Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Riding The Roller Coaster Of Coaster

The bed was delivered yesterday and it is AWESOME. What a difference 16" makes! So it gets delivered and I am enjoying it. Tim stops by so we can discuss the interview slated for this morning. We are talking away and the phone rings. I learn that a dear friend has just died.   It was a very quick decline and he passed within three days of major pain setting in.  It hit me just like when I was in Las Vegas back in 2010 and heard David had died.  Wowzers!

Tim saw how upset I was and we decided to put an early end to the evening. He left and I just sat there in a state of shock and disbelief. Finally did get to sleep and the bed was wonderful!  So I am one happy camper on that front. Woke up this morning and was getting ready and the phone rang. Tim calling to tell me he had taken the initiative and postponed the video interview for today until later in the month. It was nice of him, but now I get to be on pins and needles for a few more weeks. Never a dull moment to be sure.  It was interesting in that after about 9:30am I started getting text messages from people wanting to know how it went.  Needless to say, all have been informed.

So at this point I head to Ashland on Thursday for Mom's 90th birthday. Back here on the 6th. Damon arrives on the7th and leaves on the 22nd. My friend Nathan arrives from Sydney for a conference on the 18th but is busy until the 23rd. So we will be getting together over the weekend until he flies out at 6pm on the 26th. What a whirlwind of a month ahead. 

Last night I had a dinner of tuna and some peas while tonight will be a hot skillet of Andouille sausage with grilled onions.  Trying to use up what's in the frig before I head south.  Dinner tomorrow will be down at Markie's house and if the weather is nice, like it is slated to be I bet we will be enjoying something off the grill on the back deck.  I am looking at the various forecasts and have to say that I am not one to enjoy it when it goes over 75 and so I have a feeling it will be a warm weekend that will prove challenging.  Stay tuned.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Turkey On My Mind

Back in 2004 a dear friend of mine, Ani out of California, had me join her in Turkey for a trip to review her book that has since been published.  "Sinan Diaryz - A Walking Tour of Mimar Sinan's Monuments" was the result and still holds a special place in my heart.  For the past 10 days I have been following a journey on facebook.
This is Michael and Leo who are dear friends out of Portland.  They are currently touring throughout Turkey and it has been a joy to follow their journey.  The pictures posted on facebook have brought back some wonderful memories.  We do not see each other nearly enough.  Last year, when I was in the hospital they were so nice to come up for a visit.  They felt the need for me to have music and got me Adele's CD that was so popular at the time.  I listened to that thing over and over and it did help.  Thanks guys for the memories on both sides of the Atlantic!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Happiness & Contentment

So I gave a ring to my friend Jodie today and asked how the trip to Disneyland went.  They went down for 5 days and had a grand time.  It was her first time and Rob had a ball showing her around.  It was their long delayed honeymoon.  In fact today marks their 1st anniversary.  Well you could not get her to stop going on and on about all the fun.  There was such joy in her voice and I am thrilled they go to go.  I do believe that the World of Color show was her favorite.  Below are some images from that show.  They were right in front and got quite wet.

It is a show of music, lights, water, fire and projected images on water as well.  If you visit Disneyland's website you can see a short video to give you a better idea (Click Here).

Otherwise, there was a sense of contentment about today and in fact this weekend.  I set up a very reachable goal of emptying a box or moving something into position at least every half hour.  Sometimes I got more than that done and other times I did just on thing and took a break to enjoy a movie that was playing.  There were actually a couple over the weekend and they were such that you could come and go and still get the overall theme of the movie.  I continue to keep on task with the weight reduction and it is feeling quite good.  Boy, those first days of reducing the carb load was not fun.  But now I am seeing the benefit of getting back on track and want to keep moving in that direction.  Tonight will be a green bean salad with grape tomatoes marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette and has feta cheese on top for the protein. 

Counting the hours until the new bed arrives tomorrow.  Yes, I am quite excited!  The bed frame arrived last Thursday and the new sage sheets arrived on Friday.  Tomorrow, the bed will be delivered sometime between noon and 4pm.  So looking forward to tomorrow night and enjoying my new found comfort.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Bit Of Weekend Humor

This was posted by a friend on facebook and had me amused as I kicked off the weekend.  I have to admit, morning coffee does make the day go a little better, but if I miss it, I can get through the day.  Cocktails are always fun when you have friends around to share them with.

Another bit of humor comes from Jackie who helps take care of Mom - Yesterday, the phone rang and it was a telemarketer saying something about a credit card. She told them she was in the process of dying and that in hell they didn't use them and hung up. We both laughed quite a few times over this one and she couldn't believe she actually said it. lol.  Enjoy the day.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Twinkies & The Times

Stand down Twinkies hoarders, you can start eating your secret stash were the opening words of a story on NBCNews.com yesterday written by Amy Langfield.  Twinkies will hit store shelves nationally by late July, Michael Cramer, executive vice president of Hostess Brands LLC told NBC News on Thursday. "We expect to be making and selling in July," he said. "Probably the later half of the month before the product hits the stores."

All of the classic Hostess snack brands will return, some making their return in August and September. Hostess Donettes and some of the snack cakes will be among the first to return. And "Twinkies for sure," Cramer said.  The bulk of the Hostess Snacks brands the public knows best -- Twinkies, Cup Cakes, Ho Hos, Zingers, Ding Dongs and Suzy Q’s -- were purchased in April for $410 million by hedge funds Apollo Global Management and Metropoulos & Co. Other Hostess lines, such as Wonder bread, went to affiliates of Flowers Foods, while its Beefsteak bread brand was snatched up by Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V.

