High-bred diet????

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with my brain. Sweet <a href="http://losingmyself2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ida </a>posted that a "hybrid" diet of Weight Watchers and Body Media would probably work for me.<br /><br />I read "hybrid"and thought "oh...so that's how you spell it!". I wrote "high-bred" diet this morning. It didn't look right and of course spell check didn't catch it either. Sometimes I scare myself with my stupidity.<br /><br />Today didn't go well for eating or exercising. 4:30am wake-up call from work for a problem in Montana, then no gym because I had a 7 a.m. physical therapy appointment, then to work. No time for gym or breakfast, and no time to drink water today.<br /> <br /> I came home feeling like I was starving to death. Overate.<br /><br />Tomorrow will be better...I'll have a "high-bred" day of good eating and good exercise. :) <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

High-bred diet????

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with my brain. Sweet Ida posted that a "hybrid" diet of Weight Watchers and Body Media would p...

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It All Started With a New Tradition

Every year for Christmas, our local radio station starts to play Christmas music 24/7 beginning one week before Thanksgiving and ending shortly after Christmas.  <br /><br />Every year I look forward to this.  The same songs played over and over again for 6+ weeks.  It just really puts me in the holiday spirit, and this year I even marked the first day on my calendar in anticipation!<br /><br />Joel knows how I'm always talking about starting new traditions with him, and so this year he suggested we put up our Christmas tree on Friday (the 1st day of Christmas music).  I thought this sounded like a great idea.  While I normally wouldn't be too keen on rushing through one holiday that hasn't even come yet (i.e. Thanksgiving), the longer I get to have my tree up, the happier I am.  It just really makes the home "warmer".  <br /><br />So on Friday afternoon, Joel and I headed out to find our next Christmas ornament.  We get a new one each year that we pick out together. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eIIZL5gAqFmAvqXeWWpixsY27qr54l9cufE4gPyy8iw6k2jaWwghQhRYaZplg-8EvHfuZcvBBwLBMRTbX1jRiXBizkdnTyWiswr5sPEcf1Meh_FQHECC7tQ0h0E0w2Vk-FmxjSC5Wd8/s1600/engagement+ring+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eIIZL5gAqFmAvqXeWWpixsY27qr54l9cufE4gPyy8iw6k2jaWwghQhRYaZplg-8EvHfuZcvBBwLBMRTbX1jRiXBizkdnTyWiswr5sPEcf1Meh_FQHECC7tQ0h0E0w2Vk-FmxjSC5Wd8/s400/engagement+ring+002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We chose this one because I love cardinals, and the owl reminds us of our cat, Merlin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2nUzIshdHlNuGoGSX-puHmU5Biooy7OHEVPVqGUsG8xNXz43d_U8uy0gKydHcQI9kjWvfi-pNIUUgMNquOqUYKQ93_pWfG-eod6TvJ63a0zhA18yWxJTJmafoWWlWB6-CTr06jRAbk/s1600/engagement+ring+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhb2nUzIshdHlNuGoGSX-puHmU5Biooy7OHEVPVqGUsG8xNXz43d_U8uy0gKydHcQI9kjWvfi-pNIUUgMNquOqUYKQ93_pWfG-eod6TvJ63a0zhA18yWxJTJmafoWWlWB6-CTr06jRAbk/s400/engagement+ring+004.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is also the first year that I've had a cat for Christmas, so I received a preview into what these next few weeks are going to look like.  Here, you see Charles in his "jungle".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji156la4zcDnVWeG9_GHjwJXgRgs76MT0ZrLKxu_m1ebs1OO1cpF03uDFXdoEUx6OSCaRyzbhx7hrgUHh1z8XVQyzAKSMP3U-2hCNkZpXJoOtvTAByZ8qiE2kBK5FJHCunr2cJ9gQpddU/s1600/engagement+ring+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji156la4zcDnVWeG9_GHjwJXgRgs76MT0ZrLKxu_m1ebs1OO1cpF03uDFXdoEUx6OSCaRyzbhx7hrgUHh1z8XVQyzAKSMP3U-2hCNkZpXJoOtvTAByZ8qiE2kBK5FJHCunr2cJ9gQpddU/s400/engagement+ring+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>He's already broken 1 ornament and tore up the tree skirt.  So typical of him and his shenanigans.<br /><br />Then something extraordinary happened.  As Joel and I were toasting our new-found tradition, this is what I found in the bottom of my champagne glass:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_qWMblq_CNIe5Nu91fJ9woQIzVCOrkj-XMwPe5F70DlStQ2NWIpxBY0aInowr1GHQwkqOHJcakG-e-oh4GGmYLDatXaSQxg04LuDkIDesqjTMLBF5-wLyggGjtnApS711_-2lsRUjc/s1600/engagement+ring+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_qWMblq_CNIe5Nu91fJ9woQIzVCOrkj-XMwPe5F70DlStQ2NWIpxBY0aInowr1GHQwkqOHJcakG-e-oh4GGmYLDatXaSQxg04LuDkIDesqjTMLBF5-wLyggGjtnApS711_-2lsRUjc/s400/engagement+ring+001.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">MUCH to my surprise, Joel asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiIRz0J1c6F3vpTWqL-ZZ54A9ZQzocX_dPUlgwzX9g5sViScfFutKhwJ85hMteLrLQIDrl4e0WDH0jTUlJXH1MS5al6oc9Pbl0VgDR5i72lbKMt-EYNKJa3x2bDtJizyHL3IVnZ4nQjM/s1600/engagement+ring+016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiIRz0J1c6F3vpTWqL-ZZ54A9ZQzocX_dPUlgwzX9g5sViScfFutKhwJ85hMteLrLQIDrl4e0WDH0jTUlJXH1MS5al6oc9Pbl0VgDR5i72lbKMt-EYNKJa3x2bDtJizyHL3IVnZ4nQjM/s400/engagement+ring+016a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>And I definitely said yes :).

wedding It All Started With a New Tradition

Every year for Christmas, our local radio station starts to play Christmas music 24/7 beginning one week before Thanksgiving and ending shor...

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The dreaded Monday morning weighin

Today's weigh in:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">181.4</span></div><br />My last weigh in was on October 31, and I was 173.4. That's an eight-pound gain in three weeks. Ugh! It just proves I have to be vigilant and borderline obsessive when it comes to my weight and what I eat.<br /><br />I have work to do. The Big Climb is March 25, 69 floors in the Columbia building in Seattle. Last year I was 176 pounds for the Big Climb, and it was hard! My goal this year is to weigh 160.<br /><br />Four months and twenty pounds to lose.<br /><br />Now I need a plan! I'm tossing around the idea of rejoining Weight Watchers. It helps me to weigh in every week with someone else. That alone is worth the $40/month, plus I love my Weight Watchers leader. <br /><br />Most likely I'll still do my calorie counting because I love my BodyMedia. It's weight loss plan is exercise, calorie counting and journaling (online). Maybe a hybrid diet of Weight Watchers and BodyMedia. Sound good?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

The dreaded Monday morning weighin

Today's weigh in: 181.4 My last weigh in was on October 31, and I was 173.4. That's an eight-pound gain in three weeks. Ugh! It just...

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Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FoMI8C2MTQ4?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><h1 id="watch-headline-title"><span class="" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="TRNN Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone"><br /></span></h1>

Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

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Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span class="long-title" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Dumb & Dumber - Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?">Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad? </span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rXO7qH9NHs?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="text-align: center;"><span class="long-title" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Dumb & Dumber - Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?"> </span></h1>

Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?   

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A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0PVNA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001F0PVN0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=046C5S1KQD8F733ZH6NX" target="_blank">Polar Heart rate monitor </a>(which I LOVE!). I've entered my food into the BodyMedia website, calories consumed (so far, 867 and it's 3:45 p.m. - I allow myself 1500).<br /><br />I noticed something. My workout shirt feels snugger. In my last post I casually mentioned I thought I'd gained a few pounds in the last ten days. The shirt I'm wearing, a t-strap tank, is definitely tighter than it was ten days ago. I remember it billowing around me and that it felt too big. Now it fits, but I prefer the "billowing" effect.<br /><br />I still haven't weighed. That alone is a sign that in my heart I know I've gained probably more than a "few pounds". My last weigh-in was October 31, 173.4. I bet I'm at least 180 right now, or even more. I know my body. It feels heavy. I felt it yesterday on the StairMaster, the strong pull of gravity when my body gets to a certain weight.<br /><br />So far today the food has been good. I've really missed fresh fruits and vegetables. Even though my hotel had a microwave and fridge, we ate out almost every meal during my ten days in Fairbanks.  <br /><br />Tomorrow will be my big weigh in, to figure out where I am and what I need to do. I have the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 201</a>2 on March 25, and I'd really like to lose 20 pounds by then. Regardless of my current weight - which is unknown right now - I want to lose 20 pounds.<br /><br />The skies are almost black here, looks like rain or maybe even snow. Guess I'd better get my big, fat derriere to the gym before I find an excuse to stay home, all warm and cozy by the fireplace.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my Polar Heart rate monitor (which I LOVE!). I've entered my...

