Congratulations! You all are my accountability... I started a "new" diet/exercise plan about 2.5 weeks ago - it's a 12 week program called "Body For Life."
Each week, I'll update this with my progress - big time accountability, I know. Not that any of you would really hound me, but the fact that I have to publicly tell everyone...well, it will kinda take care of itself.
I'm not a big "cheater" when it comes to stuff like this; I'm usually really good when I've set my mind to something. However, I plan to do this for my 12 weeks and then maybe start another 12 week session depending on how it's going - and once I finish it once or even halfway, I start psyching myself out of how much time it's taking vs how much progress... But I'm losing body fat and building lean muscle!!!!
Ok, so here we go - Progress:
Week 01: -1.5 lbs
Week 02: -3 lbs (+ cardio levels .5 mph)
Week 03: +.5 lbs
Week 04: +/- 0 lbs (+ cardio levels .3 mph)
(The book says it is often about Week 7 before women's metabolism really kicks in and regulates [sigh] - starting to get a little discouraged)
Week 05: -1.5 lbs
Week 06: +/- 0 lbs
Week 07: - 1.0 lbs (+ cardio levels .2 mph)(pants, shirts, watch, & ring fit noticeably looser this week!)
Week 08: +/- 0 lbs
Week 09: -0.5 lbs
Week 10: +/- 0.0 lbs
Week 11: -1.5 lbs
Week 12: +1.o lbs (-7.5 lbs total)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
She Really....Sucks?
I've had Shatze for just over four years. She's big, she's scary....she's a big baby!
She opens her mouth as wide as she can and places it over her hip (action shot).
The top of her mouth goes almost all the way over to her spine and her bottom jaw covers that entire side of her underbelly. Then she sucks on it and whines through her nose until I make her stop or she decides to fall asleep.
Then she goes to sleep and her side is covered in dog slobber... It's usually this side of her body, but she will do the other side if that is the only option.
It's been four years and people are still mesmerized watching her do this. She completely zones out - the only way I can really make her stop is to put my fingers in her mouth. She does it no more and no less than when I first adopted her....
She has, however, gained almost 30lbs and is very social/loyal 7 year-old(?) dog who acts younger than she is. She thinks she's a lap dog and wants tons of attention. Don't mess with me or my roommate though, because she has made her loyalty pretty clear at my soccer games where she barked and snarled at anyone on the opposing team who came near me, nearly breaking her leash...and the bleachers she was tied to.
Has anyone else ever seen a dog that does this? Just curious if there are any other common theories out there because it really is just weird.
Shatze was a "pound puppy." Home from college, I happened to be visiting an old youth group friend who was doing some "community service" working at the local animal shelter. I walked around with him for awhile making him show me all the animals while telling me about his life. Finally at the end of the kennels, there was "Sweetie" (aka: Shatze). Emaciated and shaking, there was no eye contact to be made by this 40lb dog.
Shatze was an "owner surrender," meaning she was taken from her owner, but that's about all my friend knew about her. He thought he had heard something about a puppy mill and kennels, but didn't know for sure. She was sickly skinny, wouldn't eat, wouldn't allow any attention to her, and hid in the back corner of the kennel with her back turned and shaking if you came near her. Of course, I tried to coax her to let me pet her - thinking maybe she just needed a non-threatening small female. Ummm...no. I crawled partially into the kennel where Shatze became paralyzed with fear. She didn't growl or snap at me, just zoned out and shook - then started crying.
I slowly backed out of the kennel and turned to my friend for his thoughts on her. She intrigued me. As I stood there talking to him with my back turned to her, I started bouncing a tennis ball I found at some point - probably to relieve the awkwardness of this conversation after no communication for four years (and I didn't know him that well to begin with). I guess we didn't find it important to shut Shatze's kennel since she was fear-stricken at the sight of us, but none the less, the tennis ball didn't bounce back up when I dropped it the last time.
My friend started laughing and I turned around to see Shatze sitting in her kennel looking at me, chewing my tennis ball! Bah? So, I took it back - and did it again. Once I turned my back to her, she snuck out and took it again. We played this game for a while and she finally quit going back in her kennel - then I could throw it and she'd bring it back to an extent and leave it. There was a lot more to this dog... I fell in love with her...
