tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66678632652471863362012-12-24T05:22:40.508-06:00Marissology part deuxMarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.comBlogger683125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-28922420362582003892011-05-18T05:47:00.000-05:002011-05-18T05:47:50.696-05:002011-05-18T05:47:50.696-05:00Leo Twittascope<a href="http://www.twittascope.com/?sign=5">Leo Twittascope, Wednesday, May 18, 2011</a><br /><br /><blockquote>The upbeat Sagittarius Moon is traveling through your playful 5th house now, giving you the green light to kick up your heels and have fun. No matter how busy you are, make a little time today just for yourself. Get outside for a walk, schedule a massage, or do something creative that helps you to unwind. Take care of yourself and recharge your batteries. Today, it's truly all about you.</blockquote>Happiness is getting off work early enough to manage this!Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-30820342739117466802010-12-31T05:00:00.000-06:002010-12-31T05:00:11.588-06:002010-12-31T05:00:11.588-06:00We've Moved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TR23kikkToI/AAAAAAAABg4/3nRessIcIi4/s1600/we%2527ve+moved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TR23kikkToI/AAAAAAAABg4/3nRessIcIi4/s400/we%2527ve+moved.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Hey there! You didn't lose me. We simply changed addresses.<br />
For more exciting adventures of Marissa, please go to the new home of <i style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><a href="http://marissology.com/">MARISSOLOGY!!!</a></b></i><br />
We've packed up our gear and taken the goods toWordpress!Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-67653760678176491752010-12-29T06:38:00.000-06:002010-12-29T06:38:58.657-06:002010-12-29T06:38:58.657-06:00Chalene Johnson's 30-Day ChallengeThis morning came knocking early. It was exactly 4:17 AM when my body told me to wake up. After doing what necessitated my way-before-sunrise wakening, sleep was attempted once more. Silly me. I should know me better than that. At precisely 4:59 AM, reluctantly throwing in the towel for more slumber, I felt around for my cozy sweater and fuzzy slipper socks. It's astounding what super powers one possesses in the dark. Rather than sit with my coffee perusing the countless paid programming/infomercials available, I decided it was time to put fingers to keyboard and write something. I'd thought about just slapping up the video I made and posted on youtube yesterday. This post is really an expansion of what is touched on in the nearly 5 minute video. It's available for viewing after the text.<br />
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It won't be long and the new year will have been rung in. For some of you it'll be a fond farewell to a year that didn't deliver what you'd hoped it would. For others, like myself, you'll look back fondly on the countless blessings. But not for long will you look back because it will hinder your ability to look ahead.<br />
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As 2010 was being sung in with Auld Lang Syne, my personal resolution was to get healthy -- how often had that been my promise? While the rest of the world was diving in head first on their quests to stop smoking, eat healthier, exercise, etc, ... and ultimately setting themselves up for failure or quitting within a month or so, yours truly was not budging. It took until March to begin that resolution. At that point can it still be thought of in those terms?<br />
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Here I am 45 pounds lighter and showing no signs of quitting. Sure, there have been hurdles, stumbling blocks and a full gainer off the wagon. What's different is that there was never a sense of defeat or failure. Throwing up a white flag of surrender was never an option. So, with that being said and <a href="http://www.wabi.tv/news/16704/healthy-living-new-years-resolutions">statistics about new year resolutions</a> being considered, what has transpired is a change and not a resolution. What's the difference? From my perspective a resolution is null and void if you don't back it up with personal accountability. Just saying it out loud isn't enough. Every single day you have to <i><b>hold yourself accountable</b></i> for the change you want to see. <i><b>Write it down</b></i> in several places. <i><b> Set reminders</b></i> of what your goals are in your fancy shmancy phone. Make a pop up reminder on your computer. It's easy to let things go to the wayside if it isn't in our face. <i><b>Enlist a squadron of support</b></i>. Don't ask the person who enables your bad habits to be your buddy. It's difficult when your enabler lives with you, but <i><b>BE STRONG</b></i>! I've found so much support online for my endeavors to be healthy. People who've never shared the air space I breathe have championed me. Don't discount the <i><b>value of social networking</b></i>. Remember, while our families and close friends love us unconditionally, they are also comfortable with us 'as is' and shifting their personal perception of us is not always a pill they are ready to swallow. So, do not give up on yourself based on what people close to you feel or say. Ignore the naysayers and cut out your own thoughts of self-sabotaging ridicule.When you piss and moan about everything you don't have or constantly toss negativity into the cosmos, it will eventually be flung right back at you. Misery does love company. <br />
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Change is not easy. The first quest on my agenda is to get organized. Between my promotion to lab manager and developing my<a href="http://www.marissology.info/"> Team Beachbody</a> business, it's an absolute necessity to keep order in my life. Rather than make some lame attempt to go it alone, I'm turning to a pro. The guru-ess of social media and organization: <b>Chalene Johnson.</b> Again, this is all about accountability. There's that doggone word again. Dagnabit! But it works. If you're interested in getting organized so you can achieve your goals in 2011, then I strongly urge you to take advantage of <a href="http://www.chalenejohnson.com/30daychallenge/">Chalene Johnson's 30-Day Challenge</a>. Hurry! Time is ticking away.<br />
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<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vbBpRRyusOU" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="425"></iframe>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-56668176205721478532010-12-26T07:15:00.000-06:002010-12-26T07:15:25.031-06:002010-12-26T07:15:25.031-06:00Attack of the Alter Ego<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gu1lBlR1858" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="425"></iframe><br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu1lBlR1858Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-36033134825945185402010-12-25T10:31:00.000-06:002010-12-25T10:31:50.907-06:002010-12-25T10:31:50.907-06:00The Christmas LetterAs the years have gone by as a single mother, my friends and family have assured me that my son will one day recognize that it is I who've provided for him. You see, in the past Mancub, when given a writing project at school, would wax poetic about his father ... his absentee father. Deep down it always hurt me. I'd do my best to disguise my envy and encouraged him to be open about his feelings.<br />
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On December 15, 2010 I came home after working a grueling 12 hour day. The 15th also happened to be the day of my first safety and quality inspection with my BIG boss and her boss. Stress so intense you could slice it with a Ginsu. In the end, that visit turned out to be amazing, but the day still seemed forever long and never ending. All I wanted to do after that roller coaster was chillax with my son and put my feet up.<br />
