Wacky West Virginia

Oh this is rich! I love to pick on Jenna about West Virginia. Oh, it just cracks me up when I hear a WV joke----or even better, find true "jokes" about the WV population. And I have a good truth to share. After that I would like to share a funny WV joke told to me last week!



According to some study, WV is the most drugged up state in the nation. 30% of it's adult population has poor mental health! Patients are on too many medications at once. There are other highest rates---like heart disease. Jen, you may want to get out of there before you become another statistic. Or, are you already? Check out the link: WV Needs Rehab!

OH! I almost forgot the joke: The toothpick was invented by somone from WV. How do you know for sure? Because if the person had been from anywhere else it would have been called a"teeth"-pick! LMAO! You can also sub in toothbrush, here. Oh, I find this so funny. This one's for you Jenna!

Exercise Plan for Mom...and us! (except Jenna)

Busting Ass Issue

The Dealio:
Clay calls me to announce a visit to NC at the end of October. Yeah! He says they’ll only be here for a few days because it is a “business” trip. He wants to buy some land in NC. BUT---- there is a possibility they could stay longer. It all depends on my mom. Her goal is to lose some weight, get healthy, etc, etc. Clay made a deal with her. For every pound she loses, they will stay an extra day here in NC. He wants me to help motivate my mom. So, not only am I going to help motivate her, I’m also asking you guys to help me help her too! What do you say, Jenna and Elise? This is also a great opportunity for Cassie and Elise to join the cause, so to speak, and lose some weight. Jenna, if you want to join the game, then maybe you should make this a time to gain weight. Before you waste away that is! Jenna is not allowed to play if she plans on losing weight. I will smack her paper thin ass. No, seriously speaking, Jenna does need to gain weight. She can tell us all about her disappearing act as a response.

Let’s Get Started:
First and foremost, one cannot hope to lose weight on any diet without exercise. I have actually attempted this recently with Slim-Fast and now my body and I are at a stand-off. I did lose weight, but not anymore. Ok, I haven’t exactly stuck to the plan, but ….just forget it! Jeez, you guys know how to harass a girl!
I want to begin talking about time, methods, and different options before I suggest any plans. We are all women…I hope. We all want to improve our bodies. Actually, Jenna you can play along here. And I know we all have the famous problem spot: Abs. So, for starters I looked this thing up, of course. I didn’t want any hype about belly fat diets and exercises. Just to let you know, anything that contains the words “belly fat” is a BS plan to get you to try their shit. Move on, ladies. Secondly, I know as working mothers Ellie, Jenn, and I have time restrictions. Mom, I don’t know how strapped for time you are because you are childless and jobless. To me, that sounds like a free schedule. Ahem, hint, hint. Third, seeing that we want results quickly for mom and in a timely manner for ourselves, method is important. We don’t want to waste our time with BS ideas or routines that will demand too much time. With that said, let’s get started!

Ab-solutely Fabulous:
Abdominals are what make me cringe first when I look in the mirror. It’s great to look pregnant when in fact you are…but if you are not, it’s a horse of a different color! Then there is cellulite, flabby arms, wiggly inner thighs, and dropping-that-ass (not in the club scene way). Or is this just me? I doubt it. Lately, being summer and all, I have been going to the pool. Nobody is perfect is correct, ladies. Don’t hate on yourselves, trust me. Every female in a bikini does not belong in it. Know your limits. But, ya see, I want to change my limits. I want to get in a bikini. Yes. So, for this to happen, I need to work those abs! I have Ab Ripper X, which is a 15 minute “ab ripper” from P90X, which fits under the categories of fast and effective. But, you ladies don’t. This is why I decided to google it. I found a nice site that discusses the top 10 ab exercises according to a study done by The American Council on Exercise (ACE). I like how they suggested modified versions of some positions. Only downer is that some require equipment. So check out this site, referred to as AB1 following this paragraph. If you think I like to tell it how it is then you need to read the article on the site referred to as No BS Abs. This author really hit’s the nail on the head. There are some other helpful sites linked to at the end of the article. A comment was left about dancing. There is an idea for ya! I also found a cool site with free workout videos! Ooh, I found a site that has posted the ENTIRE Ab Ripper X ….and Team Beachbody has declared war! Check it out before it disappears like Jenna! Just click I Declare War link below!
AB1
No BS Abs
I Declare War

