tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37355932881122289422024-03-13T21:25:52.243-07:00Whistle a happy tune/Juanita O.Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-35739339647563649112012-08-03T16:08:00.000-07:002012-08-03T16:08:10.625-07:00Somebody Has To Say It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought
I would update you on my son John's progress. He is still in
congestive heart failure, but they can't operate until the lesions in
his brain heal and his body is cleared of the infection. AHCCCS
insisted he be sent home while waiting for this. It's dangerous, his
heart could stop anytime since only one third of his heart is working.<br />
<br />
Each
day means he is that much closer to having the problem fixed. He
enjoys being home with his kids and wife. He says he rests better, but
he does have bad days and good days. Days when it seems to take more
energy then he has to breathe. The pain of the fluid in his lungs will
sometimes keep him awake and the pain medication only works for so long.<br />
<br />
A nurse comes in daily to check on him and he makes visits to the doctor's offices, labs and etc.<br />
<br />
John
is shocked to how weak he is and how just a few steps leaves him
breathless. Wendy, his wife pushes him around in a wheel chair. The
heart doctor doesn't want John putting more exertion on the heart then
he has too.<br />
<br />
Please continue praying for John to have a full recovery.<br />
<br />
Now to what I have learned in the last few months.<br />
<br />
As
a baby boomer, I had always thought the systems we had put into place
to take care of people who have wound up in financial difficulties would
be there if I ever needed them.<br />
<br />
WRONG! It has been a
shock to find out all these systems have been cut back due to the
recession. For people without children at home, no longer is there any
help for them.<br />
<br />
You can't really blame the states for the cut backs. I mean if the money isn't there, it isn't there.<br />
<br />
But
that leaves a sour taste in our mouth when we think of all the taxes we
have paid through the years and expecting there would be help when we
need it.<br />
<br />
I had been wondering why when the news covered
the people in the hospital after the shooting in Colorado, they always
made it a point to mention the patient didn't have insurance. In my
blind Pollyanna mode, I thought they could go on state assistance and
their bill would be covered. That no longer happens. <br />
<br />
<br />
AHCCCS and welfare are no longer available for people
without children at home. If the family of three bring in over $400 a
month, they are not eligible for well fare. Now think about how much it
would cost to feed and house. I mean there is all the essentials that
are needed and in this day and age, that money will not go far.<br />
<br />
I
wonder sometimes if this is what the Mayans were talking about. Their
calender ends this December and they spoke of major upheaval. Well
isn't this a major upheaval, that all the systems we had in place to
help are gone?<br />
<br />
I apply at least to two jobs a day and
yet I haven't received any calls. It is like being here all alone.
Remember the old movies where after the atomic bomb, a couple come out
of their shelters and find out they are the only ones left for miles
around? Yeah, it feels like that.<br />
<br />
No longer is job
hunting a one on one bases. It is all on the computer and very
impersonal. Half the time you only know the city where the job is
located and in this part of Arizona, it could be a long drive.<br />
<br />
Did
that, have the tee shirt and I don't want to do it again. My last job I
had to drive an hour both ways. Ugh!! But I would once again take a
job like that. It is desperate times and we always do what we say we
want do when we are desperate.<br />
<br />
<br />
The future doesn't look that great for us or our kids. The world has really become a harsh, hard place to live.<br />
<br />
Families living in cars and us baby boomers trying to hold on with tooth and nails only to have a foot on a banana peel.<br />
<br />
So
maybe as neighbor's, friends and family we need to realize it is up to
us to take care of each other. We have gone back into time when this
was a necessity and norm and believe it or not we are there again.
This could be the beginning of more then once generation living under
the same roof as they did years ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
I know we parents do not want to be a burden to our
children and we are prepared to walk away and live on the streets if we
have too. <br />
<br />
But hopefully we all have a few more cards we can play before we fold our hands.<br />
<br />
Sorry
this is such a sad tale, but I am depressed and I needed to get this
off my chest. I am trying not to stress, Lord have mercy I don't need a
heart attach right now. I definitely couldn't afford it. LOL, as you can see the Pollyanna streak goes deep.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-27214649561460291032012-07-11T11:30:00.000-07:002012-07-11T11:30:07.274-07:00The Story Continues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
I
am a dreamer and what this means I see the world in a different light
then it really is. In my world every thing is rosy and everyone looks
out for each other. A helping hand is always near and a friend is
always close by. You have a job you enjoy and money to pay your bills
with enough left over to buy food and maybe a movie once in a while.<br />
<br />
To my shock that world really doesn't exist and each time real life slaps me in the face I am shocked. <br />
<br />
Being
a dreamer all my life has brought problems. I seem to make the wrong
choices sometimes and as such wind up in the refuse pile, to put it
nicely.<br />
<br />
I always think things will work out, but they
don't and I should have learned that by now, but I never seem to learn
the lesson. <br />
<br />
The Pollyanna, Mary Poppins side of me keeps
getting control and WHAM I am knocked down. But being the stubborn
dreamer I am, I pick myself up and continue on, thinking magic is just
around the corner.<br />
<br />
Life at the moment sucks big time!! Bills are coming due and I am trying to pull money out of thin air. Has that ever worked?<br />
<br />
<br />
The story continues and my son John is still in the hospital.
The doctors are trying to get him stabilized and then they can do open
heart surgery to fix the valve that has stopped working.<br />
<br />
<br />
The doctors are worried that John's heart will give out, because
the part of the heart that isn't use to having to work so hard is now
having to do all the work.<br />
<br />
<br />
They are having a hard time getting John stable. His
lungs are still full of fluid, his kidney's aren't working as good as
they should and his oxygen level keeps falling.<br />
<br />
There are about eight doctors connected to John's care. Each one specializing in a different area of the body.<br />
<br />
The
doctors read the lab results and look at all the scans and when they
enter John's room they expect to find this man lying there near death. <br />
<br />
To their surprise they find a man sitting up fighting
with all he has to stay on God's green earth. John is skin and bones
now, but he refuses to give up.<br />
<br />
Wendy says John is very stubborn and I tell her he got a double dose from his dad and I. <br />
<br />
<br />
Wendy is very confident, John will improve and he will
beat the odds and she is also hopeful money will appear to pay the house
payment and etc. <br />
<br />
Hmm, makes me wonder if Wendy is also a dreamer. <br />
<br />
But I must admit, John looks good even though he is skin
and bones. He is still alert and shows an interest in what is happening
with his family outside the hospital room. So I am also expecting the
best and John will outlive his mother the way it should be.<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray.<br />
<br />
See you around the block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-21563603081906141962012-07-03T09:27:00.001-07:002012-07-03T09:27:38.096-07:00Prayers are Needed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
The
past three months I have been worried about my oldest son. He has been
sick and the doctors could not find out what was wrong. They ran every
test they could think of, but nothing showed up.<br />
<br />
My
oldest son John looked and acted like a man whose batteries have run
down and no one remembered to plug him back in to charge him up.<br />
<br />
He has been so sick, he hasn't been able to work and he is self employed.<br />
<br />
Lord, his brothers and his sister worried about him also.<br />
<br />
Just
by luck as the infectious disease doctor said, last Friday they took
his blood at the right time and the doctor in the ER decided to have a
blood culture done.<br />
<br />
Low and behold, John had a very bad blood infection that involved his whole body and his heart.<br />
<br />
For
the last ten years John has suffered with TCM, which is a heart disease
where one muscle is bigger (thicker) then the other muscles in his
heart. It causes the valve that sends blood to his lungs not to work
right. He has been able to control the problem with medication.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately that is the valve the infection attached. <br />
<br />
Now,
John has congested heart failure and they are putting off surgery of
replacing the damaged value, hoping to be able to get the infection out
of his body. They see spots of infection in his lungs, spleen, kidneys
and etc.<br />
<br />
It's like playing Russian Roulette at the moment.<br />
<br />
I
sit in the hospital room with his family worrying and watching every
short breath John takes. Praying that the infection will soon be gone
and they can do the surgery and John will have the strength to make it
through.<br />
<br />
His own children and wife are holding back the
tears, trying to be brave and strong for John. Wendy his wife hasn't
left his side since he was admitted to the hospital.<br />
<br />
Wendy
gives him such tender care and love, trying to make sure he is as
comfortable as he can be. She never leaves the room and it is up to her
children to make sure she eats by bringing her food.<br />
<br />
The children try to take care of their mom, while she cares for their dad. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Wendy and John have been together since she was sixteen and he
was eighteen. They have been together twenty three years and never has
the love between them wavered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Only God knows what will happen.<br />
<br />
John is so
tired of being sick and worn out and also he is bothered by the bills he
can not pay, because there isn't any money coming into the home. He
apologized yesterday to me, because he uses two of my credit cards for
his company and there are large balances on them. <br />
<br />
I told
him it was okay, life was a game of dice and this time the roll wasn't
in our favor. We would survive this and begin the long climb back to
the top of the dog pile.<br />
<br />
But Lord, I hate seeing him
suffer. I think this is the hardest part of being a parent, watching
your child suffer and unable to help them. Unable to take the pain
away.<br />
<br />
I don't think there is a parent alive who wouldn't
give their own life for their child, much less an arm or a leg. Because
no matter how old your child gets, he is still your baby boy and you
love him with all your heart.<br />
<br />
We need this very important man in our lives and we are hanging onto him as tightly as we can.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am asking, no I am begging for your Prayers for John. Please pray for a full recovery.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-48020883117211975962012-06-13T15:50:00.002-07:002012-06-13T15:50:41.878-07:00Another Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
Haven't been around for a while, but I have a <b>good excuse </b>(<i>I think it is a good excuse</i>) I have been looking for a <b>job</b>.<br />
<br />
So far I have received one email telling me they will keep my<b> resume</b> on file and the rest of the time <b>dodging </b>every salesman and their dog on the<b> phone</b>. Seems once your<b> resume</b> is out there, it is no hold bars.<br />
<br />
<br />
I mean really people, let's take a minute to <b>think</b> here. Why would I buy something? For God sakes I am looking for a job! Which means I do not have the<b> money</b> to buy what ever you are offering. <b>Let's get real, OKAY!!!</b><br />
<br />
Geez, the world seems to be filled with fools and I have a bad feeling I may be the leader. LOL!<br />
<br />
I miss the old days, looking in the newspaper for a <b>job </b>and driving to the office to hand your <b>resume</b> in personally. It seems so impersonal now and <b>every salesman in the world has your phone number.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
I want a <b>job</b> in the business world. I am so burnt
out from teaching and all the hours I had to put in on my own time.
