I just e-filed my taxes, and should get my return direct deposited next Friday.
Then, I got a call and got wedding #5 for this year.
That's all! Money can't solve your problems, but it does ease your mind a little. :) Aaahhhh...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
work
AAAARRRRHHGGGGHHHH!!!
Okay. So I've been working a temp job for the past few weeks... two and a half, to be exact. They told me it would be a 3-4 week project, 32-40 hours a week. On my first day they told me it would be Monday through Thursday (aka 32 hours), which was fine because it paid a little more than what I've been making lately. My main reason for being there was to help them get tax documents out (W-2's and state/local paperwork) while they did the other end of the year junk.
So, I finished up W-2's last week and the state/local papers today. I gave all the files to my supervisor, she told me that they were caught up now and I could go home for the day (this was at 2:30). I got home and there was a message from the temp agency, and they have no more work for me and I'm done.
Like, boom, I'm done. I have no more work. I was expecting to work through the end of this week atleast. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be at home with the boys anyway, but I'm just tired of all these jobs that NEVER live up to what they're supposed to be.
I got an email today from Kelly Services - they do standardized test scoring (ISTEP, other states' comparable tests). It pays okay, it's boring as heck, but it's better than nothing. I start that in March... so until then... who knows!
But... the fun thing about the scoring is all the nerds! I SO have a nerd infatuation! All these men with huge brains swarming around... we go to lunch and they talk about history and science and math... seriously a turn on. Seriously. (not that I'm looking) I know, I'm a freak, but I love me some nerds!
Okay. So I've been working a temp job for the past few weeks... two and a half, to be exact. They told me it would be a 3-4 week project, 32-40 hours a week. On my first day they told me it would be Monday through Thursday (aka 32 hours), which was fine because it paid a little more than what I've been making lately. My main reason for being there was to help them get tax documents out (W-2's and state/local paperwork) while they did the other end of the year junk.
So, I finished up W-2's last week and the state/local papers today. I gave all the files to my supervisor, she told me that they were caught up now and I could go home for the day (this was at 2:30). I got home and there was a message from the temp agency, and they have no more work for me and I'm done.
Like, boom, I'm done. I have no more work. I was expecting to work through the end of this week atleast. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be at home with the boys anyway, but I'm just tired of all these jobs that NEVER live up to what they're supposed to be.
I got an email today from Kelly Services - they do standardized test scoring (ISTEP, other states' comparable tests). It pays okay, it's boring as heck, but it's better than nothing. I start that in March... so until then... who knows!
But... the fun thing about the scoring is all the nerds! I SO have a nerd infatuation! All these men with huge brains swarming around... we go to lunch and they talk about history and science and math... seriously a turn on. Seriously. (not that I'm looking) I know, I'm a freak, but I love me some nerds!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Louisville
Yeah, Louisville!
Since we've been pouring most of our money into the house in the past year, vacations have been out of the question. Fortunately, Lauren has been travelling quite a bit within the midwest this year, so we've gotten to take a lot of smaller trips to Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, etc.
So, about a week ago, Lauren told me he had a surprise planned for my birthday, and not to make any plans for the weekend. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, and of course that drove me nuts. I tried to get it out of Ben, but Lauren finally got smart enough NOT to tell Ben his secret because Ben can't keep a secret for anything. We all knew we were going to a hotel (Ben says 'otel) with a pool, and Ben packed his suitcase a week ago out of sheer excitement. He packed the entire contents of his top drawer (all of his underwear, socks, pajamas and trunks) and a yo-yo.
So, we left yesterday around noon, and got down to Louisville in the afternoon. We got into our room, changed diapers and emptied bladders, and headed back to the car - Lauren had reservations for us already. We both like independent, retro kind of stuff, and he found the oldeset bowling alley in KY (3rd oldest in the nation), and we went bowling. It was a very fun little place - the owner was the bartender and the manager and drilled holes in the balls. They had 8 lanes, and despite the fact that it was old and small, it has been kept up very well and was pretty contemporary. They even had Lebowski fest posters all over the place. You can trust a place with Lebowski fest gear.
