It was November 1984 and starting my trend of enjoying British music bands. I was going to TCJC at the time and was looking like I was actually getting into some sort of shape. The physical education course was at the point of doing strength and circuit training. I was never happier because I was tired of running all of the time.
At this time, the biggest bands/singers of the British music scene were gathering together to record a song. There was a cause behind it - helping to feed those in Africa who were not getting any assistance from their own governments. The song was called Do They Know It's Christmas? and the band compiled called themselves "Band Aid."
Bob Geldof wanted to do something after seeing a documentary on TV regarding the crisis in Africa. He contacted Midge Ure and the two artists developed the song. After that, there was the organization of those artists willing to contribute their time and talents to helping develop the record. All of that work took place in a 24 hour time frame, then the record was released.
I was truly in awe of what Bob had done and the song actually had an effect on me. I bought the 45 RPM as well as the 33-1/2 RPM. I did what I could do on a student budget. The same was true for when Bob gathered the same artists and more to do Live Aid in July 1985.
Here it is - thirty years later - Bob and Midge sit before a group of journalists to say there will be another Band Aid - Band Aid 30. Bob appears weary in this setting, but his words make a lot of sense. One can tell that this business of doing the socially good is becoming a huge burden on him as people are always expecting it from him. I completely understood his comment about how embarrassing it was to call people you do not even know to ask them to help.
However, this time - the cause is very different. Sure, it is for the people in Africa, but this time, the people in West Africa who are dealing with the ebola virus. While I should not have lived in any fear of this disease when the Dallas area was managing it, you cannot help but feel what sort of fear those people have there. When I read of people here talking about wanting to flee, that is what makes that situation worse - it is what spreads it because of "fear".
So, for anyone reading this, in the next few days, an updated version of this record will be released to the world. Even if you do not like the song, buy it. Give of yourself this small amount as it will be a tremendous amount to help those health workers and such in West Africa. The situation there is dire. We here in America are very lucky. Maybe get past the commercialism of Christmas and make yourself feel good - give to something that can make a difference.
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBandAid30
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/band-aid-30-bob-geldof-midge-interview-20141114?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=111414_16&utm_medium=email&ea=cmlja3NtdXNlQGFvbC5jb20%3D
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Ever Had One of Those Days?
Seems like I have been having one of those "days" for about two weeks. As I sit here, I am reminded of those things I needed to do and totally forgot. Ugh! My brain has been in a fog for quite awhile.
I think part of my problem has been that I have been experiencing a great deal of exhaustion. Next, stress and frustration. Nothing is more deflating than to have a schedule to do something, but you just cannot seem to get it together for whatever reason. It is pretty much a bummer.
I am trying hard to get several things done, but just seem to have this drain on my energy. For example, I took a 3 hour nap one day after I got home from work. The dogs ran me down when I took them for a walk and I felt like I needed another nap!
To make things worse, I feel like I am constantly rushing around and there is no sense in that.
Something tells me that I could be experiencing pre-menopause. I am cranky and easily irritated. Once I get past that monthly deal, life calms down and stuff can get done. That is annoying.
Maybe, I will get a lot of rest this week, that way I can concentrate on getting some chores done that I have put off over and over.
I think part of my problem has been that I have been experiencing a great deal of exhaustion. Next, stress and frustration. Nothing is more deflating than to have a schedule to do something, but you just cannot seem to get it together for whatever reason. It is pretty much a bummer.
I am trying hard to get several things done, but just seem to have this drain on my energy. For example, I took a 3 hour nap one day after I got home from work. The dogs ran me down when I took them for a walk and I felt like I needed another nap!
To make things worse, I feel like I am constantly rushing around and there is no sense in that.
Something tells me that I could be experiencing pre-menopause. I am cranky and easily irritated. Once I get past that monthly deal, life calms down and stuff can get done. That is annoying.
Maybe, I will get a lot of rest this week, that way I can concentrate on getting some chores done that I have put off over and over.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Happy Birthday to My Special Little Girl...
In September 2009, my mother asked me to take Chloe and take care of her. My mom was completely bed ridden and there was no way she could properly give the care that Chloe needed to her. My mom cried when I left that night with Chloe and her things, but Chloe was never very far away from my mom.
