Getting Inside My Head

Shameful Actions

2012-01-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today, I am ashamed of Mamavation. Today they are acting like the bullies. I'm probably the only one with this point of view.

I don't know what it's like to be the fat kid. I had the opposite problem growing up; everyone thought I was anorexic. That's teasing and hate of a different sort.

Today, I am raising a daughter who weekly claims that she is fat. Somehow in the two years when she was in her father's custody it got put into her head that she's fat. She's not. She's beautiful and strong and tall, but got her dad's body type instead of mine. Because she is not stick thin, she thinks she's fat. I have to remind her every day that she's not. That she is stronger than most of the boys her age and that she is *FIT*. Being skinny does not equal being healthy. But I am teaching her healthy choices and what it means to have a healthy lifestyle even it if means she will never have my body type. I am teaching her to be strong and healthy so that she won't have to worry about diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. We are all too familiar with these diseases because they run rampant in my family.

Yes, Georgia has a shock campaign that highlights children but is aimed at parents.Seriously, sometimes you have to be shocked into taking action.

Ignoring this problem is what got us here It's time to wake up. We can’t continue to ignore the fact that Georgia has the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. Kids are now suffering from diseases once seen only in adults. Start by joining the community. It’s a small step in a long journey, but together we can get there. Now is the time to fight back:

"I'm pretty and I want to help other kids"
Mamavation claims "We are refuting however tactics that would inadvertently harm children in the process. .... Campaigns that have a focus on hope, support, and education are far more beneficial to children."

The children in these ads volunteered. They are intelligent. They know they have a weight problem. Not just a weight problem, a health problem. Children at the age of 10 SHOULD NOT be diagnosed with heart disease, hypertension, type-2 diabetes, or continually told that they are "big-boned". The parents need to be educated. If they aren't listening to their doctors, the First Lady, or being shamed by society, maybe they will listen to their kids.

The obese children in GA, and nation-wide have already been hurt by their peers and others who do nothing to address the problem. GA might not be doing it right, if there is a right way, but they are doing something to bring awareness to the parents that PARENTS need to change what they are doing and bring down the shameful statistic of being the second most obese state in the nation.

Watch this video of one of the participating children in the ad campaign. She knows she's overweight and she chose to speak out. She's also choosing, with her mother, to make healthier choices. She chose to take her health into her own hands and is a role model, showing other kids that they can speak up and tell their parents that they want change. How empowering is that?

By the way, Strong4Life does offer hope, support, and education. Check out the site and decide for yourself.

Wordless Wednesday: Bread of Life

2012-01-25T11:02:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a fresh loaf out of the breadmaker, a photo by Nannerlady on Flickr.

Nothing like a fresh loaf out of the breadmaker.

Book Review: Grave Peril

2012-01-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vampires, ghosts, and righteous men, oh my!

I'm late to the Dresden Files party, but better late than never right? This edition, read by James Marsters, moves along at a good pace.If I had been reading instead of listening, this definitely would have been a page-turner -- do not bother me until I am done -- type book.

In this installment Harry has his hands full on multiple counts, juggling friends, lovers, enemies, and his fairy godmother. It keeps him going from sun-down to sun-up. He gets so tired he misses vital clues, repeatedly. But once he figures it out, he doesn't leave vengeance to the Lord.

Harry survives, but the ending of this book is real tearjerker.

View all my reviews

Soft puppy, sleepy puppy, little ball of fur...

2012-01-18T10:47:00.001-08:00

Soft puppy, sleepy puppy, little ball of fur..., a photo by Nannerlady on Flickr.

A Visit from St. Nicholas

2011-12-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

I can't remember the last time I read this poem to my children. Then again, it's been quite a while since I had both of them with me for Christmas Eve. You can't really maintain traditions if no one shows up.

Illustrator: Jessie Willcox Smith

At least this year I have more Christmas spirit than I have in the last few years. This year is low-key and I've kind of gotten used to the idea of having two Christmases or delaying it until the New Year when we're all together. Three Kings Day works just as well to celebrate the birth of Christ, and in my mind makes much more sense for the 12 Days of Christmas.

Maybe in a year or two I can save up enough to go to Florida for Christmas. That would be weird, I mean, what gets warmer than California at Christmas-time?? But what would be better than Walt Disney World at Christmas-time?

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

~Clement Clarke Moore (1799 - 1863)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Playtime! Ninja Unboxing

2011-12-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

I just came across this today. Unfortunately, I have a deadline to meet. When you have some down time, check it out. There are three videos.

And don't forget to play the game in video 3.

