I've been blogging with three fabulous women for almost two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Froggie wants to discuss Brand loyalty: Is it a good thing? Bad thing? Is there a brand that it would take a vast shift in the universe to get you to stop using?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
This was an interesting topic for me. I don't really give brand loyalty much thought, but when it came up, I immediately associated it with food. I'm sure brands of clothing or brands of electronics could also fit in this category.
I don't really know that I've been loyal to all that many brands. After I started keeping Kosher, the Kraft macaroni and cheese had to hit the road. I also had to give up on Lean Cuisine, Campbell's soup and a few other products I had been using prior. For regular pasta, I just get whatever's on sale. There are Kosher ramen noodles, but they are more expensive than the non-Kosher brands. Most ice cream brands (Edy's, Ben and Jerry's, Breyer's, etc.) are Kosher too. I am even fine with getting the store brand from Giant (especially with Ande's mints inside). Nabisco Wheat Thins are not Kosher, but Target makes the same product for less of a cost, and it has a hecksher (Kosher symbol). When I bake, I usually lean towards Duncan Hines, but Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix is good too. I don't mind buying the store brand for most products if it's less expensive and also Kosher. It's usually the same quality or pretty close. Shop Rite chocolate chips are the only kind that are pareve, so I'll stock up on those when I want to do some major baking. I also go for store brands when it comes to buying soda. When Giant has a 79 cent sale for bottles of their soda, why not start hoarding them like crazy?!? It tastes fine and I can't even tell the difference between their diet cola and Diet Coke. And since we shop at Costco a lot, most of the stuff we get there is Kirkland brand (usually items that don't have to be Kosher, like paper goods).
The one thing that would shift the universe if it stopped being sold is Kellogg's Vanilla Almond Special K. When that goes on sale, I buy tons of it and that is on top of my Amazon subscription! There are other versions of this kind of cereal, but it's just not the same! I could never stop using it unless it stopped being sold....and I completely dread a time when that would be even possible. *Shudder*
What are the brands YOU stick by no matter what, if any?
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
52 Stories: Captain Awesome
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I met this week's storyteller in 1994, back in my Rocky Horror days. He was genuinely nice and would even send me letters at school. He got married to another friend of mine from the theater where we saw RHPS. The wedding was at the same theater, right before the movie....the guys wore dresses and the girls wore tuxes. Definitely a memorable night! After that, I lost touch with both of them, but we reunited a few years ago on Facebook.
Name you'd like to go by: Captain Awesome (or Bill Napier is fine)
Age (or age range): 39 for a few weeks, but it still counts
Gender: All man!
Location: Illinois
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
Meeting KMFDM backstage. Certain unmentionable girlfriend moments. Meeting DRI. Rocky Horror Experience and getting married there.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Too many to list. Mostly a bunch of ordinary little things that are too ordinary to notice.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Go on a real honeymoon. and travel out of the states but not combined.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
My collection of personal writings, poetry, and art I guess would be my most invaluable gift (to me anyway)
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Don't think one would really know that answer would they? Sometimes the littlest things one can do has a huge ripple effect on others. Dunno.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
Sorry if offensive, but loosing my asshole-ish religious persona. I really feel it drove some people away. And it allowed me to become human and lovable. So it attracted others.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Tom Green, Mr. Bean, etc. that's two-ish things I guess.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I'm funny. I give my comedy to others to enjoy.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I have a wide eclectic set of favs.
TV show: The Simpsons
Book (series): If I have to pick one it is the Foundation series.
Movie: Falling Down. It describes me so much and how close I can be to being a criminal for simply being an ordinary man.
What is something that not many people know about you?
*Censored*
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Having a Zack attack!
Recently, some friends told me they were going to a Saved by the Bell trivia night and I was totally jealous. I could have totally won a trivia game like that. I know this because when my husband and I were first dating, we kept quizzing each other on Saved by the Bell questions and I knew even the most obscure details. (A few years later, I made him a cake that said "Happy wrong number by the sea.")
Saved by the Bell is such a pop culture icon. If you went to high school in the 90s, it's almost a guarantee that you watched it. There was a lot of cheesiness throughout the series, but also some great heartfelt moments that just made it that much more special.
I found it interesting that Zack was the protagonist because he acted selfishly most of the time. He would do some manipulative thing in order to get Kelly to go out with him and it would somehow backfire. However, he'd still end up being the good guy somehow. Maybe because the show was from his perspective? If Slater had been the lead narrator of the show, Zack would have totally come off as a jerk. It's just amusing that Zack will do something appalling but then we'll cheer for him to come out on top, even when his friends are trying to teach him a lesson.
And really...his friends?!? I don't get how Zack, who was apparently the most popular guy in school, even with his giant cell phone, had the desire to hang out with Screech. I don't even get where Screech fit in, other than to be Zack's accomplice in his mischevous plans. And I recently found out that Lark Voorhies, the actress who played Lisa, is having some sort of nervous breakdown. Maybe it's because Screech was in her face all the time on the show. I would have a nervous breakdown as an adult too! I like geeks (I watch The Big Bang Theory, after all), but Screech was just over the top. He even stuck around for the new class in order to annoy Mr. Belding some more. Then there's Slater, who was apparently Zack's frenemy. They fought more often than they got along. I think the only time they started to become real friends was when Slater gave up his dreams of chasing Kelly in order to go out with Jessie instead.
In any case, Zack was a memorable character. Mark-Paul even brought his persona to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, complete with the large cell phone.
There's something that just drew me in to watching every week. Maybe it was because I thought Mark-Paul Gosselaar was a hottie and would have totally played the role of Kelly and just threw myself at him instead of thwarting his attempts at courtship. Sure, Mario Lopez was cute too, but I had a thing for Mark-Paul. It also could have been wanting a show with people my age to whom I could relate in some way. Each character was diverse (maybe that's why they needed Screech, to add that balance in) and there was at least one that each viewer could identify with. I could relate to Jessie a lot. I still do sometimes. I know I could relate to DJ on Full House too, but this was just different. The vacation episodes helped a lot. I felt like I was at the beach club or in Hawaii or at some fancy hotel for Jessie's dad's wedding. I liked that not every episode took place at Bayside.
My favorite episode of all time is when Jessie takes caffeine pills to keep up with her stressful life. It had such a real moment, when Zack finally figures out that she really was taking the pills and Slater wasn't lying after all. Then he tries to get her to stop taking them and she sings "I'm So Excited" but then says she's so scared and breaks down crying while he hugs her. Then he tells her all these things she used to do as a kid to show her how she'll get through this rough patch in her life. I actually cry during that scene every time I watch it. For a cheesy and campy teen show, it was an incredibly heartfelt moment between two friends and I wanted to savor it for as long as I could. (You can watch it right here.) Another reason is because I feel like Jessie sometimes and want to scream "there's no time!!" (And sometimes I do!). Also the music video was pretty advanced with all the costume flips and the song was good too. (Of course, when you put it up against "Let's Go to the Mall" from How I Met Your Mother, suddenly there's some competition.)
The runner-up favorite episode is "Zack and Kelly's Prom." Kelly has to give up her dream of going to the prom when her dad loses his job and somehow relies on her for money (although it's irksome that a dad would do that to their teenage daughter....maybe he didn't want her to give him the money, but she felt compelled and he took it anyway.) So, she's sad about not going to prom and avoids Zack. He's worried though, and when he finds out the truth, he creates a prom for just the two of them, right outside the real prom. That way they can hear the music and dance together. It was so sweet and romantic, making me wish I had a boyfriend in high school.
I could go on and on about this show. It was such a staple of my teen years and something I'll still watch in syndication. I'd love to hear about your favorite SBTB memories and episodes. I'm sure it will bring back even more memories for me.
Saved by the Bell is such a pop culture icon. If you went to high school in the 90s, it's almost a guarantee that you watched it. There was a lot of cheesiness throughout the series, but also some great heartfelt moments that just made it that much more special.
I found it interesting that Zack was the protagonist because he acted selfishly most of the time. He would do some manipulative thing in order to get Kelly to go out with him and it would somehow backfire. However, he'd still end up being the good guy somehow. Maybe because the show was from his perspective? If Slater had been the lead narrator of the show, Zack would have totally come off as a jerk. It's just amusing that Zack will do something appalling but then we'll cheer for him to come out on top, even when his friends are trying to teach him a lesson.