The day my mom passed away, I made sure Chloe got to be with my mom for a little bit. I know Chloe knew mom had passed away, but she huddled up close to my mom in that protective way she has. I had to bring both Bo and Chloe into the bedroom as the funeral home staff took my mom out of the house. I think it broke the both of us because now, it was a reality. Momma was gone.
I only had Bo for 2 years and I worried how I was going to do with taking care of two dogs. Chloe had knee surgery a year or two later and together we got past that. Currently, she has been dealing with a badly diseased gall bladder and Cushing's disease. I make sure Chloe gets her food, exercise, and treats. I cherish all of the times where she cuddles up to me in bed while I sleep.
It is difficult to believe my mom has been gone for almost 5 years and Chloe is hanging in there with me all of this time. I love Chloe dearly - as much as I love Bo. There are times I worry I tend to love one more than the other, but I try to make sure I share attention between the two.
I will never forget that little puff ball that greeted me at the front door when my parents got her. She was all play and licks. Everything was on her terms, though. You learned pretty quickly that she was the bossy, vocal one and you needed to obey. LOL
Happy Birthday, sweet Chloe! I am blessed with every day I get to spend with you! And, yes, I will get some vanilla cupcakes to celebrate your special day!
Saturday, November 8, 2014
The Numbers Game...
I have designated Saturdays as my "weigh-in" day. First, the endo suggested either Friday or Saturday because Mondays have such a bad rap. Second, even health articles suggest any day, but Monday. Granted, I usually start my shake weeks on a Monday, it is just easier for me to ease into the week drinking two shakes on that day. My whole week could be crazy, so I do not have to worry about preparing breakfast or lunch - just grab a shake and drink it.
Today, I weighed and saw I gained two pounds. Yes, I felt defeated. Then, again, should I really feel that way? For the past three evenings, I have gotten lunch and dinner out and did not pick out anything healthy to eat. I should not expect anything other than some weight gain.
However, I did notice I was losing on my BMI (Body Mass Index). For the past month, I have been about 52%. Today, I was 49.5%. So, maybe my body is beginning to start adjusting and I just won't see much loss on the weight side.
I have made it to see my personal trainer both times this week. We met in the afternoon while I swung out of conference calls at work. It actually felt good to go into the gym in the afternoon. No one is there. Hardly anyone at all. Maybe, on the weekends, that is the time I should go. I may try that out.
Anyway, by doing what the endo suggested, working out with the machines and some free weights, my back is not hindering me from exercising. This part is actually fabulous. Also, I am lifting some pretty heavy weights, according to the trainer. I am more excited about not being in pain while I work out. Nothing was more deflating than to go see my trainer, who is a very positive and supportive person, then have to cut short the work out because my lower back was just killing me. I suppose that indicates I need to locate some sort of back support to help with further free weight exercises. I do admit, I love working with the machines. My form is good and you know what, I can generate a good sweat while working out with those just as much as when I was doing the free weights.
I need to be sensible about this whole deal. I am only a month into making changes. I need to improve on my eating habits. That will help a lot. Also, it will help my pocketbook. I do feel a great accomplishment when I have prepared a meal and it tastes great, but I know that it is good for me as well.
Having been a bit down in the dumps the past few days, due to stressful situations, I think the best thing for me is to make some comfort food. Tomorrow, I am going to cook a roast with potatoes, onions, celery, and mushrooms.
Tomorrow is also Chloe's birthday, so I need to pick up some mini-cupcakes to share with the dogs. We won't eat the whole thing, but I feel good about doing something special for the dogs on her birthday. It is a shame I do not know Bo's birthday - I may just pick a day and let it be his day.
Today, I weighed and saw I gained two pounds. Yes, I felt defeated. Then, again, should I really feel that way? For the past three evenings, I have gotten lunch and dinner out and did not pick out anything healthy to eat. I should not expect anything other than some weight gain.
However, I did notice I was losing on my BMI (Body Mass Index). For the past month, I have been about 52%. Today, I was 49.5%. So, maybe my body is beginning to start adjusting and I just won't see much loss on the weight side.
