Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

I haven't been very good about blogging but I saw this cute little costume and had to share. It makes me wish my sewing was straighter and my faith in myself stronger... too cute.

New week.

I've been so busy scrapbooking, learning watercolors, working on invites that I haven't thought about blogging. I'm so horrible about I know. I'm going to try harder though.

Last week, I redid the test for 100 pushups and got 25 (the last 5 were really hard). Today before my regular workout I did the section for 100 pushups week 1 for level 3. This time, I will finish it and I will be able to do it at the end. I promise myself!

Another lull.

Sorry... I haven't been very good about writing regularly. I'm going to be honest and say I do think about it... but it usually happens as I'm heading out the door on errands or the middle of cooking dinner or some other important activity.

I got my pictures from Shutterfly a week ago Friday and then was waiting on batch number two from Scrapbookpictures or something like that. They came in good time and the sizes (ranging from 6X4 pictures my MIL took to 12X12 panorama sheets) were fab. The price was better too than some of the others I've used in the past.

Been awhile.

I haven't posted lately because I just didn't think about it. Horrible but true.

We had a great time in Hawaii last month and are getting back into the groove of being home. I've ordered my pictures for scrapbooking and am waiting for the first batch to arrive (hopefully today) and I put in the second batch this morning so I hope to get those early next week.

I ordered the dress for my friend's wedding and now need to find some silver shoes to go with it... I'm sure it'll be fab. The dress is from Alfred Angelo, style #6546. I liked the seeming and think it was the most flattering on me. I didn't like where the beading was on some of the other dresses/separates. So that narrowed down my choice a bit. I also wanted something not too fussy. I dig the buttons down the back... reminds me of my wedding gown.

Back from vacation.

T and I got home on Sunday from a 10-day trip to Hawaii. I took over 4,500 pictures. I'll post some when I'm done working on my friend's wedding invites.

Back to work.

Another week.

I did my progress test for the 100 Push-Ups Challenge and it did not go well. So I'm going to repeat week 5 starting tomorrow and see what happens. I'll probably need a week or two on that level before advancing to week 6. It's a bummer but I don't want to hurt myself and it was uncomfortable...

Yesterday, I jogged on the treadmill for 45 minutes and then lifted some weights in a circuit for another 20. I took a walk in the afternoon to get some fresh air too.

Today was an easy day with a Pilates session first thing and then just relaxing with some errands (bathing suit shopping ICK) and trying to get a spare key made. Ended up having to go to the office and have them make it. UGH.

Could be worse though.

Took a walk this afternoon while I was waiting for the dishwasher to run (it's too loud to stay inside while it's going) and my honey flax bread to rise. It's still chilly out, considering the warm weather of early last week - but I guess I should appreciate this while it lasts. I'm thinking our new area is going to be rather warm come summer.

Hello weekend!

Hello weekend! I've missed you; where have you been? Somewhere exciting I hope. No real plans for you but we're glad you've arrived. The week hasn't been too bad. T went into Sunnyvale for work on Wednesday and then yesterday went back to SF only to realize he left his laptop here at home. So he took the next train home and worked from our office instead. We had a nice lunch at the elephant bar and then I did some reading while he earned money. Worked out well for me.

We're counting down the final weeks before vacation and I'm just too excited to do to much around the house or job hunting or any of that nonsense.

On to 100 PushUp Challenges - week 5 was hard. I did the pushups but I'm not doing well with any set more than 12. I barely managed the 30 required for the final set today - and only because I paused to rest... not sure if that is cheating or not. UGH. I may have to start from week 4 or 5 after our trip and try again...

In other news, I got my new lensbaby (the composer), an optic kit with single glass, plastic and pin-hole optics, and a wide angle lens to play with. I'm a happy girl.

My paper samples for my friend Melissa's wedding invites came. I'll think more on that after our trip as I know she needs some decisions to make before I can really do anything anyway.

End to week 4.

Not the best week for me, I'll be honest. The muscles around my knee started twitching on Tuesday and got worse Wednesday so I didn't go jogging instead I went to the gym and used the elliptical machine and lifted weights in a circuit. I think I did a bit too much or I should have taken Wednesday off completely because yesterday I could barely walk at all. I took a short walk in the morning just to get out but it was uncomfortable and movement required thinking... not good.

