Nice is Nice

Okay so Megara, my sister-in-law, is writing a bunch of smack talk about our 2lb challenge. Little does she know that all that smack is more likely to give me way more resolve. I’m already down 1lb so right on track … how about you Megara?

Oh oh! Now that I have written that I just know that I will instantly GAIN 2lbs maybe even more. It hasn’t been that long since the Step Class Hi-Five Ankle disaster which resulted in me wearing a brace (see below). Forget everything that I said and, hopefully, I won’t get the sudden and irresistible urge to scarf down gallons of ice cream.

I have been thinking a lot about religion lately, well, to be fair, more about Christianity and Christian-based religions. And, I suppose, to be fair again it isn’t the religions or Christianity that I object to it is the way that it has been practiced, the hypocrisy that I see amongst the practitioners and their leaders. No, that seems too much of a brush stroke. It isn’t everyone, it may not even be the majority, it just seems that way especially when you live in Texas.

I guess that I am tired of people acting all high and mighty wrapped up in their “Christianity” yet not acting in a “Christian” way. Perhaps what I expect is that people who profess to be Christians or be “religious” in whatever is their way be nice, be accepting of others, be accepting of others’ opinions, be tolerant … BE NICE!

This leads me to think about what I always thought that was a Commandment but I think is a Golden Rule instead: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. I think that this is a biggie, if not the most important of all the biggies. A Golden Rule in fact. A tiny addition to this Golden Rule that might make it even more golden is if we changed it just a bit to read "Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you". How does this change everything? It makes it even nicer I think. If we all, no matter what religion, lived by either of these I think that the entire world would be a much, much, much better place.

So, if we can’t expect to change anyone but ourselves. We can’t expect to be able to control the behavior of anyone but ourselves. If these statements are true (which I believe they are) then how about each of us try to live by this “rule”. Let this guide our behavior, our actions, our words and then let’s see if it makes our world (even if it is just our immediate world) a better place.

This seems nice to me and I like nice.

Have a very nice day!

Ella

PS To any people actually truly practicing the good tenets of your religion I apologize for lumping you in with the rest. Keep up the good work! You are a rarity.

Project 365 – Ankles Away
This is the new ankle splint that I got today at the doctor’s. Note the sexy pedicure!

Pick a Plan Any Plan

I have been a very neglectful blogger these past couple of weeks and I do apologize!

I heard something in a book the other day (I love audio books!) that said “Sometimes a plan can stop us from seeing all other options” and it got me to thinking. While this might be a true statement does it then imply that it is a worse solution than not planning?

Perhaps it is just reminding us that while we have made a plan it is a good idea to keep our minds open to options that might come up while we are implementing our plan. I think that it is a very good reminder actually because sometimes we really get locked into an idea that, as it becomes a worse and worse one, we sometimes get more and more stubborn about sticking to “the plan”. Our ownership of the plan gets all wrapped up with our pride and then our minds close down to options.

I admit that I am a consummate planner. Where I differ from many planners is that I come up with plans upon plans upon plans based on all the different contingencies that I can think of. Then I pick my favorite plan or the one that I think makes the most sense and I go with that one. If, even before I get to pick anything, things change I quickly revise all plans and then pick again. Normally, I do that all the way along the course of a plan so that I think that I do end up seeing other options or at least being very open to adapting to changes but sometimes I get ground in for sure. So, definitely, it is nice to have the reminder.

It might be a function of how open or resistant to change that we are. Some people are incredibly resistant to change and so I can see them getting quite stuck on a plan once that plan is in place. Others rejoice in change, sometimes too much, and so then options are all they see and plans never actually solidify into plans which has its own drawbacks for sure.

Whatever way that you are, I think that it is worth taking a few minutes to think about it.

Have a terrific day!

Ella

Project 365 Photo
I don’t even know why I took this picture. I think that it was the juxtaposition of these “animals” and vase that struck me as photo worthy. I love my Frog Prince and the little silly stuffed dog sitting there made me smile (again, don’t know why).

It Was A Dark and Restless Night ...

I love getting my hair washed at the hair dressers (Why does this word not have a possessive apostrophe?). I can almost fall asleep in a pleasant swoon when the hair washer does her job. It is heaven. If I were really, really rich I think that I would create a hair washing “station” somewhere in my humungo house and have someone come and wash my hair at least once a week (wouldn’t want it too often because it might not make it as special although that doesn’t seem to be the case with back rubs which I could get several times a day and they would still be special).

