I called the police and reported the vandalism. It was a bit after 6 a.m. I did 5 more miles while waiting for the police to come by. I finished 8 miles and left after sunrise (about 7:20 or so??).
The picnic tables were not there when I ran Wednesday, so they were placed in the park sometime during the day. The lady who walks the Boston terrier (whose name is Buster) said that she had seen something white in the creek at 9 last night. The young man with the black-mouth cur named Rufus (looks mean, but might slap you to death with his tail while attempting to drown you in drooling slobber kisses--the dog, not the boy) said he hadn't noticed anything.
When I find the rest of the toilet paper, I'm going to write "inconsiderate park vandals" on it and use it appropriately. With intent.
I'll post stats on Sauturday.
Ever try to extract yourself from the bed without disturbing a cat? Or 3 cats?
Sigh...
Don't ask. It isn't pretty.
I got out of my car and saw the first bit of vandalism. The trash bin had been removed from the containment holder and the trash strewn all about--including the length of rebar I had removed from a tree the day before. I picked it up, and replaced the bin. Then I started the run.
At the top of the northern most loop I saw a newly made wooden picnic table. I thought "how nice. The older walkers will like that". Kept on going. Stars were bright, quartermoon overhead. Cold crisp air. On my 3rd mile on the east loop I saw something in the creek. Large, white. Not normal. I stopped and went down the bank. Another new picnic table, top pulled apart, upside down in the water. Also another trash bin floating nearby. I managed to get the large part of the table out of the creek. I couldn't reach the others bits and pieces.
Oddly enough, for the first time in days, I had my cell phone with me. So I called the police and reported the vandalism. It was a bit after 6 a.m. I did 5 more miles while waiting for the police to come by. I finished 8 miles and left after sunrise (about 7:20 or so??).
The picnic tables were not there when I ran Wednesday, so they were placed in the park sometime during the day. The lady who walks the Boston terrier (whose name is Buster) said that she had seen something white in the creek at 9 last night. The young man with the black-mouth cur named Rufus (looks mean, but might slap you to death with his tail while attempting to drown you in drooling slobber kisses--the dog, not the boy) said he hadn't noticed anything.
When I find the rest of the toilet paper, I'm going to write "inconsiderate park vandals" on it and use it appropriately. With intent.
I'll post stats on Sauturday.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
End of 2nd Week
This is where I started
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Here is where I am
Bust: 42 inches
Waist: 36.5 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Haven't lost much in weight (it's bouncing around 161 to 159). But midterms are done, fall break is next week, and I'm heading to New Orleans after that. 5 days in the City that Never Sleeps--I hope the hotel has a treadmill, or I may be walking up and down Decatur for hours on end. And Decatur has too many restaurants.
Thanks, Magaly. My roommate is making my ballgown for the New Orleans Witches Ball, and she told me she wasn't going to alter it again. So I may go into maintenance mode for a bit. I can't seem to figure out how to reply to comments.
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Here is where I am
Bust: 42 inches
Waist: 36.5 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Haven't lost much in weight (it's bouncing around 161 to 159). But midterms are done, fall break is next week, and I'm heading to New Orleans after that. 5 days in the City that Never Sleeps--I hope the hotel has a treadmill, or I may be walking up and down Decatur for hours on end. And Decatur has too many restaurants.
Thanks, Magaly. My roommate is making my ballgown for the New Orleans Witches Ball, and she told me she wasn't going to alter it again. So I may go into maintenance mode for a bit. I can't seem to figure out how to reply to comments.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fitness Update
www.bodymedia.com
Calories Burned - 2180 |
Calories Consumed - 1498 |
Total Activity - 1:49 |
Moderate Activity - 1:38 |
Vigorous Activity - 0:11 |
Steps Taken - 15567
Trying out a way to post stats.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Knot Magic in Stone
And with this post, I have learned to add photos to my blog!
Week One Done
It's Saturday, and the first week of the Fitness Challenge is done. So,
"The time has come, the Walrus said, to speak of many things".
Diet goes well until afternoon. It's like I unhinge my jaws and tip the fridge when I get in from work! I'm increasing the caloric intake to 1300 to 1500 per diem.