Felt much better today but again no jogging. I went to the gym and used the elliptical machine instead and then did my push ups and some weight training (same as Wednesday). I'm not too surprised about the knee issues as I had problems walking correctly as a kid (I actually had to think about it because my feet rolled in). Physical therapy and orthodics have helped me correct the issue. It's barely noticeable these days. Even still, my mom (a nurse) did warn me it could happen when I told her I had taken up jogging. I'll talk to her about it this weekend... worse comes to worse I'll go back to the treadmill and just do different settings more often for some challenge.

Laundry is done so off I go.

Mid April (Almost)

Last week went pretty well exercise-wise. I managed 7.2 miles jogging on Friday and I felt pretty good afterward. Tired, of course, but still pumped.

The weekend was lovely weather-wise. T's parents were out Saturday and we went into Danville for lunch at an adorable little bistro-cafe we found last month. We all ended up getting the Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, very good. Speaking of which, my food choices over the weekend weren't very good. Loads of fatty or sugary foods, I just couldn't say no. I feel like I failed but I haven't gained any weight - but I haven't lost any either. I am the same weight I've been for the last year or more how depressing is that. I'm working out but my food issues are keeping me from moving forward with my weight goals. I'm just stuck in some sort of heavy syrupy sludge.

This week will be better. I have decreed it to be so. Today, almost 6 miles during my jog and 67 push-ups for the challenge. I'm working on all my issues and I'm keeping all my fingers and toes firmly crossed.

Another week.

Amazing news this weekend - Randy and Missy V finally got engaged on Friday night so Missy and I had to have a nice long chat Saturday after some calming down had occured. They've been talking about different things for awhile now so are setting up some tours for Saturday. They want to get married later this year so they need to get to work soon. I don't think they need to start that soon but I know how exciting it is to be engaged and want to go whole hog into planning. Congrats!

I got some new DVDs today from Amazon.com that I'm going to add to my regular workout routine. I got one last week from Netflix and was pretty happy with Jillian Michael's latest DVD so I got both of them to switch off with. I think I'll be good with DVDs for a while since I already have a few.

I did my progress test last night for a 100 push-ups and got 17. My 18th wasn't up to par so I called it good and started week 3 in the same rank (1) as I have for the other two. I was hoping to do better but there will be another test in 2 weeks so I'll see how that one goes. I might need to repeat a week as I get near to the end. Today's push-ups were much harder to do. I'm hoping that I feel more confident as I go through the week and build up more strength. Fingers Crossed.

My jog this morning was almost relaxing. I did my usual Wednesday "hard" jog and plan to do something similar on Friday with Wednesday becoming my "easy" jog day. We'll see how long that lasts. I'm getting more into and yesterday afternoon T talked me into an IPOD nano (I already have the classic) but the nano will be great for jogging. I ordered NIKE+ and an armband on Amazon.com last night and I'm hoping to get them both tomorrow. I ordered an adapter for my shoe too since I don't have NIKE shoes but it'll take a few days because it was from another company thru Amazon.

A month from now we'll be in Hawaii for 10 days. I am so looking forward to the vacation and cruise. I'm not very happy about the flight but we're going to get a hotel in SF for the night before and take BART in so it should be fine.

Almost the weekend.

Well, I finished week 2 of the push-up challenge and getting myself out and jogging. I think both are going okay. Jogging seems to be easier than the push-ups but I'm going to stick with both. It's a great way to count down the days until we leave for Hawaii! Hopefully, I'll be comfortable with both by the time we're heading off to paradise.

Not too much planned for the weekend. Relaxing and errands seem to be the most pressing plans as far as I can see. Nothing too hard or pressing. We do need to get T's car smogged. Otherwise, quiet and relaxing is fine with me.

Happy April!

Hard to believe that we're into April now! Why didn't time move this fast while I was in school? Those days just seemed to drag on by. The joy of being an adult I guess.

We're now down to a little over a month before we leave for our trip to Hawaii!! I cannot wait to get there and experience paradise. I think T is just enjoying the thought of time off work. Can't say I blame him. Soon.

