Home again
Just a quick note. We got home last night. Traffic was heavy, but luckily we didn't run into any bad accidents or anything. The boy got his SCUBA certification last Friday. He did great! I took the refresher course since it had been a while for me, so I got to be there for all of his open water dives.
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10 I give the trip an 11. But it is nice to be home. I missed my doggies and my husband. Also, tired of eating fast food on the road. Ugh......
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Bye now!
I got in to work very early, so I could leave promptly at 3! Hurray! Must pack (including a cooler – our hotel room has a kitchen), plus shop & cook for the hub.
The boy’s trip is going well – he should be home by Sunday. That’s good, we were afraid we’d have to drive down and pick him up, which would be a good bit out of our way.
I’m excited! Have a good week!
I got in to work very early, so I could leave promptly at 3! Hurray! Must pack (including a cooler – our hotel room has a kitchen), plus shop & cook for the hub.
The boy’s trip is going well – he should be home by Sunday. That’s good, we were afraid we’d have to drive down and pick him up, which would be a good bit out of our way.
I’m excited! Have a good week!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
My good natured boy returns!
The absence of high winds and rough water, coupled with a nice evening spent docked in Charleston (which included a nice dinner & a hot bath) have returned my good natured boy! I've spoken with him a couple of times today, and he seems to be doing well. They are trying to make Myrtle beach tonight. Now, his grandpa and uncle are apparently starting to wear on each other's last nerve, but over the years, he has learned to deal with that. :-)
Tomorrow is my last day at work! Yippie!
The absence of high winds and rough water, coupled with a nice evening spent docked in Charleston (which included a nice dinner & a hot bath) have returned my good natured boy! I've spoken with him a couple of times today, and he seems to be doing well. They are trying to make Myrtle beach tonight. Now, his grandpa and uncle are apparently starting to wear on each other's last nerve, but over the years, he has learned to deal with that. :-)
Tomorrow is my last day at work! Yippie!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Who knew?
The boy got sea sick (for the first time ever) the day before yesterday. They were crossing a large sound less than a fourth of a mile from the ocean, and it was pretty windy. Today they are crossing another large sound, going from Beaufort SC to Charleston and the winds are supposed to be even higher! He’s pretty scared. I tried to reassure him, I hope I did an okay job. Poor kid.
What else:
I received and read my new cook book “Veganomicon.” It’s a vegan cookbook. Even though I don’t intend to become vegan, or even vegetarian, I wanted some ideas for the occasional vegetarian meal. I have to say that ever single recipe in the book sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try some. We ate the whey fed pork chops last night – they were awesome! And raised just a few miles from the house!
I’ve decided what I want for a (slightly) early birthday gift: I want to attend an online course called “Awakening Joy” (http://awakeningjoy.info/index.html). From what I’ve read, studies indicate that about half of our happiness is genetic. I’ve never been a particularly joyful person and have (at times) suffered depression.
But the glass is half full even if it’s half empty and if half is controlled by genetics, then the other half can be controlled by me. I think I am definitely the kind of person who could benefit from doing this work. I have a good life and I want to appreciate and enjoy it even more than I do.
I got a note from the kettlebell instructor – we were planning to meet up this Saturday but she has to be out of town. Oh well. The up side of that is I now have a whole weekend to get ready for my trip. It will be nice not to feel rushed.
The boy got sea sick (for the first time ever) the day before yesterday. They were crossing a large sound less than a fourth of a mile from the ocean, and it was pretty windy. Today they are crossing another large sound, going from Beaufort SC to Charleston and the winds are supposed to be even higher! He’s pretty scared. I tried to reassure him, I hope I did an okay job. Poor kid.
What else:
I received and read my new cook book “Veganomicon.” It’s a vegan cookbook. Even though I don’t intend to become vegan, or even vegetarian, I wanted some ideas for the occasional vegetarian meal. I have to say that ever single recipe in the book sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try some. We ate the whey fed pork chops last night – they were awesome! And raised just a few miles from the house!