And really...his friends?!? I don't get how Zack, who was apparently the most popular guy in school, even with his giant cell phone, had the desire to hang out with Screech. I don't even get where Screech fit in, other than to be Zack's accomplice in his mischevous plans. And I recently found out that Lark Voorhies, the actress who played Lisa, is having some sort of nervous breakdown. Maybe it's because Screech was in her face all the time on the show. I would have a nervous breakdown as an adult too! I like geeks (I watch The Big Bang Theory, after all), but Screech was just over the top. He even stuck around for the new class in order to annoy Mr. Belding some more. Then there's Slater, who was apparently Zack's frenemy. They fought more often than they got along. I think the only time they started to become real friends was when Slater gave up his dreams of chasing Kelly in order to go out with Jessie instead.
In any case, Zack was a memorable character. Mark-Paul even brought his persona to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, complete with the large cell phone.
There's something that just drew me in to watching every week. Maybe it was because I thought Mark-Paul Gosselaar was a hottie and would have totally played the role of Kelly and just threw myself at him instead of thwarting his attempts at courtship. Sure, Mario Lopez was cute too, but I had a thing for Mark-Paul. It also could have been wanting a show with people my age to whom I could relate in some way. Each character was diverse (maybe that's why they needed Screech, to add that balance in) and there was at least one that each viewer could identify with. I could relate to Jessie a lot. I still do sometimes. I know I could relate to DJ on Full House too, but this was just different. The vacation episodes helped a lot. I felt like I was at the beach club or in Hawaii or at some fancy hotel for Jessie's dad's wedding. I liked that not every episode took place at Bayside.
My favorite episode of all time is when Jessie takes caffeine pills to keep up with her stressful life. It had such a real moment, when Zack finally figures out that she really was taking the pills and Slater wasn't lying after all. Then he tries to get her to stop taking them and she sings "I'm So Excited" but then says she's so scared and breaks down crying while he hugs her. Then he tells her all these things she used to do as a kid to show her how she'll get through this rough patch in her life. I actually cry during that scene every time I watch it. For a cheesy and campy teen show, it was an incredibly heartfelt moment between two friends and I wanted to savor it for as long as I could. (You can watch it right here.) Another reason is because I feel like Jessie sometimes and want to scream "there's no time!!" (And sometimes I do!). Also the music video was pretty advanced with all the costume flips and the song was good too. (Of course, when you put it up against "Let's Go to the Mall" from How I Met Your Mother, suddenly there's some competition.)
The runner-up favorite episode is "Zack and Kelly's Prom." Kelly has to give up her dream of going to the prom when her dad loses his job and somehow relies on her for money (although it's irksome that a dad would do that to their teenage daughter....maybe he didn't want her to give him the money, but she felt compelled and he took it anyway.) So, she's sad about not going to prom and avoids Zack. He's worried though, and when he finds out the truth, he creates a prom for just the two of them, right outside the real prom. That way they can hear the music and dance together. It was so sweet and romantic, making me wish I had a boyfriend in high school.
I could go on and on about this show. It was such a staple of my teen years and something I'll still watch in syndication. I'd love to hear about your favorite SBTB memories and episodes. I'm sure it will bring back even more memories for me.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
My library
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for almost two years and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Mom of Many asks: What do you collect? Why is this a reflection of you?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
**Giveaway is now closed**
This pretty much speaks for itself. If you don't know what a bookaholic I am, then what rock have you been living under all these years?!? Notice how there are two rows of books on some of my shelves. This picture was taken in October (2012) and the collection has expanded since then! And this is even with giving away or loaning out some books! I really don't need to go to the library because my bookshelves are a library already! There are still a lot of books I want to read from several years ago and I hope to make some time for them amongst the books I review.
If you think THIS is insane, you haven't seen my Kindle for PC yet!
Normally, I do book giveaways on Chick Lit Central. Since I don't have any giveaways going on there this week (shocking!), I'm going to give away ONE book (of my choosing...it will be a surprise) to a lucky reader anywhere in the world. I'll pick something based on the winner's interests, once they have been chosen.
How to win:
Read some of the blog posts from the other women in my group and tell me something that struck a chord with you from any of them. (Keep in mind that their posts from this week may be up at different times than mine, as we're all on different schedules, but read their past posts in the meantime and talk about those!)
Please leave your e-mail address or another way to contact you if you win. And if there's a certain genre of books you like, feel free to let me know that too.
Giveaway ends January 30th at midnight EST.
This week, Mom of Many asks: What do you collect? Why is this a reflection of you?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
**Giveaway is now closed**
This pretty much speaks for itself. If you don't know what a bookaholic I am, then what rock have you been living under all these years?!? Notice how there are two rows of books on some of my shelves. This picture was taken in October (2012) and the collection has expanded since then! And this is even with giving away or loaning out some books! I really don't need to go to the library because my bookshelves are a library already! There are still a lot of books I want to read from several years ago and I hope to make some time for them amongst the books I review.
If you think THIS is insane, you haven't seen my Kindle for PC yet!
Normally, I do book giveaways on Chick Lit Central. Since I don't have any giveaways going on there this week (shocking!), I'm going to give away ONE book (of my choosing...it will be a surprise) to a lucky reader anywhere in the world. I'll pick something based on the winner's interests, once they have been chosen.
How to win:
Read some of the blog posts from the other women in my group and tell me something that struck a chord with you from any of them. (Keep in mind that their posts from this week may be up at different times than mine, as we're all on different schedules, but read their past posts in the meantime and talk about those!)
Please leave your e-mail address or another way to contact you if you win. And if there's a certain genre of books you like, feel free to let me know that too.
Giveaway ends January 30th at midnight EST.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
52 Stories: So Kind and Generous
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell. If you're just joining me on this journey today, please check out the previous posts from this series, as well.
I first met the "storyteller" this week in 1996, through someone with whom I had connected online. They'd occasionally come to my house and my dad would treat him like a son while my dog would worship him. We both disconnected ourselves from the person who originally brought us together, but I'm so glad we were able to stay in touch. He started up a very impressive program in the town where he lives and I wish him tons of success with it! You can read more about it through one of his answers...
Name: Sanders W. Howse III
Age: 39
Gender: Male
Location: Naselle, WA
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
On days when there is actually sun in the normally rainy sky, it sets too soon, low over the western bend of the Naselle river, right on the county line between Wahkiakum & Pacific Counties. The river borders the North side of my wife's family's land, to which we live adjacent. Our home is new to our town of 419 and according the most recent concensus, it's the only shipping container home in either county our town occupies. Also, according to the most recent citizen census, I am the only African American male actually residing in our small, close-knit town.
Regrettably, my wife and I don't really fit into the close-knit portion of this community, but that's okay; I am a stand that in time, things will change for us. Our home is off grid and functions on less than one half of a kilowatt of power, ninety percent of the time. This means that unlike most Americans, we do not have a TV we watch regularly or do many other things most Americans would consider “normal”, either.
In my town, I am not only very new, and therefore an outsider, I am known to many as the town crazy. In that, I am somewhat of a legend. For instance, not only did I build the first Shipping Container home in the region, but I did it wholly between myself, my wife, and a single friend through the middle of a horribly stormy winter. In fact, three years ago, right at this time, I was busy with one friend and a rented 30 ton crane stacking up shipping boxes and welding them together at all hours of the day regardless of time or weather. This is why everyone around here thinks I'm crazy. Maybe I am a little bit wacky....
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My number one favorite thing to do is to contribute to others' lives. Through building my home, I have started a small project called “The Generosity Project.” In this, I have made deep impacts on the lives of many young people but one person in particular comes to mind. The young Andrew came to the GP January of 2011 to “learn how to be a man” in his words. Andrew wanted to learn how to survive in the country, to build things, weld, learn some mechanical skills, hunt, fish and generally gain some real-life experience that he felt would be beneficial contributions to his adult life.
Over the course of one year, Andrew was instrumental in building much of the infrastructure around my home including landscaping, a cinder block room, our 16 x 30 workshop, and most notably, a 30 foot timber “roundhouse” which he built entirely on his own out of reclaimed “slash” timber gleaned from nearby clear-cuts.