What about all this belly fat hype? Well, I found an informative site WebMD, that helps shed some light on the matter. Also, there are “secret foods” that will magically reduce belly fat. I found a lovely site with a list if you want to take a gander. Just look for the link “12 Foods” at the end of the paragraph. Oh, great, ladies. I’m about to get a “make-over”. So if this posts gets screwy from here on out---I apologize. I see Prevention Magazine boasting this diet all the time. It always makes me curious. I found it on the net. Click on How It Works below. On this subject, I say decide for yourselves.
12 Foods
How It Works

　
I’m Flabbergasted!:
Next up is flabby arms. If you have this problem, then you can relate: pointing to something out the window and seeing your own arm jiggle in the side mirrors! Oh the horror. This is what prompted me to try P90X again. Arrgh! Where do they come from? When did they pop up? I’m at a loss, here. I have never….if someone were to go get me in 94 or 95 and bring to me to now, I believe I would die or have an immediate exercise obsession! Jeez! I may slap my fat self. I don’t know, but my reaction would be anything but joy. Back to the point. I do have the Callanetics video which has a burning technique to rid you of this problem. And seeing that I found my long lost favorite, I’ll be burning in no time. But for those of you who do not have this video---all of you---I have searched for other options. Try having fun with it by playing tennis. This is good arm exercise. Oh joy, I read that in females that fat is primarily deposited in the belly, butt, and arms. The article of discovery also has a little workout plan for flabby arms. Check it out in the Chicken Wing Syndrome link below. It even has little moving how-to squares! And I even found a clip from my favorite video! So watch it for arm benefits in the Cally link below.
The Basics---this reminds me of P90X
Chicken Wing Syndrome
Cally
　
　
Thunder Thighs:
Now, it’s the inner thighs that make you do an inner cringe when trying on bathing suits. You know, I can’t remember my thighs before, but I do remember they didn’t look like this. Luckily, you can’t see “this” on the computer. I think that chicken wing site forgot all about the thunder thigh depository. But another site I stumbled across didn’t forget. Only they say its not easy getting sexy thighs, suggesting longer and more frequent workouts. Check it out in the Sexy Thighs link below. It even suggests a site with thigh workouts. I found a site called Livestrong.com that has a cool video series for your thighs. It also has links to some great thigh articles. Check out the livestrong link below. This is another area that is covered by Callanetics for me. Unfortunately, I could not find a video on this simple exercise. So, I’ll just tell you: Sit on the floor with a chair in front of you; put the sole of your foot on the outside of each leg (make sure your foot is turned so that the sole is on the outer part of the chair leg-- try to put the arch on the leg);now get a good “grip” and squeeze with your thighs for the count of 100 (try to squeeze the chair legs together, so to speak). The count must be like one-one-thousand--- not quick! It sounds easy---but I’m giving you a heads-up now.
Sexy Thighs
Livestrong Thighs
Cool use of weights---just scroll down to bottom of page to see pics and instructions
　
　
　
I Thought Dimples Were Supposed to Be Cute?:
What exactly is cellulite? Can you ever get rid of it? What can we do? I found a very good site: http://www.ridofcellulite.com/index.html. It even gives exercises to get rid of it. But don’t count on diet info---it basically debunks fad cellulite diets. Very interesting news just in: tight underwear may contribute to cellulite by limiting blood flow to the buttocks (in the case of ass dimples). Mom, you need to take notes on this tid-bit. I wonder if pants tight around the waist contribute to “behind the scenes with cellulite?” LMBO! I made a funny--to myself at least. If it does, Mom, you need to take notes again. Sorry to air out your dirty laundry, but I just have to say I TOLD YOU SO on wearing too tight clothes! Apparently, yoga is receiving positive publicity on kicking cellulite’s butt. This is just another reason to give yoga a chance. If you do decide to try yoga, remember to take it easy at first. It may seem like you aren’t doing anything until you feel it the next day. So, don’t overdo it. It is fun, challenging, and effective, but definitely not a joke.
Cellulite Exercise Info
Yoga and Cellulite
Awesome Site with pictures of poses! You can do it!
　

