Accomplished!

I have added to the Halloween goodie supply--Twizzlers, Reeses Pieces, Heath and Oreo cookies. Met 3 friends at the store. My daughter is munching on a grilled cheese sandwich, soup, strawberries and carrots while she and I watch "The Crazies."

Decided to enjoy

After work, I need to head to the store to buy more candy for our trick or treaters. We had to make sure that the candy was tasty (several times). My husband bowls this evening, so I will greet the guests at the front door. Our motion-sensored spider sings a welcome. Ewwwwwwwwww, ewwwwwwwwwww, ewwwwwwww. Henry, the pumpkin man sits on the front porch. Two pumpkins, which may or may not be carved by this evening, decorate the front porch.

Boning up on pop culture

I have been taking trivia quizzes on several TV programs. Just in case. I have a slim chance of being chosen to play a game when I go to a taping in November. I really don't know anything about pop culture or celebrities, but perhaps the question will be one that I know. The question could be on recent or vintage TV programs or celebrities. Along with the casting questionaire, I sent a picture of Henry, the pumpkin man and me.

A Plan

I have been tweaking my exercise schedule.

150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week--jogging, zumba and sparring
15-20 minutes weight lifting (bought a new Jackie Warner DVD, I watched it but haven't tried it)
daily stretching for flexibility
30 minutes of HKD practice. I found out yesterday that I have so focused on the 16 low block form, that I've forgotten the 13 self defense and beggie hoi jeon sool form. Yikes!
push ups, crunches, jumping jacks to get ready for my black belt test in a year or so

I looked at Jackie Warner's menu that came with the DVD. It is too heavy on protein for me and does not include enough dairy. I will continue to work with the healthy eating menu that I got from the health clinic. Easy to follow, healthy and effective (if I didn't like sweets and salty snacks so much :)

Might bloom

With equal hours daylight and darkness, my poinsettia might bloom. The leaves were light blue last year, but we will see...

Getting ready

With snow flurries possible for Saturday, I brought in my poinsettia and placed it in the small bath where I hope it will get 12 hours of sunlight, and 12 hours of darkness and will bloom. I grabbed a small orange begonia and set it on the windowsill. A small spot of color during the winter months and a reminder of spring.

Wise words

Yesterday was a fine day at work until one of the designers went on a rampage. She couldn't do "three things at once"-- called in the manager on her day off. One of the drivers couldn't come in (bereavement) and our normally laid back delivery manager was stressed. The short of it is that a day that started out happy ended on a very sour note. I didn't notice much improvement today either. When I told a coworker that this particular designer was driving me crazy, she said, "Me too, but I won't let her." Wise words. I feel stupid that I let her ruin both my afternoon yesterday and today. No more. While I can't control HER response to events at work, I can control my response to her. I thrive when the store is busy, while apparently she becomes unglued. It helps that I have this afternoon and tomorrow off, and then work the branch store, so perhaps by the time I see her again, I won't resent her as much. The woman needs a long vacation or to be relieved of some responsibility since she can't handle it efficiently.

A repeat

The sun is shining, the leaves are blowing in the wind...a perfect day to jog around the field. I find I can jog the distance if I set small goals. I'll run to the cone, softball field, bleachers, end of the shrubs, to the stop sign. The small easily reached goals help me run 1/2 mile. Who knows, perhaps an iron goddess triathlon awaits. (LOL) 1/2 mile swim, 10.7 mile bike. 3 mile run My coworker's mom did it this year!

Fall sunshine on our new porch rail

Sigh...

It takes forever to run 1/2 mile.
My HKD fists bend at the wrist.
In sparring, my kicks are too linear.
I need to put a bow's wrist in the hoi jeon.
I am going only 1/3 of the way down on that push up.

As I complained to my husband about HKD today, he retorted, "That's the trouble with you! You..." I suppose I should add to the above list, "You are too sensitive and take criticism the wrong way." I wish, just once, someone would say something positive. "You're here. With a smile. You like nice in your uniform. You are patient with the other students. Hey! That kick was high!"

Is instruction only a list of everything I can't remember and can't do correctly?

At work, I filled the daisies and gerbs and cleaned the pollen off the lilies. A coworker and I filled the red and color roses.

I found some $$$ at work, and am hoping the person that lost it will inquire about it tomorrow. I want to give it back to the owner. As you know, that didn't happen to me, when $55 slipped out of my jeans pocket.

The wife of a fellow HKD student heard me talking about the young man who died from injuries in the car accident. She went to school with his brother.

A first since forever

After work, I stopped at the sports store to check out interval timers. The store didn't have any and my stress fracture is twinging, so I decided to refrain from buying one for now. Once at home, I got ready and headed out the door to jog. I warmed up by walking up the long school drive, about 5 minutes worth and then began to jog. "I'll jog to the orange cone... Okay, I'm at the cone, now I'll jog to the baseball field." Got to the baseball field and thought I'd jog to my friend's backyard. I reached my goal and thought, "why not, jog home." So for the first time since 8th grade, I jogged 1/2 mile or 10 minutes or so. Happy with a sense of accomplishment.