So, Ben and Evan were SO excited... so excited that they were obnoxious. This, added to the fact that they had been in the car for over two hours and didn't have naps of any value, made for a frustrating evening. Evan wanted every turn to be his, and didn't have a problem running into everyone else's lanes. He also wanted to grab whatever ball was heaviest and in the middle of the ball return, where his hands could easily get smashed. We ended up bringing his stroller inside and strapping him in - we were desperate, and it stopped his screaming. Ben would push the ball from behind the line, and it would seriously take about 2-3 minutes to get down to the pins. It even stopped a few times. So, it took us about 90 minutes to do one round, but after Evan calmed down it was pretty fun. The beer helped.
We went to an uneventful dinner (Evan slept through the whole thing), and went back to our rooms. This morning we took the boys swimming, which is what they have waited for all week, and had a blast. We headed into one of the arts districts in Louisville after that, and took in a few galleries (and you know I loved it). We stopped by a winery on the way back - the Huber Winery - in Starlight, IN. It was a nice time of year to go - there was no one there and we had the tasting bar all to ourselves. We strapped Evan in the stroller once again and tasted a few wines, then had dinner there also.
For all the obnoxiousness I have to put up with from Lauren, he can occasionally do something very sweet, and very thoughtful. If we didn't have two extra people in the bed tonight, I'd think about repaying him. Darn... too bad. :)
Since we've been pouring most of our money into the house in the past year, vacations have been out of the question. Fortunately, Lauren has been travelling quite a bit within the midwest this year, so we've gotten to take a lot of smaller trips to Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, etc.
So, about a week ago, Lauren told me he had a surprise planned for my birthday, and not to make any plans for the weekend. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, and of course that drove me nuts. I tried to get it out of Ben, but Lauren finally got smart enough NOT to tell Ben his secret because Ben can't keep a secret for anything. We all knew we were going to a hotel (Ben says 'otel) with a pool, and Ben packed his suitcase a week ago out of sheer excitement. He packed the entire contents of his top drawer (all of his underwear, socks, pajamas and trunks) and a yo-yo.
So, we left yesterday around noon, and got down to Louisville in the afternoon. We got into our room, changed diapers and emptied bladders, and headed back to the car - Lauren had reservations for us already. We both like independent, retro kind of stuff, and he found the oldeset bowling alley in KY (3rd oldest in the nation), and we went bowling. It was a very fun little place - the owner was the bartender and the manager and drilled holes in the balls. They had 8 lanes, and despite the fact that it was old and small, it has been kept up very well and was pretty contemporary. They even had Lebowski fest posters all over the place. You can trust a place with Lebowski fest gear.
So, Ben and Evan were SO excited... so excited that they were obnoxious. This, added to the fact that they had been in the car for over two hours and didn't have naps of any value, made for a frustrating evening. Evan wanted every turn to be his, and didn't have a problem running into everyone else's lanes. He also wanted to grab whatever ball was heaviest and in the middle of the ball return, where his hands could easily get smashed. We ended up bringing his stroller inside and strapping him in - we were desperate, and it stopped his screaming. Ben would push the ball from behind the line, and it would seriously take about 2-3 minutes to get down to the pins. It even stopped a few times. So, it took us about 90 minutes to do one round, but after Evan calmed down it was pretty fun. The beer helped.
We went to an uneventful dinner (Evan slept through the whole thing), and went back to our rooms. This morning we took the boys swimming, which is what they have waited for all week, and had a blast. We headed into one of the arts districts in Louisville after that, and took in a few galleries (and you know I loved it). We stopped by a winery on the way back - the Huber Winery - in Starlight, IN. It was a nice time of year to go - there was no one there and we had the tasting bar all to ourselves. We strapped Evan in the stroller once again and tasted a few wines, then had dinner there also.
For all the obnoxiousness I have to put up with from Lauren, he can occasionally do something very sweet, and very thoughtful. If we didn't have two extra people in the bed tonight, I'd think about repaying him. Darn... too bad. :)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Call
It's only happened twice. I clearly remember the first time - November 17, 2004 at around 4 am. My mom called, hysterical, because the hospital had called and said she needed to come. Immediately. They asked her if they should revive my dad or not should he stop breathing before she got there, and she said no.
If you're like me at all, sleep is sacred. If people call too early (aka Lauren's friend Paul who likes to meet him for spontaneous 6am breakfasts), they will get an earful. If someone calls in the middle of the night and it's a wrong number, they're gonna get it as well. I have trouble sleeping anyway, so if I'm asleep... don't bother me, please.