I’ve decided what I want for a (slightly) early birthday gift: I want to attend an online course called “Awakening Joy” (http://awakeningjoy.info/index.html). From what I’ve read, studies indicate that about half of our happiness is genetic. I’ve never been a particularly joyful person and have (at times) suffered depression.
But the glass is half full even if it’s half empty and if half is controlled by genetics, then the other half can be controlled by me. I think I am definitely the kind of person who could benefit from doing this work. I have a good life and I want to appreciate and enjoy it even more than I do.
I got a note from the kettlebell instructor – we were planning to meet up this Saturday but she has to be out of town. Oh well. The up side of that is I now have a whole weekend to get ready for my trip. It will be nice not to feel rushed.
Monday, March 17, 2008
You go, Mennonite rebels
My trip to the local farmer’s market was amazingly productive. I joined Mike’s CSA farm and came home with a bag full of produce. I stopped (and purchased) at several stalls. I found a local dairy, the goat lady (cheese and yogurt), locally grown grass fed free grazing beef, the hog farmer who lives near the goat lady and buys her whey to feed to his pigs (among other things). He swears this makes for a leaner yet large pig. Given that bodybuilders supplement with whey to achieve the same goal, I’m sure he’s right!
But my best find was a Mennonite farm. They had goat meat, eggs, cheese (the best cheddar I’ve ever put into my mouth), and they also have a chicken CSA, which runs for 16 weeks. The lady gave me an information sheet, which I took home to read. I was pretty sold on the idea, but the ending of their flyer sealed the deal. They had written, “We have an open door policy at our farm. You are free to come by any day except Sunday. We prefer to be inspected by our customers than by the government.” Heh.
I ended up spending a total of $40 at W-M this week, largely because we needed things like a new trash can, deodorant, that sort of stuff. I bought very little food there. I was very satisfied to realize at the end of the weekend that the bulk of my food dollar (well, except dog food) was spent with local farmers. Better food, less fuel used, supporting my local economy. Truly a win.
Can I gripe just a little bit about something? I own (and use) reusable cloth grocery bags. I take them to stores (and even the farmer’s market) and use them regularly. This never presents a problem – except at W-M. Not only do they act like I’m sporting a second head, but they sometimes (like this weekend) get downright surly that I have the nerve to want to use reusable bags. They seem to feel this is a personal affront, and my sole motivation is to make their life miserable. I realize that bringing your own bags hasn’t gone mainstream, but that kind of attitude is to send ALL of my money to another store.
I was in a very cranky mood yesterday. There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done around the house, and hub was dragging his feet. Gah. Well, I was cranky anyway. Not everything got done, but a lot did. I can’t say I woke up feeling relaxed and refreshed – I really would have enjoyed a ‘do over’ for Sunday. Oh well, life goes on.
My trip to the local farmer’s market was amazingly productive. I joined Mike’s CSA farm and came home with a bag full of produce. I stopped (and purchased) at several stalls. I found a local dairy, the goat lady (cheese and yogurt), locally grown grass fed free grazing beef, the hog farmer who lives near the goat lady and buys her whey to feed to his pigs (among other things). He swears this makes for a leaner yet large pig. Given that bodybuilders supplement with whey to achieve the same goal, I’m sure he’s right!
But my best find was a Mennonite farm. They had goat meat, eggs, cheese (the best cheddar I’ve ever put into my mouth), and they also have a chicken CSA, which runs for 16 weeks. The lady gave me an information sheet, which I took home to read. I was pretty sold on the idea, but the ending of their flyer sealed the deal. They had written, “We have an open door policy at our farm. You are free to come by any day except Sunday. We prefer to be inspected by our customers than by the government.” Heh.
I ended up spending a total of $40 at W-M this week, largely because we needed things like a new trash can, deodorant, that sort of stuff. I bought very little food there. I was very satisfied to realize at the end of the weekend that the bulk of my food dollar (well, except dog food) was spent with local farmers. Better food, less fuel used, supporting my local economy. Truly a win.
