"F.M.R." EOW2 - Update

No time for putting thoughts into my keyboard this week. So, just a quick synopsis.

On my fantastic metabolistic reset today I evicted another .4 lbs. Its not a huge amount, but down is down and I'm down with that. Yes, I crack myself up.

Happy Halloween.

Check out Bakerella and mostly check out her cake balls.

I'm fighting with my computer.

I have a really bad sore throat/cold.

I have no real estate clients, yet.

My house needs cleaned in the worst way and I'll be forced to do that this weekend and next week because it will be game night for the 'girls' at our house next Saturday. The best part being, I invited most favorite brother and his bride and they will be a visitin'. yee haw.

Have a spooky weekend all!

Ciao Bellas.

"F.M.R." EOW1 - Monday Update

Mister and I celebrated our one year anniversary at the coast this weekend. Photos will be added later. Fun, fun, fun and lots of sunshine and good weather. We did a hike that we hiked earlier this summer. Really great. Our first evening, we walked on the beach. There were pelicans and seagulls aplenty. Much raucus and swooping overhead and splashing and the like. I took Mister's camera and snapped away as fast as the little digital shutter would let me. I got some, I think, fun shots. Its not easy photographing a mass of constantly moving birds without a tripod, just sayin'. The photo at the top of the blog would be my best shot Monday. You should (should you want to or care at all taht is) be able to click out for a larger view of the pics. There's a lot going on there, just sayin'.

And by way of another update, Friday, I did the dreaded weigh-in and it seems I have taken off 7 pounds so far on my 'fantastic metabolistic reset'. YeeHaw! So, yes, I know this is a huge jump, and I'm sure its mostly water, but I don't really care. That was such a motivational thing to see on the scale dial. So long as I keep going in a positive (and when I say that I mean negative in numbers) direction, I'm good with that. I also think I have more energy. If I think I have more, then I must. Even if it is just my mind telling me I have more energy, big deal, more energy is more energy, right...?! Anyway, 7 more weeks. Good luck to you.

Just Watched: Lust, Caution

I picked up this movie because I saw the trailer when I watched Evening. Its directed by Ang Lee, of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame. I really like foreign films, I really like Ang Lee so this immediately caught my attention. This is one of those movies that you probably didn't see advertised much at the theaters. Well, I never did any way. I'm not known as the most observant person on the planet, so that could just be me... moving on. I like movies about WWII era and movies set in Asia. Don't ask me why, I don't know for sure. It could be my amazement that nearly all the peoples on the entire planet were at odds against (or for) one single man's obsession (Hitler that is) and how many men, women and children were killed and how much property was destroyed. Even though it really wasn't MY era, the concept intrigues me. And I also think that just about anything Asian in origin or setting seems romantic and mysterious. As a side note, one of my favorite movies of ALL TIME is Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. That could be because Jason Scott Lee plays the part of Bruce Lee and there's just something about Mr. Scott Lee that is ... well ... nice. I think I've seen nearly all his films. So, there you know more about me now.

This movie is a spy movie and a love story. It turns out differently that you think it will, at least that was the case for me. The movie is set in Japanese occupied China where an unlikely group of college students plot to assasinate a traitorous Chinese man. There is lust (in a slightly disturbing fashion) and caution (of the regular sort). All in all, if you like to read your movies and don't plan to watch it with your children - even if those children are 18 or older - check it out.

Let me know what you think.

"F.M.R." the beginning: Its all about me... did you expect something different?

So, today is day 5 of what I am calling my "fantastic metabolistic reset".

When I turned 40 this year (well actually it all started a couple years ago, when I was about 38.5) and I started gaining some weight and had very little to zero energy. Not really too big of a deal, just exercise a bit more, leave out a few desserts take the multi-vitamin more regularly. Well, that didn't really work. So, I upped the ante and did several different types of crazy diet headstands, all to no avail.

I turned 40, a couple pant sizes larger than I was a couple years ago and nothing has worked to slim me down. So, about 5 weeks ago, my dearest friend Dom (I wish she had a blog, if she did, I'd give you a link out to it, but alas...anyway) had been telling me about a new 'lifestyle' that she was starting to help her break through the very same food / weight / energy issues I've been dealing with. Some 5 weeks later, she's more energetic and slimmer. I immediately picked up the book (name to come later after my success is confirmed) and am on day 5 of my new lifestyle. 7 days of no carbs, no sugars, no alcohol, no cake, no carby veggies either. Its not been easy, but its not been as difficult as it could have been either. Its an 8 week - to begin with - plan broken up into 7 day increments. I figure I can do anything for 7 days. If I can't, there's a problem. So, that's what's going on with me. Mister's supportive, whew!

