Misery Loves Company

Ella had a rough night with a sore tummy and icky throwing up. This morning she napped on the couch (yes napped. See, I told you she was sick!) and her two best buddies stood (or laid) guard over our sleeping angel. She is currently feeling much better and has been able to keep all of her breakfast and lunch in her tummy. She's all cozied up on her little couch in front of NOGGIN sipping warm water, her requested beverage.
I hope no one else has a yucky tummy. It really is no fun.

Report to the General

Yeah, my reporting day has changed. I keep forgetting to do it on Fridays.

I am +/- 0..... Whatever. I am getting stronger and going to the gym 4-5 days a week before work. I am not going to let the scale bring me down!

I really need some new sneakers. It is especially noticeable on the days I do the treadmill. Maybe next pay day... Time to get work going. We open in 10 minutes!

Current Affairs

I have finished knitting the hat! Here is Ella heading out to catch the bus this morning...

Trick-or-treat pictures...

I know, these are a little late...

Ella hooked up with her BFF, Clio, for the big night. Isn't Dorothy (Clio) the cutest thing?SuperGirl and Dorothy were soooooo excited!

They started running amok before we even got outside!Mellissanda joined us for the door to door activities. She is a fun new friend at Ella's school and we are very glad that she moved to Clio's hood. It makes play time that much simpler. After the girls were frozen to the bone we went back to Clio's for yummy soup and salad. Clio's parents are the best! Thanks again for feeding us!

Halloween Night just wouldn't be as fun without you.

Crappy Monday

I have a horrible headache. It's rainy and cold. Work is very frustrating today. I still did my workout with Liz, but things were not smoothe for either of us this morning. I should check my horoscope and see what's going on in the stars...

http://my.horoscope.com/getHoroscope.asp?sign=9&day=13&month=11&year=2006
Of all the signs you are likely to experience the Monday-morning- blues today, thanks to a challenging aspect from the moon. You might find it hard to get motivated; unfortunately it looks as though work or school will be particularly demanding today! A piece of bloodstone might help provide the kick-start you need!


Daily Overview for November 13, 2006
Provided by Astrology.com
Quickie:Create a stronger air of authority around yourself today -- you deserve respect.Overview:Are you subtly exerting pressure on a person or situation because you desire a certain outcome? Your influence is more powerful than you think. It's time to really examine your motives and do the right thing.

http://info.detnews.com/horoscope/scopes.cfm?sign=sagittarius
SAGITTARIUS: Talk things over with your closest friend or significant other. Get clear about what you can and cannot accomplish. Someone else's opinion might stir enthusiasm and provide a sense of direction.

http://www.latimes.com/features/horoscopes/?track=mainnav-horoscope
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's hard to say no when someone desperately wants you to agree. But that's what you do now, and your reputation as an independent thinker is still intact.

http://www.freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/sagittarius.html
Sagittarius Horoscope for week of November 9, 2006
Your soul's epic journey is in the midst of a plot twist that's so complicated and beautiful, it would be impossible to exhaust our discussion about its meaning. But I have to start somewhere, so here goes. Among the many opportunities you now have, these are among the most spectacular: (1) the possibility of making your existing problems more interesting than they've ever been; (2) the possibility of attracting fresh challenges that are more stimulating and useful than your same old predictable dilemmas.
*
SACRED ADVERTISEMENT "Is it bad to live without a hell?" poet Pablo Neruda asks in The Book of Questions. Let's add these queries to his: Is it dangerous to live without the awakening force that an enemy provides? Is it naive to think you can achieve great success without the driving motivation that comes from having ideas you hate? Consider the issue from another angle. Dentists love tooth decay. Treating cavities provides them with a steady income. Likewise, exterminators are dependent on termites, lawyers need crime, and priests crave sinners. Lots of people have symbiotic connections with nasty stuff. In fact, isn't it true that most of us nurture our feelings for the things we love to despise and fear? What's your favorite poison or adversary? Assume that your exposure to pronoia is changing you in ways that will require you to update your relationship with it. Speculate on how you’ll go about this task.

Well, okay. Back to work and head pain.

Knit for Need

I am almost finished with Ella's hat that matches the scarf I made last month... And then it's on to mittens. I plan on purchasing some thick fleece and sewing the mittens then adding a knitted cuff to match the hat and scarf. Pictures will be posted when the project is complete. I know a cute little girl who can model for me.