On leaving the GP for the last time last month, Andrew told me that his time working with me “changed his life and made him who he is by teaching him numerous skills that will 'contribute greatly' to his future, while helping him find himself”. It has been a joy to work with him for the last two years and am as grateful for his help as he is for my contributions to him.
The experience of getting to know Andrew has been great fun. When we met, through a help exchange web site, we knew nothing of one another but have created an amazing friendship together. We've gotten deeply close to one another even admitting to each other our guilty pleasures. For me, its modern pop and most specifically crappy greats like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake both of whom I love to sing along loudly to while beebopping my head in my car.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
Recently, as I was changing the ball joints on one of my cars I pondered that the thing I love best about myself is my ability to fix just about anything. It brought to mind a recent experience where a close friend in Tacoma 150 miles away had both her and her boyfriend's cars break in one weekend. The repairs would have been devastatingly expensive if I had not taken a weekend to go to a junkyard, find and pull the proper parts, and install them on both their cars. My selflessness is a gift I cherish because contributing to the lives of others is certainly my greatest pleasure.
I have never gone very far outside of the continental United States, however, my lovely wife and I intend to do some mission work where we will travel through third world communities where I will teach English while she provides nursing and care services to people in need. This is our greatest goal and I think the most valuable gift I could give another: love and support to those in need.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
What I find really funny about the mission-work thing is that I was raised in a family where materialism is the number one goal, and until I met my wife, I was just that way. I felt strongly that the place for me was in some fortune 100 company manning a cubicle, working on complex computer data solutions and earning as much money as humanly possible to enjoy a relaxing, expensive retirement. These days, however, I find myself to be much more of a humanitarian believing that my greatest gift to the world and its communities is my knowledge and experience, rather than anything materialistic.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I wish I could say that my life is a parallel of someone else's experience as in a movie or book, but nothing compares. I am a pioneer creating my own future one step at a time. Our home is unlike any other in the country, our landscaping a permaculture expression of self-preservation mixed with organic solitude, and our outbuildings are each completely unique. If I had to draw a parallel, I may call myself a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, but he had nothing of the technology or general community I have utilized to fulfill my dreams.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I guess the most important thing about me is the thing least known by my friends and family. That is my compulsions to create, and to homestead and all of that is simply the product of nothing other than depression. Four years ago, I learned that I have a not-so-rare syndrome called Klinefelter's. Its a DNA variation that has left me sterile, unable to produce off-spring. The aftermath of this news has been devastating for my wife and I. The worst part is this problem is normally discovered at a boy's early age, but somehow it was missed by my parents, and everyone until we began trying to have children.
This cruel joke played by God has been the most prominent power in my life of late. The shock of it caused me to abandon a very successful IT company I had spent 5 years building, and to move here, to a small, close-knit town where becoming a “local” is unlikely at best during the course of your life.
The important thing is it is a place where I can privately hone my artistic skills by building my home and distracting myself from the pain and mourning that has accompanied the loss of my natural Fatherhood. While I journey through my odyssey, I keep my eyes open, waiting for the moment when the possibility of other avenues for personal fulfilment become available to me as my comfort level with this drastic life change levels out.
I first met the "storyteller" this week in 1996, through someone with whom I had connected online. They'd occasionally come to my house and my dad would treat him like a son while my dog would worship him. We both disconnected ourselves from the person who originally brought us together, but I'm so glad we were able to stay in touch. He started up a very impressive program in the town where he lives and I wish him tons of success with it! You can read more about it through one of his answers...
Name: Sanders W. Howse III
Age: 39
Gender: Male
Location: Naselle, WA
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
On days when there is actually sun in the normally rainy sky, it sets too soon, low over the western bend of the Naselle river, right on the county line between Wahkiakum & Pacific Counties. The river borders the North side of my wife's family's land, to which we live adjacent. Our home is new to our town of 419 and according the most recent concensus, it's the only shipping container home in either county our town occupies. Also, according to the most recent citizen census, I am the only African American male actually residing in our small, close-knit town.
Regrettably, my wife and I don't really fit into the close-knit portion of this community, but that's okay; I am a stand that in time, things will change for us. Our home is off grid and functions on less than one half of a kilowatt of power, ninety percent of the time. This means that unlike most Americans, we do not have a TV we watch regularly or do many other things most Americans would consider “normal”, either.
In my town, I am not only very new, and therefore an outsider, I am known to many as the town crazy. In that, I am somewhat of a legend. For instance, not only did I build the first Shipping Container home in the region, but I did it wholly between myself, my wife, and a single friend through the middle of a horribly stormy winter. In fact, three years ago, right at this time, I was busy with one friend and a rented 30 ton crane stacking up shipping boxes and welding them together at all hours of the day regardless of time or weather. This is why everyone around here thinks I'm crazy. Maybe I am a little bit wacky....
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
My number one favorite thing to do is to contribute to others' lives. Through building my home, I have started a small project called “The Generosity Project.” In this, I have made deep impacts on the lives of many young people but one person in particular comes to mind. The young Andrew came to the GP January of 2011 to “learn how to be a man” in his words. Andrew wanted to learn how to survive in the country, to build things, weld, learn some mechanical skills, hunt, fish and generally gain some real-life experience that he felt would be beneficial contributions to his adult life.
Over the course of one year, Andrew was instrumental in building much of the infrastructure around my home including landscaping, a cinder block room, our 16 x 30 workshop, and most notably, a 30 foot timber “roundhouse” which he built entirely on his own out of reclaimed “slash” timber gleaned from nearby clear-cuts.
On leaving the GP for the last time last month, Andrew told me that his time working with me “changed his life and made him who he is by teaching him numerous skills that will 'contribute greatly' to his future, while helping him find himself”. It has been a joy to work with him for the last two years and am as grateful for his help as he is for my contributions to him.
The experience of getting to know Andrew has been great fun. When we met, through a help exchange web site, we knew nothing of one another but have created an amazing friendship together. We've gotten deeply close to one another even admitting to each other our guilty pleasures. For me, its modern pop and most specifically crappy greats like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake both of whom I love to sing along loudly to while beebopping my head in my car.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
Recently, as I was changing the ball joints on one of my cars I pondered that the thing I love best about myself is my ability to fix just about anything. It brought to mind a recent experience where a close friend in Tacoma 150 miles away had both her and her boyfriend's cars break in one weekend. The repairs would have been devastatingly expensive if I had not taken a weekend to go to a junkyard, find and pull the proper parts, and install them on both their cars. My selflessness is a gift I cherish because contributing to the lives of others is certainly my greatest pleasure.
I have never gone very far outside of the continental United States, however, my lovely wife and I intend to do some mission work where we will travel through third world communities where I will teach English while she provides nursing and care services to people in need. This is our greatest goal and I think the most valuable gift I could give another: love and support to those in need.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
What I find really funny about the mission-work thing is that I was raised in a family where materialism is the number one goal, and until I met my wife, I was just that way. I felt strongly that the place for me was in some fortune 100 company manning a cubicle, working on complex computer data solutions and earning as much money as humanly possible to enjoy a relaxing, expensive retirement. These days, however, I find myself to be much more of a humanitarian believing that my greatest gift to the world and its communities is my knowledge and experience, rather than anything materialistic.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
I wish I could say that my life is a parallel of someone else's experience as in a movie or book, but nothing compares. I am a pioneer creating my own future one step at a time. Our home is unlike any other in the country, our landscaping a permaculture expression of self-preservation mixed with organic solitude, and our outbuildings are each completely unique. If I had to draw a parallel, I may call myself a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, but he had nothing of the technology or general community I have utilized to fulfill my dreams.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I guess the most important thing about me is the thing least known by my friends and family. That is my compulsions to create, and to homestead and all of that is simply the product of nothing other than depression. Four years ago, I learned that I have a not-so-rare syndrome called Klinefelter's. Its a DNA variation that has left me sterile, unable to produce off-spring. The aftermath of this news has been devastating for my wife and I. The worst part is this problem is normally discovered at a boy's early age, but somehow it was missed by my parents, and everyone until we began trying to have children.
This cruel joke played by God has been the most prominent power in my life of late. The shock of it caused me to abandon a very successful IT company I had spent 5 years building, and to move here, to a small, close-knit town where becoming a “local” is unlikely at best during the course of your life.
