Thursday Thirteen

In an effort to lower my cholesterol and to feel better in general, I've been trying to eat healthier and get a little exericse. If I'm able to drop a few pounds in the process, I will be even happier. I've been reading a little about metabolism and calories, so here are some fun facts about what I've read. You probably already know some of this!


1. Your metabolism slows after age 40. (Don't I know it!)

2. Every pound of muscle uses 6 calories a day to sustain itself, but each pound of fat only burns 2 calories per day.

3. Eating protein at every meal helps you to feel full and keeps you from losing muscle mass.

4. The body needs water to process calories.

5. Having your water over ice (or ice cold0 can burn an extra 10 calories per day. Not much, but every little bit helps!

6. Eating small meals (instead of really big meals) every 3-4 hours keeps your metabolism working all day.

7. Spicy foods can kick-start your metabolism (if your digestive system can tolerate them).

8. Eating less than 1,000 calories per day will likely slow your metabolism.

9. My Fitness Pal is a great website to use to keep track of your calories, exercise, weight loss goals, or fitness plans.

10. Skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism.

11. Exercising in the morning burns more calories than exercising in the evening. Wish I could make myself get up earlier! I'm not a morning person.

12. 70 million Americans are considered obese. Eeeeek! That's 1/3 of adults and 20% of our children.

13. Here is an online metabolism calculator to help you determine what calorie intake is best for you.
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2 on Tuesday

I'm linking up for the first time for 2 on Tuesday at My Chihuahua Bites.

Today, our hostess asks:
What two television shows that have gone off the air do you miss?

THIS is an easy question, but keeping it to 2 if difficult!  I miss lots of shows.

First, Lost.  And not just because Sawyer was pretty fun to look at!  I didn't watch the show the first three seasons, but my sister told me to go back and rent the first season.  She promised me I would be hooked, and she was right.  I whizzed through seasons 1, 2, and 3 just in time for season 4, and I DVR'd every episode from season 4 on.  It was such a unique concept, definitely far-fetched, but in an intelligent manner, adventurous, clever, and often dramatic, and I was left on the edge of my seat every week.  Boy, do I miss Lost!

Second is Prison Break.  This might be what you would call a sleeper.  I don't know how many people knew about the show or even how I discovered it, but it was great!  Here was another unique, clever, crime/drama show with lots of action, that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I wanted to cry when it ended after only four seasons.  I think I'll rent it and re-watch.  Loved that show!
(Photo credits embedded in links)

Come join me for 2 on Tuesday with My Chihuahua Bites.  It's fun!

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Friday Confessional

It's time once again for my weekly confessions.  Let's link up with Mamarazzi!

I confess...

Once again, I did not watch the GOP debate.  And I have not made a decision about who I would vote for, so I probably should watch, but life happens, and Grey's Anatomy was on as well as The Mentalist, and you can see where my priorities are!

I confess...

The first six weeks of school this year have been rough in many ways.  Very little of what makes it rough actually has to do with students.  It's the other BS going on.  But... I'm thankful that I still have a job!

I confess...

I am going to eat like a pig tonight at Fogo de Chao.  Celebrate!

And I confess...

I have named the GPS on my phone Thelma.  We used to have an actual GPS in the car, and I loved it, but my husband broke it (yes, it was an accident).  Her name was Louise.  So, since she is deceased, I've decided to name my phone navigator Thelma in her honor.  I was very thankful for her last night as I was driving to an "away" game to watch my daughter perform.  I would have been lost without it! 

What are you confessing today?

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Swapoween!

Yay!  I'm in! 

My So Called Chaos and Living a Goddess Life are hosting a Halloween-themed swap.  I missed the last swap I wanted to participate in because the beginning of the school year had me so busy, and I'm definitely STILL busy, but I didn't miss sign-ups for this unique swap.  Have you checked it out yet?  Go on over now.  We could be partners!

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Thursday Thirteen

13 Random Things I Can See from Where I am Now

1.  My laptop, of course, is right in front of me.
2.  The TV.  We're watching the news right now.  I just programmed the DVR to record Grey's Anatomy.  Can't wait!
3.  My cell phone.  Constantly have to charge this "smart" phone.
4.  My NOOK.  I've just had to have it replaced for the second time in one year, both times due to defects.
5.  A hairbrush.  That doesn't belong there!  Where did that come from?
6.  My cup of ice water.
7.  My Scentsy warmer.  I love that stuff!  If you have no idea what that is, follow my link!
8.  The coffee table.  We've always had a rectangular one until we bought this oval table about two years ago.  I like it!
9.  My little trash pile that I have to throw away when I get up in a few minutes. 
10. A book called Revolution is not a Dinner Party which my kids had to read for school.  I read it, too.
11.  A digital photo frame.  I love looking at pictures of my family.
12. A soft, navy blue blanket that the cat loves to sleep on.
13. The fireplace.  I'm ready to use it.  Tired of this darn Texas heat! 

See?  I told you it was random!

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Wordless Wednesday

My Friday nights (sometimes Thursdays or Saturdays) revolve around this young lady right here!

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Happy List!

This is my first happy list!  I'm linking up with Mamarazzi.

I lost two pounds last week, and it wasn't painful at all!

I got to work on my crafts a little bit this week.  There is one card in particular I want to have in the mail ASAP!

I started my weekend off with a massage.  What could be better?

Spent time with my kids at dinner.  We went to Bullritos for an FFA fundraiser.  Yummy!  Then I took them to Tutti Frutti for frozen yogurt, and I wasn't even tempted to eat it!

