I getsy Etsy!

OK, I'm a little slow....I finally took the time to check out Etsy, which a lot of people have been telling me about FOREVER! If you're looking for anything handmade, check this out:

http://www.etsy.com

Blog Buddy, Jodi Michelle of Jodi's Bodacious Blog fame, has her own Etsy store which specializes in beautiful cards, aprons, and photography. Carol Sue, News from the Northwest, is soon to open her Etsy store~My friend, Patricia, makes jewelry that I think would do great on Etsy and her friend Cleta makes the coolest Renaissance costumes, another etsyish thing...I'm sitting here trying to think what kind of stuff I could make and put on Etsy. Oh, yeah, almost forgot-I don't have the time for that!!! Maybe when I retire-is that laughing I hear?? Ummm, well, until then, I'm just going to spend some time browsing this great site and perhaps purchase some interesting and beautiful gifts from here. The first time I logged on I spent about two hours just looking. Still didn't see it all! Doesn't cost anything to look and it's so fantastic that all these individual entreprneurs, from all over the world, can have such a great forum to showcase their talents and wares and, because of Etsy, can run a very successful business from their homes. THAT IS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Hey, this could be how to avoid the hassle of Christmas shopping the old fashioned way. Let me know what you think.

Interesting facts for Veteran's Day

Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier must take a special kind of person.

Question:How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?Answer:21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

Question:How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?Answer:21 seconds alluding to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

Question:Why are the guard's gloves wet?Answer:The gloves are moistened to prevent the guard losing his grip on the rifle.

Question:Does the guard carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not?Answer:The guard carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

Question:How often are the guards changed?Answer:Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

Question:What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?Answer:For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5'10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30."

Other requirements of the Guard:A guard must commit two (2) years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way.After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as the guards come to a halt.There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis (the boxer) and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, (the most decorated soldier of WWII) of Hollywood fame.The military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Hurricane Isabel were given permission to suspend the assignment. The guards respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24 hours a day 7 days a week since 1930.

I would like to say a very special "THANK-YOU" to all the Vets, past and present, and those currently serving in the military at home and on foreign soils! Your service and sacrifice is appreciated deeply! Thanks also to all the friends, family members, wives, husbands, children and grandchildren who also sacrifice and support so their loved ones can serve. Bless you all today!

A Pound of Cure: Lessons from the Gridiron

I was nervous about weighing in this week because I had been away all weekend at the Creative Memories crop in Spring Lake and, while I did try to make good choices, I was exposed to more food and different foods than I normally would have subjected myself to while in the weight loss mode. Add in not exercising like normal-I did fit in one workout. And, I didn't drink my normal amount of water or I'd of spent more time in the bathroom than working on my album! I also had some alcohol~which, believe it or not, is not a usual part of my routine (although, looking at this blog, you'd think it was!). This was the "taking care of yourself" item that my WW leader asked us to do this week. I live such a full, over scheduled, frequently time-pressured life that just getting away for a couple days was an unbelievable reprieve!That is also a good lesson-special events come up, even when/especially when we are working on our weight and we need to learn to navigate these events successfully. Successfully means enjoying and not missing out while simultaneously making choices that support our weight loss objectives. Everyone brought snacks to share. I brought snacks that fit in with my WW eating plan. I opted more for fruit, vegetables, and the healthier choices at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I skipped the desserts that were offered but I allowed myself to have the 2-pt. Oreo, Nutter Butter, and Chips Ahoy bars I had brought instead. I felt completely satisfied by this. The result: I STILL LOST! Only one pound this week but that's four sticks of butter! Next week I'll have been on WW for one month and I will do my measurements as well. Since I have been exercising, it will be interesting to see how my body is reshaping itself.
Lessons from the Gridiron was the theme at weight loss church this week. We talked about getting help in the huddle(going to our meeting), having a game plan (especially for holidays, social event, and eating out), what to do when you fumble, and how to have a "winning season".
Our leaders gave us these quotes from legendary coaches to spur us on to success. Notice, there aren't any from the Detroit Lions : - (
Vince Lombardi~
The greatest accomplishment is not in never failing but in rising again after you fall.
Tom Landry~
Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.
George Allen~
Winning is the science of being prepared.
Bear Bryant~
If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride-AND NEVER QUIT-you'll be a winner.
Denis Watley~
The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or never seriously
consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going; what they plan to do along the way; and who will be sharing in the adventure with them.

