Christmas Eve

No matter your beliefs I wish you peace, health and a safe and happy holiday. I would also like to thank visitors who have taken time to look at and occasionally leave comments on my blog.

I'ts Christmas eve and the house is quiet. There are no children running around eager for Santa's visit. No grandma or granddad waiting to see the children's faces on Christmas morning.

Walt and I participated in the age-old tradition (LOL) of take out from mickey dees and seeing the neighborhood lights.
I didn't do a lot of decorating this year. I did put up a tree and a couple of wreaths. It's a small tree, one that Mike would put in his room when he lived here in Florida. He would put all sorts of "non-Christmas" things on it. Matchbox cars, small pictures he had drawn and other things. He always put HUGE lights on it. He loved his outrageous little tree.

I wanted my Dad to come down, but he doesn't travel so well. He's having a difficult time walking these days. He uses his wheelchair even inside his house.
Chris lives in Georgia and will visit with his Mother, who lives a couple of hours away.



You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.
Beverly Sills (American Opera Singer)

101 Things Update

You will find my list of 101 things here.

# 17. At least once each week, read the newspaper cover to cover—Well, I’m not ever going to read the entire paper. There is a lot of items I’m just not interested in. But, I am reading more of the paper on a daily basis than I was. When I moved to Florida, I read every section every day. I just don’t have the time to do it now. I try to stay current as much as possible by reading the newspaper, watching the news, (local and national) and listening to the radio occasionally. I also get snippets of news while surfing the web. Sooo…..gonna cross this one off my list.
# 27. I going to get my DNA tested next year, by Genetree. I’m really excited to get this done. I’m eager to learn who my ancestors may have been. I do know my birth Mother’s name, and we share the same birthday, January 21st. I also know I have four half brothers. And, my adoptive Father is my cousin by birth. But, I want to know more about where my DNA originated.
# 37. My CDs have been cataloged except for the random CD that was removed from its case for listening. There are probably 4-5 in various magazines in the car/truck, stereos, and computers. Sooo….another item to cross off!
# 74. The last weekend of each month I take several hours and color and trim my hair. I also do a facial, and pedicure. I’ve been doing this for several months. I will also check this item off as completed.
I keep thinking I should be further along completing items. I just can’t seem to really get going. So many items depends on completing other items. I need to be working in order to be able to fit a lot of the things into my budget. I’m still having a difficult time finding a position with an attorney right now. I’m going to go into the nursing pool where I used to work. At least for a while. I’m not going to give up on a paralegal position though. I’m still on the list at the public defenders office.

Yet even more of these silly blogthings

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

You Are a Traditional Christmas Tree

For a good Christmas, you don't have to re-invent the wheel. You already have traditions, foods, and special things you bring out every year.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

You Would Be a Pet Cat

Independent and aloof, you don't like to be dependent on anyone. And as for other people, you can take them or leave them. You often don't care. You live your life by your own rules. And you have deep motivations that no one truly understands. Why you would make a great pet: You're not needy or greedy... unlike other four legged friends. Why you would make a bad pet: You're not exactly running down to greet people at the door What you would love about being a cat: Agility and freedom What you would hate about being a cat: Being treated like a dog by clueless humans

What Kind of Pet Would You Be?

Your Dominant Intelligence is Spatial Intelligence

You've got a good sense of space and how the world around you looks. You can close your eyes and "see" images. You have innate artistic talent. An eye for color and shapes, you're also a natural designer. Since you think in pictures, visual aids and demonstrations help you learn best. You would make a good navigator, sculptor, visual artist, inventor, architect, interior designer, or engineer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Body for Life

Today ends my first 12 week challenge of Body for Life. I did ok. I did have lapses the last two weeks. During the last month I regained 3.4 pounds and a few inches on my waist and abs. I lost 6.4 pounds and 12.25 inches. I'm very pleased with my progress. Tomorrow I'll start challenge number two. I'm going to tweak the program though. I'll have a new aerobics program (it can be seen here). I'll also have a new upper body routine, seen here, and a new lower body routine, here. Also, you can see comparison photos here.