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It wasn't long after arriving home and shortly after hanging up my coat that Mancub handed me a folded piece of paper. I asked, "<i>What is this? Is it good or bad?</i>" Knowing very well my son has very little bad to report regarding school. He replied with a smirk, "<i>It's good. I think you'll like it</i>."<br />
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Quizzically, I unfolded the single sheet of paper to see what appeared to be an assignment from his keyboarding class. <br />
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It reads:<br />
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<blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Dear Mom,</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Thanks for being there for me even when things get tough for you especially at work because I know how annoying some of the people can be at work and you work so much, but I'm really happy you work so hard. You've always taken care of me even though it can sometimes be stressful for you and, for that, I am sorry, but you have to know that I've always been proud to be your son. I wouldn't be happier with any other mom than you. Ever since dad left things have been tough for both of us and I know you kept trying to fill both his spot and yours and I have to say you've done a great job with me because without all of your love, I would probably be in a pretty bad place.</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I want to thank you for all the things you bought for me and gave to me, Mo-mo and Silver. Because of them it's made it feel like I have someone to care for on my own just like you do with me and it's taught me a lot about responsibility. I'm thankful for the food you cook for me everyday and don't think for a minute that it isn't any good because your cooking is phenomenal. If there was only one thing left to eat in this world I'd want it to be your food. There are also the clothes you've bought for me that I'm thankful for because without them I'd be freezing my behind off outside right now. Also, thanks for the games that you buy for me sometimes because I know how much you love me whenever you say yes and I can get one.</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>There's also our house that we live in. It may not be the best place in the world, but it's still home sweet home to you and me. Besides, if we didn't have that place I probably wouldn't have met Kodi or Brianna, wherever she is. And there's also the glasses that you've gotten me. If I didn't have them I wouldn't be able to see your beautiful face every morning or read like I do now and it's also your inspiration that I'm thankful for because you inspire me to just get up in the morning. Even though it doesn't look like it at times, but I am grateful for everything you do every day and that's why I'll always be proud to be your son and I'll never regret it. Because without you, I wouldn't be here right now typing you this letter.</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Cordially yours,</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Your son Mancub</i></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">P.S. Please don't ever change who you are, because you're perfect the way you are now.</i></blockquote><br />
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Through tear soaked eyes I read the letter. Then, embraced my lovely son and told him he just gave me the best gift ever.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-51707222975433852312010-12-24T18:29:00.000-06:002010-12-24T18:29:05.617-06:002010-12-24T18:29:05.617-06:00Eggnog ShakeologyI've expressed more than a couple of times how much eggnog anything just sets my tastebuds aflutter. However, the delightful, typically Christmastime beverage is ridiculously high in calories and fat.<br />
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*whimper and whine*<br />
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To the rescue! Chocolate Shakeology. As if there needed to be more reasons why I'd <a href="http://mentalorigami-wildhair.blogspot.com/2010/12/why-id-marry-shakeology-if-it-was-human.html">marry Shakeology </a>if it was a man, thirty days of holiday recipes for both flavors, chocolate and greenberry, was developed. Included on the chocolate calendar (day 10 if you want me to be specific), is the recipe for Holiday Eggnog.<br />
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Hellooooo noggy! Yum. Hokey shmokes, Bullwinkle. Naturally, I had to try it.<br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology<br />
1 egg white<br />
1/2 tsp of allspice<br />
1 tsp rum extract<br />
1/2 cup skim milk (I used rice milk -- it gives a richer texture and flavor)<br />
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Wowsers! I admit that when I first began my love affair with Shakeology there was a fear that it would quickly become boring. But here we are 10 months later and still finding new and exciting ways to keep our relationship tasty and tantalizing! If you'd like more information on Shakeology and the 30 days of recipes, you just need to give me a shout! Comment below, visit my <a href="http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/missriss65/">Shakeology website</a> or <a href="mailto:wildhair65@gmail.com">email me</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRU5cEsuDcI/AAAAAAAABgw/lYaMi0Yb2CY/s1600/shakeology_wedding_ecard_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRU5cEsuDcI/AAAAAAAABgw/lYaMi0Yb2CY/s320/shakeology_wedding_ecard_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
PS. To all my brides to be, Shakeology is the ideal way to help you and your wedding party to be picture perfect on your big day!Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-88122786710096981172010-12-24T16:05:00.001-06:002010-12-24T16:18:06.844-06:002010-12-24T16:18:06.844-06:00Bring It! P90X for ChristmasWhen you're a single gal it's not unusual to make purchases around Christmas and declare that since you have no one to buy you gifts, you do it for yourself. Apparently I'm not alone in that frame of thinking because, statistically speaking, <a href="http://www.prlog.org/11169307-quarter-of-women-spend-more-on-gifts-for-themselves-at-christmas.html">1 in 4 women admit to shopping</a> for themselves when out spending moolah on others. <br />
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What did I buy? Well, I made my quarterly pilgrimage to Bath and Body Works. Buy 3 get 3 free is a great lure. Of those six items, 3 were for Mancub. So, technically, the other 3 for myself were free. Don't you feel better already about my spending? Prior to that I'd pre-ordered a book on Amazon. Any guesses what it might be? ::hint: look to your right::<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRUYnSx-ocI/AAAAAAAABgg/XztGtTcPzPk/s1600/P90Xdark_logo_lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRUYnSx-ocI/AAAAAAAABgg/XztGtTcPzPk/s200/P90Xdark_logo_lowres.jpg" width="154" /></a>2011 I have sworn to myself that I will <i><b>BRING IT!</b></i> Tony Horton style and I'm taking my 16 year old son with me. He and I are starting that amazing muscle confusion, 90 day program known as <b>P90X</b>. To further my accountability, our journey will be chronicled right here! Every day there will be a brief update regarding our progress. In your face honesty. If we slack off, we'll admit it. Photos will be included along with a smattering of video. <br />
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If you're psyched and wanting to join in -- we'd love to have your input about your own journey added to the comments -- get over to my <a href="http://www.marissology.info/">Team Beachbody website</a> and order the program of your choice to BRING IT! in 2011. Check out the supplements, too. You'll definitely need P90X Results and Recovery Formula. It tastes like an orange creamcicle!!Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-1375688748356518512010-12-22T08:33:00.001-06:002010-12-22T08:37:40.986-06:002010-12-22T08:37:40.986-06:00Why I'd Marry Shakeology If It Was HumanI'm simply going to be honest with you. Until around April of 2010, I had issues. Digestive problems. Now, I know that's not very exciting to talk about, but it's the truth. I chalked it up to getting older. Little by little a list, a long one at that, was made of the foods that agreed with me and didn't bode well once consumed. Quite frankly it became a bit unnerving as I love to enjoy food. While my outlook about eating are healthier and less about feeding my emotions, I still love the flavors, textures and aroma of food. <br />
