I love football. I play in two fantasy football leagues. And many football players in my opinion are pampered and spoiled beyond what they should be just because of what they do. (this is true of most professional athletes)
When Michael Vick got arrested for dog fighting I was appalled at the dog fighting and I applauded the NFL and the law for punishing him for his crime. Michael Vick has served his time for the crime he committed. He is now supposedly working with the SPCA to teach young adults about the harms of dog fighting. But apparently PETA does not think this is enough and has been quoted as saying Michael Vick should not be a role model to any child. Now I do not agree with dog fighting in any form...and I believe you should be punished for your crime...but I believe once you have served your time you should be clear. Michael Vick has served his time. The NFL has him on probation of sorts to come back and play. His career may never be the same. At this point I do not think he should be treated any differently than any other player. I think we need to teach children that role models are human...they make mistakes...they are punished for their mistakes...and then we forgive them and go on. Just as we should with anyone else. So Michael Vick may have made mistakes...but I think he can still be a role model assuming he has learned from them and is honestly changing.
As Christians we are called to forgive...are professional athletes above that?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Weight Watcher Weigh-In Week 15
So I guess I celebrated too early. I had a gain of 2.8 this week. Although part of the weight may be the brace I have on my knee...I don't think it weighs 3 lbs. But I also didn't move much this week because of my knee. So I'm guessing it is a combination of things. So this week I'm working on it. Portion sizes are an issue for me right now. I'm not paying as close attention to them as I was. So I'm going to watch that this week.
Because of my MRI this past Saturday I didn't stay for the meeting but that is another goal for this week. It really does make a difference. Next week...I'll have a topic for you.
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: + 2.8
Total: - 5
Because of my MRI this past Saturday I didn't stay for the meeting but that is another goal for this week. It really does make a difference. Next week...I'll have a topic for you.
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: + 2.8
Total: - 5
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Knees and Dogs Don't Mix
aka what I did this weekend...
Friday night at 11:30 PM I picked J up from the airport. He looked rough because he and the boys had been out until 3 AM the night before...got up at 6 AM to start work and didn't get home until 11:30 PM. I felt a little bad for him but it was his own fault. So I wasn't sure what we'd be doing Saturday.
Saturday morning I had a funeral for a friend's Dad at 11 AM and I wanted to go get weighed before that. So I went about my morning while J stayed home with the puppies. I had two friends having picnic/gatherings that day one at 3 PM an hour away the other at 4PM 20 minutes away. We decided since I'd missed the one at 3 the past two years and J had not met all of those people we'd take the dogs and go. We get there all is going well. We decide to take them off the leash since my friend has a big yard. They love it. I love my dogs and they are extremely fun loving energetic animals. My youngest (5 1/2 month old 40 lb) pit bull was running with Eva our oldest when he ran full speed into the back/side of my knee. My knee bent the wrong direction...popped...I fell...threw my drink on J and poor Ares kinda sat down with a "rah roh" look on his face. I got up with J's help and was propped up in a chair with ice for the rest of the day. Fortunately my friend is a nurse and she had Advil and an Ace bandage in her car. I hurt a lot. We ended up still going to my other friend's thing for a bit then I went home and iced it some more.
Sunday I went about my day...went to church...went to see Harry Potter (more on that in a later post) and went to bed.
Monday I woke up still in a fair amount of pain...and my knee buckled twice while I was walking on flat ground. So I called my doctor. Went to see her Tuesday she sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. He had the bedside manner of a porcupine. And it turns out all Ares did was twist my knee no big deal. Ice it. Keep off it. Advil, etc. but in the process of checking out the current injury we found out about an unhealed old injury. My knee cap instead of being in the center is way off to the right. He discussed physical therapy or surgery. The surgery would involve cutting ligaments to get it to move back or cutting the bone in my lower leg. Neither sounds fun or good. So I go for an MRI Saturday and we'll go from there. YAY!!