Our (Women's Center) Stitch-N-Bitch group has joined forces with AmeriCorps Vista for the month of November and we're calling it Knit for Need. We are making mittens for underprivileged kids... We have had a good turn out and people are donating yarn and stuff, too. I think a photographer is going to come today for an article in the Oshkosh Northwestern. It's good to get the free advertising, but I hope I don't look like too much of a dork.

Weight lifting and cardio/aerobic workouts are kind of fun. I never thought I would enjoy it, but it is starting to grow on me. Mostly due to the fact that I lift with Liz three mornings a week and it's right across the street from work. It was hard to motivate myself to go this morning but I DID and I made it through the 50 minute ordeal (with some whining). I am still having a few issues with the food part of this plan. It just doesn't jive with my family. I'm fine now that I have protein powder and shakes. Eating all that meat was impossible and I didn't want to go over on my Tuna consumption. Also, the wierdest thing is happening... I get up early feeling fully rested. I think I am going to take one of those super ugly "before" pictures and then an "after" picture sometime in January. Maybe every three months? I should have taken a picture last month when I began this mission. Oh well. These pictures will NEVER be posted on this blog anyway....

So, how are all the rest of you? I have heard that some of you actually read this not so very entertaining page but just don't comment. Maybe I should get one of those site tracker things like Ron has on his page. Then I would know when people visit! Another way of knowing would be to post my birthday wish list and see how many presents I get:

1. Electric mixer (the old mix-master deluxe circa 1964 has lost it's "oomph")
2. A new vacuum (bagless with a HEPA filter and upholstery attachment)
3. Pack of white ankle high socks (wmns size 9-10)
4. Winter coat (brrr... it's cold here. I have not purchased a winter coat since moving back from Seattle!)
5. Sneakers
6. Digital camera (that takes movies with sound and has at least 5 mega pixels)
7. A pedicure and manicure (a gift certificate to Salon Mode or my new FAVORITE Jacinda's Spa & Salon will work!)
8. A new water heater
9. Someone to insulate my attic
10. Help painting the back stairs and Neptune Suite
11. An evening of babysitting and $60 so that I can go out on a date with my husband

Some of you may be busy celebrating Thanksgiving , but my birthday is November 23 and I am proud to be turning 37. So, as you are devouring all that tasty food maybe you could sing a little Happy Birthday to ME!

3:33 Monday

Almost time to head home! Just another friendly reminder that tomorrow is Election Day.
Go Vote!!!
For up to date Election information or to enter Babblemur's election contest please go to:
http://www.babblemur.com/blog/

It's Friday

First - Report to the General: I have gained some, but have been lifting weights 3x a week and doing cardio stuff at least 2x more (I should be doing it three times as well, but it's hard on the weekends). I will focus on correcting the food stuff this week.

I have been meaning to post these pictures from Ron's birthday... Ella drew and wrote in a cute little card for him plus worked very hard baking him a cheesecake.














She enjoyed helping him blow out his candles, too. She even wore a pretty party dress for the occasion.














Last weekend the weather was very beautiful. Our family spent Sunday cleaning up the yard and preparing for winter.














Ella is a super duper helper!














Only 5 days till the Elections! We have all ready voted and I encourage all of you to avoid the lines and go to your local polling places to cast your ballot now. Then you can sit around on Tuesday, pop some corn, and watch the Election returns! Fun!

Halloween Super Girl pictures!

We decided to get some pictures before tomorrow's big trick or treat night... Here is Super Girl saving our living room from the Evil Legion of C.H.A.D. (cat hair and dust)!

Happy Halloween! Have a fun night.

Did you want those glasses WITH attitude or WITHOUT?

After the hot chocolate...

We went to a friends house and played in the leaves! Fun times!

Hot Chocolate Saturday

One of the really nice things about Autumn: A cozy kitty and hot chocolate on Saturday morning.Ella and Baubau can be so good to each other sometimes.
And Ella can stick her cold toes under someone else for a change!

I remember all ways trying to tuck my toes under my dad in the winter. He'd say "Go put some socks on!", but he was my favorite warmer upper. Now I understand that little toes can be quite pokie and sometimes leave bruises. And they never stay still. So I appreciate Baubau's help in the toe warming department.