My scale didn’t budge an inch today (not that I really expected it to). I have been a good little eater (although last night I did have a few beers and a few lattes resulting in no sleep for me last night between the caffeine and having to pee every hour). I was incredibly good today and feel quite self-satisfied (although I still haven’t passed the dinner temptations). This week’s step routine is an absolute bitch and I am flailing around in class like I have never taken a class before. Big bummer especially after last week’s Hi Five (premature I guess).

I am a little down in the dumps about the house and dealing with the insurance people again. I will have to put my thinking cap on again to see how I can make it all better or at least better for me.

I am bone tired once again. I am not sure whether it is just that I didn’t get enough sleep last night or what but if this continues I am going to get some further blood work done to see it there is anything sillier happening that I should be aware of.

It is a glorious, albeit windy, day and I think that I need to be outside. I hope that you are also experiencing a glorious day!

Ella

Project 365 plus Challenge

Okay folks here is my weigh-in from yesterday the first day of the challenge. The proof will be in the puddin'.

I Think Calling it Ecstasy is a Bit of a Stretch

I missed you! Yes, I did! And I'm glad to be back and blogging again!!


Have you ever been on a cruise? WARNING: If you have, and you love cruising, please skip the next few blogs as I may say a few things that might offend you. In fact, you can count on it.

Oh where oh where do I start? Okay, let’s start with the embarkation process. Prince Charming and I drop our car off in some faraway lot ($45) and line up with our paperwork (they are VERY worried that you have your paperwork IN YOUR HANDS and READY!!) in the looooong line to “embark”. As we are waiting in this long line (actually moving fairly quickly) we started to look around a bit. It was then that we realized that we didn’t really belong in the same weight class as many of the other embarkers. In fact, it seemed more like we had somehow stumbled into a casting call for the next “Biggest Loser” show. It was then that I started to wonder whether they made an adjustment to the total weight allowance for the ship. Oh, the things that you think about in a cruise line's line :)

I wish that I had taken a picture of the stairs and wallpaper in the main stairways, in fact, of the ship in general. It was the second really, really scary thing. The whole décor felt like something out of an off, off-the-strip cheap Vegas casino. Garish and a little bit seedy everywhere we turned. Think cheap Vegas kitsch but not in a good, cool, retro way. The picture below (I got this from Google images) doesn't do it all justice but may give you a little hint. The only cool part of it was that the decks were labeled “The Lido Deck” and “The Promenade Deck” and we had a “Cruise Director” and our maitre d’ had a cool accent and sounded kind of slimy (as you would imagine your cruise boat maitre d’ to sound – I think). Our own "Love Boat"!


In all fairness, our stateroom was a little better than we expected. And, Dewa, our cabin purser (steward?) was quite nice and seemed always available (I think that his job is to stand in the hall just in case someone needs something). He might also be in charge of making the towel animals that adorned our turned-down bed each night (A How to Make Towel Animals class was offered for a small fee … you could also buy a book ... I wasn't really tempted).

At 6pm we made our way to dinner (Wind Song dining room) and met Miyassa our waiter. Miyassa was from Indonesia and I don’t think that he actually understood English. He nodded a lot and liked it when you pointed to the menu item. Maybe it is just that he didn’t understand MY English. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Although the menu was varied and plentiful the food quality was kind of a cross between Luby’s meets iHop meets McDonalds. Whatever we had that night (all nights) was completely unmemorable.

A combination of Dramamine (Gravol for the Canadians), culture shock, and crap dinner sent us running for our stateroom and the official end of Day One at sea. The saga continues tomorrow!

Have a great one!

Ella

Project 365 - February 12th

This photo was just another clue that we were in for a "Fun" few days at sea. You mean that we were on a "Moving Ship"? Whoa! Who would have guessed? Glad we had this warning! Heavens knows what would have happened if they hadn't told us!

Surprise Surprise – Who Would Have Guessed?

I want to ask anyone who knows me whether they would consider me an “A” type personality or not? Before I started my "research" for this post I would have guessed that I would get an almost 100% rousing “YES – A for sure!”. But, wait! I’m NOT. No, really, I’m not. I just took some tests and that proves it.

It all started with a conversation today with Megara. Actually, I guess it started last week when Megara said that she never considered herself an “A” type personality (If you knew her you would have laughed too - old dopey me and my ignorance!). I would have bet that she was an “A” type … that is, until I did my own test and found out that I wasn’t an “A” type personality! So, now that I have done 3 of these tests I realize that I am, no joke, a certified TYPE B! Me!! Type B!! Who knew???

Then again, I think that I had a different idea of what an “A” type personality was. I guess that I never imagined that it was soooo extreme. Have I changed? Was I always really a mix or have I evolved that way? I must do more tests.