My boss understood the need to see my son, and cleared the way for me to take a small vacation. I bought the bus tickets, so early next month, I head to Chicago.

Zumba at the rec center tonight! So much fun! On Thanksgiving Day, my teacher is leading a zumba class. Cost of entry is a personal care item for a local shelter.

16 low blocks

I had my first introduction to the low block form last night. There are 16 low blocks and we went through them so fast that my head is whirling. We worked with a partner and tried to implement them. Besides the 16 low blocks, I have 10 techniques to learn. One master told me that I need to speed up my kicks and the other told me to vary the kicks, remember to keep my guard up. Yes, it takes me a long time to understand a technique and do it well. No, I am not very speedy. I remember my daughter riding home with me from taekwondo, tears streaming down her face, lamenting, "I am not very good." Now I understand, and question "why am I doing this?" I enjoy the forms, I like that the HKD improves my bone density. I like that the techniques challenge my mind and except for the masters and one tough die-hard old-school classmate, the others work well with me. They don't make me feel stupid and uncoordinated. In the four years that I have been taking HKD, I have received few positive comments.

"Living life...." Update

I jogged (4 minutes--don't laugh), walked 2 for 15 minutes around the school. Only had to take 2 walking time outs. Tried to stand tall, not scrunched down, and breathe--in thru nose and mouth, and out. Was amazed! I came home, bundled the three dogs into their safety harnesses and walked them the same route, around the school. Laundry was piling up, so threw in a load. While the load was washing, I made soup (my friend and I are trying to curb our appetites by eating soup). Recipe: one rather old zucchini, fresh diced tomato, rice, black beans and minced onion. It was delicious! I had a fresh cooked apple w/ cinnamon for dessert. As a snack I melted a Ghiardelli delight into some milk and had 1 butterfinger. I have started reading, Hellenga's "Philosophy Made Simple." I was amused when I figured out by myself that the book took place in the late 60's, confirmed it on line. The plan to take my son and his friends out to dinner to celebrate his promotion is in the works.

Today

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

"Live Life to the Fullest"

I like to think that "living life to the fullest" is one of my mother's adages. I know "in order to have friends, one must be a friend" is one of her sayings. In the light of my friend's death from cancer, and the young man's car accident which caused the stroke and left him brain dead, that life is fleeting and unpredictable and that I must live it to the fullest. This idea was reinforced by a forward that I received today. I am taking action. I have emailed my son and suggested some dates that I can visit him and take him and his friends out to dinner to celebrate his promotion and raise. I have vowed to face each day with an upbeat disposition in spite of those small annoyances and aggravations that get in my way.

No words

Trying to find words for the family and friends of the young man who was in the car accident. He has been declared brain dead. One more test on Thursday morning and he will be taken off life support. No words of comfort, no explanation, no reason for this situation which doesn't make sense. A young man who was driving and clipped by another car, the accident causing a catastrophic stroke. What do I say? There are no words.

Searching...

I would like to find a exercise that I enjoy and that does not take up a lot of my time. Yesterday, I ran/walked for about 3/4 mile. I would run for 2 minutes, walk for 2 minutes. I do not have runner's lungs! Today I tried to run for longer periods. I tried to run for 3 minutes and walk for 2. Baby steps.

Nearly in an accident, big angels watching

I sat and watched the young woman cross the street in front of me, as I waited for the green left turn arrow to come on. It did, so I started forward, only to stop suddenly as an oncoming vehicle blared the horn at me and rushed through the light. I missed the car by inches. Of course, I was upset and worried. I had seen the arrow... It was my turn. Still I sat, shaken and unsure, until I could make the turn. Thank you, thank you big big angels. Stressed, I am now munching on double dipped chocolate peanuts. This came at a time when my dear friend is praying for a man, who is like a son to her, who was in a car accident and needs a miracle.

Difficult

It was hard for me to come to my blog site, since it was on this site (blog following) that I read of my friend's death. Since his death last Saturday, I wrote a note to his family and sent a check to Alano in his memory. My friend touched so many lives--the lives of patients in the hospital, the young men he coached on the high school golf team, the couples he met while leading marriage encounters. He was a good husband, father and grandfather. I will keep his smile and the sparkle in his eyes alive in my memory.

Rather a tough weekend with the high of baseball playoffs coming to a close and undefeated teams losing for the first time. But what a thrill while the high lasted!

Henry, the pumpkin man's head blew off in the winds of October. Not a surprise, since it happens every year, so I put a rod down the sweatshirt and set his head on the rod. We'll see... Bought some more Halloween candy because a big raccoon (me) ate the juicy fruits and some of the twizzlers.

Eyecatching fall color

Beautiful plants around my neighbor's deck

Fall plants and colors

My neighbor's mums

Too Late

My friend passed away, and I didn't read the news until after his viewing and funeral. So hard. I plan to donate in his memory and send a card to his wife. He fought the brave fight for 8 months, such a short period, but the cancer won. I can't stay focused. The master berated and criticized last night, I was a real dummy, with lots on my mind.

