STUFF

There's nothing like a major move to humble you.

What do I mean by that?  Well, I mean that... well stuff!!!  We have a lot of stuff.  Cute stuff, useless stuff, good stuff, stuff we might use someday, stuff we've never used... stuff, stuff, stuff!!!!

Why? 

It is an inherent need to hold on to things.  We fear we are going to forget. Hal and I have great memories in the things we have, but we need to trust our brains.  Our brains will keep what's important and what's not.  But what if it doesn't?

Yikes, its hard to trust it, isn't it?  Especially with Alzheimer's and Dementia lurking.


I'm attaching some photos that don't mean a thing to you, but will show you boxes of "stuff".  This is the stuff we are keeping.

 

I think I better fix this tipping stack, don't you?

Oops, how did that get in there?  Silly Grand daughter found some of our stuff!  hahaha     !!

Do you see the numbers on the boxes, I'm such an organized person, I have numbered each box and I have a pad of paper that describes what is in the box.  Some day I'm going to transfer it to a word document.

So What's my philosophy? 
If you are going to have stuff, make sure you have a place to put it!

Hal's 60th

Okay, here is what you were waiting for.  I surprised Hal for his 60th birthday by flying into Philly airport and driving down to Albany the next day with my sister.  We showed up at the Christmas party for the ward we are going to be in and hid in a sunday school room.
Watch the video, he couldn't speak at first. ....

My Team at State Farm....

I have such a wonderful team at my company that I have been working at for 24 years.  Today at our Holiday luncheon they got me some Khombu  boots for my new adventure in New York. They are really nice for the snow & warm! I'm so excited to be able to wear them.
NOW, I'm ready!

They also got me a neat card & a gift cert to Target for MORE warm clothes.

I'm attaching a picture so you can see my  new boots.  They are awesome!

Nice HUH???  Can't wait to wear them.

Well almost packed, have to complete some projects and sell more stuff.  My next blog will be about that.
See ya later!

To my husband...

I wrote this poem about 30 years ago or more, but I think it pertains to my situation:

Wishes

Wishing you were here

To share my thoughts with me

The thoughts that care & love

The thoughts that we can be.

To hold your hand in mine

and show you that I care

Even though you know, its true

I still wish you were here.

Wishing you were here 

I miss the kiss you gave

the laugh you always used

 memories I want to save.

Wishes are ever present

But we must seek a goal

Wishing you were here

With all my body and soul!

Moving Tip!!

First of all, I want to say that if you are looking for boxes to move, go to Uhaul and they have a place where people drop off boxes they used and you can pick them up free!  I love this and will be checking back periodically for more boxes.  If you do this, make sure you pay it back and return your boxes to Uhaul also!!  It is great for our beautiful earth to recycle!

THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS.....

Well, am winding down from 24 years at my job.  State Farm insurance companies. It was a hard ride, good days & bad days.  It was hard trying to fit into the holes they  needed me to fit into. Sometimes I just couldn't do it. Other times I fit nicely.  SF is too big, they aren't the fun, family company anymore.  It is a good time to leave. They paid for my whole degree, trip to Texas and all my insurance designations.  They paid me to attend CPCU events and supported me when I attended volunteer activities.  That was the good part.  But they seemed to have lost individualism.  And now we are all machines, or maybe they all want us to be machines and that way don't have to deal with personality.

So my new adventure will begin in about 41 days. And I am excited.  And a bit frightened of the unknown.
Please see my posting of my poem I found amongst all my stuff above. I love this poem I wrote many years ago, That Ole' Church Hall. Not sure what inspired it, I don't attend a church like that!  I still can't believe I wrote it.  Going through my things and blowing off the dust and reminiscing is fun. I hope I can pass some of this stuff down to my posterity.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! (my two followers anyway! Joke!)

The Monavie Test

Well, so far I don't feel any different after drinking Monavie for six days now. I am not sure what I am supposed to feel, I guess... better?

My knees or legs don't feel better and I certainly don't feel "better".  I am going to keep drinking it though so I can say I truly tried it. I won't know how it affects my cholesterol because I would need a blood test for that. But I guess I can ask for one in December before I leave for New York.  Not likely though.  At least I am getting my Omega 3s instead of having to buy expensive Fish oils. 