The Path I Walk: Dig Deep

Water has a calming effect on me. I've always loved the beach. That's where my path went this week. Winter is coming...it's almost here! I know there won't be too many more opportunities to walk the pier until next Spring. So make the most of every opportunity. That's sort of my theme this week, too. Opportunities come our way from many directions. Not all opportunities are appropriate, available, or possible.Discretion and discernment comes in handy here! Some opportunities are only offered during a specific time of our lives and then they disappear forever. Some come again at a different season in our lives. A second chance experience we missed the first time around-Thank God for second chances! There are times when, in choosing, we close the door to some opportunities because not all paths are open to us at all moments in time. Accepting this fact can be difficult. There is a price to pay for choosing a course of action. Other things must be let go...I have had the experience of being rejected because of some choices or losing friendships or associations because my goals, aspirations, beliefs, and values were not acceptable to some people. It can be a lonely place to stand. There is a price. Sometimes the price exacted is in the form of available free time. To focus in one area may exclude time for another.That means I can't be in all places at all times and be all things to all people.I must choose. There are always choices. Opportunities come to those who are looking, open to possibility, and willing to take action~ah, yes, there's the kicker! Many opportunities pass through our fingers if we fail to act. I am learning on this path to listen to the voice of God in my life, which speaks to me through scripture, prayer, meditation, people in my fellowship circle, and the opportunities that are delivered at my feet. There's no pulling over to the side of the road in life either! Most of the opportunities come our way when we are busy working, raising families, going to school, having relationships, doing housework, running errands, etc. We usually don't get the luxury of dropping everything to pursue a goal or dream. That's where the digging deep comes in. People always ask me how I work two jobs, go to school full time, try to keep a house, manage to care for all my pets, have a relationship with my sons and grandson, keep in touch with my family in Oregon, attend church and life group, lead a team at church, and still find time to blog and be social with friends. Truth is, we all have a stronger core than we realize. Intention is a huge factor. I aim myself truly and then maintain my aim. One foot in front of the other. Keep moving forward. It is painful sometimes. It gets hard. I get off-course, distracted, derailed sometimes. I get discouraged. I get overwhelmed. But, I push on. Dig deep. I am firmly convinced that I CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me! Digging deep is a way of life. Make the most of the life you've been given! This weekend our church is cancelling Sunday services to go out into the community to do service projects. We are going to extend God's love to others through our acts of service, kindness and love. Don't let opportunities get by you-big or small-DIG DEEP!

Croptoberfest: A Virgin No More!

Not a scrapbooking virgin, anyway! Within hours of arriving at the Spring Lake Holiday Inn, I had completed my first album page! I chose to put together an album of photos from my annual Oregon trip which was taken August 10-24, 2008.

I know this looks chaotic but this seems to be the typical way that REAL scrapbookers work~which means I are one! Whoda thunk it?? I wouldn't have believed that I had it in me to do this sort of crafting. My old self talk would have said, "You're not the creative, crafty type!" Moral of the story: Stay open. You never know what kind of great stuff you're talking or thinking yourself out of! It never hurts to try something new. Sometimes you may just surprise yourself...

We occupied the main ballroom at the hotel. Not sure how many of us there were-A BUNCH! We worked from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. The meals were catered for us and were really yummy-we'll see how I did tomorrow at Weight Watchers! The ballroom was next to the bar. So, of course, we had toddies! The room stayed open as long as anyone wanted to scrap...sometimes 2 or 3 in the morning, and then reopened at around 6 or 7 am. People are free to come and go at will. Many of us enjoyed the pool, hot tub,workout room, and computer center. We didn't even have to make our own beds! This is the kind of stuff women fantasize about!!



I got a little back massage from Suz...

Had some spirits to keep the creative juices flowing...in my jammies, no less. Might as well be comfy.

Consulted with my consultant, Mycha...

Met a fellow scrapbooker who is also a fellow Oregonian! Then I really felt at home!

OK, so I had another toddy-So what! Who's counting???

One of the neatest parts of this crop was spending time with my coworkers from CWIT-Patricia, Suz, Melanie, and Beth. It was awesome getting to know these gals better and learn that we have a common interest. Next time, ladies, you will not escape my camera!I will get you onto this blog yet! In fact, all the gals were outgoing, fun, helpful and just oh,so nice! There were a lot of laughs and many interesting conversations flying around the room. We went around looking at each other's work for ideas to use in our own albums. I got in touch with my inner magical child again! It was like being a kid, let loose in a room full of colored paper, pens, stickers, and all sorts of gadgets for making shapes and different cut lines. The possibilities are endless and once you get going it just feels like play! The weekend flew by far too quickly. We'll be having another mini-crop in January and then another event like this in March~and they won't have to ask me twice!!

A Pound of Cure: Take Care of YOURSELF!