The important thing is it is a place where I can privately hone my artistic skills by building my home and distracting myself from the pain and mourning that has accompanied the loss of my natural Fatherhood. While I journey through my odyssey, I keep my eyes open, waiting for the moment when the possibility of other avenues for personal fulfilment become available to me as my comfort level with this drastic life change levels out.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The Liebster Award!
Allodoxophobia so very kindly nominated me for Liebster! Thank you so much! The blog is run by two women who are lifelong friends and book bloggers. C is currently handling all blog duties while M is on hiatus. I met C online 17 years ago thanks to a shared love of V.C. Andrews novels. It took us over 10 years to meet in person. Since then, we've met up a few other times. I don't know M, but any friend of C's has to be really special. :)
The Liebster Blog Award is an award that is given by the blogging community to new up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers. The rules of the Liebster are as follows:
1) Tell 11 things about yourself.
2) Answer 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
3) Post 11 questions for those who will be nominated by you.
4) Nominate 11 bloggers.
5) Get in contact with those bloggers to inform them that you nominated them.
Here are my 11 random facts
(Hopefully I haven't already shared these in other "random fact" posts.)
1. I used to be a couch potato but now I limit how much TV I watch a week. I've gotten myself down to just a few shows (at least compared to everyone else who watches TV).
2. I have never broken any bone in my body. No kaynehores though!
3. I had LASIK done in 1999.
4. I'm rather klutzy sometimes. I've done some pretty embarrassing things as a result.
5. I still have my tonsils and appendix intact. (Again, no kaynehores!)
6. I tend to be a hoarder, but not bad enough to go on TV. I just have a hard time letting go of stuff...even my kids' toys!
7. I am not interested AT ALL in book series trends such as Twilight, Hunger Games, Fifty Shades of Grey, etc. I never even read the Harry Potter books and gave up on the movies after a while.
8. I have met three people who have the exact same birthday as me (two of these three are twins).
9. I don't see the big deal over cupcakes. I've been to cupcake shops and was just not impressed.
10. I may love taking pictures, but they rarely make it into actual photo albums anymore, thanks to Facebook.
11. While I'm not a master chef by any means, I'm thrilled when someone compliments my cooking.
11 Questions from Allodoxophobia
1. Describe yourself in 3 words:
Friendly, helpful, loving
2. What did you major in at college and do you actually use your degree now?
Psychology, and I don't use it but I love where I work. Maybe it will come in handy one day if I got to work with the women at my office who teach seminars on self-improvement. There's a lot of ways to use psychology there!
I actually started off with a special ed major and it has come in handy when working with IEPs and IFSPs for my kids. They're not as intimidating as they look!
3. Your life is going to become a script for a movie. Who would you want to play you?
I love questions like this. For a long time, it had to be Drew Barrymore. Now I want Emily Blunt to put on a curly wig to play me. She's incredibly talented and fascinating to watch. Her personality on screen resonates with me.
4. Not counting family, what do you feel your greatest accomplishment is so far in life?
Definitely Chick Lit Central. It started out so small and I made some embarrassing publicity mistakes in the beginning, but a publicist pointed out the errors of my ways and got me back on track. The blog has over 930 followers now and is still growing by leaps and bounds. We've had lots of great feedback from authors and readers. I'm filled with pride every time I receive a compliment about it.
5. If you had to live in a decade other than the current one, which would you choose?
I've been thinking about this question a lot too! C must be eavesdropping on my private thoughts! Definitely the 1990s. I love the pop culture from that period of time....music, movies, TV, etc. I think even teenagers were more down to earth back then because they weren't all walking around with iPhones and cyberbullying people.
6. What is at the top of your bucket list?
I had to consult this post that was written two years ago. "Write a novel" is at the top. I failed on the NaNoWriMo challenge, as I wrote for one evening and then got caught up in everything else. Funny that I no longer want to do #4, which was meet Adam Lambert. He's a great singer, but I'm over my crush. Jason Segel has since crowded him out of my daydreams. And I will be doing #5 (going to Disney World with my family) very soon....gotta start packing because the trip will sneak up on me before I know it! Can't wait!!!
7. Something you can’t leave the house without?
Keys! I'd be a little trapped if I locked myself out of the house and couldn't get into my car. One of the worst moments ever was when I locked myself out of my house with my older son (as an infant) still inside. Thankfully he was sleeping and my neighbor was home so I could call my husband. So now I take my keys even if I'm just putting out garbage.
8. What’s the last book you did not finish and why?
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin. I had to read it for book club and it was very hard to follow.
9. If you were in a hit music band, what would it be called?
It would have to be a country band. I'm terrible at thinking of names though. I narrowed it down to The Chocoholics or The Emmas (the combination of my kids' first initials and our last initial). Along the lines of the latter, I thought it would be funny to have an ABBA tribute band called EEMA. :)
10. Congratulations, you just won a billion dollars. What’s your first purchase?
A luxury tour of Europe. Why not, right?!? Traveling there is on my bucket list, after all!
11. What song would you pick to be the theme song of your life?
These days, it's "Frantic" by Jamie O'Neal.
11 Questions for my nominees:
1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
2. What was the best thing that happened to you in 2012?
3. If you had to perform at a karaoke bar, what song would you sing?
4. If you could live someplace else besides where you currently live, where would it be and why?
5. If you were to take me on a tour of the town where you live, what is a must-see?
6. Given I'm a book addict, tell me your favorite book of all time.
7. What movie, in your opinion, should never ever EVER be remade?
8. Tell me the last thing you dreamed about (while sleeping), no matter how crazy it sounds.
9. What is the nicest thing someone did for you recently?
10. What is your favorite month and why?
11. With the Oscars coming up, I like to ask this question: What movie (of any year) should have won an Oscar, but didn't? (Or....which movie won but shouldn't have?)
People I’m nominating (who may or may not fit the follower # requirement, but I’m curious about their answers!)
1. Momarock: A mom on the run
2. Froggie's Flair
3. Says Me, Says Mom
4. Parenting: a special kind of crazy
5. Life in the Married Lane
6. Love from Tilly
7. Luha Thoughts
8. My Year on Vacation
9. From a Corner of a Foreign Field
10. A Bundle of Contradictions
11. Anonymous Soccer Mom
Thursday, January 17, 2013
525,600
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over a year and a half now and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, I chose the topic: In "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent, they ask "How do you measure a year?" Throughout the song, they list the ways in which one might do so. ("In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee...") Talk about how YOU measure a year.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Anytime I listen to "Seasons of Love," I always wonder about how people measure a year in their individual ways. It got me to thinking of the ways I measure a year.
In breakfasts: I have always found it important to eat breakfast. It gives me energy to get through a busy day. Since 2008, my breakfast of choice has been Vanilla Almond Special K. I hoard it like it's going out of style...especially when it goes on sale. Since my husband eats it too, we go through at least two boxes a week. I don't like milk in cereal, so I eat it dry with a glass of orange juice or a cup of hot tea to wash it down. The combination of the cereal with either drink is very comforting to me first thing in the morning. Occasionally I'll stray and have a pancake or muffin. And during the week of Pesach, it will be some Kosher for Passover cake or just matzah and butter. As soon as that week is over, I'm even more thrilled to have my cereal.
In Sabbaths: Since Shabbat is every week, no matter what else is going on, it's definitely an important part of my year. There are things to like about the short winter Shabbats (more time to go out afterward) AND the lingering summer Shabbats (gatherings with friends, time for naps). I love the rituals involved with Shabbat, especially on Friday night.
In blog posts: Having this blog project means at least one post a week for the entire year. And now that I'm doing 52 Stories, it has gone up to two posts a week. I also plan to write about other topics, as soon as I can see the light at the end of a super busy tunnel. With my book blog, I have posts going up every weekday throughout the year.
In workouts: I try to work out every morning during the week. I get in my extra walking (along with heavy stroller pushing uphill) on Shabbos. Up until recently, I was just using the exercise bike and occasionally did the treadmill when it was working. Then Moma Rock challenged us each to do something new and now I do more outdoor walking to change up my routine. I don't get to read on those days, but it's a good time for thinking and motivating myself.
In bedtime routines: Bedtime is a challenge with three kids, but having rituals in place for each kid helps a lot. My older son and I say to each other "I love you very much. Shluffy. Bye." Before we say "bye," we kiss each other on each cheek. My younger son does a mantra with my husband to be less afraid of monsters. Sometimes I do this with him if my husband isn't available. We also have cuddle time and silly kisses. My daughter gets a bedtime story and then we sing songs or play little games (like pretending to sleep). We do the Sh'ma with our kids too.