Bimbo already makes a Twinkies lookalike in Mexico called Submarinos, which are available with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry filling. Bimbo Bakeries USA is already importing strawberry-filled Submarinos into the United States under its Marinela brand.  The hard-core Hostess fan will return to Hostess, but the discretionary snackers will be the key market to regain, predicted Gary Karp, the executive vice president at Technomic Inc., a food industry research and consulting firm. "Their absence has allowed people to try a variety of products that are out there," Karp said.

Karp said the only concern would be if Hostess changed any ingredients, which Cramer said will not happen.  "Everything will be as delicious and fattening as it always was," Cramer said.
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In other news...you might remember me posting a column about frustration I was having with The New York Times.  I canceled my subscription back in mid-January.  I was promised mid-February that I would gt a refund.  Well, it did not happen.  I called again in March and guess what?  Still nothing.  So I happen to look at my credit card statement yesterday and guess what - still no refund!  Alas, another call was placed and I got a very nice gentleman named Jeramey who was very nice and was dismayed to see that I was calling yet again.  Well, it appears at this point that no one who I had talked to on prior calls had ever actually submitted a request for a refund.  They did today and supposedly I will now get a refund in 7-14 business days.  Actually to the point that Jeramey held me on the line to give me a reference number of 1-2697721160 to show it had been put in for processing.  Now we shall wait and see if it will actually happen.  Well, three months and counting. 
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Last night I continued my carb-low menu with flash cooked shrimp with coleslaw and this night it will be chicken breasts with asparagus.  Not sure if I will add the Alfredo sauce or not, but it marks a week of keeping on track!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

On This Day In History Since I Was Born

2012 In Illinois, a Cook County Circuit Court rules that the tax Amazon.com levied on Internet businesses by the U.S. state of Illinois is unconstitutional
2012 After a case of mad cow disease is reported in South Korea, retailers cease selling U.S. beef
2011 The U.S. government 'condemns' international media outlets, including 'The New York Times' for publishing confidential files
2011 On a mission to destroy Muammar Gaddafi's forces, NATO jets fly over Tripoli and knock out three television stations
2010 At least 80 schoolgirls attending different Kunduz schools are poisoned this week; an inquiry is launched and the Taliban, opposed to female education, deny any involvement
1997 Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey, Jr. hits his 250th home run
1996 "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk," opens at Ambassador Theater New York City
1995 "Month in the Country" opens at Roundabout Theater New York City for 79 performances
1995 16th Emmy Sports Award presentation
1994 14" of snow in Southern California
1994 Bomb attack on taxi stand in Johannesburg, 10 killed
1994 Fishing boat with school children capsize at Lanaka Syria, 46 killed
1994 King Azlan Shah of Malaysia resigns
1994 Mexican businessman and billionaire Angel Losada kidnap
1994 Tsutomu Hata elected premier of Japan
1993 "Blood Brothers" opens at Music Box Theater New York City for 839 performances
1993 Russia elect Boris Yeltsin leader
1992 "Shimada" closes at Broadhurst Theater New York City after 4 performances
1992 Firestone World Bowling Tournament of Champions won by Marc McDowell
1991 "Grand Hotel" closes at Beck Theater New York City after 1018 performances
1991 Designer Mary McFadden (52) announces divorce of Kohie Yohannan (23)
1991 Lisa Olson brings suit against NFL New England Patriots for sexual harassment
1991 Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman's musical premieres in New York City
1990 25th Academy of Country Music Awards: Clint Black and Kathy Mattea win
1990 Hubble space telescope is placed into orbit by shuttle Discovery
1990 Violeta Barrios de Chamorro begins a 6 year term as Nicaragua's president
1989 Mike Tyson gets a speeding ticket for drag racing in Albany, New York
1989 Penguin Mario Lemuix ties NHL playoff record of 4 goals in 1st period
1988 "Nightline" goes on location to Jerusalem Israel
1988 John Demjanjuk (Ivan the Terrible), sentenced to death in Jerusalem
1988 NASA launches space vehicle S-211
1986 ETA bomb attacks Madrid killing 5
1985 "Big River" opens at Eugene O'Neill Theater New York City for 1005 performances
1985 Flyers 2-Isles 6-Patrick Div Finals-Flyers hold 3-1 lead
1985 For 2nd time, Wayne Gretzky, scores 7 goals in a Cup game
1985 Roger Miller's musical "Big River," premieres in New York City
1985 West German Parliament ruled it illegal to deny the holocaust
1984 Rock group Wings disbands
1984 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1983 "Nightline" expands from 1/2 hour to a full hour
1983 France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island
1983 Portugal's Soares' Partido Socialista wins parliamentary election
1983 Yuri Andropov invites U.S. schoolgirl Samantha Smith to U.S.S.R.
1982 Great Britain performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1982 In accordance with Camp David, Israel completes Sinai withdrawal
1982 Patty Sheehan wins LPGA Orlando Lady Golf Classic
1982 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1982 Yankees fire manager Bob Lemon and replaces him with Gene Michael
1981 Maureen Reagan (40) marries 3rd husband, Dennis Revell (28)
1981 Mariners manager Maury Wills is suspended for 2 games after ordering Seattle's grounds crew to enlarge batter's boxes by one foot
1980 A's manager Billy Martin restrained by umps from attacking a fan
1980 Announcement of Jimmy Carter hostage rescue bungle in Iran
1980 Firestone World Bowling Tournament of Champions won by Wayne Webb
1980 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1979 "Rock 'n Roll High Schools" premieres
1979 Peace treaty between Israel and Egypt goes into effect
1978 Phillie Phanatic makes 1st appearance
1978 Supreme Court rules pension plans can't require women to pay more
1977 Cincinnati Reds tie record of 12 runs in 5th inning beating Braves 23-9
1977 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1976 Elections in Vietnam for a National Assembly to reunite the country
1976 India all out for 97 vs. West Indies
1976 Jan Stephenson wins LPGA Birmingham Golf Classic
1976 Portugal adopts constitution
1976 Cub centerfielder Rick Monday rescues U.S. flag from 2 fans trying to set it on fire
1975 1st Boeing Jetfoil revenue service, Hong Kong to Macao
1975 Mario Soares' Socialist Party wins Portugal's free election
1975 U.S.S.R. performs underground nuclear test
1975 West German embassy blown-up in Stockholm, Sweden
1974 Chancellor Willy Brandt sect Gunther Guillaume found to be a spy
1974 Leo Tindemans forms Belgium government
1974 Marcello Caetano overthrown in Portugal (Carnation revolution)
1974 NFL moves goal posts and adopts sudden-death playoff
1973 U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1972 Hans-Werner Grosse glides 907.7 miles (1,461 km) in an AS-W-12
1971 About 200,000 anti-Vietnam War protesters march on Washington
1971 Sandra Haynie wins LPGA Burdine's Golf Invitational
1971 U.S. canal rights in Nicaragua and rights to Corn Islands expire
1971 U.S.S.R. performs nuclear test at Semipalitinsk, Eastern Kazakhstan U.S.S.R.
1970 "Park" closes at John Golden Theater New York City after 5 performances
1970 Freda Payne releases "Band of Gold"
1970 Melanie releases "Lay Down"
1969 BBC Radio serial "Dales" 5,400th and last episode
1969 Last radio broadcast of "Mrs Dale's Diary" on BBS
1968 "Half a Sixpence" opens at Broadhurst Theater New York City for 512 performances
1967 Britain grants internal self-government to Swaziland
1967 Jules Feiffer's "Little Murders," premieres in New York City
1966 Drunk driver kills 10 children in Asse Belgium
1965 19th NBA Championship: Boston Celtics beat Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 1
1965 Betsy Rawls wins LPGA Pensacola Golf Invitational
1964 Stanley Cup: Toronto Maple Leafs beat Detroit Red Wings, 4 games to 3
1962 Cleveland sends Harry Chiti to Mets for a player to be named later, on
1962 Lion and Tiger Veldt at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is dedicated
1962 U.S. Ranger spacecraft crash lands on Moon
1962 U.S. resumes above ground nuclear testing, at Christmas Island
1962 June 15 the Mets send Chiti back to Cleveland
1961 "Young Abe Lincoln" opens at Eugene O'Neill Theater New York City for 27 performances
1961 France performs nuclear test at Reggane Proving Grounds Algeria
1961 Mercury/Atlas rocket lifted off with an electronic mannequin
1961 Premier Moise Tsjombe of Katanga arrested in Congo
1961 Robert Noyce patents integrated circuit
1961 Unmanned Mercury test explodes on launch pad
1960 1st submerged circumnavigation of Earth completed by Triton
1959 St. Lawrence Seaway linking Atlantic, Great Lakes opens to shipping