Teaching is not a forty hour work week, let me tell you. More like
eighty.<br />
<br />
Yes, I see the teaching positions being
advertised, but guess what? They are all a distance from me. I do not
want to be driving for an hour to get to my work place.<br />
<br />
Thirty minutes top would be fantastic! Okay, maybe forty five with traffic.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I have been looking at medical coder jobs and wondering if I shouldn't go back to school to become certified in it. <b>Questions, questions, questions!</b><br />
<br />
I
am good on a computer and learn quickly on it, so the job would fit me
well. I'll have to think about it some more. I wish I could find on <b>job</b> training in some field, besides fast food.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
My writing is in a<b> slump</b>, since I'm spending all my time looking for a <b>job</b> and I can't write when I am <b>depressed</b>, which I am at this moment. <b>Damn!</b><br />
<br />
Oh yeah, to <b>change subject</b>, I read an article recently about <b>high fructose corn syrup </b>and
how it is making us all fat. I agreed with that, but should we lump
regular sugar in with this? Before HFCS was added to our food, people
used regular sugar and didn't have a weight problem unless they over
indulged. I don't care if they break down the same way in the body.
What I care about is HFCS damages the liver and makes you feel
hungrier. The signals don't reach your brain that you are full. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The article said people really weren't eating more in general,
but they were gaining weight. Go figure. I try not to buy anything
with HFCS in it and use regular sugar sparingly. For a gallon of ice
tea, I only use a quarter cup of sugar. Put the sugar in while the tea
is hot and it tastes like you used more.<br />
<br />
<br />
My <b>walking</b> is starting to pay off. I can climb stairs now
without huffing and puffing. I sprint half and then walk the rest. I
would have done a <b>victory dance</b> the first time I did this, but I didn't want the people at the mall thinking I was crazy. But inside I was <b>dancing.</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
Isn't it <b>amazing </b>how the little things can bring such pleasure?<br />
<br />
<br />
I seem to have reached a <b>plateau</b> in my weight loss, but I
will keep plugging away. It is bound to start going down again. The
last two weeks, I've stayed at the same weight, but I must admit I fell
off the wagon a few times. <i>Depression you know? Chocolate!!!</i><br />
<br />
This is all I can complain about right now. OH, except Madonna showing her <b>tits</b>.
Really, you would think she was old enough to know better. One tit
looks like another tit and I'm sure they don't buy CDs because you bared
your<b> boobs</b>. <b>The music should be more important.</b><br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<i>See you around the block.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-31211921580339631932012-06-06T16:36:00.000-07:002012-06-06T16:36:34.190-07:00Science Fiction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
I signed up to do Camp Nanowrimo and as usual I forgot to consider what else I needed to do besides that.<br />
<br />
You
are suppose to be working on you WIP, writing as many words as you can
and at the end of your writing session you put in the words you added to
your WIP that day.<br />
<br />
Sounds easy, doesn't it? Nah! It
is turning out harder than I thought. Holy Moly you would think I could
write thousands of words a day. It is not happening!<br />
<br />
Plus you are suppose to do this everyday no matter what. I am finding life is getting in the way.<br />
<br />
I mean, I am also trying to find a day job to support my habit of eating, paying bills and etc.<br />
<br />
I haven't had to hunt for a job in a long time and let me tell you things have changed out there.<br />
<br />
It is all so techo, science fi now.<br />
<br />
Everything
is done on the computer. Looking for the job, applying for the
job. I don't know about the interviewing yet, since I haven't had one.<br />
<br />
Looking for a job is taking up more of my time then I remember it taking years ago.<br />
<br />
Which means, instead of writing I am checking out job sites that have emailed me about new jobs being posted.<br />
<br />
I have to say this job search seems so impersonal than it use too.<br />
<br />
I can hardly wait for my first interview and see if it happens on the computer. LOL<br />
<br />
My resume is posted all over the place let me tell you. <br />
<br />
The question is, is anyone seeing it? I think hunting for a job is like fishing and you go home empty handed.<br />
<br />
I keep telling myself something will come alone. I hope it is sooner than later.<br />
<br />
But, I keep hoping my books will start selling like hot cakes and I want have to worry about a day job.<br />
<br />
I can dream can't I?<br />
<br />
<b>Buy my books, please!</b><br />
<br />
See you around the block.<b> </b></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-12671535672941867842012-05-29T13:49:00.002-07:002012-05-29T13:49:10.674-07:00A Painting Good Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
As
a kid, I took art lesson and painted pictures in oils. I really
enjoyed these lessons, but as times passed and I became busy with life, I
put my art aside.<br />
<br />
Every few years I get the itch to
paint once again and some years ago I changed to acrylics because the
clean up was so much easier.<br />
<br />
The itch has been itching the last few weeks and it has been YEARS since I have picked up a brush.<br />
<br />
I have been saving pictures on pinterest to paint one day and I thought today would be the day I would do one.<br />
<br />
WRONG, in so many ways.<br />
<br />
I am out of practice. I haven't even done sketches or coloring in a color book. I really need to think these things through.<br />
<br />
So
I dig out my easel, my bucket of paints and paint brushes. Sit up a
table and realize somewhere along the way I have lost my painters tray (<i>you know the thing painters hold in their hand with their paint on it)</i>.<br />
<br />
Had
to think for a few minutes and decided to use one of my white plates.
Acrylic paint should wash off easily with soap and water. I will not be
ruining a plate.<br />
<br />
<br />
First, the only tube I have of brown feels soft, but I
can't squeeze the paint out of the tube. I guess it must have turned
into rubber. DARN, DARN!<br />
<br />
I hook up my lap top near
where I will be painting and bring up one of the pictures I wanted to
paint. I had the dickens of a time deciding which one to do.<br />
<br />
Finally
I settled on one and squirted the colors of paint I would need and left
room to mix the paint to make other colors on the glass plate.<br />
<br />
Pulled
a blank canvas out of my closet and I am ready, but remembered I needed
a container to hold water to put the brushes into when I finished with
them.<br />
<br />
Dug through the trash, because I remembered there was a can in there. Washed it up and filled it half full of water. <br />
<br />
I AM READY TO BEGIN!<br />
<br />
Did
I tell you usually on an easel there is a chain that keeps the three
legs from spreading too far apart from each other and the ledge that
holds the canvas? Mine is missing, but I figure I can still use it. I
mean really, why should the legs spread apart on my laminate floor?<br />
<br />
Painting away, having a merry old time when suddenly the legs spread and the picture falls against my breasts.<br />
<br />
Thank God I am still wearing my pajamas, which no one ever sees. Because now I have a painted pajama top. UGH!<br />
<br />
Removing the canvas from my lap, I hold it with one hand and with the other I pull the legs back to the correct position.<br />
<br />
Sit
canvas back on easel and realize now I not only have the impressions of
my breasts on the painting, I also have my thumb print.<br />
<br />
Grabbing a dry brush I try to smooth out the damage. Problem is acrylic paints dry quickly.