In laughter: Whether it's for a TV show, funny situation, Facebook post, or something my husband or kids said, I make sure I laugh at least once a day. I love to laugh and something has to be really funny in order to earn so much as a chuckle or snicker from me.
In photos: Like Mark Cohen (one of the main characters from Rent), I tend to hide behind my camera. While he takes videos, I take photos. I have file folders on my computer filled with pictures from every month of the year. In looking at them, I've watched seasons change, my children grow, and even my house take on a new look. Whenever we go out, especially to do something new and different, I always make sure to have my camera with me. That's how I document real life! (If I were to answer the question in the first line of the song "Rent." The song starts at 2:51, if you clicked on the link out of curiosity.)
In e-mails: I e-mail a bunch of people every day. Enough said. Hard to believe I once didn't have the means of communicating at the push of a button. (I had to either pick up the phone or write letters by hand.) And yet, the Internet has changed my life in so many ways....
In books: I can't be without a book. EVER! I'm sure I read at least 100 a year, but I probably lose count after a while. I love, love, love, LOVE to read!
In music: I try to listen to music at least once a day. The only time I don't is during the nine days leading up to Tisha B'Av. I just can't be without music, whether it is from the radio, CDs or Spotify. I love to sing, so even if I'm not listening to music, I'm making it!
This is all I can think of for now, although I'm sure there are many other ways I go about measuring a year. Aside from hearing about it from the blog project ladies, I'd love to hear about how you measure a year, as well!
This week, I chose the topic: In "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent, they ask "How do you measure a year?" Throughout the song, they list the ways in which one might do so. ("In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee...") Talk about how YOU measure a year.
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Anytime I listen to "Seasons of Love," I always wonder about how people measure a year in their individual ways. It got me to thinking of the ways I measure a year.
In breakfasts: I have always found it important to eat breakfast. It gives me energy to get through a busy day. Since 2008, my breakfast of choice has been Vanilla Almond Special K. I hoard it like it's going out of style...especially when it goes on sale. Since my husband eats it too, we go through at least two boxes a week. I don't like milk in cereal, so I eat it dry with a glass of orange juice or a cup of hot tea to wash it down. The combination of the cereal with either drink is very comforting to me first thing in the morning. Occasionally I'll stray and have a pancake or muffin. And during the week of Pesach, it will be some Kosher for Passover cake or just matzah and butter. As soon as that week is over, I'm even more thrilled to have my cereal.
In Sabbaths: Since Shabbat is every week, no matter what else is going on, it's definitely an important part of my year. There are things to like about the short winter Shabbats (more time to go out afterward) AND the lingering summer Shabbats (gatherings with friends, time for naps). I love the rituals involved with Shabbat, especially on Friday night.
In blog posts: Having this blog project means at least one post a week for the entire year. And now that I'm doing 52 Stories, it has gone up to two posts a week. I also plan to write about other topics, as soon as I can see the light at the end of a super busy tunnel. With my book blog, I have posts going up every weekday throughout the year.
In workouts: I try to work out every morning during the week. I get in my extra walking (along with heavy stroller pushing uphill) on Shabbos. Up until recently, I was just using the exercise bike and occasionally did the treadmill when it was working. Then Moma Rock challenged us each to do something new and now I do more outdoor walking to change up my routine. I don't get to read on those days, but it's a good time for thinking and motivating myself.
In bedtime routines: Bedtime is a challenge with three kids, but having rituals in place for each kid helps a lot. My older son and I say to each other "I love you very much. Shluffy. Bye." Before we say "bye," we kiss each other on each cheek. My younger son does a mantra with my husband to be less afraid of monsters. Sometimes I do this with him if my husband isn't available. We also have cuddle time and silly kisses. My daughter gets a bedtime story and then we sing songs or play little games (like pretending to sleep). We do the Sh'ma with our kids too.
In laughter: Whether it's for a TV show, funny situation, Facebook post, or something my husband or kids said, I make sure I laugh at least once a day. I love to laugh and something has to be really funny in order to earn so much as a chuckle or snicker from me.
In photos: Like Mark Cohen (one of the main characters from Rent), I tend to hide behind my camera. While he takes videos, I take photos. I have file folders on my computer filled with pictures from every month of the year. In looking at them, I've watched seasons change, my children grow, and even my house take on a new look. Whenever we go out, especially to do something new and different, I always make sure to have my camera with me. That's how I document real life! (If I were to answer the question in the first line of the song "Rent." The song starts at 2:51, if you clicked on the link out of curiosity.)
In e-mails: I e-mail a bunch of people every day. Enough said. Hard to believe I once didn't have the means of communicating at the push of a button. (I had to either pick up the phone or write letters by hand.) And yet, the Internet has changed my life in so many ways....
In books: I can't be without a book. EVER! I'm sure I read at least 100 a year, but I probably lose count after a while. I love, love, love, LOVE to read!
In music: I try to listen to music at least once a day. The only time I don't is during the nine days leading up to Tisha B'Av. I just can't be without music, whether it is from the radio, CDs or Spotify. I love to sing, so even if I'm not listening to music, I'm making it!
This is all I can think of for now, although I'm sure there are many other ways I go about measuring a year. Aside from hearing about it from the blog project ladies, I'd love to hear about how you measure a year, as well!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
52 Stories: The Book Chick
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell.
This woman has the exact same taste in books as I do. It's rare when that happens, but definitely a delight. When she likes a book, I know I will too. Our reviews are even similar without even looking at each other's first! I feel even more of a connection to her when she sends a book my way, since it was once handled by her and spent time in her home.
Name: Jonita Fex
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Location: Ontario, Canada
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I agreed to go on a blind date despite the fact that I had some serious misgivings and I ended up meeting my husband! I was attracted to him instantly and it wasn't long until that attraction turned into love. I can't imagine how different my life would be today if I hadn't taken that chance!!
What is your guilty pleasure?
After a long day once the kids are asleep, I like to take a hot bath with the latest People magazine or a book that I just can't put down! I usually soak until long after the water has gone cold and I love every minute of it. I do some of my best reading in the bathtub!
What is something that you've never done but would like to do?
I've always dreamed of visiting London, England someday. I've never traveled anywhere overseas but that is something that I've always wanted to do. It feels like one of those places that I just have to experience for myself and I love 'armchair traveling' there.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
Every Christmas I make sure that I give each of my three sons a book. My gift to them isn't just a book that they will enjoy but hopefully a love of reading that they will take with them as they grow into adults. I've always said to them that it doesn't matter to me what they read, but that they enjoy doing it. One of my sons enjoys graphic novels and another one is just starting to love comic books!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I won $250 to donate to a favourite charity a couple of years ago and I decided to donate it to our local pregnancy centre. Although I don't know if that $250 changed someone's life, I hope that it gave one young mother the things that she needed to give her baby the best possible start in life. When I was a pregnant teenager I had the support of my parents, and I can never thank them enough for that, but some young mothers are kicked out of their home and have no support at all.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The fun part! Haha, kidding!! I would say that the rebellious part of my personality is now extinct, thank goodness! As a teenager I made it my business to rebel against my previous 'good girl' reputation. I took up smoking, dyed my hair black, skipped classes and did many other things that fit with my desire to rebel at the time. I'm now content to be a (non-rebellious) wife and mother of three!!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My husband and I love funny movies and cartoons (ie. The Simpsons and Family Guy) and we are forever quoting them to one another when the situation presents itself! Often other people don't get what in the heck we are laughing about, but we get it and that's all that matters! We spent most of December quoting lines of the movie Elf starring Will Ferrell to each other, since that is one of our favourite holiday movies. Even the kids got into it!!!
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love the fact that I try my best to take great care of my family. I'm happiest when my husband and kids are content and well looked after!! I think that this may be a cultural thing in my case- my mom is like this as well!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
The book Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart really spoke to me at the time that I read it, although only the parenting aspects of the book, and thankfully not the marriage aspect! I remember reading it and thinking "Thank goodness I'm not the only one who doesn't have it all together when it comes to my kids"! If I had to choose a TV show that best represents my home life it would have to be a mix of the cartoons American Dad and The Simpsons, but mostly The Simpsons.