Back That Ass Up---to my teen years!:
Again, I can’t remember the exact condition of a body part (my ass), but I DO remember it wasn’t like it is now. I also remember it looked damn good. It seems my ass has dropped some---that’s the best way to describe the change I feel has taken place. I notice it everyday. Now, don’t get me wrong, my ass is still hot. I just feel I can improve it’s hotness. Squats have been said to the be the most common and effective exercise for your glutes. Yet walking, running, and climbing also do the trick. To get a more rounded, tighter look, you need to do strength training that targets this area of your body. For doing squats, form is important. Getting an exercise ball when you start out, will help master the form. Another good exercise for the butt is the lunge. It will also help with thighs and calves. Another bonus: it’s a good calorie burner too! Ooh, WebMD has an interesting twist on the lunge called the backwards lunge. I have trouble with the forward version! Let’s not forget about the side lunge, which also targets those inner thighs. Yoga is in the picture again. According to WebMD, the Bridge Pose is a good workout for the glutes, hamstrings, and hips. Check out this WebMD article---it has a lot of good stuff. It’s a slide show article, so it’s easy to follow.
WebMD butt article
Best 10 moves ---plus it gives links to other great sites
Prevention TV


Time Is of the Essence:

The number one excuse not to exercise is the lack of time. "i just don't have the time." Often enough I hear this red flag (or variation of) go off in my own head. The thing is, time is abundant. In my metaphysical journey, that your concept of abundance greatly affects the world as you know it. I won't go into detail because this is not the appropriate post. I will just say that time is abundant if we believe it is. When in a rush, say to yourself, "I have plenty of time to...." and soon enough you will see this truth manifest itself in your life. Enough. The point of that ramble is that we have the time! All we need to do is make, find it, rearrange it...do whatever magic you want to perform. Tony Horton (P90X) has a 10 minute workout series. I have it! I also have another 10 minute workout DVD set. Just 10 minutes. Do it 3 times in one day and yu just did a 30 minute workout. Do thirty minutes a day 3 times a week and you have done the suggested minimum for 1 week. It adds up to results. I'm sure setting your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier wouldn't be too hard to accomplish. Then do 10 minutes while dinner is cooking. Or while everyone eats their dinner! Elise used to do the Wii dance thing everynight when she got home from work. I know she can do 10 minutes of exercise. Then 10 minutes before bed. this is a great opportunity to incorporate yoga into your workout routine. Yoga can be so relaxing.

Target has a wholelist of 10 minute solutions. Wal-Mart has 39 “results”
Wii even has a 10 Minute Solutions game
Hell, Denise Austin has 5 minute Target Toners!---get this I even found a book of hers for 1 minute exercises on SwapTree!

Mom can do swimming exercises because she has a pool at her apartment. Here is an awesome videowith some pool moves. Fitness Magazine has a video how-to series that looks fun. And here is a final article from eHow on how to get an ab workout in the pool.

Mom also has a bike, ladies. This is great for the cardiovascular system. It causes less strain on the body than jogging. Sounds like a win-win situation. Cycling can be done as transportation, not just exercise. One can take a quick trip to the store for a small amount of groceries. You can go to the park. The possibilities are endless for Austin---seeing everything is all bunched up together. I came across this one site that boasts all the benefits of cycling. It also recommends some demanding time commitments. But, don’t let this discourage you, Mom, from reading it. Some good points are made. I found some biking info for Austin----so check it out Mom. I will be telling Clay all about this post. And for those of who don’t have a bike (or want to go cycling around town) there is always the option of a stationary cycle. My grandfather got one for 425 at The Salvation Army.
Cycling Page
Austin Bike Routes
Bicycle Austin

Another option for us is to join a gym or the Y. Gyms can be pricey. I’m sure they have promotions. Some have childcare areas. There are gyms that are open 24 hours. Most open very early in the morning. I do not know much about the Y, but I have heard great things. The Y appears to be cheaper (not counting promotional rates of Gyms I did not search) than Gyms. For 2 adults with dependents at my closest Y is $63 per month with a $75 joining fee. The amount of dependents is unlimited. Now that is something to think about. Elise you have to go to an Asheboro location. And I’m sure Jenna and Angie can find a location in their local areas. Note: family Y’s will be in YMCA’s not the YWCA’s. At least, those are the results I got in NC.

The most important thing about exercising is choosing something you will stick with in the long run. It doesn’t matter if you have the perfect video or best routine if you never do it. It’s also best to choose something that fits your time schedule. If something is too demanding you will eventually stop it. Take me for example, I love P90X, but it is very time demanding. I was up to Phase 2 and I hurt my back. After that, I gave up because I would have to start all over again. Which brings me to 2 other points. 1) Don’t expect perfection from yourself. If you miss a day, just keep going with the next step. I would beat myself up for this. If I missed a P90X session, I was sure I wouldn’t get in shape. Then the second time I did the program, I gave myself “mistake” room. I made it to Phase 2. Then after my stupid accident, I had to give my self 2 whole weeks to recuperate. Then Mom came into town. Thanks Mom! I didn’t put in the time I believe I needed, so I gave up. 2) This is where the stupid comes in. When doing an exercise routine, be sure to use the proper equipment, if any. Follow instructions and suggestions. I was not working my back in P90X because I can’t do pull-ups. I knew all I needed was a hook for my band. BUT NO…..I had to procrastinate (fancy term for being a habitual lazy ass). I kept saying, “I’ll be OK,” or “I’ll get it.” And then I hurt my back because I wasn’t training it. I can only blame myself. Not P90X. Tony gives plenty of how-to’s, advice ,warnings, and suggestions.