One of those mornings...

It's not too often that I really make an effort to dress nicely (I guess it's all about low self-esteem, poor body image, and no money for clothes), but this morning I made that effort. I put on my new sweater and pants, and even found a pair of socks to match! I was feeling pretty good. I tromped my way down stairs to get my "nice" dress shoes to top the whole thing off when *squish* I stepped in a HUGE pile of cat vomit. I stood there for a moment, with one leg raised, in stunned silence. Then I started swearing. Good thing Ella had all ready taken the bus with her Pop cause she would have learned some choice words to add to that ever expanding vocabulary. I try to love Mamma Kitty for who she is and all, but some days I wonder (a little longingly) just how much longer she's going to be with us. How long do cats live?

Pumpkin Carving

Ella drew a face on the biggest darn pumpkin we could find...
Then she dug out it's guts...
slimy!
After a little facial reconstruction due to cutting errors she finished the project. Note the victims for next weekend are looking pretty scared...
Then we dug up some of the garden...
And planted seeds in hopes of our very own pumpkin harvest next fall.

After all the hard work we went in and roasted some seeds for a little snack.

It was a good Sunday!

Report to the General

General de Cline: -1 today. I thought I would be UP so I am pleased with how things turned out this week. My body is a little achey from all the weight lifting and trying to use that darn elliptical machine yesterday. Man, that thing is a WORKOUT!!! And it feels so awkward after using the treadmill. My bum hurts! I am going shopping today with Liz. I am a bit disappointed that I am not back down to my low point in July, but I have still made progress from last year. Today's total losses from my start date is -25.
I am setting a NEW GOAL today... I hope to lose 25 more pounds by July of 2007. That is an average of 2.5 pounds a month. I set my goal a little lower because those first 20 pounds just sort of flew off and then the next 12 were a struggle. I managed to gain some back (dammit) due to pigging out over the summer (mostly beer) but now that I am back in the saddle and have added the weights to my life I think I need to work on being more fitness minded and not just focused on losing pounds. Balance, Amy, Balance. So I am going to get stronger, healthier, and tone this flabby old body up! Onward HO!!!
Oh, shit, I think my trash can is blowing dawn the street. Ciao!

Knitting

I forgot all about knitting! I started a new project: Hat, mittens and a scarf for Ella. Scarf is first and it's about half done. Here is a picture. Ella picked out the yarn and it took a bit for be to get used to the extreme fuzziness, but now I am rolling right along with it. Any babies out there need a little hat? I'd be happy to make them one! Send me the head size and color preference!
I really need to get the scarf finished this week. It is DARN cold here. Don't believe me? Click on that Weather Underground sticker to the right of the page. Brrrrr.

Gettin' Ready for the Big Chill

Yes, that's right, we are preparing for the "Arctic Invasion"... At least that's what the forecasters are calling the winter storms that are heading our way. Ella is really looking forward to the snow. I am hoping to get the lawn mowed just one more time, and maybe rake up some leaves. Thankfully, it will warm up again early next week.
Here are some pictures of our sweet little darling. She loves her new daughter, Molly, who was given to her by her cousin Hayley. Molly goes everywhere and does everything with us. It's kind of nice because Ella has someone to talk to. She takes VERY good care of little Molly and we have birthday parties for her all the time.

Ella got all bundles up for her bus ride to school today. She and daddy have been taking the city bus together. It's a quick 20 minute ride to campus and we don't have to spend 30 minutes looking for parking! I think her favorite part of the ride is pulling the cord for the stop. *DING*!

All those chores are done except putting away the laundry. Sometimes I wish we just had one GIANT closet and three dressers in an all family changing room. It would simplify the laundry/getting dressed process. There is a house I want to buy on Elmwood Ave that, I think, could accommodate this plan. And it's "only" $157,000.I really want to buy that house. I LOVE that house. It only needs a bit of fixing up: all new plumbing, all new heating, many wall repairs, a new stove. The rest is cosmetic.... Besides fixing the wholes in the lathe and plaster walls. And some work in the basement. Really, it's a steal of a deal if we could buy it for $120,000. And had $50k immediately available to put into it. And it really is my dream home. If I try and imagine what kind of house I want it always ends up being a place like that. I forgot to mention that the entire chiminey(s) need to be redone... so add another $10k. Shit. I'll never get that house. Oops, I also forgot that it is entirely nob and tube wiring. That's gotta go.
I guess I should go too.