What is something that not many people know about you?
There are so many things that not many people know about me! I watch cooking shows on The Food Network and wish that I knew how to cook, yet I lack creativity of any kind in the kitchen. That being said, I make a mean lasagne and an even meaner cherry cheesecake. If I'm stressed out I organize my books and it makes me feel better. My belly button is pierced. I love getting presents! I sometimes have a hard time believing that I'm a 'grown up' even though I'm 31, am married with three kids and have a mortgage!!
This woman has the exact same taste in books as I do. It's rare when that happens, but definitely a delight. When she likes a book, I know I will too. Our reviews are even similar without even looking at each other's first! I feel even more of a connection to her when she sends a book my way, since it was once handled by her and spent time in her home.
Name: Jonita Fex
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Location: Ontario, Canada
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I agreed to go on a blind date despite the fact that I had some serious misgivings and I ended up meeting my husband! I was attracted to him instantly and it wasn't long until that attraction turned into love. I can't imagine how different my life would be today if I hadn't taken that chance!!
What is your guilty pleasure?
After a long day once the kids are asleep, I like to take a hot bath with the latest People magazine or a book that I just can't put down! I usually soak until long after the water has gone cold and I love every minute of it. I do some of my best reading in the bathtub!
What is something that you've never done but would like to do?
I've always dreamed of visiting London, England someday. I've never traveled anywhere overseas but that is something that I've always wanted to do. It feels like one of those places that I just have to experience for myself and I love 'armchair traveling' there.
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
Every Christmas I make sure that I give each of my three sons a book. My gift to them isn't just a book that they will enjoy but hopefully a love of reading that they will take with them as they grow into adults. I've always said to them that it doesn't matter to me what they read, but that they enjoy doing it. One of my sons enjoys graphic novels and another one is just starting to love comic books!
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I won $250 to donate to a favourite charity a couple of years ago and I decided to donate it to our local pregnancy centre. Although I don't know if that $250 changed someone's life, I hope that it gave one young mother the things that she needed to give her baby the best possible start in life. When I was a pregnant teenager I had the support of my parents, and I can never thank them enough for that, but some young mothers are kicked out of their home and have no support at all.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The fun part! Haha, kidding!! I would say that the rebellious part of my personality is now extinct, thank goodness! As a teenager I made it my business to rebel against my previous 'good girl' reputation. I took up smoking, dyed my hair black, skipped classes and did many other things that fit with my desire to rebel at the time. I'm now content to be a (non-rebellious) wife and mother of three!!
What is one thing that you find really funny?
My husband and I love funny movies and cartoons (ie. The Simpsons and Family Guy) and we are forever quoting them to one another when the situation presents itself! Often other people don't get what in the heck we are laughing about, but we get it and that's all that matters! We spent most of December quoting lines of the movie Elf starring Will Ferrell to each other, since that is one of our favourite holiday movies. Even the kids got into it!!!
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I love the fact that I try my best to take great care of my family. I'm happiest when my husband and kids are content and well looked after!! I think that this may be a cultural thing in my case- my mom is like this as well!
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
The book Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart really spoke to me at the time that I read it, although only the parenting aspects of the book, and thankfully not the marriage aspect! I remember reading it and thinking "Thank goodness I'm not the only one who doesn't have it all together when it comes to my kids"! If I had to choose a TV show that best represents my home life it would have to be a mix of the cartoons American Dad and The Simpsons, but mostly The Simpsons.
What is something that not many people know about you?
There are so many things that not many people know about me! I watch cooking shows on The Food Network and wish that I knew how to cook, yet I lack creativity of any kind in the kitchen. That being said, I make a mean lasagne and an even meaner cherry cheesecake. If I'm stressed out I organize my books and it makes me feel better. My belly button is pierced. I love getting presents! I sometimes have a hard time believing that I'm a 'grown up' even though I'm 31, am married with three kids and have a mortgage!!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
My "Something New"
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over a year and a half now and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Moma Rock has a task for us: Do something you've never done before. Something new and/or different. Tell us about your experience. It can be a new restaurant/venue/location/class/etc. Sky is the limit!
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Having recently read Something New by Janis Thomas, I was excited to try this idea out. So thank you, Moma Rock, for giving me an excuse. :)
I need to preface this post by backtracking a little. I want to say that my "something new" is totally brand new, but it's not. However, it's something I haven't done in a long time so it does have a new feel to me. There's also an element of difference this time.
When I lived in Illinois, I would go for walks all the time. I'd walk around the neighborhood by myself, with my husband, or with my older son. I'd go all over the place. Sometimes my husband and I would walk all the way from our townhouse to a shopping center down the road. Once we went all the way to the library, which was an even longer walk. I belonged to a health club, but I still found walking outside to be invigorating.
After we moved to NJ, I'd take walks down the main street we lived on for the time being. Since I didn't want to schlep to the health club every day, I took advantage of the nice weather whenever possible. When we moved to a house a little ways down from where we had first moved, I would walk around the various blocks by that house. I even kept it up in the winter. When my older son was approaching the age of four, I'd take him along with me. He'd ride his toddler sized tricycle.
Upon our move to Maryland, we found a listing for a treadmill. It was a really good deal and we snapped it up. That put an end to our outdoor walks for the next few years, aside from Shabbat (those were more leisurely, even though they involved pushing a stroller). Then our treadmill broke. My husband decided to go out for early morning walks (whenever he could get out of bed on time) while I used the exercise bike we got from Freecycle. I use exercise as an excuse to read, so this was fine for me. In the meantime, Froggie was telling me I needed to change up my exercise routine if I wanted to see any results.
Motivated by the task in this post, I got up early in the morning, put on a sweater, sweatpants, jacket, hat, scarf and gloves. (And sneakers, of course.) I put my favorite Alanis cassette into my "Walkman" (it's a version of one, but that's the best way to explain it...I am so "Old School" that it's not even funny) and set out in the dark and cold. I walked a path that went uphill twice, in order to feel the "burn." I timed my walk for 20 minutes, which is a lot for me starting out and usually the amount of time I do on the treadmill or exercise bike. I was so hesitant to do this for so long and I don't know why. It felt great!!! I felt energized afterward and ready to take on the world! I was even motivated to be more productive. I told my husband that I'm making it part of my regular exercise routine, but just every other day for now, switching it up with the bike. (I don't want to overdo it yet.)
So while I know this is not something entirely "new," it feels new to me again, especially since I never go out walking in the dark or even that early in the morning. (I wouldn't mind if it started getting lighter out when I start my walk, but this will have to do.) I don't expect to see results right away, but I hope that if I stay on this path and combine it with healthier eating, I'll be in a good place soon....
This week, Moma Rock has a task for us: Do something you've never done before. Something new and/or different. Tell us about your experience. It can be a new restaurant/venue/location/class/etc. Sky is the limit!
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
Having recently read Something New by Janis Thomas, I was excited to try this idea out. So thank you, Moma Rock, for giving me an excuse. :)
I need to preface this post by backtracking a little. I want to say that my "something new" is totally brand new, but it's not. However, it's something I haven't done in a long time so it does have a new feel to me. There's also an element of difference this time.
When I lived in Illinois, I would go for walks all the time. I'd walk around the neighborhood by myself, with my husband, or with my older son. I'd go all over the place. Sometimes my husband and I would walk all the way from our townhouse to a shopping center down the road. Once we went all the way to the library, which was an even longer walk. I belonged to a health club, but I still found walking outside to be invigorating.
After we moved to NJ, I'd take walks down the main street we lived on for the time being. Since I didn't want to schlep to the health club every day, I took advantage of the nice weather whenever possible. When we moved to a house a little ways down from where we had first moved, I would walk around the various blocks by that house. I even kept it up in the winter. When my older son was approaching the age of four, I'd take him along with me. He'd ride his toddler sized tricycle.
Upon our move to Maryland, we found a listing for a treadmill. It was a really good deal and we snapped it up. That put an end to our outdoor walks for the next few years, aside from Shabbat (those were more leisurely, even though they involved pushing a stroller). Then our treadmill broke. My husband decided to go out for early morning walks (whenever he could get out of bed on time) while I used the exercise bike we got from Freecycle. I use exercise as an excuse to read, so this was fine for me. In the meantime, Froggie was telling me I needed to change up my exercise routine if I wanted to see any results.