Can I gripe just a little bit about something? I own (and use) reusable cloth grocery bags. I take them to stores (and even the farmer’s market) and use them regularly. This never presents a problem – except at W-M. Not only do they act like I’m sporting a second head, but they sometimes (like this weekend) get downright surly that I have the nerve to want to use reusable bags. They seem to feel this is a personal affront, and my sole motivation is to make their life miserable. I realize that bringing your own bags hasn’t gone mainstream, but that kind of attitude is to send ALL of my money to another store.
I was in a very cranky mood yesterday. There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done around the house, and hub was dragging his feet. Gah. Well, I was cranky anyway. Not everything got done, but a lot did. I can’t say I woke up feeling relaxed and refreshed – I really would have enjoyed a ‘do over’ for Sunday. Oh well, life goes on.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hurray for Fridayhood!
So, my baby boy got picked up early and he will fly to Florida for his great boating adventure in just a little while. Hub and I will have our great "alone without the teenager" adventure. :-)I woke unsure of whether it was Friday or merely Thursday, and the fact that it is in fact actually Friday is making me giddy with joy! If only work would hurray up and be over! Ha ha ha.
We took the boat out last night. Stopped at Subway for sandwiches and drinks, and ate our dinner all together as a family out in the middle of the lake. Sometimes owning a boat is a hassle, but times like that are just fantastic.
I found a CSA farm in Greensboro which has slots for 2008, and we are joining! I just got off the phone with Mike (the owner). He is just as nice as he can be and I am meeting him out at the farmer’s market tomorrow. His farm is organic, and he actually sells year round. Also at the farmer’s market – local eggs, dairy, and meat. Score! This means that much less money being paid for spinach etc. being shipped across the country – that much less fuel being used because I am buying it from 10 miles down the road instead.
Have a nice weekend. :-)
So, my baby boy got picked up early and he will fly to Florida for his great boating adventure in just a little while. Hub and I will have our great "alone without the teenager" adventure. :-)I woke unsure of whether it was Friday or merely Thursday, and the fact that it is in fact actually Friday is making me giddy with joy! If only work would hurray up and be over! Ha ha ha.
We took the boat out last night. Stopped at Subway for sandwiches and drinks, and ate our dinner all together as a family out in the middle of the lake. Sometimes owning a boat is a hassle, but times like that are just fantastic.
I found a CSA farm in Greensboro which has slots for 2008, and we are joining! I just got off the phone with Mike (the owner). He is just as nice as he can be and I am meeting him out at the farmer’s market tomorrow. His farm is organic, and he actually sells year round. Also at the farmer’s market – local eggs, dairy, and meat. Score! This means that much less money being paid for spinach etc. being shipped across the country – that much less fuel being used because I am buying it from 10 miles down the road instead.
Have a nice weekend. :-)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The politics of dancing
Here’s the thing I hate about large hobby groups – the politics. This is supposed to be fun, yet some folks feel the need to make it miserable for others, because that somehow makes them feel better. Anyway, I have been very cranky for the past 24 hours because of some bs that I KNOW in the greater scheme of my life isn’t worth the anger and frustration I have felt over it, which makes me even agrier cause I should really just let the crap go, but I am angry! I woke up at 4:45, and I was mad. I walked 2 miles, and was still mad. I talked to the hub (and cried a bit), but I am still mad. I know I’ll move on, but still…
Anyway, gah. I hate being mad – it makes me want to eat!!!!
Cranky McCrankipants, signing off.
Here’s the thing I hate about large hobby groups – the politics. This is supposed to be fun, yet some folks feel the need to make it miserable for others, because that somehow makes them feel better. Anyway, I have been very cranky for the past 24 hours because of some bs that I KNOW in the greater scheme of my life isn’t worth the anger and frustration I have felt over it, which makes me even agrier cause I should really just let the crap go, but I am angry! I woke up at 4:45, and I was mad. I walked 2 miles, and was still mad. I talked to the hub (and cried a bit), but I am still mad. I know I’ll move on, but still…
Anyway, gah. I hate being mad – it makes me want to eat!!!!