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4 interview killers

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Robert Half International</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess and how you'd handle hypothetical work situations is hard enough. You don't want to compound the challenge by making an easily avoidable mistake, like showing up late or failing to bring an extra copy of your résumé.</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the years, Robert Half International has surveyed hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview gaffes they've either seen or heard about. Following are some of the most unforgettable responses -- and suggestions for avoiding a similar fate.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't forget your people skills</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An individual applied for a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/customer+service/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">customer-service</a> job, and when asked what he might not like about the job, he said, 'Dealing with people.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me if she had realized it was our company, she wouldn't have shown up for the interview."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how well you've prepared, you might find that nerves get the best of you in the heat of the moment. You wouldn't be the first person to stick your foot in your mouth, judging by the examples above.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To guard against saying or doing something you might regret, conduct a practice interview with a friend or family member well ahead of the big event. The "interviewer" can alert you to instances when you seem more nervous than usual or become flustered. The practice will also help you feel more at ease during the real interview.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't focus on your needs over the employer's</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me he really was not interested in the position, but he liked that we allowed for a lot of time off."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to need to take a lot of leave in the next year."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It goes without saying that the interview is a prime opportunity for you to learn more details about the position. But use common sense when digging for additional information.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Don't ask for the nitty-gritty about future compensation, benefits and perks until the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position. Jumping the gun will make it seem like you don't care about the job itself or making a meaningful contribution to the potential employer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, it is appropriate to ask about the position itself, even during the early rounds of interviewing. For example, you might inquire about the person who last held the role or about the types of professional development opportunities the company makes available to employees.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2483-Interviewing-What-not-to-wear/?sc_extcmp=JS_2483_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42483&catid=iv" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Don't dress down</a></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"A person came to the interview in pajamas with slippers."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The candidate arrived with a snake around her neck. She took her pet everywhere."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One job candidate left his dry cleaner tag on his jacket and said he wanted to show he was a clean individual."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An applicant wore the uniform from his former employer."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how casual a potential employer's work environment seems, dress to impress. That means wearing a suit or other similar professional attire.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's highly unlikely a hiring manager will knock points off if you show up to the interview slightly overdressed. However, coming in casual attire may give the impression that you're not serious about the position or cause the interviewer to question your professionalism.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is one of those small details that can speak volumes, so don't take any chances.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't be dishonest</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After being complimented on his choice of college and the GPA he achieved, the candidate replied, 'I'm glad that got your attention. I didn't really go there.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you've been on the job hunt for a while, it can be tempting to stretch the truth during the interview in order to make yourself seem more qualified. After all, what's one little white lie?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But keep in mind most employers conduct reference or background checks prior to extending an employment offer. And in the age of <a href="http://www.google.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Google</a> and social media, it's easier than ever to uncover false information. If that happens, you can be guaranteed you won't be offered the position, and your professional reputation can suffer irreparable harm.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Even if your lie isn't uncovered right away, you could be setting yourself up for failure. If you exaggerate your skills or experience, you may not be able to successfully complete the position's duties once hired. It's best to give the hiring manager an accurate depiction of your abilities so both you and the employer can be confident the job is right for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The bottom line: It's never OK to lie during the interview, no matter how small the fib might seem. Always stick to the facts and build a case for the position you seek based solely on your actual skills and experience.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, visit </i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com</i></a><i>. For additional career advice, view our career bloopers video series at</i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you</i></a><i> or follow us on Twitter at </i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/roberthalf" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.twitter.com/roberthalf</i></a><i>.</i></div></div>

4 interview killers

Robert Half International Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess ...

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I am...my sister (well, sort of)

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s1600/joyce1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s400/joyce1992.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Joyce, 1992...on their property in Alaska, before they built their house. This was an old travel trailer where they stayed on weekends while their house was being build. Check out those legs. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s1600/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s400/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is Joyce November 13, 2011. She'd just had her first shower in five weeks. Since she started eating again two weeks previous to this picture (after four weeks of not eating anything), she decided she wanted to get better. I'm doing her hair. She was beautiful after the hair and makeup, but the pictures of her with the family were weird. Something was wrong with her smile. It was more of a grimace. Her best friend told me I couldn't show them to anyone because Joyce would be horrified. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Joyce update (my sister, 73 years old, had a stroke on September 21, 2011)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I'm home and filled with emotions.<br /><br />My last post was the day of the court hearing. That day was actually very easy. Even though I was a little nervous sitting in front of a judge, in a court room, it went well. I was represented by the assistant Attorney General as well as the Adult Protective Services. It was a done deal before the hearing even started. I was appointed to be my sister's guardian and conservator.<br /><br />This gave me full control over her medical decisions, and full responsibility of her financial obligations. Unfortunately, all her assets, her home and 100 acres, her apartment complex she owns, her savings and checking accounts, as well as a stock portfolio, were all tied up inside of a family trust. The person in control of that trust, yes, you guessed it...the crazy niece who was refusing to pay any bills.<br /><br />This meant I had to hire an attorney and petition the court to become the successor trustee. It took about three days for my attorney to gather affidavits from everyone involved, including affidavits from my other niece and my brother to renounce their positions as successor trustee in the second and third positions. The Attorney General stepped in and put a lock on all assets with a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order which the court awarded in 24 hours). This prevented the other niece from touching the assets.<br /><br />After all of this, "the" niece called my attorney and agreed to voluntarily renounce her position as the #1 trustee. She signed the paperwork at my attorney's office yesterday. She also left a giant box of paperwork regarding my sister's finances at my attorney's office.<br /><br />I'm now the successor trustee of the trust, and now the real work begins. Sorting out my sister's finances, paying bills (including filing her 2010 income taxes), and selling some of her property. This is all on top of dealing with her doctor, her physical, occupational, and speech therapists. As well as the staff at her assisted living home, that I'm in contact with several days a week, checking on the status of my sister. <br /><br />I'm returning to Fairbanks the week after Thanksgiving to meet with a real estate attorney and an estate attorney. I need help figuring out how to best manage all this stuff. Apparently there are laws regarding managing an apartment complex, either I have to manage it (representing my sister as the owner), or hire someone with a real estate license. There's also a thing called a Miller Trust that may help protect her home. All stuff to ask the attorneys.<br /><br />I've taken on quite a bit of responsibility and feel a bit overwhelmed right now. Since I'm being watched by the courts, my every move has to be documented.<br /><br />This morning I'm going to dig into QuickBooks, so I have a complete accounting of her finances.<br /><br />The good news is my sister is eating like she's probably never eaten in her life. Yesterday she had apple pancakes and bacon. I doubt she's eaten like this since she was a teenager. For as long as I've known her she's always been on a diet. Always watching every bite she ate, being super careful. She's getting stronger and getting into a wheelchair twice a day for an hour at a time. She's totally different than she was three weeks ago. Her will to live has returned. Thank God. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The diet and exercise update</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's not a lot to say on this topic. I tried to eat healthy while in Fairbanks during my last stay (ten days in a hotel...ugh!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister's best friend flew up from Palm Springs and stayed with me for the ten days I was there. She's now my BFF. I love her! Her name is Charlie and she's hysterical to be around. She had me laughing at the most serious situations. I met Charlie a few times in the past but never spent much time with her. This gave us a great opportunity to become fast friends. Now I totally understand why she and my sister have been BFFs for over 25 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Charlie is skinny and gorgeous, but she works hard to look as fabulous as she does (she's 60, but my God that woman has a hot body). I followed her lead on eating, but after about five days I felt like I was starving to death and started eating a little more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cropped my sister out of this picture. Even though she really is gorgeous, with her hair all curled and makeup, the picture doesn't look like her. She's always had perfect teeth (still does) and a perfect smile. It's like she can't remember how to smile. Since I promised Charlie I wouldn't show it to anyone, I cropped her out. Isn't Charlie gorgeous? The woman should be a standup comic, and she has a heart of gold. Love her! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s1600/C+and+D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s400/C+and+D.png" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I've gained some weight and I haven't been on the scales yet. Not a lot of weight, probably about five or six pounds. My clothes all fit, but I feel fluffier. Although Charlie works out at home on a regular basis, she just wasn't into it while we were in Fairbanks. In those ten days I only worked out three times. Not good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was back at the gym yesterday, doing the StairMaster (preparing for the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 2012</a>, March 25). I managed 30 minutes but thought I was going to die. I only completed 105 floors. How on earth was I doing 130 floors on that thing a year ago? I swear I couldn't have gone any faster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, it's the gym again, but now I'm wearing my BodyMedia and tracking my food. Just because I have some major things going on, it's not a reason to stop paying attention to my diet and exercise. In fact, it's really important right now that I stay healthy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did I mention how happy I am to be home? I'm super happy to be home with my husband and kitty. Yes, in that order. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One last picture for you...the Fairbanks International Airport, November 15, at 2:30pm. Check out that sun. It was -20 degrees (that's below zero), and dropped to -36 that night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s1600/2pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s400/2pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

I am...my sister (well, sort of)

 Joyce, 1992...on their property in Alaska, before they built their house. This was an old travel trailer where they stayed on weekends whil...

