12.2

Wednesday and nowhere to go.

I feel a bit like a cage animal on the days I don't have to go anywhere. I know I should stay home and get stuff done but I just want to go out and play. No, not shop, because that gets me in trouble. But go walk and take pictures.

I walked today. Darn ankle is making too much noise. I tried to stay home today. But once I finished lunch I was itching to go out. Yes, I ended up at Starbucks. What DO they put in their drinks to make me want to go back everyday? Carrie took her break and chatted with me. She is so nice. She is from Michigan, near Kalamazoo. She said she would exercise with me anytime, though she is usually at work when I walk. But... why would a 25 year old want to hang out with someone who is old enough to be her mother?

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The family album pages came today. Do they seem a bit dark? Maybe it is time to calibrate my monitor? My Christmas cards have not arrived. Both were ordered and shipped at the same time though in separate orders.

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I ordered customer Starbucks gift cards for the teachers. I was a little disappointed that they were $4 extra for the customization. I did pay it. Oh! I forgot Ryan's inclusion specialist. She loves Starbucks too. It's odd that you have to place each card in a separate order. Though you can order multiples of the same card.

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I made oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. The recipe said 5 dozen but I was just shy of 8. I used the smaller scoop and they are just right. And only 77 calories.

I stuck the brown bananas in the freezer. I'll make dad some muffins next week.

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Storms are coming through tonight. There is a tornado watch until 4 am. Weird for this time of year.

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12.1

Oh wow. I forgot to do a blog post for Monday. Well, it's not like anything exciting happened. Though we were ALL happy that the boys returned to school. I do not look forward to Christmas break. We will have to schedule some outings to keep Ryan from going bonkers.

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We had someone new to the photography meet -up today. I wonder what she thought about it. Our meetings are unstructured and loose. We talk about cameras and photography and computers... Jeff talked about a possible trip to the Galapagos Islands. It's not something I can imagine doing anytime in the next few years. It's something that came up and the price is good but I still don't have $5000 pluse feel comfortable leaving the boys for that long.

There are those in the group who are older, retired or semi-retired, and who have the money to take such trips. I am not there. Though it would be nice to go sometime in the next 10 to 20 years. Gotta find that rich and supportive husband...

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I went to Lettuce Lake Park after the meeting. They have increased the entrance fee to $2 and have made it mandatory. It used to be the honor system buy now they have a gate house with a park ranger. I walked along the jog/bike path. It's paved and mostly flat. There were few people around. There are some interweving nature trails. I stayed clear since I didn't want to see any snakes. Maybe I will try them next time. I wore my older sneakers and it was a mistake. After a mile, my knee and ankle were hurting. The path is 1.2 miles and I only did one loop. Next time I will wear the better shoes and hope to go twice around.

I drove up Morris Bridge to Shannon's. I passed Flatwoods Park and a couple of other parks. I need to check them out. There might be some good trails. (There are lots of trails. I will have to try them after the Tuesday meetings.)

i finished reading the end of overeating

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David Kessler MD. There is lots of great stuff about the evolution of the food industry and why many of us crave high fat, high salt, high sugar foods. Kessler also explains how we program ourselves to eat out of habit or reward than out of hungry.

I never really thought of myself as an overeater but you don't get to be my size by just looking at food. But when Kessler talked about how some people don't even realize they are eating too much until it's all gone, it hit home. There are certain foods that just call to me. I don't even keep them in the house knowing that once I start, I can't stop. Sun chips, mint chocolate chip ice cream, cheddar cheese crackers...

I only wish he would have spent more time on how to overcome this problem. I know there is Overeaters Anonymous but I am not a joiner. And frankly, I think I am doing OK. But extra tips and tricks would be helpful.

11.28

1:13

Sitting at CFA while Andy plays. We went to the Hillsborough River State Park for a photowalk. We walked about 2 1/2 miles. It's a nice park and rather close. I want to go back with my tripod and practice moving water shots. I need a neutral density filter.

There was a big turn out but I didn't know a lot of the people. Most were from the NPPF and I haven't gone to any of those meetings.

The park has 2 bridges crossing the river. One is a suspension bridge. It does move but not enough to bother me. It might bother Ryan. Andy thought it was cool to make it move.

The park has several playgrounds and Andy said he wanted to play but just sat on the swing. I think he was tired. I made him keep moving so we could go home.

I think I need a moisture wicking top. I am just wearing a long sleeve cotton t shirt and it was damp after an hour. I do have some but in sizes too small at the moment.