So, I fell asleep about 11:30 tonight (last night), only to awaken at 11:50 to my mother, again hysterical. My grandfather had outpatient shoulder surgery on Monday, and was having trouble breathing that evening. They put him in ICU, noticed a spot on his lung, and did an MRI. They determined that he had pneumonia, and moved him to a regular room around 1 pm on Tuesday. He stopped breathing (when we got The Call) and they were able to intubate him, so now he's stable and getting oxygen. I hate to say it, but he's got the cards stacked against him. He's over 80, smoked for probably 40+ years, he owned a company that installed asbestos, then turned it into a company that removed asbestos. His wife, my grandmother, died of lung cancer in 1993 and he hasn't smoked since then. We were all kind of surprised to find out the spot on his lung was not cancer. But, at 80, pneumonia is probably just as threatening.
So, now I've been up since 5:30 this morning. I'm tired, but can't get to sleep. I'm watching food network - this guy just made a "monster" pizza that weighed in at 12.5 lbs. It's a $49 pie - free if you can eat the whole thing within an hour. Two guys tried and were miserable after 5 lbs.
Lauren just found out last night that he's got to leave for Chicago tonight so he can work Thursday morning at 7 am. So, I get to spend my birthday both at the hospital in the ICU waiting room, then come home alone with the boys. I don't usually throw pity parties, but I've been up almost 24 hours and I'm tired and cranky. After some sleep, I'll probably delete this whole post because it's too melodramatic, and I hate melodrama.
So forget you even read this, okay? Seriously.
If you're like me at all, sleep is sacred. If people call too early (aka Lauren's friend Paul who likes to meet him for spontaneous 6am breakfasts), they will get an earful. If someone calls in the middle of the night and it's a wrong number, they're gonna get it as well. I have trouble sleeping anyway, so if I'm asleep... don't bother me, please.
So, I fell asleep about 11:30 tonight (last night), only to awaken at 11:50 to my mother, again hysterical. My grandfather had outpatient shoulder surgery on Monday, and was having trouble breathing that evening. They put him in ICU, noticed a spot on his lung, and did an MRI. They determined that he had pneumonia, and moved him to a regular room around 1 pm on Tuesday. He stopped breathing (when we got The Call) and they were able to intubate him, so now he's stable and getting oxygen. I hate to say it, but he's got the cards stacked against him. He's over 80, smoked for probably 40+ years, he owned a company that installed asbestos, then turned it into a company that removed asbestos. His wife, my grandmother, died of lung cancer in 1993 and he hasn't smoked since then. We were all kind of surprised to find out the spot on his lung was not cancer. But, at 80, pneumonia is probably just as threatening.
So, now I've been up since 5:30 this morning. I'm tired, but can't get to sleep. I'm watching food network - this guy just made a "monster" pizza that weighed in at 12.5 lbs. It's a $49 pie - free if you can eat the whole thing within an hour. Two guys tried and were miserable after 5 lbs.
Lauren just found out last night that he's got to leave for Chicago tonight so he can work Thursday morning at 7 am. So, I get to spend my birthday both at the hospital in the ICU waiting room, then come home alone with the boys. I don't usually throw pity parties, but I've been up almost 24 hours and I'm tired and cranky. After some sleep, I'll probably delete this whole post because it's too melodramatic, and I hate melodrama.
So forget you even read this, okay? Seriously.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
wtf??
Seriously.
I'm not much into celebrity gossip, but I ended up on this page somehow.
The caption says something to the effect that Amy Whorehouse got dressed up to support her husband in court.
Since when is this attractive? She looks like ass! I mean, I realize that strung out is the new look in California, but since when is healthy so bad looking? I'd rather be (almost) middle-aged and overweight!
I'm not much into celebrity gossip, but I ended up on this page somehow.
The caption says something to the effect that Amy Whorehouse got dressed up to support her husband in court.
Since when is this attractive? She looks like ass! I mean, I realize that strung out is the new look in California, but since when is healthy so bad looking? I'd rather be (almost) middle-aged and overweight!
writer's block
When I started this blog in November, I had no idea what I'd write about. Once the ball started rolling, I had a ton of things to bring up... and now I'm back to writer's blog.
This week has been a little busy. I started a temp project - it's four weeks long, Monday through Thursday. I shot a wedding two weeks ago and don't have much motivation to edit pictures. I'm still on schedule... just craving a break from it.