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Then along comes Shakeology. All I knew at the time of first purchase, March 2010, was that I held on to the hope it would help me lose weight. It didn't phase me to inquire about ingredients. My Team Beachbody Coach John Hays informed me that it wasn't a bunch of fillers, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors or colors. Nor does it contain its weight in sugar (like Slim-fast and a host of others on the over-the-counter market).<br />
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Once the 30 day supply arrived and I began using it as a meal replacement in the morning, something struck me odd after a couple of weeks. I felt better. I became a regular gal, if you know what I mean. That's when I inquired about Shakeology's magic healing powers. That's what I claim. Beachbody in no way does that. Remember, I'm talking from a personal perspective and experience. Amongst the 70 ingredients is probiotics.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRILTgZ1i8I/AAAAAAAABgI/uE7-iCAgZO8/s1600/shakeology+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRILTgZ1i8I/AAAAAAAABgI/uE7-iCAgZO8/s320/shakeology+ingredients.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 70 Shakeology ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Probiotics in Shakeology promote good digestion, boost the immune system and help your body naturally control intestinal pH levels. Well, no wonder I was feeling so much better! My body was being tuned up!<br />
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Then, I tried the 3-Day Cleanse. Assured by John, my coach, that it wasn't like that crazy starvation chili-lemonade thing Beyonce' and Oprah have claimed to use to drop weight quickly, I set the date to do it. John, being an awesome guy, did the cleanse at the same time as a support. At that time I didn't consider what time of month it was. Yeah, you totally know what I'm hinting at. It concerned me because I become a ravenous eating machine. I crave sodium and anything junky. Not only that but being cranky and pissy about everything at the drop of a hat doesn't begin to describe the effects of PMS. LOO-NA-TIC! And the cramping? Fahgettaboutit.<br />
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OK, this is where you need to imagine a choir of ethereal angels singing in refrain as the heavens open up ... my PMS was curbed while on the 3-day Cleanse. The compulsion to eat junk food and Diet Coke had disappeared. Could it be true that when you give the body what it NEEDS, then you no longer crave the things that are horrible for it? Whoa. Hold the phone, sister! And on top of it I wasn't bloated to the max -- remember, Aunt Flow was around. I lost 6.5 pounds. My crankiness level barely registered as a blip on the radar. Egads!!!<br />
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Miraculously, the junk food cravings and desire to drink diet soda were gone! My body was then ready to begin a more intense work out program (Power 90 -- P90Xs mom). Within 90 days I lost 34 pounds and felt better from every facet of living than I had in decades.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRILg5HRSkI/AAAAAAAABgM/YZCHn78pmKE/s1600/Shakeology+and+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRILg5HRSkI/AAAAAAAABgM/YZCHn78pmKE/s200/Shakeology+and+Me.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's weird to say something so simple and pure could give me a new lease on life, but it has. I love how I feel and it all began with deciding to do something about my situation of being obese. Then, committing to a program that works. Also, committing to sharing my journey. As a result, I am seeing success! That success has spread to many aspects of my life. <br />
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So, yeah! If Shakeology was a man I'd totally marry it.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-33915036161792147812010-12-21T20:06:00.001-06:002010-12-21T20:23:55.031-06:002010-12-21T20:23:55.031-06:00Attitude is everythingI always considered myself a generally happy person. In spite of life's ups and downs, it wasn't unusual to just keep smiling knowing that a new day would dawn where new opportunities would be presented. How I viewed myself and presumed others viewed me was slightly skewed from what was deeply felt ... by myself.<br />
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Not until the last couple of months did it come to my attention that I'd been wearing a mask. Yours truly was not happy. Miserable might be pushing it, but needless to say, if I was me I wouldn't want my own company. That's pretty damned sad.<br />
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Little by little the layers of yuck have peeled away as the inches of flubber have also been shed. Without a doubt my weight was allowing me to hide; to be buried. That's not to say every person who is overweight is congruently unhappy. My weight was an excuse for not pursuing romance or even attention from the opposite sex.<br />
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Zoinks! A revelation, it is.<br />
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Last week something extraordinary occurred at work. Without giving much detail -- because I feel it's detrimental to discuss such things in this forum -- I felt exorcised of the self imposed oppression and stifled happiness. Someone who doesn't know me extremely well, but well enough to promote me looked me in the face and said, "stop it! stop living in the past and look forward." In a flash like Benny Hinn smacking a drug addict on the forehead demanding that the demons 'BE GONE!', I was healed. It's as if I'd been waiting for someone to give me the permission to stop living on the negative by tethering myself to 'what had been' like a two ton anchor that was pulling me into the abyss of doom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRFcfvi9_9I/AAAAAAAABgA/nB_Gm1c6D7s/s1600/attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRFcfvi9_9I/AAAAAAAABgA/nB_Gm1c6D7s/s320/attitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My body is becoming healthy and my mind is following suit. Coincidence? I think not. Feeding the body well and giving it a means of detoxification through a good old fashioned sweat leads to better things from the inside out.<br />
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Be HEALED! *SMACK*<br />