Another Week, Another Jog

Hard to believe I managed last week. I found myself up early today so I took some pictures and then another jog around the neighborhood... approximately 3.3 miles or so. I'm trying to mix up the length and routes I jog so I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

I'm feeling creative (and congested) so I'm going to go scrapbook for a bit before I dig back into editing a friend's paper for a class she's taking.

Maybe we'll have another earthquake to make it even more fun.

Friday

Being unemployed isn't too bad when money issues aren't a concern (at least not an overwhelming concern). We're lucky to be comfortable and we have a cushion so if T does get laid-off we'd be okay. After reading some articles recently, I've become aware of just how uncommon being able to say that is. We're not saving as much as we should, but we are saving. I cook dinner every night during the week and we're more careful about costs when dining out and shopping.

Some days I wish I had a job so that things would be even more secure and I'd have less to worry about. But (isn't there always one of those?) I've really begun to enjoy all this free time I have during the week. I get so much done freeing us up for fun stuff together on the weekends.

I've sent out one resume/application this week for a part-time job at a local community college that could be very interesting. I'm also researching photography programs nearby. I have no desire to do another 4-year degree. I already have one. I've taken some community college classes off and on and I think that might be the way to go. One of the schools near T's parents has a certificate program that I am going to look more into in the coming weeks. It's about an hour away but I could probably put something together that doesn't overwhelm me or stick me in too much traffic for too long.

This week, I focused on reading more about photography and next week I'm going to reread the same book and start on the chapter assignments. I'll post a review when I'm done the first one.

I think I'll give myself some scrapbooking time as well - we'll see though.

Another Jogging Day.

Go Me. I jogged again today... almost all of 4.5 miles (I walked a block in the middle and the last two blocks at the end) but overall I think I did pretty well. YEAH.

I also managed my second day of pushups for the 100 pushup challenge I'm doing.

T is working from home today so we'll be going out for lunch and then I plan on recovering a bit on the sofa.

Happy Monday! (No Joke!)

Well, I had a pretty great weekend. The weather was sunny but with a chilly, which was a little surprising after all the warm days we've been having... felt more like Spring two weeks ago. Can't complain too loudly though. Still had lovely days all weekend long.

While T was helping a friend move, my MIL came down and we went to the Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton. Neither of us had ever been, but figured it'd be fun to go once and see what it was like. MIL had a great time looking at all the varied products she's never seen before (she's not a magazine junkie like I am) and talking about the craft shows she use to do in the same building 10 years or more.

Some of the loot I managed to find. I spent about $120 or so on various products. I'm so excited to play with them. Some will have to wait though I got them for an album I've done for a friend and want to add pages too. She needs to get "officially" engaged first or for our vacation later this year.

These license plate albums I think were my favorite things that I bought. I got the PA one since that's where I'm from. I guess I could have made my own because I still have my PA license plate from my old car BUT with my knack for injuries buying one seemed safer. The HI one is for our upcoming trip to the Islands with the In Laws later this Spring. Should be an AWESOME trip. I can't wait.


Lastly, I've started to get serious about getting in shape. I'm jogging outside. Go Me! I did pretty well last week with my first solo run. This week seems to be going well too. I'm going to switch up my runs so I didn't get bored and to challenge my muscles more. I am also starting the 100 Pushups Program. I did the first day today so that will be another thing on my running days. Should be a nice challenge.

I'm hungry. Lunch Time.

Update.

It's been a while since I've posted. I haven't had too much to say... job searching, reading, chores, exercising, sleeping, making dinner have all pretty much become my routine.

I'm starting the 100 pushup challenge tomorrow with my initial test. I hope Missy V will agree to do it with me. Hopefully, I'll do better with someone else along for the ride.

Good weekend.

Hello again friends!!!

What a great weekend. Good weather and we accomplished our goals - even better.

Saturday, we drove over to Danville and had lunch at a little bistro called the Peasant and the Pear. I had the Waldorf salad and it was very yummy. T had a delicious looking chicken sandwich and we shared an order of garlic bread that was just heaven. Two thumbs up.

Afterward, we walked around downtown Danville but there really wasn't too much to see. It just isn't as quaint a town as Sonoma or Healdsburg up near the wineries but still a good day all around. Back home, we actually cleaned out and reorganized the closets as planned! Ohmigod! Miracles do happen.