I knew there was a reason in the back of my mind I was wishing I had
oils. They are so much easier to blend and do a number of little things
you can do with acrylics. The problem is oil brushes are more work to
clean and you have to use smelly things to clean them.<br />
<br />
<br />
Needless to say Van Gogh does not have to worry. My picture looks like a kindergarten painted it. <br />
<br />
Grabbing more white I paint out the whole canvas and decide to start over. I mean why stop now, I have paint all over me.<br />
<br />
Second
painting looks horrible and I don't like it. I started dipping the
brush in the different colors on my plate and paint out the scene I just
painted.<br />
<br />
Now the canvas looks like a crazy colored
sunset. I grab my painter's knife, the paint is thick and I figure I
will sketch in some trees. <i>I love trees with their twisted branches.</i><br />
<br />
I stare at my sketch and decide it needs something. When I step back you can't see the sketches.<br />
<br />
I
grab my fan brush and dip it in the remaining colors, adding leaves to
my skeletal trees. It's interesting, but my what I really wanted and I
continue to dab more paint until I have a MESS.<br />
<br />
I grab my
blending brush and blend all the paint, obscuring the trees I had
sketched in. Looking at my canvas I now have a muddled mess of colors<br />
<br />
I think it is time to call it a day. My foot is itching to be put through the canvas.<br />
<br />
I
clean up and put everything away. Hopefully next time I try this, I
will have a more concrete idea of what I really want to do and I am
capable of doing it.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I know, I live in la la land. <br />
<br />
<br />
I really need to practice!<br />
<br />
What is happening in your world?<br />
<br />
See you around the block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-20356159705011756442012-05-26T11:24:00.001-07:002012-05-26T11:24:35.825-07:00Diets Galore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
As you know I have been following weight watchers old point plan and WALKING my buns off.<br />
<br />
You would think with all that WALKING I would lose more than a half a pound a week. I mean REALLY!<br />
<br />
I tried just eating at the lower range of the points, only lost a half a pound.<br />
<br />
I ate at the mid range point, only lost a half a pound.<br />
<br />
And I've tried the high end of the points, only lost a half a pound.<br />
<br />
I am not a happy camper, especially when family, friends tell me they lost four pounds or etc on their diets. UGH!!<br />
<br />
BUT, a half a pound a week adds up to two pounds a month which in turn adds up to twenty four pounds a year.<br />
<br />
I need to remind myself of this a lot. Other wise I will become very discouraged.<br />
<br />
My son loaned me his book on the Paleo Diet and I read through it. Now this diet cuts out all grains, dairies and legumes.<br />
<br />
I
went on line to see if I could find more information about this diet
and found there are several interpretations of the Paleo Diet.<br />
<br />
And of course they contradict each other in some areas. <br />
<br />
<br />
It seems each diet around goes from one extreme to the other.<br />
<br />
There is the vegan diet, the raw food diet, and etc.<br />
<br />
AND I know I need a diet I can live on the rest of my life. So really it has to fit in my life and pattern of eating.<br />
<br />
So
I have researched and read everything I could find on nutrition on the
web and I have come to a conclusion, NO ONE, not scientists,
nutritionist or lay person knows what is really good for us. It is all a
guessing game.<br />
<br />
<br />
Each of us is different and our bodies seem to use the food we
take in, in different ways. What seems to be good for one person is not
great for another person.<br />
<br />
<br />
The only thing agreed upon is processed foods aren't really that
great for us. Okay, but in our fast paced world, sometimes processed
foods are all we have time for.<br />
<br />
<br />
My conclusion is moderation in all things is the key. So I will
stay on the points system, try to eat less processed foods and more
fresh. I will dance with glee for each half a pound I lose, knowing I
can live on this plan, because of course I can cheat once in a while and
still lose my half a pound. I mean really there are times I would kill
for a chocolate chip cookie from Paradise Bakery.<br />
<br />
<br />
Still working on my WIP because the characters are not behaving and doing a lot of WALKING.<br />
<br />
<br />
Drop a line and let me know what you are doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-63411324434785955972012-05-18T08:09:00.000-07:002012-05-18T08:09:38.492-07:00The Exercise Voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.freefamousquotes.net/quotes/mark_twain_it_is_curious_that_physical_co.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="View this complete quote"><br /></a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'm tired," I whine to myself while sitting in front of the computer.<br />
<br />
<i>"Get over it,"</i> <i>demands<b> the voice</b> in my head.</i><br />
<br />
"I'm really, really tired." Whining has never really gotten me anywhere with<b> the voice </b>or anyone else, but I keep trying.<br />
<br />
<i>"Get off your lazy butt and let's get to work. It's time for our walk" </i><br />
<br />
"I don't want to walk anymore today. My ankle and leg hurts, I don't think I should be walking on it."<br />
<br />
<i>"Tell that to someone who cares. We are going to walk." The demanding<b> voice</b> continues in my head. "Remember we need a routine in our lives and responsibility.</i><br />
<br />
"Has
anyone ever told you, you are not a nice voice? I mean really, I am
tired and my leg really does hurt. I think my ankle is a little
swollen." <br />
<br />
<i>"This is so you! We work out really
good for a few weeks, never missing a walk and then wham, suddenly your
ankle and leg hurt, your tired. I am not letting you derail us this
time." <b>The voice</b> drones through my mind.</i><br />
<br />
Hmm, <b>the voice</b> does have a point there. I have put more road blocks in front of myself in this life then anyone else. Damn, I hate it when <b>the voice</b> is right. "You are the meanest, uncaring, unsympathetic voice I know."<br />
<br />
<i>"Let's get real here, I am the only voice you know," laughs <b>the voice</b>. "Get your lard-o butt off the chair and let's walk. Remember the goals, to get in better shape and find a paying job."</i><br />
<br />
"Geez," I whisper looking out the window and trying to ignore<b> the voice</b>.<br />
<br />
<i>"Stop
looking out the window! We have things we need to get done today and
not much time to do them in since you slept late this morning," cries <b>the voice</b> ranting and flapping around all over the place.</i><br />
<br />
"I
really wouldn't call eight thirty late. I'm worried," I murmur still
looking out the window, "The neighbor next door left her car door open
on the passenger side and if the other neighbor comes home, he want be
able to part in his spot."<br />
<br />
<i>"Really girl! Let the
neighbor take care of themselves, while we take care of you. You
haven't worked on your WIP today and we need to do our walking," sighs
the bossy, dictatorial <b>voice</b>. </i><br />
<br />
"I had to
check on my face book and read the blogs I follow. I haven't had time
to think about my WIP," I murmur turning back to look at the blog I was
trying to read.<br />
<br />
<i>"Girl, what am I going to do with you? Haven't you learned when you don't listen to me things can go wrong? <b>The voice</b> is softer sounding worried. "What is really going on? Come on talk to me and maybe we can work it out."</i><br />
<br />
"I need a nap," I whimper laying my head down on the desk. "I didn't sleep that great last night."<br />
<br />
<i>"A nap! You have got to be kidding," cries <b>the voice</b> in my head. "If you take a nap, you want be able to sleep tonight! Time for our walk!"</i><br />
<br />
"Ha, if someone would stop talking when I go to bed," I sneer
with my head down on the desk. "I would have gotten a better nights
sleep last night. But oh no! You had to blab about this and about
that. Where is the button to turn you off?"<br />
<br />
<i>"I don't have a turn off button," laughs<b> the voice</b>. "I
only shut up when you do what you are suppose to do. But do you listen
all the time? No, you go your merry way and things go to hell in a
hand basket."</i><br />
<br />
I turn and look out the window
whispering, "Your right, when I don't listen things go wrong. I forget
you can't really live without money, lost in a world of make believe. I
need to work on finding a paying job and getting in shape."<br />
<br />
<i>"You tried to side track me," laughs <b>the voice</b>,
"but it didn't work. It's time for our walk and you know it is over a
hundred degrees out there so stop daydreaming how nice it would be,"
grumbles <b>the voice</b> loudly to make sure I am listening. "We will do our walking in the house today. Then we can get to work on our WIP."</i><br />
<br />
"You
know I am beginning to think walk is a four letter word." I grin as I
picture me yelling "Mom, it said a four letter word that begins with W.
Oh darn wait a minute, there is a five letter bad word that begins with W.
Hmm, the younger generation may not think of it since they have shorten
it to Ho."<br />
<br />
<i>"What in the world are you doing? You have been at that
computer for over an hour and now you are suppose to walk for fifteen to
twenty minutes</i><i>. Remember you asked me to keep you on track?"<br />
</i><br />
Sighing, I think what a slave driver<b> the voice</b>
has become. Standing up and grabbing my IPOD, I set it to count the
steps and then plug in the ear plugs and start the music. I begin
walking and let the music drown out<b> the voice</b> and all other thoughts. Sometimes I wish I didn't have such a vivid imagination.<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, please buy my books!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-7723688680697688702012-05-14T11:44:00.001-07:002012-05-14T11:44:23.920-07:00A Visit to the Doctor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
I
hate going to the doctor or dentist. They both give me the willies.
But there are times you can't get out of it. Need a prescription renewed
or you have a sinus infection or something else.<br />
<br />
This is a tale of how the visit goes with the doctor.<br />
<br />
You
call and make an appointment and you begin to get the jitters. You
know you have gained weight since the last time and you wonder what the
doctor will say.<br />
<br />
You have to go, because your head is
killing you and when you bend over it feels as if your face will fall
off any minute. Yeah, all the symptoms of a sinus infection.<br />
<br />
<br />
First off, <strong>on appointment day, </strong>you dress in your best panties and bra. Of course your thinking there is no way you will be undressing for the doctor today. It is only a sinus infection! You slip into your nice clothes, because you want to make a good impression. <em>Do you want to be known as the slob?</em> Really people, everyone dresses up nicely to see their doctor, <strong>don't they?</strong><br />
<br />
You arrive early, heaven forbid if you are late for
anything. I worry about being late, so I arrive early by ten to fifteen
minutes. You fill out new paper work because it has been a year since
you were last in. All the time your hands are shaking so much you can
hardly hold the pen and your penmanship looks like a first grader.<br />
<br />
Then your called to the back and this <b>thin, young </b>nurse
tells you to step up on the scale. You step upon the scale, murmuring
in a nervous voice, "I've gained some weight since the last time I was
here."<br />
<br />
"Really, I am trying to lose a few pounds before my sister's wedding,"<br />
<br />
"Oh! I wish you luck," You look at the young woman wondering, <i>Where in the hell does she need to lose weight? From her head? The woman is thin by anyone standards.</i><br />
<br />
You
try to read the scale, but without your reading glasses it is a lost
cause. "How much have I gained?" you whisper as she leads you down the
hall to the exam room. She doesn't answer and you remember most Doctor
offices have gone computerized and she may not have last time's weight.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
You
sit down on the exam table wishing you were any where but here. You
hate sitting up so high and sitting on top of crinkly paper.<br />
<br />
"Hmm, your blood pressure seems a little high. Is that normal, or you taking blood pressure medication?"<br />
<br />
"My
blood pressure is on the higher side because I am in the Doctor's
office. It is always higher in here, my nerves seem to do that. My
blood pressure medicine works fine, unless I'm at the Doctor's office."<br />
<br />
"What is the name of your blood pressure medication?"<br />
<br />
I
look at her for a few minutes like a <strong>deer staring into headlights</strong>.