How can I help you from this day forward, my friends?Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-10678271655791325582010-12-20T23:11:00.000-06:002010-12-20T23:11:51.694-06:002010-12-20T23:11:51.694-06:00Look Ahead<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Things will go wrong at times. You can't always control your attitude, approach, and response. Your options are to complain or to look ahead and figure out how to make the situation better"</div>— Tony Dungy<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRA21eQDMXI/AAAAAAAABfc/UwzICdKBH9w/s1600/sunshine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TRA21eQDMXI/AAAAAAAABfc/UwzICdKBH9w/s320/sunshine1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-88769773025632540482010-12-19T08:25:00.000-06:002010-12-19T08:25:04.391-06:002010-12-19T08:25:04.391-06:00Dear Marissa: The VideoWhen I first started recording video to post on this blog I used a webcam. A cheap one at that. The resolution was awful. In a moment my rosy complexion would turn Yoda green. Then, I bought a digital camera that also had video capabilities. Unfortunately, natural lighting is required as the flash isn't steady when filming. Recently, I adopted a Droid. Sure, I could read the manual from cover to cover and watch the handy dvd that came with it, but why do that when I can sit for hours tinkering with it and getting utterly frustrated. Only at that moment do I consult the manual... or the 22 year old who works for me. The Droid has a cam-corder app. Seeing that thrilled me to pieces! Plus, there's lighting! The quality isn't too bad once I figured out how to adjust brightness. Prior to that my face was so illuminated that my nose literally vanished off my face. Trust me, with my honker that is no small feat. The problem arose when I tried posting directly to Youtube. The file size was too large to go the traditional route. Wi-fi was required. But I HAVE wi-fi. We got it so we could use Netflix through the Wii. A good part of Friday was spent on trial and error. I'd record; then record a shorter version. I even tried talking faster. The video simply would not transmit. Now I know how Luke Skywalker felt about retrieving the message out of R2D2. By the end of the night I sounded terribly scripted. Plus, I'd adjourned to my bedroom to record as not to get the noises of my son's video game or television program in the background. Oh, and let us not leave out the howling of the goofy cat. You ask what's so bad about being in my bedroom? The God awful, hideous wallpaper. That's what. It looks like a 1977 Rose Bowl float threw up on my walls. This is a rental that I've lived in for five years. I don't bother to ask to paint/strip/whatever because it's dark and my eyes are closed when I'm in there. OK? Point being, it is not an attractive backdrop for a blog posting unless I'm conducting some retro, creepy porno involving old ladies. Which I AM NOT! So, I tried to hang something on my headboard to disguise the heinous wallpaper. What resulted was the appearance I was attempting to hide something. Bleah.<br />
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This is the result of resorting back to my digital camera video feature early in the morning before the cats and child could distract me. No, the lighting isn't great. Yes, the background is beige. In this house you either get paneling, beige blinds or fugly as hell wallpaper. Or a dirty kitchen -- I've been baking. Shup!<br />
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If you'd like to be part of the next DEAR MARISSA, then send me your questions! My email is wildhair65 at gmail DOT com <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGkdiu5wXWk">Dear Marissa: Just Bring It!</a><br />
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<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XGkdiu5wXWk" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="425"></iframe>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-36955474477012905252010-12-17T21:36:00.000-06:002010-12-17T21:36:39.493-06:002010-12-17T21:36:39.493-06:00Lady Jane<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQwrlL1oIbI/AAAAAAAABfU/9YXWUOfemo0/s1600/LadyJane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQwrlL1oIbI/AAAAAAAABfU/9YXWUOfemo0/s320/LadyJane.JPG" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Jane -- You will be missed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>This is dedicated to Maureen, Michael, Justin, Kris, Alisa, Kailey, Andrew and Ryan:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rainbow Bridge</b></span><br />
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Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.<br />
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When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.<br />
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.<br />
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.<br />
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All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.<br />
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.<br />
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They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.<br />
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You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.<br />
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Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....<br />
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Author unknown...Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-67686831043024283762010-12-14T07:32:00.000-06:002010-12-14T07:32:30.715-06:002010-12-14T07:32:30.715-06:00The Truth Hurts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.funnytimes.com/archives/files/art/20060920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.funnytimes.com/archives/files/art/20060920.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All credit given to the above website. Thank you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
2010 is quickly coming to an end. While holiday parties are still in full swing and gorging yourself is likely part of the festivities, I want you to be a forward thinker. Think ahead to your waistband sinking deeper into your middle. Consider the buttons on your shirts crying out for mercy. No one is shrinking your clothes, buttercup. It's time to Decide. Commit. Succeed.<br />
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Who is going to get you there? <b>YOU!</b><a href="http://www.marissology.info/"> Invite me</a> to be part of your journey whether it is to get leaner or lose 100+ pounds. I recently did the Shakeology 3-day Cleanse and lost EIGHT POUNDS!. It's gentle (no, you won't be pooping your pants when you sneeze or laugh really hard.) What this cleanse will do is prepare your body for healthier eating and exercise through detoxing yourself of all the buttery cookies, bacon wrapped everything and alcohol consumption it has been subjected to between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQdwrMWlWUI/AAAAAAAABfQ/-xXRHQqa9h8/s1600/holiday_ecard_champagne_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQdwrMWlWUI/AAAAAAAABfQ/-xXRHQqa9h8/s320/holiday_ecard_champagne_01.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-78030251287768206222010-12-10T05:53:00.000-06:002010-12-10T05:53:23.849-06:002010-12-10T05:53:23.849-06:00Happy Birthday, Mom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQITuWByQCI/AAAAAAAABfM/dDGWrsee4KA/s1600/Mom2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TQITuWByQCI/AAAAAAAABfM/dDGWrsee4KA/s320/Mom2.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom at a Barbershop Choir convention</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My mother is no longer walking amongst in the land of the living. At age 51, June, 1981 she left us after a battle with cancer. I miss her just as much today as I did then. Probably even more since the anger has departed and now all I have are precious memories of the woman who birthed 8 children and longed for more. However, my birth wasn't the easiest and she made me her caboose. It's best described as ending with perfection. Smile.<br />
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Today I wanted to share with you a story of eggnog. Many people don't care for its texture or flavor. As for me, gimme, gimme, gimme! Let's not trouble ourselves the high fat and calorie content as you walk with me on the path of joyful memories.<br />
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Please to enjoy, <b style="color: red;"><u><i>Mama's Christmas Eggnog</i></u></b><br />
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Ever since I can remember I have loved eggnog. While passing Fannie May Candies I eyed a sign in the window advertising their new item: Cheesecake. Like Homer Simpson spying a donut I muttered, "mmmm cheeeeesecake..." I adore cheesecake, too. Fannie May has brought together two of my favorite holiday treats! Eggnog cheesecake! Again, I mentally take on another character; Will Ferrell's Buddy the Elf. I was subconsciously singing in the mall, "CHEESECAKE! I loooooooooove cheesecake and eggnog..eggnog cheesecake.. I-WANT-TO- EAT- IT- NOW!" I'm sure my co-worker was unaware of the scenario blaring through my head. Had this truly happened I'm sure I'd still be explaining to mall security how I managed to escape from my straight jacket.<br />