I am responsible for my own well being, my own happiness. The choices and decisions I make regarding my life directly influences the quality of my days.
Kathleen Andrus

Okay

Today I finished day two of the NALA CLA examinations. and honestly, I don't have a clue as to how I did. Yesterday, I took a communications exam and a judgement/analytical exam. Today was ethics, legal research and general law, along with four substantive law exams. I chose to take exams concerning contracts, real estate, criminal and litigation law. I didn't think I was fully prepared for the exam. But I was not alone. Out of the ten or so taking the exams for the first time, none of us thought we were prepared. I am going to continue to study, just in case I do have to retest. The continued study will help further cement the knowledge I already have and prepare me for an advanced exam in litigation.

Oh, and after the first of the year I "get" to start studying and taking my nursing exams. I'm going after my RN license through Excelsior College. I made a promise to my Mom before she passed on that I would become an RN and it's been almost 10 years.

Body for Life

I have one more week on my first BFL challenge. I had a hiccup last week, what with Thanksgiving. I'm going to make up the workouts I missed on Thursday and Friday. Hopefully, I'll finish strong and at least maintain what I've done.

I'm not sure if I'll continue BFL. I will continue to work in 12 week challenges, but, I probably won't exercise according to BFL. I'm thinking I'll do weights 6 days a week, alternating upper and lower body. I'll do moderate aerobic exercise 6 days a week also. Then, I'll compare my results with my first challenge and make adjustments as needed.

There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.
Bible, I Corinthians 13:7

Not sure why I have

a weakness for these little questionares........

Your Brain's Pattern

Your brain is always looking for the connections in life. You always amaze your friends by figuring out things first. You're also good at connecting people - and often play match maker. You see the world in fluid, flexible terms. Nothing is black or white.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

What Holiday Food are You?

You Are a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

What color are you?

you are teal #008080

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well. Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right. Your outlook on life can be bright or dark, depending on the situation. You are flexible and see things objectively.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Fabric

Today while I was at the gym, 3.5 yards of this jersey fabric was delivered. I'll be using it for this Burda top and yoga pants. I originally was going to use it to make this top. I've also placed an order for this fabric, trailing leaf pattern design, in wine and pink. I think I will use McCall's 5179 or Butterick 4914.

When you give away a little piece of your heart, you're giving away the only thing you can give away, which, after you do, you got more left than you had before you gave some of it away.

Don Hutson
(American Sales Trainer)

One Chance

Occasionally, something comes along that is so beautiful that it moves you to tears. A few years ago, it happened when I was watching Midori Ito skating (shown doing a triple axel). A couple of weeks ago it happened again when I saw this man sing.



Lucky for us, Paul Potts now has a cd out.
I urge everyone to get his cd. Even if you think you don't like opera, give him a chance. Listen with an open mind.

Eight Weeks into BFL

Today is the end of eight weeks on Body for Life. Over all, I am still pleased with my progress. However......yesterday was my weekly weigh-in at Weight Watchers, and in the past two weeks, I have lost (insert drum roll here) one-half of a pound. Yes, that's right! 8 ounces! Since October 7th I have lost 2.8 pounds and 10.25 inches for a total loss of 9.8 pounds and 18.75 inches off my body since I started on September 10, 2007. Yes, I'm pretty pleased with that! You can compare my progress hereand here. My workout routines for next month will be here for upper body, lower body, aerobics,and abs.



Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.

Robert F. Kennedy
(1925-1968, American Attorney General, Senator)

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween.
I didn't carve a jack-o-lantern in my "pumpkin" this year. I couldn't find a template that I liked. So, I will keep it, (it's made from a foam-like substance) and carve it next year.
One of my favorite decorations is a counted cross-stitch piece I did back in the late 80's. It was the first counted cross-stitch piece I did. Note the "pupils", "nostrils", and "teeth". I think it's a really cute design!


I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do. That is character!

Theodore Roosevelt
(1858-1919, Twenty-sixth President of the USA )

Not much

has been happening. I'm continuing to study for the CLA exam, working out on a daily basis, and looking for a job.
I always look forward to attending my Weight Watchers meetings on Saturday mornings. The leader, Connie, is very nice. She is a lifetime member, as is all of Weight Watchers' staff. I was hoping I would lose two pounds this past week to make it 40 pounds. However, it was .4. I'll take that!
#53 on my list of 101 Things is to change my hair colour and get a new style. Last night I changed my hair colour from Ľoréal Féria
#51 Brazilian Bronze (a medium brown) to #36 Chocolate Cherry (a dark burgundy). I love this colour! I've been looking for just the right shade of red and I finally found it. The Brazilian Bronze looked red on my hair, but it wasn't red enough. I do LOVE red hair! I've decided not to change the style any time soon and keep it long.