That's when my friend told me they had contacted the closest Doberman Rescue and they couldn't come get her because of her health, temperament, and location. So, that day happened to be Shatze's last day...unless she was adopted. I didn't need another dog - I had a terrible one already. I had a red Doberman as a kid - she was my favorite dog....
Well, obviously I adopted her...and changed her name to Shatze. (The name"Sweetie" was just...lame - and with the knowledge she may have been abused/neglected, I thought it best to change it to something that may sound similar to her, but was new). My father informed me "Shatze" meant "sweetie" or "sweetheart" in German...and she's a German breed - done.
The ride home was horrible - she cried, whined, and paced in the backseat the entire time (and still does 4 years later). I took her to the vet - they thought she was about 3 years old and had obviously had a litter of puppies recently (she was 40lbs and all teets!)
The point of this blog? Long story short, Shatze has a weird mental...thing. She curls in a tight ball and sucks her hip to go to sleep.
She opens her mouth as wide as she can and places it over her hip (action shot).
The top of her mouth goes almost all the way over to her spine and her bottom jaw covers that entire side of her underbelly. Then she sucks on it and whines through her nose until I make her stop or she decides to fall asleep. 
Then she goes to sleep and her side is covered in dog slobber... It's usually this side of her body, but she will do the other side if that is the only option. I mentioned this to the vet who looked at her hips and said he couldn't find anything wrong and that it was probably a coping mechanism she adopted from living in a tiny kennel, being weened too early, or maybe both. He also stated she would probably outgrow it with a normal home...
It's been four years and people are still mesmerized watching her do this. She completely zones out - the only way I can really make her stop is to put my fingers in her mouth. She does it no more and no less than when I first adopted her....
She has, however, gained almost 30lbs and is very social/loyal 7 year-old(?) dog who acts younger than she is. She thinks she's a lap dog and wants tons of attention. Don't mess with me or my roommate though, because she has made her loyalty pretty clear at my soccer games where she barked and snarled at anyone on the opposing team who came near me, nearly breaking her leash...and the bleachers she was tied to.
Has anyone else ever seen a dog that does this? Just curious if there are any other common theories out there because it really is just weird.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Unemployed...(sigh)
This week finds me unemployed - no-notice - that's what happens when you work kinda contract labor type stuff... One day they decide they can't afford labor and you're the one that gets cut - no notice, no benefits, no severance...
Except the crappy part of this was that I had about 3 months notice, but they stated they had gotten approval to extend me though November 2008...then they didn't follow through with the funding and told me two days after my "contract" had expired - so yeah, they owe me for a couple of days of work.
Now I'm job hunting (insert crappy tone of voice here). I applied for yet another position this morning - resume #11 sent out.
(sigh) What do I want to be when I grow up?
I've learned from my previous jobs that the things I thought I would really want to do when I was younger, I still have a desire to do (see #1 and 2 below). And the career paths I've developed as I've gotten older, I find to be unsatisfying, though they pay more. I've never been one to want a job just because it's "higher paying," but it seems that is what society tells you to do.
Of course there is a natural progression of career paths I can take from the experience gained in my current job, but I don't like the "benefits" and "benefits" are supposed to be "beneficial" right?
I don't know exactly what I want, but I do know that I don't want:
1. A 24-hour on-call schedule and an "electronic leash" (aka: company phone). When I leave work, I want to LEAVE work.
2. A job that does not pay overtime for regularly required 12-14 hour days
3. A job that involves weekends or shifts
4. A job that "requires" you to be away from home regularly
5. A job that "requires" you to move every 3-7 years
I think I might want to:
1. Teach/coach high school (everyone tells me this is ridiculous, though I think some are called)
2. Work in Health/Wellness/Fitness
3. Work for myself (doing what? I don't know).
Things I have been told that I will not consider:
1. Counseling
2. Police Officer
Things I said when I was younger, but also no longer consider:
1. Veterinarian (Didn't every kid say that?) I think I starting using this when people laughed at my #3...
2. A truck driver
3. American Gladiator (though they are making a come back)
Except the crappy part of this was that I had about 3 months notice, but they stated they had gotten approval to extend me though November 2008...then they didn't follow through with the funding and told me two days after my "contract" had expired - so yeah, they owe me for a couple of days of work.