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When did the love affair between eggnog and my taste buds first blossom? I can't recall the first time my tongue lapped up the delicious dairy-nog, but I assure you it was non-alcoholic. I do know that my mother made it from scratch. I cannot tell you how she concocted my most favorite and beloved holiday beverage. The treat she made far surpasses any gunk you can buy pre-made. Her's was smooth, not too heavy or thick. My taste buds were doing the dance of the Sugar Plum Faeries as it slid down my throat. She'd dollop frothy egg whites on top with a light dusting of nutmeg. My eyes would dance wildly with excitement just awaiting that first sip. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve were the only occasions eggnog was brought to the buffet table. I suppose that made it all that more special to me and still is to this day.<br />
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Each Christmas season I am rabid for eggnoggy products. Eggnog to drink. I cut the commercial stuff with 2% milk...too thick. Eggnog Latte' at Starbucks. Eggnog ice cream at Oberweis. I bought a quart of Oberweis eggnog to add to my coffee in the morning. And now, Eggnog cheesecake at Fannie May. I'd probably use eggnog flavored toothpaste if it were on the market.<br />
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Eggnog brings me back to the happiness that was my childhood. The thrills of traditions created by my beautiful mother. Her image in the kitchen; singing her favorite Christmas songs. Her voice a sweet sound. Her song erased any sadness or disappointment I may have felt. Momma's Emeraude perfume lofting in the air. It's melodically stuck in my nasal cavity.<br />
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You see, drinking eggnog is more than just consumption of a holiday beverage for me. It's chocked full of beautiful memories. It's not only a memory of a punch bowl filled with a creamy concoction; it's recollection of admiration and love. Not only my regard toward my mother, but her regard to me as her child. She created memories that are sacred.<br />
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Everything was perfect at Christmastime. She taught me that wrapping a gift wasn't just a means to keep it secretive, it was to be done with loving care. Each fold of the paper was her way of giving of herself. Every gift inside was a piece of her heart and soul. My mother didn't haphazardly slap on wrapping, sloppily apply the tape or smack on a bow without care. She was an artiste.<br />
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She worked in customer service at Montgomery Ward when I was a wee tot. I loved going to see her there at Christmas. She was the master gift wrapper. I think people came to know she'd not only don their package with the shimmering foil paper, but she'd treat their purchases as if she'd bought them herself for someone special.<br />
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There was a lot to learn from my mom. I often wish she was here to counsel me in my day to day life. I suppose in many ways she does. She had far more patience than I. Mom could turn around any one's frown, sadness or dismay. I think over time it became a curse. No matter who she encountered, people loved her.<br />
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My Dad wrote a short Christmas story with my Mom as the main character. I hope to find a copy of it and share it here. After years of observing how my Mom pulled together Christmas (even if the money wasn't there), my Dad speculated that Santa had to be a woman; his wife. Mom created magic at Christmas. It was truly the most incredible homage any man could pay to his wife; the mother of his 8 children (after her death he remarried an extraordinary woman; through that union 2 more children blessed our family and new traditions would be made.)<br />
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Christmas is a glorious time overflowing with memories. Love is what abounds in my heart because of the unconditional love bestowed upon me by my parents. My enchanting mother taught me that Christmas is magic. It's not magic that comes from a wand or a potion. It's the magic you feel in your very soul.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-48856222389785744472010-12-03T08:33:00.000-06:002010-12-03T08:33:12.580-06:002010-12-03T08:33:12.580-06:00Something funny leads to good deeds<a href="http://www.someecards.com/christmas-cards/youll-know-im-your-secret-santa-if-you-dont-get-anything"><img alt="someecards.com - You'll know I'm your Secret Santa if you don't get anything" src="http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/know-secret-santa-anything-christmas-ecard-someecards.jpg" /></a><br />
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This card inspired an idea that has always been stumbling around in the back of my mind each year holiday gift giving season rolls around. I'm a grown up with a big girl job. If there is something I want, I buy it. For several years I have not participated in the gift exchange at work. This act has led people to call me a Grinch. My actions, or lack there of, have nothing to do with my lack of Christmas spirit. My heart is full of giving and light all year long but especially during this time of year. Rather than buying friends and family items that will likely end up on a shelf collecting dust or re-gifted at their work white elephant exchange, my money goes toward donations to less fortunate people. In years past, I have been a recipient of such gifts that made giving my son a Christmas possible. Out of the blue I was showered with generosity. <br />
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Pay it forward.<br />
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When this card was posted on my Facebook wall along with the comment "<i>because you don't need anymore crap, I'm spending your Secret Santa money on food and toys to donate to a worthy cause</i>." My friend Brett commented, "<i>I directed all my fans to send my gifts to St. Jude's, Smile Train, And Toys For Tots. Or any other great children's charities they can find.</i>"<br />
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Don't you just dig that? Nothing would make my heart grow and glow brighter if you donated a gift to my charity of choice this season and just let me know who you are honoring in the comments below. If you choose another charity, PLEASE share it with a link. Let us all be able to bring joy to someone who has been down on their luck or have lived a lifetime of misfortune. Your kindness may be the little thing that gives them hope.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/mt/createCard.asp?c=etIQK6OYG&b=1454241&en=nsJNIZOEIaIRJXMALbIPIaOLJeKVI5OIKjIZLfMYH"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Project Angel Food</b></span></a> "F<i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">or LIFE, for LOVE, for as long as it takes</i>"Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-40093266675904515182010-12-01T09:31:00.000-06:002010-12-01T09:31:18.234-06:002010-12-01T09:31:18.234-06:00Motivation vs InspirationAs part of a promise to myself and coaching through Beachbody, I partake in daily personal development. It might be viewing a Joel Osteen clip on youtube, reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen or, more recently, listening to a Dr. Wayne Dyer audio book to and from work in my car.<br />
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Now, this may not be something any one of you reading this finds interesting. Some of you may think my choice of authors/orators is bumpkiss and foolishness. But guess what? I take away with it what is useful to me toward improving myself inside -- the outside will follow suit as I continue on the path of having a <a href="http://mentalorigami-wildhair.blogspot.com/2010/11/im-starting-love-affair.html">love affair with moi.</a><br />