The next one is a no-brainer: do something you enjoy. I know Jenna finds it hard to believe, but I did enjoy P90X---or I would have never done it. Ya see, I would never go out cycling. I don’t like it. Running on a treadmill is enjoyable for me. I love Callanetics, but some may find it boring. I would probably enjoy Tennis. I love swimming, but when I took a Water Aerobics class in college, I didn’t find it challenging. I only spent about a week in it, but the pace wasn’t fast enough to keep me interested. So, from this little ramble of mine, I have learned something about myself. I like exercise that is challenging, fast-paced, and varied. It doesn’t have to all of the qualities, just enough of one to keep me interested. Callanetics is not fast-paced, but it is challenging. I also like exercise that has some sort of routine, or method. Callanetics definitely has that. P90X follows all of them, but it is very time demanding. It also requires a disciplined type of commitment. I have a problem there. So, I also need a routine that is a little more flexible. Another problem is I want immediate results. This is a BIG motivator for me to do P90X. This BIG want of mine also plays a BIG role in me losing interest in other routines. I’m going on about me! I hope this helped you analyze yourself.

How Disciplined are you?What is your schedule? Where can you pencil in exercise time?
What are activities you enjoy that can count as exercise? How can you make these into routines?
What things do you not like? This is just as important as things you do like.
What do you already have that can get you started? For example, I have a good amount of videos and DVD’s. I have 8lb weights and assorted bands.
What can you be committed to? I will not go to a gym on a regular basis, so it would be pointless to spend my money on a membership. I did this already.
　
This thing has gotten long enough. So, here’s the plan: 1)pick a routine. Use videos you already have or go to Wally World and pick up a 10 minuter. Hell, you can even make up your own with all the info I gave you. 2) Decide on a schedule. If need be, get up a bit earlier. Don’t be afraid to change the schedules of your children. This is a time when Mom comes first! You know the saying, “If Mom isn’t happy, then nobody is happy.”
3) Decide if you need any special equipment. I’ve been told 15oz cans of vegetables work as weights. A towel can act as a mat. Be creative if you can’t spend the money. Speaking of, Jenna, if you’re tight on money, a belly dancing video may be worth the investment. Which brings me to my last point, 4) have fun with it. Turn on the radio or pop in your favorite CD and DANCE! There are plenty of “dance instruction” videos on you tube. OK, I’ll be back in a day or two to discuss eating plans. Love you guys. And Lets Bust Some Ass!

Disclaimer: Cassie is not super-fat.
Ok, my youngest, Diana, just told me that I want to exercise because I don’t want to be fat forever. Now listen here, to all those reading this who do not know any of us: I am not a whale, cow, or manatee. I am not even 150 lbs---close, but no cigar. So, don’t get any pictures of some humungo-chick typing this post!

Just to Let You Know, Ladies

CASSIE HAS A NEW TOY!!! A LAPTOP! for school of course, but jeez...it's so awesome. I can play on the Internet anywhere. This makes it so easy to post on our blog, Facebook, write, learn....and be one of those odd people you see in restaurants or other public places that let all of life pass them by because they are absorbed in non-reality. Sorry, I went a bit Philly on ya (as in philosophical). I don't know if I'll even have time for all of that ignoring the real world. I'll be too busy doing homework, eating to stay alive, hopefully gym time, and of course kids and hubby. Eric was so jealous about my new toy. He pouted because he didn't get anything new and shiny. So ,then he informed me that he was getting new tools for work...because he needs them AND work is just as important as school. Whatever.

I'm also posting this because my mom has to lose weight because her and Cody made a deal of an interesting sort. And he asked me to get involved. More on that later. Until then, tootle-loo!

Cassie

P.S. I changed the background of the blog, in case you didn't notice. I liked the other one, but you couldn't see "the S is obvious" for the big Dandelion. And another "in case you didn't know" those wishy flowers are Dandelions. The leaves are edible and can be used in tea.

Happy New Year, with Sentiments, Elise

OMG....If you don't become a writer for a magazine or something...you are totally missing your calling my friend!! You are so good at this. I love it. I know you said that I have a blog but I don't know how to use it.

