Please click and check them out. I was afraid of even looking at the price.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday and a SCORE!
After kicking ass on getting the garage sale set up (still have to mark the items), while my wonderful hubby and son cleaned the bathrooms and shampooed the carpet in the familyroom and upstairs hallway, I thought Sunday would be the day to sleep in and relax.....well, tell that to my cat Tucker who thought I should not sleep and woke me up at 6:30am and I couldn't get back to sleep, so instead I got up -
ALL before 11:00am this morning
Well, guess what, after my shower, I crashed for about 2 hours and it felt wonderful, probably better than had I slept in this morning for that 2 hours. Now I'm raring to go again and that's good, because I did want to do some more scrapbooking sometime today. I had a great time at the crop I attended Friday night. It was good to see .Cheri, Rhonda, Jean and Becky. I got 4 pages almost completed. Just have to put the finishing touches on them.
Speaking of gardening, scored BIG time last Thursday morning while on a routine walk through the East Village that I do with a couple of co-workers. The City of Des Moines was going through the Village and digging up all of the tulips in the tulip beds, we walked by the crew and truck and I saw a gazillion dug up tulip bulbs in the back of the truck and I asked what they were going to do with them and the crew said "Why?, do you want some of them?"...."YES" I said and this is how I came to haul back to our office about 40 pounds of tulip bulbs. All said after we broke off the foilage, one of my co-workers and I each came home with about 50 bulbs a piece......SWEET!
I'll be so glad to get this garage sale over with that the garage back in shape. I never did get to share pictures of our organized garage but I will. After the sale, I *think* our projects are over for awhile and we can start having fun on the weekends rather than projects.....I'm ready for the Aquatic center, I wanna play some minature golf, I wanna go to the drive in movies here, we have a couple of concerts to look forward to and instead of the Twin Cities in late June we're thinking about going to Chicago to see THIS! in late July. It's there through September and we all think it would be fun to go see. I'm working on a reasonable hotel room for this visit...yea, right...in downtown Chicago....anybody got any suggestions?
Have a nice Memorial Day!
- Read the newspaper
- Went to the gym for a vigorous 40 minute cardio session
- Got the grocery shopping done
- FINALLY finished the rest of my gardening (planted a few more perennials, put the rest of the mulch down, weeded another bed and planted a few more wave petunias)
ALL before 11:00am this morning
Well, guess what, after my shower, I crashed for about 2 hours and it felt wonderful, probably better than had I slept in this morning for that 2 hours. Now I'm raring to go again and that's good, because I did want to do some more scrapbooking sometime today. I had a great time at the crop I attended Friday night. It was good to see .Cheri, Rhonda, Jean and Becky. I got 4 pages almost completed. Just have to put the finishing touches on them.
Speaking of gardening, scored BIG time last Thursday morning while on a routine walk through the East Village that I do with a couple of co-workers. The City of Des Moines was going through the Village and digging up all of the tulips in the tulip beds, we walked by the crew and truck and I saw a gazillion dug up tulip bulbs in the back of the truck and I asked what they were going to do with them and the crew said "Why?, do you want some of them?"...."YES" I said and this is how I came to haul back to our office about 40 pounds of tulip bulbs. All said after we broke off the foilage, one of my co-workers and I each came home with about 50 bulbs a piece......SWEET!
I'll be so glad to get this garage sale over with that the garage back in shape. I never did get to share pictures of our organized garage but I will. After the sale, I *think* our projects are over for awhile and we can start having fun on the weekends rather than projects.....I'm ready for the Aquatic center, I wanna play some minature golf, I wanna go to the drive in movies here, we have a couple of concerts to look forward to and instead of the Twin Cities in late June we're thinking about going to Chicago to see THIS! in late July. It's there through September and we all think it would be fun to go see. I'm working on a reasonable hotel room for this visit...yea, right...in downtown Chicago....anybody got any suggestions?
Have a nice Memorial Day!
Friday, May 22, 2009
So much to do....so little time.....and money
So glad for the 4 day weekend I have. Work is fine, even keel, but we have a lot to do around the house and the weekends seem to be the only time for it. I'll be so glad to get this garage sale over with and claim the garage back. Our plans are to set up a workshop area for Connor to do his projects while he's home this summmer......alone. I am just not feeling the love for that right now but we have no other choice, and it's a whole another story and not for here.
I got a pair of new tires this morning to the tune of $189.00 and was told I need brake work in the tune of $371.00. It never ends, although I am NOT going to where I got the tires for my brake work. A friend recommended a small independent garage on the east side that we used for Fred's brake work last year at a much cheaper cost, so we're going to give them a call. Fred's truck is going to need a couple of new tires before winter, so we have that to look forward to also....
