Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[laughinplace199]

Hello Ohana-ers? Ohana-ites? Ohan-ians? All right, moving along.....

The mixer question.....Costco'ed, Trader Joe'd, Meijer'ed, BBQ-ed, Biked, ran, planted (butt and flowers--although not in the same place!), read (Alexnader McCall Smith--always good for a little light reading), other random household things (vacuum the dog), and for the piece de resistance....made vanilla and chocolate ice cream, along with homemade hot fudge and caramel sauce. Add the nuts, strawberried, pineapple and whipped cream, schlep into work and it was sundaes for all today!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone.

Maura-Goof

Hi Maura,

Which Alexander McCall Smith book are you reading? I just finished Tea Time for the Traditionally Built.

The ice cream, sauces, and toppings sound awesome! Caramel is one of my all-time favorite foods. Can I come to your house next Memorial Day weekend?

 

[jbucci]

JenG: I'll echo the acdive of my fellow cousins. I had a similar sounding illness last week-- it flattened me, I came home from work and went straight to bed several days in a row. The only time I stayed awake was when DD5 complained that I hadn't played with her and she missed me. Maternal guilt kept me up for about an hour before I went to bed. I just started to run again this week and it has been really tough. I'd give yourself a chance to recover and do some nice taper runs. As for where to stay ??? we were in SSR last year and the bus worked really well. You will basically need a bus wherever you are staying. You could walk back to BCV or BWV if you have your park ticket with you, but you will need you ticket to "cut through" Epcot. I'm going to try to call at the 7 month window and see if I can get BLT, BCV or BWV, I currently am booked at Kidani Village-- we'll see what happens.

Jeanne: for a "yes" to NYC. We'd love to see you at Goofy too-- heck, it there is a 1 bedroom BLT available I'll host the ice cream party at our place Have fun at Disney, even if it rains it will be fun-- it'll keep the crowds down for you.

My weekend was actually one of the first nice, relaxing ones for a while (vacation excluded). We visited friends at the Jersey Shore on Friday night and slept at their place so we could hit the boardwalk on Sat. We dipped our feet in the cold ocean and played on the sand a bit, rode tons of rides, ate pizza and came home for the kids to nap and grown-ups to play games. The night ended with smores around a fire in the backyard. Sunday we relaxed at home and opened our pool-- a really lovely shade of green (kind of fits for honoring the vets, but not so good for swimming). Yesterday we went to see Star Trek I really enjoyed the movie-- yes, it was filled with coincidences and fluff, but it was fun. I laughed a lot at he interaction between Bones and Kirk and absolutely loved Scotty's character. We decided the movies was made to be viewed and enjoyed, not analyzed and that is what we did.

 

[deekaypee]

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Days. We didn't do much out of the norm for us. Saw Terminator Salvation and agreed we should have seen Night in the Museum II as recommended by many of you. Did some biking, coffee shop visiting, and reading. And we went to a book talk about WWII radio operators in observation of the holiday.

Tonight, we go to the advanced screening of Up, then off to bed. We fly out for Stratford, Ontario & the Shakespeare Festival at 7.30 a.m. tomorrow for a five-day working weekend. We'll bring a computer, but I don't know how much time or online access I'll have. So as the end of the month approaches, know that I'm rooting for all of you to reach your May goals, even if I'm not here cheering you on!

Jeanne: Have you decided to go with your pedometer strategy for the upcoming vacation? I have one I pull out for just such occasions and think it would be a good idea. Especially if it's going to be rainy while you're there and you'll be tempted to stay indoors and, I don't know, visit the local watering holes. Speaking of watering holes, you'll have to let me know what you think of The Wave. We were there in January and what I remember most about my meal was the drinks.

Your Memorial Day weekend sounded so relaxing and I envy you those ultra portable computers. I want one, so be sure to let us know how you like it. I'd never heard of an OWL either, and now I want one of those too!

Nancy: Are you sure DS #2 and his friend won't be dealing with two tipsy Riesling drinkers? Nawww. I KNOW you know how to handle your alcohol.

Maria: I'll be watching your no diet soda strategy like a hawk, as I'm doing with Beth. I'm very curious. In the meantime, how frustrating to gain a pound after one off-plan meal. Please focus on how well you're doing with that mileage of yours! Oh, and you know how I feel about conventions...still hoping to make it to the mecca of Comic-Con!