edited to include picture
I went to Joann's for their pattern sale this morning. It was crazy, as is usual during their pattern sales. They had Simplicity and McCall's on sale this weekend. I got Simplicity 3684. I love white blouses with jeans. There were other patterns I wanted, but didn't have time to check the catalogs, and I didn't have my wishbook with me. I did get the new issue of Martha Pullen's Sew Beautiful magazine. I love this magazine and the childrens clothes. Although I think it's a little unrealistic for most children to dress like this, even for "dress-up". Because I don't have any young children in my life I'm planning (it's on my never ending list of things to do) to use these lovely patterns to sew for my much loved size two walker doll and my preemie baby doll.

I've been sewing a pair of boxers for Walt. He got fabric with the Dale Earnhardt logo on it and the number 3. He was a huge fan. Now he's a fan of D. E. Junior. I am still in the dreaming and planning stage for myself. Stacy and Clinton from TLC's What Not to Wear say that you should dress the body you have, not the one you want. But I don't want to spend a lot of time fitting clothes to a body that is ever changing. I still have about 35 pounds before I get to goal weight. Until then, I'll just spend a few dollars to get a small but functional wardrobe. Burda World of Fashion has gorgeous patterns every month. Two that I love, are this dress (even though I'm not a "tall") from the November issue and this top, although not in this color, from the October issue.

100 posts??

According to my blog archive I have 98 posts and according to my dashboard I have 99 making this my 100 post.
I obviously stopped blogging my diet and exercise routine on a daily basis. I held myself accountable and have not missed a workout or strayed from my diet. Here is the result of the past month’s hard work. Comparison pics can be found here.
Date 7-October-2007
neck 14..........hips 41
U chest 39.75.......R thigh 23.5
bust 46.5..............R knee 14.75
L chest 37.25......R calf 15.25
R bicep 13.75......R ankle 8.5
R wrist 6.75........L thigh 23
L bicep 14.......L knee 14.75
L wrist 6.5........L calf 14.25
waist 37.25..........L ankle 8.5
abs 44.25............Weight 182.4
Overall, I lost 8.5 inches and 7 pounds. I'm very pleased with my progress. People who have done Body for Life has said that there usually isn't much progress made that is visible to the eye the first four weeks. In fact, quite a few people don't see dramatic improvement until their eight week or later. Most of it is noticed as increases in strength, flexibility, increased energy and a general feeling of improved wellness. I'm looking forward to seeing the gains and loses (LOL) I make in the next four weeks.


I evaluated my workout plan a little early. I plan to hit my abs and triceps hard for the next four weeks. After seeing the photos, I realize I should be working my back and abs. I will keep this in mind for next months routine and wait until I have taken photos to see what I should attack first. There is always a body part that can be improved upon. Here are links to my new upper body program, my new lower body, abs workout, and my aerobics routine. Some of the weights are missing because I've yet to do the first workout. Tomorrow after my workout I'll add the missing weights.


I went to Joann's after Weight Watchers yesterday. I got McCall's 5529, jacket with peplum. I loved this style when I was younger and I'm happy they are back in style again.


In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, the true neighbor will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1929-1968, American Black Leader, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 1964)

Shopping!

I went to Joann's Fabrics today after Weight Watchers as is my usual routine. Since Simplicity patterns were $1.99 each, I got 4084. I'm planning to use it for the Pattern Review trench coat sew-along. I'll be using this fabric. I love the colour. It coordinates with several fabrics I got last year when my SWAP was going to include shades of purple.





So much for predictions. LOL I had lost one pound at weigh-in today. Not disappointed though. I always consider the alternative.

Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, a mocha frapaccino during the meeting, a “cinnamon bun” protein drink, a Lean Cuisine Spinach and Mushroom pizza, and some sushi.
I decided to take a break from exercise today, too. I’ll make it up tomorrow by doing the aerobics and an upper body workout. I won’t be able to workout on Monday due to an appointment with my chiropractor.

Friday, Day 12

I will be attending my Weight Watchers meeting tomorrow at 10 o’clock. I’m predicting I will loose at least 2.5 pounds. I won’t be disappointed if I don’t though.

Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, an “apple pie” protein drink, protein bar, and a green salad with steak strips and avocado with fat-free ranch dressing, and a 0 point bowl of veggie soup.