I'm heading up to Ames later today for a crop that my girlfriend
Cheri is hosting tonight. I'm going to work on cat photos. I have about 5-6 pages and I'll have all of our cats up to date...then back to our family photos. I'm also looking forward to seeing the women that will be there. It's been awhile since we've got together.
Here's a few my photos of my garden - still not done with that perennial bed and right now I'm not happy with the way it's looking...I'm still holding out hope for all the zinnia and cosmos seeds I planted.
My repurposed metal bakers rack on the deck
A peach iris that I planted from my mother's garden
Another one of my beds that is beside the deck on the southeast side of the house
Little bit closer look. I plant wave petunias in the chair seat, by the end of summer, they cascade over it
Loving that the weather is staying consistent. Not loving how windy it's been. I actually got Fred out from in front of the computer and on a bike ride last night. Holy shit...you would have thought I asked him to boil himself in oil....so because he reacted like a big freaking baby, I treated him like one and shamed him into it...LOL
I hit him with the "YOU are going to be 50 YEARS OLD next month and you don't give a shit about yourself, you food portions are ridiculous, you sit at a computer all day and all night, you get zero exercise and your trigycerides aren't good".....I' DON'T WANT TO RAISE CONNOR BY MYSELF AND I WANT YOU AROUND!
Seriously, he really needs to make some changes. THANK GOD he quit smoking 2 years ago and I'm surprised that he doesn't weight more than he does, but he needs to lose about 30 pounds. I'm not one to talk because I'm struggling with the 20 I need to lose, but I also eat a lot better than he does, am MUCH more active than he is....I CARE that want to take care of myself.....okay....wait.....how the hell did I go from tires to gardening to ranting about my husband????? LOL
Got a busy weekend, sister coming over tomorrow to get our garage sale set up for the next weekend. Tomorrow the bathrooms needs cleaned and we need to shampoo the carpet in the family room and the upstairs hallway....yuck! But I'd rather bust ass on Saturday and then be able to chill on Sunday and Monday, For Memorial Day, I'm thinking about grilling Steak and Shrimp Fajitas and mixing up some Margaritas.
Have a great weekend!
I got a pair of new tires this morning to the tune of $189.00 and was told I need brake work in the tune of $371.00. It never ends, although I am NOT going to where I got the tires for my brake work. A friend recommended a small independent garage on the east side that we used for Fred's brake work last year at a much cheaper cost, so we're going to give them a call. Fred's truck is going to need a couple of new tires before winter, so we have that to look forward to also....
I'm heading up to Ames later today for a crop that my girlfriend
Cheri is hosting tonight. I'm going to work on cat photos. I have about 5-6 pages and I'll have all of our cats up to date...then back to our family photos. I'm also looking forward to seeing the women that will be there. It's been awhile since we've got together.
Here's a few my photos of my garden - still not done with that perennial bed and right now I'm not happy with the way it's looking...I'm still holding out hope for all the zinnia and cosmos seeds I planted.
My repurposed metal bakers rack on the deck
A peach iris that I planted from my mother's garden
Another one of my beds that is beside the deck on the southeast side of the house
Little bit closer look. I plant wave petunias in the chair seat, by the end of summer, they cascade over it
Loving that the weather is staying consistent. Not loving how windy it's been. I actually got Fred out from in front of the computer and on a bike ride last night. Holy shit...you would have thought I asked him to boil himself in oil....so because he reacted like a big freaking baby, I treated him like one and shamed him into it...LOL
I hit him with the "YOU are going to be 50 YEARS OLD next month and you don't give a shit about yourself, you food portions are ridiculous, you sit at a computer all day and all night, you get zero exercise and your trigycerides aren't good".....I' DON'T WANT TO RAISE CONNOR BY MYSELF AND I WANT YOU AROUND!
Seriously, he really needs to make some changes. THANK GOD he quit smoking 2 years ago and I'm surprised that he doesn't weight more than he does, but he needs to lose about 30 pounds. I'm not one to talk because I'm struggling with the 20 I need to lose, but I also eat a lot better than he does, am MUCH more active than he is....I CARE that want to take care of myself.....okay....wait.....how the hell did I go from tires to gardening to ranting about my husband????? LOL
Got a busy weekend, sister coming over tomorrow to get our garage sale set up for the next weekend. Tomorrow the bathrooms needs cleaned and we need to shampoo the carpet in the family room and the upstairs hallway....yuck! But I'd rather bust ass on Saturday and then be able to chill on Sunday and Monday, For Memorial Day, I'm thinking about grilling Steak and Shrimp Fajitas and mixing up some Margaritas.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Oh man.....
