New York/ Connecticut Trip

The trip was a blast. I have been so busy and I let over a month to go by to report about it. Check out the previous entry to get the link to my Flickr account. I am too lazy at this point to set up a link. The few things I've learned on the trip. One: Connecticut is a funny word to spell. Never really thought about it before. Hahahaha. Two: The High Line was an awesome place to spend some time when you are in Manhattan. I was sad we just missed the opening of the new phase. Three: We have mastered the subway system. Out of necessity, Jason and I toted all our luggage and walked to Grand Central to then go to Penn Station to catch the LIRR. We saved ourselves probably a lot of money not taking a cab (none available anyway) and we got our morning exercise. Four: People from Georgia love to party!!!!Nuff Said.:)

MittydooWorld's photostream

MittydooWorld's photostream on Flickr.

The Gang Back Together 10 Years Later!!!!!

It was such a nice reunion of us four; The Girls. I was pleasantly not surprised that we all remained unchanged in many ways. True, we've all grown up, married, had families, lives, and careers, but fundamentally, we remain the same. It was awesome to spend hours talking and going down memory lane without any distraction. The mountains were awesome. The moment we got to the condo, I was already making plans to come again. Of course, I was the one who couldn't stay up until 3 and sing karaoke and play Just Dance on the Wii. Mesha could outlast the energizer bunny on that. Niki, the prepared one, had dinner prepared and activities that were free. I wish I was that organized. Gillian was such a good companion, even when I did almost have a nervous breakdown in the airport. I will NEVER FLY Allegiant Air. They Stink!

For the most part, everything was excellent. I made picture albums for all the girls of old memories of Indiantown, West Palm, and all other craziness. Good Times........

The Excercise Continues......

I've been very good. We are on week number 3 and I've only missed one day at the gym because of the rain. I've really enjoyed spinning class on Tuesday mornings. It's been exceptionally helpful to have a friend in Elaine. She's more addicted to the gym than myself. She'll meet me at 5:30 in the morning, go get the kids ready for school, and return for a class at 9. Talk about dedication.

I've been a little down on myself for the last few days. I don't know if it is the weather, hormones, or what. I've been dragging and very disgruntled. Jason is always trying to pull me out of it. He's such a saint. I know I need to change my perspective and just roll with it sometimes. The cardio has been loads of help. I am trying to eat better. I'm not changing everything in one single stroke, but there have been improvements. For instance, no more fake sugar. I am finishing off the diet sodas I do have in my cupboard, but after that, no more. No more Equal, or Sweet N Low, or any of the other fake junk. I've been using Stevia which is all natural. It tastes pretty good. In general, I've just cut back on the sweets. I've had a few sneaks here and there. Nothing major. I am not going to deprive myself. For instance, I'm going to have Mexican food with my mom today. I will just eat less and go more healthier on my options. I am trying to drink more water instead of tea and coffee. This is a really hard one for me, but water is better for you. I just can't do the absolute no coffee or tea thing. I don't want to be responsible for shooting someone because I didn't have my coffee.

Working out is working out

I finally completed my first work week of working out. I am so glad to have Elaine as a workout buddy. Jason and I finally made the switch from "Ghetto Fitness" to LA Fitness. I know I really shouldn't care if the gym is fancy or not, but it does motivate me to get up and go to a place that has a pool and doesn't smell of sweat and cologne. My schedule is M W F at 5:30 am. I still meet Jason on Tues and Thurs to work out together. I do think I will ditch him on Thursdays to do the 4:30 mat pilates class. Super.

We've finally finalized the Girl's Weekend Spectacular with Gill, Niki, and Mesha. I am dying to see them again. I can't believe it's been 10 years since we went our different ways. Wow, where does the time go? Gillian and I are flying to Greensboro on a Thursday morning and Niki is picking us up. Then, off to Boone, NC to spend 2 days in a luxury mountain condo. Mesha really wanted to do something a little more rugged. She loved my creek side cabin website that I found and linked to the rest of the girls. She said it was the closest thing to camping she'd get, since Jonathan isn't the outdoor-sy type. Nikisha, on the other hand, didn't think that we should stick ourselves way out in the sticks. I think the condo in the mountains is a great compromise. It's not really a compromise at all. I just wanted something with a hot tub. What goes better with mountains than a hot tub? Nothing, I tell you, nothing.