In the mean time, these have been my cravings so far, in no particular order:

• carrots
• apples
• red wine
• french toast
• almond joy
• baby bok choy
• white wine
• 1 lb Hersheys chocolate bar w/almonds - yes, the entire pound
• pumpkin shaped candy corn - you know the ones! they have to be pumpkin shaped though otherwise, don't bother.
• any wine

If you would have asked me 5 days ago what would have been on my list, I don't think I would have thought these things would be on my top 10. Its also been very interesting to listen to what my stomach says versus what my mouth says. My stomach isn't all that hungry, but my mouth wants to eat. Its the strangest thing.

Things I thought I'd miss but really don't:

• creamer in my coffee - I think the key here is buying really good coffee. My apologies to Starbucks, whose coffee I personally think is bitter and always tastes burned. Is that why they create all those specialty flavored coffee drinks? So we can't actually taste the coffee? Anyway, digressing...

So, for the next 8 weeks, you'll have to hear me ramble on about how wonderful this lifestyle is and how easy it is and how great I feel physically and emotionally. At least that had BETTER be what I'm writing! Ok, no low-glycogen issues here, nothing to see, move about your business.

Just Read: A Thousand Spendid Suns

Author: Khaled Hosseini

I read this book because I enjoyed The Kite Runner by the same author. Its an interesting peek into the life of a few Afghanistan women and the life they led. Yes, I know its fiction, but I can imagine like a lot of fiction, its quite plausible. Its harrowing and difficult to read at times but mostly because I live in a 'western' civilization where women aren't treated like possessions. Can you imagine, you are your father's property until he decides to marry you off to the highest bidder and then you are the property of some, quite possibly, stinky old man who will beat you or mistreat you in 100 other ways and you have exactly no say in it. You spend your life looking for the small niceties and tiny glimpses of hope just to be reminded daily, while in your burkha, that you are "less" and always will be.

There are a lot of reasons right now to wish to live in another country. There are so many more reasons for living here.

The story is beautiful and harrowing and sad and hopeful and tragic and probably quite real. Its a good book. I recommend it.

Have you seen the Moon

Wow! I, of course, don't have any photos right now, but holy cow, its been amazing. Its full and low in they sky and shrouded with spooky October clouds and mist. I have been seeing it at approximately 6:09 am each morning, so that may be adding to its mystique.

I'll try to remember a photo of the gorgeous moon tomorrow.

In the mean time, these are the spookiest skies I could muster.

Just Watched: Evening

Chick flick. It's not my normal genre, but its what I was in the mood for. It won't change the world, but I guess not all films have to be earth shattering and difficult.

The story of a woman on her deathbed who relives some pivotal moments in her past and while doing that, affects her own daughters in a positve way.

Cookie cutter, but cute. I liked it.

Just Read: Sole Survivor

Author: Ruthanne Lum McCunn

I started this book because I had read somewhere that it was the story from which The Hungry Tide was sort of abstracted. (I read that book some time ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.) Whether one was abstracted or inspired by the other or not would require me to do some research on the internet. Too much going on for that kind of nonsense. Maybe I'll edit for content when I have the time and when my internet connection isn't spotty at best. Funny how much we rely on the internet for everything. I digress. Anway... This book, when originally publised, was categorized as fiction. It was so categorized because of its writing style, not because the story is fabricated. It was based on interviews and historical research on the part of the writer. So, in today's time of all sorts of books being written in many differenty literary voices, the book has be re-released as non-fiction. This book is the story of Lim Poon, a Chinese man who was a seaman on the British merchant vessel, the Benlomond during WWII. The ship was torpedoed and sank. Lim was the sole survivor on a life raft, with little provisions and little knowledge of the sea. He was basically a cabin boy on the ship as Chinese people were not regarded or allowed to hold any other positions during that time in history. He survived for 133 days at sea, this book is the story of those days and how he survived, mentally, spiritually and physically. I doubt I would have survived the ordeal. I doubt that after reading the book on how one man did it, I would be able to do it. I am amazed at the mental fortitude of a person who can spend that many days alone, at sea, much of the time without food or potable water. I'm sure I'd say this at any time, but right now, where I seem to be in my life, I am in awe of the person who could accomplish such a feat. If you like this kind of thing, non-fiction, I recommend this book. If you like this kind of thing but would rather it was embellished and include tigers too, I would highly recommend The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh.

Follow your dreams

Should you wait out your predetermined timeline or should you jump and run before the deadline gets here? I mean, the deadline was set for a reason right? A period of time, personally set, in order to make an informed decision, a good decision, the right decision. But sometimes its hard when all I want to do is bolt and then I look out the window and realize its not really a 'bolt' economy out there right now.

I've never been good with deadlines. Its good I set some for myself though.

Ciao Bellas!

