Reality Smeality

I admit it - I've been addicted to Reality TV for many years. It is probably 95% of what I watch on TV (I don't watch much to begin with except during Bengals Season).

Until now.

I no longer have the desire to watch it. It isn't an hour of enjoyment anymore. This past Tuesday, I realized that I was disgusted. The negative, cut-throat, nice guy always get back-stabbed isn't what I want to put into my life anymore.

The one exception may be the Amazing Race. I love to travel and it is nice to see either places I've been or may want to go in the future. Who knows how much longer that one will continue to entertain me.

Namaste.

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." - Joan Baez

The Roar was Deafening

"Introducing Carson Palmer and the Starting Offense!". . .And Paul Brown Stadium went nuts.

Yes, 9 was in uniform. He started the game to a roar. He performed to a roar. He got hit to silence. He got up to a roar. He played two quarters - two quarters with 34 points and many roars. By the second half, most of us were well on our way to being without voices.

My dream was here - Carson taking the field for the first time this season in front of fans at home. I was petrified that he would take his first snap at another stadium.

And he was surprised by all of the hype - he didn't know why his return was such a big deal (according to the Cincinnati Enquirer). The man who went under the knife eight months ago to repair not one, but two major ligaments (ACL and MCL). The man who had an injury that was supposed to take, no require, a year to recover.

Four series, 14 throws, nine completions, 140 yards, three touchdowns, one field goal. . .
More importantly, the 11 - yard scramble, the rollout lefts, the rollout rights, the "oh sh!t" hits and at the end of the night, a huge sigh of relief from all of us in the stands.

Our team is back and ready to Rumble in the Jungle. Not that I ever had any doubts. :)

Namaste.

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments." - Rose Kennedy

PS. Did I mention that we won? 48 - 17! Gotta love predicting correctly the score exactly with one quarter to go and winning a bet. :)

Emergency Exit Mystery

I've been reading all of the updates about the Comair plane that crash in Lexington this morning. The crash site is just down the road from where I lived for about 2 - 3 months way back when. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the friends and families of those who have transitioned as a result of this.

I am anxious to find out what happened once the investigation is complete - not so much what caused the crash, but why the emergency exits weren't used and more people saved (one of the pilots was pulled out of the plane and is in critical condition).

As a "frequent flyer", I could recite the safety instructions to you in my sleep. The people sitting in the emergency rows are briefed one-on-one before the flight about their job of getting those exits open and getting people out of there quick. The mystery to me is: Why didn't this happen?

I'll be honest - this is going to be in the back of my mind and bother me until I learn from, pray about and understand what happened.

UPDATE: It was found that the crash (and not the fire) was the cause of passengers' transitions.

Namaste.

Progress!

It has been a day of progress!

I have a new Bengal Design on my nails for Monday's game. OK, technically that was done yesterday, but I've been getting comments on them all day - so they are on my mind as progress for the weekend!

The scrap pages of the 2005 Bengals Season are complete! Well, at least for the games that I have pictures. There seems to be three games that I went to, but cannot locate pictures. If they turn up, I reserve the right to add more pages.

I went on a field trip to look at bathroom displays at the local tile store. It was going to be a quick trip in and out just to get ideas. Instead, I did some brainstorming, called my contractor and started doing some serious note taking and color comparing. All of this led to TILE SELECTION!!! Yes, I have selected (and in the store's file for my contractor) all of the tile for my main bath - the one that will get a major overhaul in about a month.

I didn't take a camera with me, as I wasn't going to pick/order anything today. . .But I wasn't too worried as I saw a sign about their "extensive" website. Hmmm, it appears that everything is pictured except the tiles that I picked!

So, I did a search and found a picture of the tile that will be on the shower wall. No luck finding the tiles for the shower floor and the room/closet floor.

The picture looks really green - in reality, the tile is a bit more black with green "veins" running through it, but you get the idea!


Heading back from my field trip and some other errands, I saw a gas station sign with $2.51/gallon. Even though I had three-fourths of a tank, I decided to fill up as I haven't seen gas that low in a long time. Imagine my surprise when the gas pump said $2.47/gallon. Whoo-hoo - gas under $2.50!!! OK, that's sad - it wasn't really that long ago when gas was under $2.00 and I'm celebrating $2.47, but at least it isn't up around $3.00/gallon anymore!