Finally my brain kicks in, "It's . . .ah, . . . penxaprile or something
like benoprile. I know it starts with either a b or a p."<br />
<br />
"Do you know what milligram you are taking?"<br />
<br />
"Ah, . . . it's a little pink pill. Hmm, ten milligrams I think."<br />
<br />
She gives that look, you know the look, like am I for real. "I'll look it up on the computer. Why are you here today?"<br />
<br />
I look at the young woman for a few seconds, <i>wondering why the hell I am here today.</i> "Oh, yeah, I have a sinus infection."<br />
<br />
She writes that down on the paper and looks at me for a few seconds murmuring, "The doctor will be in, in a few minutes." <br />
<br />
<br />
The minute the woman is out the door, I slide off the
exam table and stand in the middle of the room looking around. I glance
at some magazines in a rack. They look like they have been in there
forever and I wonder what kind of germs cover them. Rocking back and
forth on my feet, I look at the walls and wonder why doctor's exam rooms
are always so ugly. Are they trying to scare the germs out of you? A
poster on the wall advertises some heart medication with a picture of
what a real heart looks like. I wonder if our hearts are really blue
and red.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay . . . I am running out of ways to entertain
myself and I begin to wonder if I really need to see the doctor. Maybe
the sinus infection will go away on it's own. Just about the time I am
thinking of bolting, in comes the doctor.<br />
<br />
"How are you doing?" The doctor smiles and glances down at the clip board in his hand.<br />
<br />
"I'm doing fine," I answer wondering why they always ask this question. <i>I mean really would I be here if I was doing great? But then again, why do I always answer with fine, when I'm not fine? <br />
</i><br />
<br />
"Then why are you here?" The doctor smiles looking at me with laughing eyes.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
"I have a sinus infection," I mumble looking down at the floor. <i>Lord help me from smart alec doctors.</i><br />
<br />
"Hop back up on the table and let's take a look. Your blood pressure medication is Benazepril ten milligrams."<br />
<br />
"Wow, I was close." <i>Does he expect me to remember that? Lord, I will be lucky if I remember it by the time this visit is over.</i> <em>The druggist never asks me what I am taking, he just reads the prescription and fills it.</em><br />
<br />
He looks in my ears, throat, nose and listens to my heart. "Have you been coughing?"<br />
<br />
"A little," I mumble, "not a lot."<br />
<br />
"What color is the phlegm you are coughing up," he asks? I shake my head.<br />
<br />
Once again the<b> deer staring into the headlights</b>. <i>Lord have mercy, I don't go around looking at what I cough up into a tissue. That's so gross!</i><br />
<br />
"Have you been blowing your nose a lot and what color is the mucus?" I shake my head.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i><b>Headlights!!!</b>
Do these people go around looking at all the crap their body expels
from different places? If I wanted to look at that stuff, I would have
become a doctor. Just write a prescription and let me get out of here
before I come down with a horrible disease.</i><br />
<br />
<i><u>You
do realize Doctor Offices and Hospitals are a bed of breeding germs?
Have you ever notice you get sick after visiting a hospital to see a
friend?</u> <br />
</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
"When I bend over, it feels like my face is going to fall off." I am hoping this news will speed things up.<br />
<br />
They
not only make an exam room ugly, but I'm just saying I would hate to
pay for the cooling bill for this place. It is like that large
refrigerated area you walk into, to get eggs, milk and etc at CostCo.
Chill bumps are playing chase up and down my body.<br />
<br />
<br />
"That sounds like a sinus infection. I'll write you a
prescription for an antibiotic. Are you allergic to any medication?
If you don't feel better after taking all the medication, come back in."<br />
<br />
I shake my head, and a slight smile curves my lips as I inch myself toward the edge of the exam table. <i>If I have to come back in, I'll be madder than a wet hen. He really doesn't want to see me in here again.</i><br />
<br />
He
hands the prescription over and I slide off the table, pick up my purse
and cram the prescription inside. Slowly moving toward the door.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
"Your blood pressure is a little high. Do you keep a check on it?"<br />
<br />
"I
explained that to the nurse. My blood pressure raises when I see the
doctor. Yes, I own a cuff and check my blood pressure."<br />
<br />
<i>It's
not all a lie, I do own a blood pressure kit. It's only . . . the only
time I take my blood pressure is if I happen to be by one of those
machines in the mall or store. Then if there is no one around, I slip
onto the seat and have my blood pressure taken. It is usually in the
normal range. Well . . . that is if I haven't gained a lot of weight.</i><br />
<br />
He nods his head and writes something down and I open the door, look back at him giving him a big smile, "Bye!"<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
I
walk quickly down the hall and out the door to freedom and clean air.
Lord I hope this medication works, I don't know if I could go through
that again.<br />
<br />
How do you feel about doctor offices?<br />
<br />
Oh Yeah, while I have you here let me remind you to <b>buy my books.</b> I mean really, do you want a grandmother to run a round in holey clothes? <br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i> </div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-69273965056187969352012-05-09T11:58:00.001-07:002012-05-09T11:58:33.255-07:00Living The Diet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7hAEUDETuSDb7YGQUvq29dx4xs1C0umCqwKljilReJXx5a7a-mMc5VvF526HcBapxvn4Sf1ZtUwnSKY7NEa5T6sqlTH9Ijgd9IHikTI6heV8umc6DEFRPgM_XbO9wWD4cd__r0IGS6y2/s1600/desert+botanical+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7hAEUDETuSDb7YGQUvq29dx4xs1C0umCqwKljilReJXx5a7a-mMc5VvF526HcBapxvn4Sf1ZtUwnSKY7NEa5T6sqlTH9Ijgd9IHikTI6heV8umc6DEFRPgM_XbO9wWD4cd__r0IGS6y2/s320/desert+botanical+069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have a link to U tube showing an eagle trying to get something
out of a river. It is very entertaining and shows you how he solves his
problem. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/87xNpOYOlQ4?rel=0">Eagle of Baton Rouge</a><br />
<br /><br />
I
am still working on walking for exercise. I love going to the malls or
other big businesses to walk. This way I can window shop and watch
other people. I enjoy watching people and forget I am really
exercising.<br />
<br />
WIP is still giving me fits. I can't seem to get from B to C. Simmering a lot of different ideas on how to do it.<br />
<br />
I
have also been trying to read and do reviews on the books I've read.
Then reading all the blogs I follow, face book and Pinterest, I have
been a busy girl.<br />
<br />
I have also enjoyed spending time with my son Jesse and his wife Tina. We ate some fantastic BQ last Saturday. <br />
<br />
Those who are near and dear to me know I have been fighting the
weight monster all my life. Give it an inch and it will add a mile to
my <strike>ass </strike>body.<br />
<br />
If I had put all the money I have spent on all the new diet <strike>crap </strike> fads, I would be loaded in money. You name it, I bought it and tried it.<br />
<br />
<br />
As you remember I am back on Weight Watchers and I listened to
what I was thinking the other day and realized why I have never stayed
on it for very long. It was because as you lose weight your points
became a smaller number and I was worried about going hungry. <i>Yeah, that right I do think, once in a while.</i><br />
<br />
With
this in mind, I begin looking through my library of diet books and ran
across "Eat What You Love Love What You Eat" by Michelle May, M. D. <br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
I began to thumb through it and she told me the same as all the other diets to be mindful of what I eat. <strong> I never really understood that. </strong>I thought I was paying attention to what I ate, but I'm not sure I really was doing what they wanted me to do. <br />
<br />
<br />
I read all of the book this time and I realized what she was
telling me, was to know the signals my body sends when it is hungry and
when it is full. Maybe this is what they meant about being mindful of what you eat.<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't know about you guys but I had forgotten how it felt to be
really hungry and when to stop eating before I was in pain. I ate by
the clock and I ate until my plate was clean.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sooo, I have decided to listen to my body and found out, <u>It doesn't take that much food to make me comfortably full.</u> I was amazed and thrilled to realize the difference in how I felt after eating the right amount.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I wait to eat until my body says it is hungry. Sometimes
though I'm not sure, so I drink some water or have a cup of coffee, tea
and walk around for a bit to figure out if I am hungry or if I am just
bored.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have found I eat more often, but I eat vegetables or have soup for the extras. <br />
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, or it could be fortunately I don't need all the
points to fill me up. I figure I will listen to my body and let the
points worry about themselves. I mean do we eat the same amount of food
every day? I know I don't, what about you?<br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe this time, I have found the key to successful weight loss and keeping it off. Time will tell.<br />
<br />
Of course don't get me wrong. It is not easy to understand what your body is telling. So there will be flubs along the way, but I will keep trying to get it right.<br />
<br />
<br />
What have you found helps you to stay on your diet?<br />
<br />
<br />
What helps you to stay on your diet?<br />
<br />
<br />
As for the walking it is going great. I find myself walking
around the house without thinking about it. I get up from in front of
the TV and just start walking. <i>It's like my body has a mind of it's own and it wants to move.</i> Go figure!<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-78149487831085348232012-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:002012-05-03T09:26:35.748-07:00Read Directions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
Last week was rough, <strike>abused body</strike> exercised faithfully everyday. Believe me every other day my body was sore and I had to force myself to do the walking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi06w2_0fbd_W0Jq7UHbAZILNOeFfGmZc9_uJJuy_fcWpq1BU7_isHVVfCcwUJ4Sail3hEtro8FHhRBz0-QPuprcVCdlK5yvD_kQecP9263gD_uwIHVpuxGAcAZD4D_VLCdGrPhyphenhyphenPyKvxg/s1600/walking-silhouette-clip-art-300x409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi06w2_0fbd_W0Jq7UHbAZILNOeFfGmZc9_uJJuy_fcWpq1BU7_isHVVfCcwUJ4Sail3hEtro8FHhRBz0-QPuprcVCdlK5yvD_kQecP9263gD_uwIHVpuxGAcAZD4D_VLCdGrPhyphenhyphenPyKvxg/s320/walking-silhouette-clip-art-300x409.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I
wondered why walking ten thousands steps a day could be so rough, so
I hunted up the booklet that came with my old pedometer. I never
looked at it before and really I need to start reading directions.<br />
<br />
But if you know me, I close my eyes and jump into things with both feet. I do everything flat out, without a look back.<br />
<br />
Sooo,
anyway I'm am reading the little book and it says, Step one, "Wear your
pedometer for three days and write down the totals and then calculate
the average number of steps you have taken each day. This is your start
point." <b>Didn't do that!</b> It also tells you to pay more
attention to your weekly total, rather than daily total, because on some
days you will walk more than other days. <i>Hmm, this would keep you from killing yourself and almost having to crawl around the next day. <br />
</i><br />
<br />
Yes, I should have read this book first, then I
wouldn't have days of my ankles and knees killing me. This happens
after walking almost twenty thousand steps a day.<br />
<i> </i><br />
Sooo,
I have lost another one and a half pounds last week. A total of three
pounds in two weeks. Not the greatest but I figure it is better than
adding that many pounds. I remind myself think of butter. You know the
image to show how much I did lose.<br />
<br />
I've lost almost an inch
in some places and almost two inches in others. I figured this
measurement is probably the one I should concentrate on because the
numbers make me happy.<br />
<br />
Added this clip art because I like it.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you guys been on Pinterest? Lord have mercy, it
is interesting. I have been enjoying myself, really way too much on
this, but it is a great way to save some things you know you will use
later. Like recipes and etc. <br />
<br />
Also this week, on one
of the pins I pinned, it said to use car wax on faucets, sinks and etc
to make them shine. I tried it, it worked fantastic on my newer
faucets, but not so great on old, old stainless steel sink. That thing
has seen a lot of abuse over the years. It does look a little better,
but it doesn't shine like the newer faucets.<br />
<br />
I also did
some reading and remembered to give a review of each book I read. I
think this is important to do and it helps the author find more
readers. So remember if you read an e book or even a regular book go to
Amazon and other sites and write a review.<br />
<br />
I
downloaded the Kindle app onto my lap top and my pc, because I thought
my Kindle had stopped working. The Kindle finally charged and I can use
it again. I find myself using my lap top to read books I down load to
it more often. It seems handier some how. I think one reason is, when I
change it to larger print, so I don't have to wear my reading glasses, I
see more of the page, then I would on the Kindle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh well, each to his own.<br />
<br />
<br />
For those that don't realize it, on Amazon before you
choose to buy a book, you have to chose which system you want it to down
load too. <br />
<br />
I am writing, but it is not good stuff.
