Saturday, January 29, 2011

Go Me.

Today marks my fifth official weigh-in and measure since starting my diet/lifestyle change New Year's Resolution.  So far I've lost only 3 pounds but almost 10 inches!  I feel stronger and leaner besides only the slight change in weight.  However, if I amp up my cardio workout in addition to the arm, leg and ab routines I already do I think I can start to shed those pounds a little quicker.  (like 1-2 lbs per week instead of 1/2-1 lb)
Anyways, I think I'm doing well...now I gotta go get ready for work.

Third Frog

Three I finished this evening...Z was as much of a doll a 9 1/2 month immobile boy could be but I got a lot done this afternoon and once Aaron got home I soared through this guy (hence the lesser number of pics).  Without further ado, the third frog:







Friday, January 28, 2011

Second Frog

Start to Finish, Number 2...finished today, this afternoonish:








First Frog

I may as well get a head start on uploading these pics of the new mural...

Several days ago I finished the first of at least 13 but possibly 16 frogs on Zidane's nursery walls.  I took progress shots of it as I painted to record the changes.  They are as such:











Random Bit of the Day

So I've been stewing on this all day long...

Did you know that Sir Alec Baldwin narrates a totally awesome narrative wildlife show on NatGeoWild  called Planet Carnivore???

I saw snippets of 3 episodes today in my fragmented Z-day littered with work on the mural and working out.  The illustrious three:  Sharks, Polar Bears, Lions.  I love Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock.  But who doesn't, really??

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Historically speaking

I've been watching the History Channel's How the Earth Was Made series this morning...FASCINATING STUFF.  I've always had a taste for geological history in the same way the that I like astronomy and architectural history.

In visiting the website I found a link to This Day in History.  The lead story is that today is the anniversary of the founding of the National Geographic Society (1888).  And the Photo of the Day is gorgeous too...

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

I was just poking through my old sketchbooks and notebooks on my bookshelf (books, books, books...didn't think I said it enough times in that sentence).  I came across an idea notebook from high school and found this poem written inside:

Reflecting Beauty by Pamela Dugdale

Small Child, clear crystal
Bright and clear
Faceted as none before you
Catching the light from every lovely thing
and turning it to rainbow
Reflecting beauty back into the world
Making all things new


I know I liked it back when I jotted it down in my notebook but that's nothing compared to now.  Now, with a heavy anniversary looming ahead this weekend, I'm thinking about motherhood.  I've spent a huge amount of time with my nephew but he could never replace what I lost.  And I guess now that a year's gone by I can agree with Nature's assessment that 2010 was not the right time for me to become a mother.  With all I've experienced this past year I know that I can and will be a great mom...when the time is right.  Right now is the time to focus on kicking my career into the fast lane.  That's the really tricky part.  That and landing a Mr. Wonderful to father my babe(s).  But I digress...


I just read a little further along in the notebook and found that the notes carried over into early freshman year at SAIC (2004) including:
-detailed (yet cryptic) notes from a class trip to the Art Institute.
-a list of things for my family to bring out to me on their Thanksgiving trip to Chicago
-a Christmas list and shopping agenda
-the first 9 songs I emailed to my sister Jessica and her college roommate Tammy as the "Song of the Day"
-an AWFUL list of books to read, of which I've only read one. HAH!


Now if that's not a random post from beginning to end, I just don't know what is.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Time-sucking updates

I didn't realize downloading the latest version of iTunes would be such a damn travesty...  When I went to install the new update, the computer prompted me to update my Quicktime Player as well, and now my Safari browser.  Oh but the first version of Safari I downloaded is too new for the format of my computer.  So I have to download an older version now to be compatible with both my old computer and my new iTunes download...ANYTHING ELSE???  I just wanted to organize up my music a little and now I'm downloading all sorts of shit and getting grumpy about having to re-learn iTunes...I haven't updated in over a year because I'm a creature of habit.