Starbucks Coupon - 20% off Tumblers

2011-12-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

Sharing the wealth here. I don't go to Starbucks as often these days since there is a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf nearby and I am still in love with our Keurig machine. Not to mention I just culled four or five coffee tumblers from my cabinet and have to stop myself from buying more. (Must declutter...)

So here you go coffee lovers:

Coupon valid December 19-25

Just click through and print it out for your next trip to Starbucks or use promo code 820 at checkout at StarbucksStore.com

Mamavation Monday: No Hating

2011-12-19T07:33:00.001-08:00

This morning I don't hate my scale. Down another 1/2 pound. I'll take it. back to 186lbs give or take a few ounces. I've steadily been losing since getting back from vacation. More travel coming up, which means less control of what goes into my mouth, but I have become a lot better at making smarter choices when on the go. Except for coffee.

I know that I probably would make my goal of a full pound or maybe even two if I stopped my ritualistic stop at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf every morning. It's like my work day doesn't really start until I have that cup in my hand. I could bring coffee from home, which I used to do, or even use the Starbucks machine here at work. But I truly love my regular Cafe White Chocolate. And if Eddie makes my drink he always adds a little chocolate syrup. One of my few indulgences since starting work again is my morning coffee.

Ok, enough justifying. I'm just so very glad that I am still losing weight during the holiday season.

Movies Worth Re-Watching

2011-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season and that means days off from work, school, and possibly contagious diseases. Do you remember being home sick, on the couch, or in bed, and watching TV in between doses of Nyquil or Theraflu?

Even when I am not sick, but want to watch something comforting and familiar I turn to these movies:

At the top of my list is "The Princess Bride". It has been my favorite movie since childhood. Romance, action, comedy - what more do you need?

Since it's the holidays, my favorite is "Miracle on 34th Street" - in B&W, not Technicolor. I also love "Arsenic & Old Lace".

When I want a great action flick, I turn to Captain Tightpants and "Serenity ".

If I need a good cry I watch "What Dreams May Come ".

What are some of the movies you watch over and over?

Oh my!

2011-12-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Photographed by David Moyle

I never dreamed I could look like this!

I was ~~kind of~~ an ugly duckling growing up -- coke bottle glasses, goofy grin (that hasn't changed), and over all awkwardness that I never grew out of. Suffice it to say, I didn't (and some days still don't) have the greatest self-esteem when it comes to my looks.

However, I have known since college that I have a decent pair of legs :D. A few years ago (I can't believe it's been years!) I had a leggy avatar for twitter and about the same time I started hanging out with photographers in Long Beach/North OC. One of them is the amazing David Moyle. We talked about doing a shoot of my legs. He does some breathtaking work. Three years later we finally made it happen. And damn, don't I look HAWT?!?

I want to thank @Jonathan360 (another awesome LB photographer) for suggesting Smash Photo in Long Beach -- because, you know me, procrastinator - couldn't find a studio and there was no way this shoot was happening at home. Bill and Shirley got back to me ASAP and were able to fit me in on short notice. They are a very affordable studio, and Bill was great to work with. Especially when my shoot ran long. I would definitely recommend them again and again.

circa 1998

The shoot was a lot of fun -- I think I gave the impression that I wasn't happy with the shots because I am not used to the way I look. I still have this image in my head of what I am supposed to look like. The idea of being curvaceous is still new to me, especially with the Costco-sized muffin top I sport (thank goodness for shapewear!). A talented photographer can tell you how to pose to hid those trouble spots and bring out your best features without a lot of Photoshopping.

Now I have other photos to tag for a very special present.

Wordless Wednesday: Puerto Vallarta

2011-11-30T21:50:00.000-08:00

A Better One

2011-11-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day!

Photo Friday: One

2011-11-11T10:50:00.001-08:00

One gear

Hangin' with The Muppets

2011-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

I couldn't join, but it was fun to watch. Really hoping that this is available after the hangout. UPDATE They edited the video and made it available for public consumption!

Disney's The Muppets hits theaters this Thanksgiving! To celebrate, several of the stars took part in a Google+ Hangout on their brand new profile -- mostly because Miss Piggy insists on being in all of the important Circles.

Milk - It Does a School Good

2011-11-01T23:58:00.000-07:00

You know the old slogan, "Milk, it does a body good". Now it will do our schools and kids good too.

We already collect box tops, soup can labels, grocery receipts, and who knows what else to support our schools and give them the extra cash that the state of California can't seem to come up with. (Yes, I support public education and I'm appalled at how far California has fallen since I graduated from high school. Do NOT get me started on Prop 13).