Just two week after I caved and bought Basic Grey's Lime Rickey collection pack, they have to tease me with a peek at another new line.....June Bug
I love the little bit that I see already.
I love the little bit that I see already.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Back in the groove again.....
Boy has the weather been good this week. Last night I finally got the rest of my vegie garden planted and part of my perennial bed re-mulched. I was so jazzed when I went to Lowe's on Sunday that they had marked down the Lollipop Gerber Daisies 50%. I LOVE them and they were exactly what I was looking for, for a couple of spots.
Here's some photos of our vegie garden. It's not very big but it produces WAY more than we need and it allows me to give vegies to family and friends.
I've got 4 different types of tomatoes, 2 hills of cucumbers, sugar snap peas, bush beans, zucchini, yellow squash and basil.
I've also got a herb planter on my deck that has flat leaf parsley, dill, rosemary and thyme in it.
Here's a close up of those wonderful Lollipop Gerber Daisies -
I also had to get a photo of these.....Calla lilies.....sigh....
It was such a beautiful day that I took two 15 minute walks today at work...one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I also got my ass in gear and rode my bike up to the gym and did a 50 minutes workout. 25 minutes of strength training and 25 minutes of cardio.
Have a good week. I'm working from home tomorrow and I've taken Friday off...Yoo Yoo!
Here's some photos of our vegie garden. It's not very big but it produces WAY more than we need and it allows me to give vegies to family and friends.
I've got 4 different types of tomatoes, 2 hills of cucumbers, sugar snap peas, bush beans, zucchini, yellow squash and basil.
I've also got a herb planter on my deck that has flat leaf parsley, dill, rosemary and thyme in it.
Here's a close up of those wonderful Lollipop Gerber Daisies -
I also had to get a photo of these.....Calla lilies.....sigh....
It was such a beautiful day that I took two 15 minute walks today at work...one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I also got my ass in gear and rode my bike up to the gym and did a 50 minutes workout. 25 minutes of strength training and 25 minutes of cardio.
On the iPod playlist today:
I Don't Want It - Montrose
Woman of Mass Distraction - Alice Cooper
Bye Bye Bye - N'Sync
Animals - Nickelback
New Sensation - INXS
Control - Puddle of Mudd
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Stop and Stare - OneRepublic
Paradise Cafe - Arc Angels
Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
Bad Girlfriend - Theory of A Deadman
Hold My Hand - Hootie & The Blowfish
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
To Be A Lover - Billy Idol
Have a good week. I'm working from home tomorrow and I've taken Friday off...Yoo Yoo!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Immediately.......
go download Green Day's new CD 21st Century Breakdown. It is brilliant! I though Dookie was brilliant, then came American Idiot, which I thought was even more brilliant, but this new one is a masterpiece of a rock opera. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
We've been listening to it all day while reorganizing our DVD collection, well, listening to that CD and finally finishing season one of the television show Lost.
We've been listening to it all day while reorganizing our DVD collection, well, listening to that CD and finally finishing season one of the television show Lost.
Friday, May 15, 2009
I'm Home and Scrapbook Page Share.....
I'm home, everything is fine and I'm resting on the couch in the family room. We got home earlier than expected because the Doctor was running ahead of schedule, so when we arrived at 10:30, they were ready for us and off I went......
The doctor told Fred that he removed several cysts and sent them off to pathology, but he is not anticipating anything at all. I just glad it's all over....now we just have to wait for the bills... :(
Here's a couple of pages that I've completed. One of them I did at the crop my friend Lori hosted last month and the other I did last week after I had purchased the Little Yellow Bicycle paper at Memory Bound.
The doctor told Fred that he removed several cysts and sent them off to pathology, but he is not anticipating anything at all. I just glad it's all over....now we just have to wait for the bills... :(
Here's a couple of pages that I've completed. One of them I did at the crop my friend Lori hosted last month and the other I did last week after I had purchased the Little Yellow Bicycle paper at Memory Bound.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My Week....
is almost over.....trying to stay up so that I sleep in tomorrow. My surgery is scheduled for 11:30 (we have to be there at 10:30) and I don't want to get up too early because I can't have anything to eat or drink.
I did get motivated and got the rest of my containers planted tonight. They all look very nice. Now I just have to get the rest of the vegies planted (cucumber, zucchini, pole beans and butternut squash) and the 6 bags of mulch down that is waiting for me and I'll be done with the gardening for the year.
Hubby is going to get our new bookcase put together tomorrow afternoon while I'm resting and then we'll be able to get that into place. I'll take photos once I have everything rearranged and organized.
I still need to get photos of my potting shed, which I love, love, love...it's really worked out well this gardening season....love having everything right where I need it and not having to walk all the way around the front of the house to the garage is nice.