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monkey monkey underpants

I'm having trouble focusing. I sat down on the floor for some good nine month old fun when all of the paints chips laying on my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/11/unpainted-arizona.html" target="_blank">estate sale table</a> catch my eye. (who am I kidding, those suckers follow me around everywhere.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M63J1oy2lnoqSneE5FLyVwfwWIsHFx7mCPH56KIbpEc9-0ajGruqZfbvk7qJY7fZnk_Y2wUPU6yStiHgYvUDGD7XHExWR8zfdXIR2OoQMY9yya20pUMufGQwJyHeVBThGHh15cXjrh5m/s1600/PB120922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M63J1oy2lnoqSneE5FLyVwfwWIsHFx7mCPH56KIbpEc9-0ajGruqZfbvk7qJY7fZnk_Y2wUPU6yStiHgYvUDGD7XHExWR8zfdXIR2OoQMY9yya20pUMufGQwJyHeVBThGHh15cXjrh5m/s320/PB120922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I think I've decided on a color but then I think about changing something next to the table which turns into changing out pillows which leads into possibly dying slipcovers which ends with new paint color for the walls thereby totally revising the color for the table which started the whole thing.<br /><br />Here is my brain lately.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UwoCKHa3tNI?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />I'll try and calm my 'big bag of weird' by having some quality Pinterest time today and probably starting another project altogether. Any ideas on how to get over 'design' block?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

monkey monkey underpants

I'm having trouble focusing. I sat down on the floor for some good nine month old fun when all of the paints chips laying on my estate s...

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Hungry Girl: Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast

I've been trying to cook my way through all of the cookbooks I own.  I have a lot!  So this morning, when deciding on what to make for breakfast, I chose Hungry Girl's <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/hungry-girls-jammed-cheese-stuffed-french-toast/">Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast</a>.<br /><br />I have to admit that I was a little weary on how this may taste, since the recipe calls for the <a href="http://www.thelaughingcow.com/products/light-swiss-original/">Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedges</a>, rather than traditional cream cheese.  In fact, she even states in the book that she tried this recipe using both ingredients, and Laughing Cow won!<br /><br />This recipe was delicious!  I love the stuffed french toast that <a href="http://www.ihop.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=230&Itemid=2">I-Hop offers</a>, and this dish perfectly satisfied that craving many times over.  Plus, I believe that when I'm eating a more health-conscious version of my favorite food, sometimes <i>that </i>alone makes it taste <i>even </i>better knowing that I'm not sabotaging all of my daily Points+ on just one food.    <br /><br /><i>Some notes on this recipe:</i><br />First, if you follow it exactly how Hungry Girl advises, the recipe comes out to 7 Points+.  However, I made modifications based on what I had on hand, so mine calculated higher.  My variation  also does not account for the pancake syrup (mine was 3 Points+).  Also, bear in mind that you will not use all of the egg wash, so when calculating the Points+, I estimated that I only used 1/4 cup of the egg wash (which is still probably way more than what was used, but I definitely did not consume all 1/2 cup - you'll see!).<br /><br />Without further adieu:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g01QPuA2rA7YWVwe8PzZ1A_sMziCObP9JdTL4fivlCMlzJZR-e_0pZl0Si9OhtYxmX9WsOskAbd9Z7Sut-AlycxPkt3Ng4DC52E25dBKVtySYUWosYtn6XVuyTjHngUP-Qh9NKl1YAI/s1600/french+toast+002a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g01QPuA2rA7YWVwe8PzZ1A_sMziCObP9JdTL4fivlCMlzJZR-e_0pZl0Si9OhtYxmX9WsOskAbd9Z7Sut-AlycxPkt3Ng4DC52E25dBKVtySYUWosYtn6XVuyTjHngUP-Qh9NKl1YAI/s400/french+toast+002a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b><u>Hungry Girl's Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast</u> - <i>8 Points+</i></b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br /><ul><li>    1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute</li><li>    1/4 teaspoon cinnamon</li><li>    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li>    2 slices light white bread <i>(I used <a href="http://www.mfps.com/pages/products.asp#">Martin's Whole Wheat Potato Bread</a>)</i></li><li>    1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese</li><li>    2 tablespoons sugar-free strawberry preserves <i>(I used <a href="http://www.polanerallfruit.com/polaner/index.html">Polaner's All Fruit with Fiber Strawberry</a>)</i></li><li>    2 teaspoons light whipped butter or light buttery spread <i>(I used <a href="http://www.thebestlife.com/best-life-buttery-spread.php">Best Life Buttery Spread</a>)</i></li><li>    1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup <i>(my Points+ does not account for this)</i></li></ul><i><br /></i><br /><i>Preparation</i><br /><br />Mix egg substitute with cinnamon and vanilla extract in a bowl. Transfer to a small plate and set aside.<br /><br />Lay bread slices on a clean dry surface and spread half of the cheese wedge on each slice. Spread preserves over 1 slice of bread, and place the other slice on top with the cheese-side down. Press gently to seal.<br /><br />Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to coat the bottom of the skillet. Meanwhile, evenly coat both sides of your sandwich with egg mixture. Coat the sides of the sandwich as well. (You won't need to use all of the egg mixture.)<br /><br />Place sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve with syrup for dipping and enjoy!<br /><br />Makes 1 Serving

Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl: Jammed with Cheese Stuffed French Toast

I've been trying to cook my way through all of the cookbooks I own.  I have a lot!  So this morning, when deciding on what to make for b...

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Adding bells and whistles to your blog

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you recently created a blog and you find it is look rather bare?<br />*Perhaps you would like to make it look more like a website?<br />*Would you like to change the background into something bright and appealing?<br />*Would you like to have a whole string of gadgets down the side?<br /><br />We call the gadgets down the side 'Widgets' and they certainly do make our blogs more interesting and effective. Here is a slideshare of some of the things you can do to spruce up your blog. <br /><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_10209120"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog" title="Adding bells and whistles to your blog">Adding bells and whistles to your blog</a></strong><object height="355" id="__sse10209120" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=addingbellsandwhistlestoyourblog-111117171131-phpapp02&stripped_title=adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog&userName=fionabeal" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed name="__sse10209120" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=addingbellsandwhistlestoyourblog-111117171131-phpapp02&stripped_title=adding-bells-and-whistles-to-your-blog&userName=fionabeal" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal">fionabeal</a>.</div></div></div>

Blogging Web tools Adding bells and whistles to your blog

Have you recently created a blog and you find it is look rather bare? *Perhaps you would like to make it look more like a website? *Would yo...