I have made it to see my personal trainer both times this week. We met in the afternoon while I swung out of conference calls at work. It actually felt good to go into the gym in the afternoon. No one is there. Hardly anyone at all. Maybe, on the weekends, that is the time I should go. I may try that out.
Anyway, by doing what the endo suggested, working out with the machines and some free weights, my back is not hindering me from exercising. This part is actually fabulous. Also, I am lifting some pretty heavy weights, according to the trainer. I am more excited about not being in pain while I work out. Nothing was more deflating than to go see my trainer, who is a very positive and supportive person, then have to cut short the work out because my lower back was just killing me. I suppose that indicates I need to locate some sort of back support to help with further free weight exercises. I do admit, I love working with the machines. My form is good and you know what, I can generate a good sweat while working out with those just as much as when I was doing the free weights.
I need to be sensible about this whole deal. I am only a month into making changes. I need to improve on my eating habits. That will help a lot. Also, it will help my pocketbook. I do feel a great accomplishment when I have prepared a meal and it tastes great, but I know that it is good for me as well.
Having been a bit down in the dumps the past few days, due to stressful situations, I think the best thing for me is to make some comfort food. Tomorrow, I am going to cook a roast with potatoes, onions, celery, and mushrooms.
Tomorrow is also Chloe's birthday, so I need to pick up some mini-cupcakes to share with the dogs. We won't eat the whole thing, but I feel good about doing something special for the dogs on her birthday. It is a shame I do not know Bo's birthday - I may just pick a day and let it be his day.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Accepting Change...
I have been working on slowly subsiding from all of the social media. Facebook is more difficult, but I have noticed that my latest updates are primarily because I am ticked at smoke alarm situation within my apartment. However, I work more on my g+, FitBit, and MyFitnessPal applications.
This past month, I got a bit of a slap in the face regarding social media. The company wants employees to embrace their new "Workplace 2020". Employees have to set up their profile and such on a Facebook like interface. There are places to share documents on the web site. You should blog and so forth.
And here I am trying to reduce the amount of social media...
It gets even better. In an effort to make sure you are getting yourself acquainted, whoever is in charge has developed monthly challenges. If you are not making an effort, there is someone sending out updates showing everyone else where you are in making your effort to complete the challenge.
Earlier this year, I started some work in that area. I set up a profile, but I did not put a photo out there. I did not fill out completely everything in the profile because people at work does not necessarily need to know every personal aspect of my life. I put work-related information out there. I also made requests to follow various people in their networks. I tried using the document sharing area and it failed miserably for what I needed for it to do.
When I got this challenge and my first notification that I had not gotten my piece satisfactorily done, I was a bit taken back. Their challenge had not taken into account anything that I had already done. Furthermore, it indicated I had no network contacts when I did!
I am not beyond accepting change. Generally speaking, I try to embrace it unless I have my doubts. I have tried this methodology and found faults. I will continue to work on this effort, but the one area where I will probably take a stand is installing their products onto my own personal devices. I have been provided a company phone and laptop. I am afraid that by putting those products on my personal items, that gives the company more access into my personal life, which I am trying desperately to keep separate.
I have my concerns, but with anything, I will give it a shot. I just need to set my own boundaries.
This past month, I got a bit of a slap in the face regarding social media. The company wants employees to embrace their new "Workplace 2020". Employees have to set up their profile and such on a Facebook like interface. There are places to share documents on the web site. You should blog and so forth.
And here I am trying to reduce the amount of social media...
It gets even better. In an effort to make sure you are getting yourself acquainted, whoever is in charge has developed monthly challenges. If you are not making an effort, there is someone sending out updates showing everyone else where you are in making your effort to complete the challenge.
Earlier this year, I started some work in that area. I set up a profile, but I did not put a photo out there. I did not fill out completely everything in the profile because people at work does not necessarily need to know every personal aspect of my life. I put work-related information out there. I also made requests to follow various people in their networks. I tried using the document sharing area and it failed miserably for what I needed for it to do.
When I got this challenge and my first notification that I had not gotten my piece satisfactorily done, I was a bit taken back. Their challenge had not taken into account anything that I had already done. Furthermore, it indicated I had no network contacts when I did!