I'm having trouble getting the story to pull together and flow. I can't
hear the music yet in the words.<br />
<br />
I notice Kale is all
the rage now for eating. Which is fine with me since I love Kale. My
grandma fixed all these types of greens all the time, collard, mustard
and etc. So I have always eaten them off and on. I did fix some Kale
Chips the other day. I had never had them before and they were great.
The only problem was the recipe did not tell you to remove the big stem
from the center of the leaf and that part is chewy. Next time I am
removing it.<br />
<br />
Here is what <a href="http://www.jungleredwriters.com/">Rosemary Harris</a> thinks about certain foods becoming the rage. <br />
<br />
Like
her, I wonder who decides which food will become popular. I mean
really, why all of a sudden something is sooo good for you? Go figure.<br />
<br />
See you around the block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-46453833205064082412012-04-27T14:04:00.002-07:002012-04-27T14:04:56.090-07:00The Weigh she Goes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
As my near and dearest know, since I have
been spending most of my time at the computer writing, I have gained a
lot of weight. (<i>I really mean a lot)</i><br />
<br />
Some
clothes I can't get into and other are a little tight. Hmm, this is a
problem let me tell you. I hate shopping for clothes. It is my least
favorite thing to do. Ugh!<br />
<i> </i><br />
The weather is
heating up in Arizona and I know I need to come up with a plan for
exercise, that does not involve being outdoors for a long time.<br />
<br />
Sooo,
here is my game plan and I started it on Monday. I only allow myself
to sit at the computer for an hour at a time and then I have to walk for
fifteen minutes.<br />
<br />
The first day my steps were slow and
in the back of my mind I was remembering what I had read about if you
want to lose weight, you need to walk ten thousand steps a day. <br />
<br />
Next day, my pace was a little faster and then I hooked up my Ipod and walked to the music. My pace really picked up then. <i>Remember I had down loaded fast songs.</i><br />
<br />
The Ipod counts my steps also and also I am wearing my pedometer. I know you want to know why I am wearing both. <br />
<br />
The
reason is, because I have dropped, knocked Ipod off getting groceries
out of the food cart and etc. You see how this is going.<br />
<br />
I'm
not sure how many falls it can take before it decides not to work.
Sooo, I only wear it for the fifteen minute brisk walk with music
playing. <br />
<br />
The rest of the time the other pedometer keeps track of the extra steps I am taking. <br />
<br />
I
found I can stop the step counter on the Ipod and start new each time
and it keeps tracks of all the steps I have taken with it. In the
evening I plug it into my computer and log into Nike+ and I can see all
my steps on the Ipod for the day. Neat, huh?<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay now on with what else I am trying to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
I heard on the news if you walk during the commercials you will have walked thirty minutes in an hour show. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sounds good to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am also following my old old weight watchers point diet. It
was the first one they came out with where you counted points. Yah, I
know, I never throw anything away. <br />
<br />
But, really I do throw stuff away and then wonder why I didn't keep it because now I have to go buy a new one. <br />
<br />
Well, today is the fifth day of walking and I am sore and tired.<br />
<br />
I
am thinking about that program "The Biggest Loser" and remember how
those people have to push their selves to keep going no matter what.<br />
<br />
With
this in mind, I am forcing my body to keep going. I have to keep my
goal in mind of getting back into some of my clothes and maybe going
down a size or two. Plus losing one of my chins wouldn't be so bad
either.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have found I fall asleep faster at night now and maybe this will help to keep the insomnia away. I can only hope. <br />
<br />
<br />
I am working on a new story. So far the title is "Earning His
Wings", but that could change. I'll let you stew over the title for a
while before I tell you what the story is about. It's like a game and
you can see if you win or not with your guesses.<br />
<br />
<br />
I forgot to mention during the walking sessions, I am also doing arm exercises. The back of my arms are sore. Go figure!<br />
<br />
<br />
What have you found that keeps you working out and sticking to your diet?<br />
<br />
<br />
I could use all the help I can get.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildzW96lDWAqwS3SibS7dl-vKrTfZKgEb3PdbAm1ir78Coenjx06ovH2Uugkd3fihtVskHYR1A0Ulz4huL9nB9c-LoEUqf2T4IxPtF26R6eNtyLf9K7FnTLzUr1pQp70WBcO6pCc_gU10m/s1600/442331-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Rooster-Measuring-And-Weighing-Himself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildzW96lDWAqwS3SibS7dl-vKrTfZKgEb3PdbAm1ir78Coenjx06ovH2Uugkd3fihtVskHYR1A0Ulz4huL9nB9c-LoEUqf2T4IxPtF26R6eNtyLf9K7FnTLzUr1pQp70WBcO6pCc_gU10m/s320/442331-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Rooster-Measuring-And-Weighing-Himself.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-81608775060998504942012-04-24T14:44:00.000-07:002012-04-24T14:44:57.612-07:00Choose a Mommy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://annesfunnyfarm.blogspot.com/">Ann Kimball</a> another funny mommy is over at <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/i-am-my-mother/#comment-98332">Scary Mommy</a>
writing her blog. talks about channeling different personalities of
moms on television. It is a funny blog and you will enjoy it.<br />
<br />
I've come up with a few more moms for her to channel: <br />
<br />
Leave
It To Beaver's mom June Cleaver. She was always classy looking without
a hair out of place. She was soft spoken and her house was spotless.
Hmm, the magic of TV.<br />
<br />
Does anyone remember The Donna
Reed Show? Donna had two teenage children and ran her house smoothly
while looking as if she walked off a magazine. Once again, her house
was spotless.<br />
<br />
How about Harriet Nelson on The
Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet? Harriet wore her pearls and her tiny
pretty apron. Yes, her house was spotless even though she had two
sons.<br />
<br />
Then can we forget Bewitched? We all wanted to
be a witch like Samantha and twitch our noses. I mean who needs a maid
(Alice) if the work can be done with the twitch of your nose?<br />
<br />
What about Joan Crawford? Remember the movie about her parenting skills, Mommy Dearest?<br />
<br />
Lord
if I could channel it would be Samantha. With a twitch of my nose I
could do everything and have life go very smoothly. Yes, ...... <i>Sorry I was picturing me younger, slimmer and a shiny clean house.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Now onto something else.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lianabrooks.com/">Liana Brooks</a> blog needs to be read by the people who do not buy the author's book, even though they are a <b>Family</b> member or a best <b>Friend</b> or a neighbor. She has some ideas for what they could do to help the writer. <b><i>I hope some people will read this and follow her advice.</i></b><br />
<br />
Please give an author a break!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kbowenmysteries.com/?p=1949">K. B. Owens</a>
blog is really about racoons. Some of the stories she tells are
funny. Living in the Arizona desert, I don't have a problem with
racoons, so I think of them as cute. Aren't they part of the rodent
family? Ugh! I don't like rats, they are as persistent as raccoons.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.murderousmusings.blogspot.com/">Bill Kirton</a>
has a very interesting blog about Neanderthals. I had watched a show
recently about them and it turns out they were a little more complex
than we thought. <i>I know it isn't about writing, but it is interesting.</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>And if you need a really big laugh......<a href="http://thebloggess.com/">The bloggess</a></b> </i>I was laughing so hard I cried. This woman is completely crazy like the rest of us and doesn't mind showing it.<br />
<br />
I think I will end this blog on a laugh.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
See you around the block.</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-9690419287427751192012-04-20T18:30:00.001-07:002012-04-20T18:30:27.327-07:00A Bit of Sugar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
Today
I spent time reading the blogs of other writers and found some really
interesting ones and found some that made me smile with remembrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/">Jenny Hansen</a>
blog brought back my youth with mention of American Band Stand and Dick
Clark. Lord I grew up watching that show and I also learned some of my
moves on the dance floor. Then Jenny had a clip from U Tube of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okQe_lmM8OI&feature=player_embedded">The Monkees</a>.