I did get motivated and got the rest of my containers planted tonight. They all look very nice. Now I just have to get the rest of the vegies planted (cucumber, zucchini, pole beans and butternut squash) and the 6 bags of mulch down that is waiting for me and I'll be done with the gardening for the year.
Hubby is going to get our new bookcase put together tomorrow afternoon while I'm resting and then we'll be able to get that into place. I'll take photos once I have everything rearranged and organized.
I still need to get photos of my potting shed, which I love, love, love...it's really worked out well this gardening season....love having everything right where I need it and not having to walk all the way around the front of the house to the garage is nice.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Some not so great news..... :(
I found out today that I'm going to need some minor surgery this Friday. This may be a tad TMI, but I had a GYN appointment today because I experienced some bleeding that lasted for about 8 days and it's been 2 years since I've had a period. My GYN wanted to see me when I called last week and today was the appointment.
After a pelvic exam and an ultrasound, my doctor decided he wants to take a look inside, do an endometrial biospy and then a D&C. He found a cyst in my uterus and he wants to know why my uterine lining is much thicker than it should be, so we are going to go ahead and do it Friday since he is leaving on Sunday for a 3 week Canadian fishing trip and he doesn't want me to have to wait another month.
I'm a bit nervous over the whole thing, only because of my family history. Fred is taking the day off to take me and then get me home and I should be A-Okay to go back to work on Monday. The only thing I said to Connor was I needed to have a procedure done Friday and he said "Could it be serious?" and I assured him it wasn't.
On a much happier note:
We had a blast on our day road trip yesterday. We left the home around 7:00am, got to IKEA around 10:20, they were doing FREE breakfast for mother's, so we had a leisurely breakfast at IKEA, then started shopping....shopped until 1:30pm, I found a bookcase (long story....scored a great deal), didn't get my stainless steel pots, but I still managed to drop a wad of money. We also ran over the Mall of America so I could go to Archiver's, use my 30% off coupon and then we headed back home. We stopped at Owatonna to have dinner at the Famous Dave's BBQ that is across the street from Cabela's and then drove the rest of the way home. We got home around 8:00pm, so still early enough to unload the car and get things put away.
Today was my flex day and other than my 2:00pm doctor's appointment, I spent the day trying to find some CHEAP bedding plants. I CANNOT believe the prices that some places are charging for bedding plants, it's ridiculous! so I've cut way back and I'm buying only the cheapest I can find.
I watched my niece and nephew this evening for my sister while she is in clinicals and we spent most of the night outside planting said bedding plants in my containers. We didn't get it all done, but at least we got most of the front of the house planted. Since have a few more things in front and then the containers on the deck and I'll be done. I'll get photos when I have a chance.
Hope everyone has a good week!
After a pelvic exam and an ultrasound, my doctor decided he wants to take a look inside, do an endometrial biospy and then a D&C. He found a cyst in my uterus and he wants to know why my uterine lining is much thicker than it should be, so we are going to go ahead and do it Friday since he is leaving on Sunday for a 3 week Canadian fishing trip and he doesn't want me to have to wait another month.
I'm a bit nervous over the whole thing, only because of my family history. Fred is taking the day off to take me and then get me home and I should be A-Okay to go back to work on Monday. The only thing I said to Connor was I needed to have a procedure done Friday and he said "Could it be serious?" and I assured him it wasn't.
On a much happier note:
We had a blast on our day road trip yesterday. We left the home around 7:00am, got to IKEA around 10:20, they were doing FREE breakfast for mother's, so we had a leisurely breakfast at IKEA, then started shopping....shopped until 1:30pm, I found a bookcase (long story....scored a great deal), didn't get my stainless steel pots, but I still managed to drop a wad of money. We also ran over the Mall of America so I could go to Archiver's, use my 30% off coupon and then we headed back home. We stopped at Owatonna to have dinner at the Famous Dave's BBQ that is across the street from Cabela's and then drove the rest of the way home. We got home around 8:00pm, so still early enough to unload the car and get things put away.
Today was my flex day and other than my 2:00pm doctor's appointment, I spent the day trying to find some CHEAP bedding plants. I CANNOT believe the prices that some places are charging for bedding plants, it's ridiculous! so I've cut way back and I'm buying only the cheapest I can find.
I watched my niece and nephew this evening for my sister while she is in clinicals and we spent most of the night outside planting said bedding plants in my containers. We didn't get it all done, but at least we got most of the front of the house planted. Since have a few more things in front and then the containers on the deck and I'll be done. I'll get photos when I have a chance.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Well, one day early....but I'm not going to be around tomorrow because my boys have surprised me with a day trip to IKEA. We're leaving in the morning and should be back by 10:00pm tomorrow night.