Congratulations to Dennis on his great 1/2! I'm glad it was a good race for him and a productive weekend for you. (How's the cat? Still traumatized?) And I hope you're not too traumatized by the ongoing crisis mode of work. Gotta love that management style. For some reason, crisis modes make me sleepy. I guess stress makes me want to nap?

Kathy: Yes, 1968 was a vintage year. And you're a cougar. Mrrrreooow. Be sure you follow the lead of Jeanne and Nancy. They collect cabana boys when they go on vacation. 40+ is a wonderful time. Are you doing Baltimore?

Richard: You sweet talker, you! I'm not nearly as young as all that. Older than I act, though. WTG with all the activity this weekend, especially for the 1700 yard swim. I can't imagine going that far or long in the water, as I've mentioned. But wow--exceeding Olympic distance. That's got to feel incredible! Your tri training for the Austin/Clear Lake City event is off to a rocking start! You definitely earned some tasty grilled goodies.

Mel: I'm so sorry to hear about your dog situations. I'm sure doggy obedience class is going well, and I'm thinking positive thoughts for your old dog and the surgery. I hope to hear an update soon, and that she's not in pain. And I'm also sending PD for your migraine & allergies. It sounds miserable and while there's no good time to be miserable, Memorial weekend feels a little more unfair than others.

Mel and Jackie: Hugs for your DDs growing up. An exciting time, I'm sure, but also a little bittersweet I would imagine.

Jackie: I'm sure DH must have puffed up a little at Jeff's acknowledgement of his determination. I hope you patted yourself on the back, too, because you were a BIG factor in your DH's determination to finish. I envy you getting to hear/mingle with Galloway, too. Very inspiring. Not sure it would make up for 2.5 miles with a downpour, though.

Corinna: You're not a cliche, you're an example of a healthy eater! AND an example of a winner! Big congrats on winning the Athena division with your great 5K time! And I'm sure everyone loved hearing your racing history--it's a great anecdote. Thanks for your assessment of the IMAX/Star Trek experience. I have reservations similar to you about the huge screens, and have to train my eyes to see differently. If that makes any sense. I'm planning on seeing Harry Potter that way, though, and have high hopes for a visual feast.

JenG: I think you've got your base down, so I'd stick with your taper if you mentally feel comfortable doing so. Running is such a mental game for me, though, that I'll admit that I'd probably do higher mileage on the taper than what my plan called for. But that's because I'm a freak. I really think you SHOULD do the marathon, but you know that. Too bad I can't be much help with you for DVC, as unfortunately we don't own. (I like the idea of the Contemporary, though.) I haven't traveled as far as California for the race, but North Dakota. I'd think you could do a Thursday morning/Friday a.m.-Sunday night /Monday stay. A Thursday/Monday would be better. I wouldn't do a Saturday/Sunday or Monday, but that's me. I'm just not a very energetic person.

Julie: Congratulations on your accidental 1/2 marathon, with its PR to boot! So your neighborhood is filled with "hang-out" houses? I want to live there--and not just for the cafe and tasty beverages! Y'all sound very laid back.

Oh, and my reading's not that organized--I just have library books due!

Maura: My big question for you is, how does one vacuum a dog? Also, your ice-cream making skills need to visit Julie's sidewalk cafe, and I need to sample all the goodies! I'd make a trip for the company and the ice cream would just top it all off!

Jack: Hugs to you for Memorial Day and the loss your father. Your do honor to him and to the holiday. And Taking Chance seems appropriate to watch this weekend. DOOD and I watched Kelly's Heroes and Sergeant York on TCM.

JenB: I'm so glad you had a relaxing weekend. You so deserve it. And smores sound absolutely decadent. I'm also glad you were able to enjoy Star Trek, although for me the analysis of any movie is more than 1/2 the fun! (Ahhh, academia has ruined me. )

 

[laughinplace199]

Debra, have a great trip!

 

[grizbuzz]

Thanks for all the great advice!

OK, I am going to try to answer you all individually. Please have patience if I mix anyone/anything up. It's going to be much easier to keep everyone straight once I meet you all face to face!

Julie: I think I'll stick to the regular taper. Right now, I'm still not feeling well and am having a hard time keeping up with even the regularly scheduled program. Must feel better tomorrow! If not, I'm actually going to call the doctor.

