Thursday, November 29, 2007

Elf Yourself

Last year I elfed myself from this office max site. This time around I did it again, but I also added a bonus. I elfed my dog to dance with me. He came out looking a bit taller than me, once again I'm the shortest one. It came out pretty funny though. Take a look at my elf-self and charlie-elf as we 'bring the house down' with our smooth dance moves! - My Elf Yourself Clip

Saturday, November 24, 2007

My Christmas Tree

This weekend I share with you a video clip where I proudly display my Christmas tree. This is the first Christmas in my new home and I bought a fake tree. I'm going green :)
I bought a tree on Friday and decorated this Saturday. I picked a tree that had a nice feel to it and that I knew would last. It was very easy to assemble and is pre-lit. I am definitely happy with my purchase and outcome. Check out the clip with special guest appearance from Charlie Dog :)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Two years ago I posted a link to this clip of a singing turkey. It was an eCard featuring a turkey singing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive: Disco anthem. It was taken down, but lucky for us YouTube is sharing. I am thankful for YouTube..
Enjoy...

Saturday, November 17, 2007

My PIcture on the Economist

Another picture of mine makes it's way to another site, this time - The Economist.com. I received a request for one of my Chicago photos, which they called "Corn On The River" to display within an economist blog post. I like it, My credit displays only as a light grey name above the picture. Most will probably miss it. The link back to my site wasn't added, but I am happy it was published. Take a look at: The Economist and let me know what you think.

Monday, November 12, 2007

I Gave Myself Food Poisoning

BreakfastThis is why I should not be allowed to cook! I cooked myself a nice plate of eggs and mushrooms on toast. I was so proud of myself. I normally don't cook but started to like that my dishes have been coming out tasting pretty darn good. So was the case again yesterday. The dish tasted delicious, but twenty minutes later I felt my stomach feeling terribly ill. It felt like an explosion inside and had severe cramping in my abdomen. After a couple trips to the washroom I also felt strong chills. I curled in bed with Charlie to keep me a bit warm. I fell a sleep for an hour or so but woke up with pain again. I had a feeling it was the mushrooms that caused my upset stomachache, so I looked online to see if there were any known treatments. After reading on various websites I gave into my fear and called the poison control center. It was confirmed - I gave myself food poisoning!!!! The worse part is that there is no treatment I have to let my body fight the bacteria and run it's course. I feel a slight pain still today, the good thing is that it's not as intense as yesterday, but nonetheless I have pain. I will not be cooking mushrooms anytime soon! I feel good enough to laugh at myself about it though. I like to have an optimistic view and a good sense of humor, if I can't laugh at this there is no point in sharing on this blog. I limit myself already with my post but this little story I am humbled to share with you.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Sleep Therapy

The behavioral strategies for better sleep are deceptively simple, ... This means not watching television, eating or reading in bed. Don’t go to bed until you are sleepy. Get up at the same time every day, and don’t nap during the day. If you are unable to sleep, get out of bed after 15 minutes and do something relaxing, but avoid stimulating activity and thoughts.
So-called sleep hygiene is also part of sleep therapy. This includes regular exercise, adding light-proof blinds to your bedroom to keep it dark and making sure the bed and room temperatures are comfortable. Eat regular meals, don’t go to bed hungry and limit beverages, particularly alcohol and caffeinated drinks, around bedtime. Finally, don’t try too hard to fall asleep, and turn the clock around so you can’t see it. Watching time pass is one of the worst things to do when you’re trying to fall asleep. | source: New York Times
How does one address a fundamental difference in the want for sleep? I know my body and mind requires sleep. Heck, I am at the age now that I painfully feel it every morning. I am no longer able to feel great after sleeping my daily five hours of sleep. I know that what can help me the most is forcing myself to adhere to a schedule, including a sleep schedule. Easier said than done. After so many years of taking advantage of time and being more productive instead of sleeping my mind is stuck with the non-sleep routine. In a few days I actually have to attend a sleep study, I have been procrastinating on making an appointment mainly because I feel I know what they will say. I need to change my sleep habits - UGH I hate aging! I wish I were in my early twenties when pulling all nighters was no problem at all.

Joke of the Day - Masculine or Feminine?

from email forward...
Male or Female? You might not have known this, but a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples:
FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong buttons.
TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated.
HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
SPONGES: These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
WEB PAGES: Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
TRAINS: Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people.
HOURGLASS: An hourglass is female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
HAMMERS: Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying

Saturday, November 03, 2007

My Gripe - Pet Pieves Are All About Manners

I just completed a "manners quiz" to gauge my manners. I knew what the results would be even before commencing the quiz. I do have good manners. What I barely realized is that all my pet peeves circle around manners more specifically the lack of them. I've always felt a little bad about having so many pet peeves, but I finally figured out why I had so many. It all stems to one point I hate being around bad manners and in turn consider it rude. This may offend others but really, must you......

1. Chew loudly or with your mouth open??? (especially loud gum chewing)

2. Talk on the phone that long while in my company? This one gets me all the time!!! I can understand a quick chat to clarify things up, or answer a question from someone in need. However I think it is rude to ignore the person you are in company with to speak to another person on the phone - excuse yourself or tell your phone friend you will call them later!!

3. Do not whisper in someone else's ear in front of me! Even if you are not talking about me, it's just rude!

4. Not hold the elevator door open? I know you saw me coming, just hold the elevator a few seconds. If I am holding it for you - hurry up!! Oh and men, don't shove people out of your way so you are the first one out. It is polite to let the person in front of you exit first. If it's not your floor, step to the side.

5. Read over my shoulder? I don't want to hear your loud breathing. Much worse smell your breath, good or bad I don't want you that close.

6. Sneeze/Burp without covering you mouth? (eeeew germs) That is just nasty.

I am sure I have a few others that I should gripe about, I just can't seem to remember them right now. What are yours? I am probably guilty of committing some ill-behavior as well.

Me - Halloween 2007

Me Halloween 07
I know this post is several days late - Bad blogger BAD! I still was willing to share this picture with you nevertheless. Thank you to all of you who have emailed me your pics or share on flickr. For all you others - and you know who you are, don't be shy! Show off your costume and post a pic! If you can't tell by the picture I was dressed as a gypsy. I know, not quite original but I must confess I like dressing as one. I get to wear so much jewelry and makeup and the jingling sound from the bracelets and coin belt make it even more amusing.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Texas Holdem Has a Hold on Me

I am hooked again. Facebook added a Texas-hold'em app and I of course installed it. The problem now is that I am addicted to the game again. It had been SEVERAL months since I last played this popular card game. I had finally kicked the habit but just as I thought I was out - they pull me back in. The app is pretty nice, it gets the kick in. Bluffing online is not quite the same experience as when you play in person face to face with others. The hand shown in the image won me 200 bucks :) Play money of course, but addicting nonetheless.