Report to the General

Well, like my pal Chris in Pella, I am +3 this week. Must be something in the air! OR the pizza one night, Mexican food the other, and my general laziness. I joined the "Fitness Center" yesterday and had an assessment yesterday. I am meeting my drill sergeant, Liz, on Monday morning for a workout.
Goals for Today:

1. Finish costume (1 1/2 hrs)
2. Wash dishes (1/2 hr)
3. Clean downstairs (2 hrs)
4. Wash guest room sheets and make beds (1/2 hr)
5. Other laundry and put all the clothes away (1 hr)
6. Errands (1 hr)
7. Vacuum (1/2 hr)

With all the little things that will come up during the day I will be glad if this little list gets finished before I pick Ella up at 4:30.

Happy Friday!

UPDATE: It's 2:30 and I am way behind schedule... The costume is done, along with dishes and guest room sheets, but there is still so darn much more to do!

Freaky Weather & Politicians

We had some really freaky storms here yesterday evening. Hail, Wind, Sunshine, More Hail, More Wind... We thought the orange sky and double rainbow rain break was quite pretty so we all went out to take some pictures. Too bad only one rainbow showed up in the picture... Along with our GLOWING Blind Pedestrian Area sign, which does not really glow, but looks impressive in the picture.
Our burning bush is quite fiery these days. I kind of like the way the raindrops are glowing. Perhaps a reminder that acid rain is in our not too distant future? I really need to get out there and trim the hostas.
Ron and Nelson having a chat. I sure hope Mr. Eisman is elected as our Governor in November - Or at least gets 7% of the vote. In my limited knowledge opinion that would be a victory for the Green Party.

SuperGirl Flies again!

She has decided... SuperGirl!
Last night she looked at her "old" costumes and really liked SuperGirl's cape and big S.
I am looking forward to making this costume and I think Eleanor is going to enjoy wearing it.


Time to head to the fabric store! I hope I can find some metallic red fabric for the cape and skirt, and an easier gold fabric to work with. Last year the stuff I bought for Wonder Woman frayed easily so I used fabric glue around all the edges. It was a little messy and rather time consuming.
I am going to attempt boot covers this time.

Fireworks

We had a lovely pre-dawn thunderstorm with lots of lightening to light up the skies... It was pretty. It mixed in nicely with my dreams.
Ella and Ron rode the city bus into campus the last two days. It's so cute to watch them walk down the block to the bus stop holding hands - Ella's frog umbrella bobbing along... I can even watch them board the bus through the window. It just makes me smile.

five million things to do

Yeah, that's about right. I am so busy. And I have another five millions things to do at home.

Back to work so soon?

My parents are off for Florida. They wont be back until Spring... It's going to be a long winter with no trips to IC. We may travel back on Oct 14 for Eli's long anticipated wedding reception, but as those plans are only 70% solid, who knows?!
The General looked great. I think her Turbo Jam workouts have really been effective. I should try exercising some day...
Nelson Eisman, candidate for WI Governor, will be staying at our house on Wednesday so I guess I had better get the bathroom cleaned and the guest room sheets washed. Rae Vogeler was staying with us last Thursday and I have not cleaned up yet. I will not meet my goal of getting the "new" guest room finished this month unless I really go for it on Friday *insert faint glimmer of hope here*. I still keep trying to win that jackpot so I can just hire someone to do the job and be done with the whole thing.
Maybe I should go home early today (I am over on hours from last week) and mow the lawn or something... I bet I could. Hmmmm...

Report to the General

General Ma'am: I'll be seeing you in a few hours, but thought I'd report here too. Up 1/2. In my defense I would like to add that I am experiencing the first pangs of my womanly woes.
I am looking forward to seeing you for Dad's birthday!

Because she's so darn beautiful...

I am totally in love with my daughter. It's true. Every day I am more amazed by her. She's just the greatest thing in the world. This picture is from last month some time. See? Beautiful. Look at the love in those eyes!Baubau loves her, too. Every morning he sneaks into bed to snuggle with her while she sleeps.
And this is the smile she woke up wearing. Oh, so snuggly and warm with her kitty.