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Nerves On Hump Day

So I got the call that informed me that I will have my video conference call next Tuesday, the 30th at 8am my time.  Oh great, just as people are beginning to arrive at the office.  Most are in accounting and so they are not too close and I will close my door.  I would take the call at home but my laptop is not nearly as good as the computer here at the office.  Of course I am already nervous and yet it is now day 6 of my re commitment to getting back on track and have had some great success thus far.  Carbs in check and portions are not out of hand, ok there was the salad on Monday.

Today, I go and get my hair cut and beard trim that will be the first step towards getting ready for next week.  Then deciding exactly what I will wear during the call.  Want to be professional and yet take into account that I am at work here.  It will be a challenge.  Might come dressed for the interview and then change out shirts afterwards. 

Have to share my dinner last night in that I love smoked salmon and so instead of putting it on bagels (need to watch those carbs) I used provolone cheese and then put on some cream cheese with chives blended in.  On top of that were capers and then the smoked salmon.  They were delicious.  Tonight is ground turkey with mixed veggies folded in and will use a marinade for sauce to blend it together.  May have some asparagus on the side or hold it until tomorrow and have with chicken.

Work is a bit intense right now as I try and keep calm and get things done.  Adding the 9th office in Chicago has proved challenging and yet April is a really nice person to work with.  She is our event manager there.  I did break down my staff conference calls to where now they are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so I have three of them on each call.  It creates a more conversational atmosphere and not so much Chris doing a lecture.  Looking forward to making another good swipe at unpacking this weekend as rain is to be returning and that makes it easy to stay in and work.  Have a lovely day!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Spring Has Sprung In Seattle

Today was the perfect spring day in the Emerald City.  Blue skies and the flowers in bloom.  The top picture was from the local Seattle PI website of the tulips blooming at the base of the Space Needle.  Notice how lovely the sky is with wisps of clouds and the lovely blue sky.  Below is a picture at University of Washington.  They have a plethora of cherry blossoms at this time of year.  It is not easy working away when it is so nice outside in the mid-60's  and tomorrow is to brush at 70, a temperature we have not seen since October 8th of last year, that is 197 days ago.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Happy Earth Day

As noted in Wikipedia:  Earth Day is an annual holiday, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. In 2013 the day is 43 years old. It is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year.

In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, the date proposed was March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. A month later a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. Nelson was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award in recognition of his work.  While this April 22 Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations.  Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues.

Now in other news, I really enjoy "The Amazing Race" but what happened last night does annoy me to say the least.  Yet again, no one got eliminated.  I have a feeling this is to help drag out the show and make it last longer.