I remember curling up in front of the TV to watch this show with my
family. I was lucky that my parents also enjoyed the music and shows. <br />
<br />
Mom and Dad watched all the musical shows on TV
with us kids and took us to the drive in theater and the regular theater
to see all the musical movies, such as Elvis Presley, the beach movies
with Annette Funicello and the Beatles. You name it I saw it. They
loved all kinds of music and introduced us to their music also. I love a
wide range of different music from Classical to Hip Hop.<br />
<br />
I
raised my own children listening to old and new music and watching old
black and white movies to new movies. My daughter adores the old black
and white musicals and drives her husband crazy watching them. LOL! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We have lost both Dick Clark and Davey Jones and I can only say "Rest in peace gentlemen, you will always be remembered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/">Rachelle Gardner</a>
asks "What's the most difficult thing about being a writer?" I think
the most difficult thing about being a writer is continuing to write
even though your e books aren't selling. I keep telling myself maybe
some day my books will be read and enjoyed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abbyhasissues.com/2012/04/20/keep-it-down-please/">Abby </a>is complaining about getting old at <b>30</b>
years old! Goodness, wait until she is in her sixties and then she
will have reasons to complain. I love reading Abby's blog, she is
entertaining.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://markwilliamsinternational.com/2012/04/20/behind-the-mosquito-net-the-jet-set-life-of-a-best-selling-author/">Mark Williams</a>
has a blog and today was about where and how he lives. He makes his
living with writing and could live any where he wants and in what ever
style he chooses. I found it interesting and enjoyed seeing the
pictures he shared.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/raising-a-transgendered-child/">Scary Mommy</a>
this blog was interesting and important for all of us to read it. It
is about raising a transgender child. She gives you a link to follow to
find out more about the family she is writing about. Luckily more and
more of us are realizing we can not expect everyone to be like us. We
need to accept people as they are. With knowledge comes acceptance of
what was considered out of norm as normal for the person involved. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nicolestorey.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/readers-autism-is-not-a-mental-illness/">Nicole Storey</a>
wrote about a reading group who didn't want to read her Grimsley Hollow
book, because the main character has autism. She is letting readers
know autism <b>is not mental illness</b>. I read Grimsley Hollow and found it to be an entertaining book. I loved it and the characters. <b>Really People, grow up! Read the damn book and you will enjoy it!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/">Lynn Viehl</a><b> </b>has
a test for writers to take if they are thinking of writing a romantic
paranormal fiction. Never know you could learn something from it. <i>I'm just saying ...</i><br />
<br />
<i>See you around the block. </i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-66810573178323525362012-04-17T20:03:00.000-07:002012-04-17T20:03:00.279-07:00Boo Hoo!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
My baby girl and her husband left today. <i>Sigh! </i>They are heading back to their home in Reno.<br />
<br />
I am missing them and their two adorable dogs. No one to cook for or talk with and no one to take for a walk. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have enjoyed having them here for a week. <i>Sigh! I am feeling blue! </i><br />
<br />
<br />
My house feels so empty and quiet. <i>I think I can hear the air. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We had a fantastic time at the Phoenix Zoo. We walked over
twelve thousand steps. Our feet and other parts of our bodies
complained about all this activity. <i>Sigh, I am sooo out of shape. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The weather was perfect for being out doors all day. Slightly over cast with a cool, light breeze.<br />
<br />
<br />
We visited the malls, IKEA and other places to shop. Window shopped like old times and watched the people. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also visited with my boys and their wives. We shared great food, conversation and laughed a lot.<br />
<br />
Now I am feeling lonely. <i>Sigh! </i><br />
<br />
Tomorrow I will have to get back into the saddle and work on my writing.<br />
<br />
I will have to get back into the routine of writing and blogging.<br />
<br />
Just noticed I need to paint my finger nails. I'll paint them a happy color and maybe I want feel so sad.<br />
<br />
See you around the block. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-82416880589650439072012-04-07T10:44:00.000-07:002012-04-07T10:44:04.270-07:00My Books!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://smashwords.com/books/view/87120" target="_blank">Second Chance</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8slM9QJge4nyT1MdHgKXr53HXrzziRlvVSoDWXwOk0U6KrDMpdmKndGX9b9TKoa4mw_imYSwuaRbmXIbIlerERVMM_AWYLZfgKbGuEuPV_X6kfD9SC52A2Kn42SsKfyX8oMgm2M_d6Hbj/s1600/Smashword+Second+Chance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8slM9QJge4nyT1MdHgKXr53HXrzziRlvVSoDWXwOk0U6KrDMpdmKndGX9b9TKoa4mw_imYSwuaRbmXIbIlerERVMM_AWYLZfgKbGuEuPV_X6kfD9SC52A2Kn42SsKfyX8oMgm2M_d6Hbj/s1600/Smashword+Second+Chance.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133467" target="_blank">Charlie</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://smashwords.com/books/view/93185" target="_blank">Fainting Damsel</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRaTdWQbRv69KgGGRHGr5XYJ7TImgx9hkcEphsX9u-XbdeIhuK3xAVGG90DQA5L3yROOElbzXpy8pXNZPF0uqHyQz-QZ2kSvEKLXfEQ8QJ-Z9DY6a5VPo3O-jx1-W7KQADejRs42y8s1I/s1600/Smashword+Fainting+Damsel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRaTdWQbRv69KgGGRHGr5XYJ7TImgx9hkcEphsX9u-XbdeIhuK3xAVGG90DQA5L3yROOElbzXpy8pXNZPF0uqHyQz-QZ2kSvEKLXfEQ8QJ-Z9DY6a5VPo3O-jx1-W7KQADejRs42y8s1I/s1600/Smashword+Fainting+Damsel.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-35657734034841763462012-04-05T14:14:00.003-07:002012-04-05T14:14:49.794-07:00Where Is The Sandman?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
All week I have been having trouble sleeping.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I see this commercial and wonder where is my sandman?<br />
<br />
I know you are saying, you have your night and day mixed up, your clock is upside down and etc.<br />
<br />
Problem
is, by the time I do fall asleep, I am exhausted and talk myself out of
setting the alarm to wake me up at a normal time. What would be the
normal time? I am sleeping during the day, not at night. How would I
set an alarm? Very confusing, but it could be the lack of sleep.<br />
<br />
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I think my sandman may be having a problem too. Maybe he sleeps at night instead of going around sharing his sleeping sand.<br />
<br />
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<br />
But
then again, maybe the sandman is a little scary looking. I know my
eyes feel as if they have been filled with sand and not the good kind.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
With my luck, this is probably my sandman. Scary, Huh? No wonder I can't sleep. Who would want this sandman in their home?<br />
<br />
I
was amazed with how many scary pictures there are of the sandman on the
internet. I borrowed all these pictures from a free site and they had
some even stranger pictures. <i>Hmm, note to self, maybe counting sheep would be better.</i><br />
<br />
Knowing me I would lose count and have to start over and it would piss me off. Who can sleep when they are mad?<br />
<br />
You
are probably thinking, I am not getting enough exercise. But I promise
you I am. Remember, I am walking and my extra steps run between two
thousand to over four thousand per day. <i>What more do you want?</i><br />
<br />
Of course, since I am not sleeping, I am eating and the diet has gone out the window. Bah Hum Bug!!! <b>I had just lost a few pounds and now they are back with friends.</b><br />
<br />
So far this week in the early hours of the morning, I have done my laundry.<br />
<br />
I
did my taxes on line. Yes, I am waiting till the last minute. Geez!
Give me a break! I use to be the one that had the taxes done as soon as
I received my W2s, but it seems that person has disappeared. <i>Wonder if I should make out a lost person report?</i> <b>But, I have to admit, that woman drove me crazy.</b><br />
<br />
Camille tea is suppose to help you sleep. <i>It gave me a tummy ache. </i><br />
<br />
Hot chocolate tasted great and all, but it didn't help me sleep.<br />
<br />
Drinking wine didn't help either. <i>Sigh loud and long.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I</i>
may have to break down and take sleeping pills. I hate the way they
make me feel the next day. Dragging, slight headache and in a bad
mood. <i>Yeah, I would rather be grumpy from lack of sleep, thank you very much.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Aft</i>er
giving up hope of sleeping. I make a pot of coffee and enjoy every cup
of it. After the sun has come up and I am sitting in front of the TV
watching early morning news. <b>You guessed it. I fall asleep. </b>The caffeine should have kept me awake, but I am out.<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Of course, <b>(damn, the computer is fooling with me! I tell it I want regular type and it decides I want this. Damn! Damn!) </b></i>You have noticed, my paragraphs are started with italic letters?<br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>Le</b></i>t me assure you, it is not on purpose. Machines like to fool around with me. Ugh!!!!!!!!<br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b>I rea</b></i>lly
need to dust this place. I just noticed my keyboard and etc. are
covered in dust. Hmm, maybe if I cleaned the computer, it wouldn't be
changing my type style on me as I typed.<br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b>Soooo, </b></i>as I think about doing some cleaning............<br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b>See you around the block. (no I did not want bold)</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-92058239606107531862012-04-03T21:02:00.000-07:002012-04-03T21:02:56.249-07:00Having fun and walking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjMqHQNSPPQNqzhYADfqs3ay26rfFPQLCGsdS05HRX7Aib4wkz-levnkbX83WJHf31w2y_OEqeQrRsoYBDg9iaZz6nMjIO-xWDZtBEVcx0cErA3ZbyHDDC7e7Z3g5nuV3RbcdMYJnbi-k/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjMqHQNSPPQNqzhYADfqs3ay26rfFPQLCGsdS05HRX7Aib4wkz-levnkbX83WJHf31w2y_OEqeQrRsoYBDg9iaZz6nMjIO-xWDZtBEVcx0cErA3ZbyHDDC7e7Z3g5nuV3RbcdMYJnbi-k/s1600/easter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This week I have been playing with my Nano IPOD. It is a gift from
my daughter. I can use it as a pedometer and to play music as I walk.<br />
<br />
I
am now a member of Nike+ and it tracks my steps for me when I connect
to ITunes. I am finding this to be a good motivator to walk every day.