I am not beyond accepting change. Generally speaking, I try to embrace it unless I have my doubts. I have tried this methodology and found faults. I will continue to work on this effort, but the one area where I will probably take a stand is installing their products onto my own personal devices. I have been provided a company phone and laptop. I am afraid that by putting those products on my personal items, that gives the company more access into my personal life, which I am trying desperately to keep separate.
I have my concerns, but with anything, I will give it a shot. I just need to set my own boundaries.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Using Dieting As An Excuse...
Today, I went into the office to work. Not because I can get more done, but because I need to spend a certain amount of time in the office. I usually work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
I packed my lunch and made my way to work. Before I got to work, I had already had my fill of people scheduling conference calls and either delaying them or not even canceling them as they were out for the day. I had just dialed into a call as I was discovering that the requestor had scheduled time off and no one to cover. I got an instant message from a co-worker. She was asking if I wanted to go out for lunch - something homemade since it was a cold, dreary day. I decided to forgo my packed lunch to spend time with this co-worker.
Once all conference calls were settled, we headed out for lunch. There was a place that served homemade comfort food down the street from where we work. As we were seated, I laughed and said I knew what my co-worker was going to order - chicken fried steak. I know her all too well. That was exactly what was on her mind to eat. We both laughed.
After we placed our orders, she asked me why people won't go out to eat because they are on a diet. She stated she knew I was trying to watch what I ate and understood, but I would go out to eat. I sort of laughed about it by saying that the honest truth is I need to cut back on eating out so much and not just due to dieting.
My response to her question was basically this:
Most people, when they start changing their lifestyle, start being very strict on themselves. I explained that by preparing my own meals, I have a greater control over what I eat. I have measured it, observed what ingredients were used in the preparation, and know there are no surprises. Also, I have noticed the savings I get in the end. I am not spending $10-$15+ for eating a single meal.
However, most people start off by being too strict and they set themselves up for failure. The struggle is very real. Some people have trouble with portion control. Others tend to order a lot of fried food. There is also the penchant for wanting something sweet after eating. It all adds up
Other times, people will say that they are on a diet to avoid going out to eat at a particular restaurant or avoid certain people. I admit, I avoid Indian food. I have tried it about 4 times and 3 out of the 4 times, I sustained some nasty after effects. Let's just say, I am not so keen to spend the rest of my afternoon in a bathroom stall. So, a lot of time time, I would say I was on a diet or brought my lunch - my saving grace.
She actually thought that part was funny, but understood completely. I mean, if you have tried it and 75% of the time you ended up not feeling well, it is best to leave well enough alone. Besides, do I really need to be rude and say "No thanks - I rather not spend the rest of my afternoon locked up in a bathroom stall?" Yeah, that does not go over very well.
For myself, I really try not to be too rigid regarding diet. I do not mind going out to eat with my friends. I just like to know in advance so that I do not pack a lunch and waste food. The key to going out to eat is knowing the place you are going to eat and checking out the menu before you go. I love doing this because it enables me to make proper choices. Also, it speeds up the ordering process. I know exactly what I want.
In the end, I told my friend not to get upset over it. There are many reasons why people do not want to go out to eat. You just have to accept it and understand that they do not want to hurt your feelings.
I packed my lunch and made my way to work. Before I got to work, I had already had my fill of people scheduling conference calls and either delaying them or not even canceling them as they were out for the day. I had just dialed into a call as I was discovering that the requestor had scheduled time off and no one to cover. I got an instant message from a co-worker. She was asking if I wanted to go out for lunch - something homemade since it was a cold, dreary day. I decided to forgo my packed lunch to spend time with this co-worker.
Once all conference calls were settled, we headed out for lunch. There was a place that served homemade comfort food down the street from where we work. As we were seated, I laughed and said I knew what my co-worker was going to order - chicken fried steak. I know her all too well. That was exactly what was on her mind to eat. We both laughed.
After we placed our orders, she asked me why people won't go out to eat because they are on a diet. She stated she knew I was trying to watch what I ate and understood, but I would go out to eat. I sort of laughed about it by saying that the honest truth is I need to cut back on eating out so much and not just due to dieting.