How did you find out about matt and his wife?

I loved the leftover ideas!! I was just fussing about that.

Am I suppose to reply in the form of an email? or the blog? If the blog...i need instructions!! lol

Elise

From Elise to Christmas in July

Hello Everyone!!!

wow! thanks cass, you really went all out on this...love it!!!! i had to share some of it with a co-worker, it is just hilarious!!!

Jenna:
Congrats my dear!! Its about time you lost that ball and chain!! I am so happy that you have taken charge again!! Its always been hard for me to think of you as "bitchy" (bitchy & librarian, just dont go together) but Im glad you are using that god given talent we women possess!! LOL...Anyway, right now my cell numbers are 336-555-HOTT or 336-555-BEST, whenever you wanna chat about nothing or you need some support!!

Angie:
Best wishes on the vegan lifestyle and the weightloss!!

I recently did the Wii Fit thing and OMG, I literally about passed out. It is official this job is killing me. I have gained 60lbs since I started here. I dont know what to do? Which end is up? Seriously....I've been looking for another house but thats not exactly working so I started looking for another job! Something has got to give, right?

Speak of the hideous beast...back to work I go!!

Elise

And we have a winner---and a stupid secret

Thank you, Jenna for responding! And we have a winner for the Star Bucks gift card. I was considering making it a Tate Street one so Jenna would have to use it here...hehehehehe. But it sounds like she needs a quicker pick-me-up. I posted it because 1) I didn't want to relay it myself and 2) to encourage our other members to see it on the blog! Plus, I want comments!

The names are necessary--even for passer-bys. If anyone is named, then we can be identified. Its bad enough we use real places. No Stefan--I stuck with Eric. It just rang with me. Maybe because Eric sounds like the yummiest vampire in the Sookie Stackhouse vampire series. Or maybe because I had a really big crush on a certain Eric in school. And HA, I can mention his first name because there are no other clues! Either way, I really wanted to name him Johnny Depp, but I didn't think that would be very ....idk...proper.

Oh, and this "you're-destined-because-you-can't-say-because-its-stupid" thing definitely needs to be shared! Oh yeah! Maybe we can have a little guessing game---see what stupid things we can come up with. After all the fun YOU HAVE TO REVEAL IT!

Jenna and Aidan Saga

"Aidan & Jenna split, the saga"

We split about a month ago. Ok, honestly I'm not really sure when it was exactly. It was before July 4th, though. I couldn't deal with him constantly going to hick neighbor's & getting drunk & then coming home at 4 a.m. & waking me when I had to get up to get ready for work at 5:30 a.m. Also it was frustrating to be home alone all evening tho still married. Total times he's taken me out in last year? One. So basically only evidence that I was married was that someone else was paying the bills. I wasn't happy & told him so regularly. which leads to next point: I made the final decision for us to split, so to speak, when I told him to leave. However I've said it several times & he just didn't go. this time he did. He didn't wait long to get his own place either. he told me he couldn't keep hearing me tell him I didn't want him around. So, in a way, maybe a mutual decision. At first, I was highly pissed off that I was stuck (I know... my own fault) taking care of everything myself & he was free to be single & childless. So I made sure he heard from me often just so he would know how pissed I was at him for being a shitty husband & ruining everything. Nice, right? Then I realized that I really didnt notice that he was gone bc like I said he wasn't exactly around before. Plus he is still paying my damn bills and helping me with the kids when I am stuck. So he isnt such an asshole. We are getting along fine now & I see him at least twice a week. I guess it'll be every morning now until school starts bc he's taking the boys to their summer camp. However, he isn't as happy-go-lucky & free as I thought... he is helping me with no complaint & he asks to come see me or for me to visit every day. I am keeping my distance but he obviously misses me (and the boys) and he is still very much in love with me. This makes me feel like I am the asshole. BUT he is still going to the hick neighbor's and getting drunk. What a dumbass. He doesn't do it often, though, and i know he isnt happy to be living alone. He is not (as far as I am aware) even considering the option of finding someone else & still claims me as his wife & says sweet things to me. NO I am not having sex with him. Of course he wants it just like he did when we were living together but he wasn't getting it then, either. He is living in a studio apartment a few miles down the road from me. I talk to him on the phone for at least a minute or so (depends on if I am in the mood to talk to him) every day. Usually he calls me but sometimes he seems so dejected bc I havent called him that I send him a text. Which he immediately follows up with a call bc he doesnt text. He has suggested many things for us to do as a family & he has taken us all out to eat & to the movies. He has also attended both of my family reunions this summer and the only family members that know anything about it are my mom and my sister. I have no idea if we will make up with each other and go back to living together as a normal husband and wife. However I do not want to go thru another divorce and I am still convinced that I am meant to be married to him. My reason for this belief may be stupid so I am not sharing it at this time. I am honestly hoping that being separated will make me see more clearly what it is I want or who it is i want. I also hope that he has a chance to grow up a bit & realize that good marriage relationships are more than just living in the same house. Like I said before, I do think now that he is a good guy. I took his reliability for granted before. I do really appreciate that he is there for me when he can be. It does piss me off still when I need him and he isnt available, but I think now that is more of a scheduling or communication conflict rather than him just being a jerk. I am feeling pretty shitty about myself more now than I was before bc of this, though, since I am seeing that he isnt all that bad so then it must be me that is the fuck-up. However things here are running just the same with him gone as they were with him here so basically I do see that aside from the financial end of things (which I still cant seem to manage monetarily or organizationally) I ran the household by myself. So I like that. I am in charge. It's just now I don't have a 3rd kid trying to circumvent my house rules. I am also being nicer to him now. Before I had him here aggravating me all the time with his stupid shit that made me mad (waking me up with his drunkenness or leaving when I needed his help or wanted his company or complaining whenever he had to do anything). With him away I am not so angry at him all the time so I can talk to him like a normal person instead of always HATING HATING HATING HATING BC HE HAS FUCKED EVERYTHING ALL UP which is pretty much the mood I was in constantly when he was living here. The me not being constantly pissed off at him has helped matters. And yes. I am aware that i am a big fucking bitch. I do not see myself alone in the future. And sadly, I honestly don't see myself with someone else, either, as much as I'd like to imagine a happy future with some other romantic interest. I am (possibly wrongly but who knows) convinced that I have a predestined future with my current spouse and I don't know how it is going to play out but right now i am just going to go with it.