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8:12

Didn't get much done this afternoon. Was catching up on Twitter when Bonnie called. Then it was 6:30 and time for dinner. Though I did take advantage of Lands' End 25% off sale. Twice. I ordered some jeans for myself. I haven't worn jeans in about 13 years. I ordered some "mom" jeans as I just don't understand the low riders. Especially when the back pockets are halfway down the thigh. I think it looks stupid like you can't get your jeans up over your bum. It looks bad even on the skinny girls.

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11.29.09

Just finished dinner. I made some kind of bean soup. I used a mix from the store and added garlic, onion, celery and canned diced tomatoes. The only tomatoes I had were Ro-tel so I not sure if that is what caused the kick. It was OK. I think fresher beans might have been better.

I want to learn how to make more soups. I got a recipe book called Taste of Home. They are separated by type of meat used. I want to find more vegetarian recipes that my dad will like. The only issue with the book is that there is no mention of slow cookers. I like to set it and forget it until I am hungry.

I spent too much time online looking for hiking shoes. I do have hiking boots which I have not worn in over 10 years. But now that I realize there are trails do close to home, I will go back more often. Speaking of the photowalk, I finally did a first pass on my photos. There aren't great. I really needed my tripod and macro lens. But I need to do that without kids.

Anyway, I found a few pairs I would like to try. I wish we had an REI around. Dick's does carry a couple of the styles online. Hopefully they have some in the store I can try.

I was looking at Klean Kanteens an found that they make thermoses. I know I was drawn into Sigg with their Swiss pedigree and pretty designs. I have 2 of the Sigg insulated travel mugs but am not 100% satisfied by them. For one, they do not recommend using them for hot beverages. I did and stained the interior. These are not stainless like Klean Kanteen and Thermos brand. The lids occassionally leaks when I drink making look lovely with wet marks down my shirt. I do not put them through the dishwasher and you can hear water slosh inside the layers. Or maybe it is between the plastic and the metal. Either way, it sometimes drips from the bottom. I like that Klean Kanteen is an American company. And that you can get a café top for your insulated kanteen do you can drink in the car. But then you can have the regular top to make it spillproof.

11.27

Chilly this morning. I am glad I turned on the heat last night though it didn't kick on until this morning.

Andy and I walked. He slows me down but it's good to keep him active. Ryan stayed home and watched cartoons. Since we got a cable box in the bedroom, he sneaks in, shuts the door and watches. He also likes the Game Show Network.

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I've been working on my Christmas card in Photoshop. In the past, I made it fairly simple. This time I got some digital elements and am trying to make it a bit more special. I really haven't done any digital scrapbooking and am finding the simplest things, like changing the color of brushes a chore.

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3:45

I didn't get done what I wanted to get done but I did get some other things done. Mpix had sent me a notice that they were going to delete my albums if I didn't place an order. I don't use them for storage per se but there are some photos that might be printed again. Anyway, I knew I needed to get my Christmas card done as well as the family album page.

After a break for lunch, I sat down again and finished the card. I realized I could use some training in the digital graphics area. I am still not sure how to use the graphic brushes.

After I uploaded the card and sent it out for printing, I decided to work on the family album page. That went quicker since there isn't much room for graphics. I usually just leave a square for the date. I got summer 2009 done and uploaded it to Mpix. I should have waited to print my Christmas card to save on shipping. Oh well. I did think to look at Napp and found a free shipping code. Oops I didn't use it on the cards but that order was only $3.00 for shipping. The album pages will be $5.95 or more.

I might do another album page if I get motivated. I will have them both printed together. Then I have to do a photobook for my dad's birthday. The photos are already picked out.

I ordered Andy's iPod this morning. I save $11 through the apple web site. Since he wants yellow, that it the only place to buy it.

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5:36

Sweet potato casserole is in the oven. I just realized that these Eating Well recipes are too involved. I do not enjoy taking half an hour to prepare one dish. And a side dish at that! My back is sore and I feel like a nap.

I prefer the easy prep of slow cooker meals. Chop some vegetables, pour some stock, add some spices. Then sit back and wait and let the aroma seep through the house all day. By the time it is ready, you are hungry and ready to eat.

11.26

Let's get it out of the way... Happy Thanksgiving.

Another lazy morning. But I was finally getting ready to walk and realized dad is going to church. Drats! I can't go and leave Ryan alone. The walk will have to wait until after lunch.

Can you hear that pie calling my name? It's getting rather loud.

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Dad was home by 11 but then it was Andy's turn for the wii then lunch... I am letting my quesdilla settle a bit before we walk. And it's warmer now, almost 70.

I am making white bean chicken chili in the slow cooker. I am using McCormick's seasoning for the first time. Really lazy on my part, I know.

