spring break recap (picture overload)

Last week was spring break. We stayed home, sort of.

Monday we had to go get groceries. But first Andy needed a new mouse. We drove down to Brandon to the Apple Store. That should have been a quick $50 but they have those computers set up for the kids and mine cannot resist.

Andy was playing with several of the programs while Ryan worked with Sponge Bob Typing. Ryan isn't comfortable typing so I was a little excited seeing he was having fun. i asked if he would like and said yes. Unfortunately, Apple didn't have any for sale. I whipped out my iPod Touch
And connected with their internet. I checked out amazon and found it cheap, yay!

Andy said he wanted Green Eggs & Ham. He has had this before but for an earlier OS and played with it a lot. Apple's price was $24.95 so I checked amazon. Nada. Of well.

We went to Dick's Sporting Goods. We were looking for thermoses but struck out. We did get some new swim goggles and baseball hats for the boys. Then off for lunch, Wendy's for Ryan, Chick-Fil-A for Andy and me, Publix for groceries and home.

We stayed home Tuesday and waited for the dryer repairman. He enthusiastically climbed up the roof and cleaned out the vent. He claimed it would work now and took my money and left. He didn't fix the problem.

We stayed home Wednesday. Ryan's computer software arrived late but he was happy once it was installed.

Thursday was busy. First some errands then we went to Lowry Park. I posted a bit about this here. It was the boys first trip to that park and they enjoyed it. I thought Ryan was doing really well with the monkey bars until I saw his feet still on the ground. Andy was just happy to be out and see new things.

After the park, we went to the chiropractor, lunch, then back to Publix. I was surprised we got home by 1 pm.

Friday morning we stayed home but then went to another "new" park for the boys. This time it was Zephyr Park. They have some older playground equipment which the boys loved. They especially loved the merry go around. Andy did fall off once because he was moving around. He learned quickly and enjoyed more spins in the center.

We are in the middle of a drought so the lake was mostly a pond. We decided not to walk around it. But the boys enjoyed being able to walk under the pedestrian bridge that is usually full of water. You can see the water line in the photo is just above Ryan's shoulders.

After the park, we drove by Andy's new school for next year. It will be odd for them to be in different schools. They have been together for so long. Then the boys got hair cuts. We had to dash home for a change of clothes but left again for the bookstore (their treat for being good at the hair salon) and dinner.

We stayed home for the weekend. I was very happy to see Monday. The boys were happy to go back to school as well.

our first egg hunt

The easter bunny used to hide eggs inside when I was a kid. There were the typical spots to looks for eggs; on the window ledge behind the curtain, on a bookshelf, on the mantle, in a coffee mug, balanced on the harp of a lampshade... I was saddened the the easter bunny decided not to hide the eggs. So what if I was 19 and in college!

I looked forward to helping the easter bunny hide eggs for my boys. But then they didn't get easter and showed no interest in dying the eggs. So the easter bunny never hid any eggs. Actually, we didn't do much about Easter because the boys don't like candy. (Ryan likes loves Caramel Hershey Kisses so we have to ration them.) Last year, the easter bunny did bring some presents.



On Saturday, I thought it might be time to try an egg hunt. I looked in the garage and found some painted wooden eggs. I brought them out along with the baskets and Ryan was soon playing with them. I asked him if he wanted to look for the eggs. He didn't but Andy did. So Ryan agreed. When they finally went to bed, I realized how dark it was and really didn't want to go out in the yard. (There may be things like snakes!) And since Ryan wasn't so enthusiastic, I decided to skip it.

The next morning, Ryan got up first. Andy I got up about an hour later. Ryan said, "No presents?" Keep looking. He found them and proceeded to open everything up. Later, he saw the eggs in the basket, "You didn't hide the eggs?" No, but I will after breakfast.

I went to shower and when I came out, Ryan had a big shit-eatin' grin on his face. I thought he wanted to wrestle but he pointed outside. I could see a few pastel colors peeking out through the lawn. You hid the eggs? "Yep!"

So we called Andy and grabbed the baskets. Ryan grabbed a bunch and I helped Andy since it was a bit unfair. Ryan collected 13 eggs and Andy found 7. But there should have been 24. Good thing they are wood and now real.

The whole thing happened too quickly for me to get my camera. Oh and the incentive to get Ryan motivated to hide the eggs? For each egg he found, he would receive one quarter. Maybe next year I should make a map and hid the eggs in certain places. He would love that.

counting calories sucks but it works

Last fall, I made a change to eat better. Instead of going out to lunch 5 days a week, I cut back to once a week and then cook healthy meals at home. It's not a diet but a lifestyle change. I loosely follow Dr. Weil's plan. I need to lose weight but I don't want to go on a diet. Diets where you cut out a lot of calories just aren't a good idea. I also know I need to exercise but can't afford to join a gym.

