The Dragons Are Here ... And They Have Ketchup.

January 25, 2012 - 12:20

Mood: Invigorated
Music: Raise a Little Hell ~ Trooper
Thought of the Day: "Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. Gotta kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight." ~ Barenaked Ladies; Lovers in a Dangerous Time

It's a little late, but ...
GONG HEI FAT CHOI!! 恭 喜 發 財
Best wishes for everybody in Year of the Dragon!

     The highlight of my day (that day) was when I went to pick up Mom at her new job. I had to find her office, and along the way I passed an elderly Chinese lady who was being fed some jello (I think). Her face was blank. As Mom and I went to pass her again on the way out, Mom noticed a nurse (supervisor?) and asked me to say the phrase again. (I'd greeted her with it.) The nurse was delighted and asked if I could speak Chinese (I DIDN'T tell her that there's no such thing ... I'm so proud.) I told her that I only really knew the phrase for Happy New Year. Apparently, it didn't go un-noticed by the elderly lady. She kinda ... flickered. Mom asked me to say it to her. I did ... :) Instant animation came to her face. Her eyes lit up, and when she smiled she was very pretty. When I waved good bye, she waved back, smiling. Apparently, she doesn't speak English, and rarely (if ever) gets visitors. Nobody seemed to know that it was Chinese New Year ... I wonder if I was the only person who offered her good wishes.

     I think I'll teach Mom to say Ni Hao (hello). :)

13:29

     Okay, had breakfast, settled down Ashley (who blames Spot every time she gets scolded.), and cleaned the kitty litter. What's left? I need to take the cans/bottles in, buy cat food and then load the car with donation items. I need to sweep/wash floors, vacuum, clean the bird cage, change the sheets on the bed and make posters for the Trade Show. somewhere in there I need to organise the storage unit a bit better. Tonight, I have a career presentation ... Day off? I laugh at the idea. It's a myth, I tell you. A myth! Tomorrow, I hope to have my PartyLite organised. Apparently, Mom is offended that the closet doors aren't closed. (No, I don't understand that either, and frankly, she can't explain it either.) I also want to figure out what I'll need for the Trade Show.

     THE TRADE SHOW! Ah, I haven't written about that yet, have I? It was kind of spur of the moment. A couple years ago, a friend and I were discussing networking and having an Open House with a few people with home-based businesses. It never happened, but his is an idea that has stayed with me as a good one. My sales need a bit of a boost and I am working on my fear of outbound calls. I know that I need to expand my inner circle before I dry up my current supporters. I also need the extra funds, and the space that my current stock takes up! :) So ... I made decision, and sent word out to people that I knew had businesses dependent on home parties. I had a good response, so I set out to find a place to hold this show. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get a Hall to call you back. One finally did, and she was so excited to have my business that she offered to give me the entire Hall for Free. O.o! This offer was beyond fantastic. She said she's adjust the calendar so that I could have the date that I wanted and would suggest more businesses to join me.

     I was so excited that I began to seriously recruit and posted on FB. Then she wrote and tipped a bomb. Instead of her re-arranging the calendar, why don't I just pick a day when the Hall is vacant. ... What? ... She was the one who was so excited that she offered to do this. I never asked her. Oookay, whatever. Still getting the Hall for free ... The only day free is the Saturday of the April long weekend. This is either going to be less than ideal, or a stroke of lucky genius. Yes, it's Easter Weekend ... but it's too early for mass camping trips or planting yet, and many people will remain home to go to church. Kids are off school ... Well, we'll see. I believe that a new catalogue will be out then as well, so I'm going to do my best and stay positive and see what the Universe provides me in response.

     What weird weather we are having ... It was grey this morning when I went down to the gym. We had a flash blizzard, and then things lightened up. Now I've got bright sunshine streaming into the office. WTD?

     After a few weeks of making hints of change, Jackie has finally revealed the master plan in her 'blog. A 'blog that she says holds naked truth, but I haven't seen any yet. She barely writes anything in it. Certainly nothing naked. She said that a best friend made a hurtful comment, but never says what it was, or anything else. How it made her feel, or how it got the ball rolling, and led to this decision, or to this diet. Call it what it is. A Diet Journal, or a Log. "Naked truth", forsooth! Anyway, she's on one of those crazy diet plans. Will she lose weight? On 500 calories a day? Sure. Will she keep it off? I doubt it. She doesn't say anything about exercise, and you can't maintain this kind of diet long term and stay healthy. She called it a detox. Okay, fine. I know people who use them, but I also know that they constantly have to do them. Personally, the idea makes me shudder, because in the wrong hands, these crash diets are dangerous. There was nothing wrong with her that a proper routine of exercise and nutrition won't help. She doesn't need a diet, she needs a lifestyle change. But that's just my opinion. This is her choice. Her life. Which she has made sure has very little to do with mine.

     Which brings me to my own diet. After falling off the wagon due to illness and depression (not helped by Mom giving up and promptly buying me junk food), I am back on track. I haven't taken any measurements, because I feel that being able to look in the mirror and liking what I see is more important. I should measure though. Should probably have a goal too. Later. Right now I'm enjoying my workouts (which have almost reached the point where I dropped off.) and I feel really good. Am I counting calories? Heck, no. I'm watching my portions, keeping an eye on sodium levels, and avoiding processed foods as best I can. I've increased my fruits and vegies. (which is benefiting Ashley as well, because in the morning we share an apple or something. It's our "us" time.)

     By the by, I'm still nagging Mom about her nutrition too. She's looking better for it, even if she doesn't think so.

     Well, I'd better get back to my list of chores. They won't do themselves. Makes me happy too. <3

Sweet Dreams!

PS. Laaaveeeendeeeerrr ... Hee hee! WHY AREN"T YOU ANSWERING YOUR E-MAILS? :P