Met a Sports Celeb!

January 22, 2007 in Current Affairs

Oh, the power of a star!  I'm not exactly what you would call a big sports fan. However, the other evening I was out to eat with some good friends.....and we were "taken" by a celebrity sighting.  We  noticed one of the star basketball players from our Gonzaga University team was at the table next to us.  Throughout the evening we debated, "Do you think it's really him?; Should we ask for his autograph?; Do you think he would mind having his picture taken with us?".....Finally, the moment of truth came.  He was getting up to leave.  Without a second to spare, I asked, "Sean, would you mind having a picture taken with us?"  "I'd be happy to," he replied.  So, if you follow College basketball, you might have heard of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and if you're a Gonzaga fan, you'll definitely know of Sean Mallon.  Here's a photo with me, Sean, and one of my dearest friends, Crystal.

Debbie

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The good life!

January 17, 2007 in Well-Being

There are some things that I do, experience, or receive that are reminders to me that I'm living the good life.  Hand's-down Number One indicator that I lead the good life is to be able to have someone come in and clean my house for me.  My ship would sink without that - since I've had my memory swiped clean - and I have no recollection of how to vacuum or clean the toilet.   

Another indication of the "good life" was last weekend.  My good friend JoAnn and I had a couple treatments done at our local Zi Spa (located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) just about 45 minutes from home.  The day had come for our treatments and we were so excited.  First of all you get to put on these warm and oh-so-cozy robes to wear.  You head down to the Zen room to lounge in reclining chairs, drink tea (or wine) and enjoy the fire and soothing music.  I started out with a facial - she put all kinds of yummy smelling stuff on my face.  It's nice because you also get a little neck and arm massage too.  I noticed a positive change in my skin - plus, I was starting to feel more relaxed.  That is the other major benefit to spa time.

Next I went for a soak.  The Tub room was lovely with a very zen-like ambiance, nice music, and  candles.  The Tub has a contant overflow, so the water is always up around your neck (where I need  it most).  The aromatherapy and ingredients in the soak were all meant to bring some relief to sore muscles and joints.  I heard the "knock, knock" on the door - I couldn't believe it was already time to get out. I did not want to get out of the tub - not no way!!  But at least my heated robe awaited for me.  Back to the Zen room where I ordered a yummy (healthy too) salad and tea and hung out enjoying the environment for another hour.

Awwww........the good life.  (No complaints, here.)

Debbie

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Your Comments & My Sleep Strategies

January 11, 2007 in Well-Being

Dear friends out there in Blogsville......It's funny, the comments so far have typically been along the lines of: "Enjoying your blog; Thanks for blogging, Like your stuff, etc" (which I do appreciate!) - but "Wee hours in the Morning" struck a chord and inspired some advice of how to get to sleep; what to do in the middle of the night; to "why don't you go down in your basement and work on art!" I guess there is always the choice - do you keep trying to fall back to sleep, or do you just resign to the fact that's probably not going to happen and do something productive!  My current policy is to try for at least an hour to fall back to sleep. (of course, it does depend a little on just how early it is!) 

Sleeping well has been a life long challenge for me.  I remember as a little girl, lying in bed and hearing the opening and closing music for The Tonight Show coming out of the "rec- room".....(my dad was a big fan of Johnny Carson!)

And it just seems the older we get - everything gets a little more challenging - including a good night sleep. I don't know how you keep from waking up in the middle of the night, but after years of struggling to FALL asleep, I have quite a list of strategies that I've tried over the years....  So, hopefully - Sweet Dreams.  Debbie

My (Counting Sheep has never once worked for me) “Getting to Sleep" Strategies:

1.  Wear Socks to bed - so your feet don't get cold

2.  Take a nice soak in the tub (with Epsom salts) and stretch before hitting the hay to relax

3.  Drink warm milk before bed (calcium helps make you sleepy) - if you add a little drop of whiskey- that might really zonk you!

4.  There's always the good old standby of a glass of wine on your bedstand paired with a good (but not too good) book

5.  Layer blankets - so you can shed one if you get too hot  (don't you just love those middle of the night hot flashes!)

6.  Put your pj's on at least an hour before getting into bed - signals your brain that it's almost time to sleep

7.  Plan on working on something in bed (like your blog!) - and you will barely be able to stay awake

8.  Treat yourself to the softest sheets and the most comfortable pillows you can afford

9. Remove the TV from your bedroom - clicking the remote control from one stupid show to the next (that I really don't want to watch) puts me in a trance - but not to sleep.