Preparing for October

Yeah, I make Ella's costumes and I think it's fun and fulfilling and all that. (Besides, when she gets a little older and starts with the attitude "you never do anything for me!" and all that business I can have concrete proof to defend my case.) But what am I going to make this year? She wants bat girl again. Or Sailor Moon. I want another Wonder Woman costume. I can't make a Sailor Moon costume! Too many pleats and bows and that whole Moon Princess scepter, forget about it. Perhaps we should revisit Super Girl? Do any of you have a favorite female super hero that would be ideal for a four and 1/2 year old to dress up as? And that I can make?
Here is the list of previous costumes:
9 months - Super Girl
1 1/2 - Batgirl
2 1/2 - Pretty Witch (this took a long time to make and cost a lot of $ for all the black velvet and then she changed her mind and wore her old Super Girl costume)
3 1/2 - Wonder Woman
Oh, and since we live in Wisconsin, she needs to be able to wear some warm things under. Last year it was two pairs of tights and two turtle necks under Wonder Woman's skimpy attire.
And I think she's into capes.

Report to the General

General Ma'am: -2 this week. So let's see.... If I can lose 3.5 more I'll be back at my low from early July. Not quite the slimming summer I had hoped for, but It feels good to be back on track now.

Almost Better

Well, I have almost recovered from the horrible crud that attacked me on Sunday. I can hear out of both ears and am at 75% nasal cavity function. I think if I had a new hot water heater and could stand in the shower for about a half hour or so I could get totally cleared out and be functioning at 90%. Any one want to buy me a new water heater? I didn't think so.
I still want that Thai green beans and ginger #20 from Bangkok. Jenny, I know you couldn't bring it to me, but it was super nice to get your e-mail.
This picture is almost what it looks like... but I eat it over rice, not cabbage, and the curry is nice and thick. Mmmmm.... I just can't stop thinking about it.

Bleh

I am so friggin sick I can't stand it. Last night my whole head was threatening to explode and I couldn't breath out of my nose so every 20 or 30 minutes I woke up very thirsty and very unhappy. I am spending the day on the couch with the exception of the 30 minutes it took me to go down to City Hall and cast my absentee ballot for tomorrows primaries. It's horrible out there today. Rain rain rain, windy and 50 degrees. I got so darn chilled I came home and turned on the heat. I'll mark it on the calendar as our first use this season. I must head back to the couch. I wish the Thai food fairy would come and bring me green beans and ginger in red curry. It's #20 on the Bangkok menu.

Cold, Windy, Wet

Happy Saturday! I did not do the sanding in the Neptune suite because just after I got done posting yesterday the Day Care called me to say "Ella is sick and you need to come get her". Oh, well. I DID practice for the Dragon Boat races and it was fun. We have three races on the 23rd and I don't think my team will win, but we might just have some fun!
Practice was cold and windy and wet. Thank goodness it did not rain! Well, I must make some lunch. Ella is feeling better and needs some nourishment. Ciao.

Report to the General

General Ma'am: -3.5 and damn proud. I think two weeks of discipline and the ending of the "Womanlies" made it a bigger loss.
Today I am going to sand baseboards and tomorrow I shall be paddling a Dragon Boat for a few hours, so I am sure my exercise will add up fast. Tomorrow is just practice, but I am looking forward to the real event September 23. I'll post pictures, I promise.
And hey, it's super nice that you are stopping by again. I've missed you!

Remembering When...

Ella and Ron in Pella March 2003

First Day of School

The University starts today and that means that Ella is back at the Day Care Center. I had been really looking forward to this, but now, of course, I really miss having her here. Every night I have terrible dreams of her getting injured or worse. Man, I thought these dreams would decrease in frequency as she got older! Will they ever stop? Did my mom have these nightmares? I lay there for hours trying to get over them... Maybe it's just a mother thing.
The positive thing about having a little time to myself at home is I will return to my exercise plan. I am promising myself that I will work out at least a half hour daily. And I have Friday to sand those pesky little baseboards in the Neptune Suite. Goal: Finish that room this month.

Report to the General

General Ma'am: I am finally reporting again and all I have to say is +/- 0. Have a great weekend.