Motivated by the task in this post, I got up early in the morning, put on a sweater, sweatpants, jacket, hat, scarf and gloves. (And sneakers, of course.) I put my favorite Alanis cassette into my "Walkman" (it's a version of one, but that's the best way to explain it...I am so "Old School" that it's not even funny) and set out in the dark and cold. I walked a path that went uphill twice, in order to feel the "burn." I timed my walk for 20 minutes, which is a lot for me starting out and usually the amount of time I do on the treadmill or exercise bike. I was so hesitant to do this for so long and I don't know why. It felt great!!! I felt energized afterward and ready to take on the world! I was even motivated to be more productive. I told my husband that I'm making it part of my regular exercise routine, but just every other day for now, switching it up with the bike. (I don't want to overdo it yet.)
So while I know this is not something entirely "new," it feels new to me again, especially since I never go out walking in the dark or even that early in the morning. (I wouldn't mind if it started getting lighter out when I start my walk, but this will have to do.) I don't expect to see results right away, but I hope that if I stay on this path and combine it with healthier eating, I'll be in a good place soon....
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
52 Stories: Scrabble Champ
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell.
People from NJ are great about responding right away to my project request. :)
Name: Karen
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Location: NJ
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
My senior year in college was not an easy one. I struggled with uncertainty, depression, and financial issues. I commuted to a well-known campus in Philadelphia, and I was on the subway headed to my parents' house, thinking of my options, none of them good. I was almost failing a course..a course that if dropped would mean summer school to make up the needed credits to graduate. Summer school I couldn't afford.
My brother stepped in to lend me the money, but I was in distress, convinced I'd NEVER find the means to repay him.
I got home on that particularly dreary day and got a phone call:
I passed a rigorous audition and was selected to be on a very popular TV game show..where I made enough money to repay the loan!
I learned to "never give up" that day
What is your guilty pleasure?
What ISN'T?? I eat guiltlessly for pleasure and comfort, and then go into a comfortable denial when the numbers on the scale are escalating:)
What is something you've never done but would like to do?
Drive in Manhattan..in rush hour..when it's dark..when it's snowing..when the lanes become a free for all. Surviving THAT would help with so many issues...:) I could bungee jump over the Grand Canyon after THAT!
If you could give someone one of your favorite gifts, what would it be and why?
I'd give a kid a Scrabble set, Scrabble played a big part in my life, and I realized I was a player when I was about 12. I'd like to coach a beginner who has both interest and real potential.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Oh, I'm not the Great and Powerful Oz..I'd LOVE to think I brighten lives a little on a daily basis with my wicked sense of humor and my no holds barred personality. If I HAVE to answer this question, I'd say that I once brightened the life of one of the nation's first persons to be stricken with AIDS back in the early 80's. I spent an afternoon playing board games with him and it made him happy.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I am no longer anyone's doormat. I don't need to be nice. If you step in horse manure, you better clean off your shoes before walking on my mat. I don't ignore crap anymore..I just walk away.
Tell me one thing that you find really funny:
David Sedaris..or my insane miniature poodle
Tell me one thing that you love about yourself, or a gift you'd give if money was no object?
Actually, the two are tied in. I love my need to share the wealth..I can't enjoy anything fun unless I'm sharing it with loved ones. So I want to win the lottery and take everyone who means anything at all to me to my favorite vacation spot. (Don't pack your bags just yet....I don't seem to have much Lotto Luck, especially since I don't play!)
What TV show, book, or movie is most like your life?
I am Lucy Van Pelt and Rhoda Morgenstern, I am Debra Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond) and I am a lot of plus-sized heroines from Jennifer Weiner novels, 'though they dress better and are probably thinner..:)..a little thinner...:)
What is something that not many people know about you?
I'm not much of a cat fan....
People from NJ are great about responding right away to my project request. :)
Name: Karen
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Location: NJ
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
My senior year in college was not an easy one. I struggled with uncertainty, depression, and financial issues. I commuted to a well-known campus in Philadelphia, and I was on the subway headed to my parents' house, thinking of my options, none of them good. I was almost failing a course..a course that if dropped would mean summer school to make up the needed credits to graduate. Summer school I couldn't afford.
My brother stepped in to lend me the money, but I was in distress, convinced I'd NEVER find the means to repay him.
I got home on that particularly dreary day and got a phone call:
I passed a rigorous audition and was selected to be on a very popular TV game show..where I made enough money to repay the loan!
I learned to "never give up" that day
What is your guilty pleasure?
What ISN'T?? I eat guiltlessly for pleasure and comfort, and then go into a comfortable denial when the numbers on the scale are escalating:)
What is something you've never done but would like to do?
Drive in Manhattan..in rush hour..when it's dark..when it's snowing..when the lanes become a free for all. Surviving THAT would help with so many issues...:) I could bungee jump over the Grand Canyon after THAT!
If you could give someone one of your favorite gifts, what would it be and why?
I'd give a kid a Scrabble set, Scrabble played a big part in my life, and I realized I was a player when I was about 12. I'd like to coach a beginner who has both interest and real potential.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
Oh, I'm not the Great and Powerful Oz..I'd LOVE to think I brighten lives a little on a daily basis with my wicked sense of humor and my no holds barred personality. If I HAVE to answer this question, I'd say that I once brightened the life of one of the nation's first persons to be stricken with AIDS back in the early 80's. I spent an afternoon playing board games with him and it made him happy.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
I am no longer anyone's doormat. I don't need to be nice. If you step in horse manure, you better clean off your shoes before walking on my mat. I don't ignore crap anymore..I just walk away.
Tell me one thing that you find really funny:
David Sedaris..or my insane miniature poodle
Tell me one thing that you love about yourself, or a gift you'd give if money was no object?
Actually, the two are tied in. I love my need to share the wealth..I can't enjoy anything fun unless I'm sharing it with loved ones. So I want to win the lottery and take everyone who means anything at all to me to my favorite vacation spot. (Don't pack your bags just yet....I don't seem to have much Lotto Luck, especially since I don't play!)
What TV show, book, or movie is most like your life?
I am Lucy Van Pelt and Rhoda Morgenstern, I am Debra Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond) and I am a lot of plus-sized heroines from Jennifer Weiner novels, 'though they dress better and are probably thinner..:)..a little thinner...:)
What is something that not many people know about you?
I'm not much of a cat fan....
Thursday, January 3, 2013
I can be a kook!
I've been blogging with three fabulous women for over a year and a half now and have been enjoying all the fun topics we come up with week after week. If you want to see what we've discussed in the past, check out our posts here.
This week, Froggie asks: What is the greatest lesson you learned in 2012, and how do you plan to apply what you learned in 2013?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I would watch Friends in my 20s, I always thought I was more laid back and bohemian, like Phoebe. I couldn't ever imagine being like Monica, at least in terms of her clean freak side. In the episode where she's trying to let go of her obsessiveness, she says the following:
"Okay, so I'm responsible, I'm organized. But hey, I can be a kook."
I was watching this video to remember why she said that and laughing more at the realization that I now have the same kinds of reactions that she did. If you want to see what I'm talking about, start at 1:45. (There's also a funny scene at 6:37.) And nowadays, I realize how similar I am to Claire on Modern Family. It's even scarier than the personality resemblance to Monica (because at least she could be a kook)!
Throughout the duration of the blog project, we've had a plan to get our posts up every Thursday (as well as share topics for the following week). I've only strayed from this a few times and it's only been when I'm insanely busy (like during the High Holidays and also one time recently). However, the others came to realize, rather quickly, that I get annoyed when everyone doesn't post on the same day. Doesn't even have to be at the same time. Just the same day. And worse yet, when someone doesn't share their topic for the following week on Thursday. At some point in the summer, I came to realize that I was being a bit obsessive over it and tried to chill out after that. "So what if people don't get their posts done on Thursday. And who cares if I have to wait a few more days for the next topic. I can be a kook!" I think I've backed off a lot since then. Sometimes I'd send subtle reminders to the individuals whose turn it was to share a topic, but I didn't do it in front of the whole group. (At least I hope I didn't.) That "kookiness" lasted until the week of Christmas, when our next post was "due" in two days and we didn't have a topic yet. I decided to ask everyone if we should just skip the week because it was that nerve wracking to me. We did end up skipping that week and I was hoping for the following week's topic to be shared amongst the group on Thursday anyway. Didn't happen. I was sending subtle hints and biting my nails over it until it finally was shared. Sorry, Froggie!!!