However, this has quickly become an even bigger headache because I still only have a version 10.5.4 and I need at least a 10.6 to get any of the compatible downloads to work.  This means I'll have to transfer all of my files to the external and do some major maintenance.  Very boring, very time consuming.  I don't think I'm going to do it right now...Z's going to wake up soon so I should go squeeze in a little workout.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Groovy workout

So the other night I decided to take a stab at cleaning excess crap off my computer.  Crap in the form of files that I've transferred to my external hard drive for storage, files I don't need anymore, and as it turns out duplicate files of all of my music.  I haven't even moved any photos over yet and I freed up almost 50 gigs of space!  After that I tried to download the latest version of iTunes and effectively erased my whole library and then reimported it.  I never did get that update to work; I'm downloading it off the website right now.  At any rate, I figured since I lost all my playlists I would put together a killer new workout playlist.  I've been gradually adding songs to the list for the past few days and tonight (after Evan and Melissa left) I decided to try it out.  I was busting a sweat by track 3.  It's not complete and I do plan on shuffling the track list from time to time (despite track 1 being the perfect track 1) but here's the list so far:

1.  The District Sleeps Alone Tonight by the Postal Service
2.  Umbrella Beach by Owl City
3.  Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris
4. Strangers by Portishead
5.  Sleepyhead by Passion Pit
6.  Tell Me What to Do by Metro Station
7.  Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Mix) from Matrix Soundtrack
8.  Right Here Waiting by And Then There Were None
9.  Single Ladies by Beyonce
10.  Strawberry Avalanche by Owl City

I crapped out on the cardio around track 6 tonight since I got a decent workout in this morning.  Therefore, I'm not totally sure about the second half of the playlist.  For more creative inspiration I may have to revisit an old work-out playlist in the form of a burned CD from back in college when I would run everyday.  I know for sure track 1 is the same.  I'll be sure to repost the list once I gauge the possibilities of the songs already in it and find some other fresh funky jams to add to it.  This list will be my springboard back into running this spring when the roads thaw.  I may even be able to sport the iPod when I can bike again too. 

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

It just took me five minutes to get this page to load...wtf blogger?

Whatever, this performance of this song just popped into my head when I was driving home from work a little bit ago.  It took place on the second season of The Sing Off, just last month on NBC.  The group, Street Corner Symphony, was the runner-up at the finale, but this performance of Creep by Radiohead was phenomenal.  It still gives me goosebumps.  I hope they still get a contract or something after seeing how talented they are.


Street Corner Symphony "Creep" Sing Off Performance
Street Corner Symphony "Creep (Studio version)"

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

This is too damn cute not to like...Angela and I cracked up when we saw it for the first time last night


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjt5qUcWGUI

Though I can't eat this cereal anymore on account of the sugar, I must say that as a pro couch potato, this commercial is a job well done.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

I've been meaning to make this a random bit of the day since I first saw this poster at work almost 2 weeks ago...I just kept forgetting the link in my car...

At any rate, the poster is of my favorite place and other home, Chicago.  And I MUST HAVE IT!!!


http://www.orkposters.com/chicago.html



The poster I saw was the 24" x 34" sweet blue...and the customer had gotten a narrow white custom mat to fit in a 24" x 36" pewter Trendsetter poster frame.  Eww...If I were to get a poster, I'd get the 18" x 24" black and white for $22 and put it into a black 18"x 24" frame.  Buuuut, now that I've browsed the site a little I'd rather pay $27 for an 18" x 24" screenprint, either the Windy City Blue Print or the Neo-Punk Black Print.  I will be getting this...eventually.  Maybe tax return or my birthday...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

Jason reminded me last night of this most awesome invention of our dear Benjamin Franklin and quite possibly the most beautiful sounding instrument ever, the glass armonica.

Glass Armonica
Tchaikowsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" on the Glass Armonica

Friday, January 14, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

Zidane turned 9 months old yesterday.  I just realized when I looked at the calendar.  He's still almost completely sedentary.  While it's not that unusual for a baby boy his age to not be moving around on his own by now, it's totally awesome for me... I have complete confidence that he won't move from where I put him if I leave the room for a minute (at least not far enough to get into anything).  But that could change at any time since he's trying really hard to figure it out.

At any rate, the random bit I really wanted to share is actually a tidbit from the latest issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.  Terri recently decided to use the 'points' we earn for recycling on a couple magazine subscriptions for the house.  This is the second issue we've gotten.  I haven't read much Cosmo in the last few years so I had forgotten how much crap is in there about sex and relationship nonsense.  However, one of the articles in this issue is how to look leaner in 2 weeks, an easy workout plan that targets abs, buns and thighs.  Hah, easy my ass!  I tried all of the different positions, the required 30 reps each and some were pretty hard...and I'm not that out of shape!  I did like a few moves so I'll be incorporating them into my regular workout but I will more than likely be working out more than the 3 times per week they recommend.  Hopefully I'll look a lot leaner in two weeks but my goal is still to be looking fly for the summer.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

My Fashionista Ex-Roommate

I just found this link on my friend/(one of) my first roommate's facebook page...show her some love cuz she is the shit!