Friday night at 11:30 PM I picked J up from the airport. He looked rough because he and the boys had been out until 3 AM the night before...got up at 6 AM to start work and didn't get home until 11:30 PM. I felt a little bad for him but it was his own fault. So I wasn't sure what we'd be doing Saturday.
Saturday morning I had a funeral for a friend's Dad at 11 AM and I wanted to go get weighed before that. So I went about my morning while J stayed home with the puppies. I had two friends having picnic/gatherings that day one at 3 PM an hour away the other at 4PM 20 minutes away. We decided since I'd missed the one at 3 the past two years and J had not met all of those people we'd take the dogs and go. We get there all is going well. We decide to take them off the leash since my friend has a big yard. They love it. I love my dogs and they are extremely fun loving energetic animals. My youngest (5 1/2 month old 40 lb) pit bull was running with Eva our oldest when he ran full speed into the back/side of my knee. My knee bent the wrong direction...popped...I fell...threw my drink on J and poor Ares kinda sat down with a "rah roh" look on his face. I got up with J's help and was propped up in a chair with ice for the rest of the day. Fortunately my friend is a nurse and she had Advil and an Ace bandage in her car. I hurt a lot. We ended up still going to my other friend's thing for a bit then I went home and iced it some more.
Sunday I went about my day...went to church...went to see Harry Potter (more on that in a later post) and went to bed.
Monday I woke up still in a fair amount of pain...and my knee buckled twice while I was walking on flat ground. So I called my doctor. Went to see her Tuesday she sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. He had the bedside manner of a porcupine. And it turns out all Ares did was twist my knee no big deal. Ice it. Keep off it. Advil, etc. but in the process of checking out the current injury we found out about an unhealed old injury. My knee cap instead of being in the center is way off to the right. He discussed physical therapy or surgery. The surgery would involve cutting ligaments to get it to move back or cutting the bone in my lower leg. Neither sounds fun or good. So I go for an MRI Saturday and we'll go from there. YAY!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Weight Watcher Weigh-In Week 14
I went to the 11:00 AM meeting Saturday to weigh-in on my way to a funeral so I didn't stay for the meeting. But I got good news at the meeting. I was down 2 pounds and they complimented my face saying it looked thinner. I had had some issues with medications the past couple weeks and I think that was causing bloating. Now they have the medications under control and no more bloating. Whoo hoo.
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: -2
Total: -7.8
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: -2
Total: -7.8
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Up in the Air...aka...life military style
You gotta love the military. It keeps life fun and exciting. And you are always on your toes. Now is no exception...there are a number of things up in the air for us right now.
First...J is up for Chief again. And they post the results normally around the end of July/ beginning of August. It is a bit of a stressful time because it is a big promotion for him and it includes some nice benefits including a pay increase. Last year we had things up in the air for a while because of him being up for it and he didn't get it. He was disappointed but it worked out well because we got to spend time with his family and I got to meet them. This year we are planning on going to his family reunion the end of August/beginning of September but if he makes Chief those plans go out the window. It is sort of bitter sweet...we want him to make Chief but we have some cool plans for the Family Reunion. Ultimately my prayer is for Chief. But that is in the board and God's hands now. So say a prayer, light a candle, cross your fingers, do whatever you do...keep positive thoughts that J makes Chief. And I'll let you know.
Second...in March J will move to a new assignment. He is done with shore duty...which has made life very nice for us. And he has to pick a new assignment...the options aren't plentiful so right now we are looking at an overseas assignment for a year, a European assignment for three years, or an East Coast assignment for three years. His plan right now is that overseas and Europe would be unaccompanied. And a year I can handle...I'm not so sure about three with a visit every six months but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. It may be that none of them pan out. So we sit and wait. Gotta love the military.