Having said that, I will confess that I am a control freak. This stems from owning a widely known book blog. My blog partner even told me that I'm rigid and I admitted to her that I'm a control freak. We had a good laugh over it because she wanted to call me a control freak but didn't want to insult me. I did her a favor by labeling myself. It's true though!!! I can't stand chaos. I even keep a set of guidelines for the Facebook group so people don't post random stuff or their own blogs all the time. I don't like being in a position where I don't know what is going on or my questions and requests are going unanswered. I even put deadlines all over stuff when it comes to my book blog, whether they're for authors/publishers or for people in the group. After the deadline is missed, I come back with a "you missed out...too bad" response.
I'm also a control freak at home. Especially when it comes to bedtime and getting ready in the morning. I set timers for the kids and if they fool around and miss breakfast before they have to leave, "too bad." (I send it with them to school, but it's usually something simple....I won't make them starve.) I even have rules for the bath that lead to consequences such as missing a story or having to shower instead. I think in terms of schedules and am especially rigid when it comes to getting ready for Shabbat. (More often in the winter than the summer.) I also feel like if I don't do certain things, they'll never get done. This applies to home stuff and blogging.
I've realized in all this that I need to become more of a "kook" or I'll forever be driving myself crazy. I need to trust that stuff will get done even when I'm not the one doing all of it. I need to be more lenient about schedules and deadlines. I'm hoping that in 2013, I'll ease up a bit on the things I can't control and just let them be. I'd like to be able to go on our first family vacation with the kids and not have every moment of the day scheduled out (even though that's hard to do at Disney World nowadays). While on that trip, I'd like to not go online at all and know that everything will be taken care of without me putting deadlines and reminders on each detail. Maybe I'll turn from Claire into Gloria, as a result. (Or go back to my Phoebe ways.)
This week, Froggie asks: What is the greatest lesson you learned in 2012, and how do you plan to apply what you learned in 2013?
Before reading ahead, first see what everyone else had to say on this topic:
Froggie
Mom of Many
Moma Rock
When I would watch Friends in my 20s, I always thought I was more laid back and bohemian, like Phoebe. I couldn't ever imagine being like Monica, at least in terms of her clean freak side. In the episode where she's trying to let go of her obsessiveness, she says the following:
"Okay, so I'm responsible, I'm organized. But hey, I can be a kook."
I was watching this video to remember why she said that and laughing more at the realization that I now have the same kinds of reactions that she did. If you want to see what I'm talking about, start at 1:45. (There's also a funny scene at 6:37.) And nowadays, I realize how similar I am to Claire on Modern Family. It's even scarier than the personality resemblance to Monica (because at least she could be a kook)!
Throughout the duration of the blog project, we've had a plan to get our posts up every Thursday (as well as share topics for the following week). I've only strayed from this a few times and it's only been when I'm insanely busy (like during the High Holidays and also one time recently). However, the others came to realize, rather quickly, that I get annoyed when everyone doesn't post on the same day. Doesn't even have to be at the same time. Just the same day. And worse yet, when someone doesn't share their topic for the following week on Thursday. At some point in the summer, I came to realize that I was being a bit obsessive over it and tried to chill out after that. "So what if people don't get their posts done on Thursday. And who cares if I have to wait a few more days for the next topic. I can be a kook!" I think I've backed off a lot since then. Sometimes I'd send subtle reminders to the individuals whose turn it was to share a topic, but I didn't do it in front of the whole group. (At least I hope I didn't.) That "kookiness" lasted until the week of Christmas, when our next post was "due" in two days and we didn't have a topic yet. I decided to ask everyone if we should just skip the week because it was that nerve wracking to me. We did end up skipping that week and I was hoping for the following week's topic to be shared amongst the group on Thursday anyway. Didn't happen. I was sending subtle hints and biting my nails over it until it finally was shared. Sorry, Froggie!!!
Having said that, I will confess that I am a control freak. This stems from owning a widely known book blog. My blog partner even told me that I'm rigid and I admitted to her that I'm a control freak. We had a good laugh over it because she wanted to call me a control freak but didn't want to insult me. I did her a favor by labeling myself. It's true though!!! I can't stand chaos. I even keep a set of guidelines for the Facebook group so people don't post random stuff or their own blogs all the time. I don't like being in a position where I don't know what is going on or my questions and requests are going unanswered. I even put deadlines all over stuff when it comes to my book blog, whether they're for authors/publishers or for people in the group. After the deadline is missed, I come back with a "you missed out...too bad" response.
I'm also a control freak at home. Especially when it comes to bedtime and getting ready in the morning. I set timers for the kids and if they fool around and miss breakfast before they have to leave, "too bad." (I send it with them to school, but it's usually something simple....I won't make them starve.) I even have rules for the bath that lead to consequences such as missing a story or having to shower instead. I think in terms of schedules and am especially rigid when it comes to getting ready for Shabbat. (More often in the winter than the summer.) I also feel like if I don't do certain things, they'll never get done. This applies to home stuff and blogging.
I've realized in all this that I need to become more of a "kook" or I'll forever be driving myself crazy. I need to trust that stuff will get done even when I'm not the one doing all of it. I need to be more lenient about schedules and deadlines. I'm hoping that in 2013, I'll ease up a bit on the things I can't control and just let them be. I'd like to be able to go on our first family vacation with the kids and not have every moment of the day scheduled out (even though that's hard to do at Disney World nowadays). While on that trip, I'd like to not go online at all and know that everything will be taken care of without me putting deadlines and reminders on each detail. Maybe I'll turn from Claire into Gloria, as a result. (Or go back to my Phoebe ways.)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
52 Stories: The Buddha
Inspired by One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern, I've decided to ask people some thought provoking questions about themselves, as I feel that everyone has a story to tell.
Here is our first brave volunteer!
Name: The Buddha
Age (or age range): 40-45 years old
Gender: Male
Location: New Jersey
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I once opened a bottle of wine using a telephone book
What is your guilty pleasure?
I sneak around behind my wife to eat snacks of which she would not approve.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Skydiving
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would teach them how to play bridge. It is a wonderful game that continually challenges the mind; it will keep them occupied and happy with a hobby well into their old age and I could use a partner of a similar skill level.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I became a Dad.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The part of my personality that thought I was going to grow up to become a professional basketball (or baseball or football) player.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Trying to figure out how far I could kick a small dog.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I would love to be present at a major sporting event like a Broncos Super Bowl or the game when the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908 and if money were not an issue, I would make sure I had those tickets.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Don’t know what is most like my life today. At times, it has been like Family Ties and Big Bang Theory. And Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was a movie that changed my life and made me determined to be less like Cameron and more like Ferris.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I once taught a Sunday School class in a church. When I was 14 years old. Even though I’m Jewish.
Here is our first brave volunteer!
Name: The Buddha
Age (or age range): 40-45 years old
Gender: Male
Location: New Jersey
What is an experience that is legendary for you?
I once opened a bottle of wine using a telephone book
What is your guilty pleasure?
I sneak around behind my wife to eat snacks of which she would not approve.
What is something you've never done but you would like to do?
Skydiving
If you could give someone one of your favorite things as a gift, what would it be and why?
I would teach them how to play bridge. It is a wonderful game that continually challenges the mind; it will keep them occupied and happy with a hobby well into their old age and I could use a partner of a similar skill level.
What is something you did that changed someone's life?
I became a Dad.
What part of your personality is now extinct?
The part of my personality that thought I was going to grow up to become a professional basketball (or baseball or football) player.
What is one thing that you find really funny?
Trying to figure out how far I could kick a small dog.
Tell me one thing you love about yourself (or a gift you'd like to get yourself, where money is not an issue):
I would love to be present at a major sporting event like a Broncos Super Bowl or the game when the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908 and if money were not an issue, I would make sure I had those tickets.
What TV show, book or movie is most like your life?
Don’t know what is most like my life today. At times, it has been like Family Ties and Big Bang Theory. And Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was a movie that changed my life and made me determined to be less like Cameron and more like Ferris.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I once taught a Sunday School class in a church. When I was 14 years old. Even though I’m Jewish.
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