I seriously need to get some new work pants. Most of the ones I'm wearing I've been wearing for the last 8-10 years and quite frankly they've become pretty ratty around the hem. That's a result of 2 things.
1. Petite length pants are made for women 5'4. I'm 5'2.
2. I HATE hemming pants.
There is another factor in the need for new pants. All the pants I have were bought 60+ pounds ago. So yeah, they are just a bit baggy on me. Oh heck, I'm constantly yanking them up while walking. In fact, going up stairs can be a tricky business if I happen to step on the hem......could lead to embarrassing moments of exposure.
So on the way home last night I stopped to see if I could find some inexpensive pants. (I refuse to pay a lot for pants that will hopefully be too big for me within a few more months) I go in and find some on sale for under $20 so start looking for the size I need, grab a couple styles and go try them on. They fit with no problems at all, plenty of room. As I'm looking in the mirror though something suddenly hits me......I'm trying on the same size pants as what I'm trying to replace!!! Of course they "fit".....and I can pull them on and off without even unfastening them. I was having to yank them up while I was just standing there. Had this crazy idea then.....maybe I should try one a size smaller. So I head back to the pants, find one smaller and back to the dressing room I go. Here's when the numbers head game really struck me. I was nervous trying them on and didn't really have any expectation that they'd fit. I've become so used to being a "size" that the idea of being a smaller size doesn't seem possible. My head can't wrap around that idea.
Guess what. The smaller size fit with plenty of room! So I bought a couple pair and am wearing one of them today. I'm starting to wonder something though. As I walk around I'm having to constantly yank these pants up. Makes me kinda wonder if I could have gone down TWO pants sizes. The brain is trying to wrap itself around this idea. Do I dare explore this possibility...............
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Celebrating the first half
I turn 50 in 15 months. Its a very abstract concept for me since, in my mind, I still see myself somewhere in my 30's. Of course, the arthritis has others ideas. It likes me to feel 90 on some days. Anyway, so why am I writing about a birthday that's still a ways off? Because; I want to take a trip for my 50th and it's a trip that's going to take some planning and I'm reaching out to you, my friends and family, to help.
For my 50th I want Don and I to take 3-4 weeks off work, get an RV and take a trip heading west. There's several reasons I want to do this. Growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to see so much of the world but I have seen very little of my own country. I want to change that. We want to check out the states on our list of potential places to move so when we're ready to buy land we know where we want to look. And, last but not least, maybe get the chance to see some friends.
Here's where you all come in. I'm looking for suggestions of places to visit, things that must be seen, even restaurants that aren't to be missed....or, places to avoid like the plague. Below is a list of states we're looking to plot our course through though it's not etched in stone. The ones in blue are states that are on our retirement list. What our final route looks like will really depend on where things and people are we want to see. So, share your wisdom with me! Where would you go if this were your trip??
West Virginia
Ohio - will probably just be doing Jackson and Cincy stops
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
South Dakota
Montana - eastern part
Wyoming
Idaho - eastern part
Colorado
Kansas
Missouri
Tennessee
North Carolina - probably just stopping for family visits.
Virginia
For my 50th I want Don and I to take 3-4 weeks off work, get an RV and take a trip heading west. There's several reasons I want to do this. Growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to see so much of the world but I have seen very little of my own country. I want to change that. We want to check out the states on our list of potential places to move so when we're ready to buy land we know where we want to look. And, last but not least, maybe get the chance to see some friends.
Here's where you all come in. I'm looking for suggestions of places to visit, things that must be seen, even restaurants that aren't to be missed....or, places to avoid like the plague. Below is a list of states we're looking to plot our course through though it's not etched in stone. The ones in blue are states that are on our retirement list. What our final route looks like will really depend on where things and people are we want to see. So, share your wisdom with me! Where would you go if this were your trip??
West Virginia
Ohio - will probably just be doing Jackson and Cincy stops
Indiana
Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
South Dakota
Montana - eastern part
Wyoming
Idaho - eastern part
Colorado
Kansas
Missouri
Tennessee
North Carolina - probably just stopping for family visits.
Virginia
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Three strikes, you're..........President?