Additionally, I must take time to say that while I am glad that they have caught the various parties involved in the Boston Marathon bombings, I am at that point of where it is enough.  The same story being covered over and over again by all the networks as and acting if like it is new news.  How many days did we go without a word about the plant exploding in West, Texas, let alone all the rest of the news.  It is frustrating.

One thing that I can now report on here is something that my sister was asking about last week.  Why do they sing "Sweet Caroline" at every Red Sox game in Boston.  It appears that in 2007 Neil Diamond shared that it was written with inspiration of Caroline Kennedy.  Of course, she is from Boston and therein is the answer to the question.  This past Saturday, Diamond showed up at Fenway park and lead the 35,000 in a rendition of it before the game began.  This was unique in that it is usually played during the 8th inning of the game.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

April Showers - Enough Already

This month we have had so much rain that while we were behind by nearly 5 inches of rain for the year, it has been made up and then some. It rained right through until about noon today and then the sun came out. It was a lovely afternoon and I spent about a half hour out on the balcony. It is quite lovely out there and at the same time I was amused in that across the street is a large parking lot of a bank. Well, it being Sunday, it was deserted and someone was using the space to learn how to drive. Oh the memories of doing that back years ago. Watching the jerking of putting on the brakes too fast and such was something to enjoy. Afterwards, it was back in and making a few more rounds of putting things away.  Tonight is the next round of "The Amazing Race" and it will be fun to see who goes home next.  Five teams are left.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Saturday Slumber

The day was about getting the apartment more settled and yet at a pace that was doable.  It was just about as bland and vanilla as it could be and that was just fine by me. Mind you, it was not boring. I was able to get the two closets in order and the bathroom is doing quite nicely. The kitchen continues to be like a camp out in some ways. Not my favorite. But all this is making more room in the living room/dining room so it can get settled. I like the leisurely pace I took and at the same time got some phone calls in and some me time as well.

Friday night did see the grocery delivery and I am just taking each day slow and steady. There is no easy fix for this whole weight issue and I need to get a grip on it. It is more than frustrating to see just how easy it is to put weight on and yet it is not nearly as easy to get it off. But, I did make that re-commitment to taking it day by day. I went in on Amazon fresh and deleted all the tempting items from my past purchase history and that was a good first step. Now, it is getting through the first weekend and when that is done, the next challenge is to get through the week.

The suggestions by several people for me to let go of this artificial deadline to get everything done has been a very positive thing. It has allowed my creative juices to flow and make some changes on what will go where as I get settled. It would be nice to have a majority of the boxes opened and put away by the time Damon arrives on the 7th of May, but at the same time he has shared that he is more than happy to help me out when he gets here.

Oh he will as there will be boxes that need to come back to the office and then also several more boxes will be ready for the woman's shelter and also Goodwill. Additionally, I plan to sort though the books one more time and let go of even more of them to the semi-annual book sale. They take donations through the end of May. The roll away bed will head to Markie's place and there are a couple of other items headed his way as well.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Disappointment In Myself

Well folks, I usually use this space to share what is going on and for the most part I am pretty positive, but this week something happened that makes me feel very frustrated.  It was my weigh-in at Dr. Lindquist's office.  I gained.  It is so frustrating to go in and step on the scale and see that I have only done more damage to myself.  In going over the food journal he pointed out the key factor in this, actually two.  First, the reintroduction of too many carbs on a daily basis.  The second is portion control, it is out of control.
I must say that he is a whole lot nicer to me than I am to myself.  At the same time it is really not fun to look at how far I have come since last year and at the same time knowing I am going backwards.  This just really needs to get under control.  I was talking to my friend Jodie last night and she brought up a really great question, "How do you feel about your friends and family making comments and sharing suggestions when we see you reaching for or ordering food that is not the best choice?"  I will be honest, in the past I would have been not very receptive, but this needs to change.  I have to put the past in the past.
 
As Dr. Lindquist so clearly pointed out once again, if change does not happen and soon he does not give me five years.  That is a very sobering comment.  I have made such amazing changes from where I was in December 2011 and I just cannot go back there.  At the same time I cannot ignore how I am feeling these days by the time I get home.  Totally exhausted and not very active, this must change.  Getting bigger is not an option.  I need to get refocused and move forward.  And so there it is folks, a snapshot at what is happening with Chris for the moment.
 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

A Fob & Keys

So I have to take a moment and share that I am getting settled into the new apartment ever so slowly.  I have come to realize that it more my own deadline than anything to get settled.  But in doing so it is interesting how many keys and the fob it takes to get around the building.  So I make my way through Seattle traffic and get home...
Now the good thing is that I usually do not have this kind of traffic in each direction I drive.  This is a good thing to be sure.  And so I arrive at the parking garage and use the fob to get in the building.  OK, so I park on one of three levels of parking and there is always a space which is such a welcome change.  Then it is time to go to the elevator, time for the gold key to get in that door.  Then I call the elevator and once it arrives I have to use the fob to activate the elevator.

Let's stop and check the mail.  That would be the lobby level and then I have to use the fob again to get in the mail room and the mailbox key to get into the mailbox.  Back to the elevator and use the fob to activate the elevator for level 5 (which is actually the 6th floor) and off I go.  At the apartment door I use the silver key to get in that door and I am now home.  OY!  Enough of the fob and key game, but it is all about security.  So they say. 

