Our little pumpkin! 
Last night we attended the Harvest Festival at the daycare center Katie works at.
It was our first official grandparent event!
Smiling at Gramps, he's funny!
10.31.2009
Harvest Festival
Our little pumpkin! Last night we attended the Harvest Festival at the daycare center Katie works at.It was our first official grandparent event! Smiling at Gramps, he's funny! 
10.28.2009
"Fat Blasting Mile"
I used to exercise to Denise Austin workouts on Lifetime Channel every morning. I was so proud of myself, and I could actually see progress, particularly in the area of being more limber. Then they cancelled her show (or maybe they moved it to the middle of the night, either way I couldn't watch it anymore).
I went out and bought a Denise Austin Indoor Walking DVD. This was almost two years ago and I didn't open it til three weeks ago. I've made it through the "Easy Walk" workout, and am now doing the "Fat Blasting Mile". Yeah, right.
I love Denise Austin. She makes you feel like you're progressing even if you can't grab the tips of your toes and bring your leg up towards your bottom.
I'm getting a little irritated, though. I'm really sick of her cheerfully exhorting "have some fun!". Oh, ok, let me stop this torture and go do something fun. She smiles all the way through the routine. And, you know it must be super easy because SHE never breaks a sweat. I, on the other hand, well, you get the picture.
I must be a glutton for punishment. As soon as I get another 30% off coupon from Borders, I'm off to buy the Abs DVD. Have fun!
I went out and bought a Denise Austin Indoor Walking DVD. This was almost two years ago and I didn't open it til three weeks ago. I've made it through the "Easy Walk" workout, and am now doing the "Fat Blasting Mile". Yeah, right.
I love Denise Austin. She makes you feel like you're progressing even if you can't grab the tips of your toes and bring your leg up towards your bottom.
I'm getting a little irritated, though. I'm really sick of her cheerfully exhorting "have some fun!". Oh, ok, let me stop this torture and go do something fun. She smiles all the way through the routine. And, you know it must be super easy because SHE never breaks a sweat. I, on the other hand, well, you get the picture.
I must be a glutton for punishment. As soon as I get another 30% off coupon from Borders, I'm off to buy the Abs DVD. Have fun!
10.27.2009
Nine Years Ago Today
On October 27, 2000, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Now, I know there are much worse things to be diagnosed with, but for me, this was devestating news.
I grew up on the horror stories of "sugar diabetes". Hearing about children that came down with it, having to endure insulin shots multiple times a day in their stomachs. Hearing about adults that lost some toes, then some fingers, a foot, a hand, a leg - well, you get the picture.
I hate needles and I was scared to death that I would be the one giving myself shots in the stomach. Thank God for my doctor, Linda Motsch. She knew me, my aversion to needles and pills, and told me she thought I was a good candidate for controlling it with diet and exercise. I guess maybe she had picked up on my stubborn streak over the years of treating me!
I visited the Diabetic Educator at our local hospital, and immediately changed my eating habits. I (foolishly) waited a month to begin to test my blood sugar (it was the fear of the needle), but I did learn how with no problem. I lost over 50 pounds, and felt much better.
One of my fears about being diabetic, was (is) the fear of what will happen down the line. I've been able to control it for nine years with diet and exercise, but what happens if that changes? I know the complications, and none of them are pretty. But usually, I'm able to set those fears aside by looking at my record book and seeing day after day of acceptable blood sugars.
I've gotten used to the foods I can eat and when I can eat them. I do really good at staying on a strict schedule throughout the day. I don't feel bad when we go to events that fall outside of my schedule, I just don't eat. Or, I eat the non-carb foods if there are any. I've learned that it's the people I'm with, not the food that's being served that makes the event special.
All in all, having diabetes has been a blessing. It forced me to eat healthier (although why I couldn't figure it out on my own really bugs me). It forced me to consider my good health and work to preserve it. It totally changed my outlook on food. I now view food as something that's necessary, not something that's pleasurable or comforting.
It reminded me that self-discipline, while difficult, has its rewards. So, here's to the next nine years... hopefully medication free!