I'm curious what people's thoughts are on three highly politically-charged news stories, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. As always, feel free to share your opinions and comment on others'. Respectful and thoughtful debate is always welcome; insults are never tolerated.
1. The IRS admitting to singling out and harassing conservative groups.
2. The Department of Justice obtaining phone records of AP reporters.
3. The Benghazi testimony.
I'm still researching and working out my thoughts on these three stories but will post what I think in the near future.
1. The IRS admitting to singling out and harassing conservative groups.
2. The Department of Justice obtaining phone records of AP reporters.
3. The Benghazi testimony.
I'm still researching and working out my thoughts on these three stories but will post what I think in the near future.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?
I've been planning this post for quite awhile. Now seems like a good time. So, let's talk gun control.
Warning: Be prepared for extreme pro-gun and maybe a bit of conspiracy theory.
Anyone who knows me knows I am very pro-gun, very pro-Second Amendment. I believe the Constitution not only allows but expects us to arm ourselves. I don't understand the logic of the gun control crowd (GCC). And I find a lot of flaws in their logic and reasoning.
The first thing that always gets tossed out there is no one needs an assault weapon. This idea makes me twitch on several levels. First off, "assault weapon" is a meaningless term used by a liberal media and the GCC to fan the flames and make something sound worse than it is. If I pick up a rock and hit you with it that rock has become an assault weapon. I used it as a weapon to assault you. Anything can be an "assault weapon". Second, since when did need become a determining factor as to whether law abiding citizens should be able to own legal items? There's lots of things we don't need but own because we want them. Don't talk to me about what I need and don't need.....not your decision to make for me.
Another thing I hear is hunters don't need assault weapons. Let's make this real simple. The 2nd Amendment and my right to own and bear arms has absolutely nothing to do with hunters. The 2nd Amendment has one express purpose; to ensure the citizenry of this country is able to defend itself against it's own government. Considering the types of weapons our government has at its disposal you're going to try and tell me I don't need an "assault weapon" to defend myself?
Now on to the conspiracy theory portion of this post.
1. I do believe the ultimate goal of our current administration is to disarm the citizenry. Anyone who doesn't believe that needs to take a refresher course in world history. A defenseless citizenry would sure make it easier for a government to impose its will, don't ya think?
2. I have a very bad feeling this country is headed towards another civil war. In the event of such a tragedy, I'd rather be on the right end of a gun, thankyouverymuch. I'd rather not have to rely on local police to defend myself.
3. I find the sudden burst of mass shootings that have occurred in the last few months to be a bit.......odd. There is a part of me that wonders if there isn't some extreme, whacked-out gun control group staging these to force their agenda.
Do I think there's a problem with violence in our country? Of course I do. Do I think gun control is the solution to it? Of course not. Jeesh people, gun control laws only control law-abiding citizens. Criminals don't care about laws and don't care if they obtain their guns illegally. How hard of a concept is that to understand? If you want to solve the problem of violence then deal with the problem.....the people committing the acts of violence.
Keep your mitts off my guns and Constitutional rights though.
Warning: Be prepared for extreme pro-gun and maybe a bit of conspiracy theory.
Anyone who knows me knows I am very pro-gun, very pro-Second Amendment. I believe the Constitution not only allows but expects us to arm ourselves. I don't understand the logic of the gun control crowd (GCC). And I find a lot of flaws in their logic and reasoning.
The first thing that always gets tossed out there is no one needs an assault weapon. This idea makes me twitch on several levels. First off, "assault weapon" is a meaningless term used by a liberal media and the GCC to fan the flames and make something sound worse than it is. If I pick up a rock and hit you with it that rock has become an assault weapon. I used it as a weapon to assault you. Anything can be an "assault weapon". Second, since when did need become a determining factor as to whether law abiding citizens should be able to own legal items? There's lots of things we don't need but own because we want them. Don't talk to me about what I need and don't need.....not your decision to make for me.
Another thing I hear is hunters don't need assault weapons. Let's make this real simple. The 2nd Amendment and my right to own and bear arms has absolutely nothing to do with hunters. The 2nd Amendment has one express purpose; to ensure the citizenry of this country is able to defend itself against it's own government. Considering the types of weapons our government has at its disposal you're going to try and tell me I don't need an "assault weapon" to defend myself?