Sunday we went hiking and I took some fun pictures. We haven't been since last year. I had a great time and I'm hoping T did too because I'll want to go again very soon.

So far this morning I went grocery shopping, had lunch, had time with the kitty, did my work out dvd with Jillian Michaels and then went for a jog outside. Dinner is planned and I'm just enjoying my relaxation time.

Week roundup.

First things first.

I was rather disappointed in the amount I got done this week from my 7 goals for the week.

I managed to find a SINGLE job to apply to... and I didn't even find it... the job agency I met with back in January sent me the lead. I forwarded my resume as requested and haven't heard anything except they'd let me know. T said that counts as one any way. Grade F

I did fairly well exercising and managed about 45 minutes a day. Some days more, some less because I worked too hard (i.e. 1.5 hours or more) the day before. I think that went pretty well overall. Grade C-

I started the week off pretty well turning off Monk, Law and Order and other crime shows - mostly because I'd already seen them - but as the week went by it got harder and harder to pry myself off the chair. Grade C

Cooking dinner was pretty easy this week since I cooked a lot the week before (i.e. we had plenty of leftovers). I even made some yummy honey flaxseed bread yesterday afternoon... so overall Grade B

As for cleaning and reading software or skill books, I'll just say I sucked at it. I ran the dishwasher and did the laundry and that was about it... and wiped down the kitchen when I cooked still not really housework. Reading tech books didn't happen at all. I am ashamed and saddened by my failure. Grade F


I did manage to get out and take some pretty good macro shots this week. I was pretty pleased with how they came out being full sun and no tripod. I've loaned my tripod and 100mm macro to J this evening so it'll be a few weeks I'm sure before I get them back.

I also managed to get a bunch of digital scrapbook layouts created so that's a plus there too.

Hard to believe it's nearly 9 p.m. J was here until after 7 so we didn't eat dinner until 7:30ish and then we watched some show on the history channel.

Happy Friday.

I didn't realize that Lent started this week until I received an email with a fish recipe and promises to send more as the season progresses. I haven't thought much about religion and such lately. I grew up Catholic and in some ways I still myself as Catholic but I have some issues with the Church and its treatment of women. I think in the coming years the Church will face more issues that will bring them back to their view on women and our roll in Catholicism. I still find the Churches beautiful and the masses moving but I'm set further apart then I felt even 5 years ago. Anyway, I'm going to do my best to observe Lent.

Rain.

There's a break in the rain right now, but it's been pretty steady since I got up. Hopefully, it'll keep coming because we really need more or we'll be under water restrictions all year.

I got 60 minutes on the elliptical before breakfast and then sent out a resume so we're off to go a good start. I'll admit to seriously wanting to call it a day and watch tv - I will conqueror those feelings and keep focused on my to-do list.

Go me.

7 goals for next week.

Last night while I was trying to sleep, I thought about things that I would like to accomplish or complete during the next 7 days. I need some motivation and I thought maybe if I put it in writing where someone might see it I'd be more likely to follow through. Honestly, I doubt anyone would read it really because I don't think I gave any of my friends or family the link so all the pity reads are out and I doubt my ramblings are interesting enough for some person who is just humming along looking for some entertainment. But maybe I'm just being negative. Hm. I'll think on that and get back to you.

Anyway, the list of stuff:

1. I will exercise for an hour a day Monday through Friday (and my afternoon walk - weather permitting - does not count.
2. I will write something (not including my attempts at blogging) an hour a day.
3. I will send out 5 resumes to interesting jobs I want during the week or failing that will blog about my failure on Friday afternoon.
4. I will make a good, healthy dinner at least three nights next week.
5. I will turn off the Law & Order - or NCIS or Monk - marathon after one episode and accomplish something else on my list.
6. I will clean the apartment without whining to myself about how much it sucks.
7. I will read a book on a hobby or software program I am interested in learning more about everyday before I read my novel.

So there you have it. Let's see what I can get myself to do and how well I do it. I wonder if I can get paid for accomplishing my weekly goals. If this works, maybe I'll do it next week too.