So in addition to reading labels for trans-fat and partially hydrogenated oils I'll be looking out for the Real California Milk seal. Even better, it's a local organization working to give back to the community.

Those savvy cows, along with Scholastic, are supporting California schools by launching the Real Seal Appeal program and awarding California schools with up to $2 million in cash, books and prizes.

Details

From October 1, 2011-December 31, 2011, The California Milk Advisory Board in conjunction with Scholastic, will be challenging Southern California elementary classrooms, schools and students to collect Real California milk and cheese seals for a chance to win up to $2 million in cash, books and other prizes.
Parents and kids work together to clip and save seals from any Real California Milk product. Then, they turn the seals into their teachers; the teachers then turn in the seals for the chance to win cash and prizes – the more seals collected the better the chance of winning. For example, 100 seals = 25 free books for your child's classroom.

Prizing

Grand Prize: 3 winning schools will receive $20,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50
2nd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $10,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)
3rd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $5,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)
Runner Ups: 2,595 winning schools will receive $500 prizes

Check this list to see if your school district is participating.

Movember - Changing the Face of Men's Health

2011-11-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Image Source Page
http://epguides.com/LifeandTimesofGrizzlyAdams/

Well, October is over, and the pink will eventually fade, and now it's November. Pardon me, Movember. Time for men to take it all off. Facial hair that is.

Let’s face it, men are known to be more indifferent towards their health, especially when compared to the efforts of women, who proactively and publicly address their health issues in a way not traditionally seen with men. As a result, today the levels of awareness, understanding and funding for support of male health issues, like prostate cancer, lag significantly behind causes such as breast cancer. From http://us.movember.com/mens-health/

This morning @hankito surprised me:

And I agreed so long as he actually signed up to raise awareness and cash and not just as a ~~stunt~~ excuse to not shave for a month. I actually prefer my men to have a nicely trimmed beard and 'stache; Grizzly Adams, not so much.

So, he did. <--- Go here to donate to men's prostrate and testicular cancer research.

So boys, call your doctor (here's a cheat sheet) and get your boys checked out. Do it for the women in your life if you won't do it for yourself.

Day 1

Mamavation Monday: Holding Steady

2011-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

And still under 190. I'm at 185 this week and blaming the one pound weight gain on water weight -- not on the candy corn. I've actually been pretty good, it took me about a week to go through one bag and I only raided the Halloween candy a few times. I keep thinking "portion control" and "stay UNDER 190!!"

After about 6 weeks of little to no activity I rode my bike into work the past two mornings. My legs are confused and I have never been so glad to sit at my desk. Riding gets my blood moving but I think I need a chiropractic adjustment to get those endorphins into my brain. You would think that a 3-4 mile ride in brisk air would wake a girl up!

It's good to be moving again and I am so happy that despite not exercising a lot I have been losing weight.

Regarding Halloween candy -- The Teen is allergic to food dyes but has the OK from his doctor to eat fatty foods because he's ectomorphic. I keep telling that will be in his favor until he turns 30 like me. On the flip side, he inhales fresh fruit, fish, and chicken as if they were clean mountain air. A few years ago I started bribing him with a 5lb bag of chocolate so I wouldn't have to go out with him. This year he bought his own bag of Almond Joys and seems happy with that.

My daughter can't eat a lot of sugar and broght home a 3/4 full bucket. She gets one or two pieces a day until Christmas. If there is any left it gets thrown out. At the rate I am baking pumpkin muffins and other fall treats though, she will probably dump the candy faster.

No Dunkin' in California

2011-10-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

I love California. I hate the politics that are ruining this state and it's economy. And my morning coffee fix.

Personally I am a fan of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, but while back East last month I did as the natives did and ran on Dunkin'. We even brought some K-Cups home. I just loaded the carousel with the last of them so I thought I would see about ordering more. No K-Cups available (it was a long shot), but now you can't order any Dunkin' if you live in California. So I can't even get ground coffee and use the Keurig insert.

Important Notice: We are temporarily suspending the shipment of orders to California while we work to comply with Proposition 65 with the State of California. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Really? Prop 65 is an environmental act. According to the label on my K-cups box the ingredients are drumroll please ... 100% Arabica beans. That's it. The flavored coffees have natural and artificial flavors (what doesn't these days?)

So what the fruit California? Why can't we get Dunkin'?

Book Review: A Reliable Wife

2011-09-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't really like this book. Despite reading a lot of murder mysteries, this book really delved into the dark side of human nature and motives. There's lying, backstabbing,sex, poisoning, more sex ... but not good erotic scenes. I finished it only because I kept hoping it would get better.