My response to her question was basically this:
Most people, when they start changing their lifestyle, start being very strict on themselves. I explained that by preparing my own meals, I have a greater control over what I eat. I have measured it, observed what ingredients were used in the preparation, and know there are no surprises. Also, I have noticed the savings I get in the end. I am not spending $10-$15+ for eating a single meal.
However, most people start off by being too strict and they set themselves up for failure. The struggle is very real. Some people have trouble with portion control. Others tend to order a lot of fried food. There is also the penchant for wanting something sweet after eating. It all adds up
Other times, people will say that they are on a diet to avoid going out to eat at a particular restaurant or avoid certain people. I admit, I avoid Indian food. I have tried it about 4 times and 3 out of the 4 times, I sustained some nasty after effects. Let's just say, I am not so keen to spend the rest of my afternoon in a bathroom stall. So, a lot of time time, I would say I was on a diet or brought my lunch - my saving grace.
She actually thought that part was funny, but understood completely. I mean, if you have tried it and 75% of the time you ended up not feeling well, it is best to leave well enough alone. Besides, do I really need to be rude and say "No thanks - I rather not spend the rest of my afternoon locked up in a bathroom stall?" Yeah, that does not go over very well.
For myself, I really try not to be too rigid regarding diet. I do not mind going out to eat with my friends. I just like to know in advance so that I do not pack a lunch and waste food. The key to going out to eat is knowing the place you are going to eat and checking out the menu before you go. I love doing this because it enables me to make proper choices. Also, it speeds up the ordering process. I know exactly what I want.
In the end, I told my friend not to get upset over it. There are many reasons why people do not want to go out to eat. You just have to accept it and understand that they do not want to hurt your feelings.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Religious Freedoms and Oppression...
I have never been a very religious person. I do believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and he is our savior. In a very generic sense, I am Christian. Honestly, I am not one particular denomination - I am just me. I believe in everyone's right to worship whatever religion desired. I do not believe in having my rights infringed by another party's belief.
When I saw a video from a British reporter regarding her home town and how the Muslims there were attempting to over take the town with their beliefs, I was rather surprised. Great Britain does allow for religious freedoms for their people and to have this one group deciding to enforce their beliefs on others because they feel infringed.
So, this Sunday, while I started cooking dinner, I watched part of 60 Minutes. Again, a reporter was talking to a British Muslim citizen accused of recruiting others to fight with ISIS in Syria. It seemed to me, yet again, another example of a group of people imposing their beliefs upon others, rather than allowing the freedom of choice.
I pondered awhile if such a thing could happen in the US. For all of the different radical factions, there is one thing that does stand out to me: Freedom. That was the reason why the Pilgrims came to America - to flee religious persecution. Throughout the centuries, this country has remain held fast to the belief of freedom - the right to choose. While someone may try to bribe their way into making changes, no one wants their freedom/right to choose to be taken away from them.
The 60 Minute report can be found here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/recruiting-for-isis-under-fire-blake-shelton/
The first report I saw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgKMI1wV0ps
When I saw a video from a British reporter regarding her home town and how the Muslims there were attempting to over take the town with their beliefs, I was rather surprised. Great Britain does allow for religious freedoms for their people and to have this one group deciding to enforce their beliefs on others because they feel infringed.
So, this Sunday, while I started cooking dinner, I watched part of 60 Minutes. Again, a reporter was talking to a British Muslim citizen accused of recruiting others to fight with ISIS in Syria. It seemed to me, yet again, another example of a group of people imposing their beliefs upon others, rather than allowing the freedom of choice.
I pondered awhile if such a thing could happen in the US. For all of the different radical factions, there is one thing that does stand out to me: Freedom. That was the reason why the Pilgrims came to America - to flee religious persecution. Throughout the centuries, this country has remain held fast to the belief of freedom - the right to choose. While someone may try to bribe their way into making changes, no one wants their freedom/right to choose to be taken away from them.
The 60 Minute report can be found here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/recruiting-for-isis-under-fire-blake-shelton/
The first report I saw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgKMI1wV0ps
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