Cranky McCrankipants, signing off.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Halfway there
I was able to go to bed at 9:30 and get up at 5:30, only another half hour to shift! Snacked a little too much last night. :-( Still, progress is being made on both food and exercise. Reading about our food chain has made me more mindful about what I eat and what I buy. That can only be a good thing.
Work is okay, it's nice to have hub back on a normal schedule, we are all largely ove rour sickness other than an annoying cough I can't seem to shake. Spring is nearly here - this weekend I am going to set up my pots & clear weeds so I can plant my garden when I get back from Florida.
My hobby has been too "political" to be much fun lately. I am thinking I will scale back and focus on other things for a while. We are looking into a group that maintains a section of the Appalachain Trail. They are going up the third weekend in April (that's my birthday), and the family has agreed to go! Fun!
Anyway, our son doesn't enjoy the SCA the way we do, so I want to find things we can do together as a family. Besides chores around the house - ha ha ha!
I was able to go to bed at 9:30 and get up at 5:30, only another half hour to shift! Snacked a little too much last night. :-( Still, progress is being made on both food and exercise. Reading about our food chain has made me more mindful about what I eat and what I buy. That can only be a good thing.
Work is okay, it's nice to have hub back on a normal schedule, we are all largely ove rour sickness other than an annoying cough I can't seem to shake. Spring is nearly here - this weekend I am going to set up my pots & clear weeds so I can plant my garden when I get back from Florida.
My hobby has been too "political" to be much fun lately. I am thinking I will scale back and focus on other things for a while. We are looking into a group that maintains a section of the Appalachain Trail. They are going up the third weekend in April (that's my birthday), and the family has agreed to go! Fun!
Anyway, our son doesn't enjoy the SCA the way we do, so I want to find things we can do together as a family. Besides chores around the house - ha ha ha!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Blah de blah
I’m currently reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” – I have to say I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s important we be educated about the politics of our food supply. The book isn’t written in a sensational way, although this topic is certainly a politically and emotionally charged one.
One thing I am doing is trying to support farming in our area – I shop at the farmer’s market, we have a friend who has a hog farm who is also planning to start selling beef, I am looking for a local CSA farm (community supported agriculture) for us to join, and I plan to put in a small garden myself this year. Besides the cost of food going up, I figure if I can buy stuff that is locally grown, that uses less fuel than buying stuff that has been shipped in. I won’t give up Costco or the grocery, but I am trying to do my part.
For the second or third time in 7 years of sitting down at the dinner table, I made a dinner last night that my husband just plain didn’t like. And it was too bad, because my mom and I both thought it was delicious! I made a chard and cheese casserole, roasted beets, a big salad, and corn bread. He ate the salad & the corn bread. Hub says that chard is “too strong”. I may make the casserole again, but with spinach. Oh well.
I’m not getting up in the morning until 6 – darn time change! But the nice thing is the time (like last night) to take a nice walk after dinner. I walked for 2 miles and it was so pleasant! It’s not quite spring here yet, but we are inching closer!
My son leaves this Friday for spring break. He is flying to Florida with his grandpa. They are driving a boat he just bought up to the NC coast from there – about 700 miles up the intercoastal waterway. After they get back, we’ll be leaving for Florida on the 24th. That gives me & the hub a quiet week at home without the boy. Nice…..
I’m currently reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” – I have to say I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s important we be educated about the politics of our food supply. The book isn’t written in a sensational way, although this topic is certainly a politically and emotionally charged one.
One thing I am doing is trying to support farming in our area – I shop at the farmer’s market, we have a friend who has a hog farm who is also planning to start selling beef, I am looking for a local CSA farm (community supported agriculture) for us to join, and I plan to put in a small garden myself this year. Besides the cost of food going up, I figure if I can buy stuff that is locally grown, that uses less fuel than buying stuff that has been shipped in. I won’t give up Costco or the grocery, but I am trying to do my part.