YIPPEE! I can buy my bookshelf and stainless steel planters that I've been wanting.
There goes the budget diet this month, but it will be less money spent next month when we go up to the Twin Cities on vacation, so it all comes out even in the end.
I've been researching activites to do next month and I think I've got some fun things planned that everyone will enjoy.
Today, I got up and went to the gym for a 45 minute cardio workout. As I've said before, I'm trying to go 10 minutes longer and 10% harder for the next few months and then I'll bump it up again.
Just a heads up......run don't walk to your nearest grocery store, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc to pick up a package of this:
Nectarine and White Ginger
The scent is to die for.......
I've also started using this:
An excellent self tanner moisturizer that comes in mousse form. I like the way my skin feels after applying it.
Having my sister and the kids over tonight for Chicken Nachos. Right now, she is with Fred and Connor seeing the movie "Star Trek". I didn't go because I wanted to work out in the yard and get some more gardening done, besides I'm waiting for next weekend to go see "Angels and Demons" with Tom Hanks, based on one of my most favorite books EVAH!
I simply can't wait for Dan Brown's newest book coming this September called "The Lost Symbol". The publishers are keeping pretty mum about the subject matter other than the whole book takes place in 12 hours, but I heard it going to be located in Washington DC and has to do with the masons....??? I don't care whats it's about, I'm reading it as soon as it comes out....LOL
Well, I've got to go get a shower taken and get organized for our day trip tomorrow. Have a Happy Mother's Day!.....go give your mother's a hug...I wish I could, but I'm definitely going to remember her tomorrow.
YIPPEE! I can buy my bookshelf and stainless steel planters that I've been wanting.
There goes the budget diet this month, but it will be less money spent next month when we go up to the Twin Cities on vacation, so it all comes out even in the end.
I've been researching activites to do next month and I think I've got some fun things planned that everyone will enjoy.
Today, I got up and went to the gym for a 45 minute cardio workout. As I've said before, I'm trying to go 10 minutes longer and 10% harder for the next few months and then I'll bump it up again.
On the iPod playlist today:
Listen to Your Heart - Little Feat
Calling All Angels - Train
Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks
3 AM - Matchbox Twenty
Dear Mr. Fantasy - Tesla
Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Salt In My Tears - Martin Briley
I Will - Ben Taylor
It's About You - Train
This Is How a Heart Breaks - Rob Thomas
Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow
Just a heads up......run don't walk to your nearest grocery store, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc to pick up a package of this:
Nectarine and White Ginger
The scent is to die for.......
I've also started using this:
An excellent self tanner moisturizer that comes in mousse form. I like the way my skin feels after applying it.
Having my sister and the kids over tonight for Chicken Nachos. Right now, she is with Fred and Connor seeing the movie "Star Trek". I didn't go because I wanted to work out in the yard and get some more gardening done, besides I'm waiting for next weekend to go see "Angels and Demons" with Tom Hanks, based on one of my most favorite books EVAH!
I simply can't wait for Dan Brown's newest book coming this September called "The Lost Symbol". The publishers are keeping pretty mum about the subject matter other than the whole book takes place in 12 hours, but I heard it going to be located in Washington DC and has to do with the masons....??? I don't care whats it's about, I'm reading it as soon as it comes out....LOL
Well, I've got to go get a shower taken and get organized for our day trip tomorrow. Have a Happy Mother's Day!.....go give your mother's a hug...I wish I could, but I'm definitely going to remember her tomorrow.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Rough Day
Today was a big rough....hoping that tomorrow will be better.
Yesterday I made it back up to the gym. I haven't been since before I left for Washington DC and I really needed to do some strength training. It's not that I haven't been exercising, but when it's nice, I would much rather walk or ride my bike than to work out on a treadmill/elliptical. If felt so good that I ended up working out for about an hour.
I love my iPod.
If it wasn't for my iPod, my exercising would probably become non existent. I can plug in and rock out and forget that what I'm doing hurts and that I'm most likely out of breath and sweating like a pig.
I love the randomness of my iPod's shuffle feature.
It's just like that box of chocolates from Forest Gump. "You never know what you're going to get". I think I like the randomness also because my life is anything but random. Random usually isn't in my vocabulary and certainly not in my routine, it that makes sense. It's the one area of my life that doesn't matter that's it random....LOL
Thanks goodness tomorrow is Friday and I have a three day weekend!
Later.....
Yesterday I made it back up to the gym. I haven't been since before I left for Washington DC and I really needed to do some strength training. It's not that I haven't been exercising, but when it's nice, I would much rather walk or ride my bike than to work out on a treadmill/elliptical. If felt so good that I ended up working out for about an hour.