I'm keeping up the exercise, and i do have to say I am getting thinner.  Haven't weighed myself in a while though. I have that "old lady love handles" thing going on.  It is hard to lose it there. On a Doctor Oz show there was this procedure where you put some machine on the fatty part of your belly and it does something to your fat cells, it basically kills them where they can never grow or expand, therefore you will never get fat there. Its good if you have an area no matter what you do, you can't get rid of the pooch!  He says in his show, however, that if the fat cells can't grow there (when you eat too much and put weight on) they will grow somewhere else, so beware the procedure is not a weight loss plan.  I'd still like to try it on my obliques in the back, right above my buttocks area, I seem to have a lot there!  I hear its very expensive though, of course.  Anyway, back to the old fashioned way, EXERCISE AND DIET!  BLAH!

Monavie Pulse Test

HI everyone.

I am going to test something and I want you to come along for the ride.  I have higher cholesterol than I am supposed to and I really don't want to take any medications. I have worked so hard to lose wieght and cut back on things that add to higher cholesterol.  As I get older this is a challenge.  I finally caved and started taking a statin called Simvastatin. I looked up the side effects and they are liver damage & muscle pain.  Well, I already have muscle pain from the Fibromyalgia~(I haven't not been officially diagnosed with this).  It runs in my family but I don't have it as bad as my other siblings, Thanks Goodness!!  I do know that as I stretch and exercise more, the muscle pain is diminished.  But liver damage?  Our liver is SOOOOO important to our body, why even take that risk?

Anyway, Pulse is supposed to control my Cholesterol and provide important fish oil for inflammation and Omega 3s I need. I have it from a trusted friend that it works!  He guarantees it, but I am always a skeptical.


Here is a picture of what the bottle looks like & let me know if you want to be kept "in the know" about my test.
I hope it works, it will solve a lot of issues I have as I age and my body doesn't work the same way it did 20 years ago. I know I'm pretty healthy but I still want to live to be 100!!!

If you'd like to try it too, let me know!

Lost more weight!

Okay, you might think that my world revolves around this, but it doesn't.  I spent a week in Albany, NY and still lost 2 1/2 pounds.   I was still being careful, even though one night we went out to FRIENDLYS and the lowest calorie dinner was 830!  So I ate that.  It wasn't even a salad, it was beef tips with mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables.  It was really good. The cold weather in the latter part of my trip must have helped me lose the weight, ya think?
Well, they might get snow and Hal said its raining, so I guess I missed all the fun cause I'm home now in HOT PHOENIX!!  UGH!

The only shining moment is I lost 2 1/2 pounds and everyone in AZ missed me.  :)

Cold weather ahead

Everyone keeps telling me to get ready for the cold weather here in Albany, NY and I think I am. I 've never lived in it for any period of time, but I have done my research!!  So I think I am prepared.  This first photo I had on three shirts, a sweatshirt and a jacket, my core was warm. Of course it did help that my core got a LARGE hot chocolate to keep it that way!  LOL.  then I had on tights under my jeans with long warm socks and an extra pair over that, plus very warm quarter length boots.  My feet were not extremely warm, but they were not uncomfortably cold either.  A+ there.  Then I had on the thickest gloves I had bought in Arizona... why you ask? .. not sure.  but they kept my hands from not freezing either.  I had to take them off occasionally to do different things. Then I wore a hat to keep heat in my body & cover my ears. Here I would have done something different.  I need a hat that I can pull way down over my ears.  So I did pretty good considering it was like 46 degrees and I was just sitting watching my husband officiate a high school football game.  I didn't want to sit at home and waste precious time I could be spending with my husband, since I go back to AZ in three days.
Photo time!!

AND, It is official!!  Hal registered his truck here in New York. We both went to DMV and the lady behind the counter was actually very nice!!!  Here is the evidence!

I went and interviewed with a State Farm agent recently and had a very nice talk here in the town of Bethlehem. It was so very beautiful there.  We will see what happens in December when I am here for good.  I also talked to the Regional office in Balston Spa where State Farm has all of the operations departments and it doesn't look good for me at all!  So I am guessing I won't be working for the company after December. But we expected that and I feel good about the  move.
I am sure this is where we are supposed to be.

Autumn in Albany!

I'm in Albany, NY now and am enjoying a week with my husband here.  The weather is very nice and it actually was warm here.  I was dissapointed because I brought all my winter stuff!  But at least I can wear my boots. I walked around the apartment Hal has rented to check out the area today and found my backyard that looks like a forest and a trail.  (I will explore that later).  The leaves are beautiful that sit on the ground and the colors make the ground look like a child's colorful scribbling of different crayons in a nursery class!  I know that a lot of people have seen this before, but I am seeing it in person and that makes it even more special.  Anyway, I was excited to see it all and be walking around the crisp air. This picture is in my backyard.

 The front door to our apartment in NY.  But this is what I want it to look like!