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There is one particular passage that has stuck with me as I listened to Wayne Dyer discuss what it is that makes him do what he does in his lectures and seminars. What persuades him unknowingly to take on projects. <br />
<blockquote><i>Motivation is an external force while inspiration is an internal force. Motivation is focusing on the external – a goal, an outcome, an achievement. Inspiration is focusing on the internal – energy and intuition. Inspiration is being <i>in spirit </i>or in connection with a higher Intelligence. Motivation is based on a motive which is individual experience.</i></blockquote><br />
Whoa! Can I get that on my coffee mug, a tee shirt, a banner on my bedroom wall? Maybe it's trivial for you, but to me it means following what I feel is intrinsically driving me. That thing you cannot see, but offers up the sense there is something much greater.<br />
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Let's just say that I'm listening to the voices of <i>inspiration</i> and that <i>motivates</i> me beyond a realm ever thought to be worthy of a quest so great.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-23457095129027663132010-11-26T01:00:00.004-06:002010-11-26T01:00:05.076-06:002010-11-26T01:00:05.076-06:00LensCrafters Friends and Family Sale<a href="http://www.lenscrafters.com/wcsstore/CustomB2CStorefrontAssetStoreLC/LensCraftersOffer/FriendsandFamily/FriendsandFamilyUS.html">LensCrafters Friends and Family Sale</a><br />
<br />
Say what!? I've been an associate of<a href="http://www.lenscrafters.com/eyeglasses/designer-eyeglass-frames-sunglasses-and-contact-lenses"><b> Lenscrafters</b></a> for 14 years. I'm proudly part of the company that made ONE HOUR eyewear a possibility. Even more exciting is that I'm the lab manager at my location. Wave at me and my colleagues as you walk through the mall! <br />
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Former clients, we urge you to come back and see what's new.<br />
Click the link above and print out the valuable coupon. Use it between December 12-15. Stop by or call in advance to set up an eye exam. Plan ahead and bring in the family for great savings at America's leading eye care company. Let Lenscrafters be your "<i>trusted partner in helping you to see and look your best. That is what we do, and that's all we do</i>."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TO2njid_5fI/AAAAAAAABfA/QZeWfdres6Q/s1600/ClearanceEventtop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TO2njid_5fI/AAAAAAAABfA/QZeWfdres6Q/s400/ClearanceEventtop.png" width="400" /></a></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-2380643390017960192010-11-25T07:26:00.000-06:002010-11-25T07:26:58.297-06:002010-11-25T07:26:58.297-06:00Yam glop vs Sweet Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/5664b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/5664b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The shelves of Wal-Mart, as I entered the store, were lined with one of the most disgusting canned items known to man (besides peas -- am I right, Angie Bailey?) Yams. Candied yams to be more precise. First, let me say I question the validity of said claims that the item sloshing around in heavy syrup is, indeed, a yam. Hey! Look at the photo. Underneath the word YAM is the truth. <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/od/howtocookvegetables/a/sweetpotatodiff.htm">Yams and sweet potatoes</a> are not one in the same. This product is a mushy, detestable glurp in a can. It was a staple side dish at all the Thanksgivings at casa Rapier. Dump the can of candied <i>yams</i> into a casserole dish; cover with a pound of mini marshmallows and bake until golden brown. Yuck! I suppose it comes from the era when it was all a parent could do to get a kid to eat a vegetable so they'd slather it with cheese food or enough sugar to kill and entire nation (and it is) to make it palatable. You may as well give a kid a king size Hershey bar and call it a veggie.<br />
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It wasn't until I moved to Georgia that I learned of the glory of a sweet potato. It's hard to believe the southern fried capital of the world didn't manage to destroy the simplicity of the orange tuber by coating it in batter and throwing it in the deep fryer. Paula Deen surely adds a pound of butter per potato. Oh, there are some jacked up recipes that make me question the sugar to potato ratio. Sorry. I digress.<br />
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Consumption of the sweet potato for me requires nothing more than baking or microwaving. No thank you to the butter and brown sugar. Truly, they are sweet enough on their own if you ask me. Perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, but nothing more. I'll cook a couple ahead of time and refrigerate for later use. Once cooked and cooled, the skins are so easy to peel off. It's not unusual for me eat a sweet potato for breakfast. Just slice one up and, with a spritz of non-stick spray in pan, warm until the natural sugars brown the outside. This can be done by baking, too. Super easy side dish that doesn't rob you of the nutrients or flavor. Heavy syrups suck tushy, kids.<br />
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My rule: When it comes to vegetables, K.I.S.S them -- Keep It Simple SunshineMarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-33330552073835487332010-11-24T06:22:00.000-06:002010-11-24T06:22:32.162-06:002010-11-24T06:22:32.162-06:00My Rissy senses are tingling!Normally, I just read my horoscopes and get a chuckle. But the past couple have given me exactly what I need to hear. Quite honestly, deep down I am just a hippie chick who believes the cosmos-really-knows-me-best and delivers it if I keep my eyes open and my mind even <i>opener</i>. Just go with me on this and my mutilation of grammar.<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Leo</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Jul 23 - Aug 22)</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Your day can be mixed with contradictions because you may intuitively sense that you're on the edge of something big ... and although it's exciting to think that there are no limits to your far-reaching ideas now, you might have to face an unexpected obstacle. A seemingly insignificant social event can set you in a direction that is very advantageous to your career. Combining business with pleasure isn't always a wise idea, but today it may be just what the doctor ordered for your success.</div></blockquote><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TO0DOXDm3DI/AAAAAAAABe8/Va2XLCaqegk/s1600/unknowncuriosity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TO0DOXDm3DI/AAAAAAAABe8/Va2XLCaqegk/s320/unknowncuriosity.jpg" width="320" /></a>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-31821195823483459722010-11-23T12:16:00.000-06:002010-11-23T12:16:39.827-06:002010-11-23T12:16:39.827-06:00'O' to the 'M' to the 'G'!Check out this horoscope! I can dig it. Yes, please and thank you! Give me a double helping.<br />
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<blockquote style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You are stepping into a fun-filled phase when your life lightens and you want to express yourself in a more playful manner. Even if it's challenging to find everything you're seeking, you are still more willing to move forward with anticipation now, rather than shut down in fear. It's certainly more pleasurable to be with someone you like than spending your time alone wishing for company.</b></blockquote>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-75308300581722566222010-11-23T07:32:00.000-06:002010-11-23T07:32:01.218-06:002010-11-23T07:32:01.218-06:00Tell me more!Listen, my brain is a cavalcade of mish-mash lately. Bear with me as I try to regain my ability to write cohesively (if that is ever possible with me) and form a decent blog post. In the meantime, this handy Facebook tag-a-long will be quite useful. Thank you to my friend <b>Angie Bailey</b> of <i><b><a href="http://eclecticcatladyland.blogspot.com/">Catladyland </a></b></i>for bestowing this upon me. It came in the nick of time -- that's what friends are for!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOvBXDYo_gI/AAAAAAAABe4/Er2Ljf9CWD8/s1600/Babbling+toon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOvBXDYo_gI/AAAAAAAABe4/Er2Ljf9CWD8/s320/Babbling+toon.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<i>These rules apply if you're going to do this on Facebook. I'm not changing things up for the sake of the blog</i>.<br />