In the end the protagonist redeemed herself, so it has a happy ending, of sorts.

View all my reviews

Wordless Wednesday: Bunker Hill

2011-09-07T18:49:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Camouflage

2011-08-24T08:23:00.001-07:00

Portobello Mushrooms with Summer Squash

2011-08-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

We're back to almost vegetarian in my household and Sunday nights are either gourmet or leftovers. We're out of leftovers.

Tonight's dinner is Portobello mushrooms with a side of summer squash and baked potatoes. It took about 20 minutes - less if your grill doesn't run out of gas!

Portobello Mushrooms with Summer Squash

Recipe by Annette Holland

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

4 portobello mushrooms
1/2 cup Fresh & Easy Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/2 cup Fresh & Easy Burgundy Wine Simmer Sauce
1 package summer squash
4 Yukon Gold potatoes

Cooking Directions
Grilled portobello mushrooms are delicious, but our grill was out of gas and it was too hot to broil. I made due with the griddle.

Lightly oil with olive oil, then spoon either the balsamic vinaigrette or burgundy wine simmer sauce over the mushrooms until soft, turning at least once. If grilling, marinate the mushrooms for a few minutes.
Saute the summer squash to desired tenderness.
Serve with a baked potato.

The Intrepid Princess still prefers steak to mushrooms, but The Teen and The Hunk both loved it.

Summer Squash

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes

2011-08-21T10:04:00.001-07:00

I've been playing around with the recipe for a few weeks now and I think we have a winner. The Hunk called last week's batch the best ever, so I'm going to try to duplicate it this week and document it.
Ingredients :
2 cups whole wheat flour (I use Gold Medal)
1 cup Coach's Oats
1tsp baking soda
2tsp baking powder
1/2tsp salt
1/4 sugar in the raw (honey can be substituted)
2 eggs (flaxseed can be substituted)
2tsp vanilla
1.5 cups milk (coconut or almond milk can be substituted)
1 cup water
Optional:
Pecans, dried or frozen berries
Combine dry ingredients. Mix liquid ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to dry. Mix well. Let sit while you heat your griddle. Batter will appear watery, but any thicker and you will have *really * thick pancakes.
Pour out batter in 1/4 cup increments. Cook until both sides are golden brown.
*posted using the blogger app, sorry about the formatting

Photo Friday: Curvature

2011-08-19T22:29:00.001-07:00

You Are Invited to Join Google Plus

2011-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

If you are still wanting a invitation to Google+, you have come to the right place. I have plenty. Before you jump on the latest social network bandwagon, make sure it's the right place for you. Yes, I love all things Google, but I wouldn't want you to leave that other network if G+ is not right for you. Use the right tool for the job. Know what I mean?

Check out the demo. See if you want to hangout. Make sure that Skype is not in use. I had issues with my first hangout because Skype had control of my mic and speakers, though oddly enough not my webcam. Pants are optional.

Sparks
Still need work, but I find blog posts and articles that I wouldn't otherwise come across on the topics that I am interested in. Especially Android and recipes. Bonus, I don't have to clutter up my already overloaded Google Reader with more blogs.

Huddles
Are the new Group.Me or Beluga -- if you have the app (also available for i-devices).

Texting is great, but not when you’re trying to get six different people to decide on a movie. Huddle turns all those different conversations into one simple group chat, so everyone gets on the same page all at once. Your thumbs will thank you.

And the best part of G+ is Circles. I'm still sorting mine out but it's really nice to post to only certain people instead of the whole wide web.

I am offering them to you, my loyal readers. Just leave a comment with your email address (for example dananner @ dananner dot com) and I will send you one.

Getting Inside My Head

Shameful Actions

Wordless Wednesday: Bread of Life

Book Review: Grave Peril

Soft puppy, sleepy puppy, little ball of fur...

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Playtime! Ninja Unboxing

Starbucks Coupon - 20% off Tumblers

Mamavation Monday: No Hating

Related articles

Movies Worth Re-Watching

Oh my!

Wordless Wednesday: Puerto Vallarta

A Better One

Photo Friday: One

Hangin' with The Muppets

Milk - It Does a School Good

Related articles

Movember - Changing the Face of Men's Health

Mamavation Monday: Holding Steady

No Dunkin' in California

Related articles

Book Review: A Reliable Wife

Wordless Wednesday: Bunker Hill

Wordless Wednesday: Camouflage

Portobello Mushrooms with Summer Squash

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes

Photo Friday: Curvature

You Are Invited to Join Google Plus