I had two friends this week tell me they were pregnant - acutally, I found out within about twenty minutes. I also had a college roommate whose 3-month-old son passed away (he was otherwise healthy) and another roommate whose father passed away after a battle with cancer.
All of this tends to put things in perspective. Lauren and I had a healthy discussion Friday morning about what we wanted the year to look like, and I'm thinking about pursuing part-time work instead of full-time. Here's the issue... since my dad died in 2004, my mom has counted on the income from watching my children (as well as other kids and piano lessons) to support herself. Seeing as my degree is shit and the job market for shit degrees in Indianapolis is crap, it's hard for me to find a job that both supports her and lets me bring home enough income to be worthwhile for my family at home. The issue is that while I love my mother, and while she's making (easily) twice what I am, she has a bad case of retail therapy... and she will give me (a lot of) grief if I were to mention pulling out. So when is the time where I cut the cord? I mean, it's been over three years now, and she's had plenty of opportunities to find a job. She doesn't feel like she should have to find a "regular" job, but how long is it my responsibility to be her income? I realized that even if I worked (hypothetically) 25 hours a week opening at Starbucks for $8/hour, without the daycare payment, I would actually bring home MORE money... plus more time with my kids, I wouldn't put 40 miles a day on my car (I could walk!), benefits, and I'd have more time to work on photography. To us, it's a no-brainer. Convincing my mom that we're doing it for the benefit of the four of us, and not simply to bankrupt her, is another issue. And don't think this hasn't been the source of many an argument between Lauren and I. Ugh. Adulthood sucks sometimes.
Moving on... I was just checking my email, and saw an ad for weight loss, with a little chart. It had people's height/healthy weight/age range. There's a 18-34 category, and a 35-old category. The max weight in the 35+ category is THIRTEEN pounds heavier... so here's my plan! If I wait three more years to diet, I won't have to lose as much weight! Ha! What do you think?
By the way, my version of a diet isn't working as well as I had hoped. While I am eating a lot healthier, there's a reason people count calories. Oh well... back to points. Ugh. I just wish it were warmer outside so we could comfortably get out more!
My favorite quote of the day: Ben wants us to watch a certain movie in our 'movie studio' (Evan calls it boobie studio)... anyway, Ben wants to watch "Michigan Possible." (I don't know where he's even heard of it... oh well!)
This week has been a little busy. I started a temp project - it's four weeks long, Monday through Thursday. I shot a wedding two weeks ago and don't have much motivation to edit pictures. I'm still on schedule... just craving a break from it.
I had two friends this week tell me they were pregnant - acutally, I found out within about twenty minutes. I also had a college roommate whose 3-month-old son passed away (he was otherwise healthy) and another roommate whose father passed away after a battle with cancer.
All of this tends to put things in perspective. Lauren and I had a healthy discussion Friday morning about what we wanted the year to look like, and I'm thinking about pursuing part-time work instead of full-time. Here's the issue... since my dad died in 2004, my mom has counted on the income from watching my children (as well as other kids and piano lessons) to support herself. Seeing as my degree is shit and the job market for shit degrees in Indianapolis is crap, it's hard for me to find a job that both supports her and lets me bring home enough income to be worthwhile for my family at home. The issue is that while I love my mother, and while she's making (easily) twice what I am, she has a bad case of retail therapy... and she will give me (a lot of) grief if I were to mention pulling out. So when is the time where I cut the cord? I mean, it's been over three years now, and she's had plenty of opportunities to find a job. She doesn't feel like she should have to find a "regular" job, but how long is it my responsibility to be her income? I realized that even if I worked (hypothetically) 25 hours a week opening at Starbucks for $8/hour, without the daycare payment, I would actually bring home MORE money... plus more time with my kids, I wouldn't put 40 miles a day on my car (I could walk!), benefits, and I'd have more time to work on photography. To us, it's a no-brainer. Convincing my mom that we're doing it for the benefit of the four of us, and not simply to bankrupt her, is another issue. And don't think this hasn't been the source of many an argument between Lauren and I. Ugh. Adulthood sucks sometimes.
Moving on... I was just checking my email, and saw an ad for weight loss, with a little chart. It had people's height/healthy weight/age range. There's a 18-34 category, and a 35-old category. The max weight in the 35+ category is THIRTEEN pounds heavier... so here's my plan! If I wait three more years to diet, I won't have to lose as much weight! Ha! What do you think?