Jeanne: Good advice on BLT and the monorail. I'll see what's available at the 7 month mark (and also need to check the point requirements). I can't imagine waking up so early? 4am bus? Eegads!

Have fun at Disney!

JenB: Hope you feel all better soon. Good advice on the tickets. I hadn't thought about whether or not I plan on going to the parks. I've gotten used to Disneyland annual passes where I don't have to worry about each and every ticket I use. I only have 3 days left on my WDW non expiration pass, so I do need to preserve those. Good luck switching to BLT, BWV or BCV at the 7 month mark. I may be racing you to the phones to get a reservation. Then again, I may not be getting up that early. :0

Debra: Have a great trip! I definitely would like to stay a few days if I go to WDW for the marathon, so probably would get in on Friday and leave Monday.

Anyone have any tips re. the jet lag??

Thanks again everyone for your good and quick advice.

And for the Monday mixer, didn't do much this past weekend. Went to Night at the Museum with the kids and just did a lot of resting and trying to get healthy with a small bit of running sprinkled in.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maura: My big question for you is, how does one vacuum a dog? Also, your ice-cream making skills need to visit Julie's sidewalk cafe, and I need to sample all the goodies! I'd make a trip for the company and the ice cream would just top it all off!

I did this too... can't pull out the vacuum without both dogs jumping with excitement. Sienna's favorite playtime is for me to use the hose by itself and let her follow it around with her paws, and occasionally she gets brave and tries to eat it. The look on her face when it grabbed her tongue was priceless!

Jeanne - I don't think Bill will officially sign up for Galloway, but he does want to do a couple of runs with us. I've registered for the Richmond full (Nov 14), but want to do a half sometime before then. I REALLY want to do Baltimore, but don't know if timing and money will allow. I think I'm going to volunteer for City of Oaks instead. OBX is on the 2010 calendar - can't do it this year since it's too close to Richmond. And Bill and I are still negotiating for January - I'm online with Marathon Travel right now looking at what it would cost us to do the Half.
Which laptop did you buy? Bill just bought an Acer to add to his collection...

Debra - I read a review last week (I think on AllEars) of The Wave. Thought about you when I read it. They were NOT kind! All I remembered about your experience was the drinks too - wonder why?

Mel - Should have kept my mouth shut yesterday. Migraine hit in force today at work. (Plus it's rained all day) Somehow I have to get in a couple of runs this week while my head is pounding!

I've finished the entire Diana Gabaldon series now. Have to wait for the next book (sometime in September). Am reading Nevada Barr's Borderline now (it was due yesterday...) Then on to Lisa Scottoline's Lady Killer. Like Debra, mine are scheduled by due date! Will try to get 3 miles in tomorrow...

Jackie

 

[deekaypee]

I just got back from Up. It's well worth seeing, one of the best films I've seen this so far year. DOOD calls it codger-rific. (Apparently that's a good thing. ) I'll see if I can squeeze out more time for a review later, but I'm off to finish packing and go to bed!

 

[tiberius]

Richard: good luck with the triathlon training. What is the difference between your event and an Ironman (half-ironman)?

Jeanne -
Olympic Triathlon - 1500 meter swim (.93 miles)/40K (24.8 miles) bike/10K (6.2 miles) run
Half Ironman - 1.2 mile swim/56 mile bike/13.1 mile run
Ironman - 2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run

Or something close to that, anyway!

Debra - I'll always sweet-talk you!!
I would hate to think I need a "codger-friendly" movie, but it's nice to know I might like it anyway. Enjoy the trip!



I've tried to vacuum my Golden before, but she's too skittish for the vacuum. Too bad, considering all the hair I can get out with a brush...yesterday I could've built a small dog out of what I had left over from grooming!

 

[jmasgat]

Hey guys,

Just popping back over for a quick hello.

Julie I am also reading Tea Time for the Traditionally Built. Then it will be The World According to Bertie.

Debra One vacuums a dog with a vacuum, of course! Actually, we can sometimes get him to sit while we use a small brush. But for really getting a bunch of fluff off, we have The Furminator. Yes, it sounds like a "As Seen on TV" item, and it probably is, but man does that thing take off a lot of hair. Sadly, it is all a losing battle, because he seems to regenerate it in orders of magnitude greater than he sheds it. (My DH would probably shave him if he could)

Maura

 

[laughinplace199]

Hey guys,

Just popping back over for a quick hello.