A hot bath rounded out this evening.  I haven't had that luxury in a couple of months!  What a way to start the weekend!

And as of two minutes ago, I am finally caught up on my email for the first time in two weeks!

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Friday Confessional

Time to 'fess up!  Link to Mamarazzi and let it all out.

I confess...

It is late, and I should be in bed.  Every day, I tell myself I am going to be in bed no later than 11, and it just doesn't happen.  I have to wind down after everyone else is finally taken care of, and sometimes that can take an hour or two.  I guess that's what the weekends are for... catching up on sleep!

I confess...

My birthday is coming up in about a week, and I just can't get excited about it.  It's just another day, as far as I'm concerned.  A nice meal out would really be my biggest request.  Instead of buying me gifts, I hope my husband will start building us a deck.  I'd rather have something we can enjoy together for a long time rather than, say, a diamond ring that is surely pretty but so unnecessary.

I confess...

My mom still likes to make a big deal out of birthdays, even though we're in our forties!

I confess...

We're doing a "biggest loser" weight loss contest at work, and I am worried about today's weigh-in.  It would be awesome to be the winner (there is $ involved), but the way I have eaten this week, I doubt I've lost more than a pound, if that.  Oh well!  If I can lose a pound a week, I'll be happy with that, money or not.

And I confess...

I am the worst texter in the world!  It seems like I can't send a text with no errors, even with auto correct.  I think I get in too much of a hurry, because I am used to being able to type fast on the computer, but those little buttons don't like my fat fingers!  LOL

Thanks for stopping by today.

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The Chronicles of New York: The Lady, the Witch, and the Subway.

Thursday 13

13 things I'd like to do if I ever visit New York again.

1.  The Theater.  We saw Wicked, and it was fabulous!  There were several shows we were interested in seeing.
2.  The Statue of Liberty - Impressive!  I would take a picnic over to the island with me and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

3.  Central Park - I would have loved to have more time to explore.

4.  Sarge's Deli - Loved everything we ate there, and we ate there three times.  It was also easy walking distance from our hotel.

5.  Grand Central - Beautiful!  I would like to have more time to explore and photograph.

6.  Times Square - Definitely where the action is!

7.  Dueling Pianos Bar - This was such fun!  Singing, drinking, laughing.  What a blast!

8.  Ellen's Stardust Diner - The waiters and waitresses (Broadway hopefuls) sing when they are not serving.  This place was a lot of fun.

9.  World Trade Center - We didn't get to see this except from outside the construction gates, but I would love to walk through and see the progress that has been made and the memorials to the fallen.

10.  Little Italy - There isn't much to it, but you can get great Italian food!

11.  Il Violina Tratoria- My husband's uncle took us here, and the food was scrumptious.  There was also a nice ambiance.

12.  St. Patrick's Cathedral - awe-inspiring.  Some of the most beautiful architecture, and such a spiritual place to visit.

13.  Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge - Great photo opportunities, beautiful scenery, and excercise all rolled into one!

I hope I get to go back someday!

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I Still Haven't Forgotten

I will never forget!

September 11, 2001. I remember it well.

On the way to school that morning, the silence was deafening. Planes usually flew over our area at very regular intervals, but absolutely nothing was in the sky. It wasn't until later that I found out why.

I was working in my classroom preparing for the school day when the teacher next door came to get me to show me what was happening on TV. I didn't understand it. Was it a movie stunt? A joke? What? It took a while for it to really sink in what had happened... terrorists changed the face of America in a matter of minutes.

I remember the fallen today, their families, and what this did to our great nation.

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Friday Confessional

Join Mamarazzi for some old-fashioned confession!

I confess...

I didn't watch the GOP debate Wednesday night.

I confess...

I watched most of the President's speech last night.  He must have said, "You must pass it right away!" at least ten times!  I was getting annoyed.

I confess...

The proposal sounds good, but I need to know more, exactly how these jobs will be created, and exactly how it will be funded.  Not that I get a say in the matter, of course!  I'm skeptical by nature.

And I confess...

I'm tired of all the debates and speeches already, and it's not even an election year!
What are you confessing today?

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Good Mail!

I received a package in the mail last week from a dear blogger friend who became a friend in real life...
 3 Sides of Crazy!  This woman is so thoughtful.  She sent me some teacher gifts to celebrate the start of school:  A picture frame, a maget, and a silver apple bookmark.  I will treasure these, not only for what they say, but for the friendship that they symbolize.  Thanks!

I'm also happy to report that the message from her oncologist was "remission!"  Yes, in the midst of cancer treatment, she was thinking of me.  I told you she was thoughtful!

Friday Confessional

Time to link up with Mamarazzi and confess!

I confess…

I broke one of my fashion rules. I wore flip-flops without toenail polish last Saturday. But, I remedied the situation by giving myself a pedi on Sunday. I will try not to let it happen again!

I confess…

My son just got his learner’s permit, and it scares me to death. I let him drive home from the DPS, and my husband was surprised I let him drive down some major roads during rush hour. I guess when I asked him if he wanted to drive home, I was expecting him to say, “Nah.” What was I thinking? But we made it in one piece.

I confess…

I have been a baaaad blogger this week! We’re two weeks into school (busy, busy at work), and the kids are all running in different directions for activities. I am so tired all the time! I’ve been behind in checking email, blogging, and even facebooking! Thank goodness Monday is a holiday!

And I confess…

I’m really bummed about missing out on sign-ups for Mamarazzi’s Favorite Color Swap. I even voted in her poll beforehand. But, since I’ve been such a bad blogger lately, I missed it! I will not let that happen again, either!

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