For the second or third time in 7 years of sitting down at the dinner table, I made a dinner last night that my husband just plain didn’t like. And it was too bad, because my mom and I both thought it was delicious! I made a chard and cheese casserole, roasted beets, a big salad, and corn bread. He ate the salad & the corn bread. Hub says that chard is “too strong”. I may make the casserole again, but with spinach. Oh well.
I’m not getting up in the morning until 6 – darn time change! But the nice thing is the time (like last night) to take a nice walk after dinner. I walked for 2 miles and it was so pleasant! It’s not quite spring here yet, but we are inching closer!
My son leaves this Friday for spring break. He is flying to Florida with his grandpa. They are driving a boat he just bought up to the NC coast from there – about 700 miles up the intercoastal waterway. After they get back, we’ll be leaving for Florida on the 24th. That gives me & the hub a quiet week at home without the boy. Nice…..
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday already?
This weekend went quick! I didn’t do too much – shopping, food prep, and a bit of house work on Saturday. Sunday was a trip down to Salisbury to sew with a friend (one more trip down and the dress will be done!).
Winter isn’t over here – it was 24 when I woke up yesterday. What the heck?!? My mom is recovering from the flu, the guys went to play paintball on Saturday. Yesterday they finished laying a laminate floor at a neighbor’s house, so there’s a bit of extra money.
Anyway, good weekend. I made some split pea soup and added beet greens in there – weird color combo, but tasty!
This weekend went quick! I didn’t do too much – shopping, food prep, and a bit of house work on Saturday. Sunday was a trip down to Salisbury to sew with a friend (one more trip down and the dress will be done!).
Winter isn’t over here – it was 24 when I woke up yesterday. What the heck?!? My mom is recovering from the flu, the guys went to play paintball on Saturday. Yesterday they finished laying a laminate floor at a neighbor’s house, so there’s a bit of extra money.
Anyway, good weekend. I made some split pea soup and added beet greens in there – weird color combo, but tasty!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Not too much to say
This being sick has been kinda novel. I have had more time off this week than I have had in any week since I went on vacation last July/August. My husband has weekends off again, and is only working 8 hours per day. I actually feel like I am starting to slow down.
I think a lot of the reason my weight has been such a struggle is that I have been stressed for so many months – and trying to focus on that has just felt like MORE stress. My eating has been better this week, without a great deal of thought. I haven’t been doing much in the way of exercise – mostly just trying to get plenty of rest, but I look forward to adding walks in the neighborhood back and I picked up my kettlebells for a few minutes yesterday.
One thing I have done this year is to add more vegetables to my diet. I am now extending that out to the family. That means there will be new recipes, some of which will be meatless. Since I am in the process of switching us to organic free range meats only, this is largely a matter of economy. We aren’t going vegetarian, but I suspect that more vegetables and less fat will be a health boon for all of us.
My mom has the flu – hub took her to the doctor last night. He is filling her prescriptions this afternoon. He & the boy are heading to play paint ball tomorrow. I plan a quiet weekend at home. Nice.
This being sick has been kinda novel. I have had more time off this week than I have had in any week since I went on vacation last July/August. My husband has weekends off again, and is only working 8 hours per day. I actually feel like I am starting to slow down.
I think a lot of the reason my weight has been such a struggle is that I have been stressed for so many months – and trying to focus on that has just felt like MORE stress. My eating has been better this week, without a great deal of thought. I haven’t been doing much in the way of exercise – mostly just trying to get plenty of rest, but I look forward to adding walks in the neighborhood back and I picked up my kettlebells for a few minutes yesterday.
One thing I have done this year is to add more vegetables to my diet. I am now extending that out to the family. That means there will be new recipes, some of which will be meatless. Since I am in the process of switching us to organic free range meats only, this is largely a matter of economy. We aren’t going vegetarian, but I suspect that more vegetables and less fat will be a health boon for all of us.
My mom has the flu – hub took her to the doctor last night. He is filling her prescriptions this afternoon. He & the boy are heading to play paint ball tomorrow. I plan a quiet weekend at home. Nice.
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