There is a call box at the front door to my building and so I can buzz people in, but then have to go down and meet them since the fob is needed to activate the elevator.  So anyone coming over or a delivery, I am headed downstairs to meet them.  Well, I guess that means no surprise visits.  That can be a good thing.  Oh and that gold key that got me in the building at the parking level is also the key you need to get in the various facilities around the complex like the swimming pool or party room if need be.  Then there is the big screen theater and the weight room and trust me I will never use it to get in the tanning bed room!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Ford Mustang

Sometimes things happen that make you pause.  49 years ago today on April 17, 1964, Ford introduced the Mustang at the New York World's Fair.  As noted in Wikipedia:  The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1964 and 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobile known as the pony car. The Mustang’s styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of imitators.

It was initially introduced as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version put on sale the following year. At the time of its introduction, the Mustang, sharing its underpinnings with the Falcon, was slotted into a compact car segment.

With each revision, the Mustang saw an increase in overall dimensions and in engine power. The 1971 model saw a drastic redesign to its predecessors. After an initial surge, sales were steadily declining and Ford began working on a new generation Mustang. With the onset of the 1973 oil crisis, Ford was prepared, having already designed the smaller Mustang II for the 1974 model year. This new car had no common components with preceding models.

My sister had a robin-egg blue Mustang that had a white interior.  Maybe more of a cream.  The memory I had of it was she loaned it to my brother I believe to take up to Mt. Ashland.  Well, the car got hit by an innertube.  Her insurance covered the damage noting it was hit by a UFO.  If this is not accurate, I am sure I will be getting a text message!  And so goes the day.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Back In The Saddle

So made it into the office this day and it has been non-stop. What's new? LOL! But I do plan to be headed home to put the foot up for a while. Needless to say, food was very low priority for me this weekend and so will be stopping to get some chicken to make a meal.  I was able to get by with some basic cooking, but a lot of the kitchen is still not unpacked yet.  It feels like I am on a camping trip in a way.

I am quite excited as tonight will be when I test out the Waste Valet for the first time.  From what I understand - you put out the black waste can and any recycling goes in these blue bags they provide.  This is done between 6-8pm.  Thereafter, it disappears at some point.  We shall see how it all works out.  I have not had that much garbage yet and all the boxes from the move are being broken down and returned to the office as they are file storage boxes, perfect size to move things.

My sister Janet arrived last night in Seattle with several colleagues as they are touring three schools this day to get ideas for their new lower school that is being planned.  It is good that they felt that the teachers should have a say in the design and not just left to the architects, etc.  They had some challenges finding the motel last night due to GPS sending them in circles, but I was able to assist a bit.  This morning they are going to one of my favorite breakfast places in the city - Glo's!  It is a small place up on Capital Hill and my friend Michael swear their Eggs Florentine is the best anywhere.  He has it every time he can when in town.  I love their lemon curd pancakes and have great old fashion hash browns!  Click here to jump to their website. 

Tonight will be quite low key even though I wish to get back to unpacking, but the foot is telling me otherwise and I have this feeling it is best to listen to it.  So for now I shall bow out and wish you all a good night.

Monday, April 15, 2013

The Foot & Boston

Decided to manage as best I could with the foot, but before long knew a trip to the emergency clinic was needed. Got there and they were impressed with what I had done, but really got it cleaned and dressed proper and gave me added dressing plus some pain killers. I do not like them and they make me have horrible dreams. Took 4 of the 6 that they gave me, but then stopped as I need to consider going into the office tomorrow and when taking them do not feel safe to drive.  Worked from home this day to the point of making some calls and having staff laugh at me.

Then it happened.  Just before noon our time, the news breaks that there had been two explosions in Boston near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  So very sad.  There has been a lot of coverage and so will not revisit, but did like this graphic I saw on a friend's facebook posting:
Did hear from my friend Tim that he was ok and that his friends who were at the race were fine.  Also, another friend was actually running the race and got stopped at mile 25.  It is truly sad to see that it is becoming increasingly dangerous to just attend simple public events.  But then, we are not alone.  Look only to see what is happening in Iraq.  Here is a posting from my friend Helene on her facebook:  While heinous bomber(s) killed and maimed in Boston, in Iraq, leading up to this weekend's elections, the current casualty count for several bombings is 36 with over 200 wounded. I think of the people in Boston, and I think of the people in Iraq.  I can only pause and think of all that is happening around us.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Schillington Plaza Closes

Yes folks, the option of the roll away is going to be disappearing as I have come to the realization that there just is no room for it at the new apartment. I currently have it sitting in the living room and so Uncle Markie is going to take it back (it is his actually) and it will be leaving in the next couple of weeks.  Moonsong will be moving it in the next couple of weeks.  Thus, another release as I get settled in.  As for sleeping, I am excited about the new king bed arriving. Will make sleeping so much more enjoyable. It should be here by next weekend I am hoping. Have slowly been making progress, but yesterday it all came to a halt.
 
Life got to me. Perhaps it was the first day in a while that I could relax and let my guard down but just everything came crashing in and I just had a great old long cry. Much needed and very cleansing. It was joy and anger and frustration and confusion plus so many other emotions all coming together to be released to the universe. 
 
Needless to say, I was pretty much a wash the rest of the day and so decided not to fight it and go with it so awoke this morning and started again. Was on the third box or so and then it happened...I somehow stubbed my middle toe of my right foot in just the right way as to rip out the entire nail structure of that toe. Talk about painful. It hurt like there was no tomorrow.  Did my best to take care of it and spent the balance of the day with the foot elevated and resting.  Needless to say it was a challenge to get much done let alone getting to the bathroom.  It has got to get better! 

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Friday, April 12, 2013

Notations On The New Place

Yes the weekend is within sight and I can only state it cannot be here too soon. It has been a rough week and so glad I will be able to have time to breath and continue on my quest to get things put away. Yesterday I was able to get the breakfast counter cleared and that was a positive step forward. The weather is not suppose to be the best this weekend and that will be a good incentive for me to keep plugging along on the project. The good thing is that once it is done, it is done I don't have to unpack over and over again.