I would love it if you (yes that means you Megara) would do a few of these tests and let me know what your results are.

Here are some test sites (and my results from these sites):

http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/type_a_personality_access.html

Results of Your Type A Personality Test

Personality Type
Your score = 41

What does your score mean?
You seem to be in the middle between the Type A and Type B personality. In this case, the middle ground is good. Your attitude to life is more of the "smell the roses" kind and you know how and when to relax. Nonetheless, you realize that picking up a challenge and competing a little bit for your place in the sun can add some spice to your life. The equilibrium is important, so don't let your hostile, aggressive, and competitive alter ego take over too often. Generally, you are easy to be around, and people tend to feel relaxed and comfortable in your presence. Yours is a very healthy attitude towards life.

http://www.queendom.com/tests/access_page/index.htm?idRegTest=1126

Score 35 / 100 (100 = A extreme)
Your interactions with others, while characterized by warmth and tolerance the majority of the time, may occasionally be tinged with impatience and hostility. When you’re stressed or frustrated, you may lash out at others or end up stewing in anger or frustration, but this is very rare. Since you generally trust others, you are usually willing to open up emotionally and value relationships for the sake of the people involved, instead of what they can do for you. This is fortunate because a high amount of this aspect of the Type A Behavior Pattern (TABP) can not only be extremely harmful to relationships, it is also very damaging to your health. While originally it was thought that global TABP was the culprit in coronary heart disease, research now shows that hostility, impatience, and other related traits are the real source of the problem. Based on your results here, you are likely not at a very elevated risk of heart disease, but keep in mind that there are other causes unrelated to the TABP, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking, among other things.

http://www.psychtests.com/tests/personality/type_a_r_access.html

Results of the Type A Personality Test -R

Your score = 48

What does your score mean?
You seem to have a Type B personality. Your personality draws characteristics from each of the other personality types, that is, Type A and Type C. Either you adjust your behavior depending on the situation, or you tend to be moderated in your attitudes. In any case, you are the most balanced of the three personality types.

Some Information About Type A and Type B Personality

According to scientific literature, Type A behavior is characterized by an intense and sustained drive to achieve goals and an eagerness to compete. Personalities categorized as Type A tend to have a persistent desire for external recognition and advancement. They are involved in various functions that bring about time restrictions. Such personalities have a tendency to speed up mental and physical tasks with extraordinary mental and physical alertness. These characteristics make for super-achievers and high-powered people.
Type A individuals can get a lot done and have the potential to really move ahead in the world. But there is a high price to pay. Certain components of such a personality can inhibit happiness and even threaten health. For example, the goals that Type A folks set are often poorly defined and therefore hard to achieve—a perfect recipe for misery.
Type A is also characterized by a general discontentedness and the impulse to be overly critical and demanding, even contemptuous of imperfection, in the self and others. This focus on negative aspects and the accompanying bursts of hostility and impatience result in guilt, remorse and anxiety.
Type A personalities are motivated by external sources (instead of by inner motivation), such as material reward and appreciation from others. Type A folks experience a constant sense of opposition, wariness, and apprehension--they are always ready for battle. And anyone can imagine how this constant (and very exhausting) existence would deplete reserves of contentment and happiness and disrupt personal equilibrium.
Although the literature is somewhat inconsistent because of problems with the conceptualization and definition of Type A behavior pattern, it has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. The risks seemed to be reduced with intervention aimed at reducing Type A behavior. Indeed, those with a high Type A score would be happier and healthier if they were to file down the jagged edges of their personality. By learning how to control the negative behavior patterns while preserving their drive, Type A people can be successful without sacrificing their emotional well-being.
Type B behavior is usually defined as the absence of Type A behavior. Type B personalities are relaxed and have a laid-back attitude and posture. They are friendly, accepting, patient, at ease, and generally content. They are at peace with themselves and others. They show a general sense of harmony with people, events, and life circumstances. They tend to be trusting. They focus on the positive aspects of things, people and events. Type B folks are self-encouraging, have inner motivation, are stable and have a pleasant mood. They are interested in others and accept trivial mistakes. They have an accepting attitude about trivial mistakes and a problem-solving attitude about major mistakes. They are flexible and good team members. The Type B person is able to lead and be led.

Project 365 Photo of the Day

Today I decided to treat myself. I was only going to get an ice cream cone from Baskin & Robbins but then the clerk told me (no word of a lie) that the Chocolate Chip (the only B&R ice cream worth the calories - and it is sooooo worth it) ice cream was too soft. The quart cartons were my only choice (really, I HAD to!). And, they were 1 for $6 and 2 for $9. What would you do? If one of my goals is to be more protective of our money then I just had to get both. You have to agree (don't let me know if you don't). Anyway, here is the evidence (no I didn't eat both quarts already but, admittedly, I do feel a little sick from eating so much).