Lizz Basinger Designs

I would have to say that my favorite is the long wool trench-style coat.  B-E-A-U-TIFUL!

Eye Treats

Colored Balls

Great Foolery

I thought half a second about waiting a couple months to post this link but considering my memory isn't the greatest and the link is funny enough to be shared now, here it is:
The History of April Fools PLUS The Top 5 Pranks of All Time
My favorite prank is #1, the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest.  :D

Astroarticle

I'm thinking the next few posts are going to seem like they should be the random bit of the day.  However, though they seem random, they are not.  These are some bookmarks in my bookmark bar.  I haven't looked at them in a while but I think they're particularly interesting (or else I wouldn't have bookmarked them).

The first is an article that someone sent to me around the time I took my Astronomy class in college (Fall semester 2008).  I remember my teacher talking about how scientists are finding planets around distant stars all the time.   But because the manner in which they find them is based on the 'wobble' they create in the light that we see from the star, the planets they've found have mostly been quite large and very close to their stars.  I think the nickname for them was 'Hot Jupiters' and the odds of life (let alone intelligent life) is highly unlikely.  Anyways, the article is available here:
Photo captures three planets by distant sun
I know it's a little old in terms of Astronomy, like how much and how quickly things are discovered these days, but like I said before, I like it.  So there ya have it.

Random Bit of the Day

I went to the grocery store this evening in an effort to stem the cabin fever.  I was going to pick up some asparagus to do this recipe I found on that tv show Tyler's Ultimate.  However, the asparagus was almost 5 bucks per pound!  I didn't buy any but I did want to find the recipe so I will be prepared when I do end up getting a bundle...

Steamed Asparagus

Monday, January 10, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

This word makes me sad and upset.  And the worst part is that it happens to me all the time...


patronize
verb
-treat condescendingly, condescend to, look down on, talk down to, put down, treat like a child, treat with disdain


...just like 20 minutes ago.  I guess I'll be spending the rest of the night holed up in my room despite a nasty case of cabin fever.  Take that random bit and suck it.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

I made a similar version of this delicious savory monkey bread recipe the other night to share with Matt and Angela.  We didn't have it at our Christmas breakfast dinner like I had hoped because apparently I forgot to request that Jessica make it (though I know I requested someone to make it!).  At any rate, it's amazingly tasty but it doesn't really follow my new diet plan very well so I won't be making it much.  But just in case any of you food-loving folks out there would like a taste of pure awesome, here is the recipe (which I requested from my sister after Christmas):

Savory Monkey Bread

1/2 cup melted butter
1 clove minced garlic
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp dried chives
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 packages of refrigerator buttermilk biscuits

Mix seasoning with butter. Cut up biscuits (6-8 pcs per biscuit) and dip in butter mix, place evenly in greased fluted pan (bunt cake pan). Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 min or until golden brown.  Remove from pan and serve.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

I haven't been enamored by a video game in FOREVER.  I really like all the Rock Band and Guitar Hero games and have from the beginning.  Other than that, I don't play any games, I mostly watch other people play (unless I get bored).  However, my brother/roommate Aaron is an avid gamer...He's on his XBox  360 at least a couple hours every night and a whole lot more on his days off.  After Christmas he bought himself a Playstation 3 and a few games.  One of these games has in 3 days become my new favorite game to play.  I used to be into the old school Nintendo games like Mario Bros, Mario Kart and Donkey Kong.  But this one may just take the cake...Little Big Planet.  I love my little personalized sackperson and all my stickers and decorations.  The levels are interesting, clever and fun.  You can even make your own levels and share them online (although I've found that the levels made by other people tend to be a lot tougher).  I'm not all that far in the game yet and though I do plan on plodding right along while I'm home on my Z days, I've definitely got to limit how much time I play or I'm not going to do anything else.  That is extremely bizarre for me...