<br />
To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your title as "Getting to know each other!", tag 25 people including me (tagging is done in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.<br />
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1. What time did you get up this morning?<br />
<b>5:36</b><br />
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2. How do you like your steak?<br />
<b>Rare -- meaning, I rarely eat red meat. It's nothing personal against cows nor is it a moral statement. My body dislikes it.</b><br />
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3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?<br />
<b>Wow, it's time to go to the movie theater. I can't ... wait. It's coming to me. "How To Train Your Dragon."</b><br />
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4. What is your favorite TV show?<br />
<b>Of all time or just currently? Old shows: The Bob Newhart Show; Dick Van Dyke; The Brady Bunch (shut your pie hole); I Love Lucy. Current programs: The Good Wife; Glee; Castle (me-to-the-yow @ Nathan Fillion); Community (another me-to-the-yow @ Joel McHale); The Soup.</b><br />
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5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?<br />
<b>I've been so few places. This is a blank options area. Just take me away! </b><br />
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6. What did you have for breakfast?<br />
<b>Nothing beyond coffee. I know I should eat sooner, but it doesn't bode well with my stomach if I do. Today will probably be steel cut oatmeal with a drizzle of coconut nectar.</b><br />
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7. What is your favorite cuisine?<br />
<b>There is little that I do not covet.</b><br />
<br />
8. What foods do you dislike?<br />
<b>Canned sardines; herring; pickled pigs feet</b><br />
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9. Favorite Place to Eat?<br />
<b>In the home of a friend</b><br />
<br />
10. Favorite dressing?<br />
<b>Raspberry vinaigrette or Bleu Fromage</b><br />
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11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?<br />
<b>Saturn L300</b><br />
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12. What are your least favorite clothes?<br />
<b>Bra -- but it's an evil that must be worn; hence the sub-title of my blog</b><br />
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13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?<br />
<b>I'm game for nearly any where -- Australia since they speak English-ish. </b><br />
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14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?<br />
<b>Why can't it just be full?</b><br />
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15. Where would you want to retire?<br />
<b>I need year round warmth. In fact, for the other travel/locale questions, make it year round warm places. K-thanks.</b><br />
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16. Favorite time of day?<br />
<b>The time I get home from work, whenever that may be.</b><br />
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17. Where were you born?<br />
<b>St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, IL.</b><br />
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18. What is your favorite sport to watch?<br />
<b>Is ball room dancing a sport?</b><br />
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19. Who do you think will not tag you back?<br />
<b>Oh, the possibilities are endless</b><br />
<br />
20. Person you expect to tag you back first?<br />
<b>Angie's reply is way funnier than any one I could come up with "Tito Jackson"</b><br />
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21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?<br />
<b>None of you really intrigues me, but for the sake of sport, I want to know every thing about each and every one of you equally.</b><br />
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22. Bird watcher?<br />
<b>Only on the interstate at 80mph</b><br />
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23. Are you a morning person or a night person?<br />
<b>I'm a mid-day person</b><br />
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24. Do you have any pets?<br />
<b>Dos gato</b><br />
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25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?<br />
<b>I'm on a quest to find the key to my chastity belt! Who has a metal detector?</b><br />
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26. What did you want to be when you were little?<br />
<b>A grown up</b><br />
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27. What is your best childhood memory?<br />
<b>With all sincerity I had many. Riding on the back of my Dad's motorcycle and hanging out with him at his barbershop springs to mind first.</b><br />
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28. Are you a cat or dog person?<br />
<b>I'm a person who lives with 2 cats. I have never had a dog.</b><br />
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29. Are you in a relationship?<br />
<b>Only with myself and imaginary lovers.</b><br />
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30. Always wear your seat belt?<br />
<b>Click-it or Ticket!</b><br />
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31. Been in a car accident?<br />
<b>A couple small fender benders. </b><br />
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32. Any pet peeves?<br />
<b>Endless</b><br />
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33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?<br />
<b>Yes, please.</b><br />
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34. Favorite Flower?<br />
<b>Daisies </b><br />
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35. Favorite ice cream?<br />
<b>I don't crave it often. Usually fruit based flavors. Chunky Monkey makes me happy.</b><br />
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36. Favorite fast food restaurant?<br />
<b>In the sea of all that sucks, I'd say (same as Angie) Jimmy John's because it's "freaky fast!" The crusty wheat bread is yummers.</b><br />
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37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? <b> </b><br />
<b>I didn't</b><br />
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38. From whom did you get your last email?<br />
<b>Uh, I knew there was something I didn't do today. Do Facebook messages count?</b><br />
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39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?<br />
<b>Well, in a world where people are ass deep in debt this might sound terribly unusual, but I do not possess a credit card.</b><br />
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40. Do anything spontaneous lately?<br />
<b>This word spontaneous -- can you define it, please?</b><br />
<br />
41. Like your job?<br />
<b>Sure! This week I love it. I have my reasons for why. If you work with me then you already know.</b><br />
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42. Broccoli?<br />
<b>??? Mulva?</b><br />
<br />
43. What was your favorite vacation?<br />
<b>Damn! I keep intending on taking one of those things</b><br />