10. Run a fan in your room for white noise (don't point it towards you if it makes you chilly)

11. And it's easiest to fall asleep when your teenager is home and safe (and his car keys are under your pillow)

Good luck getting to la-la land.....Debbie

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2007 Resolutions

January 6, 2007 in Resolutions

Continue a healthy lifestyle of good food choices and portions (so mature sounding)


Exercise regularly (4-5 times a week)


Sleep though the night (hmmmmm)


Don't take things personally (don't let my feelings get hurt when I really don't need to)


Watch as much Oprah as possible (always learning from her)


Think of others instead of myself

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The wee hours of the morning

January 6, 2007 in Excercise

Ever wake up at 3:00 am and can't fall back asleep?...........that's me right now .  So, this was not a scheduled blog session (not that any of them are). Part of what woke me (other than the usual bladder call) was my achin' body. I had a massage after work yesterday (which is always good), but apparently I've overdone it on the Elliptical (exercise machine).  My body apparently hasn't gotten used to it yet and my massage therapist warned me to back off a little.  I'm taking a couple days off from the machine entirely to try and get rid of the soreness and I'll just do some sessions on the treadmill.  I'm not kidding - my right rear cheek is killing me!!

I haven't come up with my 2007 resolutions yet - this seems like a good time to think about them.  I'm already doing Jenny Craig - so the big, "Im going to lose weight!" one is already in progress.  (By the way - 11 pounds!!!)

So, it's definitely all over now - as far as getting any sleep goes....So, now what do I do?   It's now 4:00 am........how much longer do I stay in bed?  How early should I go to the office?  I know!  I'll soak in the tub for a while.  That will help my sore  cheek and my really sore cheek. I'll get the Epsom salts going and I'm off to soak.

Hope you're sleeping!  Debbie

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Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

January 3, 2007 in Recipes

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
30 mushrooms (remove stem)
1 package cream cheese
1 can fancy minced clams
1 Tablespoon onion flakes
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Soften cream cheese and mix all ingredients together. "Stuff" mushrooms with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Serve hot.

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Unbelievable - 2007 is here!

January 3, 2007 in Calendar

Does it seem like we JUST rang in the year 2000!!  I can even remember what I wore to that party.  Time is moving faster than ever and it's a good reminder to enjoy our lives here and now.  Don't worry about the future and let the past go....... So easy to say, yet so meaningful to accomplish. 

My neighbors and I have had a long-standing tradition over the holidays.  We usually get together at my house for cocktails. Tom takes charge of the martini shaker - and shakes us up some pretty pink cosmos. I always make my Stuffed Mushrooms.  (Tom would be very upset if I didn't, and we don't want to affect his ability to shake up a good martini drink!)

I get juice packs and munchies for the girls and they get the chance to attack Murphy's game systems.  (What do you mean you sold the PS2 ???!!!!)  After the shock wore off, they gladly reverted to good ole' Nintendo. 

Years ago I gave them a calendar frame and now every year it's tradition for me to give them the new calendar.  And it's so cute, they get to take a quick peek that night - but after that the images for each month are under protection. 

When a new month is upon us - it's a special pancake breakfast morning and they gather as a family to reveal the next image of the calendar.  Ooohing and awwing soon follow.   The No Peeking rule is strictly abided to. 

Nothing that formalized happens with the turning of the calendar page at my house - in fact I'm impressed with myself if I get it turned close to the beginning of the month. 

Since we have several calendars to choose from this year.....it added a new level of decision making.  In my office, I put the "Girls" calendar, at home in the kitchen it's the "Market Fresh" and throughout the office there are several traditional DM Calendars.This year we also did the purse size calendar as well as the bound monthly planner - I gave out quite a few of those as gifts.  So much collective planning for 2007 to be done out there!!

Speaking of planning.......my girlfriend JoAnn and I decided that in lieu of gifts we would go to our favorite local Zi Spa located in Coeur d' Alene, ID to treat ourselves to some pampering.  So, on my calendar for this Sunday, you'll find annotated a facial and a soak in their heavenly tub......can't wait - it's pure heaven! 

Still thinking about my resolutions.....

Happy New Year all!

Debbie

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The Christmas Recap

January 1, 2007 in Christmas

Most of us seem to have survived the biggest bulk of the Holiday, by now.  However, there may be a few Visa Cards out there that are just simply wore out......  Mine is well trained.  Actually, I think it has a mind of its own..... it sits up on my shoulder (with those devil ears and tail) and whispers in my ear - "Debbie - Look over there - it's a sale on those sweaters that you like.  Since they're half price - you'll regret it if you don't get it in a couple of colors."  It seems to have this power over me - because then I end up getting new jeans to go with the sweaters.  I must say, it is fun getting those good after-Christmas deals!

My visit in Seattle was fun and went as planned.  We truly are a disciplined group - before any gifts are open - we do every  combination of photos we can come up with - all the ladies, all the boys, the boys with Grandma, etc - I know you get the idea.  I just can't seem to help myself - I turn into a "hambone" and am possessed by trying to crack up the poor innocent  people that are genuinely trying to pose for the photo.  When Mom and Julie and I were in position - I commented that most ladies suck in their stomach - but for our group - I said, OK, ladies, "Hold in your boobies!"  Poor mom, lost all composure and we couldn't stop laughing!

Enjoy our big laughs here!  - if nothing else, at least our boobies were in control.

Also, please enjoy a photo of my dear, old friend Gayle snuggling with her newest baby, Florence. Aren't they cute!!  Oh, and Murphy and his girlfriend posed with Santa.....it's been a lot of years since he was willing to get any where near Santa....must be love! 

Are we up for New Year's celebrations???? It's a wait and see.....

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