In other news, I love the look of the blog and I am currently following it invisibly with my google account, which is emailed to everyone. I love the names, except for those individuals who arent recurring ppl who I cant even recall by their real names, let alone by false ones. I have issues with remembering names & ppl, ok?! But I do like the ones chosen. I do not think Eric should be Stefan bc he doesnt seem like someone who would have an exotic name like that anyway. though i know it is too late for me to vote on that one since the second post is already up. Feel free to make any edits or clarifications necessary to send this on to the other members of the group, if you wish. Or just keep the whole sordid mess to yourself, which I think is best since it is a huge freaking fucked up mess. And of course I dont want everyone else to think I am a horrible person, too. The quote is from the 147 days of shopping site, and I have found Quorn at Giant Eagle but haven't tried it yet. The recipes are going to get looked at later bc my whole week's menus have been planned out already. I have gotten out of the habit of shopping early, but I saw a lot of ideas that I have used in the past to prepare for the holidays all year long (especially the bit about yard sales/flea markets). These are great tips! If you have more than one kid it is a great idea to try to plan ahead. I am glad you decided to start this again. Now, I must get to bed. Sorry so abrupt but I am trying to hurry bc it is late (NOT being a bitch haha)

xoxo - Jenna

Happy "New Year" News Letter (in August, that is)!

EGHSisterhood

News Letter 2 of 2010

Alright Ladies, it’s officially the first of August. If following Christmas in July, then calendarically (I made that up) this should be New Year’s Day! So, traditionally, we should be making that dreaded list of new goals to achieve in the New Year. How do you like all my “–lly” endings? But, unconventionally, we only have 6 months to make it happen! I’ve also put in a new section: Papa Quotes. I thought you ladies would enjoy learning from my childhood expert. Well, except Mom, who has probably already heard all of them. I’ve also included Save My Ass and our old favorite, What’s Up with Who.

This month, I discuss money saving tips from author and real life frugal zealot, Amy Dacyczyn. I discovered her in the dusty bookshelves of Eddie’s mother. I have a video link of an interview worth the watch. I felt starting the Papa Quotes with a “piss” saying was in order. I have decided to share my “New Year’s” resolutions.

P.S. I need to have feedback to make these things good, ladies. I only got feed back from Elise last time….ehem….Jenna, Angie.

P.S.X. In order to comment on our blog you must become a member. It’s free and you don’t have to make your own blog. So do it! Elise, don’t forget you already have a blog, but I see you are a follower aside from it. Jenna is a blogger. Mom, that leaves only you! Hint, hint.