The joys of Churchy and Her Sailor :-)
First...J is up for Chief again. And they post the results normally around the end of July/ beginning of August. It is a bit of a stressful time because it is a big promotion for him and it includes some nice benefits including a pay increase. Last year we had things up in the air for a while because of him being up for it and he didn't get it. He was disappointed but it worked out well because we got to spend time with his family and I got to meet them. This year we are planning on going to his family reunion the end of August/beginning of September but if he makes Chief those plans go out the window. It is sort of bitter sweet...we want him to make Chief but we have some cool plans for the Family Reunion. Ultimately my prayer is for Chief. But that is in the board and God's hands now. So say a prayer, light a candle, cross your fingers, do whatever you do...keep positive thoughts that J makes Chief. And I'll let you know.
Second...in March J will move to a new assignment. He is done with shore duty...which has made life very nice for us. And he has to pick a new assignment...the options aren't plentiful so right now we are looking at an overseas assignment for a year, a European assignment for three years, or an East Coast assignment for three years. His plan right now is that overseas and Europe would be unaccompanied. And a year I can handle...I'm not so sure about three with a visit every six months but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. It may be that none of them pan out. So we sit and wait. Gotta love the military.
The joys of Churchy and Her Sailor :-)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Weight Watcher Weigh-In Week 13
Ok so apparently I celebrated a bit too early on my weight-loss victory last week. Apparently I didn't do so well this week. Although they changed my medication again so I'm going to my doctor Thursday to see if that is part of the problem. And Mom made a good point...I'd have to have eaten 10,000 calories extra this week to make up the 3.2 lbs. I know I didn't so I'm going with water weight thanks to medication, not enough water, and Virginia summer. I know it sounds like an excuse but I did eat well this week.
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: + 3.2
Total: -5.8
Meeting Topic: Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
I admit I love fruits and veges but I'm bad about eating them. She discussed some ideas for getting more. Homemade salsa, strawberry salsa, mixing them in sauces, salads, Caramel Apple Salad, etc. Most people admitted they got tired of eating the same fruits and vegetables over and over again so she suggested picking up a new fruit or vegetable or using a different recipe for a common one.
After the meeting...I had a few other errands to run one of which took me over by the new Fresh Market. If you have one of these near you you must go. They are wonderful. The produce department could have kept me entertained for hours beautiful vegetables and fruit. Cherries, plums, peaches, apples, bananas, leaf lettuce, celery, artichokes, baby artichokes, asparagus, white asparagus, etc. a wonderful blend. So since I had just learned about getting more fruits and vegetables I went a bit crazy. I bought some fresh raspberries, celery, carrots, cauliflower, organic french vanilla yogurt, whole grain granola, Happy Belly juice, and some spinach/artichoke dip for a dinner I was going to later that night.
And next time I go I'm definitely getting some of the wonderful meat from the butcher. It was so fresh looking. I think for J's birthday we are going to get some of the filets and grill them.
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: + 3.2
Total: -5.8
Meeting Topic: Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
I admit I love fruits and veges but I'm bad about eating them. She discussed some ideas for getting more. Homemade salsa, strawberry salsa, mixing them in sauces, salads, Caramel Apple Salad, etc. Most people admitted they got tired of eating the same fruits and vegetables over and over again so she suggested picking up a new fruit or vegetable or using a different recipe for a common one.
After the meeting...I had a few other errands to run one of which took me over by the new Fresh Market. If you have one of these near you you must go. They are wonderful. The produce department could have kept me entertained for hours beautiful vegetables and fruit. Cherries, plums, peaches, apples, bananas, leaf lettuce, celery, artichokes, baby artichokes, asparagus, white asparagus, etc. a wonderful blend. So since I had just learned about getting more fruits and vegetables I went a bit crazy. I bought some fresh raspberries, celery, carrots, cauliflower, organic french vanilla yogurt, whole grain granola, Happy Belly juice, and some spinach/artichoke dip for a dinner I was going to later that night.
And next time I go I'm definitely getting some of the wonderful meat from the butcher. It was so fresh looking. I think for J's birthday we are going to get some of the filets and grill them.