I've also made plans to go to NYC and Conn. in May. I can't believe we'll be away from home for 10 days. It's a long-awaited event. It will be so fun to go to Yankee Stadium (the new one) to see a Subway Series. Eat your heart out, Frank Valentine. Hahaha. I don't know what else we might do. Possibly the Met. I also was to try this place out, since I'm such a fan of Vodka. Russian Vodka Room

New Year/ New Ideas

So I'm not a resolution kind of person. Resolutions are always broken. I have decided to change things about the way I think, eat, and react. I got my inspiration from an article in last month's Whole Living Magazine. "28 Day Detox" The regimen is a little strict. The first week, you cut out all dairy, wheat glutten, peanut products, soy products, alcohol, fake sugar, caffeine, processed foods, eggs. So what is left? I want to do it, but I'm set up to fail, right?

I've decided to go to the gym everyday. I will get up at 5 on the days that I work and meet Elaine at Planet Fitness. What's so bad about getting up a half hour early. Then on the alternate days, I will go with Jason in the afternoon. I will pretty much stick to the Weight Watchers diet, but add more fruit and veggies, and cut alcohol to once a week for a treat. Plus, I'll try to drink more water and leave my coffee for the one cup in the AM. Let's see how that goes.

I'm also trying to wean myself off spending too much time surfing the internet and watching ridiculous stuff on TV. Only educational stuff. Let's see how that goes. Trying to put myself in a better frame of mind. Goodbye reality TV. It's been nice knowing you, but we have to break up.

Ode to the Cold that WILL NOT DIE!!!!!!!

Okay, I am a really big "take your vitamins so you won't get sick" sort-of girl. I've been very faithful in that regard. However, I got the cold that would not die. I can say it started on October 25th, a day after I hung out with our friends who happened to have a baby getting over a cold. I held him a lot and I think he dripped his sippy cup into my Barcardi/Juice. For 3 days I had a hellish sore throat and cough. I did go to the doctor and they prescribed a Z-pack. Thankfully, I eluded the strep virus once again. By the way, never, ever google images of strep. You with wish you hadn't.

So it's November 21st, 4 weeks after first being infected. I've had the nagging cough, nasal discharge, and sneezing. I know I can chuck a lot of it up to allergies, but this is ridiculous. Jason started getting the funk a few days ago, which only re-infected me. I had all these lustrous plans to shop my Saturday afternoon away at Ikea. I only stayed in bed and took cold medicine and drank tea.

I also took the time to make a killer Peanut butter and Jelly Pie from the Publix flier this week. Absolutely to die for, if I might add. Never mind that it has a million grams of fat per slice. It's totally worth it. My only gripe is that the flier did not specify what size graham cracker crust to get. I got an 8" at Aldis. It wasn't until I layer my second layer of yummy peanut butter/condensed milk/ coolwhip/ cream cheese mixture that I realized my pie would be over flowing. I made such a mess, but the pie was salvage-able.

My whole body is so numb this weekend from the large amount of rest I've received. I am almost too tired to go to sleep, if that makes any sense. Jason said it would be good for me to rest this weekend since I have been running full speed for the last few months. We both have. After weekends of visiting family, Jason giving several public talks, and other dramas, it has taken a toll on our bodies. He recently had to go to the doctor for a chronic eye twitch. I told him it happens when you get stressed, but he wanted a professional opinion. I gave him mine, but I guess I should have charged him a co-pay. Now the doctor wants him to get bloodwork and go see a specialist. Talk about milking people for their insurance. Isn't our medical system great?

Stolen Swans are Sweet/ Fall Sickness

Everyone in the Orlando area has heard a lot about missing swans of Lake Eola. It was a coincidence that one of the Dr.'s I work with had been at the lake the week the swans were noticed to be missing. Since they are microchipped, he noticed a few were gone. They weren't totally surprised, since they roam free and could die or run away, or be stolen. The following night after the round-up for their vaccines, a couple was seen taking 2 swans. The witness took down the license plate and called the police. Come to find out, the two were stealing the swans and selling them to a broker of exotics up in Jacksonville. It was obvious it was someone who was familiar with large exotic birds. Because, seriously, who wants to really go up against mean, black swans? They are vicious.