Very "Autumn looking", huh?  Today I drove all over trying to figure out my new home town. Hopefully, it will happen the end of December, which I expect it will look completely different by then!!

My Son is going home!

My son Trevor has been visiting me since September and he is now going home tomorrow.  We took him to Toby Keith's to challenge him to the 100 ounce meal. It was so much fun watching him try to eat it. He did pretty good, but didn't finish it. I don't think he really thought he was going to anyway.  If you come to Arizona, you have to try it!!

UGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Can I puke somewhere?

"These Boots are made for ......."

ALBANY!! 
 Check out my new boots.  Albany here I come.
Okay, maybe I should have bought boots I can wear in the rain.  I guess I should wait till I am in Albany and ask the local residents. (women, of course).  But I want to be prepared and so I bought for warmth. 
Hmmmmmm   Maybe I will blog later and tell you what I did wrong.

Okay, the pictures are upside down.  Let me try again!

Is this a little better?
Any advice out there in boot selecting?

Missionary pictures!

These pictures were taken in Provo, Utah where Austin went to training with some of the guys. I noticed he doesn't smile very much in these pictures,  he must be goofing off!

Here we got a bigger smile. This was in front of the Provo temple.  The boys in front of Austin were being silly!  Oh well, I'm glad he is making friends and having fun! 

More Grandchildren

Well, we took the grandkids to Peter Piper Pizza after Kylinn's soccer game. It was fun and the pizza was actually good. Hal is in town for the weekend and got to spend some time with Ashtyn, Kylinn and Peyton.  Peyton is very cute. I'm attaching a picture of her, she will be 2 this coming weekend.  She is a doll and very active!  She looks like her daddy, Eric.

Losing Weight

Well, update on my weight loss.

Not going well.

Its my son's fault.

He keeps cooking stuff.

I did go to Body pump tonight!!!   and I ran two miles the other day.....

Once he leaves things will get back to normal.  Here are Eric and Trevor, my two boys goofing off at my house.  Trev is visiting from Belgium, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Ilsa.  He just turned 30 this year.  Eric is always goofing off, but is growing out his hair for the first time in about 15 years!  and it looks really cute.  He's 28 and soon to be 29! 

Anyway, both good boys and having fun, but got to get back on track!!

Soccer Game & Grandaughters

Kylinn's game was early, but it still was pretty hot in Arizona!  Yikes, I can't wait for cooler weather.  We went over and watched her for about 15 minutes or so and she sure had a red face.  I can't understand how they can play in that heat, but kids are so much more resilient than adults that way.  I am sure my mom couldn't understand how we could stand the heat when we were kids too!
Kylinn is 10 years old and she seems to like soccer. She is very much a girlie girl and likes bracelets and necklaces and things. She is very quiet and helps her mom with the baby alot. She is a good big sister to Ashtyn and Peyton.  I don't have a real good picture of Peyton yet.

Here are two photos of Kylinn.  She's a very beautiful girl!

Losing weight

Hi everyone.  Well, I have lost 5 pounds in two weeks!  So what is my secret?


I don't know if I should tell?

Haha, just kidding.

Here are my secrets:

1) First get a journal and track everything you eat!  Yes, its difficult, but keep the journal with you everywhere you go. (if you forget it, always have paper in your purse or pocket).  I also can go back and look at calories for items in the book I have previously recorded. The internet is a great source of figuring out calories.  I just google "how many calories are in....."
2) Shop for quick meals that are low in fat. For instance, Lean Cuisines. These can be frozen and used in a pinch. If you are in a hurry for work and need to pack something, use them then. Keep low fat snacks in your desk at work.  Measure out in a baggy the snack you are  having for the day so that you will know exactly how much you are eating to record in your journal.
When you make a homemade dinner, separate the leftovers in pre-measured bowls so that you will know how many calories each bowl is and grab one to pack in your lunch the next day. Its easy that way and helps you with portion control.
3) Measure everything!  Or at least eyeball it. You should know by now what a teaspoon looks like or a cup of something. Once you practice, this will become much easier to do.
4) Try not to go out to eat so much. If you do, don't punish yourself for making some bad choices. Sometimes when you reach a plateau, eating a fattening meal can kick you out of the slump! (your body stops holding on to everything thinking its in starvation mode & pumps up the metabolism).
5). Do some exercise.  Start with fifteen minutes a day.  Park far from the store, walk more, watch less TV, do some exercises while you watch TV; sit ups, crunches, squats, weights,etc.
6). Try to eat a salad each day to help fill you up. I don't always do this, once it starts to get cold, I just can't. I will have to find a low fat hot soup to take to work. I will divide it up into portions & grab one on the way to work to pack in my lunch bag.
7) I also heard taking vitamin B helps you to lose weight. It helps to metabolize your carbs, fats, omegas, etc.  I am going to go purchase some & try it.  I will keep you posted.