On the iPod playlist:
Similar Features - Melissa Etheridge
You Make Me Feel Right at Home - Ted Nugent
I'm Eighteen - Creed
Woman In Love - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
How the Story Goes - REO Speedwagon
Flash Tan Queen - REO Speedwagon
Colorful - The Verve Pipe
Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
Losing My Religion - REM
Space Lord - Monster Magnet
The Hand That Feeds - Nine Inch Nails
Roller - April Wine
Bring Me Some Water - Melissa Etheridge
Where Do The Children Go - The Hooters (featuring Patty Smyth)
I love my iPod.
If it wasn't for my iPod, my exercising would probably become non existent. I can plug in and rock out and forget that what I'm doing hurts and that I'm most likely out of breath and sweating like a pig.
I love the randomness of my iPod's shuffle feature.
It's just like that box of chocolates from Forest Gump. "You never know what you're going to get". I think I like the randomness also because my life is anything but random. Random usually isn't in my vocabulary and certainly not in my routine, it that makes sense. It's the one area of my life that doesn't matter that's it random....LOL
Thanks goodness tomorrow is Friday and I have a three day weekend!
Later.....
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A Beautiful Day
Another beautiful day in central Iowa. I worked from home today so when lunchtime rolled around, I decided to take a walk up to the post office (approx. 2 1/2 miles round trip). Did some of it jogging for that interval training that gets my heart rate going and is fabulous for greater calorie burn. I've been trying to go 10 minutes longer and 10% harder than I have been doing.
Probably blew that nice workout by eating that mini cannoli that I just HAD to have earlier this evening. Oh well....such is life.
On the iPod playlist today:
One - Creed
Mama Let Him Play - Doucette
Yellin at the Xmas Tree - Billy Idol
Dear Mr. Fantasy - Tesla
Colorful - The Verve Pipe
Why Can't This Be Love - Van Halen
If You're Gone - Matchbox Twenty
Walk Like A Man - Grand Funk
New Sensation - INXS
Fever Dog - Stillwater
Probably blew that nice workout by eating that mini cannoli that I just HAD to have earlier this evening. Oh well....such is life.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
My DC Trip
Thought I would finally get around to telling you about my last trip to DC.
I had a great time on this trip. I already posted about my seat mate on the flight to DC and we got in Monday morning around 10:00. Once I grabbed a taxi to my hotel, got checked in and settled, I headed off to the Zoo. My hotel room was small and bathroom smaller, but the grounds were lovely and it was located in the Adam-Morgan area of DC that is a fun area to walk around and look at all the stores and restaurants.
My meetings were pretty intense and we all had to use major brain power
to get the amount of work done that we wanted to finish, so by the end of the day, I was pooped! Tuesday night was lovely, so several of my co-workers and I found a nice Italian restaurant on Connecticut called Cafe Paradiso and I ordered a antipasto tray and a diet soda. After dinner we all decided a walk was in order and then back to my room for the night. We hit it hard again on Wednesday and by 6:00pm, I was bushed. I met up with one of my co-workers and we had a quick bite to eat at one of the restaurants at the hotel, then I hit the fitness center and lights out by 10:00pm. Am I a lighweight or what?.....LOL
Thursday we finished at around 11:30, so I called Congressman Boswell's aide, Andrew and we arranged to meet at 1:15. We walked over from the Thurgood Marshall Building where are meeting were held and we walked right past:
The Supreme Court Building
East side of the Capitol
Library of Congress
Statue outside of Library of Congress
Vistor's Center at the U.S. Capitol
The Crypt
Center of the Crypt, which is the center of the Rotunda dome
Originally thought that George Washington would be buried there, but when he died, his will and Martha stated that he did not want to be buried in the Capitol, he wanted to be near his family at Mount Vernon
Painting of Lincoln's second inaugural address
Hallway on the Senate side of the Capitol with paintings on the curved ceilings
Abraham Lincoln's desk location in the old House of Representatives room (the whisper room)
The Dome of the Rotunda
Close up of the fresco painting on the Dome in the Rotunda
Frieze of United State's History from Christopher Columbus to the Wright Brothers
Close up of the frieze
One of the four painting depicting the founding of the United States
The Portrait Monument of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott
Now, just to warn any of my conservative friends that may happen to be reading, you might not want to read any further, you may just start to hyperventilate.....