Julie I am also reading Tea Time for the Traditionally Built. Then it will be The World According to Bertie.Debra One vacuums a dog with a vacuum, of course! Actually, we can sometimes get him to sit while we use a small brush. But for really getting a bunch of fluff off, we have The Furminator. Yes, it sounds like a "As Seen on TV" item, and it probably is, but man does that thing take off a lot of hair. Sadly, it is all a losing battle, because he seems to regenerate it in orders of magnitude greater than he sheds it. (My DH would probably shave him if he could)

Maura

Maura,

What do you think of the 44 Scotland Street series? I've only read the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and I loved them. I'd be interested in hearing how his other books/series compare.

 

[padisneyfan]

Morning Cousins

Had a busy Memorial Day weekend. Sat and Sun we worked around the house. Norm cleaned the deck and then was able to get the sealer on it before rain came Sun night. We got the mulching done. We did our shopping at Lowes and bought a new table and chairs for the patio. My old set was 15 years old and the chairs were getting worn out. On Memorial day we were able to play golf. I have to keep my golf skills up so that I can beat Jeanne when we play at WDW.

I have eaten at the WAVE twice now and really like the food and the wine. I don't put much into restaurant reviews. It seems the places I like to eat at others complain about. Really if I don't have to cook it any place is fine with me.

Jeanne-- I did check the weather and it looks more like typical FL summer weather, chance of thundershowers each day except Sun is sunny. I don't care for myself, but since we have Kevin with us and he hasn't been to WDW in years I hope that he can get to do the things he wants without heavy downpours.

I am going to go to Intervals class again tonight. Someone asked what it is. It is a mix of cardio and strength building. It is high energy cardio and alot of reps for the strength building. You do burn alot of calories and it is such a different workout from what I normally do.

Adding UP to movies I will try to see this summer. If I don't see it in the movie theatre maybe I can catch it during my Disney cruise in Oct.

Has anyone been following the Jon&Kate plus 8 craziness. They live only 90 minutes from me and it is the train wreck that you can't stop looking at. After watching Monday nights episode, TLC really needs to take the show off the air as I felt I was watching something that should be handled in private not on TV. So I am going to try to not watch any further episodes. I say that now to see if I can really turn away from the train wreck.


Nancy

 

[jbucci]

Nancy: I'm with you... can't stop watching train wreck... I did my residency at Hershey Med Center, where these babies were born so I feel a strange connection to the whole thing. Have a good trip.

 

[jmasgat]

Julie I like the 44 Scotland Street series. Such fun characters, and changing stories. Makes me want to visit Edinburgh. Maybe next year when our best friends relocate to St Andrews!

Maura

 

[laughinplace199]

Julie I like the 44 Scotland Street series. Such fun characters, and changing stories. Makes me want to visit Edinburgh. Maybe next year when our best friends relocate to St Andrews!

Maura

Good to know. I'll have to give that series a try.

I love the way he writes. I can see why reading the books would make you want to visit Edinburgh (and I hope that you get the chance). Every time I read one of the No. 1 Ladies books, I almost want to visit Botswana. If only there weren't snakes, scorpions, and the occasional lion...

 

[grizbuzz]

I did a one hour run with hills today. I was pretty beat from it, as this flu bug isn't completely out of my system. I'm hoping for a really good 60 minute long run this weekend where I feel much stronger.

OMG...I wish I weren't so interested in this Jon and Kate fiasco. I told myself not to watch the season premiere, but then of course I did. It was upsetting. Sad to see how much their marriage unraveled in one short year. I hope they can turn it around. Getting off the air would probably be a good start. Must not watch anymore and fuel this madness!

 

[padisneyfan]

Nancy: I'm with you... can't stop watching train wreck... I did my residency at Hershey Med Center, where these babies were born so I feel a strange connection to the whole thing. Have a good trip.

JenB--That should qualify you to make statements to the press about J&K.

OMG...I wish I weren't so interested in this Jon and Kate fiasco. I told myself not to watch the season premiere, but then of course I did. It was upsetting. Sad to see how much their marriage unraveled in one short year. I hope they can turn it around. Getting off the air would probably be a good start. Must not watch anymore and fuel this madness!