Now on to the conspiracy theory portion of this post.
1. I do believe the ultimate goal of our current administration is to disarm the citizenry. Anyone who doesn't believe that needs to take a refresher course in world history. A defenseless citizenry would sure make it easier for a government to impose its will, don't ya think?
2. I have a very bad feeling this country is headed towards another civil war. In the event of such a tragedy, I'd rather be on the right end of a gun, thankyouverymuch. I'd rather not have to rely on local police to defend myself.
3. I find the sudden burst of mass shootings that have occurred in the last few months to be a bit.......odd. There is a part of me that wonders if there isn't some extreme, whacked-out gun control group staging these to force their agenda.
Do I think there's a problem with violence in our country? Of course I do. Do I think gun control is the solution to it? Of course not. Jeesh people, gun control laws only control law-abiding citizens. Criminals don't care about laws and don't care if they obtain their guns illegally. How hard of a concept is that to understand? If you want to solve the problem of violence then deal with the problem.....the people committing the acts of violence.
Keep your mitts off my guns and Constitutional rights though.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The next step
I totally suck at counting calories, points, carbs or any other thing. I simply don't want to be bothered with having to keep track of it. Maybe I'm just lazy but it is what it is. So for 2012 I decided to try something different.....eat less. I worked hard at learning to stop eating really before I hit that "full" feeling. It worked pretty well, I lost 42 pounds last year just by doing this and it wasn't all that difficult. Not to say I still don't over eat at times but it's not the norm now.
This year I'm going to continue down this path since it is working for me. But I'd like to up the amount I lose this year and I still need to work on getting in better physical shape. So Don and I have joined a gym. We met with a personal trainer yesterday and got workout programs put together. I have a few sore muscles today but really nothing that bad so I'm happy there. For the next three months I'll be going three days a week to work out. I'm contemplating going a couple additional days just for a cardio workout, we'll see.
The only new goal I'm working towards this year is regular and consistent gym workouts. I'll continue to work on the portion control thing. I'm kinda excited to see how this year goes.
This year I'm going to continue down this path since it is working for me. But I'd like to up the amount I lose this year and I still need to work on getting in better physical shape. So Don and I have joined a gym. We met with a personal trainer yesterday and got workout programs put together. I have a few sore muscles today but really nothing that bad so I'm happy there. For the next three months I'll be going three days a week to work out. I'm contemplating going a couple additional days just for a cardio workout, we'll see.
The only new goal I'm working towards this year is regular and consistent gym workouts. I'll continue to work on the portion control thing. I'm kinda excited to see how this year goes.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Cliff Hanging - Part 2
Since the only input I got from Part 1 was from my cousin Mike then I'm going to go with his position as far as sacred cows go....nothing is off limits. Now it's time for the next part of the experiment to see if ordinary citizens can come to a compromise on a budget. Anyone else feel free to jump in at any point during this exercise and start playing.
Here's our first official list of agencies we're going to be working with. I also included descriptions of a couple of the agencies I was unfamiliar with.
**National Infrastructure Bank - The bank identifies transportation, energy, and water infrastructure projects that lack funding, offer a clear benefit for taxpayers, and are worth at least $100 million or $25 million for rural projects. Loans made by the bank are matched by private sector investments or money from local governments -- so that the infrastructure bank provides half or less than half the total funding. Each project generates its own revenues to help ensure repayment of the loan. Decisions are made by a seven-person board of governors -- of whom, no more than four could be from the same political party -- and a CEO chosen by the President.
For our next step you are each going to:
Here's my list.
Eliminate:
Would still love to see more people taking part in this.
Here's our first official list of agencies we're going to be working with. I also included descriptions of a couple of the agencies I was unfamiliar with.