Here is my upper body workout for today.

Life is not always what one wants it to be, but to make the best of it as it is, is the only way of being happy.
Jennie Jerome Churchill
(1854-1921, Mother of British Prime Minster Winston Churchill)

Thursday

It has been cloudy and overcast most of the day. We did get some rain, but not enough. The grass green plants weeds in the front and back yards are green and finally covering pretty much all the barren areas that were there earlier this year. After the lawn maintenance men killed all the grass with the weed whacker last year. Watering and the rain have helped immensely. Next year I'll start xeriscaping. I have a clear vision of how I want it to look.

This is my favorite time of year. I love the changing of the seasons. Unfortunately we don't get the full effect here in Florida, but I love the weather. I loved the start of the new school year, when I was yonger, going shopping for clothes and school supplies. I still love shopping! what woman doesn't? especially shopping for shoes.

My diet is beginning to sound like a broken record, but here we go. Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, a “banana split” protein drink, protein bar, and a chicken with curried fat free mayo and raisins sandwich, with a 0 point bowl of veggie soup.

Here is my aerobics workout for today. I also rode my stationary bike for 10 minutes at low intensity for an active cool-down.

Just for today I will be happy. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime. Just for today…
Sybyl F. Partridge

Wednesday

Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, a “banana split” protein drink (I like this flavor too and I always use Designer Whey Protein), and a chicken with curried fat free mayo and raisins sandwich. I had sushi for dinner.

Here is my upper body workout for today.

Just for today I will be happy. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime. Just for today…
Sybyl F. Partridge

Tuesday

I go to my friend Kathi’s house to study for the CLA exam on Tuesday evenings. We review the chapters we've read over the previous week. We also go over vocabulary words and discuss grammar, punctuation and spelling. We are re-learning the amendments to the U.S. Constitution. We spend two hours reviewing. The review class will start sometime in October. Then we will take the exams on Friday, November 30 and Saturday December 1, 2007.

Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, an “apple pie” flavored protein drink (I like this flavor too!), my protein bar, and a chicken with curried fat free mayo and raisins sandwich. I know I’ve got to start eating more or I will stall early on in the game. It’s just that I can’t find anything right now that has a lot of protein and that is quick and easy to fix I want to eat. I’ve been looking at recipes, but nothing calls out to me.

Here is my aerobics workout for today. I also rode my stationary bike for 10 minutes at low intensity for an active cool-down.

Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is.
Blaise Pascal
(1623-1662, French Scientist, Religious Philosopher)

Diet and exercise

Today’s menu: my usual breakfast, a “Cinnamon bun” protein drink (I really like this particular flavor), my protein bar, and a chicken with curried fat free mayo and raisins sandwich. I know I’ve got to start eating more or I will stall early on in the game. It’s just that I can’t find anything right now that has a lot of protein and that is quick and easy to fix I want to eat. I’ve been looking at recipes, but nothing calls out to me.

Here is my lower body workout for today.

You Are a Pegasus

You are a perfectionist, with an eye for beauty. You know how to live a good life - and you rarely deviate from your good taste. While you aren't outgoing, you have excellent social skills. People both admire you - and feel very comfortable around you.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Do or do not. There is no try.
YODA

Sunday

I had been looking forward to today because the Emmys were on and the Saints and Bucs played each other today.

I’m a bit down because my Saints didn’t win. nuff said.

I enjoy watching awards shows, Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars. I love seeing all the performers and how they are dressed. Some are dressed to show off their attributes and others…well….not so much…..makes you wonder who dressed them or what they were thinking when they dressed themselves.

I didn’t really watch much of the show tonight because I was on the phone. Chris and I talk on the phone every night for 2-3 hours. We talk about anything and everything. His job (he recently moved away from Augusta and started a new job) and my job (when I was working), TV, movies, music, science, books, etc.....until I met him I had never found anyone who would or could just sit and talk for hours. I don't think we will ever run out of things to talk about. Chris is funny, intelligent, and hot! But......he does have a tiny flaw.......he is a BUCS fan!!! argh!!!! LOL

I did see enough to learn that one of my favorite actors, James Spader won an Emmy for best actor in a drama series for Boston Legal, (one of my favorite shows).

My “free day” diet today: usual breakfast, “Cinnamon bun” protein drink (this my favorite protein drink flavor so far), a protein bar, and I made a taco salad with fat free cheese and sour cream. I didn’t use a shell, and added extra lettuce. I’m still not eating 5-6 times a day. I’m trying, but I’m just not hungry enough to eat that often.