Monday, July 13, 2009
How Relationships Evolve...
This weekend I took J to the airport for a work trip. He and about 3 other guys go for a week to do some training. Last year about this time I dropped him off at the airport and his buddies were already there. Basically he handed me the keys...kissed me real quick...said "love you" kind of quietly and said "see you in a week." Now we've been together almost a year and a half...we got there early, parked the car, went and got him checked in. One of the other guys was there so I asked J if he wanted me to wait with him or go head out. He said "we could get coffee and sit for a bit" so we did. And I commented to him about how times had changed compared to last year in our relationship. I reminded him how last year it was "kisses, love ya, bye" instead of sitting, etc and saying good bye in the airport. At first he tried to deny it...then he admitted we were still new etc last year...and he's grown, etc. and that he liked the current method better.
He is great. I love him. And he fits me perfectly. And I him.
He is great. I love him. And he fits me perfectly. And I him.
Free Stuff over at Confessions of a Control Freak
Like manicures? Who doesn't? Check out Confessions of a Control Freak for a really great give-a-way of manicure stuff. If you don't know...OPI is one of the best nail product companies out there. Good luck!
More to follow later about the weekend.
More to follow later about the weekend.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Light Bulb Moment
I love when I come to a realization that has been staring me in the face. I eat much more when I am frustrated at work. And right now my co-worker is on vacation...we cover many aspects of each other's jobs when one of us is gone. Right now I'm tired and stressed and eating candy like I'm in the Willy Wanka factory. Not good. The day is almost over. Good.
But I do have a recipe to share....
Crescent Pizza Rolls (Point value depends on toppings)
1 pkg. reduced fat crescent rolls...I used Kroger brand last night they worked great.
1 pkg. light Jimmy Dean Sausage (could also use Canadian Bacon or Turkey Pepperoni)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 -3/4 pizza sauce
sliced black olives
sliced mushrooms
Preheat oven to temperature on the crescent roll pan. Cook the sausage and drain well. I spread mine out on paper towels to absorb grease. Mix cheese and olives into sausage. Unroll crescent rolls on a cookie sheet. (I unrolled mine so there were four down each side with the wide part facing the center) Spread pizza sauce over the wide part of the crescent and a little up the narrow part. If using mushrooms lay them on the wide part. Divide your sausage mixture evenly among the rolls. Roll the narrow part over the mixture and "tuck" it under the wide part. Bake rolls for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let sit for a minute. Enjoy! I think kids would love these. I know J did.
But I do have a recipe to share....
Crescent Pizza Rolls (Point value depends on toppings)
1 pkg. reduced fat crescent rolls...I used Kroger brand last night they worked great.
1 pkg. light Jimmy Dean Sausage (could also use Canadian Bacon or Turkey Pepperoni)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 -3/4 pizza sauce
sliced black olives
sliced mushrooms
Preheat oven to temperature on the crescent roll pan. Cook the sausage and drain well. I spread mine out on paper towels to absorb grease. Mix cheese and olives into sausage. Unroll crescent rolls on a cookie sheet. (I unrolled mine so there were four down each side with the wide part facing the center) Spread pizza sauce over the wide part of the crescent and a little up the narrow part. If using mushrooms lay them on the wide part. Divide your sausage mixture evenly among the rolls. Roll the narrow part over the mixture and "tuck" it under the wide part. Bake rolls for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let sit for a minute. Enjoy! I think kids would love these. I know J did.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Puppy Love...
I haven't talked about my "babies" in a while so I thought I would share photos and a funny anecdote...
The top picture is a game of tug...Ares gave it all he had and Eva just stood there looking at him with a "why are you here?" expression. The center picture is of Ares when we first got him...he wanted everything Eva had...her bone...her tug toy...just like kids. The bottom picture is my babies now...Eva is a year and a few months...Ares is about 5 months. Both are as adorable as can be and totally lovable. I love them. They are my children.