Exercise: 18 miles total this week (will try for two more this evening to get it to an even twenty miles).
No weight loss, no weight gain. Metabolism needs a kick start, which is why I'm increasing the caloric intake. Water intake is OK, but could be better, especially in the afternoon.
Stress levels: once I complete the power points for my college class, it will be a lot easier. I needed to change the text, and I'm glad I did, but the old power points Imade just don't cut it.
And why do I find myself teaching college students HOW to properly take notes?
I have discovered that my computer cookie proplem that prevents me from posting on other blogs can be circumvented by replying via my iPad. Thanks, Steve Jobs! Love this little doodad.
"The time has come, the Walrus said, to speak of many things".
Diet goes well until afternoon. It's like I unhinge my jaws and tip the fridge when I get in from work! I'm increasing the caloric intake to 1300 to 1500 per diem.
Exercise: 18 miles total this week (will try for two more this evening to get it to an even twenty miles).
No weight loss, no weight gain. Metabolism needs a kick start, which is why I'm increasing the caloric intake. Water intake is OK, but could be better, especially in the afternoon.
Stress levels: once I complete the power points for my college class, it will be a lot easier. I needed to change the text, and I'm glad I did, but the old power points Imade just don't cut it.
And why do I find myself teaching college students HOW to properly take notes?
I have discovered that my computer cookie proplem that prevents me from posting on other blogs can be circumvented by replying via my iPad. Thanks, Steve Jobs! Love this little doodad.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Slip sliding on diet? No hair shirt here.
Monday.
That word usually says it all.
I have tried to post on the other Challenge blogs, but I keep getting this "cookie" message.
Not a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie.
Nor an oatmeal-cranberry-almond cookie.
Those types of cookies I understand.
Computer cookies--not so much. (so I'll call the IT guy at work in the morning).
So, Fellow Blog People (which sounds rather like a B grade 1950s horror movie title), bear with the ineptitude of the computer illiterati.
My 4 year old grandson called this evening with this important message:
"Gaia! I'm gonna be a big brother, 'cause Mommy has a baby in her tummy!" Life is good.
Someone somewhere in Blogosphere wanted a Lentil recipe.
Onion, chopped,
carrots, diced
celery, chopped
garlic
EVOO
ham, diced (optional)
lentils (red or green)
chipotle chilis in adobo (or plain chopped green chilis...oh, heck use a can of Rotel, if you want).
parsley
bay (laurel)
summer savory
pinch of cinnamon
pepper (cayenne, black, white, all or combo)
sea salt
water
Saute large handfull of onion in EVOO in stock pot
add smaller handfull each of carrots and celery, stir
add 3 cloves garlic, minced and saute about 2 minutes
add ham
add 6 to 8 cups HOT water
about 1 lb dry lentils (maybe 2 cups?)
bring to simmer, add chilis and herbs/spices
simmer to desired tenderness--15 to 20 minutes.
serve over whole grain brown rice
calories about 160/1 cup serving lentils (no rice)
That word usually says it all.
I have tried to post on the other Challenge blogs, but I keep getting this "cookie" message.
Not a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie.
Nor an oatmeal-cranberry-almond cookie.
Those types of cookies I understand.
Computer cookies--not so much. (so I'll call the IT guy at work in the morning).
So, Fellow Blog People (which sounds rather like a B grade 1950s horror movie title), bear with the ineptitude of the computer illiterati.
My 4 year old grandson called this evening with this important message:
"Gaia! I'm gonna be a big brother, 'cause Mommy has a baby in her tummy!" Life is good.
Someone somewhere in Blogosphere wanted a Lentil recipe.