I grew up on the horror stories of "sugar diabetes". Hearing about children that came down with it, having to endure insulin shots multiple times a day in their stomachs. Hearing about adults that lost some toes, then some fingers, a foot, a hand, a leg - well, you get the picture.
I hate needles and I was scared to death that I would be the one giving myself shots in the stomach. Thank God for my doctor, Linda Motsch. She knew me, my aversion to needles and pills, and told me she thought I was a good candidate for controlling it with diet and exercise. I guess maybe she had picked up on my stubborn streak over the years of treating me!
I visited the Diabetic Educator at our local hospital, and immediately changed my eating habits. I (foolishly) waited a month to begin to test my blood sugar (it was the fear of the needle), but I did learn how with no problem. I lost over 50 pounds, and felt much better.
One of my fears about being diabetic, was (is) the fear of what will happen down the line. I've been able to control it for nine years with diet and exercise, but what happens if that changes? I know the complications, and none of them are pretty. But usually, I'm able to set those fears aside by looking at my record book and seeing day after day of acceptable blood sugars.
I've gotten used to the foods I can eat and when I can eat them. I do really good at staying on a strict schedule throughout the day. I don't feel bad when we go to events that fall outside of my schedule, I just don't eat. Or, I eat the non-carb foods if there are any. I've learned that it's the people I'm with, not the food that's being served that makes the event special.
All in all, having diabetes has been a blessing. It forced me to eat healthier (although why I couldn't figure it out on my own really bugs me). It forced me to consider my good health and work to preserve it. It totally changed my outlook on food. I now view food as something that's necessary, not something that's pleasurable or comforting.
It reminded me that self-discipline, while difficult, has its rewards. So, here's to the next nine years... hopefully medication free!
10.26.2009
Thank Heaven for...
...granddaughters! We got to spend some time with Katie and the baby yesterday. She is almost five months old and is such a delight!
Everytime we see her now, she's doing something new. Katie said her newest thing is rolling all over the floor. When she hits a solid item that stops her progress whe squawks in protest.
She really enjoys Dan and has started to recognize us when we come around. Below is her "flying" photo. She also has the sweetest little laugh. 
Katie & Gabe are fortunate, she is such a cheerful baby. It's such fun watching her personality emerge. Enjoy the photots!
10.25.2009
Radiant Church
Today we attended Radiant Church. We've been wanting to go there for months, but with Dan's work schedule, haven't been able to. I've listened to the sermons on the internet. There was a guest speaker today, so we'll have to go back next week to hear the Sr. Pastor.
The first thing that struck me about the church was how easy it was to get in and out of the parking lot. Of course, there are parking lot attendants directing you to certain areas, but the parking lot is well designed and we didn't have to "walk a mile" to the Worship Center.
We were only about 5 minutes early, so we couldn't walk around the lobby alot. The Welcome Center is front and center as you walk in the door. We paused there to see what info they had, and were immediately greeted and given some preliminary information about the service. Like the parking lot, the lobby was well laid out. It's not a long haul to the food court (or whatever they call it there), the bookstore, or the ministry tables.
Once inside, we were struck by the simplicity of the auditorium. It's not showy or intimidating. The atmosphere is truly casual, and there is a sense of community about the place that's hard for me to explain. The band was outstanding, the vocalists terrific, and the song selection was good. They did a cover of Kansas' hit: "Carry on My Wayward Son" during the offering that was excellent.
All in all, we felt comfortable there. It was a welcoming, accepting atmosphere. There were people from all age groups in the place. The informative video after the worship was just that, informative, in a very creative way.
We're looking forward to our visit next week!
The first thing that struck me about the church was how easy it was to get in and out of the parking lot. Of course, there are parking lot attendants directing you to certain areas, but the parking lot is well designed and we didn't have to "walk a mile" to the Worship Center.
We were only about 5 minutes early, so we couldn't walk around the lobby alot. The Welcome Center is front and center as you walk in the door. We paused there to see what info they had, and were immediately greeted and given some preliminary information about the service. Like the parking lot, the lobby was well laid out. It's not a long haul to the food court (or whatever they call it there), the bookstore, or the ministry tables.