I got the rest of my curtains - I love it when the stores are having major sales! The curtains are normally $25/each. . .I picked them up for $10.30/each! Got a few pillows too (also on sale) - gold ones to go with the new gold curtains (pictured in an earlier blog post).

I did my first weigh-in for the "back on the diet" nightmare. Yes, I know that it hasn't quite been a week as it started on Monday, but Saturdays are the best day for me to weigh-in. The progress? I lost 5 lbs (ok, recovery pounds, but progress none-the-less)!!! Yippee - incentive to keep this up for another week. It helps that I got my shipment of protein powder - makes it a bit easier to get the five to six meals in everyday.

The Blog is updated (hey, that's progress too!) with a fairly long post even!

Now, I am heading out to put the first coat of stain on my Fireplace Mantel (rain, rain - stay away! mosquitos too!). It is getting installed on Tuesday, so I must get it in gear to get it stained! I'm hoping that this can be listed as completed tomorrow and progress for the weekend!

Namaste.

PS. I changed a nickname. For those of you who have figured out who MommyGirl is - she is now Lucy.

My Life. . .

I have made many choices in my life. Looking back, I sometimes wonder "What was I thinking?". . .OK, many times.

As I have learned to live life to the fullest. . .I have come to realize that I don't regret any of those choices. Some of them still puzzle me, some may still bring a tear to my eye. . .But none of them cause me to loose sleep - anymore.

I have made a choice lately to make my job a higher priority than other commitments. In fact, it even won out over the gym yesterday (This will not happen very often!). Does this decision bother me? No. I know that it is a short-term choice and is in the best interest of my company and my career.

Some do not understand this, but it is My Life, My Journey, My Choices. . .

Namaste.

"Accept the pain, cherish the joys, resolve the regrets; then can come the best of benedictions - 'If I had my life to live over, I'd do it all the same.' " - Joan McIntosh

Why Is It?

Why is it. . .That I can sleep through two alarm clocks that are sitting across the room?

Why is it. . .That this time last year, I couldn't find clothes that I liked in my size? Everything was too small!

Why is it. . .That now, I can't find clothes that I like in my size? Everything's too big!

Why is it. . .That the pictures in my 'to be scrapbooked' pile keep multiplying like rabbits?

Why is it. . .That Bengal Orange is so hard to find?

Why is it. . .That I know exactly how I want to decorate the bathroom that I can't afford to remodel this year, but I have no clue what I want to do with the one that will be worked on next month?

Why is it. . .That my shoulder seems to be taking its own sweet time healing?

Why is it. . .That chocolate tastes so good, but is so anti-diet?

Why is it. . .That I am so sleepy in the afternoon, but wide awake at night?

Namaste.

What Weekend?

Hmmm. . .There was a weekend? Really? Where did it go?

I did get a lot done the past couple days. . .So much in fact, that my body and mind think a weekend is about to be here so that I can rest. Lots of card making, working (yes, I was in the office yesterday working), scrapbooking, church money-counting and gardening led for very crammed-packed few days.

I guess I should also mention that I was eating everything in the house that will be a "no-no" starting tomorrow or going out to get those "things" that I am going to miss so much. Yes, the diet is officially back tomorrow. I have decided that I will not be on that diet roller-coaster and that the scale will continue to go down, not up. I'm actually looking forward to it and didn't crave anything "no-no" for dinner tonight. . .Which tells me that it is the right and perfect time (if there ever is one) to get back on the diet band-wagon.

{GASP} Did I just say that?

Namaste.

"The whole art of life is knowing the right time to say things." - Maeve Binchy

Professional Athletes. . .Take 2

A few weeks ago, I shared, in a post here, my frustration with some of the Professional Athletes who may not be preferred role models for our youth.

Well, here is a story about a Professional Athlete who does not fall into that previously post. http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5409 I now own two jerseys with his number - one in the "old" size and one in the "temporary" size. I still have hope that most of the athletes in our town care about their image and their fans - even the small ones.

By the way, the Bengals are now 2-0 with the 44-31 win tonight vs. Baltimore!

Have I mentioned lately how wonderful my nieces and nephews are? They are awesome! Gotta luv' them!