My mind is mush

Have you ever had the world sit on your chest like a 10-ton elephant? Then just as soon as you pick yourself up on the gritty floor and move into acceptance that the elephant will be with you for some time and you realize you should just feed it some peanuts once in awhile and maybe it'll not sit on you again, a jedi-master comes out of the shadows and karate kicks your legs out from under you? And while you are down there reeling from the bizzaro worldiness that surrounds your spinning head, you keep hearing in the background like annoying elevator music "you should be able to deal with this!! Hello!! Other people are dealing with much, much worse situations!" No? Yes? Well, that's the analogy of how the last few weeks have felt in my world. Moving on... In that light, this is all I have for you. Dinner last night - which was actually pretty darned good - even though it may sound plain. Maybe plain is what I needed. Mister had a burrito (sprouted grain tortilla - these are a little tough for me personally) from these ingredients, I just stacked them tostada style, without the tortilla.

• lettuce
• Rice
• chopped cilantro
• toasted sesame seeds
• toasted almonds
• julienned red peppers
• sliced tomatoes (as a side note, I always have to look up the spelling of tomato and potato and tomatoes and potatoes - darn that Dan Quail - forever makin' me doubt my spelling abilities)
• julienned cucumber
• bean sprouts
• and a dressing of equal parts fresh squeezed lime juice and olive oil with a pinch of salt.

Mister added black beans and hot sauce, I did not. It was a very tasty combination. I would/will do it again.

Going somewhere?

I'd really like to go somewhere warm and tropical and relaxing and far away.

We've had invitations to go to Cozumel in mid-October. Can't. I have a week long real estate class I need to take in December. That will take up my vacation time for this year. Nice.

Its Belize, not Cozumel, but close enough.

Other friends are going to the Cayman Islands most likely in January. I want to go. Probably won't. Mister has the unfortunate circumstance of working in construction and with the economy as volatile as it is right now he's only worked 1/2 of this year. So, while he is working, he'd like to keep working. Bummer, but good, but bummer.

7-mile beach from my trip in 2003

Sister-in-law is maybe getting married next year. They want to do it in May, Italy, three weeks. I want to go. We'll definitely go wherever, whenever they get married, but the plans are only tentative and no deposits have been made, so can't look forward to that, yet.

Part of my family has plans to go on a South Caribbean cruise next December. Family has appeal to me, 15 days on a boat does not appeal to me. Being in the sun for 15 days does appeal to me. Mister isn't "in" to vacations with kids. I love kids. Its a not likely, but entirely possible scenario.

So, those are the up in the airs.

The for sures are:

My parents will be visiting this weekend. They haven't been up since we got married a year ago. It'll be weird and good and weird and good.

In a few weeks, Mister and I will spend the weekend at the beach for our 1st anniversary. Hard to believe its been a year already. No chores, just relaxation for two days. Nice.

Ahhh, I love the beach.

Thanksgiving will mean a trip to Bend this year. Snowshoeing and if we think we are rich for a day, maybe we'll buy cross country skis and do that too. Family won't be all that happy about our choice, but its something we need to do for us.

No, we don't stay in this cabin, we just ski into it.

Sit by a fire, warm ourselves and have a little lunch.

Well, that's it. A lot of maybe(s) and a few short little for sures.

Morning - Third of October

COLD

DREARY

WET

DARK

GLOOMY

but its Friday!

Yeah!

Happy weekends one and all.

Just Watched: Austin Powers~International Man of Mystery

I rented this movie because Mister and I were going to a Halloween party. My ultimate plan was for Mister to go as Austin Powers and me as one of his saucy sidekicks, Mrs. Kensington or Allotta Fagina or a Fem-Bot. Did notice I said MY plan, not OUR plan - Mister wasn't all that on board for it. It was going to be great fun even if I'm not a stick figure like all those side kicks. Anyway, I'd rented the movie to get it all figured out. We then realized the Halloween party we had planned on going to falls on our anniversary weekend. We have lovely plans to be at the beach. How nice is that! I love this movie though! Mike Meyers - fantastic in everything. Funky '70's outfits - what's not to love about that. I own the sound track, its so much fun when I remember to listen to it.

So, what are you doing for Halloween?

What are YOU reading

I'd love to know what you are reading.

• Anything you have really liked,
• couldn't put down,
• made you change your way of thinking on one topic or another,
• something I should completely avoid,
• something you are looking forward to reading
• what makes you want to read a particular book...

Fill me in folks.

Here's what's on my current "to read" list. None of it is stuff that I just recently decided was a must read, but mostly books that at some time in the past I've picked up and just haven't gotten around to reading yet. You know how that happens, you are out of reading material, mention it to someone and the next thing you know you have more recommendations and loaned books than you know what to do with. So...

• A Thousand Splendid Suns, I'm most of the way through this
• the Alan Greenspan book, I don't even remember the name of it,
• I've just also started, A Long Way Gone. Picked it up BEFORE it came to light that the whole thing is fiction or stolen or something, can't even remember the skuttle-butt
• Charlie Wilson's War
• Kidnapped, a classic I've never read
• A Short History of Nearly Everything - I love Bill Bryson's writing. I started this book and put it down. For some reason I wasn't much interest in picking it up again, but I'm sure I will. I'm that sort of glutton for punishment.
• and Middlesex.

There are others, can't remember them all.