And they are brilliant...Eva even rescued me in a time of need...J and I were cleaning out my house before I moved in to his. I was in the hall bathroom and he was in my master bathroom. I was out of toilet paper...he called Eva...attached toilet paper to her harness and then told her to find "mommy"...she did and I was rescued!! Gotta love my brilliant girl.
Monday, July 6, 2009
I'm Just Saying
I work in a church. I am not a pastor. I have designed worship bulletins and even planned worship services in a crunch. I like to tell stories to people. I would ultimately love to become a public story teller. Possibly a pastor but I don't think so...but I am going to share one of my favorite stories...
"Lost and Found"
When I was little probably around 5 maybe 6 my Mom and I went to the BX (base exchange) one afternoon to do some shopping. Now as a child I liked to explore, wander, walk off, etc. whatever you want to call it. But I was usually pretty good at keeping Mom in eye shot. On this particular afternoon I wandered one direction and Mom obviously wandered another. When I turned to find her she was gone. I started to look for her but could not find her anywhere. I began to get concerned...about that time a nice lady found me and took me to the front of the store to the staff people. I explained I'd lost my Mommy. They assured me it would be fine they would help me find her. The real thing was I hadn't lost my Mommy at all I had wandered away from her and gotten lost. The very nice clerk asked me what my Mommy's name was...my response "Mommy" she said "yes but what is her real name"...again "Mommy." So she thought she'd try a different approach "what does your Daddy call her?" I stopped and thought (probably giving a glimmer of hope) and replied "Your Mom." The clerk was just getting ready to try another approach when my Mom showed up. She had been looking for me the whole time. And she decided that the front of the store was the best place to find me. She came to me. I think the clerk was relieved because she didn't have to figure out who my Mom was from my vague answers. And Mom was relieved that I was OK.
The beauty of this story for me is that this is a perfect illustration of my faith journey. I started out with God. We were doing great. I might go exploring but God was always in my eye line. Then one time God was no longer in my eye line...but not because He had moved because I had moved away. And I admit it took me a bit to get to someone who could help me get back to Him. But the beauty of the story is I didn't have to find God. He was looking for me...I was lost but now am found. I admit the song "Amazing Grace" makes me teary every time. "I once was lost but now am found, twas blind but now I see." We do not have to find God. He is always there even when we do not see Him and particularly when we don't want to see him. I admit I often chuckle when people say "I've found God" or "I've found Jesus." I want to look at them and say "I didn't know they were missing." I am glad that God and Jesus are in their lives don't get me wrong...nothing brings me more joy. But I want them to realize...they were lost and God has found them not the other way around.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
It is through my faith that I have made it this far in my life. And I'm not sure how you do it without faith.
"Lost and Found"
When I was little probably around 5 maybe 6 my Mom and I went to the BX (base exchange) one afternoon to do some shopping. Now as a child I liked to explore, wander, walk off, etc. whatever you want to call it. But I was usually pretty good at keeping Mom in eye shot. On this particular afternoon I wandered one direction and Mom obviously wandered another. When I turned to find her she was gone. I started to look for her but could not find her anywhere. I began to get concerned...about that time a nice lady found me and took me to the front of the store to the staff people. I explained I'd lost my Mommy. They assured me it would be fine they would help me find her. The real thing was I hadn't lost my Mommy at all I had wandered away from her and gotten lost. The very nice clerk asked me what my Mommy's name was...my response "Mommy" she said "yes but what is her real name"...again "Mommy." So she thought she'd try a different approach "what does your Daddy call her?" I stopped and thought (probably giving a glimmer of hope) and replied "Your Mom." The clerk was just getting ready to try another approach when my Mom showed up. She had been looking for me the whole time. And she decided that the front of the store was the best place to find me. She came to me. I think the clerk was relieved because she didn't have to figure out who my Mom was from my vague answers. And Mom was relieved that I was OK.