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Do background check on potential employer

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/j9/ar5l7p9704kcnp45s5j9.gif?time=10/5/2011%205:44:09%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/j9/ar5l7p9704kcnp45s5j9.gif?time=10/5/2011%205:44:09%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">Job seekers aren't the only ones who should undergo a lengthy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_check" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">background check</a>; it's important that candidates research the company, too. Anything from pending lawsuits, bankruptcies or layoffs can be enough to raise a red flag. It's important to understand what you're getting into before accepting any position. Doing background research also will help you ask all the right questions during an interview and impress hiring managers. Not sure where to start when it comes to researching the company?</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's how to conduct your own background check on a potential employer:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Check the finances</b><br />"Always look at the financial stability of the company," says Jonny Laurent, vice president and general manager of Sage Employer Solutions, a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/recruiting/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">recruiting firm</a>. While it may be difficult to find specific information for a private company, it's important to try. Do online research, search local news sources and ask former or current employees -- do some quick digging to make sure your employer is viable. When companies experience important financial events like bankruptcies, there's a greater chance you'll be able to find out about them and track results.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Gauge the company culture</b><br />Speaking to current or former employees can help you understand whether you're a cultural fit with the company before you take the job. If you're not comfortable with areas of a company's culture, it can hurt your career. For example, a place that prizes cutthroat tactics to get ahead may be the wrong fit for someone who is looking for a team-oriented environment. "Find people in your network or close to your network who do work or have worked for them and start a dialogue," says Laurent, who suggests <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">LinkedIn</a> as a good start. "Unless there is overwhelming evidence that the company is a bad fit, do not sell the company short and still interview, but now you can interview with open eyes."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Check its problem-solving record</b><br />The way a company approaches problems can be a good indicator of whether you'd want to work there and how the company treats its workforce. Before taking a job, find out "what has been the company's greatest challenge over the past year and how have they approached and solved the problem," says Jayne Mattson, <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/senior+vice+president/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">senior vice president</a> of Keystone Associates, a career management company with offices in New England. In a weak economy, it can be especially telling to see how a company has dealt with tough times. For example, if it's been able to grow an area of its business -- and you're being hired for a new position -- it can be a sign of good leadership.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Track layoffs and career progression</b><br />For most people, the biggest fear once they take on a new job is a layoff. And while that risk can't be entirely prevented, it's good to understand a company's track record. If the company has had multiple rounds of layoffs, it pays to be more careful when taking the role.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Additionally, try to find out who had your job previously, why she left and where she went. Knowing your career options after you're ready to move jobs can be a good way to gauge fit.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you have any lingering questions, don't be afraid to speak up when talking with the recruiter or during an interview with the company. Not only will it help calm your anxiety, but it'll show hiring managers that you've done your homework and understand the company. A background search "will help you and the company make sure the role is going to be a good fit for both of you," Mattson says. "Ask questions that will get to the heart of what you are trying to understand, so you will make the right career decision."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></div>

Do background check on potential employer

Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder Job seekers aren't the only ones who should undergo a lengthy  background check ; it's importa...

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Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my success.  <br /><br />I also hate to be a Negative Nancy on the blog, though sometimes it's important for you, as the readers, to get both the good and bad to help you relate better to who I am.  Hopefully this translates to you as "authenticity" and not "whining". :)   <br /><br />Aside from the battles that go along with weight loss, I've had other challenges going on as well (<a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sickagain.html">two times of being sick in October</a>!) and some ongoing issues with my car.  These minor life issues definitely play a role in my weight loss success. <br /><br />Well, yesterday I received great news on the car end of things.  The dealership is going to refund me the entire cost of the service they performed on my Equinox for the first time it was there for service (and wasn't fixed!).  The Equinox has been to the dealership a total of 4 times now for a broken heater (<i>doesn't sound like too big of a deal, but apparently it's caused a lot of people to scratch their heads</i>).  Obviously we're in to November now and a heater is fast becoming necessary :).  So once I learned that I would be getting my $500 back, I was so elated that I had to celebrate this near-Christmas-time-and-I'm-spending-BIG-money-on-car-problems victory!<br /><br />So, I bought myself some flowers :) (instead of celebrating with food, which is something I normally would have done). <br /><br />I found these beautiful poinsettias sprinkled with purple glitter (I also bought another bunch sprinkled with pink glitter). Purple for my grandma - I'm sure she'd love these!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s1600/blog+flowers+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftI2hyphenhyphenY1a0vw68CWAY3m8tXwoEqJHHvgjd4Ij17NvYz-eEtHoO_7JlHgCTFv6NUyHncalKAwwQaroygUKNk-cmA5fcoCc0fzd-Gj_iombARTXzyRUSIkBV_wOwLSJDulfby6SobdrZxc/s400/blog+flowers+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I think these are mums? I failed to look at the package before I threw it away, but they look awfully similar to mums.  Again, in purple :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s1600/blog+flowers+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJhfthbLZRUovDISIprjw5qFAIZNtkOj6vLRMz2gSRs_b_6e3TB_1kccJcVMbyaZWf-FRpTats_mxfNVrwjB_AuXhz2rx5p2igMFCj9eXkOFhtMaPmPwpfvg_V7uCVOlInC_Mhlt3pYo/s400/blog+flowers+3.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then these pretty-in-pink mini carnations.  The smell of these remind me of a funeral home to be honest.  BUT, they look beautiful on the coffee table and the bright pink color just screams happiness to me.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s1600/blog+flowers+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItGsC4YcfTqOCnOhMRiYyHCJ5N4I0X5s-XXqzlPp-Iy3THiRm41IjXWHkSuvGKGSrfBFOHBjKgGGE0ZvOHHH7aM1Mam9wNMptSJG2QqhG_CoGscBKfekAyaOOQA6Rkp36HjGlxwmNEs/s400/blog+flowers+4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Funny, because Joel has been gone a lot over the last week, taking some man-trips.  He just returned yesterday from an overnight fishing trip to Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River.  He brought me these :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s1600/blog+flowers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YybU7Ahh-rp2h1MM32A4339E96MMNVC0QrIbX7jDWfvv9aJH9jOHMRX1VZ-icw2bxDFXzYSoSl_6wMAtzy7wqjGAlxvNu6Foi38ciuIAHt9aVjbw0ruajqxigBGwQxzdFzQnSeP-v-Q/s400/blog+flowers+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Sunflowers are arguably my favorite flower!  And no, this girl can never have too many flowers in her house!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s1600/flowers+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpGTCQAPO8MrL7NYdrFTQMTncwXK7Diyi433vDXDY0HMUE8IddWN9cSoABpUyYzqPazsisKtnF6QsAZ5NBEGfma97CxPs6GqEdNXjEoPiDum_aD48AQpj39gv8IQmR-3hrZJkhqs1ZTk/s400/flowers+015.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />What are some ways you find happiness (other than the scale) during the struggle that is losing weight?  Do you have a favorite flower?<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>P.S. - from  yesterday's <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/11/sugar-consumption.html">sugar post</a> - I ended my day with approximately 23.5 teaspoons of sugar consumed - a far cry from the recommended 6 teaspoons!!</i>

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss Challenges Finding Happiness in the Journey

I firmly believe that while I'm on this weight loss journey, finding moments of happiness during this time in my life is essential to my...

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Family Thanksgivings: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4AubQ9ADu-q9BvOe0AXzGkw55yicnSISyaqmcsdN2nEsZAPKOM1N544oPpAqxXMJbzvhIqkYjZdlNqmri1b6q-PKzhq3g9_dSGssVCnlTSfa3iQD66LzOYS2ckI423cNHjufDqJtqg9l/s1600/hannah+and+her+thanxgiving+dinner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4AubQ9ADu-q9BvOe0AXzGkw55yicnSISyaqmcsdN2nEsZAPKOM1N544oPpAqxXMJbzvhIqkYjZdlNqmri1b6q-PKzhq3g9_dSGssVCnlTSfa3iQD66LzOYS2ckI423cNHjufDqJtqg9l/s400/hannah+and+her+thanxgiving+dinner3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to spending some time with one of my favorite families </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">over the coming Thanksgiving weekend,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hannah and Her Sisters </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(as well as her other relatives and friends).</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNR8aL9oETkVJi-cGRY-3iQ0UKLaqOzJ4CcL28LJvkOqKojEq9bT3PhI4ZieCvbXqNDtDTkzRXusoUYr7rj6Q0UTZaPi2wg2ZKGrKqRxcKFLaPaGMfspKb3FYfp8ZpiWEBh-Szo7BbDn5/s1600/hannah+and+dianne+with+oscar+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNR8aL9oETkVJi-cGRY-3iQ0UKLaqOzJ4CcL28LJvkOqKojEq9bT3PhI4ZieCvbXqNDtDTkzRXusoUYr7rj6Q0UTZaPi2wg2ZKGrKqRxcKFLaPaGMfspKb3FYfp8ZpiWEBh-Szo7BbDn5/s200/hannah+and+dianne+with+oscar+two.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dianne Wiest, Oscar winner</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i>, Woody Allen's, by turns, clever and outright hilarious 1986 classic, has been judged by many as his best film of the 1980s, but I think it might well be the best of his best work. Allen's own Oscar-winning script is a tour de force testament to his dazzling facility as a screenwriter - who has a record 14 screenplay Oscar nominations to his credit; he's won two (the first for <i>Annie Hall </i>in<i> </i>1977). Two member's of the film's superb ensemble cast, Dianne Wiest and Michael Caine, were awarded supporting Oscars for their portrayals. Allen himself delivers one of his very best performances and Max von Sydow (who has some of the film's best lines, which is saying something) and Lloyd Nolan are especially memorable in slightly-more-than-cameo roles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The film begins with one family Thanksgiving dinner and ends with another. Opening credits roll as the Harry James Orchestra croons "You Made Me Love You," and the story begins to the same band's snappy version of "I've Heard That Song Before." It is Thanksgiving in Manhattan and Hannah's family comes together in her spacious, character-soaked, softly-lit Upper West Side apartment. The parents of Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her sisters, a crusty and eccentric pair of old-school show biz troupers (Lloyd Nolan and Maureen O'Sullivan) take a moment to sit down at the piano and sing a duet on "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," a tune that recurs, usually by way of tinkling ivory keys, throughout the film. Meanwhile, Hannah's husband Elliott (Michael Caine) has been ruminating on his fascination with his sister-in-law Lee (Barbara Hershey).</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sLlQSSHX91Md5ENUytI0SykeSSVeVfwkMIv9ALvUIF8ePK408MkIRpypLy6Nq2E7ocKp9Kq2ND0vPF8kTA2MbyB2dmbV_6fMD6neoJFFV2CAKKFP0DUPMWA1ZxueZQm32uM6YeOBZZX6/s1600/hannah+and+her+parents+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sLlQSSHX91Md5ENUytI0SykeSSVeVfwkMIv9ALvUIF8ePK408MkIRpypLy6Nq2E7ocKp9Kq2ND0vPF8kTA2MbyB2dmbV_6fMD6neoJFFV2CAKKFP0DUPMWA1ZxueZQm32uM6YeOBZZX6/s200/hannah+and+her+parents+2.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Sullivan and Nolan</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A tumble of interconnected episodes from the lives of family and friends flows between the two Thanksgivings. Mickey (Woody Allen), ex-husband of Hannah and future husband of her sister Holly (Dianne Wiest), endures a health crisis that leads to a spiritual crisis; Lee is unfaithful to her long-time lover (Max von Sydow) with Elliott. Bickering between the sisters' parents gets ugly and leads to bawdy, if amusing, accusations.  Along the way, flashbacks reveal bizarre and comical past events (bad first dates are traditional fodder for hilarity, but who knew infertility could be entertaining?). By the second Thanksgiving, life seems to be on a more harmonious course for <i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i>. Elliott and Hannah are once again content with each other, Lee has married an entirely new man and Holly and Mickey, who once went through a date from hell, are now wed. A maid fusses with candles on the dining table, "I'm in Love Again" can be heard in the background, on piano, and one of the couples shares a private, irony-tinged moment...fade to black.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHzWHpab-atbFtp3a2Xbd0t_SmdJrkejdDc0LzRDN5EF_BYUf89n8h7tHsdvZXxe5v-5QdMsVNWb1gf428eKMPY7wnKsJsX1vmhacFzlFEzd7EB0CDpO54ZVzTMZ69cyWyFiF54ZsUEGM/s1600/Hannah+and+central+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHzWHpab-atbFtp3a2Xbd0t_SmdJrkejdDc0LzRDN5EF_BYUf89n8h7tHsdvZXxe5v-5QdMsVNWb1gf428eKMPY7wnKsJsX1vmhacFzlFEzd7EB0CDpO54ZVzTMZ69cyWyFiF54ZsUEGM/s320/Hannah+and+central+park.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'Holly and Mickey' in Central Park</span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As so often with Woody Allen's films, Manhattan's captivating presence lingers in the background...Central Park, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue, the Chrysler Building, Columbia University, The Carlyle Hotel, CBGB's - east side, west side, all around the town - accompanied by scintillating tunes that kick the impact of story and scenery up a notch. The soundtrack is saturated with some of the great American standards of 20th century song: "Where or When," "You Are Too Beautiful," "Isn't it Romantic," "If I Had You," a Dave Brubeck version of  "I Remember You," Count Basie's "The Trot," "The Way You Look Tonight" sung by Carrie Fisher, "I'm Old-Fashioned" sung by Dianne Wiest - not to mention Bobby Short performing "I'm in Love Again" at the Carlyle.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">..plus interludes of Bach and even a moment of "Madame Butterfly." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Hannah and Her Sisters</i> brims with warmth as it casts its wry gaze on the misadventures of its confused but not-difficult-to-relate-to characters. A fully realized reflection on love, life and family, the film earned three Academy Awards (Weist, Caine, Allen) and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, art direction and editing.  It is a gem.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The gifted Mr. Allen, now 75, is the auteur director of more than 40 films over the past 45 years, a writer on nearly 60 films and actor in 40+. Along with his screenwriting Oscars, he's won a Best Director award for <i>Annie Hall</i>. Allen began as a comedy writer for Sid Caesar's popular <i>Show of Shows</i> during TV's golden age, became a successful stand-up comedian, had short stories published in <i>The New Yorker</i> and wrote two Broadway hits, <i>Don't Drink the Water </i>and <i>Play it Again, Sam</i>. Today he continues to make films and also performs as a classic New Orleans-style jazz clarinetist.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZNXlUG13fCirAHP3UWsGC5iZBwQ2u3OYcZuJB6OqBgawBMWbMUos784ffigBMx_lns6E9HX2_XEm6VCisn6n2QeDSn9T3Mfo8nczUwW05x89N2PrEXs-Kf-3iVoGucxjMJszuNCu8jhc/s1600/HannahSistersSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZNXlUG13fCirAHP3UWsGC5iZBwQ2u3OYcZuJB6OqBgawBMWbMUos784ffigBMx_lns6E9HX2_XEm6VCisn6n2QeDSn9T3Mfo8nczUwW05x89N2PrEXs-Kf-3iVoGucxjMJszuNCu8jhc/s320/HannahSistersSet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Woody Allen (center) on the set of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hannah and her Sisters</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Woody Allen has had one of the most prolific, varied and celebrated careers of the 20th and 21st centuries. My own favorites of his films are <i>Hannah and Her Sisters </i>and <i>Bullets Over Broadway </i>(1994). Also on my list are <i>Match Point </i>(2005), <i>Broadway Danny Rose </i>(1984), <i>Stardust Memories </i>(1980) and <i>Play it Again, Sam </i>(1972). I haven't seen every one of his films (including this year's <i>Midnight in Paris</i>, but soon) and haven't loved everything he's done (<i>Curse of the Jade Scorpion </i>and <i>Interiors</i> come to mind), but I much admire his lifelong devotion to creatively exploring and expressing his own unique personal vision - and I deeply appreciate the decades of intelligent entertainment and long, loud laughs he has given me...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Many thanks to Chris of Movies Unlimited's MovieFanFare website and Ivan of LAMB's 'Classic Chops' for republishing this post during Thanksgiving week.</i> </span></div>

Barbara Hershey Dianne Wiest Hannah and Her Sisters Lloyd Nolan Maureen O'Sullivan Max von Sydow Mia Farrow Michael Caine The Lady Eve (author) Woody Allen Family Thanksgivings: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

I'm looking forward to spending some time with one of my favorite families over the coming Thanksgiving weekend, Hannah and Her Sisters...

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Online Global Education forum – Adobe Youth Voices project presenting today

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The online Global Education forum has started! (14th – 18th November).  For more details about this event go to: <a href="http://globaleducation.ning.com/">http://globaleducation.ning.com/</a><br /><br />SchoolNet SA is involved in iEARN’s Adobe Youth Voices Media-Making Programs and our SchoolNet Programs Manager, Omashani Naidoo, will be participating in their presentation this afternoon. It would be great if you could tune in! Here are the details<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>SESSION:</strong></span><br /><br />iEARN Adobe Youth Voices Youth Media-Making Programs from across the Globe - Almerinda Garibaldi (Brazil), Cornelia Platon (Romania), Omashani Naidoo (South Africa), Allan Kakinda (Uganda), and Lisa Jobson (USA), Program Managers for Adobe Youth Voice<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>TIME:</strong></span>  <br /><br />Wed, 16 November, 16:00 – 17:00<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>DESCRIPTION:</strong></span><br /><br />Almerinda Garibaldi (Brazil), Cornelia Platon (Romania), Omashani Naidoo (South Africa), Allan Kakinda (Uganda), and Lisa Jobson (USA), Program Managers for Adobe Youth Voices in iEARN.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>SESSION TITLE:</strong></span> <br /><br />iEARN Adobe Youth Voices Youth Media-Making Programs from across the Globe <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CO-PRESENTERS:</span></strong> <br /><br />Almerinda Garibaldi (Brazil), Cornelia Platon (Romania), Omashani Naidoo(South Africa), Allan Kakinda (Uganda), and Lisa Jobson (USA), Program Managers for Adobe Youth Voices in iEARN <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">STRAND:</span></strong> <br /><br />2011 Teachers <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TARGET AUDIENCE:</span></strong><br /><br />Teachers, Students, NGOs, anyone interested in starting or supporting a youth-media program <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">LANGUAGE</span></strong>: <br /><br />English <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PRESENTING FROM:</span></strong> <br /><br />Brazil, Romania, South Africa, Uganda, and USA <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>SESSION LINK</strong>:</span></span> <br /><br /><a href="https://sas.elluminate.com/d.j%E2%80%8Bnlp?sid=2008350">https://sas.ell​uminate.com/d.j​nlp?sid=2008350</a><br />Password: <u><span style="color: #0066cc;">GEC11​Part263</span></u> <br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>SESSION DESCRIPTION:</strong></span> <br /><br />This interactive session will showcase youth media-making projects from across the globe that were created as part of iEARN's partnership in the Adobe Youth Voices program, and will include tips and strategies on how to start and manage your own youth media program. <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MORE INFORMATION</span></strong><br /><br />Adobe Youth Voices (<a href="http://youthvoices.adobe.com/">http://youthvoi​ces.adobe.com/</a> ) is Adobe's global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and take action in their communities. <br />iEARN ( <a href="http://www.iearn.org/">http://www.iear​n.org</a>) is one of five founding non-profit partners that helped to launch the Adobe Youth Voices program in 2006, and is currently administering Adobe Youth Voices programs in Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, East Jerusalem, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and the USA. <br /><br />Check out a sample of the iEARN network's Adobe Youth Voices media projects on the iEARN Adobe Youth Voices YouTube Channel [ youtube.com/iea​rnayv ] and join us in this session on how educators across diverse settings have integrated youth-produced media and media-making into their teaching practices. <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">LINK TO FORUM DISCUSSION:</span></strong> <br /><br /><a href="http://globaleducation.ning.com/forum/topics/%E2%80%8Biearn-adobe-you%E2%80%8Bth-voices-youth%E2%80%8B-media-making-p%E2%80%8Brograms-from-ar%E2%80%8Boss">http://globaled​ucation.ning.co​m/forum/topics/​iearn-adobe-you​th-voices-youth​-media-making-p​rograms-from-ar​oss</a> <br /><br /></div>

Adobe Youth voices Online Global Education forum – Adobe Youth Voices project presenting today

The online Global Education forum has started! (14th – 18th November).  For more details about this event go to: http://globaleducation.ning...

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Have you ever considered using Wallwisher in the classroom?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is Wallwisher?</span><br /><br /></span></strong><br />Wallwisher is an online notice board that is incredibly easy to use and also <em>incredibly</em> useful as a classroom tool!  Better still – it is an online collaboration tool to share ideas, resources, and thoughts on a particular topic.What I really like about it is that you can embed videos, photos etc. Best of all, your students don’t need an account in order to write on your wall.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How do you get started?</span><br /></span></strong><br />1.First of all go to <a href="http://wallwisher.com/">http://wallwisher.com</a> and sign up on the top right corner. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62Y2UXNy8kyp52Ga03Xm1k4lgJKC1yZl5VwECLY-c-E1T42k5yWwDy0kNudFxtSbjBgknyplz4vM7gmSlrPCY2BSB2X0l5ccdblDvErp8-B4noNUvZtJVVnu4sh8e9mfUABu-1nHzTyQ/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02_gklospgXoLf64pc0LbCkNy3Mq0CW02_gcPQyl4R-dXpDepwzJ1JGNcm8Io-RyLhSuxMjk-qcXi1bDX4ju6vgVdIi3etrmAC3u4TrtwTB2BApMl9NR2I1G5TJ7n_yJvujADLp1IQP0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br />2.Click on ‘<em>Build a new wall’</em>.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dDV1cPSbJjDVgQbDJcu4g6eK20A17zyjKe4-6xMgeXIYtY7otxg_Uhy3C71V52LzQvaZ723iOLBnQGVOVfM39nfcYl8al2n1nwhK01KtyUh9l5WsygQ6hrxO-QnC_l7p7MS-5ix8vxU/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zS-8tolgWOWqxbPfg0X9Ypo5YsFCuDLPf2GcSdK4V25Zv_FTMscKRIIxbcEv5uZMnN0hbn3Sp4_uu7xitz7q7Z72nCQLyPXhhqXNLztEwTlECe8n3vt6mx-fYGK_B7hdQn172K3hJsA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br />3. From there you:<br />    1) Choose a background<br />    2) Choose a title and a sub-title<br />    3) Add a picture or choose one of their options<br />    4) Decide how you will treat the stickies. <br />        (It is often best to choose to moderate each sticky.) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbetYCA4hOyE63hwhWcTayYLKIDFdPVEH2Es4DF1uEgnU0_ojbphFe99nYdT8f905UnEEEeQoGVjYuwzgZXdpITAVWA06lBv6Lu3kSbSAM7u-H86ipPkkKNLASOXHXn0qv7nmV8txFvqA/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnJS_VRDGqzHFOzqdjNNNq87owoFyOkni5TGv2E96FfYDYjrD8jQ3lJMwmCkBg8Ef-0awwNlj5BEkedYFcnTZ5ZZMxEBXq8d50ln12f-tU6OZzciJC5TdxMriLk9WWN7YsAariy_qtIA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br />4. You even get to choose the name of your wall if you want to. This is then included in a web address for your wall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS-irReVe9ZBw93bVYzJ8p7dviroJTTfysjNmQ64KnwBOydHQ9Tbgg6C4rpsdlcD64_L75XF2No7aot_YwLqmqLDs-JFzjqagxor9C5M6zyJayfTZoj3HJRFfY8IuhJuAHZOPt0xHziw/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7-9KnG4ekO-I3hLzoW0t-KtlyRobdlnH9Boax0gfkBBLBGqxejCppcAzFA2gKkUhYlb3bhlfAbe41FUc9F4570spmefhfJ75bJUI25IwsFmg9brg175wSrZQ3Bs-z2YPc1ATw5_XKWo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Your wall is now ready for use. <br /><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of the ways in which I have used Wallwisher in the classroom</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></strong><br />1. I have used it for a <u><i>brainstorm </i></u>of story starters. Here the class was asked to think of some story starters. Wallwisher has a 160 character limit for each comment/post that you leave on the wall<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnyMcMM8dCjuYDGkGuP1kexJLDp_yqOLkAdYERn342Axw7mYiYHtNC2TOuD59URPI6CDYR-cbyDxDKTKj7koHxC0P6tIbiRqyyoVqJ1yuUG4HH8SRF423DP3ZQdNbbLOf6ZKbqj6A74U/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFd2SQddJP7mf18Z6X57g2NDHRMehLt1bllVM5uFJI1Q4VIgQaXe3DIZ9ivzn96nQ5ozLSbjiozCmA5Krxwyk4gkRzntV9SnSBmfTWhXohIpLZqbctJjmYrkUAzMBee-vy5PqZ_kkZLI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><br />2. It could be used for <i><u>reflection</u></i> purposes. Here the class reflects on the Soccer World Cup that was held in South Africa in 2010. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoih7_4mHZn-Nl53Oys2w3_99l37k63dv7a7APsxE_oJXN7niacd_Imqt-FuihT1jJX8GmNgJG9gHjJtnY9MaasPA3yHlY1NkxZWM5U-CQt_UXN5OpiBQCMx0FB6vdZCtRgjwGJHG_ewE/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Km4AGEZ2FGjC6CGuKHBNx8SwmFsI_3bnWsYHLT0lSJwEP2igqaAYhVUhu79f2hFtHUWMZL9QlRPNPrn2gAycU5xB2zbAZagdxbGSClLS1Vh17DRzbUa_SNQVG5rWAEUAx7rWXfMUqTA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />3. It can be used to <i><u>gather a collection of facts</u></i> about a topic. Here I used it with a Grade 3 class to recall facts about dinosaurs<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w2ZBKVXdM_TCOe11rUCBR2hAFpbG3yri6hWRO_hTjxkJ_gHHmYr92dsB7lojYznNQIJEsKQ4LCuJ1poLtIKkIzj6cTIrwJJljXJAcKiTJFZmPlBnueQ2xVrBkCp5iabt6c12NxPS-3o/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaH75RKAQSduKQryuOOm8lCbIN0imIz1SMH-_QDG7wuo6qdSG708NpcadVDUsKINFlFtjzroxSI9rmjRYV0cL2w_Kv2Xrn1Ocr86Dxeawz1Hduobk0RIwNQD4fLVSIBNbwmvafsdkqkQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ays in which others have used Wallwisher in the classroom</span></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br />1.  It could be used for <i><u>Maths resources</u></i>. Here is a geometry wall.  (<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/Geometry9">http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/Geometry9</a>)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE9KlVg5-shyDamTTyT06QbM7D3pHemGB9woV3eN_xr9582muxKyh6OShJOhSYEPabYWJmNx3mCVL_dA-L0M-UaGiBDu1ltQH64xWuPap-5020kW59JQmjGLCj9zT3GWBrz_nPFEM7XY/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR59TLLYz0BJ8ihdkV4fZ4X-sa-KAOnH0GnR1eMpcoDrgIYOi8sqpo41c77PQcA8Hebm4em7D36_zGJxAbOZIxsIJEgY2pf284HurcUsH6U36UGJkba0KMaOt3EHTUMPSEPOuKeahGqN4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />2. It could be used as a way of <i><u>answering a test question</u></i> as the student cannot see each others’ answers until you have moderated the stickies. (<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/isthistory">http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/isthistory</a>)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEl3z0QfLftvhteOBLGzoHkw1WtNoceZ2z8VYxs75O9IH4OipfvolenxgB2AwVvikMpdsJQuzRVSvekUu3zOM4KYtX-UlfszWyqMkPxdV8f5Hmz4U5NYjNDY5AmRreNM_jRwCJZOcCE4/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl8zxNN1AfZQ0Xd14iorpGzy_OKPJbUl_Vm6DclmICVkpIIqg5H9YGsNHqgfqYsunYIeu3LfJ7zxujrHgRwxZEjkN5aMx_aSKjodbm0yGcTGB64LpAqmROinlo02fokTeDr3qXhCx1j8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />3. It could be used as <i><u>a grammar lesson</u></i><u> </u><i><u>or a writing lesson</u></i>. Give the class a basic sentences and the students have to expand on the sentence. <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDc7JaS9X6LFnKBuo_6tTyLZikc-cOTz1s1MhUcQ5SuNFf8csikqAt2x8tJ_F-oE2kow6uA2kYHF3TooGF_NyHuCdMPePEP3nRZyOE0j8pDAAwS_B4EksQK46zEOtZdJlMXs7ie6N9oU/s1600-h/image%25255B37%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIbm15_elHvIM-080pL1l4Ikl8cKpLad5yOx3cfYX1fx5-LoOTKjqkJnbuzPz0ZmGWN8vaATnlM7j7klErEyzOJI4L3Qv8Ux1yEggGo_6OjfI89bSKRzDzrFLXwyRRgWCE38hO8PB5Ms/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />4. Here it is used to <i><u>brainstorm</u></i> Web 2 tools suitable to use for English students <br />(<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/teachersweb20">http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/teachersweb20</a>)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH-4SlDnF0GxIFlPM0w1HB1bvCeXfSFZrtdsfRI7aQf83xSGc9gkZKmjuUXXvmFau4BS8d3rc6AMnO74bZoQycQJsohXcBmesFbYOB3AEebl5b-7YTDP0ypq39soYyJ59qEIisV7BqZg/s1600-h/image%25255B41%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErKnTtExHNlh_Yj4VAKD4PJwaOJ75SrblfCsUuCtUMpMQMDBPlTwNlycEWAZF0ZbMgE_VsHiVHRdmTqI3nuXvG5sgjAUcB9IXP1jE5-JI629M1meb58TlT4_PwSTbSUAKquLtcDDjfh0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />5. Ways of using wallwisher in a classroom presented on a wallwisher!<br />(<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/ineducation">http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/ineducation</a>)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkAcaLpVohzdVmraWWOGPM7fad4X9hdYGQV97cF-RcmW8Mw_byopCkI2TianPXz9TO89tgaKHa28vHUAtTuRjxKAd7E6CQrnxXMw632Qpqffx-3XsQhuVZTIjl65F3gfh0puBFZTlb0M/s1600-h/image%25255B52%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-6hGNvjg2fA-UsHHg6Uu81HpmtwC0rh8fYQpBagO8J5b87xhFbD45xqGMwqmoOX_WmQ5Q5WJ17_cPXxj-TNFXhmT5v7hUL2Rxglc_BZpbN2HQEo2WZetbogTI6F1vwFh2b3NkFisuLI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); </script> <br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Further ideas</span><br /></span></strong><br />1. <i><u>Gather information</u></i> from a wide source of people. <br />2. Use Wallwisher for <i><u>book reviews</u></i>.<br />3. It can be used as a <i><u>suggestion box</u></i> for changes that need to be made about something.<br />4, It is a way of <i><u>sharing resources</u></i> with one another. <br /><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Posts written about Wallwisher</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></strong><br />1. 105 ways to use wallwisher in the classroom:  <a href="http://seanbanville.com/2010/06/26/wallwisher-105-classroom-ideas/">http://seanbanville.com/2010/06/26/wallwisher-105-classroom-ideas/</a><br />2. 32 ways to use wallwisher in the classroom from Tom Barrat - <a href="http://bit.ly/rM7a1x" title="http://bit.ly/rM7a1x ">http://bit.ly/rM7a1x </a><br />3. Loads of wallwisher resources here: <a href="http://www.freeeslmaterials.com/wallwisher.html">http://www.freeeslmaterials.com/wallwisher.html</a><br />4. Using Wallwisher together with Fotobabble<br /><a href="http://tefltecher.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/talking-photographs/">http://tefltecher.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/talking-photographs/</a><br /><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Embed Wallwisher in a blog</span><br /></span></strong><br />One of the great things about Wallwisher is that it can be embedded in a blog or wiki quite easiy. To add any type of object that uses HTML embed code into a post it is as simple as this:<br /><ol><li>Grab the HTML embed code <br /></li><li>Click on the HTML tab of the blog or wiki<br /></li><li>Paste the HTML embed code <br /></li><li>Click on <strong>Publish</strong></li></ol><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Video tutorial</span><br /></span></strong><br />Learn more in this video tutorial from Learnitin5<br /><a href="http://youtu.be/Gyhwj2BP8F8" title="http://youtu.be/Gyhwj2BP8F8">http://youtu.be/Gyhwj2BP8F8</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gyhwj2BP8F8" width="420"></iframe> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>

Tutorials Web tools Have you ever considered using Wallwisher in the classroom?

What is Wallwisher? Wallwisher is an online notice board that is incredibly easy to use and also incredibly useful as a classroom tool!  Be...

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Sugar Consumption

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNdYzcAN0YLsBk-zXY7HAlI8aGSYxvrTkpx94vOYzE-CBY9R8B8ZaYX2twAfCJrLGCIsMbS5T-6VVzPnfUZOwwvcMbTAWp76FPAWprTdO06abkFhUJk4kOUzkC9xNkUm_RGiQMOiZvAk/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNdYzcAN0YLsBk-zXY7HAlI8aGSYxvrTkpx94vOYzE-CBY9R8B8ZaYX2twAfCJrLGCIsMbS5T-6VVzPnfUZOwwvcMbTAWp76FPAWprTdO06abkFhUJk4kOUzkC9xNkUm_RGiQMOiZvAk/s1600/sugar.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Sugars-and-Carbohydrates_UCM_303296_Article.jsp#.TsLDYVZWXRd">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>In a recent WW meeting, we talked about the recommended daily amount of sugar (this was also included in the weekly pamphlets).  According to the <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Sugars-and-Carbohydrates_UCM_303296_Article.jsp#.TsLDYVZWXRd">American Heart Association</a>, the recommended daily amount of sugar intake for women is 6 teaspoons.  However, from 2001 to 2004, the <a href="http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/120/11/1011.full.pdf">average daily intake for Americans</a> was 22 teaspoons!  <br /><br />I have an <b>enormous </b>sweet tooth.  I figured that the 22 tsp estimate was very close to my day to day consumption of sugar.  So, after reading the pamphlet<i> (last night while on the elliptical - I'm a little behind on them!)</i>, I decided that today I would monitor my sugar intake, just to see how it goes. So far today (at the time of writing this post, it's just after 2 PM), I've already had almost 3.6 teaspoons of sugar.  It's probably slightly higher than that because there was one dish where I couldn't calculate the total sugar, since it was a recipe I made.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/gramconversion.htm">Here's some assistance</a> in calculating teaspoons of sugar from the given units of "grams" on the nutrition label.  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">1 tsp of white sugar = 4 grams.  </span></div><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I've had 40.1 grams of total sugar today.  40.1 g / 4 grams per tsp = 3.6 tsp</span><br /><br />I found this to be rather interesting.  Plus, this calculation also helped me realize that I will be forgoing the Cherry Coke "break" I have mid-afternoon from now on.  This is what I've had so far today:<br /><br /><ul><li>Eggs (0.1 g)</li><li>Sausage (1 g)</li><li>Toast (4 g)</li><li>Jelly (6 g)</li><li>1/2 Pizza Potatoes serving (recipe - no clue on the sugar content)</li><li>Chick Fil A Nuggets (1 g)</li><li>Chick Fil A Fries (0 g)</li><li>1 c. Cherry Coke (28 g)</li></ul><br />As a side note, I'm not happy with myself that I've eaten Chick Fil A two days in a row.  I had good intentions of eating my lunch today, but it didn't taste good, and I no longer waste calories on food that tastes just mediocre or all together crappy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_HmTYJHDyxv5b1_Frj7S0iERSSfeWC9nzf0sZbZFl1SB3O28IxFs9XHw6KzN1ndEv_Du_4N07FBbMt2w3pO4aJeeo5HPTGP1B5mj3cd20soWkGdLJryu6nHzSH982bBE5ssEax3nN1I/s1600/Arlington-20111115-00614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_HmTYJHDyxv5b1_Frj7S0iERSSfeWC9nzf0sZbZFl1SB3O28IxFs9XHw6KzN1ndEv_Du_4N07FBbMt2w3pO4aJeeo5HPTGP1B5mj3cd20soWkGdLJryu6nHzSH982bBE5ssEax3nN1I/s320/Arlington-20111115-00614.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />So, while tracking sugar intake specifically is not apart of WW (yes, total carbs are, but sugar is a piece of that), it did really help me gain a new perspective on my eating habits.  In other words, that Cherry Coke is not worth the calories/Points+/sugar! <br /><br />If you follow WW, do you track any of elements of your food besides just the Points+?  What do you think of these stats from the AHA?  Is this surprising to you?  Do you think you exceed the daily recommendation for your gender? <br />