“New Year’s Resolutions”

1. Obviously, I need to lose weight and get in shape. Is this not everyone’s goal every New Year? We should all be supermodels by now! Seriously, I need to lose some weight. Most importantly I need to get in shape! I started Slim Fast and lost a bit, but I haven’t stuck with it. I do it some days and then not others. I’m wishy-washy---which explains my wishy-washy results. This is very relevant to the Papa Quote section, which you will read momentarily. So, this week, I’m planning out my daily menu (except weekends when I will eat as I damn well please). I will incorporate exercise at least 3 days a week. I do have Tony Horton’s 10 minute program. There are a myriad of possibilities. This is my goal.

2. I need to take better care of myself. Why we, as mothers or wives or girlfriends or just females, put ourselves last? Well, accept Jenna (lol), because Aidan says she is high maintenance. I remember when I used to give myself a pedicure every time I changed my polish. I had little decals to put on my newly polished tootsies too. I freaked if a spot got on my shoes. Now, I’m lucky if my new or clean shoes don’t get stepped on more than 3 times by Diana. Pedicure is no longer in my vocabulary. I put a plug in the bathtub when I take a shower just so I can soak my sore heel. This is what I call multi-tasking. I deserve more than multi-tasking. Eric gave me a foot-bath for Christmas (the real one)! Its summer and I have plain toes! I do not sleep enough. I do not own my own Bath and Body Works anymore. My only self treat is coffee from Spring Garden Bakery or Tate Street. So my second resolution is to pamper myself by getting enough sleep, pedicures, plenty of water to hydrate my skin, and plenty of foo-foo, ladies. Foo-foo is fancy French talk for perfumes and other smell goods according to my grandfather.

3. I will be doing plenty of reading for school, but I want to read the entire Sookie Stackhouse vampire series by Charlaine Harris.

4. See The New Harry Potter Movie in November!

NOW I WANT TO HEAR YOURS LADIES.

What’s Up with Who?

Matt Merich: Well, ladies Elise and I got in touch with an old friend (a mutual former boyfriend) Matt Merich. This is the guy I went out with for a while and never seen him in person until we finally broke up! The update isn’t weird. He’s happily married with kids. But the gossip is: his ex-lady cheated on him with his uncle. This uncle is the father of his cousin Brett, who is also a mutual ex-boyfriend of mine and Elise. Best friends share everything sometimes! I just thought the whole thing odd, since the girl obviously knew the man was old enough to be her father! Those two love birds are still together with a 3 year old child. C’est la vie.

Eric: HAS A JOB, LADIES, HAS A JOB!!!! AND FROM THE TYPE WE CAN ALL TELL I AM VERY EXCITED. NEED I SAY MORE?

Ziggy: He got Eric the job and then HE quit because they changed his pay! I say “Yay, stick it to the man, Nash, but you know its tough getting work right now.” Although we do know Nash is good for “wheeling and dealing”, so it’s no surprise he’s waiting on a call for work as I type.

Grandma Janey: In case you didn’t already know, my grandmother has a boyfriend! She was sweethearts with this guy (formerly known as Switch Blade) before she met my granddad. Fortunately, for life as I know it, Switch Blade did some time for illegal activities and that’s how my grandparents met. Thank God for crime! I will say he has been a blessing. Nannie is much more active (and I don’t mean sexually). One can see a girlish twinkle in her eyes. And he acts like a big kid! Today he was chasing the girls around with a marker—threatening to write on them. He was eating their toes with ketchup. Then he marked on Nannie just for the fun of it! Also, I now see where my mother and I get the lust for bad boys! My grandfather always said if you lined up a group of guys, my mother would choose the one fresh out of prison.

Uncle Zared: Its hard times, folks. My uncle lost his house. He is now renting a house down the road from our old haunt on McConnell Rd. Upside: it’s a 3 bedroom for only $400 a month!

Save My Ass

Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision) is an ingenious money saver I have mentioned before…right? If not, I am about to submit one of her tactics for saving on the grocery bill. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, so be prepared to do a little work. Just think of your savings as earned income, paying you for any time and effort. Heck, we ought to view any saving of money as payment of our efforts! What a booster not to buy those white heels that made you feel cheap instead of sexy afterwards! Oh, TMI. So here is the info, rolling up as #1 on Save My Ass.

1. Grocery Price Book: the point is to write down what you commonly buy and the price every time you shop. This enables you to see when it goes on sale. As we all know, the sales have a pattern. For the life of me, I haven’t figured them out yet. I have a book of hers that suggests following the sales fliers and jotting it down, but this sounds easier. I tried the first approach and found it discouraging. Probably because I made it too difficult, but that’s beside the point! After you learn the patterns, then you can shop for your favorite items during its sale. Buying larger quantities will save you even more money. Here is a site to get you started: Start Here!