Now I'm job hunting (insert crappy tone of voice here). I applied for yet another position this morning - resume #11 sent out.
(sigh) What do I want to be when I grow up?
I've learned from my previous jobs that the things I thought I would really want to do when I was younger, I still have a desire to do (see #1 and 2 below). And the career paths I've developed as I've gotten older, I find to be unsatisfying, though they pay more. I've never been one to want a job just because it's "higher paying," but it seems that is what society tells you to do.
Of course there is a natural progression of career paths I can take from the experience gained in my current job, but I don't like the "benefits" and "benefits" are supposed to be "beneficial" right?
I don't know exactly what I want, but I do know that I don't want:
1. A 24-hour on-call schedule and an "electronic leash" (aka: company phone). When I leave work, I want to LEAVE work.
2. A job that does not pay overtime for regularly required 12-14 hour days
3. A job that involves weekends or shifts
4. A job that "requires" you to be away from home regularly
5. A job that "requires" you to move every 3-7 years
I think I might want to:
1. Teach/coach high school (everyone tells me this is ridiculous, though I think some are called)
2. Work in Health/Wellness/Fitness
3. Work for myself (doing what? I don't know).
Things I have been told that I will not consider:
1. Counseling
2. Police Officer
Things I said when I was younger, but also no longer consider:
1. Veterinarian (Didn't every kid say that?) I think I starting using this when people laughed at my #3...
2. A truck driver
3. American Gladiator (though they are making a come back)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Memories of Mammy - "Mammy Stories" and "Mammy Baths"
I had just finished my freshman year of college and moved up North to Denton, TX for the summer where I took a job working at an amazing summer camp for the handicapped. My sister Wendi was graduating high school that year, so I drove back for the graduation ceremony.
Mammy had driven herself down and located the family before we all became lost in the sea of silver bleachers at the stadium. As we were sitting there, several old friends and lots of parents/teachers we knew came along to say hello and see what I was doing in my one year away from the small town - That's when Mammy decided to put her two cents in:
Let me also preface this post by saying - Mammy makes up a lot of stories in her head and believes them. We still haven't determined whether it's better to be a "favorite grandchild" or a "not-so favorite," because the stories are pretty bad either way...
As for me, I've always been a "favorite." I think mainly because I look like my father and therefore, that side of the family, and used to "help" on the farm when I was a kid to get out of the house. So I get "good stories." For example, at Wendi's graduation, (I was 19, almost 20) Mammy told everyone that the hardest part of me leaving the area and going to college was that I couldn't just go over to Mammy's house whenever I wanted my "Mammy baths." Yes, "Mammy Baths!" She proceeded to tell everyone about how I always wanted to go over to Mammy's house for one of her baths and that I did a lot in high school after I got my driver's license....she further implied she personally bathed me! I was mortified - I recall staying at her house as a kid and taking my first shower instead of a bath when I was about 2nd grade because I was convinced she might try to drown us... It was scary trying to figure out how to work the shower, etc , and praying I didn't flood the bathroom, but I was more scared of her drowning me - that's how serious the fear was!
So this was all really funny since most everyone realized this was too outlandish to even believe. So this was a "good" story I got...because it was meant to be "special."
Separate occasion, but let me give you an example of a "not-so favorite" story. Wendi happens to be a "not-so favorite" for whatever reason my grandmother made up - I think because she looks more like my mom's side of the family... One of her stories goes a little like this: "Wendi nursed from my mother until she was 14 years old," therefore my grandmother called her "titty baby" when we were kids! Now, is this true? Most definitely not - my other little sister Jamie wouldn't share! And since she's about 2 1/2 years younger than Wendi, I am confident Wendi was weaned way before 14. And I would have been 15 when Wendi was weened - I think I'd remember that! Mammy did call her "titty baby" when Wendi was about 12 - I do remember that, but it was because Wendi wanted my mom to come pick us up from Mammy's and not stay the night - wouldn't any kid in their right mind? Besides, if she's telling people Wendi nursed until 14, you can imagine how old Wendi had to be when Mammy is telling the story - beyond the age of reason. But none-the-less, that is Wendi's "Mammy story" - and Wendi loves it (insert sarcasm here)!