Don't listen to that pie! Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala...

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Went walking with Andy. He couldn't find his recorder and the old iPod wouldn't work. He was upset until I said I would leave my headphones at home. Walking without music or podcasts means I only have my thoughts to keep me company. There was no conversation with Andy. He tends to lag behind.

So I think too much and I think I gave myself a headache. We walked to the Firewheel Park were I haven't taken the kids in years, 8 or 9. Andy wanted to play which would have been OK but there was this little girl, Sophie, who kept following Andy. Sophie was OK but her father liked to hear himself talk. And he likes to believe that he knows a lot. Heck, he probably thinks he knows it all.

First he was talking about what professional athletes should fo with their money. Then he got talking about how Michael Jackson went through his money. But first Paul McCartney taught Michael how to buy music rights to make money but then Michael Jackson outbid Paul for the Beatles collection. And even though Paul claimed his was OK with it, it really upset and went to Yoko Ono but she wouldn't help. And everyone thinks Yoko Ono split up the Beatles but they were all ready going their own ways. She was just the straw that broke the camels back. She was filling John up with peace and love which is OK until the enemy shoots you. I love how Michael Jackson left his father out of the will...

He wasn't talking to me but to an older gentlemen. Maybe his father or father-in-law. He didn't say much but uhuh and hmmm when the younger guy gave him a chance.

It was then I was happy not to married to a talker full of bullshit. Oh wait, I was. Hmm...

The chicken chili smelled really good when we came home.

Oh man! That pie is calling again!

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The chicken chili was good with just the right amount of kick. Next time I might make it without the chili, maybe add potato?

John called as we were eating pie.

Ryan wanted us to play jeopardy. He read the clues and poppa and I had to answer. Ryan reads too quickly and doesn't know a lot of words. It was slow going.

11.25

No school today so I spent an extra hour in bed. Andy left me alone for most of it. Nice.

I didn't walk Monday or Tuesday so I was determined to walk today even though it was going to rain. I asked the boys if they wanted to go and only Andy agreed. It was sprinkling when we left and it got heavier as we walked around the neighborhood. As we rounded the last corner to go home, I saw Ryan out in his slicker looking for us. He ran home as soon as he saw us. Dad probably didn't even know Ryan was gone. (I checked, he didn't.)

I am baking pumpkin pie now. OK, I forgot to preheat the oven so I am waiting for that. The pie is ready to go in.

Ryan is playing the wii. Andy is playing his piano. Poppa is entering all his blood pressure, peak flow and other data into a spread sheet. There is an app for that but he prefers the old fashion way.

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Uh oh only 2 eggs left. We might be able to make it but... why take a chance. Oh and look, I ended up at Starbucks. How about that!

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8:56

I was trying to think what to give up so I could have some pie. Oh right, the cookies. Two cookies is about the same calories as a slice of pie. And whipped cream is only 15 calories per serving. Yeah, their serving suggestion is a joke. Pie must be covered in whipped cream. No dollops here.

Of course the pie is good. And of course I want another slice especially since my dad opted for ice cream instead. Weird man.

11.24

The boys went to school today. Ryan was coughing less, Andy was about the same. I do wish Andy would learn cold etiquette. I tell him to use a tissue or cover his mouth but he forgets it with the next sneeze and cough.

I went to my photo meet-up this morning. I like being on time. I really need to get some photos together so I can share. Ryan seems to ask the most questions of anyone. He seems high need.

I got my hair cut today. The times goes by too quickly. I need more friends to chat with. I was telling D about my friend M, who is vegan. I explained what vegan was and talked about how many things are not vegan that you don't even think about. M had said he wouldn't use products from Arm & Hammer because they test on animals. But Arm & Hammer makes baking soda. And I have yet to find anyone else who makes it. Baking soda is essential is cooking and cleaning safely in the home. What can you use instead? D said, "I couldn't live my life like that. It's too complicated." I agree. Because vegans do not wear leather, that means belts and shoes are most likely synthetic. And aren't most synthetics oil based? Which is better for the environment? If we all become vegan what happens to all these animals? There are so many questions that I don't know the answer to. I do agree that we need to reduce our consumption of meat. But I am not ready to make the next step. My family certainly isn't.

Can I rant a bit about drivers being rude? Heck, I could fill a blog post and I probably will at some point. I really HATE when people pull out in front of me when they don't need to and cannot or don't accelerate fast so I have to break, a lot. Really. It's just rude!