I got to spend some time with Dora tonight. She's highly intelligent and so polite! It's a challenge to get lovin' from her. . .But that's okay - makes the hugs so much more special! :)

Namaste.

"Let our children grow tall, and some taller than others if they have it in them to do so." - Margaret Thatcher

Hmmm. . .

I was so careful on Sunday - made sure that SPF was on my face so that I wouldn't burn while tail-gating! And it worked!

I organize a "fun" day at work once a year. We all get outside for a couple hours and enjoy some team-work. Today was that day. I was outside most of it - setting up, during the event and tearing down. . .What did I do? Yep, I forgot the SPF.

Despite all of my diligence on Sunday, I now have raccoon eyes due to my sunglasses and a white watch band. Have I ever mentioned that I do not like white stripes around my wrist? I avoid them at all cost, but not today!

Time to find the aloe.

Namaste.

"When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?" " - Sydney J. Harris

Music. . .

Music plays a huge part in my life. And to be honest, it is driving me nuts right now that I only have two radios in the condo and only one of them contains a CD player. Once the remodeling is done, I will be investing in new, upgraded music makers for many of the rooms!

The mailbox gifted me with a wonderful surprise today. . .A NEW CD! To make it ever more special - it was autographed and there was a Thank-You Note included.

I practice what is known as tithing. I feed those who spiritually feed me. Most of the time, 'those' is my church - my spiritual home. Other times, 'those' are various things throughout this world of ours.

A few months ago, I was struggling. I needed something and I wasn't sure what that something was. Then, my car CD player advanced to a CD that I hadn't heard in awhile (sometimes that happens with a 6-CD changer!). The first song brought tears to my eyes - it moved me (as corny as that may sound). It made me re-look at things from a different perspective. It 'spiritually fed' me, so to speak.

So, what does music and tithing have to do with each other? Well, I wrote a tithe check to the singer / songwriter of that song. Yeah, you guessed it - the same singer / songwriter who sent me a copy of his new CD. I did not send the check to get a new CD or a Thank-You Note. It just so happened that when I was needing the message that his song contained, he needed supporters to fund his next project.

Isn't it amazing how the universe works?

So, I drove to the gym listening to these wonderful new messages. Just before going in, I pulled out the CD sleeve to look at some of the words. What did I see? MY NAME! That's right - MY NAME! Unbeknownst to me, he thanked all of the "supporters" in his personal message. WOW.

It's amazing what life will throw at you if you are ready to receive. I guess that I am. . .The question is: Can I stay that way?

Namaste.
(For those who have asked - Namaste is said with a bow reflecting a spiritual handshake and means: "The divine in me honors the divine in you").

"Have I given hope to the hopeless?
Has a hungry soul been fed?
Has a child stood a little bit taller 'cause of something that I said?
Have I left a little kindness?
Have I eased a little pain?
If so, then I'm glad I came. . ." - Daniel Nahmod

PS. Did I mention that the Bengals won their first pre-season game? WHO DEY!!

Who Dey!

Are you ready for some football??? I AM!

The first pre-season game is tomorrow. . .I went shopping today and have some Bengal apparel that fits! :) Happy Dance. Of course, it won't fit next year. . .But that's okay!

I'm gearing up tonight by getting all of the tail-gating stuff ready. BabyGirl and I will be heading out as soon as the parking lot opens - gotta get a good spot for the tent and the cornhole boards.

Pictured: The Bengals' Training Camp.
Yes, that's Carson Palmer taking some snaps during the Offense vs. Defense Scrimmage.

Namaste.

"Celebrate what you want to see more of." - Tom Peters

It's Time. . .

I cut back on the work-outs this week to help my shoulder heal. Maybe not the best idea - the scale is up a bit. Will have to work on that one. My body is actually feeling it's age and that isn't a good thing. I'm taking a long weekend to recover from long work hours and such.

Speaking of my long weekend - IT'S BENGAL TIME! Got a great nail job to celebrate the first home game. Doesn't matter if it's pre-season or not - IT'S WHO DEY TIME! Going to buy a jersey tomorrow - I think I can go two sizes down from last years!

Namaste.

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you [were]?" - Satchel Paige

Too. . .

Working too long.
Exercising too hard.
Pushing too much.