I can't recall Jamie really having "a story"...but then again, she's in the middle of "the favorites" and the "not-so favorites." Mammy just gripes Jamie was too young when she got married, though Jamie was the same age my grandmother was when she got married - and she was married for over 50 years... My brothers: They just get blamed for anything she can't find in her house - "those boys must have stolen it!" Basically, their shared story is that they are thieves (which is unfounded - and I'm sure b/c they are both adopted)...then she finds it 2 minutes later... Ah memories...
Mammy had driven herself down and located the family before we all became lost in the sea of silver bleachers at the stadium. As we were sitting there, several old friends and lots of parents/teachers we knew came along to say hello and see what I was doing in my one year away from the small town - That's when Mammy decided to put her two cents in:
Let me also preface this post by saying - Mammy makes up a lot of stories in her head and believes them. We still haven't determined whether it's better to be a "favorite grandchild" or a "not-so favorite," because the stories are pretty bad either way...
As for me, I've always been a "favorite." I think mainly because I look like my father and therefore, that side of the family, and used to "help" on the farm when I was a kid to get out of the house. So I get "good stories." For example, at Wendi's graduation, (I was 19, almost 20) Mammy told everyone that the hardest part of me leaving the area and going to college was that I couldn't just go over to Mammy's house whenever I wanted my "Mammy baths." Yes, "Mammy Baths!" She proceeded to tell everyone about how I always wanted to go over to Mammy's house for one of her baths and that I did a lot in high school after I got my driver's license....she further implied she personally bathed me! I was mortified - I recall staying at her house as a kid and taking my first shower instead of a bath when I was about 2nd grade because I was convinced she might try to drown us... It was scary trying to figure out how to work the shower, etc , and praying I didn't flood the bathroom, but I was more scared of her drowning me - that's how serious the fear was!
So this was all really funny since most everyone realized this was too outlandish to even believe. So this was a "good" story I got...because it was meant to be "special."
Separate occasion, but let me give you an example of a "not-so favorite" story. Wendi happens to be a "not-so favorite" for whatever reason my grandmother made up - I think because she looks more like my mom's side of the family... One of her stories goes a little like this: "Wendi nursed from my mother until she was 14 years old," therefore my grandmother called her "titty baby" when we were kids! Now, is this true? Most definitely not - my other little sister Jamie wouldn't share! And since she's about 2 1/2 years younger than Wendi, I am confident Wendi was weaned way before 14. And I would have been 15 when Wendi was weened - I think I'd remember that! Mammy did call her "titty baby" when Wendi was about 12 - I do remember that, but it was because Wendi wanted my mom to come pick us up from Mammy's and not stay the night - wouldn't any kid in their right mind? Besides, if she's telling people Wendi nursed until 14, you can imagine how old Wendi had to be when Mammy is telling the story - beyond the age of reason. But none-the-less, that is Wendi's "Mammy story" - and Wendi loves it (insert sarcasm here)!
I can't recall Jamie really having "a story"...but then again, she's in the middle of "the favorites" and the "not-so favorites." Mammy just gripes Jamie was too young when she got married, though Jamie was the same age my grandmother was when she got married - and she was married for over 50 years... My brothers: They just get blamed for anything she can't find in her house - "those boys must have stolen it!" Basically, their shared story is that they are thieves (which is unfounded - and I'm sure b/c they are both adopted)...then she finds it 2 minutes later... Ah memories...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
My "TV Boyfriend" - RIP
I've never been one for TV/movie heroes, crushes, etc...but I've always said (at least the last 7 years or so) that if I had to have a "TV boyfriend," it would be Heath Ledger. Unfortunately, Heath passed away today at the age of 28.
Now I'm even "virtually" single... RIP, Heath.
Now I'm even "virtually" single... RIP, Heath.
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Great Deck of 2008
On the 6th day it was complete and on the 7th day, they rested...
Kris' parents came down from Anchorage and stayed about a week and half with us. It was great to see them. I guess the last time we saw them was this summer in Montana for Kris' sister's wedding. Hopefully, we'll make a trip up to Alaska this summer to visit them.