Anyway, T's parents will be here soon for lunch so I'm off.

Job search.

I've been looking for a job since we moved to the East Bay in November. I'll admit that we were busy moving the last week of November and then unpacking the beginning of December so I didn't apply for much. I also went home for a week the second week of the month. Then I was getting all the stuff done for Christmas and then it was January.

We're now almost into March and the only job interview I've had was with a temp agency. How frustrating. I know I don't need to work but it would help us save more and it would get me out of the apartment for awhile. I'd like to meet people too. I'm a bit lonely since T's gone all day and gets home so much later than his old job. It sucks but we're so much better off than most people right now that I can't complain too much.

I've come across some pretty crazy jobs in the last few days. One was Penetration Tester for the federal reserve in San Francisco - I think. Basically see how easy it is to rob the place but that's not what I thought when I read the title. The second was Office Plant Caretaker for a company that offers plants and such to local businesses along with care so the business doesn't have to water them themselves. HUH???

What are these people thinking? Is it really that difficult to water some plants? Check that. My plants have become dried flowers of late. It's pretty cool but doesn't make me a potential employee. So I guess watering plants is pretty hard.

65.

Today would have been my dad's 65th birthday. He died in Dec. 2004 from colon cancer. I still miss him but I know that he accepted his diagnosis and was only "sick" for a couple of weeks. Mostly, I remember him healthy and happy and just being himself. It took awhile. The first six months all I could remember was his last days.. his last minutes, but that doesn't clog my head so much anymore. Grieving is letting go and rejoicing and celebrating the connections and gifts you shared with the people in your life.

Lucky.

My husband says he's lucky because I'm not into the whole Valentine's Day thing. I don't want flowers or candy or cards just because it's Feb. 14th and everyone else is doing it. Instead, we surprise each other through out the year with special dinners or flowers or other little things - that's how love should be.

Valentine's Day is all well and good. My parents always bought little things for us... spending a couple of bucks on each of us... just to know they cared. I'm sure if we have kids I might do the same thing but I really prefer the day-to-day surprises in life.

Bad 'Manda.

Ok. So I haven't been so great about blogging. One would think that being unemployed would give me an infinite amount of time to do all sorts of things... like blogging and scrapbooking and blogging and writing and watching the grass grow, etc. Hm. It has - and it hasn't.

I'll be extremely honest and admit that I am completely unmotivated at times and really have to force myself off the couch or the computer and face the day. Hunting for a job is depressing. There just isn't much out there. Luckily, I don't need to work, but of course it would be nice if I did - a couple of hours a week wouldn't kill me. I could meet people and feel like I accomplished something other than making dinner every night (which I do manage to do most days - FROM SCRATCH EVEN). So aside from the fact we're eating healthier and I get all the errands and chores done during the week - it doesn't feel like I'm doing much on the home front. All the money is my husband's. Well not really, but it feels that way some times.

Mostly, I think I'm lonely since we moved and we don't really know anyone in the area. I took my bootcamp session last month as a chance to meet people - which I did but we didn't become best buds or anything... even running laps at 5:30 in the morning.

Hm. Focus on positives. Right? I am consistent in my exercising managing at least 30 minutes 5 days a week minimum. I'm getting stronger and I'm more confident in what I can do physically so I got something out bootcamp. I had fun but I was also glad it was over. Too early!

Well, today I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine and then did some stretches with my fit deck. Then I had my breakfast at about 11. Usually I eat earlier than that but since I've been unemployed I sleep later... I either eat earlier and then wait an hour before exercising or just exercise and then eat late. Depends on how hungry I am... Took a walk after lunch - that's when it started raining so I just came home.

Crazy weather.

The calendar says quite clearly that it's January. Unfortunately, Mother Nature must be have jumped straight to June. I probably should not be complaining given the weather the East Coast has had lately, but this just isn't natural. Seriously. This morning, I was out with my Bootcamp class hiking at the butt crack of dawn - it was cold and frosty. By the end of the day, I was in shorts. Seriously, messed up.

On the other hand, it was nice being about to run around in shorts. I just know it's not suppose to be like this. AND no, I don't miss the snow.

Job hunt.