By the way, my version of a diet isn't working as well as I had hoped. While I am eating a lot healthier, there's a reason people count calories. Oh well... back to points. Ugh. I just wish it were warmer outside so we could comfortably get out more!
My favorite quote of the day: Ben wants us to watch a certain movie in our 'movie studio' (Evan calls it boobie studio)... anyway, Ben wants to watch "Michigan Possible." (I don't know where he's even heard of it... oh well!)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
beautiful, beautiful
So, my best friend and I have birthdays two weeks apart from each other, and generally celebrate together between those two weeks. Because I am a parent, I have no life and have not seen a movie, in a theater, since 2004. Seriously.
This year we decided to do just that. So, we had lunch at the Spicy Pickle in Castleton (very anti-diet but yum!) and headed next door to the new AMC Theater. I dropped about half a day's pay on two tickets, a small popcorn and a small drink, but it was worth it!
I have this movie rating system; here's how it goes... highest number is the best.
8. Must See (Pulp Fiction)
7. Definitely interested in seeing, only if no "must see" is available. (Anything with Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan)
6. Would enjoy it on an airplane or other cross-country travel where there's not much else to do. (most chick flicks)
5. Will see if you are with a cute date and he wants to see it, but otherwise, hell no. (Lord of the Rings)
4. Would watch if a friend brought it over/free rental/library loan. (Borat)
3. Would watch if you are home sick and nothing else is on. (Any sequel)
2. Would watch if cable is out and this is all you get. (anything from Hallmark)
1. Would not see it, even if on a date with a beautiful man. (Star Wars)
I put PS I Love You into the #6 category, as I do most chick flicks. Occasionally, you're in the mood, but I'd rather do a foreign chick flick almost anyday.
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Hilary Swank plays a 30-year-old widow whose husband leaves her messages to help her put her life back together and live again. Cheesy premise, yes, but like most other females, I was teary-eyed through the whole damn thing. I didn't used to cry all the time at movies - not until I got pregnant with Ben, then the filter on my eyes vanished (as well as my sneeze filter - y'all know what I'm talking about). Anyway, the movie was really pretty good, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a good tear-jerker.
Not to mention, there is a beautiful, gorgeous man in the movie - Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I'm attaching a picture. I'm totally infatuated with him now. He's gorgeous. If I were to design a man, this might possibly be the EXACT man I would design. Yum.
Uh oh, here comes Lauren...
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tae-Ben
So, I've been really good... so far. I realize it's only the 9th and I started on the 6th, but it's a good start! I've been good about getting my dairy/fruits/vegetables in, and yes, I've even worked out. THREE times! I did the tae-bo tapes twice, and yoga this morning.
First, let's talk yoga. Maybe I just haven't found my center, or whatever bullshit I'm supposed to do for yoga, but it was crap. No heavy breathing, no sweat, just harps and drums and stretching. It felt like that senior woman on PBS who does the wheelchair stretching for nursing homes. I wasn't wearing matching scrunch socks up to my knees, though.
The tae-bo was still good. He started talking roundhouse kick, and I totally felt like Napoleon Dynamite... it's complete now. I did it the other night while the boys were in the tub (I did the 8 minute one), and tonight I dared to do the 30-minute workout WITH the boys... or Tae-Ben.
Ben did a really good job, and, believe it or not, I outlasted the Child Who Never Runs Out of Energy. It was funny - Billy Blanks (BB) would say to pivot your hips, and Ben was like a little hula dancer. Of course, he looked a little effeminate during every other move as well, but I'm just happy that he wanted to do it at all. Evan, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it, except he thought he could punch his brother. It was okay until he started crawling between my legs and wanted to lay down on me when I was laying on the floor. At one point, about 3/4 the way through the workout, he walked up right behind me and I stepped on his foot. Poor guy... so I picked him up and he was okay. He tried it again, and I decided it was time for things to be done.
So, I'm sweaty and stretched for the first time in a while, and it's nice. I haven't had dinner yet - I never want to eat as much AFTER I work out, so now I'm going to try to find something light to much on. :)
First, let's talk yoga. Maybe I just haven't found my center, or whatever bullshit I'm supposed to do for yoga, but it was crap. No heavy breathing, no sweat, just harps and drums and stretching. It felt like that senior woman on PBS who does the wheelchair stretching for nursing homes. I wasn't wearing matching scrunch socks up to my knees, though.