JenG--You and 9 million other people(including myself). It is hard to avoid them anymore since even HLN has stuff about them, every magazine at the store and all the blogs out there. They really do need to get if off the air, but with those ratings TLC isn't going to pull the plug anytime soon. Good job on getting your run in despite not feeling well.

Julie-- I read the No 1 Ladies book for the first time while I was recuperating and did enjoy them. Doesn't HBO have a series from the book?

I am off work today and already printed out my boarding passes. Did the interval class yesterday which again was a killer class. Going to head out soon to the gym to do 60 minutes on the elipical. Then back home to pack my carry on and do errands.

That's all for now.

Nancy

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I agree, I wish I could quit you, John & Kate...

It is so very sad, but I can't seem to look away. I actually don't think they were that happy for quite awhile. I know that what we see is edited, but I always thought if she'd treat him like that while she was being filmed, who knew how bad it was when they weren't filming? And he also seems to lack much of a backbone, so his apparent actions don't surprise me, either. Plus, I can't imagine being responsible for the care and feeding of eight other people! That is a major stressor, even if you have the $ and nannies of the Jolie-Pitts.

Today is the day I get back on track and reclaim my workouts, eating, and myself. I realized we leave 3 weeks from today for Orlando, and my new swimsuit would fit a bit better 5 lbs. less. It's ok, but it won't be after I gain weight on the vacation, so best to slim as much as possible before I go. Of course, it's the belly of the beast that needs the most work, so I'm recommiting to my half-hearted effort to avoid soda, and also dumping candy and chips, even baked and in 1 oz. portions. I can do this for 3 weeks!

Maria

 

[jeanneg]

I have never watched J&K+8.......don't even know what day or time it is on. I have to agree though, it is on the cover of every single magazine at the supermarket checkout line, so there's just no escaping it. And of course, with all the hype, I'm now totally curious.

Nancy: Have a safe trip down to the world. Jason and Michele are scheduled to arrive about 25 minutes before we do so if there's any line at ME we should be on the same bus to OKW. The plan is to spend the day at HS. We're having dinner at Shutters at 6:30 and they are dining elsewhere. We need to take a bus back to a park to get home and depending on how tired we are we may just visit that park for an hour or so or go directly back to the room and open our wine. Do you want me to call you Saturday night or just wait until we meet for lunch on Sunday? We have requested a Pennisular Road unit, what about you? Oh, and don't worry about golf......you WILL beat me, I promise. See ya soon!

Deb: I will try to tally up my miles and minutes before I go. Then when I get back, I'll just have to add in the last 2 days. Yes, I am taking my pedometer to keep me motivated. I got a new battery and redid all the settings so I'm good to go. Of course, it's nothing like my Garmin, but will give me an indication of what my activity level is. Even though we have the meal plan, I've made a conscious resolution to eat healthy. I'll probably fall off the wagon at some point, but if I at least start off on the right track it should have some merit.

Well I got my pedicure yesterday and they were able to put an acryllic nail on my demented toe! Today I have to go back for my manicure since I didn't have enough time for both. Other than that, I'm all packed and ready!

 

[Creativebeth]

Have a great time Nancy and Jeanne.......I know you will!

Beth

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Cousins!

Jen G - I hope you're feeling better and that the rest of your training goes well. I can't wait to hear about the race. When is it?

Nancy - Yes, the No 1 Ladies is an HBO series. Unfortunately, I don't have HBO. I'm hoping it will eventually make its way to Netflix. Have a great time in WDW!

Debra - Hi. I hope you're having a nice time.

Maria - Good luck with your plan to slim down before your Orlando trip. I bet cutting back on the little things like soda and chips (even baked or 100 calorie packs) can make a big difference. I have no doubt you will suceed!

Jeanne - I thought I was the only one who didn't watch J&K+8. I'm glad to know I'm not. I hope that you and Nancy have a wonderful trip. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it when you return.

I haven't run or done my IT Band exercises since Sunday, so I really need a kick in the butt to get my act together. This week has been really busy with lots of school and sports stuff. Thanks goodness school is almost out. Also, my DS2 had a doctor's appt today and they sent us to have him tested for celiac. I really hope he doesn't have it. We'll find out the results in about a week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the test will be negative.

Hello to Mel, Corinna, Jen B, Richard, Kathy, Jen, and all of my cousins. Have a great week.