Dad did eat some banana bread and said it was dry. Crud! I think I cooked it too long. I know he will eat it unless his bowels act up. He said he thought about buying a pumpkin pie but saw that I had pie filling. I got the pie crusts and whipped cream today. Yeah, I know. I should be making it from scratch. But we prefer the canned filling. And I don't trust myself to make pie crust just yet.

11.23

Sunday started out as a pretty good day. I was finally able to wear a skirt I hadn't been able to wear in years. I have 3 "chino" skirts from Eddie Bauer and all have fun prints. I have been wanting to wear them for quite a while but they were just too snug. OK if I never sat down. Right, in my dreams. It's great to have 3 more options of clothes especially since some, OK most, of my shorts are wearing thin. I'd rather buy a smaller size and hopefully I will be able to do so.

The rest of the day was somewhat uneventful. Or maybe it's just a blur since I was on the phone with Bonnie long enough to kill 2 phone batteries. To be fair, my batteries are in need of replacement as I barely get an hour out of each one.

Then that evening I got an email stating that my account was suspended due to phishing. Oh good golly! Again? How? Why? I looked but didn't find anything. At least not in the place they attacked before. Needless to say I was quite upset. Some strong arms to hug or a shoulder to cry on would have been very much appreciated.

I called hostmonster and "Ryan" helped me find the malicious code. He had said that the hackers had probably created a "back door" so even with the new scripts installed, they had their opening and could come and go as they please. Nice. Then I had to be transferred to "Zack in Abuse" to discuss my case. How can I find the hack? I don't have the skills. I could get a web developer to help but the store has not been generating enough income any to justify the cost. I said I would just delete the cart script and he said that would be OK and they would review my site after it was deleted. Of course I couldn't use their uninstall feature as my site was suspended. I manually deleted everything I thought might be causing the problems. It took a while. I called back and spoke to "Ryan" and he helped get my sites back up. Yay!

But then linnecards.com led to an ugly directory. How could I redirect the address to the blog? I thought I could just forward the domain through GoDaddy. I found out in the morning that this screwed things up. So I took off the forward and the blog and forums came back up. Hmm... what can I do? I duplicated the blog under linnecards.com. I posted that this blog was moving to the new address and will delete in a couple of weeks.

So now I am failed entrepreneur. I knew the store wasn't going to survive but I had hoped to have some clearance sales first. I will have to liquidate most of this stuff by way of garage sales. Though I have thought about making up some lots of merchandise and sell online. There are some wholesalers who forbid eBay sales but it's not like I plan on ordering from them again.

There is no rush and I will start working on this after the holidays.

And I will start thinking that now I can really focus on photography and perhaps turn the living room/office/store into a studio.

11.20.09

8:46 pm and I just realized I never started this entry. Hmm... what did I do today?

I helped Ryan get his bibliography for his invention. He had said resources earlier then said bibliography last night. Grr... I told him to work on it when he got up but... I just love being rushed. All we could do was pick some books to purchase. He had the nerve to complain that he needed the city of publication but they don't post that on the website. He also complained about the websites didn't have dates or cities. Sorry dude.

I walked. Over 2.5 miles. Really? It didn't seem that far. I figured out I can use my iPhone camera when Run Keeper Pro is running. It save a few clicks that way.

My dad has been losing his appetite for foods he has been eating regularly. So he came back from the grocery store with blueberry muffins, black cherry ice cream and Win Schuler's bar cheese. I was only tempted for a few minutes until I realized all the faux food in that stuff and calories!

Dad also brought back 3 foil micro loaf pans. Yes, I told him I had found some and was going to pick them up today. No, he doesn't listen. I'll use them as gifts for cookies.

I went to Williams Sonoma to get the mini loaf pans. I love wandering around. So many fun things. I got some Peppermint Snow as a Christmas gift for my sister. She loves candy cane ice cream.

At Michael's I saw more Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark. I fell in love with that stuff last year. I looked at the calorie count and saw over 200 for each serving. And one bar is 2 servings. I put it back.

I made a run to Target for Claritin. I use the Target brand which is cheaper and I can get a bottle of 100 tablets. Somehow I spent an additional $100. OK, I got another Christmas gift, some stocking stuffers and vitamins. How exciting!

I edited my zebra shots from 680+ down to about 300. I need to decide which ones to develop further. Looking at them blown up to 100% made me want to reach out and touch that velvety beast. There was no way to make them look like they were in the wild. All I can do is blur the background to take the emphasis off the enclosure. I did delete to shots of them pooping. Yep, I managed to get all 3 of them pooping at separate times.

My ankle was really bugging me this afternoon. I had iced it after my walk and it was fine until about 3:30. I finally had to take some ibuprofen.