- Social Security Administration
- Department of Defense
- Unemployment/Welfare/Medicaid
- Medicare
- Health and Human Services
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of State
- HUD
- Department of Education
- Homeland Security
- Department of Energy
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Justice
- NASA
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Labour
- Department of Treasury
- Department of Interior
- EPA
- IRS
- National Science Foundation*
- Corps of Engineers
- National Infrastructure Bank**
- Small Business Administration
- GSA
- Other (Identify)
**National Infrastructure Bank - The bank identifies transportation, energy, and water infrastructure projects that lack funding, offer a clear benefit for taxpayers, and are worth at least $100 million or $25 million for rural projects. Loans made by the bank are matched by private sector investments or money from local governments -- so that the infrastructure bank provides half or less than half the total funding. Each project generates its own revenues to help ensure repayment of the loan. Decisions are made by a seven-person board of governors -- of whom, no more than four could be from the same political party -- and a CEO chosen by the President.
For our next step you are each going to:
- Identify any agencies you feel should be eliminated all-together.
- Identify any agencies you feel need to be completely overhauled as in the agency needs restructured/refocused but not necessarily a major budget cut....let's say less than 50% of the agency budget.
- Identify any agencies you feel should be reduced in a significant amount...over 50% of the agency budget.
Here's my list.
Eliminate:
- Department of Education
- Homeland Security
- Department of Energy
- National Science Foundation
- National Endowment for the Arts
- SSA
- HHS
- IRS
- Unemployment/Welfare/Medicaid
- Everything else on the list.
Would still love to see more people taking part in this.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
December - It's just a month
The last few years I've noticed a trend that really bothers me. In fact, I find it appalling. It's the idea that people seem to have that December is some kind of sacred month and it belongs to them....and only them.
So at this time of year I see a whole lot of people who somehow find it offensive when people say Happy Holidays to them instead of Merry Christmas. I'm confused, when did Christmas stop being a holiday?? Exactly what is offensive about someone wishing you happiness during the holiday you celebrate? And if the person is a stranger how are they to know you celebrate Christmas anyway? And what's up with the whole "Don't let them take Christ out of Christmas" thing? Since Christianity is based on a personal relationship with Christ seems to me the only person who can take Christ out of Christmas for you is yourself. Then there is the basic fact, whether you like it or not, there are a lot of people who celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday.
I hate to break it to you but Christians don't own the month of December. I can name three other holidays that occur in December.
Hanukkah is a celebration of an historical event....a history shared by Christians.
Yule is a celebration of the sun's "rebirth" as we pass through the longest night into gaining back daylight. A lot of our "sacred" Christmas symbols come from this.
I'll be honest, I have no clue where Kwanza came from or what it's about, but that really doesn't matter. Just because I don't believe in something doesn't make it any less holy or important to someone else.
Here's the thing. It shouldn't matter if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule or Happy Kwanza. You should take it in the manner intended....a wish for happiness for you. There's nothing there to be offended about.
So to my friends and family, whatever you celebrate and find scared this time of year I hope it's a time of joy and happiness for you and yours.
Happy Holidays.
So at this time of year I see a whole lot of people who somehow find it offensive when people say Happy Holidays to them instead of Merry Christmas. I'm confused, when did Christmas stop being a holiday?? Exactly what is offensive about someone wishing you happiness during the holiday you celebrate? And if the person is a stranger how are they to know you celebrate Christmas anyway? And what's up with the whole "Don't let them take Christ out of Christmas" thing? Since Christianity is based on a personal relationship with Christ seems to me the only person who can take Christ out of Christmas for you is yourself. Then there is the basic fact, whether you like it or not, there are a lot of people who celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday.
I hate to break it to you but Christians don't own the month of December. I can name three other holidays that occur in December.
Hanukkah is a celebration of an historical event....a history shared by Christians.
Yule is a celebration of the sun's "rebirth" as we pass through the longest night into gaining back daylight. A lot of our "sacred" Christmas symbols come from this.
I'll be honest, I have no clue where Kwanza came from or what it's about, but that really doesn't matter. Just because I don't believe in something doesn't make it any less holy or important to someone else.
Here's the thing. It shouldn't matter if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule or Happy Kwanza. You should take it in the manner intended....a wish for happiness for you. There's nothing there to be offended about.
So to my friends and family, whatever you celebrate and find scared this time of year I hope it's a time of joy and happiness for you and yours.
Happy Holidays.
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