Onion, chopped,
carrots, diced
celery, chopped
garlic
EVOO
ham, diced (optional)
lentils (red or green)
chipotle chilis in adobo (or plain chopped green chilis...oh, heck use a can of Rotel, if you want).
parsley
bay (laurel)
summer savory
pinch of cinnamon
pepper (cayenne, black, white, all or combo)
sea salt
water
Saute large handfull of onion in EVOO in stock pot
add smaller handfull each of carrots and celery, stir
add 3 cloves garlic, minced and saute about 2 minutes
add ham
add 6 to 8 cups HOT water
about 1 lb dry lentils (maybe 2 cups?)
bring to simmer, add chilis and herbs/spices
simmer to desired tenderness--15 to 20 minutes.
serve over whole grain brown rice
calories about 160/1 cup serving lentils (no rice)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Get Off the Broom: measurements
I don't have anyone to take a photo, so:
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
Bust: 44 inches
Waist: 37 inches
Hips: 41 inches
1 October 2011
I have never blogged before.
I will make mistakes blogging.
I will not be too proud to ask advice.
I have joined the "Get Off Your Broomstick Fitness Challenge".
I am pushing 60 years. A year ago, I weighed 214 pounds. I now weigh 160 pounds. I did not have surgery. I gained weight the easy way. I am removing it the old fashioned hard way--diet and exercise.
I slip on the diet. I try very hard not to slip on the exercise.
When I began, I couldn't walk two blocks without becoming out of breath.
I began slowing, walking to the local grade school (3 blocks); after a week, I tried jogging a little (a little = less than 1/2 a block). Idecided that I needed to be able to walk farther before jogging. So I headed east, toward the railroad tracks (6 blocks round trip). Then I added the walk to the grade school (another 6 blocks round trip). Eventually I was walking to the RR tracks to the highway (16 blocks round trip).
The traffic was a bit of a bother, though.
I decided to use the walking trail on the other side of the highway. I have to drive there, but it's worth it.
I walked in the evenings when I didn't teach a night class.
I started walking in the mornings on weekends.
I didn't teach this past summer, so I walked in the mornings at dawn and then started walking in the evenings after sundown (we had 80 days of triple digit heat).
Five miles a day became 10 miles a day became 45 to 50 miles a week.
And one day I jogged. Walked one lap, jogged three laps, walked one lap. It felt good.
Then, instead of jogging, I felt the urge to run. Run hard. Run fast. It felt good.
It became walk, interval sprint, walk, interval sprint.
School started. Now I am walking/sprinting 2 miles each morning before I get ready for work. I get up at 4:40 and am outside on the trail around 5 a.m. I like the endorphins. I'm cranky if, for any reason, I miss my workout. I have no butt. My clothes all have to be replaced. I want to lose 15 more pounds.
I have never blogged before.
I will make mistakes blogging.
I will not be too proud to ask advice.
I have joined the "Get Off Your Broomstick Fitness Challenge".
I am pushing 60 years. A year ago, I weighed 214 pounds. I now weigh 160 pounds. I did not have surgery. I gained weight the easy way. I am removing it the old fashioned hard way--diet and exercise.
I slip on the diet. I try very hard not to slip on the exercise.
When I began, I couldn't walk two blocks without becoming out of breath.
I began slowing, walking to the local grade school (3 blocks); after a week, I tried jogging a little (a little = less than 1/2 a block). Idecided that I needed to be able to walk farther before jogging. So I headed east, toward the railroad tracks (6 blocks round trip). Then I added the walk to the grade school (another 6 blocks round trip). Eventually I was walking to the RR tracks to the highway (16 blocks round trip).
The traffic was a bit of a bother, though.
I decided to use the walking trail on the other side of the highway. I have to drive there, but it's worth it.
I walked in the evenings when I didn't teach a night class.
I started walking in the mornings on weekends.
I didn't teach this past summer, so I walked in the mornings at dawn and then started walking in the evenings after sundown (we had 80 days of triple digit heat).
Five miles a day became 10 miles a day became 45 to 50 miles a week.
And one day I jogged. Walked one lap, jogged three laps, walked one lap. It felt good.
Then, instead of jogging, I felt the urge to run. Run hard. Run fast. It felt good.
It became walk, interval sprint, walk, interval sprint.
School started. Now I am walking/sprinting 2 miles each morning before I get ready for work. I get up at 4:40 and am outside on the trail around 5 a.m. I like the endorphins. I'm cranky if, for any reason, I miss my workout. I have no butt. My clothes all have to be replaced. I want to lose 15 more pounds.
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