Week Two: Lost 1.6 pounds for a total of 8.2 in two weeks. YAY! The process was relatively painless. I did feel that I had done better than 1.6 pounds actually BUT when you're in the process of weight loss, there's a lot of shifting that is going on....and not all of it shows up on the scale! There is something to be said for being able to run further, longer, faster with less effort and sweat! I feel like I am getting stronger and more fit. That counts, too!



I am now at 69.8 pounds to goal. I have a little over 7 months to get there. Or as close as possible. I realize that this will not be a linear process. I will have my ups and downs. This week I actually felt more in control of my eating and I sure did spend a lot more time exercising. The focus this week at weight loss church was on, what else, VOTING! Yikes, it's everywhere! The kind of voting we were discussing were either yes or no votes that help us take care of ourselves. Seems as though I'm not the only one who puts everyone and everything ahead of my own wants and needs. This seems to be a fairly common dilemma for us female caretaker types. In this case we were encouraged to vote NO to that thought and vote YES to the idea that our wants and needs are just as important as those around us and should receive equal value, attention, and care. We were asked to vote NO to always saying YES. When we take on too much it creates stress, which sometimes leads to emotional overeating, it causes us to not have time to exercise or plan ahead our food for the day which can set us up for unwise "on the run" food choices. Another NO vote needs to be cast for situations or people who undermine our success. To the extent possible, our environment should be managed and/or controlled. If we know that a certain restaurant spells disaster for our eating plan, we need to not attend or ask (be assertive) that plans be switched if possible to another restaurant that supports our choices better. Ditto for people who are always trying to tempt you with large helpings or food that is overloaded with fat, sugar and calories. It's time to stand up for yourself and tell them, nicely, "no thanks"!  Vote YES to including things in your life that make you happy: a massage, a bike ride, time to read, a bubble bath, a long walk with a friend, the dog, or your ipod. Whatever it is that will add to your success instead of taking you further from the goals you have set. That's it for this week...next meeting we are to report on what we did this week to take care of ourselves.
I'll be sure to give you all the details!

The Path I Walk: Wonder

Here's a photo of my training area on Saturday. Beautiful isn't it?! I was in awe of this day. November 1st and soooo breathtaking. How many more of these will we get before Winter?
One thing I wonder about is how I managed to be doing three different God-oriented studies at once! Not a bad problem to have! And with my schedule...Anyway, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel made this statement about wonder: "As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines." Is that really progress? Brennan Manning, in the book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, puts it this way, "We grow complacent and lead practical lives. We miss the experience of awe, reverence, and wonder." I can tell you first hand to find wonder just spend some time with a three year old! When I'm with Jayden, even the most common things become special again~ touching a fountain of water, looking at birds and trees and flowers, climbing a hill, running down a path, blowing bubbles, finger painting, making something with playdoh, petting a dog, eating M&M's, singing a song, looking at the sky...ALL MIRACLES to his little eyes. And when I'm with him, to mine, too! Lately, I've been worshipping at the church of nature. Communing with God in His world. My running and walking has taken me outdoors to wonder and marvel at all that has been created for the glory of God and given to us to enjoy. The weather has been crisp but sunny. The fall colors are bright and beautiful. As I push myself physically to exercise, I put myself out there with God as well. We talk. He is partnering with me to create beauty for ashes in my so-called life. Somehow, when I'm out in nature, that's when I hear the best from God. I am filled with the wonder of all that I see. It feels good to be alive. I feel good in my skin. I have gratitude for all that I've been given and how much there is to love about this existence. The air smells good. It tastes good. I appreciate my body. I am thankful for being so healthy. I am happy and content but not complacent! When you feel this alive, you want to make the most of the opportunities you've been granted in this life. Introspection leads me to believe that I AM grabbing life, living it full-out, living it BIG! I am following the path I am called to. Knowing that I am in the Will of Heaven gives me peace. And excitement! I just don't know what's around the next corner, what's in the next chapter, what tomorrow will bring. But, I trust God and I know my life and times are in His hands~no worries! Walker Percy, a Southern novelist, tells of his life prior to having a near-fatal heart attack, absorbed in "everydayness". He goes on, "It is only the reality of death that is powerful enough to quicken people out of the sluggishness of everyday life and into an active search for what life is really about." We are asked to choose between "generativity and stagnation, between continuing to have an impact, or sitting around waiting to die." Another nugget of truth from Brennan Manning: Each moment of our existence, we are either growing into more or retreating into less.
Rabbi Heschel ended a prayer this way: I do not ask to see the reason for it all; I ask only to share the wonder of it all. That's where I'm at with my great, big, fat LIFE! Thanks for listening and sharing this path with me :-)