The interesting thing thus far has been about storage. There is actually less storage now than what I had at the old place. This can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. I opt for the former. It makes me be smarter about what I plan to keep around the place as I move forward. I have mentioned that I have been on purging spree and that will continue as I open more boxes and see that there are items that I just do not need any longer. I was amazed at how many separate items got moved and to think I had been letting go of things for the past 5 years if not longer. There is a simpleness in my bedroom right now that I want to maintain. In fact, I am seeing it in the kitchen as well. Now it needs to progress to the main living space.

With the new place there are several things that I have to say is a lot nicer. First up is ease of finding a parking space each evening. What a difference from the old place. No more fighting with shoppers to snag a spot. Next is the waste issue. Just putting the container outside my door any evening from Sunday through Thursday is a real treat and makes life a lot more simple. I enjoy having the balcony and even there I want to be sure to keep it simple and not overdo as is easy to do when you have a new space like that.

Thus, I want to wish one and all a very happy weekend and know that I will continue to keep you posted on the various comings and goings as I settle into the new place.  To date the biggest change has been leaving about 15 minutes earlier for work, but that is really not all that bad.  I will share though that once I get in for the night, I am seeing that I have no desire to go back out, but this will likely change once all the settling is done.  Stay tuned...

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Happy Thoughts Thursday

So this is one of those entries that you just do because you want to have a smile on your face.  What better way than to look at three of my favorite things.  I love fun and festive balloons and it seems they are going to become harder and harder to find with helium now that there is a shortage.  But this is a bright and cheery picture.

Next is champagne.  It is one of my favorite things in the world.  If there is one beverage I will default to it is champagne.  But at the same time that does not mean I will snub vodka or perhaps a nice crisp white wine when offered.  Do not even get me started on the red wine category.  Alas, I do feel there are many choices I enjoy including water.  But the one thing you do not have to worry about is sharing any of the brown colored spirits.  Just do not like them.  Nasty!
And of course there are the men...hey if this can't put a smile on your face then you need some serious therapy.  Totally a gratuitous picture and yet tasteful.  Yes I do prefer a bit of fur on my guys and that is a totally personal preference.  Not saying that everyone has the same taste but hey it is my blog and this entry is about Happy Thoughts!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Hump Day Thoughts


Sometimes I think I am going crazy.  It all sort of comes together and I want to scream.   I have been mind fried when I get home and it is all I can do to just try and be focused. Oh well, it will all calm down in due course.  The whole past couple of weeks has taken a toll on me and I do think it has finally caught up with me. Should just take a night off and let it all go, but that is easier said than done. 

I do not think I have had 4 new staff being trained at any one time like this. Granted Megan in Minneapolis is doing pretty good and so not a lot of oversight is needed. Courtney in Phoenix is picking up things and the daily calls are not nearly as long as they were. April in Chicago is causing a bit of concern, but I will be patient and see how it goes. She operates like a turtle at times and it drives me crazy. Finally, we just hired Ashlyn in San Francisco and she is like a deer in the headlights and it will be fine once things calm down. She replaced a guy who just could not cut it.

Work is a challenge and yet I do try and stay focused.  Now the move is out of the way, I need to get things settled so that I can continue my pursuit of making a change on my work situation.  There are times I just want to stand up and walk out the door, yet it is not a reality in that oh there is insurance and meeting my financial obligations.  Simple things like that.  But this is something that needs to get a lot more focus.  The way I see it is that I need to get my space settled and thus I can be more calm and be able to focus attention. 

My best laid plans have not quite panned out this week. I had a goal of opening and storing 4-5 boxes a day. Got it done on Monday. 2 boxes Tuesday and really only got the grocery delivery put away today. The delivery guy did a double take at the door saying, "Hey haven't I seen you someplace else?" We talked about Uwajimaya and he commented, and I have to agree, the neighborhood down there has gotten a lot rougher over the past 5 years. Tomorrow is Friday Eve and I actually made it so I have next to nothing happening over the weekend to allow for a good chunk of the unpacking to occur. I need to get boxes moved and open up space to assemble the shelf unit and then a good 10 boxes will be put in that.

Last night I had a chance to talk with a friend in California about the move and it was noted that there is still a lot of excess in the kitchen alone - really do I need 24 martini glasses? No, I don't think so. And again, really 60+ glasses why? Going to trim that down to like 24 which is still too much! And then there is the not one, but three pasta pots - REALLY! Why so many. As I put the various cook wear items in the cabinets I was stunned to see things I have never used in years. They will be going out the door.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Not The Tuesday I Had Planned

I would like to say that I was quite productive today, but I would be lying. I walked into the office after being out since last week and it was crazy. Finally got out of here and made my way home and just had a quiet and relaxing evening. I did take time to just sit back and enjoy the sunset...it was stunning.  I can see these as a major benefit of the new location.  Have I mentioned how I am sleeping like a log in the new apartment?  That is just amazing.  Same bed, different location.

Monday, April 8, 2013

The Move Happened

Good Evening, it has been quite the week. In some ways it was good how it all turned out, I learned a lot this weekend. Being surrounded by all those boxes and bags it was a whole lot of stuff and yet I did not have access to it. I had to really live simple with a few items and it showed just how easy it is to get by without much. I do see another round of letting go happening as I unpack and see that while I have enjoyed a lot of things over the years, much can be released into the universe.
 