I am realizing that I have done all of these. . .And it has caught up with me.

In an effort to not work on the weekends and keep my head above water, I am working very long hours. Now, don't get me wrong. . .I love my job. I love the people with whom I work. Not many people can make those statements!

I have increased the gym time over the last month in order to be able to eat some foods that I shouldn't and keep the weight at a steady number. My body finally protested. I have an ice pack on my shoulder as I type. I have also been told by a physical therapist at the gym to avoid working out the shoulder muscles for a week or two to prevent this from becoming more serious and/or permanent.

I have over all been pushing myself - granted, not as hard as I could. I have canceled meetings and gotten 'out of dodge' on occasion. I have prioritize and prioritize and prioritize, but I am realizing that I need to re-look at everything once again. Even getting between 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night, I am still exhausted. I am resorting to drinking coffee and pop at work to keep my energy levels up.

It is time to get back to being healthy. This will allow my body to heal and to rejuvenate itself without the junk that I've been relying on to keep going. It is time to take care of myself, once again.

Namaste.

"The body is a sacred garment. It's your first and last garment; it is what you enter life in and what you depart life with, and it should be treated with honor." - Martha Graham

Scrappin' The Memories

I'm a scrapper. . . Really, I am. . .
What? Taking a year to put pictures on ~10 sheets of paper means that I don't scrap?
Life has been busy! Just haven't found the time! When I do find the time, I'm just feeling a bit too tired!

OK, enough with the excuses.

I decided to head up to Lucy's this past weekend and did some marathon scrapbooking. ~20 hours = 20 sheets Yep, that's about a sheet an hour. Granted, I was there for 30 hours. . .But I did carve out some time to sleep, eat and drink mimosas in the hot tub. :)

Was a great weekend - now I just need to find another 60 hours to get the rest of the memories documented!

Namaste.

"Tell me - I'll forget. Show me - I may not remember. Involve me - I'll understand." - Native American Saying

It's Scrimmage Time!

OK - it is officially Saturday. I did not go to the gym on Friday, but I will be going Saturday morning (and leaving town for the weekend straight from the gym). . .So technically, this post is legit! :)

Went to the Bengal's training camp Friday night to see the Offense vs. Defense Scrimmage. Was a great time! This is becoming an annual tradition for BengalGal and me.

My head thought the Offense would win, but my heart wanted the Defense to win. No matter what - I lose. No matter what - I win. Offense: 41 Defense: 25 Don't ask me how scoring is done in the scrimmage, it is a bit too complicated to try to remember at this time of day to share with you.

Palmer looked good - considering what happened to his knee in January. Henry looked great - too bad he could be suspended from the NFL if any of his trials (yes, he has 3 outstanding) go the wrong way (or right way - depending on how you look at it). Rudi looked awesome - he has truly toned up this off-season. I was impressed with some of the rookies, we'll have to see how they do this year.

BabyGirl and Lucy got a ton of autographs. I was focusing more on getting the great pictures.

TJ doing what he does best - grabbing that ball out of the air!

Opie (Shane) doing what he does best - getting that ball between the goal post!









It appears that even Carson is checking out his knee!

Namaste.

"What we actually learn, from any given set of circumstances, determines whether we become increasingly powerless or more powerful." - Blaine Lee

Who Did It?

Alright!!!! Who took some hours out of my day? Seriously. . .There are supposed to 24 hours in a day - so who is the wise guy that decided that I could do without some of them?

I cannot figure out where they were hidden, but I am on a mission to find and restore those precious hours!

Namaste.

"Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours." -Mary Schmich

I Wasn't Going!

I was not going to the gym tonight.
Really.
I had my mind made up.

I was functioning on minimal sleep (went to the Dave Matthews Band concert last night which went really late), worked a 12.5 hour day and I was tired!

Since I am blogging, you've probably realized that I went to the gym tonight.

Gas to get to the gym? ~$0.96
Membership to the gym of torture? ~$1.62/visit
Spending 30 minutes doing the aerobic mode on the elliptical machine? 350 calories gone
Completing a leg workout that I will be regretting for the next two days? ~350 calories gone
Viewing one of God's beautiful works of art? Priceless!

What - I have eyes. . .I'm allowed to look. :)

Namaste.

"Advice is like snow, the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge