Thanksgiving went well. Very quiet with just the three of us - Scott is, of course, in Europe - he spent the holiday at Zermatt, Switzerland, skiing with a group of friends from the base. He had a good time. After dinner, we went over to Steve's dad's and visited. We took him a plate of food, though he has little appetite these days.
When we went home, we decided to go bowling. $7 for 1.5 hours, including shoes. We got three games in - even with a malfunctioning pin resetter during the third game that basically allowed us to keep trying until we knocked down all the pins. That made Steve feel better anyway.
Another Thanksgiving thing was looking through all the Black Friday ads. They were bigger than the paper itself! All that stuff out there and the only thing I was even mildly interested in was the $20 printer/scanner/copier that Walmart had. I did not (and never do want) to get involved in all those black friday waiting games and crowds so stayed up after midnight to see if the scanner would be put online. It wasn't so I went to bed.
Couldn't sleep well (I think Eric turned up the heat) and woke up around 7. Decided to go out and check again. Yep, there it was - and still available! I put one in my cart and decided to see if a few of the other specials were still available. Big mistake - not 10 minutes later I decided to check out and the printer was now out of stock. Should have checked out right away. Oh well, it is what it is.
Everything turned out ok, though. On Saturday Steve and I went out on some errands, and stopped at Sam's Club. While there, I looked at the printer/scanner/copiers. First I saw an Epson model that was $30. Gave it serious thought, but Steve saw a Canon next to it for the same price. There were none but the display, though - and only one Canon box underneath, a different model with more features. No price. To make a long story short, they discovered the higher end model had been inventoried under the lower priced model and they gave it to us for the lower price. Nice bargain and it works well for us!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I love a parade!
Today was the annual Santa Claus parade in downtown Grand Rapids. Never have been to it. Not sure why. Turns out this is one ginormous parade - almost 2 hours long! So why did I decide to go this year? Gilda's Club was asking for staff and volunteers so that we could have an entry in the parade. This would be to promote the club, of course, and our upcoming LaughFest, which is what all the smiley faces around Grand Rapids this week were all about. So why not?
Got downtown shortly after 8 a.m., hoping to snag some parking before the roads were closed off. Nope. So turned north a few blocks on Monroe and found free parking in one of the lots we like to use anyway since it's always free on the weekends. Took the short walk back to Michigan and Monroe and found the Gilda's van, with two of my colleagues already inside. I got in as well, and in our conversation, they asked if I would be willing to wear a costume. "Sure," I answered. After all, I thought, I did do a stint as a Hostess Twinkie way back when.
Well, I ended up putting on a Scooby Doo costume (apparently the costume closer to Sparkle (Gilda's dog) was already rented. It definitely kept me warm. But as I put the "head" on, I remember thinking, "What's a claustrophobic like me doing putting this head on?" It wasn't too horrible though I didn't keep the head on all the time before we started. With the head on, I could only see through a mesh hole in the mouth, about 8" round. Once we got started, two people walked near me to let me know of any hazards close by, and when to turn toward the TV cameras. As far as kids, I could definitely hear lots of yells for "Scooby!" So lots of turning my head and waving, giving high fives to kids and hugs too. Just had to remember that Scooby doesn't talk so also did lots of "ruh-roh's" and barking. Had no idea where exactly I was - since I couldn't see much. But I knew when we turned onto Fulton, though, as a nice welcome breeze started blowing into my "snout."
Once we reached the end of the route, I quickly shed the costume and anonymously watched the rest of the parade. This was a big 'un - floats, bands, even a few balloons like the Macy's parade (though maybe a tad smaller but you get the idea.) Kids along the route made out better than Halloween as far as candy went, even at the end like where I was. The parade (which we started at 9 a.m.) was over about 10:45 a.m., then I had a nice long walk back to the car. I was glad that I'd brought some diet hot chocolate in a thermos which was waiting for me in the car - that sure tasted good!
Went to Meijer after the parade to try on jeans as my current ones are getting big...I bought size 10, that's right, t-e-n. I even fit into the size -8- jeans but the muffin topped out a bit over the top of those, even though they fastened easily. So gotta tighten the leftovers at some point. I've been flirting with the 130's - have been as low as 140.5, up and down a few pounds. Feelin' good!
Got downtown shortly after 8 a.m., hoping to snag some parking before the roads were closed off. Nope. So turned north a few blocks on Monroe and found free parking in one of the lots we like to use anyway since it's always free on the weekends. Took the short walk back to Michigan and Monroe and found the Gilda's van, with two of my colleagues already inside. I got in as well, and in our conversation, they asked if I would be willing to wear a costume. "Sure," I answered. After all, I thought, I did do a stint as a Hostess Twinkie way back when.
Well, I ended up putting on a Scooby Doo costume (apparently the costume closer to Sparkle (Gilda's dog) was already rented. It definitely kept me warm. But as I put the "head" on, I remember thinking, "What's a claustrophobic like me doing putting this head on?" It wasn't too horrible though I didn't keep the head on all the time before we started. With the head on, I could only see through a mesh hole in the mouth, about 8" round. Once we got started, two people walked near me to let me know of any hazards close by, and when to turn toward the TV cameras. As far as kids, I could definitely hear lots of yells for "Scooby!" So lots of turning my head and waving, giving high fives to kids and hugs too. Just had to remember that Scooby doesn't talk so also did lots of "ruh-roh's" and barking. Had no idea where exactly I was - since I couldn't see much. But I knew when we turned onto Fulton, though, as a nice welcome breeze started blowing into my "snout."
Once we reached the end of the route, I quickly shed the costume and anonymously watched the rest of the parade. This was a big 'un - floats, bands, even a few balloons like the Macy's parade (though maybe a tad smaller but you get the idea.) Kids along the route made out better than Halloween as far as candy went, even at the end like where I was. The parade (which we started at 9 a.m.) was over about 10:45 a.m., then I had a nice long walk back to the car. I was glad that I'd brought some diet hot chocolate in a thermos which was waiting for me in the car - that sure tasted good!
Went to Meijer after the parade to try on jeans as my current ones are getting big...I bought size 10, that's right, t-e-n. I even fit into the size -8- jeans but the muffin topped out a bit over the top of those, even though they fastened easily. So gotta tighten the leftovers at some point. I've been flirting with the 130's - have been as low as 140.5, up and down a few pounds. Feelin' good!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Famous Lady Day
Today turned out to be "Famous Lady" day for me. It's Friday, I have the day off, and it's a beautiful day to go downtown and see some famous ladies. 1) Myself 2) Betty Ford, and 3) Diana, Princess of Wales.
My first stop was a Woman's Expo, hence the "myself" in the famous ladies. Since it was there, and at DeVos Place, decided that would be a good central place to park for the day. The expo wasn't all that great, only filled one exhibit hall of the three, but interesting stuff to look at, some giveaways, and I got a great free massage as well as a 15 minute one that I paid for (and wasn't as good as the freebie either.) Hope I win some of the door prizes but not counting on it, of course. They had a display of a rentable photo booth and I got some absolutely stunning (just kidding) pictures of me, will have to scan it if I add it to this post or facebook.
Moving on, I decided I had time to walk across the river to the Gerald Ford Museum and see the new exhibit on Betty Ford. This was mostly dresses. She sure had a tiny waist! Maybe I should say has since she's still alive, but not sure of her size at this point in her life. She definitely made a difference in how First Ladies were perceived and the things they could accomplish.
At 1:15, I headed toward the Grand Rapids Art Museum for my highlight of the day. I visited the new Diana, Princess of Wales exhibit. This is the exhibit that comes directly from Althorp, her ancestral estate, and includes her wedding dress. You had to buy timed tickets for the exhibit, $20 but worth it to me. (Steve's comment was, "You know she's dead, right?") So 2 p.m. today was my time to go.
I got to the museum about 1:30 - asked if I could go in before my "time" and was allowed to do so since it wasn't too crowded. The advantages of not going in a group! Anyway, no photography whatsoever was allowed, that was disappointing as I did want a picture of the dress! First exhibits were family history, then we were introduced to Diana as a young girl, complete with some of her family home movies as well as other memorabilia. Then we moved on to Diana as a young woman, concluding with her engagement to Prince Charles. Turned the corner and there was the dress. It's displayed in its own case, with the full 25 foot train trailing behind. Also included in the case were her shoes, tiara, and little Clementine Hambro's bridesmaid dress. I just stood there for a while, absorbed in the memories of getting up very early one July morning and watching a fairy tale unfold before my eyes. Memories of seeing Diana emerge from the glass coach in that dress, and watching that train unfurl as she walked up the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral (which I got to see when we were in London!) Took me quite a while to move on, thankfully there wasn't a time limit.
The next room had some displays about her life as a princess and a mother, then I moved on to the next room which was all about her untimely death and the immediate aftermath. The final room brought a view of (I think) 28 of her gowns and dresses, each on display as well as most having a picture of Diana wearing the gown. After leaving the gown room, there was an Althorp gift shop with some very pricey Althorp items. Having seen the rest of the museum during Art Prize, I finished my day with a walk in the nice late fall weather back to DeVos Place and my car. $9.00 to park but it is what it is.
I definitely enjoyed my Famous Lady Day! Only thing that would have made it more fun was to have my mom with me as she also enjoys the Royal Family. But she's seen the exhibit when it was closer to her home in Florida, so I'm sure when she reads this she'll remember how much SHE enjoyed it, too!
My first stop was a Woman's Expo, hence the "myself" in the famous ladies. Since it was there, and at DeVos Place, decided that would be a good central place to park for the day. The expo wasn't all that great, only filled one exhibit hall of the three, but interesting stuff to look at, some giveaways, and I got a great free massage as well as a 15 minute one that I paid for (and wasn't as good as the freebie either.) Hope I win some of the door prizes but not counting on it, of course. They had a display of a rentable photo booth and I got some absolutely stunning (just kidding) pictures of me, will have to scan it if I add it to this post or facebook.
Moving on, I decided I had time to walk across the river to the Gerald Ford Museum and see the new exhibit on Betty Ford. This was mostly dresses. She sure had a tiny waist! Maybe I should say has since she's still alive, but not sure of her size at this point in her life. She definitely made a difference in how First Ladies were perceived and the things they could accomplish.
At 1:15, I headed toward the Grand Rapids Art Museum for my highlight of the day. I visited the new Diana, Princess of Wales exhibit. This is the exhibit that comes directly from Althorp, her ancestral estate, and includes her wedding dress. You had to buy timed tickets for the exhibit, $20 but worth it to me. (Steve's comment was, "You know she's dead, right?") So 2 p.m. today was my time to go.
I got to the museum about 1:30 - asked if I could go in before my "time" and was allowed to do so since it wasn't too crowded. The advantages of not going in a group! Anyway, no photography whatsoever was allowed, that was disappointing as I did want a picture of the dress! First exhibits were family history, then we were introduced to Diana as a young girl, complete with some of her family home movies as well as other memorabilia. Then we moved on to Diana as a young woman, concluding with her engagement to Prince Charles. Turned the corner and there was the dress. It's displayed in its own case, with the full 25 foot train trailing behind. Also included in the case were her shoes, tiara, and little Clementine Hambro's bridesmaid dress. I just stood there for a while, absorbed in the memories of getting up very early one July morning and watching a fairy tale unfold before my eyes. Memories of seeing Diana emerge from the glass coach in that dress, and watching that train unfurl as she walked up the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral (which I got to see when we were in London!) Took me quite a while to move on, thankfully there wasn't a time limit.
The next room had some displays about her life as a princess and a mother, then I moved on to the next room which was all about her untimely death and the immediate aftermath. The final room brought a view of (I think) 28 of her gowns and dresses, each on display as well as most having a picture of Diana wearing the gown. After leaving the gown room, there was an Althorp gift shop with some very pricey Althorp items. Having seen the rest of the museum during Art Prize, I finished my day with a walk in the nice late fall weather back to DeVos Place and my car. $9.00 to park but it is what it is.
I definitely enjoyed my Famous Lady Day! Only thing that would have made it more fun was to have my mom with me as she also enjoys the Royal Family. But she's seen the exhibit when it was closer to her home in Florida, so I'm sure when she reads this she'll remember how much SHE enjoyed it, too!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Hollow-ween
Hollow-ween has come and gone. Just gonna share a few thoughts.
Growing up - good memories. Mostly of dressing up in whatever costume we could fit over our winter coats....
As a young mom--Dressed the boys up and took them around the neighborhood in Columbus. Eric lost a shoe as a toddler - a Nike - so posted signs in the neighborhood asking if anyone had seen a size 6 Nike shoe - someone left an adult size 6 on our doorstep!
As a new Christian, though, decided that we didn't want to promote the day with our family, so other than some harvest parties, didn't have much to do with the day from the 90's onward. We would go to the store November 1st so the boys could get candy and not feel left out in that regard.
I've mellowed a bit now, though. I still don't like seeing all the satanic influences that the day can involve, but as far as harmless dressing up, I've made a peace of sorts. Our church puts on a trunk and treat ministry as an outreach which is a good thing. So now I get to dress up again.
This year I chose to dress as a "formal apology." A very subtle pun - found the idea on the internet, of course. A formal outfit - size 10! - from Goodwill, my mother in law's fur cape, sparkly jewelry, and an "I'm sorry" badge on my lapel. Did not wear high heels, my feet wouldn't have lasted. Passed out glow bracelets at my game, a ring toss. Had bought some payday candy bars as back up, as well as a bag of candy bars that I did like. Mistake on the good bars (I don't like payday bars.)
I realize that candy is akin to my "gateway drug." I can't just have a piece or two and then stop. Once that sugar hits me, I have to have more. So after a few days of indulging - and no weight loss, I wonder why... - I got my willpower back and realize I can't even have one piece. None. Nada.
So I am solidly at a plateau. Not a bad plateau, mind you. I've still lost 25 pounds since the end of August. But the candy was not a good plan.
November is here now and I took Max out geocaching yesterday. Some nice walks to get some of the caches, did us both a lot of good. He's not as hyper when he's been outside. And I'm burning more calories.
My weekend plans include sorting through all my clothes. Many of them are too big now. Bad problem to have, I know. I plan to keep a few of the good clothes and take a bunch to goodwill. The ones that I keep I will box up and if I don't need them in a year, out they go, too. Some of the ones I saved from last time I was skinny, ok most of them, are out of style now. Or I waited too long and they're already too big. And I had to get some new undergarments, too - have lost inches there.
Predictions for the weather this weekend include the chance of snow flurries. NOT looking forward to that!
Growing up - good memories. Mostly of dressing up in whatever costume we could fit over our winter coats....
As a young mom--Dressed the boys up and took them around the neighborhood in Columbus. Eric lost a shoe as a toddler - a Nike - so posted signs in the neighborhood asking if anyone had seen a size 6 Nike shoe - someone left an adult size 6 on our doorstep!
As a new Christian, though, decided that we didn't want to promote the day with our family, so other than some harvest parties, didn't have much to do with the day from the 90's onward. We would go to the store November 1st so the boys could get candy and not feel left out in that regard.
I've mellowed a bit now, though. I still don't like seeing all the satanic influences that the day can involve, but as far as harmless dressing up, I've made a peace of sorts. Our church puts on a trunk and treat ministry as an outreach which is a good thing. So now I get to dress up again.
This year I chose to dress as a "formal apology." A very subtle pun - found the idea on the internet, of course. A formal outfit - size 10! - from Goodwill, my mother in law's fur cape, sparkly jewelry, and an "I'm sorry" badge on my lapel. Did not wear high heels, my feet wouldn't have lasted. Passed out glow bracelets at my game, a ring toss. Had bought some payday candy bars as back up, as well as a bag of candy bars that I did like. Mistake on the good bars (I don't like payday bars.)
I realize that candy is akin to my "gateway drug." I can't just have a piece or two and then stop. Once that sugar hits me, I have to have more. So after a few days of indulging - and no weight loss, I wonder why... - I got my willpower back and realize I can't even have one piece. None. Nada.
So I am solidly at a plateau. Not a bad plateau, mind you. I've still lost 25 pounds since the end of August. But the candy was not a good plan.
November is here now and I took Max out geocaching yesterday. Some nice walks to get some of the caches, did us both a lot of good. He's not as hyper when he's been outside. And I'm burning more calories.
My weekend plans include sorting through all my clothes. Many of them are too big now. Bad problem to have, I know. I plan to keep a few of the good clothes and take a bunch to goodwill. The ones that I keep I will box up and if I don't need them in a year, out they go, too. Some of the ones I saved from last time I was skinny, ok most of them, are out of style now. Or I waited too long and they're already too big. And I had to get some new undergarments, too - have lost inches there.
Predictions for the weather this weekend include the chance of snow flurries. NOT looking forward to that!
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