The tae-bo was still good. He started talking roundhouse kick, and I totally felt like Napoleon Dynamite... it's complete now. I did it the other night while the boys were in the tub (I did the 8 minute one), and tonight I dared to do the 30-minute workout WITH the boys... or Tae-Ben.
Ben did a really good job, and, believe it or not, I outlasted the Child Who Never Runs Out of Energy. It was funny - Billy Blanks (BB) would say to pivot your hips, and Ben was like a little hula dancer. Of course, he looked a little effeminate during every other move as well, but I'm just happy that he wanted to do it at all. Evan, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it, except he thought he could punch his brother. It was okay until he started crawling between my legs and wanted to lay down on me when I was laying on the floor. At one point, about 3/4 the way through the workout, he walked up right behind me and I stepped on his foot. Poor guy... so I picked him up and he was okay. He tried it again, and I decided it was time for things to be done.
So, I'm sweaty and stretched for the first time in a while, and it's nice. I haven't had dinner yet - I never want to eat as much AFTER I work out, so now I'm going to try to find something light to much on. :)
Monday, January 7, 2008
non-diet resolution
I hate new year's resolutions... mostly because I don't think about doing anything until about 12/30, then it lasts about two days.
So, like everyone else in the world, I've been thinking about the whole dieting thing again. I've done weight watchers twice, and both times it has worked as long as I have stayed motivated (which only lasted a few months). I'm the typical woman who has tried diet after diet, with luck for a little while, then I realize all the yummies I've given up (aka the pannabrownies, Meg!), I crack, I crash, and it's over. Here's the truth... I love food, and I love to sit on my ass. Back in college I always felt guilty if I was watching TV and hadn't exercised, so I'd go walk/run a few miles, then come back and pork on the couch for much of the day, studying or watching TV until it was time to go out with friends. I even used to swim every morning before work with a few co-workers while I was at Purdue... which was awesome. Now, of course, the scenario has changed. Now I don't have a free membership to the gym like I did when I was a student, and it's hard to do much more than walk when I have the kids 24/7. If you're a parent, you know how much things change after the kids are born, and how much harder it is to get in any time for yourself. Plus, living with a man who LOVES movies and just invested in our own "home theater," it doesn't make activity any more tempting.
Actually, maybe it does. I've gotten that sense of guilt back, so I'm thinking of making a new rule... no big movies until there's exercise. I need to dust off the old workout videos (VHS, of course) and have at it. Last time I started weight watchers, I headed over to goodwill and bought a few Tae Bo videos (oh yeah!). I felt like Napoleon Dynamite when he bought the dance videos and learned all the sexy moves in his room and chugged the gatorade. Tangent: remember when Tae Bo was THE thing to do? My boyfriend in college (Steve) and I used to do the tapes in his living room. He was pretty athletic, but not coordinated... I spent most of the time laughing, then we'd drink afterwards and ruin the whole workout. Oh well.
So, my solution is this: no formal diet. Every time I do, I go all-or-nothing, then burn out. This time, we're all going to eat healthier, and reinstate the movie rule. I'm not going to beat myself up when I have three too many points for the day... instead, I'm going to enjoy what I'm eating, get more active, and hopefully be successful (even if it takes a little longer). I dropped a ton of money at the grocery store yesterday, and stocked up on lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Last night we had 15-bean soup (it made for an interesting evening, let me tell you), and today it's been the leftovers for lunch with an orange and fish & broccoli for dinner. All stuff I like, but if I want to go out for a pizza every once in a while, we're going... and I won't feel guilty!
So, if anyone has any suggestions, let me know! And feel free to laugh if you drive by and see me kickboxing in the window. :)
So, like everyone else in the world, I've been thinking about the whole dieting thing again. I've done weight watchers twice, and both times it has worked as long as I have stayed motivated (which only lasted a few months). I'm the typical woman who has tried diet after diet, with luck for a little while, then I realize all the yummies I've given up (aka the pannabrownies, Meg!), I crack, I crash, and it's over. Here's the truth... I love food, and I love to sit on my ass. Back in college I always felt guilty if I was watching TV and hadn't exercised, so I'd go walk/run a few miles, then come back and pork on the couch for much of the day, studying or watching TV until it was time to go out with friends. I even used to swim every morning before work with a few co-workers while I was at Purdue... which was awesome. Now, of course, the scenario has changed. Now I don't have a free membership to the gym like I did when I was a student, and it's hard to do much more than walk when I have the kids 24/7. If you're a parent, you know how much things change after the kids are born, and how much harder it is to get in any time for yourself. Plus, living with a man who LOVES movies and just invested in our own "home theater," it doesn't make activity any more tempting.