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Diet Life

I watched this video online today...of course they were selling a product so they talked up the system a ton.  However, they did give a lot of information about things to avoid and things to eat (and eat in generous healthy portions).  It's all info that I guess I kind of knew or could have easily found elsewhere, they just made it easy with a video...I have absolutely no intention of paying any money for any more information but it's available here if anyone's interested:
Flat Belly System

Some of the basic info I gathered is as follows:

Sugar is ENEMY 1
Processed foods are ENEMY 2

Bad Carbs: whole grain/wheat anything

Good Carbs: sprouted grain, rice, spelt, millet, quinoa, sweet potatoes, all fruits and veggies

Bad Fats: hydrogenated oils, canola oil, margarine, butter substitutes

Good Fats: real butter, whole eggs, coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, raw nuts

Avoid: artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, processed soy products

Go for food with only one ingredient

starving yourself="starvation mode"=body holds all bad fat

foods in fat-burning zone: butter, bacon, eggs, the 'right' bread, steak, trail mix
foods in weight gain zone: low-fat muffins, healthy cereals, oj, granola, whole wheats

I don't even know how much impact this info will have on my current diet because I just plan on eating sensibly.

That is all about diet life for right now.  I'm going to eat an orange.

Random Bit of the Day

I went over to Matt and Angela's tonight...we totally just vegged out and watched TV.  I saw this absolutely fascinating show called Extreme Couponing about people who save oodles of cash by being ridiculously OCD about clipping coupons.  Here's a little tidbit more about that.... http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/12/28/good-morning-america-tlcs-extreme-couponing/

We also watched that show What Not to Wear.  It made me take a look at what I'm wearing tonight and laugh a little.  Right now I'm wearing a pair a light blue/green fleece drawstring pants (with a burn hole and several paint stains), a pink/white floral sports bra loosely covered by a wife-beater style tank with a black/white hexagonal pattern print, a black hoodie with a black/white horizontal stripe pattern inside the hood, purple/tan argyle socks...and earlier a multi-colored pastel striped scarf and my fur-lined short snow boots.  W. O. W.  I am the epitome of style.

And that was the random bit of the day.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

So this random bit is going to be really really random... We've been kind of half watching reruns of The Office on TBS this evening.  And Dwight said something in passing about him and Michael being like the Lone Ranger and Tonto...which made me think of this song.  I kind of like it and haven't heard it in awhile.



Wild West Show by Big and Rich

Hey-ya...

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Random Bit of the Day

I also just decided that I'm going to post something random as often as everyday...whether it be some picture I have or song I like.  You can bet it will be interesting to me if no one else.





I think this is the only thing that made me smile all morning while I was working (doing the once a year inventory, while sick).  I put a bunch of puffy stickers away on a turnstile and these were my absolute favorite.  Aside from the fact that giraffes are my #1 favorite animal, the stickers were just too damn cute.  I'm pretty sure these were the ones, and they're available online at: Shop Sticko Online
If they're not the ones I'm thinking of (and the only way to tell would be for me to check it out at work tomorrow), then they're available at my place of employment: Michaels Arts and Crafts





Though they are cute, one of my fav giraffe images ever is here: Giraffe, First Kiss

And of course there's this guy:


And this has been the first official Random Bit of the Day.

Finishing Resolute.

So, earlier I decided to pause in posting long enough to get something to eat because, though I can't smell or taste anything, my stomach was letting me know quite loudly that I needed to eat.  I ended up eating, then watching a little tv before napping for 4 hours!  I guess I needed a nap.  I still feel super gross and working out is not an option.  On the plus side, I still don't have an appetite, so I find myself not having eaten much today (and nothing too bad for me, at that).  Actually the running total stands at a banana, a small bag of Gardetto's, a small portion of Terri's sausage/bacon egg bake, a honey wheat bagel with low-fat cream cheese, and one slice of this amazing cream cheese pastry braid (that was the one real bugaboo).  Though I'm not really all that hungry right now, I think I should go make some soup to keep myself hydrated and fueled for work tomorrow.  Because even though I feel like crap, I still have to be there.  Just like this morning.  We did inventory this morning and I was pissy.  Good thing it only comes once a year.

My god, it is hard to eat...I just took another posting pause to make that soup.  It's taking forever to eat because I have to stop between bites to catch my breath.  What really sucks is that I know this soup is awesome, but it seems completely flavorless to me right now.   :(