As we were standing in the Rotunda finishing up the tour, I watched Steny Hoyer(D-Maryland), House Majority Leader walk right past with all of his black suited congressional aides, but I didn't get a photo because it happened too quick, but moments later, in walked Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House! It only took a few minutes for people to realize that she was there and the cameras started to go off, people surrounded her wanting photos, autographs and hand shakes. My friend Kathy is from San Francisco and Mrs. Pelosi is her Congresswomen, so she was thrilled to have a chance at a photo op. I waited until the crowd backed off a bit and as she started to walk through, I stepped forward, called out "Mrs Pelosi!", she turned to me, I stuck my hand out and said "Mrs. Pelosi, it's good to see you" and she grabbed my hand with both of hers and replied "It's good to see you also" with a big smile. This far left liberal was THRILLED! I know she raises the rankles of alot of people and that's one of the reasons I LIKE HER! I like that she run circles around that old boy network and doesn't kowtow to any of them. She serves her constituents well and from what I experienced, she was MORE than gracious to everyone that wanted a photo, autograph or handshake.
Entrance to the office of the Speaker of the House
Speaker of the House Pelosi coming into the Rotunda
My friend Kathy and Mrs. Pelosi....I'm bummed about the fuzziness, but I didn't have time to switch out my lens and I was too close for the lens I had on my camera
The Capitol Dome
The park outside the Capitol building
Another shot of the park outside the Capitol building
The Thurgood Marshall Building (where my meetings are located)
It was an awesome day! and even my Congressman (who I happened to see again on my return flight) said that's a pretty good experience for my first tour of the U.S. Capitol.
I had a great time on this trip. I already posted about my seat mate on the flight to DC and we got in Monday morning around 10:00. Once I grabbed a taxi to my hotel, got checked in and settled, I headed off to the Zoo. My hotel room was small and bathroom smaller, but the grounds were lovely and it was located in the Adam-Morgan area of DC that is a fun area to walk around and look at all the stores and restaurants.
My meetings were pretty intense and we all had to use major brain power
to get the amount of work done that we wanted to finish, so by the end of the day, I was pooped! Tuesday night was lovely, so several of my co-workers and I found a nice Italian restaurant on Connecticut called Cafe Paradiso and I ordered a antipasto tray and a diet soda. After dinner we all decided a walk was in order and then back to my room for the night. We hit it hard again on Wednesday and by 6:00pm, I was bushed. I met up with one of my co-workers and we had a quick bite to eat at one of the restaurants at the hotel, then I hit the fitness center and lights out by 10:00pm. Am I a lighweight or what?.....LOL
Thursday we finished at around 11:30, so I called Congressman Boswell's aide, Andrew and we arranged to meet at 1:15. We walked over from the Thurgood Marshall Building where are meeting were held and we walked right past:
The Supreme Court Building
East side of the Capitol
Library of Congress
Statue outside of Library of Congress
Vistor's Center at the U.S. Capitol
The Crypt
Center of the Crypt, which is the center of the Rotunda dome
Originally thought that George Washington would be buried there, but when he died, his will and Martha stated that he did not want to be buried in the Capitol, he wanted to be near his family at Mount Vernon
Painting of Lincoln's second inaugural address
Hallway on the Senate side of the Capitol with paintings on the curved ceilings
Abraham Lincoln's desk location in the old House of Representatives room (the whisper room)
The Dome of the Rotunda
Close up of the fresco painting on the Dome in the Rotunda
Frieze of United State's History from Christopher Columbus to the Wright Brothers
Close up of the frieze
One of the four painting depicting the founding of the United States
The Portrait Monument of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott
Now, just to warn any of my conservative friends that may happen to be reading, you might not want to read any further, you may just start to hyperventilate.....
As we were standing in the Rotunda finishing up the tour, I watched Steny Hoyer(D-Maryland), House Majority Leader walk right past with all of his black suited congressional aides, but I didn't get a photo because it happened too quick, but moments later, in walked Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House! It only took a few minutes for people to realize that she was there and the cameras started to go off, people surrounded her wanting photos, autographs and hand shakes. My friend Kathy is from San Francisco and Mrs. Pelosi is her Congresswomen, so she was thrilled to have a chance at a photo op. I waited until the crowd backed off a bit and as she started to walk through, I stepped forward, called out "Mrs Pelosi!", she turned to me, I stuck my hand out and said "Mrs. Pelosi, it's good to see you" and she grabbed my hand with both of hers and replied "It's good to see you also" with a big smile. This far left liberal was THRILLED! I know she raises the rankles of alot of people and that's one of the reasons I LIKE HER! I like that she run circles around that old boy network and doesn't kowtow to any of them. She serves her constituents well and from what I experienced, she was MORE than gracious to everyone that wanted a photo, autograph or handshake.