<i>I need all the help I can get. </i><br />
<br />
I have
realized after a few days I need to put a slower beat of music. I
automatically try to walk to the beat of the music and I am huffing,
puffing and worn out to quickly.<br />
<br />
I meant to write my blog last night, but pinterest had all my attention. <i>Bad mommy.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://annerallen.blogspot.com/">Anne R. Allen</a>
blog is about writing short stories. It makes sense readers would like
a story they could read and finish in an hour. I know I like stories
that are short. We all have to squeeze out time to read.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kriswrites.com/">Kristine Kathryn Rusch</a> blog
has a fantastic example of short stories. Every Monday she gives us a
short story that can be read in about an hour and they are really good
stories. <i>I am always amazed how good her stories are and how she captures our hearts and mind.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://girlfriendbooks.blogspot.com/">Marilyn Brant</a> gives
advice to new authors on her blog. You never know, even authors who
have been writing for years might find some of the advice interesting. <br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<a href="http://mysterioussmysteries.blogspot.com/">Mysterious Writings</a> has a journal written by a cat and a dog. The cat's one is so funny. You must read it if you have ever had a cat.<br />
<br />
See you around the block.</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-34866501254643221032012-03-30T18:22:00.000-07:002012-03-30T18:22:07.932-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlvZaQhZ2AMpAdZaQg6jG_drZ7-Nrdh75kt9Xlzt6ZN7u0XsO2wjiVqrtGEtc2s_39gXwKwRdT-ehNxuZcHKz_Iop6rTYj39CzoTUpF8MURZMivMPwHj8fXQbo7h6hxGS6riRW4N4MEPR/s1600/desert+botanical+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlvZaQhZ2AMpAdZaQg6jG_drZ7-Nrdh75kt9Xlzt6ZN7u0XsO2wjiVqrtGEtc2s_39gXwKwRdT-ehNxuZcHKz_Iop6rTYj39CzoTUpF8MURZMivMPwHj8fXQbo7h6hxGS6riRW4N4MEPR/s320/desert+botanical+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
See the black and yellow butterfly!</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good news, I found out it was my shoes
making my calves hurt. Hallelujah! Today I had to walk farther to get
in my fifteen minutes. Meaning I am slowly working back into shape.
LOL!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I received an email from a reader asking what books I would recommend to learn how to write.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I thought about it and realized, I couldn't think of any books to help a person become a writer.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Think
of it this way, learning to write is a lot like learning to play a
musical instrument. You can read all the music books in the world, but
that want help you to learn to play the instrument.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You need to pick up the instrument and practice over and over again until you have a beautiful melody.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As
a second grade teacher I always told my students, that the written word
was like music. There was a rhythm to it. When you read, you should
feel and hear the melody.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Writing
is the same way, there is a rhythm and melody to it. The only way you
can become a writer is to write over and over again, until you hear the
melody of the piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The written word is music and if you do it right, a fantastic melody will be heard by all.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The old saying "practice makes perfect", but really it makes music.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Do your nerves get the better of you when you walk into a doctor's
office? Let me tell you, my BP jumps at least 10 digits. I don't
understand it, I mean really I use to work for doctors. I know they are
human like the rest of us, but lord the anxiety builds the minute my
appointment time approaches. All is fine and BP medication is still
working. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://slingwords.blogspot.com/">Joan Reeves</a>
blog today is about creating a Gravatar. You know, that thingy that
shows up next to your name on the internet. Mine is the yellow flowers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEJbtinYWTY&feature=player_embedded">Jonathan Antoine/Charlotte Jaconelli</a>
every time I watch these two sing together it brings tears to my eyes.
For two such young people they are fantastic. Check it out and see
what I mean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/">Lynn Viehl</a> on her blog she has two books she recommends reading if you need help with your writing. <b> I know I just got through saying, you just needed to write, but some people need books to guide them. </b> <i>Give me a break!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://girlfriendbooks.blogspot.com/">C. Hope Clark</a> has
written about using dialect in your stories. Give her a peek and you
could be happier than a dead pig laying in the sunshine. Her words not mine. Ha! <b> Mine are more corny like thicker than molasses in the middle of winter.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/">Mary Curran Hackett</a>
gives the young girls of today a high five. It is great to read about
what is good about this younger generation. Mary makes a lot of sense.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://writerunboxed.com/">Mary Incontro</a> has an interesting blog over at <a href="http://writerunboxed.com/">Writer's Unboxed</a>. She talks about being self conscious of her age for the first time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VZDrMzyK60&feature=player_embedded">Sinner's Sonnet</a> another music video from u tube that is good. I love the tune. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a> has a fun blog
today. I wonder if any of our old relatives dug up a body before? My
son did have his grandma ashes on his piano. <i>Do you think this is strange?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jungleredwriters.com/">Jungle Red Writer</a>
is asking for traveling tips and the other jungle writers give her some
tips. Give it a read and you might pick up hints for your next trip or
not.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-87742519893247719812012-03-27T13:25:00.002-07:002012-03-27T13:28:50.569-07:00Can I Visualize?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X4Aroe3iCw5ml51flKEJ-Nx6OzAQxicyuFirWb2tJLqDaiJXjlikk3gXJlbXgKHc24Sojri3hjxz1Esur5SakcGCZ3_8waHdPr9x-bU7zB5wnBzdwTHlm8YNBYpG37S7T7cFqnv2P6lK/s1600/desert+botanical+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X4Aroe3iCw5ml51flKEJ-Nx6OzAQxicyuFirWb2tJLqDaiJXjlikk3gXJlbXgKHc24Sojri3hjxz1Esur5SakcGCZ3_8waHdPr9x-bU7zB5wnBzdwTHlm8YNBYpG37S7T7cFqnv2P6lK/s320/desert+botanical+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think my back is well. My plan is to start walking again. I have started with walking fifteen minutes.<br />
<br />
Lord
have mercy! My calves tied in knots. I forced myself to finish. Hmm,
not only has my boobs gone south. it seems the rest of me is following.<br />
<br />
Damn,
I don't think visualizing my self looking like Sophia Loren will work.
The problem has grown bigger than I thought. If you can pin point the
problem, shouldn't you be able to correct it? I need to sweat, groan
and moan myself in shape. <br />
<br />
<br />
No worry, I don't have to buy anything. I probably
have more diet and exercise books and exercise videos then Walmart. I
also have exercise equipment covered in dust.<br />
<br />
Do you
think dusting the exercise equipment could be counted toward the minutes
of exercising? Woot, Woot, I may only have to do ten minutes!<br />
<br />
I had a great Sunday at <a href="http://www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org/pr.php?id=435">Sunday A'Fair</a> . My son Wayne and I listened to two great bands, watched people and most important shared time together.<br />
<br />
Making a list of what I need to do before my daughter and her husband come for a visit. <i>Clean house and all that other fun stuff I don't do.</i> Note to self: buy more food.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have also read a few great blogs and I want to share them with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abbyhasissues.com/2012/03/26/inflated-observations/">Abby</a> has some great pictures of balloons crafted into some wonderful designs and her blog is funny.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lianabrooks.com/">Liana Brooks </a> has a funny blog on the power of boobs. Yes you read that right, <i>the power of boobs</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://girlfriendbooks.blogspot.com/">Girl friends book club</a>
has a blog that will let you know, you are not alone, if you are a
chunky monkey. It seems that is part of being a writer. Damn, I must
be great! I've put a lot of chunky on my monkey in the last nine
months.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kbowenmysteries.com/">K. B Owens</a> site is great if you want a laugh. Especially the one about a computer programer and a frog.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you have a great week.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you around the block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-50193808062501650452012-03-23T15:02:00.000-07:002012-03-23T15:02:27.617-07:00This and That<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgJBV5AuaAI_0XtN67D2G6ZVDLWq_N1sShkDRqh9n14MuoIwp08es589_xGd0nNhPpO_HB78p2ObuZsjJ7JtnSUu688YNi8jfkB4AysFQT2OXl91HlQd4MlUp06uwdHLZ4Y7T9q5p8LPZ/s1600/desert+botanical+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgJBV5AuaAI_0XtN67D2G6ZVDLWq_N1sShkDRqh9n14MuoIwp08es589_xGd0nNhPpO_HB78p2ObuZsjJ7JtnSUu688YNi8jfkB4AysFQT2OXl91HlQd4MlUp06uwdHLZ4Y7T9q5p8LPZ/s320/desert+botanical+046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are some shows on television, I love to watch. One of them is
Chop on HGTV. It is amazing watching these chefs come up with some
great dishes with time limits and some strange ingredients. I look up
to these chefs, because I know I would fold under the pressure and cry
like a baby.<br />
<br />
Sweet Genius have the chefs cooking
desserts with strange ingredients, time limits and an inspiration, such
as a gold fish in a bowl. These chefs are turning out candies, cakes
and etc. Some of the treats are very pretty and you have to wonder how
they learned to be so creative.<br />
<br />
Sometimes a title of a
program will catch my interest and I will watch the show. Duck Dynasty,
the title caught my attention and it is about some people in Louisiana,
that have become millionaires from making duck calls. They make them
by hand, so nothing is mass produced. This show proves you can take the
red neck out of the woods, but you can't take the red neck traits
away. I found this show funny and entertaining, especially since the
oldest son is a college educated business major and CEO of the company.