A few days later, when some of the swans were returned, they were checked over at the clinic. They were slightly dehydrated and scared. One of the swans had surgery 5 weeks previously and had an injury at the incision sight. Two of the stolen were the mating pair. These people obviously knew what they were doing. Dr. Brown had mentioned earlier that babies go missing all the time. They are probably easier to sell and catch. And they are stinking adorable. Don't believe the whole "ugly duckling turning into a swan" thing. Those little things are just almost worth stealing. Just kidding, guys. I would never, ever steal a swan. Have you ever smelled swan poop? Just gross.

I have contracted my yearly dose of October/November sickness. I believe it happened Sunday when baby Austin, who is recovering from a cold, decided to drip his juice from his sippy cup into by Bacardi and Juice. So much for the alcohol killing the germs. I've had a sore throat for 4 days and it was confirmed today that it is not strep. Good to know. Right now, I have no voice to speak of. (literally) It's not more than a whisper. So reluctantly, I will have to take a sick day for tomorrow. I am so sick of eating wonton soup, but it's all I can stomach for now.

Paula Deen's Sourcream Muffins.

You have to try these.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1/2 pint sourcream
2 sticks butter, melted
2 cups sifted self-rising flour ( has to be self-rising or it won't work)

Mix all your ingredients in a bowl and make sure the butter is room temp or close to it. Drop mixture into un-greased muffin pan. Bake 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy with preserves or just plain.

En Vacances Avec La Famille

I spent the weekend at my brother's place in Savannah. Family can be such an adventure sometimes. We get closer to realizing that we are becoming our parents. My brother and dad talked at great length about planes and finances. Two of my favorite topics, of course.

We took a trip the the two Civil War forts just outside the city. I am a sucker for old buildings. I even snacked on the pecans from the tree in the courtyard of Ft. Polaski. I haven't fallen over dead yet, so they must have been okay.

Nate was such a fine host driving us all around town. We ate lunch on Saturday at the Pirate House which is essentially a tourist trap. The secret tunnel is quite a nice touch. I have my doubts that they actually used it to take drunks to the river and ship them off to Australia. But it's a nice story.

I discovered pralines on this last visit. I really wish I hadn't. Anything involving sugar, vanilla, and nuts is a fine treat. I bought 1.5 lbs, mostly as a gift for the Handshews and to share at work. I did do some sampling on the way home. I'm scouring Food Network online for the perfect recipe. They would make excellent gift or party favors for a bridal or baby shower.

Savannah Swing Part Deux

Savannah Swing

Beautiful Fall

Oh, the time of year I look forward to every single time it comes around. It's a time of year when the seasons begin to click. Well, as much as a season can click in the state of Florida. It is nice to be able to open your windows and feel the crisp, coolness of the morning air.

This type of weather has really affected what I want to listen to music-wise. I've been craving Jamie Cullum, Radiohead, Norah Jones, and Adele. Something with a jazzy, slightly sad basis always goes well with the changing of the seasons.

I really have enjoyed Pandora, but I need to find an affordable alternative to buying downloads. I tried Napster and Rhapsody, but they only allow you to stream your music from an Ipod Touch. Napster does give you so many download credits per how many months you sign up, but you only get up to like 64 if you sign up for a whole year. I just want access to downloadable music that is easy, affordable, and legal. I've said goodbye to my Limewire days.

For His Loving Kindness is To Time Indefinite

I'm reading portions of Psalms, especially the 136th. It's so soothing and relaxing to me. I really need a breather from everything that is happening in the world around me. Work. Life. Everything. It's so refreshing.

Delicious Indian Stew

I haven't made this yet, but it sounds so yummy.
Ingredients

* 2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 tsp. curry powder
* 2 tsp. ground ginger
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper and/or cayenne pepper
* 2 15-oz. cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
* 2 14.5-oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 Tbsp. lime juice
* 1 9-oz. pkg. fresh spinach (optional)
* Hot cooked rice (optional)

Directions

1. Lightly coat a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or oil. Add chicken, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add curry powder, ginger, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Toss to coat. Stir in drained beans, undrained tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on high-heat setting 4 to 5 hours or low-heat setting 8 to 10 hours.

2. Stir lime juice into cooked stew. Stir spinach leaves into stew and let stand 2 to 3 minutes to wilt. Serve with rice. Makes 8 (about 1-1/2 cup) servings.
Nutrition Facts

* Calories295,
* Total Fat (g)6,
* Saturated Fat (g)1,
* Monounsaturated Fat (g)2,
* Polyunsaturated Fat (g)2,
* Cholesterol (mg)94,
* Sodium (mg)867,
* Carbohydrate (g)32,
* Total Sugar (g)9,
* Fiber (g)7,
* Protein (g)29,
* Vitamin C (DV%)23,
* Calcium (DV%)7,
* Iron (DV%)18,
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie di

Back to LIfe, Back to Reality

I've kinda been in a spiritual bubble for the last month and a half. With pioneer service school, convention, and the C.o visit, I've been on cloud nine. The first month of the service year is almost over. I am 1/12 of the way through the year. Hoorah!