The change was gradual. I first started eating more at home. Then I started avoiding things like fried foods. I do eat those not-so-good foods sometimes but I try to make better decisions. A couple of good things had occurred. I have noticed than my knees no longer feel stiff nor do they crack when I squat. Also, the headaches are pretty much gone.

So anyway, I am losing weight but very slowly. Since I started in October, I have lost over 30 pounds. (It's not that much when you realize where I started. And, no, I won't say where I began.) It's pretty good but I am getting a little frustrated. I know weighing myself everyday doesn't help but I can't help it. As least I don't do it twice a day or more like Bridget Jones.

Last week I saw an Apple iPhone ad where they showed using the app, Lose It! I checked it out and got a copy, because it was free. I have counted calories in the past and I know it works. It's the accountability thing. Noting that you ate 3 brownies for dinner makes it real. And seeing the nutritional facts for foods will help you choose the best option. I make homemade granola and a serving is only 1/2 cup. Normally I eat a whole cup (or more) and that adds up to 510 calories and 24 grams of fat! Sure it's pretty healthy but you don't have to eat so much at one time.

One of my biggest temptations is going through the kitchen. It's so easy to grab a cookie (or two) when I get Andy a drink or change the laundry. I did check the calories on one EL Fudge cookie and found that ONE cookie has 90 calories! One piece of Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate Square has 26 calories and has antioxidants. See, that choice was easy. Of course I have to limit myself to 3-4 pieces a day so I need to find some better finger food like grapes or carrots.

Years ago, I used a program called BalanceLog that was made more Palm OS. It was a great application that included special diets for heart conditions or diabetes. Unfortunately, that company was sold and the the app is no longer supported for Palm. Too bad they didn't stick around because I think they would have made lots fromt the iPhone. There are other options. FitDay is great for keeping track food and exercise for you. There is a Windows version but there is also a free online version. I used this for a while last fall when I was trying to set a baseline of what I should be eating.

One of the annoying problems with all of these programs is finding your foods. They all have pretty good databases but there is always something missing. It takes some time in the beginning but then it's pretty easy to use. Lose It! is pretty easy to use from the beginning. And if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you will comfortable using the interface. I started using it on Wednesday. I decided to just eat and see where I ended up at the end of the day. Oh man! This is not good. The raisins in my oatmeal add up to 126 calories for a 1/4 cup serving. I guess I will give those up even though they are healthy. Potato Chips are 150 calories per ounce. My portion was more like 2 servings or more. One ounce is about a handful. OK, I can do if I quickly put away the rest before I grab another handful. And the shocker, 2 new potatoes amount to 259 calories! Ugh.

So now I am making even better choices. The convenience of having this app with you at all times is great. I was wondering if I should get cole slaw from Chick Fil A. The 210 calories didn't scare me so much as the 17 g of fat! Fat, in cole slaw? I skipped it. And I learned the I can get by with just the Chargrill Chicken Deluxe Sandwich at 280 calories with 7 g of fat. Then I can get home and have some fruit if I am still hungry.

I am not sure how long I will stick with this. I get bored so easily but the beginning has been good. Since Wednesday, I have lost almost 5 pounds. Really? And this is pms week?

happy easter!

good grief! what else? (warning: rant ahead)

Sometimes being a homeowner sucks. Well, it's just being an adult that sucks. When you are a kid, you get other people to fix the problems. When you are the adult, you have to fix it yourself or hire someone. And if you know me, you know I hate making phone calls.

The sprinkler system needs help. It's been a long time since it went out but now we are in the really dry season and I need to get it done. Now.

The drain in my bathroom sink is slow. OK, it's practically stopped. I tried do-it-yourself and ordered some stuff called Bio-Klean. I think it has gotten worse. Might be time to call a plumber.

My dryer isn't work well. It takes about 3 cycles to get a smaller load dry. Because we are deed restricted, we can't hang a clothes line. Not that I would want to. I have never liked clothes dried on the line. Now to be honest, I did call for repair. My stand-by repairman could not be located so I tried another company. I was told they would be here before noon. He called after 1 pm to ask for directions. He got here and saw the dryer and said, "Oh it's gas. They didn't tell me." Well, they never asked so I assumed it wouldn't matter. He unhooked the vent and said it was lint build-up. He climbed up on the roof and cleaned out what he could reach. He said the flap couldn't even open and it should be fine now. He took my $75 and left.

The dryer still wasn't working. I called and was told it was too late to come back that day but that they would call in morning. They didn't call. I didn't call back because I don't think they can't fix it. If it is the lint, I need to call someone who has the tools to clean it. The dryer repairman said that the lint problem gets worse when the humidity gets higher. Hmm... seems like the problem started the day we got rain all day long. Yep, I have to call someone else.

I did have the vent cleaned out years ago. I think it was about $150. I asked how often this should be done and they guy said every 6 months. Huh?! Sounds like a scam to me. Maybe every few years? I should go through my poor excuse for files and see who came the last time. But chances are they won't be in business anymore. Seems that way with most of the service industry these days.