He has a brother, an uncle and other relatives as part of the company
who try his patience, but yet bring him a lot of joy into his life.<br />
<br />
Have you watched these shows? What do you think about them? <br />
<br />
I'll write some more later, about some of the other shows I watch, but for right now we are changing gears.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://slingwords.blogspot.com/">Joan Reeves</a> has an interesting blog about a company called <a href="http://www.muso.com/home/">MUSO</a>. This internet business helps authors to catch illegal down loads (<i>or is it up loads? I'm not sure</i>)
of their writing. This is a growing problem in the internet and we
need watch dogs out there keeping people honest. MUSO charges a fee for
their services. This will probably interest author's who are well
known and make money with their books. So far that doesn't seem to be a
problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/">Laura Bradford</a>
has an interesting blog on The Stiletto Gang. She writes about the
fine print none of us bothered to read before we became an author. All
the different jobs we find ourselves doing to make it in the writing
business.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.murderousmusings.blogspot.com/">Jackie King</a> has an amusing piece on growing up in Oklahoma. Her mom was a single parent before it became fashionable. <br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy reading the blogs I have shared with you. I really enjoyed reading them.<br />
<br />
See you around the block. </div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-73593876719585292742012-03-16T13:23:00.001-07:002012-03-16T13:23:26.415-07:00Happy St. Patricks Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoWUFte8tvYQEc0rNLV7ZF9HIl4vMf3VUzm-fdjk9Pb11j661bEE7lqUfdJ_vQLyXelSmh1JlgOln1y-PNVL4yhpylhcgJtQ5eNEG0F607UuZ72yEKkJVxi6cORvgdGDWsFPrJjnefv-p/s1600/St.+Patrick+ribbon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoWUFte8tvYQEc0rNLV7ZF9HIl4vMf3VUzm-fdjk9Pb11j661bEE7lqUfdJ_vQLyXelSmh1JlgOln1y-PNVL4yhpylhcgJtQ5eNEG0F607UuZ72yEKkJVxi6cORvgdGDWsFPrJjnefv-p/s320/St.+Patrick+ribbon.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello Readers!<br />
<br />
I meant to do this on Thursday, but some how I lost a day this week. Go figure! <br />
<br />
<br />
Well, my back is finally not painful. It is a little
sore, but I can live with that and work. I never realized how pain
drains you of all imagination and the energy to do anything. I haven't
done any writing for over a month. I just sat on my couch and tried to
breath very easily.<br />
<br />
Some of the bloggers are talking
about Amazon return system for e books. It doesn't seem to matter if
the e book was free or not, Amazon takes the cost of the e book off the
author's pay. Hmmm!<br />
Now my thought on this is, since this is a
digital book, people should not be able to return it. If you bought a
CD or DVD and opened it, you could not return it. The same should apply
to e books, with the idea if you downloaded it, it is considered opened
and can not be returned. <br />
Especially since one of the bloggers
mentioned they could down load the e book from the Kindle to the
computer. I'm not sure how you do this, but I am sure a lot of people
know how to do it. Which mean the writer is being taken in a scam.<br />
<br />
As a writer, I know how much time, energy, blood, sweat and tears are
put into a book. Authors need to be treated with respect and that
means do not steal their books. Lord have mercy think how you would
feel if it happened to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, off the soap box, but I had to put my two cents in.<br />
<br />
<br />
The weather has been beautiful outside and my door and windows are open. I love this time of year in Arizona. <br />
<br />
<br />
Tina and Jesse are enjoying the weather also, since their move here. I hope they continue to enjoy it. <br />
<br />
<br />
All the boys and their families and I had lunch last weekend
together at Wayne's house. The only thing missing was Carey and Brian.
I wish they could have been there. We really had a great time
together.<br />
<br />
<br />
We stuffed ourselves with hotdogs, hamburgers, salad, potato salad and a pistachio dessert. We all ate too much. LOL<br />
<br />
<br />
I have decided, I must be an elevator. My weight goes up and
down. Problem is I love to eat and I haven't figured out how to work
around that. Ha! Soooo, once again I will try to get control of my
weight. I hate it when my clothes are tight. <br />
<br />
<br />
My brain has taken a vacation. Question is was it ever really here? <br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever noticed when you talk about something in the past
with sweet remembrance, your kids have a completely different version
and it is not so sweet? My boys do that a lot, so I guess I was there,
but not there, if you know what I mean?<br />
<br />
<br />
I have run out of ramblings so I guess I'll see you around the block.</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-38107344418201503282012-03-08T09:31:00.003-08:002012-03-08T09:31:53.415-08:00Is This Thursday?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVyGp-sG11nEiSo3QMLkxjbtMcFoF2brz7YUN9D4jFRs04trmIxHg87N9p2FBGJbEwpX-EJKC3JjoINVnkQ6_nDCotbM2UIPPILJU3ZxEsHN7YMqGZZWmnsNUz6AXMMbcyGTpDvhYV9xH/s1600/desert+botanical+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVyGp-sG11nEiSo3QMLkxjbtMcFoF2brz7YUN9D4jFRs04trmIxHg87N9p2FBGJbEwpX-EJKC3JjoINVnkQ6_nDCotbM2UIPPILJU3ZxEsHN7YMqGZZWmnsNUz6AXMMbcyGTpDvhYV9xH/s320/desert+botanical+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been away from blogging for a while because of back pain. It is
getting better. I am having longer periods of time without pain.<br />
<br />
I
have to admit, I had a bad time with my back last night. It woke me up
a couple of times with pain. So I slept late this morning. Oh well. <br />
<br />
<br />
I had planned to write my blog yesterday, but if you follow me on twitter or facebook, you know my attention was caught by a book I started reading.<br />
<br />
Smashwords is having a special on some of their books for a week. My books <a href="http://smashwords.com/books/view/87120">Second Chance</a> , <a href="http://smashwords.com/books/view/93185">Fainting Damsel</a> and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133467">Charlie</a> are fifty percent off this week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84094">Nicole Storey</a> also has a book on Smashwords and it is free this week. I started reading her book Gremsley Hollow The Chosen One and I couldn't put it down. Sooo,
instead of working on my blog, I was reading. It is really a terrific
book. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will love Gage in this story.
Check it out before the special runs out on Sunday at Smashwords.<br />
<br />
I
really need to get back into my writing. I haven't done any since my
back started hurting. Of course my characters have continued to talk
and scenes from my WIP have been flowing through my mind. <br />
<br />
There has been a lot of talk about Pay Pal and censorship. I dislike
censorship, because through history you can see it did more harm then
good. It lead to burning of books (<i>trembling body</i>) and etc. We
are grown ups and should have the right to buy or sale what we have
created. We do not need big brother watching over us. They don't do
that great of a job anyway. <b>Right!</b> Think of prohibition, <i>one of the stupidest moves our government ever made.</i><br />
<br />
Okay, I am off my soap box.<br />
<br />
See you around the block. </div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-79243687984953922012-02-28T10:50:00.000-08:002012-02-28T10:50:16.447-08:00Back Pain!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A pond of fish.</div>
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Hello bloggers!</div>
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First
off, I am still having back pain. Ugh! This is my reason for not
getting my blog up till today and this will be a short blog because of
it.</div>
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My back
would probably be doing better if I wasn't such a war horse. I mean the
minute my back feels better, I go and do something that makes it hurt
again. You know, like sweep and mop the floors. Move the furniture
around and etc. I know your saying what an idiot and I agree. </div>
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I went
out to dinner at the Olive Garden with my son Wayne and his two kids
Grace and Grant. My grandkids entertained me and put a big smile on my
face. Grant was complaining it would take too long to get the food and
his sister was telling him there would be a wait where ever they went. I
enjoy spending time with them and my son. The food was fantastic as
usual and I left there feeling stuffed.</div>
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I need
you guys to spread the word about my books. Especially my Charlie
story. I am really proud of it and I think it is an enjoyable book to
read. I have one five star review now.</div>
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You can buy it at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133467">Smashwords</a> and at <a href="http://amzn.to/yBrJyU">Amazon</a></div>
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</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735593288112228942.post-90468089387714604042012-02-24T12:37:00.000-08:002012-02-24T12:37:09.120-08:00I'm Trying!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JAoLXhJaAYN3s1gDbqs2rHbM2NKvMOC_XM4ThiB0RhK5CPY40ejjQkOEEHnfXtVBnsNxY30ufZvNm0CuCU3HBRTv6GnT783BX-T3JOF95IvJw0niKdUhAU-YKumQgnsWguJUKOi9isC3/s1600/desert+botanical+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JAoLXhJaAYN3s1gDbqs2rHbM2NKvMOC_XM4ThiB0RhK5CPY40ejjQkOEEHnfXtVBnsNxY30ufZvNm0CuCU3HBRTv6GnT783BX-T3JOF95IvJw0niKdUhAU-YKumQgnsWguJUKOi9isC3/s320/desert+botanical+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hello Bloggers, I am back, but not at full steam yet. <br />
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Back is still acting up, but I am trying to ignore it.<br />
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I become very impatient with my body when I am in pain. This doesn't happened often, but when it does I think my body takes advantage of it. I can hear my body now talking to the pain receptors, "There's pain? Wow, let's make the body immobile and gain weight. That should really make her day!"<br />
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Yep, it does make my day. I have to lose the same five pounds over again! Really life would be much easier if scientists would come up with something to help us lose weight that doesn't bother the heart or some other vital organ. Don't you think?<br />
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I met up with my daughter in law Tina at my youngest son's house on Wednesday to take her to the airport. My son Toney was working from home and I asked one simple question, "Do I take the ramp at the 202 or do I stay on the 101?" Toney looks at me and grins, "I'll drive you both to the airport."<br />
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So Tina made it to the airport without any sight seeing. She doesn't realize she missed out on an interesting trip!<br />
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I think he took the ramp. I told myself to remember, but unfortunately that didn't work. I'm still not sure. Ugh!<br />
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I love the warm weather we have been having. This is the time of fantastic weather in this part of Arizona.<br />
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Remember to buy my new book Charlie at <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133467" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><br />
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and<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/yBrJyU" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
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I am working on the sequel: Not Again, Charlie!<br />
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But since I have been down in my back, I haven't done much. It hurts to type or sit too long or stand too long. Bah! Humbug!!!<br />
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<a href="http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/blog/friday-videos-love-movement" target="_blank">Smart Bitches</a> has a wonderful video of a ballet dancers. His muscle tone is unbelievable. Enjoy it! I know I did.<br />
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See you around the block.<br />
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</div>Juanita Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05814102340121797424noreply@blogger.com0