Weigh yourself everyday.  Even if you've been told this is not a good idea, it will keep  you up on what you are doing and should be a motivator!! 

Let me know how you are doing with these secrets of mine and if they are working or not.   I also heard on Dr Oz tonight that African Mango (Irvingia Gabonesis) is a great pill to take while losing weight. It is a super potent fiber, it helps take out cholesterol.  I am going to look for that too & I will keep you posted!!
Comment on my blog & let me in on any secrets you have & what works for you.
Thanks everyone!   I WILL ALSO ADD PICTURES LATER!

Austin's last night before his mission!

Hal, Eric,  Austin and I went to Toby Kieth's restaurant and had our last meal together before Austin goes off to Provo for three weeks then on to Texas for two years. We challenged him to eat the 100 ounce meal!  Of course he didn't make it, but he ate about half! (He may get another chance in Texas since EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas!)  LOL
President Lewis came by and set Austin apart for his mission. I told him he had to smile for  his missionary picture!  I'm going to miss him, but Hal and I know he is off doing the Lord's work!
YOU GO AUSTIN!

I added Music!!

I figured out how to add music to my blog, hope you like it!!!   It will automatically play while you are reading stuff!  You can turn it off though.

ENJOY!!!

I just figured out how to add video to my blog!  My son Austin Daniel Key has been called to a mission in Dallas, Tx.  He is leaving next week. He turned 19 on July 25th. Here is the short video of his birthday cake & song at my sister's house in Maricopa.  The people in the background are Gene, Connie, Ray, Vince and then Austin and Ashtyn, his little niece.  You can see they blew out the candles together!
Hope you like it!!

Good Times

Here we are:  Me, Patti Marquez, and Becky Phillips .  We went to PF Changs for Patti's 50th (SHHHHHH) Birthday!
We had Lettuce wraps, Noodles, Chow mein, Mandarin chicken, Mu Shu Chicken and fun talking!!  Oh and of course a small dessert, what they call a mini dessert.

My Sweet grand daughter was at my house when I got  home so I said, Let me put you on my blog.  Ashtyn is 5 1/2 years old and has just started kindergarten!  She is a sweet little girl and loves her teacher Mrs. Burton. She spent the night with me a few weeks ago and in the middle of the night fell off my bed while sleeping!  She was so brave, she jumped right back up on the bed and said she was fine-and then went right back to sleep. Talk about amazing!!
I really love her.
More Grandkids later!

Here is my best Friend.

This is my husband,  He and I have been married 23 years, or something like that.  Does it really matter?
We have had a rough 20 years and have found that sticking it out with your mate is the answer.  He may seem  mean sometimes and he may not always do what I want, but he loves ME and that's what counts. I sometimes wonder how he puts up with me.  There were some days that I can say I really didn't like him, but that was because I was being selfish.  I can see that now, but try and tell me that years ago, I would have argued with you!!!
See his sweet smiling face. He is really good to me.
I notice that as the years have gone by our thinking has began to merge. You  know how osmosis works?  Well marriage can be the same way. So, yes, it can be bad or good!  Hopefully yours is good.
One piece of advice as far as marriage goes.  "Always try to have some things in common". Even if  your tastes change in the next few years and more than likely they will, try some new stuff.  For example, my husband loves Football.  He loves being an official for football too. So one year he had a game to officiate on my birth date.  I love my birthday, but I went for him that year, and it was probably the best birthday I had.  I had lots of attention from his buddies because of the sacrifice I made for him on MY birthday. Do I like Football?  No, and I never will.  But I go.. for him.  So try to always keep an open mind and find common interests even when its not something you really want to do. TRY IT!  You might actually like doing it, or just maybe you like it because it makes HIM happy.  :)

I'm a new blogger!!

Hello everyone out there!  I decided to begin my own blog and introduce to you all my family, my friends and my thoughts.
Why?
Well, it appears I am never going to be a writer, I love to share my thoughts and I hope that everyone who is going through similiar age trials as I, will enjoy my sense of humor and attitude.  AND, isn't this the way of the world? 

In my blog, you will be entertained by  my whit, my true personality and my honest opinion!  I know, refreshing, huh?  LOL

Plus I will share bits of my family and friends with those of you who are interested!