Entrance to the office of the Speaker of the House
Speaker of the House Pelosi coming into the Rotunda
My friend Kathy and Mrs. Pelosi....I'm bummed about the fuzziness, but I didn't have time to switch out my lens and I was too close for the lens I had on my camera
The Capitol Dome
The park outside the Capitol building
Another shot of the park outside the Capitol building
The Thurgood Marshall Building (where my meetings are located)
It was an awesome day! and even my Congressman (who I happened to see again on my return flight) said that's a pretty good experience for my first tour of the U.S. Capitol.
What a Gorgeous Weekend!
FINALLY! It's been a very busy weekend. Between unpacking from DC, straightening up the house (the two I live with are clutter hounds) and hours of yard work, it doesn't seem like I've had a chance to really relax, but that's okay. It all needed to be done.
We spent hours yesterday pulling dandelions, raking out gardens, watering our sugar snap peas, planting some new perennials (I planted a knock out rose, yarrow, sage, lupine and asters) and spraying the whole yard with liquid weed and feed. Still need to mulch, but I have to wait until next weekend after I plant my zinna seeds.
Our tulips are in full bloom and so is our lilacs and I brought a big bouquet of lilacs and grape hyancith inside so we could enjoy the scent.
Did a very challenging 45 minute walk this morning after I read the Sunday paper. I'm trying to do more jog/walk intervals so that the intensity of the workout is there.
Budget Diet Report: I'm happy to report that just keeping a better eye on our money this month netted us an extra $350.00 this month. I think we're going to give it another go this month although we already know we have an extra expense of purchasing our annual Aquatic Center family pass and that's $125 bucks but worth every penny.
Have a good week.....oh and I'm putting together my photos and story from my US Capitol tour. I'll get it posted sometime this week.
We spent hours yesterday pulling dandelions, raking out gardens, watering our sugar snap peas, planting some new perennials (I planted a knock out rose, yarrow, sage, lupine and asters) and spraying the whole yard with liquid weed and feed. Still need to mulch, but I have to wait until next weekend after I plant my zinna seeds.
Our tulips are in full bloom and so is our lilacs and I brought a big bouquet of lilacs and grape hyancith inside so we could enjoy the scent.
Did a very challenging 45 minute walk this morning after I read the Sunday paper. I'm trying to do more jog/walk intervals so that the intensity of the workout is there.
On the iPod playlist today:
Stand - Alice Cooper
De Do Do, De Da Da - The Police
I Just Want to Make Love to You - Foghat
Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters - Elton John
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic - The Police
Mississippi - Train
Saturday Night Special - (song by Lynryd Skynrd but covered by Tesla)
Feel - matchbox twenty
Tumble in the Rough - Stone Temple Pilots
Budget Diet Report: I'm happy to report that just keeping a better eye on our money this month netted us an extra $350.00 this month. I think we're going to give it another go this month although we already know we have an extra expense of purchasing our annual Aquatic Center family pass and that's $125 bucks but worth every penny.
Have a good week.....oh and I'm putting together my photos and story from my US Capitol tour. I'll get it posted sometime this week.
Friday, May 1, 2009
I'm home.....
Got home last night just in time to see Survivor (the only program on television that I make a point of sitting down to watch). Had an amazing tour of the Capitol after my meetings ended and when I'm more motivated, I'll post pictures and tell you the whole story because something amazing happened during my tour that I want to share.
Sure wish the weather would change. Our yard looks like crap and the neighbor's dandelion field doesn't help. They DO nothing for the care of their yard and slowly but surely, the dandelion's are taking over our yard also and I WON'T hire a lawn service. I'm not taking on that expense also, but hopefully this weekend, hubby, son and I can get out their with the bottle of roundup and our dandelion puller and get rid of them (at least for a while). I'm also hoping to get that perennial bed raked out and a few new perennials planted this weekend. Later today, I'm going to go up to the greenhouse at Southeast Polk High School and see what they have for sale. Hy-Vee had some really nice looking perennials for sale, but they want $7.99 a piece for them and that to me, seems high, but I may cave because they did look pretty healthy.
I'll tease you with one photo from my afternoon at our nation's capitol:
Sure wish the weather would change. Our yard looks like crap and the neighbor's dandelion field doesn't help. They DO nothing for the care of their yard and slowly but surely, the dandelion's are taking over our yard also and I WON'T hire a lawn service. I'm not taking on that expense also, but hopefully this weekend, hubby, son and I can get out their with the bottle of roundup and our dandelion puller and get rid of them (at least for a while). I'm also hoping to get that perennial bed raked out and a few new perennials planted this weekend. Later today, I'm going to go up to the greenhouse at Southeast Polk High School and see what they have for sale. Hy-Vee had some really nice looking perennials for sale, but they want $7.99 a piece for them and that to me, seems high, but I may cave because they did look pretty healthy.
I'll tease you with one photo from my afternoon at our nation's capitol:
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