2nd gup

My new color belt. I'm on my way to being a 1st gup and then a black belt.

Hapkido testing

There was so much on TV last evening-the playoffs, football, the premiere of Rosie O'Donnell. I watched some baseball and half of Rosie, and then I drove to the martial arts school to train. I noticed that there were two instructors in hapkido uniforms. Hmmmm. I thought one was going to work one-on-one with the new white belt. Imagine my shock when another student and myself were directed to come and test for our next level. "Ohhhhhhhh..." I moaned. Actually, I'm glad I didn't know I was testing, no time to get all het up about it. The other student and I work together often, so I was able to help him when he had a swiss cheese brain a couple times, and he was supportive of me. Figured as long as we were working as partners, I would take advantage and try to learn and hone the techniques. The testing went fairly well...I can always do better. I am doing the techniques stiff-legged, without bending my knees, so I need to get out of that bad habit. And I am not twisting my torso. Some techniques I am just learning. When I was asked why I I hadn't learned them in the past year, I couldn't answer. For several reasons probably. I thought I was exaggerating that move, but apparently not. I promoted to 2nd gup which means I have to learn the techniques to promote to 1st gup and then promote to first dan or black belt.

Serio comedic

My online friend told me that I write in a serio comedic style. I have decided to transfer that style to my life. That is not to say that I don't know that my nephew is a parapalegic or that my friend's husband is in hospice, or that some folks at work are struggling to make ends meet, or that my adult children are lonely. I am trying to refrain from complaining, to laugh more, to perform RAofKs (random acts of kindness). Yesterday, I was able to donate to my son's playoff fund, sweep and clean up after one of the designers, teach a coworker how to make gift baskets. I felt so GOOD! I think this attitude will hold me in good stead (sorry! cliche!) as I will feel happy most of the time.

Two interesting orders

Late this afternoon, I received a call requesting delivery for today. Since it was so late, I suggested that we deliver tomorrow, Sunday. The customer requested a unique arrangement for tomorrow and another one for Monday! We called in our creative, imaginative designer who made a colorful floral display--hanging amaranthus, snaps, bright roses, orange lilies in a keepsake vase. I could only look at it in amazement! For the gift that we are delivering on Monday, our designer will arrange tropical flowers. I can only imagine how much the sender loves the recipient to send her two beautiful floral arrangements.

Realistically

My brother-in-law,who is also my martial arts instructor, worked out for 90 minutes at the gym. I am lucky if I can do the Jillian Michaels "Ripped in 30" (30 minutes including warm up and cool down) for 30 days. I also know that I only have time to practice my techniques for 30 minutes. Yesterday (now granted it was a plastic practice board) I broke boards with front and side kicks for the first time. Power!

Rosita Vendela

Today my coworker gave me a bouquet of beautiful roses.

Garage Sale

We are having a garage sale at the dojang. I am taking 6 bowling balls, a Thermos grill-to-go, 5 drapes (no clue where the 6th one went), several dolls, a new ironing board pad, some doggie pads, several books, 2 pair ice skates, some protective shin guards, a pair of roller blades, a wooden Nativity set from Mexico and four ceramic ones, statues of St Francis of Assisi and St Anthony of Padua. I got my exercise going up and down stairs and loading the car. Last year, the bowling balls were sold first. A lady wanted them for her garden.

Birthday time

Between work and sports, it is very difficult to find a time to have a family dinner for my husband's birthday. Tonight seemed the best option. I baked the cake, roasted the ribs, potatoes and butternut squash and put the rolls in the oven. After dinner, we gave the surprises--the heated mattress pad and sweater.

It seems that my cup of hot chocolate gave me an energy boost! I was able to decorate both the inside and outside of the house for Halloween. Henry, our pumpkin man is on the porch, our dancing rapping skeleton is in the living room along with a cloth witch doll, raffia pumpkin and ceramic figures. Such fun! I had vacuumed and swept yesterday, finished by cleaning the bathrooms.

Henry has come to visit

Every year around this time, Henry comes to visit. Henry is our pumpkin man who takes up residence on the front porch and greets the trick or treaters on Halloween.

Enough Already

Enough is enough. I am finished whining and complaining about the number of work hours because it is greedy on my part, and truthfully, I have gotten a small raise. The company cannot afford to give anyone raises right now, but the president of the company wanted to show his appreciation for my HONESTY, reliability, conscientiousness, friendliness to the customers and work ethic.

The Package

Yesterday as I was going up the front porch steps, I noticed a package by the front door. It was partially opened and addressed to my husband. Since I was expecting the starsky sweater, I thought I better open it. It was the sweater! I measured it against his old sweater. I need to wrap both gifts (the sweater and the mattress pad). The box had been opened by customs and not sealed properly. I'm hoping my family can celebrate his b'day on the 9th. It's hard to control myself and not give him his gifts early, as I hear him complaining about the cold. And it IS cold. I had bought a balloon as a gift for my sister's husband, and when I took it outside, it deflated immediately. Good thing, it reinflated once I took it inside.