One item that has already been released is the rainbow glass sculpture. It did not make the move in one piece. A claim has been filed and it is funny in that while I owned it for over a decade I was always concerned that it would break. Well, it did finally and so I let it go. I can say without hesitation that the two movers were great guys and yes, they had really nice butts to look at! LOL! Hey, I can window shop and there is no problem there. 
 
Alas, today came early and it was up doing final loads of laundry and making sure all cabinets were empty and I was ready by 9am. They arrived just after 9 and it was all empty by 10:45am. I met them up at the new place and the one bummer was the slow elevator. But they got it done and now the apartment is still awash in boxes that I am slowly tackling 4-5 boxes a day. I am in no rush, no reason. I will get the main wall unit up this weekend most likely. My goal today was to return cable stuff to old provider and get some errands run. The bed got set-up and hey, I even installed my own cable and internet.
 
The CPAP got put together and I enjoyed an evening of watching an amazing sunset - that will be a real treat with the new place kind of reminding me of the days at the beach house and those stunning sunsets.  Reminds me of the days at the beach house at Arch Cape and watching the sunsets.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sunday Surprise

Sunday was one that I have to say will be in the memory books for a while. Got up and after watching "CBS Sunday Morning" hit the road and drove down to Tacoma. There I caught the ferry over to Vashon Island and drove the length of the island stopping for coffee along the way. At the other end of the island I caught the ferry back over to West Seattle. Making my way home I arrived a bit after noon. The afternoon was spent calling friends and grabbing a long and leisurely nap. Oh they are a wonderful thing. I took time in the evening to get the final boxes ready as I had things I was using right up to the end and needed to pack them early Monday before the movers arrived.

Alas due to the Academy of Country Music Awards, there was no "The Amazing Race" this week and I am not a happy camper about that.  It is a favorite to watch and share opinions and text messages with my sister, Janet.  Also enjoy touching base with Ani as well as Jodie and Rob.  But it will just have to wait until next week.  And hey, I will be at the new place by then!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Slumber Saturday

With the weekend before me I decided to take advantage of the unplanned opportunity and indulge in a few things that I do not normally get to do. Saturday had me sleeping in and enjoying a wonderful and relaxing morning of no stress and just taking it slow followed by a deep nap. Just perfect and then it was down to Uwajimaya to get sushi for lunch and then back up to the apartment to enjoy and get some long delayed reading out of the way. I had an emergency order delivered from Amazon fresh to tie me over for the weekend on Friday and that made for a fun dinner and I took the evening just to stare out the window at the intense rains and watch the planes landing - that is something I will really miss to be honest.

Friday, April 5, 2013

10 American Habits Brits Will Never Understand

Well, the movers are not coming and I am bummed, but now I need to get this blog caught up and so to infill I am going to be adding a few fun things I have found along the way.  In this case it is from the BBC and here is the list of 10 things that we, as Americans, do that the Brits do not understand.  Enjoy!

1. Flossing
Digging sharp string between your teeth everyday is standard oral hygiene procedure in America. We know we’re supposed to do this too, but it hurts and it’s boring. Most Brits probably own a tub of floss, but only dust it off before a date or dental appointment.

2. Compulsive baking
This one I like, although I don’t get how people with children and jobs and pets find the time to whip up regular batches of themed, iced and elaborately flavored cupcakes, muffins and brownies. It’s America’s most family friendly superpower.

3. Sending personalized holiday cards
By this, I mean those creepy Christmas cards with a family portrait on the front. The children are wearing elf outfits while the parents grin unnaturally. Inside, there’s a run-down of the family’s year and, more importantly, its achievements. I’ve even heard of people inserting copies of their kids’ report cards.

4. Talking to strangers unprompted
This happens most often on public transport. I’ll be on a plane or train in the U.S., minding my own business, when someone I’ve never met will try to start a conversation. Short of pretending to be deaf and/or French, there’s nothing to be done.

5. Whooping
Americans like to let the world know that they’re having fun or approve heartily of what’s being said or done in front of them by contorting their vocal chords into a shape that will allow them to pump out obnoxious mouth hoots, one after another. One word: earplugs.

6. Compulsive sentimentality
Gushing public displays are usually meant well but give Brits the creeps. For instance, my husband and I recently checked out of a B&B after a two-night stay. Instead of bidding us farewell with a firm handshake and a receipt, the owner – a man in his 50s – latched on to me, then my man, for a prolonged hug. Just when we thought it was over, he announced, “I’ll miss you guys!” No, actually. You won’t.

7. Drinking milk
Moo juice is meant for putting on cereal, adding to pancake batter and pouring in tea. Americans must have missed the memo because they drink the stuff neat. To me, this is only slightly less absurd than eating a plate of salt and pepper for dinner.

8. Ordering supersize portions
In American cinemas, patrons load up with pails of soda so vast they require their own seat. They must have bladders the size of hot air balloons. Plates of food, meanwhile, more closely resemble those guilt-inducing, this-is-what-you-eat-in-a-week spreads laid out by TV diet gurus than a single course of a single meal meant for one person.

9. Taking home leftovers
Thanks to the previous point, doggy bags have long been part of American restaurant culture. I can’t quite bring myself to make off with my unfinished fare. It feels… icky. Plus, I’ve usually overeaten, and I’m convinced I’ll never want to look at food again. Naturally, I regret this decision in the morning.

10. Eating breakfast together
You know in films featuring perfect American families there’s always a scene where an implausibly jolly parent makes the kids pancakes in the shape of dinosaurs, then the entire household sits down to a sumptuous spread. Well, I am reliably informed that this kind of thing actually happens here. Breakfast is something Brits have if they’re hung over or if the hotel they’re staying in provides it. We’d never be so eccentric as to sit down and eat it at the same time — and in the same location — as our loved ones.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Hey I'm Packing!