The beauty of this story for me is that this is a perfect illustration of my faith journey. I started out with God. We were doing great. I might go exploring but God was always in my eye line. Then one time God was no longer in my eye line...but not because He had moved because I had moved away. And I admit it took me a bit to get to someone who could help me get back to Him. But the beauty of the story is I didn't have to find God. He was looking for me...I was lost but now am found. I admit the song "Amazing Grace" makes me teary every time. "I once was lost but now am found, twas blind but now I see." We do not have to find God. He is always there even when we do not see Him and particularly when we don't want to see him. I admit I often chuckle when people say "I've found God" or "I've found Jesus." I want to look at them and say "I didn't know they were missing." I am glad that God and Jesus are in their lives don't get me wrong...nothing brings me more joy. But I want them to realize...they were lost and God has found them not the other way around.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
It is through my faith that I have made it this far in my life. And I'm not sure how you do it without faith.
Weight Watcher Weigh-In Week 12
Wow what a difference a week makes...the past two weeks I'd gained 2.4 lbs each week. I admit I was not happy. So I decided to start over...I went back and re-read the week 1 materials. What a difference it made. I went back to following the program much more faithfully. It paid off...
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: -4.2
Total: -9
I was so excited I almost did a dance. But they were busy so I didn't want to delay those behind me. But it works when you work it. Now this past weekend I didn't do as good but I have this week to get back on track.
Meeting Topic: Surviving the 4th
I usually go to the 11:00 AM meeting on Saturdays...because of the holiday my meeting place was closed on Saturday so I went to the 11:00 AM meeting on Friday. I had a great time...it was a bit crowded because of them being closed on Saturday but the leader was the same leader I had my first (maybe my second) time I did WW. It was great. She is a great leader...she's fun...she's knowledgeable...she's frank...and she runs the meeting well. I loved it. I can't go to her meeting at my center on Friday's at 11:00 AM unfortunately but there is a meeting led by her at 12:30 PM at the center by my office so I think I may switch over there. We'll see. I'd love to be back with her.
As for the meeting...we were all given a paper plate and asked to draw to scale the food items we'd be eating at our picnics and to guess the points. Well most of us guessed high...high. And when she told us how much we actually eat and what the points were we were surprised. I liked the plate trick for planning. I'm a visual person and so seeing it in actuality works for me. I was surprised at some of my overestimating on points. I don't think I underestimated one thing on my plate which is odd for me. Usually I think I'm not doing that bad and then when I calculate it it is horrible. I think the tools are really working for me this time and my mindset is changing. Finally!!!
Weigh-In
Weigh-in: -4.2
Total: -9
I was so excited I almost did a dance. But they were busy so I didn't want to delay those behind me. But it works when you work it. Now this past weekend I didn't do as good but I have this week to get back on track.
Meeting Topic: Surviving the 4th
I usually go to the 11:00 AM meeting on Saturdays...because of the holiday my meeting place was closed on Saturday so I went to the 11:00 AM meeting on Friday. I had a great time...it was a bit crowded because of them being closed on Saturday but the leader was the same leader I had my first (maybe my second) time I did WW. It was great. She is a great leader...she's fun...she's knowledgeable...she's frank...and she runs the meeting well. I loved it. I can't go to her meeting at my center on Friday's at 11:00 AM unfortunately but there is a meeting led by her at 12:30 PM at the center by my office so I think I may switch over there. We'll see. I'd love to be back with her.
As for the meeting...we were all given a paper plate and asked to draw to scale the food items we'd be eating at our picnics and to guess the points. Well most of us guessed high...high. And when she told us how much we actually eat and what the points were we were surprised. I liked the plate trick for planning. I'm a visual person and so seeing it in actuality works for me. I was surprised at some of my overestimating on points. I don't think I underestimated one thing on my plate which is odd for me. Usually I think I'm not doing that bad and then when I calculate it it is horrible. I think the tools are really working for me this time and my mindset is changing. Finally!!!
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