Well, I am still looking for a job. I'm lucky that we don't need me to work, but I think I need to get out and do something or I'll go crazy. Staying home is interesting the first few days but after awhile you see all the episodes of Law and Order and then what???

Today, I sent out two applications and got one call back a few hours later for a phone interview. I think the call went as well as could be expected (I was watching Law and Order and yes I paused the show while we were talking).

Bootcamp is going pretty well too. We met at a park for a hike this morning and I had a good time talking to another camper named Menza originally from India. While I enjoy exercising in the morning and getting it over with, I'm having problems getting up at 4:45 to do it. I will survive though. I know I can do this. Now, I need to get my eating in gear and see what happens.

All for now.

Busy day.

I've been running errands all morning. I did catch some of Pres. Obama's speech and parts of the parade while I was baking. Off to the grocery store.

Job interview.

Well, it's been an eventful week and it's only Wednesday.

I started my 5:30 a.m. bootcamp on Monday. The first day was pretty easy as we just went over the basic routine and then did some stretches, a few exercises and then jogged a bit. Today was much harder. I know I'll definitely feel it more tomorrow. We had our assessment this morning so we can see how where we stand after the bootcamp is over in 4 weeks. Some of the exercises (timed for 1 minute) were easier than others. Some I've never done before and I definitely need to work on my push-up form. T thinks I'm nuts (our other friends agree) but I think it'l be good for me.

I have a job interview in an hour and half at a temp agency. I haven't temped in a long time so I'm not quite sure what to expect. I know they will test me in a bunch of software (microsoft mainly) and then some other things. FUN. Not really, but at least I've done it before so I'm not too worried about it - granted it's been seven years.

My main concern is that at my old job we wore jeans and t-shirts most days so I don't really have any office appropriate clothes (one pair of gray slacks and a top and a jacket or a dress that might be too fancy - I'm thinking the first outfit). I think that's my biggest concern actually - that I might not look professional. T says it'll be fine.

I hope so.

My new cellphone should be here sometime today. I'm looking forward to getting it. My old one has been dead almost a week now. Not good, especially if I'm going to be driving to various jobs for work.

Mom was suppose to start back to work yesterday so I was planning on calling her this morning, but, because of the interview, I'll wait until tomorrow. I'm assuming she's still on the 3 to 11 shift at the nursing home.

A is in Ireland. She sent me her address so I'll have to send her a postcard or mail in the coming days so she doesn't feel unloved.

Now, I'm just stalling. I don't want to get ready for the interview. I'm calling it nerves. Could be exhaustian from getting up at the butt-crack of dawn to run around and torture myself.

Happy New Year - 9 Days Late

Okay. So I haven't been on the ball with all the writing stuff. I thought I would be so much better with all of this stuff. HA. I guess shame on me for not focusing. I need to push myself into things and then I need to keep myself moving forward.

I am looking for a job. There hasn't been too much that has interested me - even less do I qualify for. UGH. Why can't I be one of those fabulous people who just knows everyone and can just call someone up and get a job? That would be too easy, right?

Not that I'm hating being unemployed. I just don't want to wait forever to get another job.

Anyway, our anniversary (Dec. 31) was great. After dinner, we got a phone call saying that our friends the W. Family were visiting their best friends not 10 minutes away so we spent the countdown to the new year with them. Lots of fun and I know T. was happy to see them again. Who knows when they'll be down from Washington again? It might not have been how we planned to spend our anniversary but it certainly was a lot of fun.

My sister M finished her chemo regimen (yeah) and is now scheduling the next round of testing to make sure all the cancer was killed off. We'll hopefully know the results by the end of February (more waiting).

Mom is still recovering from her fall down the stairs. Her orthopedic surgeon is concerned because one of leg screws is lose but he has cleared her to get back to work (it's been over 2 months). She's going a little stir crazy so I'm sure she'll be better once she gets back to some sort of normal routine. His only concern is that if the screw breaks the skin she's to call him immediately. One would hope - that Mom being a nurse - would not have needed that instruction; on the other hand, from my own experience, nurses are probably some of the worst patients you could possibly deal with (I mean other than doctors themselves) HA.

So good news has finally started arriving. It's a good way to start this year. Let's keep it moving.