You think I have time to do a blog posting today?  I don't think so.  You will be happy to know I was sneaky and did this posting yesterday so it would show up today so that those of you out there who check-in would not have the chance to say I did not keep up with the posting while the move was going on.  Alas...Friday's post may have to wait until Saturday...or Sunday.  Now where is that heating pad?

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

What's Happening?

This is kind of how I am feeling right now.  Work is stressful and yet I will be out the next two days with the move.  The move is not quite where I would like to be and then there is the whole thing about making a huge move to Boston that looms out there.  Add in a tad complicated love life right now and it is all just a bit overwhelming.  I just try and keep breathing and moving along.  Have a nice day!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Best Of Planning...

Why is it that you plan a simple afternoon/evening of packing and something so simple goes so wrong.  Maybe due to something like the picture above that just amuses me to no end.  But I am getting ahead of myself.  The day started off just fine.  Got up and enjoyed my oatmeal while watching the weather report and enjoying a cool glass of iced coffee.  Brushed the teeth and headed off to the office for my usual crazed Tuesday.  Alas, it was not nearly as bad as it can be at times.  Cranked out projects and was able to clear not one, but two conference calls without a lot of hassle.  Our trip to Peru scheduled for September has hit a bit of a snag, but there are two work arounds and so will pursue those tomorrow. 

Three o'clock arrived and it was time to head out and right then got a call from a member with lots of questions on a trip and so needed to address them and so delayed 20 minutes...next stop was Walgreen's to pickup 3 prescriptions and then the bank to do a deposit.  Got to the apartment and did a quick vacuum as there was debris all over the floor.  Trying to stay a bit sane.  Load of laundry in the washer and a late light lunch to tie me over to dinner.  Then went in and got a couple of boxes packed.  Feeling confident.  Hello WALL!  Seriously, there is something in me that by about 5-6 pm I just hit empty.  NOT FUN!  I feel like a lump of coal or something.  Chatted with Damon for about an hour, the first time we have actually talked in days since he had no voice. 

Afterwards, I was able to get some more boxes assembled, but not a lot more.  Quite frustrating and yet that is one of the reasons I decided to move the actual move to Friday to give me all of tomorrow to get everything in order.  Mind you, to the common man, I am so far beyond a normal prep for a move, but to me it should all be done and done.  Not quite.  Also, spent way too many emails this day trying to confirm exactly which wall is to be the accent painted wall.  Why am I scared.

By now, it was time for dinner as I continue to use up the leftovers.  My plan to use the hamburger this evening has been flushed as it just does not look right and really is it a time to risk anything - I don't think so.  And so it was a final order placed to a Hawaiian Joint I have loved and enjoyed shrimp, salad and fried rice for dinner.  I happen to mention it would be my last order due to the move and so they threw in something called Haupia.  It is a dessert item.

From Wikipedia - Haupia is a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert often found at luaus and other local gatherings in Hawaiʻi. Since World War II, it has become popular as a topping for white cake, especially at weddings. Although technically considered a pudding, the consistency of haupia closely approximates gelatin dessert and is usually served in blocks like gelatin.

Totally spaced it and so it will be tasted and experienced tomorrow.  I am full and watching a bit of TV before drifting off to slumberland.  Before I close, I have to make a comment on a show I could only bare to watch for all of 3-4 minutes.  It is called "Splash" and is on ABC.  It is about various stars and/or athletes that do diving routines.  I am sorry, but it is just totally stupid and I do not use that word often.  Good Night!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Not Quite The Day I Had Planned

Yes, it is the first Day of the Month and so did the whole Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit thing and knew it was April Fool's Day and thus ready for anything.  But I headed into the office and first up it was that as of now I am parking in regular parking spaces and not handicapped spaces any more.  Big change and one that is welcome.  In two weeks it will be a year since getting out of the hospital and thus I am more than happy to take this next step.  It is just odd in that I am so used to parking in the same spot.  Now it is a free for all.  Next, once in the office some of the staff have kids and so with it being spring break they are working earlier hours and it was odd having people in the office so early, not a bad thing, just different.
 
Mark was in a good mood - this is so not like him and so I was cautious to be sure.  Heck, even Lucy did not work this weekend which was a miracle - she is the controller and works just about every day and that is just wrong!  Curtis, my event coordinator here in Seattle, was not his normal bubbly self and actually left early.  Text messages filled the day from Damon and Tim, another thing that does not happen all that frequent.  Sure one or two, but my phone was vibrating all day long.  Like I say, it was just not a normal day. 
 
I did manage to get out of the office by 3pm and headed north to get the car washed and also try out driving up and around the lake to my new place as I dropped off the accent paint and the rent check.  They were quite impressed I was willing to pay even though I am not officially living there until Friday.  This is not a drive I plan to do all that often.  Runs a good 15-20 minutes longer than driving I-90 across the water and up I-5 to Lake City Way exit and in.  That way only takes about 30 minutes at best.  What I do know is that I am glad I like to get to work early and not deal with all the traffic hassle.  I do sense changes coming in seeing friends and all in that while I will be closer to Rob & Jodie which will be a delight, there will be a greater distance to venturing to see Markie.  He was in quite a slump on Saturday when he gave up the keys and keycard to the apartment.  It was a tad amusing. 
 
Arriving home I enjoyed a nice salad for dinner and sat down to watch the news and other than assembling about 10 boxes, got nothing done.  I did make a list in my mind of what needs to be done, but the day had tapped me out and I just needed to take a break.  So much has happened in the past two weeks and I have been trying to march on and it just all sort of came crashing down on me.  Not that I was upset, but it just drained me of any energy that I had.  Tomorrow is another day.