Actually, maybe it does. I've gotten that sense of guilt back, so I'm thinking of making a new rule... no big movies until there's exercise. I need to dust off the old workout videos (VHS, of course) and have at it. Last time I started weight watchers, I headed over to goodwill and bought a few Tae Bo videos (oh yeah!). I felt like Napoleon Dynamite when he bought the dance videos and learned all the sexy moves in his room and chugged the gatorade. Tangent: remember when Tae Bo was THE thing to do? My boyfriend in college (Steve) and I used to do the tapes in his living room. He was pretty athletic, but not coordinated... I spent most of the time laughing, then we'd drink afterwards and ruin the whole workout. Oh well.
So, my solution is this: no formal diet. Every time I do, I go all-or-nothing, then burn out. This time, we're all going to eat healthier, and reinstate the movie rule. I'm not going to beat myself up when I have three too many points for the day... instead, I'm going to enjoy what I'm eating, get more active, and hopefully be successful (even if it takes a little longer). I dropped a ton of money at the grocery store yesterday, and stocked up on lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Last night we had 15-bean soup (it made for an interesting evening, let me tell you), and today it's been the leftovers for lunch with an orange and fish & broccoli for dinner. All stuff I like, but if I want to go out for a pizza every once in a while, we're going... and I won't feel guilty!
So, if anyone has any suggestions, let me know! And feel free to laugh if you drive by and see me kickboxing in the window. :)
superheroes
What should I be doing? Oh, editing about 800 pictures from this weekend. Ugh. I'm just not motivated for the photo stuff right now. I don't know if I just need a break or what, but I kinda don't want anything to do with it right now.
Y'all probably know that Lauren (Santa) got us a DVD projector and screen for Christmas, as well as quite a few DVD's. I must say it's really awesome, but I'm over the superhero movies for a while. As gifts, we received the Indiana Jones trilogy, Star Wars, Superman, Spiderman, Casino Royale and Pirates of the Caribbean. These are all awesome on the 'big screen,' but damn, I'm tired of the action-adventure flicks for a while! We went to the library today and picked up a ton of books for the kids, and a few DVD's as well. Ben picked out Batman and a Bond movie (sigh)... and I retaliated. I picked up Knocked Up and Volver... two movies I've been wanting to see for a long time! Chick flicks tonight at my house... it may be after everyone goes to bed, but that's what I'll be watching, even if it's just on the plain old TV!! There are too many boys in this house!
Y'all probably know that Lauren (Santa) got us a DVD projector and screen for Christmas, as well as quite a few DVD's. I must say it's really awesome, but I'm over the superhero movies for a while. As gifts, we received the Indiana Jones trilogy, Star Wars, Superman, Spiderman, Casino Royale and Pirates of the Caribbean. These are all awesome on the 'big screen,' but damn, I'm tired of the action-adventure flicks for a while! We went to the library today and picked up a ton of books for the kids, and a few DVD's as well. Ben picked out Batman and a Bond movie (sigh)... and I retaliated. I picked up Knocked Up and Volver... two movies I've been wanting to see for a long time! Chick flicks tonight at my house... it may be after everyone goes to bed, but that's what I'll be watching, even if it's just on the plain old TV!! There are too many boys in this house!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
mechanically declined
I think I'm going to start each blog with, "What should I be doing?" So, without further ado...
What should I be doing? Sleeping! Damn, Sheena, it's 1:20 am! However, as the title of this blog has mentioned, I am mechanically declined.
Lauren is the yin to my yang in a lot of respects. He's a type A personality, I'm type B. He freaks out and is the fire to get things done, I am pretty calm and tend to procrastinate (aka this blog). He's anal about money and cleanliness, I'm more focused on living life and enjoying the time I have with the people I love. We've both rubbed off on each other a bit, probably for the better. We are especially complimentary when it comes to technology. He loves to tell his electronics people about how much I don't understand about digital photography. I turn on my trusty Nikon D70, flip the switch to auto, and fire away. Now, because of my studio set-up, I have had to learn how to go manual, bringing me back to my sophomoric days in photojournalism class (which I absolutely loved) and balancing the film speed/shutter speed/aperture. I'm not one to be able to pick up an instruction manual and understand it. That's Lauren's arena. He understands the mechanics, I see the pictures.