Once inside, we were struck by the simplicity of the auditorium. It's not showy or intimidating. The atmosphere is truly casual, and there is a sense of community about the place that's hard for me to explain. The band was outstanding, the vocalists terrific, and the song selection was good. They did a cover of Kansas' hit: "Carry on My Wayward Son" during the offering that was excellent.
All in all, we felt comfortable there. It was a welcoming, accepting atmosphere. There were people from all age groups in the place. The informative video after the worship was just that, informative, in a very creative way.
We're looking forward to our visit next week!
10.24.2009
Paper Clutter
Ok, this post is really about paper addiction, I just couldn't bring myself to use that word in the title. I am addicted to paper. I'm not proud of it, but there it is. I admitted this to myself a few years ago, and yes, I also admitted it to a close friend for accountability purposes.
I LOVE paper!
All things paper: paper plates, napkins, scrapbook paper, stickers, sticky notes, envelopes, note cards, ribbons, bows, lists (I love lists! the kind that hang on the refrigerator), calendars (I really love calendars, I could own a dozen and not be satisfied!). You get the idea.
The problem is I love to buy paper products, but I don't use them once I get them home. They're too cute, or too unique, or too expensive. Whatever, I really don't need an excuse.
So, a couple of years ago when I realized that I keep bringing paper in the house, but it never goes out, I made a conscious decision to start a recovery process. The first thing I did was to use the great refrigerator lists that I had bought, one for each month. They were so cute! It was hard, but this year I used them up. And even better, I've restrained myself from buying new ones. This is harder than you might think, because Current Catalog has about 4 sets of lists I'd love to have!
Slowly but surely, I'm whittling away at all of my paper stashes. As usual, when it comes to decluttering, I feel much better. I can breathe. I can look at paper products now and tell myself, "no, you can't buy those until you use up all the ones you have at home."
Don't be too impressed, though. Now, I buy all the cute lists, sticky notes, note cards, etc. for gifts for my friends and family!
I LOVE paper!
All things paper: paper plates, napkins, scrapbook paper, stickers, sticky notes, envelopes, note cards, ribbons, bows, lists (I love lists! the kind that hang on the refrigerator), calendars (I really love calendars, I could own a dozen and not be satisfied!). You get the idea.
The problem is I love to buy paper products, but I don't use them once I get them home. They're too cute, or too unique, or too expensive. Whatever, I really don't need an excuse.
So, a couple of years ago when I realized that I keep bringing paper in the house, but it never goes out, I made a conscious decision to start a recovery process. The first thing I did was to use the great refrigerator lists that I had bought, one for each month. They were so cute! It was hard, but this year I used them up. And even better, I've restrained myself from buying new ones. This is harder than you might think, because Current Catalog has about 4 sets of lists I'd love to have!
Slowly but surely, I'm whittling away at all of my paper stashes. As usual, when it comes to decluttering, I feel much better. I can breathe. I can look at paper products now and tell myself, "no, you can't buy those until you use up all the ones you have at home."
Don't be too impressed, though. Now, I buy all the cute lists, sticky notes, note cards, etc. for gifts for my friends and family!
10.21.2009
Credit Cards
Today I'm going to rant and rave... about credit cards! Specifically the cards that come from the big banks. We only have a couple of credit cards, and they both have very low limits. They're for emergencies, primarily. I heard on the news last night that B of A is going to start charging a penalty if you pay off your balance each month.
We currently charge one item on each card every other month to avoid a penalty for non-use. Of course, we pay it off each month. So now, not only will we get charged if we don't use the card, we'll get charged if we don't keep a balance. Brother!
We are going to the Credit Union this week to get emergency cards from them. They're non-profit, so they don't care about making money on the credit cards. Then, I'm going to cancel my B of A card, let's see them charge me a penalty for that!
We currently charge one item on each card every other month to avoid a penalty for non-use. Of course, we pay it off each month. So now, not only will we get charged if we don't use the card, we'll get charged if we don't keep a balance. Brother!
We are going to the Credit Union this week to get emergency cards from them. They're non-profit, so they don't care about making money on the credit cards. Then, I'm going to cancel my B of A card, let's see them charge me a penalty for that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)