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44. Last person you went out to dinner with?<br />
<b>Mancub</b><br />
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45. What are you listening to right now?<br />
<b>Gene Simmons Family Jewels on the telly</b><br />
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46. What is your favorite color?<br />
<b>Periwinkle</b><br />
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47. How many tattoos do you have?<br />
<b>Zero</b><br />
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48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? <b> </b><br />
<b>How many readers does this blog have? I don't know either, but consider yourselves tagged and if you have a blog, provide your adoring fans with a link back to my little humble spot in the blogosphere. It's only fair!</b><br />
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49. What time did you finish this quiz?<b> </b><br />
<b>7:24 am</b><br />
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50. Coffee Drinker?<br />
<br />
<b>Only every single day of the year!</b>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-73075388275399399012010-11-21T20:10:00.000-06:002010-11-21T20:10:59.801-06:002010-11-21T20:10:59.801-06:00One ringy-dingyHere I am noshing on a Honeycrisp apple. If you've never eaten one then you're truly missing out on one of nature's most delightful snacks. But that is not what this post is about. Nope. I just wanted to explain the reason my keyboard is sticky -- an excuse for my typos, by the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOnPnPpnLuI/AAAAAAAABe0/OqUvr9rFrlQ/s1600/ernestine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOnPnPpnLuI/AAAAAAAABe0/OqUvr9rFrlQ/s200/ernestine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I worked all day and it wasn't until around 4:30 that I was struck with a serious case of the yawns. My sleepiness can be blamed on staying up later than my usual 10:30 PM bedtime. I know! Outrageous party animal am I! It was around 12:30 AM when my phone was going dead for the second time. Obviously the cosmic gods were telling me to go to bed. You see, Saturday night brought some serious catch up with the best friend I've never met. My house phone battery went belly up -- yes, I'm a weirdo with a land line. Immediately after that I grabbed my cell which had been charging. I knew my Blondie gal in Cali and I had babbled and laughed for a few hours. It wasn't until this evening that, out of curiosity, I checked the call log to see what time she originally gave me a jingle. The digital read out let me know the exact time of 6:20 PM. Please note above the time that I remarked when we finally hung up. Damn! I imagine how long that call would have taken if we were textaholic teens.SIX HOUR PHONE CALL! It was just what the doctor ordered. One more reminder that it is not necessary for me to lead a total solitary life.<br />
<br />
In the course of that phone call I drank a bottle of wine that had taken up residence on my kitchen counter since April 2010. Without being able to fully explain why, it was the most therapeutic bottle of wine ever to pass over my lips. Shot to hell was my diet for the day, but what a cathartic sense of relief for it to no longer be a reminder of a 'once upon a time' that will never be. Even though my phone-in-friend couldn't toast with me, she was along for the ride. I let her know the story behind the Cabernet sauvignon. Normally I avoid red wines as they always leave me feeling like crap the next day. Clearly the forces of good karma were with me as I didn't suffer a hangover. <br />
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I'm really not sure where else to go with this post. Typically there's an attempt to connect the introduction to the final sentence. This time not so much. I hope you enjoyed the middle. Consider it like eating an Oreo sans cookie portion.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-37489545509666306262010-11-21T08:44:00.000-06:002010-11-21T08:44:31.677-06:002010-11-21T08:44:31.677-06:00Oy!I realize that nothing has been posted here since November 16. Five days! In blog days that's like a months. Sorry. I've been preoccupied with work. Not to mention there really isn't anything interesting or amusing taking place in the House of 'Riss.<br />
<br />
I'm working out regularly. Oh yeah, that's not news. I paid a visit to <a href="http://www.kankakeenaturalfoods.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=3FE7C27F4D9349B6A72458D4C02E7D36">Kankakee Natural Foods</a>. It is not nearly as vast as <b>Whole Foods</b> that all my friends seem to be enamored with, but it's a nice little store with all the essentials. It'll be a cold day before this community sees the likes of Whole Foods, me thinks. Wal-Mart is simply no place to find the best in natural or organic foods. That's not to say I'm a health freak/warrior. But variety of tofu is not readily available at the mega-mart. Nor is coconut nectar, coconut juice etc...<br />
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Now that you've come to my blog aren't you happy I haven't been blogging lately? Seriously, could I be more boring? When my day off finally gets here I will write or post a video blog to spice things up. In the meantime, check out my older posts. You know, back when I had an imagination and a life beyond the walls of an optical lab.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-44574878645731049152010-11-16T22:18:00.000-06:002010-11-16T22:18:02.482-06:002010-11-16T22:18:02.482-06:00Free for the holidaysYou've seen it. You want it. Don't put it off! Commit and get<i><b> 25% off retail price.</b></i><br />
Summer weddings? Graduation? Bikini weather? It will all be here before you know it. Do you see your pharmacist as much as you see your kids? Maybe it's time to take control of your health care. <i>Let's do this thing together!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MissRiss65?bctid=632106888001">It's FREE until the end of 2010. </a></span>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6667863265247186336.post-40837815008274004232010-11-14T18:56:00.000-06:002010-11-14T18:56:00.496-06:002010-11-14T18:56:00.496-06:00"Face it, lady, we're younger and faster! "Ladies, let's face it! Being a woman is difficult in the realm of ... well, nearly everything when compared to men. That's particularly true when it comes to losing weight. Difficulty goes up when you're a female over 40. Now I'm over 45 (just turned in August) and I read articles about the collection of belly blubber thanks to my ever decreasing estrogen levels. Seriously, hormones can just suck it!! Hey, at least my libido is decreasing, right? With no applicable suitors hot on my tail, I guess that's a perk.<br />
<br />
Another downside of trying to lose a lot of weight at my age is that ye olde metabolism is ridiculously slow. Imagine Barney Fife trying to push a stalled Amtrak uphill while wearing stilettos. In the snow. Yes, it's laughable!<br />
<br />
Working out is my best defense partnered with eating right. It's ever apparent that, unlike my early to mid twenties, that doing 45 minutes of high impact aerobics four times a week and eating 'as usual' will not get rid of the gushy-mushy-tushy. In order to drop the squishiness that is my thickened torso is to eat low-fat, low calorie, high fiber foods AND workout 5-6 days a week for 30 minutes or more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOCEkirF6QI/AAAAAAAABew/S-3_KqOJtTw/s1600/helen_mirren_bikini%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g0XuE4pwgbg/TOCEkirF6QI/AAAAAAAABew/S-3_KqOJtTw/s320/helen_mirren_bikini%25282%2529.JPG" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Mirren: Hope for women of a certain age</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One day I will post a video of me working out. Put on your Depends because it is guaranteed to make you shit yourself with laughter.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640540606897546407noreply@blogger.com4