So, I'm shooting a wedding tomorrow, and the sanctuary is very dark. My little baby-steps flash isn't going to cut it. Usually, I'm outdoors and either don't need a fill flash, or if I do, I prefer ambient light and use reflectors. If I'm inside, I have my soft boxes and umbrella, which do the trick. Of course, tomorrow, neither will be available. So, here I am, looking at a 92-page pdf online for my flash that has been collecting dust in my camera bag for two years now. It's intimidating.
I have been reading this for about an hour, as well as playing with settings, and I'm very proud to say I've got it working. :) I have all the lights off in the house, and the flash is exposing just right (gotta love automatic digital!) and even calculates the focal length and takes that into consideration with the flash. Hello, flashing for idiots! (If I don't get some sleep, I will probably be flashing someone soon...which reminds me of my poor college roommates who had to live with me... that's another blog...)
I guess the bottom line is that I'm going to bed feeling a lot better about tomorrow, and I'm proud that I figured this out without Lauren.
The next hurdle I get to clear tomorrow is that the sanctuary is built out of lacquered wood, and every test shot I took tonight with a flash came back with a huge glare. Oy vay. I will do what I can - with my two soft boxes they may cancel each other out for the wedding party shots, but during the ceremony, I won't have the luxury. I guess some glare is better than underexposure, right?
OMG, are you still reading this? Haven't I put you to sleep yet?? Go find something better to do! Seriously!
What should I be doing? Sleeping! Damn, Sheena, it's 1:20 am! However, as the title of this blog has mentioned, I am mechanically declined.
Lauren is the yin to my yang in a lot of respects. He's a type A personality, I'm type B. He freaks out and is the fire to get things done, I am pretty calm and tend to procrastinate (aka this blog). He's anal about money and cleanliness, I'm more focused on living life and enjoying the time I have with the people I love. We've both rubbed off on each other a bit, probably for the better. We are especially complimentary when it comes to technology. He loves to tell his electronics people about how much I don't understand about digital photography. I turn on my trusty Nikon D70, flip the switch to auto, and fire away. Now, because of my studio set-up, I have had to learn how to go manual, bringing me back to my sophomoric days in photojournalism class (which I absolutely loved) and balancing the film speed/shutter speed/aperture. I'm not one to be able to pick up an instruction manual and understand it. That's Lauren's arena. He understands the mechanics, I see the pictures.
So, I'm shooting a wedding tomorrow, and the sanctuary is very dark. My little baby-steps flash isn't going to cut it. Usually, I'm outdoors and either don't need a fill flash, or if I do, I prefer ambient light and use reflectors. If I'm inside, I have my soft boxes and umbrella, which do the trick. Of course, tomorrow, neither will be available. So, here I am, looking at a 92-page pdf online for my flash that has been collecting dust in my camera bag for two years now. It's intimidating.
I have been reading this for about an hour, as well as playing with settings, and I'm very proud to say I've got it working. :) I have all the lights off in the house, and the flash is exposing just right (gotta love automatic digital!) and even calculates the focal length and takes that into consideration with the flash. Hello, flashing for idiots! (If I don't get some sleep, I will probably be flashing someone soon...which reminds me of my poor college roommates who had to live with me... that's another blog...)
I guess the bottom line is that I'm going to bed feeling a lot better about tomorrow, and I'm proud that I figured this out without Lauren.
The next hurdle I get to clear tomorrow is that the sanctuary is built out of lacquered wood, and every test shot I took tonight with a flash came back with a huge glare. Oy vay. I will do what I can - with my two soft boxes they may cancel each other out for the wedding party shots, but during the ceremony, I won't have the luxury. I guess some glare is better than underexposure, right?
OMG, are you still reading this? Haven't I put you to sleep yet?? Go find something better to do! Seriously!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Christmas Pictures
I finally downloaded them. :) I don't have many of Ben because I couldn't take a picture of him without his whining. Neither of the boys took a nap that day, and both passed out relatively early while playing.
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