Anyways, I wanted to kind of finish up my aforementioned resolutions since I got pulled away earlier by the land of nod...as far as what type of workouts I plan on doing, I have the means to do the following as soon as tomorrow (illness permitting):
1. Yoga- I have a weight loss conditioning dvd and I've been recording Namaste Yoga on the dvr for awhile now, both which I enjoy because they help my flexibility.
2.  Jumping rope- in one particular place in the basement I have the required space to do some serious jumping...good way to get my heart rate up without having to freeze my a-hole off.
3.  Cardio-glide- Terri's got this kind of lame-o piece of workout equipment that has 2 positions that workout your arms and legs.  I do it from time to time but it's boring and it doesn't feel like a very good workout.
4.  Tae-bo- though I probably won't be as inclined to use Terri's Tae-bo dvds, they are still an option.
5.  Perfect Pushup- belongs to Aaron, maybe I'll see what I can do with it, but I've never been that great at pushups.
6.  Exercise Ball- I have a decent exercise ball, it's large enough for me to do some serious ab and leg exercises on.  Unfortunately, it's got nipples...stupid massage ball.
7.  Stairs and Chairs-  I've got plenty of opportunity to do every exercise imaginable with a flight of stairs and various chairs.
8.  Ab Exercises- I plan on specifically doing ab workouts nearly everyday...I want some ab definition and a flat tummy...by the summer!

When it gets a little warmer, or at least when things start to melt a bit, I'd like to gradually start running again.  And then when it's completely thawed, start riding my bike again.

The whole idea behind these lifestyle transformations is that I want to be a better version of me just for me.  I want to be strong, confident and independent.  If I feel better about myself physically, it's bound to show and maybe my personal life will see a bit more excitement.  I want to put the best version of myself out into the world and hopefully this year, I'll see a little more return (especially financially...cuz I definitely need some $$$).  I'm giving up complacency and taking on activity.

I do have a couple personal resolutions that I don't plan on sharing, but something I have to do and not just say that I'm going to do is be more proactive about getting my art out in the world and getting paid for it.  A few options to explore right away:
1.  Go back to Eastbank Art Gallery with my adult HatsonLamps items...I don't think the right person got my first e-mail attempt.
2.  Put together a show with Angela to propose at Michelle's Coffee downtown.  I'd most likely use my Recycled Beauty pieces.
3.  Approach some local interior decorating companies about doing custom nursery murals by commission.  Once I finish Z's mural (which is officially underway now), I will have two very distinct kinds of murals and two awesome examples of my capabilities as a muralist.
4.  Find some sort of venue or retail source to sell my baby hats.
That's what I've come up with so far.

Altogether I know I've got my work cut out for me, but I'm a creature of habit, so once the changes become habit...that's when I'm good like gravy.  And now, despite having taken a long-ass nap earlier, I'm going to climb into bed again and hope that I wake up tomorrow congestion-free!

Resolute.

So yesterday began a new year.  2011.

I think all the shoveling I did on New Year's Eve ushered in another nasty winter bug.  I've had the worst cold since then.  Well, that night I guess I didn't really think about it because I was celebrating.  I stayed home with Aaron, Terri, and Z.  Mark and Heather came over for awhile and we all played some Guitar Hero.  I sang just awfully because my voice dropped from the cold; so it was hilarious.  Then we played Apples to Apples, which is also funny as hell.  We had tasty snacks and tasty drinks.  I did, however, bring in the new year alone.  Sitting on the couch, watching tv, drinking rum alone.  Alone, not just being the only one in the room, but alone as in unattached.  I haven't been in a relationship in almost 3 years.  That being said, I've spent a good portion of my adult life as an independent woman and can definitely see that remaining so in the future.  Therefore, while a part of me thinks that this New Year's has been one of my least epic ever, I plan on embracing the lameness by setting goals for myself with a strong resolve to keep them.  It is the perfect time.  And so...
My New Year's Resolutions for 2011:
Get Healthy, Get Fit.  To start, I'm changing my diet and eating habits.  No more skipping breakfast, no more midnight munchies.  Lots more fruits and veggies, lots less junk foods and sweets.  Milk with meals instead of soda.  Eating out on special occasions only, eating healthy menu options when out.  Sweetener in coffee instead of sugar.  Fat-free, low-fat, lite everything.  Beyond eating healthier, I want to be more physical.  I'll be home 4 days a week with Z now and I don't want to just sit around being lazy anymore.  For now the only outdoor workout I can do really is shoveling.  So the rest will be indoors.  I want to do at least a half an hour workout per day, but I can do more if I want to or have time.  Though I attempted to workout yesterday for awhile I'm thinking I may have to shake this cold before I can really dive into the physical fitness part of my resolution.  I can't breath through my nose at all and I've been having sneeze fits for the past 2 days.  I may take a nap today to see if I can speed this process along a little.  But the rest of my sleep habits are pretty fine, so that part of my daily routine won't be changed at all by the resolution to get fit and healthy.