Today is my rest day: no aerobics, no weightlifting and no vacuums.

Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure.
Edward Eggleston(American writer, historian)

woo hoo!!

This morning I had my usual breakfast and a mocha frappucino (during my Weight Watcher’s meeting). After I returned home I did my “vacuums” along with 200 crunches and a 20 minute aerobic session.

oh yeah. I lost 3.2 pounds this week!!! It’s the most I’ve ever lost in a single week. It’s usually 2.something or less, or even a gain. What a welcome change! The tide has changed and I’m on my way again. Got to stay focused, got to stay motivated. I was so tired after only sleeping 4 hours and doing the aerobics, I took a short nap and then had my protein drink, a “Peppermint Patty” drink today.

On BFL, I get one “free” day a week, where I can eat anything I want. I know that this would set me up for eating more than I should over the next few days, so I’ll just have a little sushi tonight while I’m watching Forensic Files. I’ll also have another plain vanilla protein drink to give me the protein I need. That will keep me on track and I'll stay within my daily WW points allowance.

If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him, for an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Joseph E. O'Donnell

Ready for the weekend

After my workout I went to see Rush Hour 3. I am a BIG Jackie Chan fan. He’s attractive, intelligent, and very talented. I like his moves too.

Today I did a full body workout, since I missed the lower body workout on Wednesday.
My diet today, same as yesterday, except I didn’t have the protein bar.

I did go shopping and picked up a few things for protein drinks. I got French Vanilla Flavor Designer Protein to alternate with chocolate and strawberry. GNC didn’t have plain flavor today. I got peppermint extract to make a “Peppermint Patty” protein drink, some fat-free/sugar-free cheesecake mix to use with strawberries in the vanilla flavor. Yum Yum!! I had one of the cheesecake ones today!

SWAP

I worked on my SWAP storyboard this evening and finally got it finished. It's pretty ambitious, but I'm not in a hurry to complete it. I’ve chosen the patterns and the fabrics I want to use for each one. I do have a few of the fabrics on hand. I won’t call it a stash. My colors are going to be grey, black, white with burgundy, pink and red accents. These are the patterns I’ve chosen:
pants-black-Simplicity 4273 view E
pants-grey-Simplicity 4135 view A
pants-burgundy- BWOF 1/2006 102B
pants-herringbone-Simplicity 3690 view A
gauchos-grey-Butterick 4861 view E
skirt-black-possibly McCall's 5330 view A
skirt-burgundy-Simplicity 4787 view C
skirt-grey/red/black print BWOF 8/2007 113 B
jacket-grey- McCall’s 5193 view A
jacket-black-Simplicity 4273 view A
jacket-burgundy-McCall’s 5529 view B
vest-grey-Butterick 4815 view C
vest- herringbone-Simplicity 3690 view D
top-black/red/pink print- Simplicity 4112 view B
top-white-shirt-McCall’s 4922 view c
top-black-Vogue 8152 view B
top-garnet red-BWOF 9/2007 101 B
top-gray/red/black print- Butterick 4789 view A
top-grey-Vogue 8151 view A
dress-grey-jumper-Simplicity 3673 view A
dress-red-Vogue 8280 view C
dress-black-New Look 6429 view combination of C & E
dress-black/red/grey plaid McCall's 5466 view B
trench-periwinkle-possibly Simplicity 4084 view C
jacket outer-black with animal print lining-Vogue 8307 view A
Like I said, it's very ambitious. As soon as I get closer to my goal weight I can start fitting and sewing. The Simplicity trench and Vogue jacket I can go ahead and make, since they won’t require precise fittings. Living in Florida, I have plenty of time before it starts to cool off.

My diet today consisted of basically the same thing I’ve had since Monday. My fav breakfast, a protein bar, today, and a strawberry pineapple protein drink. Last night and tonight I had baked skinless, boneless chicken cut in cubes and mixed with raisins and curried mayo. I LOVE curried mayo!!

I did the 20 minute aerobic session today. I have also been doing "vacuums". I believe this is a yoga position, many of you may already know about it. I
"relearned" about it when I got the Body Flex tapes several years ago. I didn’t think just breathing would help me loose weight or tone up, but I did think it would help me to "breathe better". It did and this position also helped make my abs smaller.