While they were here, they orchestrated this massive undertaking of an idea I have been toying with for a couple of years. Let me back up a bit to fill you in: I jokingly invited them to come down for Thanksgiving and help me build a deck. They seriously agreed, but stated they'd visit in January instead of November. So in late October, I hired a guy to help me rip out my window to the backyard and put in a french door, since the back door was actually on the side of the house (in the kitchen) and the backyard is huge for being in the city.
After this project was complete, there was about a 3ft drop to the ground, as you can see Shatze clearly illustrating - just begging for the deck!
I took some measurements and mapped out my minimum and max deck sizes (for pricing estimates). Kris' parents started drawing up some plans and then arrived in January. We got to work (mainly Kris' parents while we were at work) and knocked it out in 5.5 days! Here's some pics!
Setting pier blocks and pavers - and the daunting task of leveling them b/c the ground sure wasn't level.
Deciding how many levels b/c the ground wasn't level enough for the original plans.
Terry starting the top level to the door. Threshold plus step included...
Starting the deck top - composite redwood. (Cheaper than cedar in Oklahoma! Really!)
Friday afternoon - Terry finished the final 4 boards and sawed off the ends. Shatze was very curious where her grass went. 
Finished! - The deck crew, Jan 13-18, 2008!
Kris' parents came down from Anchorage and stayed about a week and half with us. It was great to see them. I guess the last time we saw them was this summer in Montana for Kris' sister's wedding. Hopefully, we'll make a trip up to Alaska this summer to visit them.
While they were here, they orchestrated this massive undertaking of an idea I have been toying with for a couple of years. Let me back up a bit to fill you in: I jokingly invited them to come down for Thanksgiving and help me build a deck. They seriously agreed, but stated they'd visit in January instead of November. So in late October, I hired a guy to help me rip out my window to the backyard and put in a french door, since the back door was actually on the side of the house (in the kitchen) and the backyard is huge for being in the city.
After this project was complete, there was about a 3ft drop to the ground, as you can see Shatze clearly illustrating - just begging for the deck!I took some measurements and mapped out my minimum and max deck sizes (for pricing estimates). Kris' parents started drawing up some plans and then arrived in January. We got to work (mainly Kris' parents while we were at work) and knocked it out in 5.5 days! Here's some pics!
Setting pier blocks and pavers - and the daunting task of leveling them b/c the ground sure wasn't level.
Deciding how many levels b/c the ground wasn't level enough for the original plans.
Terry starting the top level to the door. Threshold plus step included...
Starting the deck top - composite redwood. (Cheaper than cedar in Oklahoma! Really!)
Friday afternoon - Terry finished the final 4 boards and sawed off the ends. Shatze was very curious where her grass went. 
Finished! - The deck crew, Jan 13-18, 2008!Saturday, January 5, 2008
To the Parents of Amber...
Let me start by saying this is more of a rant than anything...
Let me begin:
A couple of days ago I received ANOTHER student loan offer addressed "To the Parents of Amber..." This offer bothers me for a number of reasons:
1. I am not a child; I'm a 27 year-old adult.
2. I have already finished college...twice...where did you get my info recently?
3. My parents didn't pay for my college - nor did they fill out my student loan paperwork...
4. I own this house! My name is on the deed and taxes - do your research!
But sending this "To the Parents of Amber..." doesn't make me want to use your company - it's rather insulting - even if I was in college. I would still be an adult and could check my own mail and fill out my own paperwork - or you could at least really send it to my parents... What a horrible marketing idea...
Let me begin:
A couple of days ago I received ANOTHER student loan offer addressed "To the Parents of Amber..." This offer bothers me for a number of reasons:
1. I am not a child; I'm a 27 year-old adult.
2. I have already finished college...twice...where did you get my info recently?
3. My parents didn't pay for my college - nor did they fill out my student loan paperwork...
4. I own this house! My name is on the deed and taxes - do your research!
But sending this "To the Parents of Amber..." doesn't make me want to use your company - it's rather insulting - even if I was in college. I would still be an adult and could check my own mail and fill out my own paperwork - or you could at least really send it to my parents... What a horrible marketing idea...
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