Today's problem is the cable box. The box is going out. Or is dead. It first happened a couple of months ago on a day when Ryan went to watch the NASCAR pre-race stuff. He got very upset when it wouldn't work. The other TV did come on but this was to televise on Speed. Speed is only on the digital channels and only have one box. I called Brighthouse and they did manage to get it back.

Last Sunday, the cable box went out again. Ryan was very upset even though he could watch on the other TV. I called Brighthouse again and they again managed to get the box fixed. Today, they didn't even go through all the steps, they just started to make an appointment. And the next available time is Wednesday. Or I can pick up a box. OK, that sounds better. Where is the office and what are the hours? Yolanda gives me an address and tells me they are open Monday through Friday 9 to 6.

After I hang up, I check out google maps and find it's going to take me about an hour to get there. Maybe I should call back for the appointment? After all, we don't watch TV except for the weekends. But then again, I'd probably be charged for the service call.

How do I tell Ryan that the TV is low priority? How do I make him understand?

some choice

No, this nothing like Sophie's Choice.

It seems like I always have to make the choice who will get their way. Compromise is not easy for most kids. My kids just don't get it. Unfortunately, Ryan tends to get his way more. He gets upset more easily and more vocally. Andy gets upset but he is more quiet about it.



We went to Lowry Park yesterday. I have been there walking but this time I took the boys. It's Spring Break. We walked along the river and on the docks and then around the rest of the park. As usual, we followed Ryan's lead. It was cool when we left the house this morning so we took our jackets. Andy likes to bundle up. I left my jacket in the car but Ryan chose to take his, just in case. I had to show him how to tie it around his waist.

The boys haven't grown up with squirrels around and Ryan was afraid of them. And these squirrels are beggars and kept getting closer to him. It was kind of funny.



Sometimes, they actually act like they like each other. Yep, Ryan is holding onto Andy. Then Ryan does something like this. He almost got away with it.



There is a river tour boat that is part of the zoo. You have to buy tickets through the zoo. I know the boys would have liked the boat ride, especially Andy, but it's expensive. They wouldn't leave the dock until the boat left. We walked some more and played on the playground. Ryan wanted to find the Visitor's Center but there isn't one. I realized later it was because he wanted a map of the place.

On the way home, Ryan wanted to go one way, Andy another. I know most parents, if the kids can't agree, choose a third option. That would only leave them both upset. The lesser of two evils, letting Ryan get his way. But I did say that Andy gets to choose the way we go today.

show me the money!

I could say that I decided to be good and not get my MilkyWay Midnight which I get only when I go to the grocery store.

But the truth is, you can't buy an $.89 candy bar with $.38. I took $79 into the grocery store and left with $.38.

We had just been there on Monday so this shouldn't have been too expensive. We stayed on the list dammit!

I hate having to worry about money.

drink some green tea, now!

I was hesitant to try green tea. I was happy with my black tea. But green tea has more antioxidants.

OK, I got some. I added a couple bags to my black tea bags and eventually switched over. I like it. Yes, I do still like the robust flavor of black tea but not enough to switch.

One thing I was worried about was drinking too much of it. Everything is bad in excess, right? After reading this, I'm not so concerned about that now.

A recent study has shown that women who drink four or more cups of Green Tea per day are up to 80% less likely to get cancer. 80% is a massive number! As far as I know there is nothing else that can reduce your chance of getting cancer more aside from quitting smoking. With such powerful statistics we would be crazy not to increase our tea intake.

One thing that is not a good idea is to mix milk with tea. The proteins in the milk don't play well. So when I have my Black Tea Lattés, I don't consider them part of my healthy drinks.

And green tea helps burn calories according to Dr Wiel.

The main antioxidant polyphenol in green tea, known as Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, stimulates the body to help burn calories. Dr. Weil recommends drinking a few cups of quality green tea every day.

x-mini capsule speaker

Back story: I had a JBL On Stage speaker dock for my iPod to listen in the bathroom. Andy kept breaking his headphones so I gave him my On Stage to use with his iPod. He killed the On Stage.

Meanwhile, I missed listening to music in the bathroom. I didn't want to spend a lot of money and but the cheaper alternatives were either clunky or just plain fugly.

I was at Think Geek and found the X-mini Capsule Speaker. I got it yesterday and charged it up last night. I tried it out this morning and it's not bad. Yes, there is distortion but it's fine for listening to podcasts. And it's cute. It's costs $24.99 so it's not really cheap. I'd call it affordable. If you want something to listening to music with, spend the money and get something better.

addicted

I think I may be addicted to Twitter. It's down now and I don't know what to do.

Actually, it's not that bad. It's just that this is the time I check out the tweets I starred to look at later. See, I mostly twitter on my iPod Touch, when I have a few moments. So those tweets that have links to articles or pics I can see on my iPod, I star for later. Then I go back and check them out.

Now is my time and I can't. drats.

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Today is the first day of spring break. It looks like it is going to be one expensive week and we are staying home.