Channeling Thelma and Louise

I had a strange dream last night. Sort of an Ella and Pumpkin channel Thelma and Louise. I don’t often remember my dreams the next day but this one stuck with me. The main question that came out of the dream is: If you drive away when you have been pulled over (while the police are walking up to your car) and then drive around the corner (you have time because there would be a little lag time before they could get into their vehicle) and then get out of the car and walk away could you still be charged with driving without a license? Charged with car theft? I know I know … they have cameras in the police cars but how reliable are they? Did they get a good look at me? These are just some of the silly things that I think of at 5am.

I went to Step class for the first time since before leaving for Japan. I felt really bad for the girl behind me. It was her first class, it was a tough routine, and she was behind me. God help her if she even tried to follow a thing that I was doing! I did warn her though. It was a fairly difficult routine (even some of the long-timers thought so) (And, no comments from the peanut gallery - it makes me feel better thinking this is the reason that I suck so badly) and I didn’t get half of it! I am counting on my Wii Basic Step (claims to improve rhythm) to make me the queen of the Step Class! I think that this Mii looks amazingly determined. I wonder whether I look that determined when I do my steps?

At Christmas I bought these very cute “Ugly” dolls. By now you know that I LOVE cute! I don’t know what I am going to do with it yet but right now it is enjoying living on my desk. Any ideas?

And now I have a “date” with my in box.

Have a wonderful day!

Ella

PS. My sister-in-law asked for this recipe. It is a terrific energy pick-me-up. I haven't done the calorie count but it might be hefty. It might be hefty but it is natural and is a great power boost.

Power Spheres yields 15 spheres

¾ cup dried Apricots
¾ cup dried Apple
4 brown rice cakes
1 cup unsweetened coconut
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup rolled oats
1 ¼ cups fruit sweetener (this can be adjusted to taste)
½ cup natural peanut butter
1/3 cup sesame seeds (for coating the spheres)

1. In a food processor, pulse the apricots, apples (you can substitute other dried fruits), and rice cakes to a fine texture. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
2. Next, pulse the coconut, seeds, and oats to roughly combine. Add to the fruit mixture along with the fruit sweetener and peanut butter.
3. Mix everything together until well combined (you may have to adjust the ingredients to make them come together.
4. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll the dough into approximately 2 oz balls. Roll the balls in toasted sesame seeds to coat, pressing them in slightly.
6. Serve, or wrap in plastic and refrigerate.

From Rebar Cookbook

Home Again Home Again Jiggity-Jog

It was a loooong flight back home. 14 hours on an airplane is about my limit. Well, I guess I could do more if I had to but I am glad that I didn’t have to. I am glad to be back home again as much as I loved being with Prince Charming!

So far today I have been fairly slug-like. I woke up a little too late to get to Step Class and so I Wiied for an hour (up almost a pound! Boooo!). Since then I have been doing paperwork and basically moving very slowly. It is hard for me to even get the energy to make my To Do list! Akkk! I MUST get my act together!!! That statement makes me think of when we were young and did “I must, I must, I must increase my bust!” exercises (they didn’t help)

I am starting a Project 365-esque photo of the day. My new cute pink camera arrived while I was in Japan. Thinking about what the first photo should be I initially took pictures of the dog poop that was all over a green lawn-like rug that I put down in my office (apparantly when I was away the dogs decided that the upstairs "lawn" was a perfect place for a mid-afternoon (only guessing here) poo. While the poo pictures did turn out just great, on reflection, I decided not to inflict either a close-up poo shot or a multi-poo plus rug shot. You are welcome (anticipating your thanks for this consideration). I decided that you might as well see my cute pink camera as it will be recording the year. All of these mental gymnastics went on yesterday so this is actually yesterday's shot. Do you think that I should do a two photo day tomorrow to "catch up" or just stay one day behind as this blog is usually one day behind? Hmmm ... something to think about (regular Tony Robbins line).

And so what will I do today? I will use this blog to force me to put a few things on my list.

• RPM Week
• Create this week’s menu
• Cheques to the Knave
• Mail Abu’s letters
• Email Alice
• Review Contractor Bid and respond
• P365 Photo of the Day
• Water plants
• Laundry
• Client Cordy call
• Grocery shop
• Wii another hour (Strength exercises)

That seems like enough for now.

Have a terrific day!

Ella

PS I will try to be more witty and urbane tomorrow