I had blood work done this morning for the first time. You should see the disbelief in peoples faces when I tell them that. "Never had blood work?" "Uh, I've never been sick. Why should I get blood work?" Of course, it is a good idea to get a baseline and that is something I tell our customers. But for me personally, I wish I could delay something like getting blood drawn to the latest possible moment. I left early this morning, which I think alarmed my cats. I think they knew I was heading to a place I didn't want to go. Now that I am home, they are all sleeping around me in relief. I guess it was a good thing I returned from the vampire place.

I am looking forward to going on vacation at the beginning of next year. Already looking at flights and hotels in New York. It's been too long. I do dread having to leave my cats. They will be too sad.

An Essential Injection of Sting

If the night turned cold and the stars looked down
And you hug yourself on the cold, cold ground
You wake the morning in a stranger's coat
No one would you see
You ask yourself, who'd watch for me
My only friend, who could it be
It's hard to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When your belly's empty and the hunger's so real
And you're too proud to beg and too dumb to steal
You search the city for your only friend
No one would you see
You ask yourself, who'd watch for me
A solitary voice to speak out and set you free
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me

You're not the easiest person I ever got to know
And it's hard for us both to let our feelings show
Some would say I should let you go your way
You'll only make me cry
If there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When the world's gone crazy and it makes no sense
There's only one voice that comes to your defense
The jury's out and your eyes search the room
And one friendly face is all you need to see
If there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it (I hate to say)
I hate to say it (I hate to say), but it's probably me (it's probably me, it's probably me)
I hate to say it (I hate to say)
I hate to say it (I hate to say), but it's probably me (it's probably me, it's probably me)
I hate to say it (probably me)

Pioneer School, Convention, and CO Visit, Oh My!

It has been a spiritually action packed month. Pioneer school for the second time around was a real blast. I really enjoyed meeting all sorts of new and really sweet people. Brother Moske and Catanzaro were the best instructors anyone could ever ask for. I will miss the Moskes. I got a real education in Polish jokes. Lol. But seriously, I really learned a lot. I also got to remember how awesome it feels to comment a billion times a day and really feel involved in a spiritual discussion. Brother Catanzaro reminded us that our meetings could be just as enjoyable if we put more into contributing. Something we all already know but needed to be reminded of.

Straight after Pioneer school was our wonderful convention. We had the privilege of having Brother Jackson from the Governing Body. I was so sad not to be able to meet and thank him dearly for the thought-provoking talks and experiences. I liked the point he made about not letting fear get to us. He told the experience of the co-founder of Apple computers who got scared and sold his share of Apple for 800 bucks. AGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Wow, I got the point.

I'm really super excited about this new service year. With the school, convention, and now our CO visit, I should be super charged to take on our territory. I even got a new bag for the year. It's time to SSPI! That's SHOW SINCERE PERSONAL INTEREST

Parting Gift

I opened my eyes
While you were kissing me once more than once
And you looked as sincere as a dog
Just as sincere as a dog does,
When it's the food on your lips with which it's in love

I bet you could never tell
That I knew you didn't know me that well
It is my fault you see
You never learned that much from me

Oh you silly stupid pastime of mine
You were always good for rhyme
And from the first to the last time
The sign says stop
But we went on whole hearted it ended bad
But I love what we started it says stop
But we went on whole hearted it ended bad
But I love what we started

I took off my glasses
While you were yelling at me once more than once
So as not to see you see me react
Should've put 'em, should've put 'em on again
So I could see you see me sincerely yelling back

I bet your fortress face
Belied your fort of lace
It is by the grace of me
You never learned what I could see

Oh you silly stupid pastime of mine
You were always good for rhyme
And from the first to all the last time
All the sign says stop
But we went on whole hearted it ended bad
But I love what we started it says stop
But we went on whole hearted it ended bad
But I love what we started


I just love Fiona Apple:)

The Building In Miami I Want to Buy

I'll just have to paint it for the meantime. It is for sale, though. Anyone have a few million to lend me?