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Watchers Sugar Consumption

Source . In a recent WW meeting, we talked about the recommended daily amount of sugar (this was also included in the weekly pamphlets).  Ac...

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How to choose good job references

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><div style="color: #333333; font: italic normal normal 16px/normal arial, helvetica;"><span id="cbArticle_lblHeadline2">Get the most from their support</span></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/qt/ar5l71q5wg3dxltjfcqt.gif?time=9/27/2011%203:02:19%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/qt/ar5l71q5wg3dxltjfcqt.gif?time=9/27/2011%203:02:19%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">When a hiring manager is trying to decide among candidates, the words of someone familiar with the applicant may tip the scale one way or the other. Are your references providing maximum advantage? Here are a few considerations:</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Think before you select</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jayne Mattson, senior vice president of Keystone Associates, a career management consulting firm headquartered in Boston, says a good reference is someone who:</div><ul><br /><li>Wants to see you succeed as much as you do.</li><br /><li>Can clearly articulate your strengths, areas of expertise and development.</li><br /><li>Can think on her feet if asked a tough question.</li><br /><li>Is someone for whom you feel good about being a reference.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While several people you know may fit the bill, consider whose position or ability to give pertinent information would be most useful to the prospective employer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"In most instances, companies are looking for professional references -- people you have worked for or with who can comment on your skills and accomplishments," says Tracy A. Cashman, partner and general manager of the information technology division of Winter, Wyman, one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. "There are occasions when companies want more personal/character references, but you should have at least three or four professional references at your disposal, ideally to include a past manager, a colleague, a subordinate (if appropriate) and perhaps someone from another team/division who you worked with on a particular project."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Since you are looking for references to be enthusiastic advocates, it also is worth considering who might best convince others of your abilities. "There's nothing worse than a potential employer checking a reference who only answers in monosyllables and provides no detail," Cashman says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Likewise, Mattson notes that it is wise to avoid anyone with whom you did not have a good working relationship and people whom you worked with years ago who are not up-to-date with your current career endeavors.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you're conducting a secret job search, you might want to think carefully about choosing someone from your current workplace. Make sure the person can be trusted to keep the search confidential.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Ask before you list</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Contacting people you'd like to use as a reference before listing them serves several purposes:</div><ul><br /><li>It makes you look professional and courteous.</li><br /><li>It gives them time to prepare and not be caught off-guard by a phone call they didn't expect.</li><br /><li>Their willingness or hesitancy can help you judge whether or not they would make a good reference.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Lavie Margolin, a career coach and author of "Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers," warns that just because someone agrees to give a reference, it does not mean that it will be a good one. "Your former supervisor may have had a different impression than you of the quality of work that you provided ... Or what if your boss felt you left him in the lurch when you quit the company?" Instead of assuming, he suggests having a brief conversation with the potential reference in which you can ask what he thought about you as a professional and what he plans to share.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Keep people in the loop</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Prepare your references to support your candidacy by briefing them on your background and career goals. Mattson suggests providing each with a current résumé, access to your LinkedIn profile and information on the best way to get in touch with you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While it is good to update people occasionally on the status of your search, contact is especially useful when you know a potential employer is about to begin checking references. Discussing the position and pointing out key elements that you are trying to emphasize can help your reference prepare informative answers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Be sure references can be contacted</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Once you've finalized your references, be ready to present them to a prospective employer when asked. Margolin suggests creating a one-page list that includes the following for each reference:</div><ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Person's name</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. Job title</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. Relationship to you (such as co-worker or direct supervisor)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4. Company name</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5. Address</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6. Contact info (phone number, email address)</div></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then, check back with your references from time to time to make sure that contact information has not changed. The best reference in the world becomes useless if he can't be reached.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i></div></div>

How to choose good job references

Get the most from their support Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder When a hiring manager is trying to decide among candidates, th...

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Weekend Recap

Happy Monday!<br /><br />It was another busy weekend, which was kicked off on Friday afternoon by meeting up with <a href="http://honeyishrunkthegretchen.com/2011/11/14/zoology/">Gretchen from Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen</a>.   SO cool meeting a blogger in real life!  Have you ever done this before?  I had some <a href="http://www.lacroixwater.com/">La Croix</a> waters that I wanted to pawn off onto someone, and I knew she loved these so I offered them up to her.  We met at a cutsie coffee shop in the area and got to know each other a little bit.  Some things about Gretchen's blog that I enjoy are: her sense of humor, her writing style, and her pictures (she's so good!).  If you're a dog lover, her 2 pups make frequent appearances.  Also, let's not forget how much of an inspiration she is -  having lost over 50 lbs!  <br /><br />Saturday was spent with Joel's family, celebrating his grandfather's 80th birthday at this REALLY cool retirement community called Leisureworld.  So wild!  It's like a piece of Florida in Maryland for older folks. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wPCVFnN2TPZvJBGyS2CPwG297LHIc78Nd2MSOdHBFqM205YXtcCrUHQFmqA3PEqRjQ7nQ-v0vwRHgN6dVOZLcxJcynHfgEZ0EmmVVs6lqgBF6wnCHcEVCriAe-2USdwg2kgF1KL4-pI/s1600/Paw+Paws+80th+Birthday+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wPCVFnN2TPZvJBGyS2CPwG297LHIc78Nd2MSOdHBFqM205YXtcCrUHQFmqA3PEqRjQ7nQ-v0vwRHgN6dVOZLcxJcynHfgEZ0EmmVVs6lqgBF6wnCHcEVCriAe-2USdwg2kgF1KL4-pI/s400/Paw+Paws+80th+Birthday+069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Since I now have another commitment on Wednesday evenings, I had to change my WW meeting day to Sunday (well, in order to stay with my awesome leader, Sharon).  So, I headed out Sunday morning to a very intimate meeting at 10 AM.  I really enjoyed it - sometimes I prefer the smaller crowds.  This week's meeting topic was about Thanksgiving and how we're going to plan our plate.  I came away with some great tips:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ol><li>Fill at least half the plate with fruits and/or vegetables.  Then the other half gets divided into two parts - 1 for meat and 1 for whatever indulgence you want to have.</li><li>Be active before or after the meal.  This year, I'd like to find a local "turkey trot" in the area to attend.  If that's not possible, then I need to hit the gym or do a walk/run around my neighborhood.    </li><li>If eating in a buffet setting, do a "first pass" of all the dishes, and then go back and pick only what you REALLY want to eat.</li><li>If you don't like something on your plate, don't eat it!</li></ol></blockquote><br />This year I'd like to bring a dish to both meals (I have Thanksgiving at two families) that is "safe" for me to eat.  I'm thinking a dessert, since I'd rather eat dessert than eat the actual meal, believe it or not.  Pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite!  <br /><br />After WW, I attended church for the first time since moving back to Virginia.  The place I chose was just "ok" for me.  I'll keep trying out some others in the area until I find a place that feels right.  <br /><br />Finally, after church, I spent all afternoon and into the evening cooking for the week.  <br /><br />How did you spend your weekend?  Any special, Points+ friendly dishes you plan to make for Thanksgiving?

Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weekend Recap Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! It was another busy weekend, which was kicked off on Friday afternoon by meeting up with Gretchen from Honey, I Shrunk the Gre...

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