2. Spending Book: in this little number you jot down everything you buy and what you spent. This keeps track of your spending to find the pattern of pocket arson. She evens says in a video interview that it’s tedious, but worth the results. Again, think of your time and effort as being paid by the money you will eventually save.

3. The Book: Interested in all the good advice in The Tightwad Gazette? Then get the book yourself!

4. Don’t Take It From Me: Listen to her! Watch this video. She has a good point about wanting to live affluently and actually living affluently.

Leftovers are something we are all familiar with, but it’s still like unknown territory---the ocean abyss, outer space, my closet, the toy box… you get the point. This area of my life is where I try to get creative. As I type, there is a pot full of grits waiting for my resourceful mind to redress it, so to speak. Or what about leftover spaghetti? Rice? Biscuits? It’s boring to eat them again the same as you did last night. And did you know you can save leftovers for 2 nights? This means if you are doing frugal meal planning, then you only have to do major cooking 2 out of 4 nights! Now that sounds like a reason to eat leftovers. Also, don’t be shy to have leftover breakfast or lunch. Even more daring---you can have leftover breakfast for dinner!

1. Leftover Grits: This is my own personal idea--- mostly because this is how I plan to use my leftover grits tomorrow morning. I am going to put the grits, fake sausage crumbles, and cheese, oh and some salt and pepper and put it all into a casserole dish. Then I am going to crack some eggs over it and bake it! Sounds good. Then I want to make some homemade milk gravy to pour on it! I’m egg-cited! I’ll let you know how it turns out when I type again. I found a similar idea of Grit Casserole on eHow.

2. Leftover Spaghetti: My favorite, which Papa used to make, is Spaghetti Patties. You just mix the sauce and noodles, if you haven’t already, and put in the fridge overnight. The next day add an egg or two (depending on how much spaghetti you have) and enough flour to make a patty. Then you fry it in oil. My grandmother prefers olive oil. Serve with whatever suits you. We usually had a salad and garlic bread. Some suggestions are California style vegetables or Italian cut green Beans. Extra sauce may be a nice touch. Below are some other ideas for you.

No Sauce Noodles

A Bit Different

Fresh Idea—no sauce noodles

Spaghetti Pie

3. Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Now mashed potatoes are so good, I like to eat them the same way at the next dinner. But that isn’t the point of this, now is it? My favorite way to use leftover mashed potatoes is to make Shepherd’s Pie. That’s where you layer meat (usually hamburger), vegetables (mixed are awesome), cheese, and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish. I think traditionally tomatoes are in there. I would now use fake meat or Black Eyed Peas instead or real meat. Keep in mind, this recipe is very versatile, so you can use any meat or vegetables. The one thing you must use to make it a Shepherd’s Pie is mashed potatoes—as the top-most layer! I found a cool recipe for you from Rachel Ray (my husband’s fantasy lover). Besides potato cakes, which I did not do well on, I have no other ideas to impart…. So, I found some for you!

Oh my, mashed potato soup!

Interesting and Simple

From Dinner to Breakfast

Classic Potato Cakes

Papa Quote

This month’s Papa Quote is: Piss in one hand and wish in the other… see which one gets filled the fastest. This was my Papa’s favorite way of telling me I wasn’t getting what I wanted. And if I wanted to do something about it, then that is what I could do. All, in a funny way, mind you. He could have a cruel sense of humor. My response was always, “The one I wish in because I ain’t pissing in my hand!” He usually got a laugh out of that. Now, ladies, the challenge is how to use this bit of “advice.”

Piss in one hand and wish in the other… see which one gets filled the fastest.

Piss in one hand and wish in the other… see which one gets filled the fastest.

Piss in one hand and wish in the other… see which one gets filled the fastest.

(Nannie says three times is the charm.)

I have to say she’s right this time! The point is, obviously, wishing isn’t going to accomplish anything----- no more than would pissing in your own hand. Let’s take it further, shall we? Put forth effort into what you want or wish you had in life. If all you do is sit around and wish, then all you’ll get is piss. Pissed off, that is! Pissed that you don’t have anything you want in life. Pissed that everybody else has better things. Piss, piss, piss. I guess I have been just pissing in my own hand! I had it half right with my old response. I feel I have never taken it further than just wishing, ladies. It’s about getting off one’s lazy ass and GETTING what they want—not just wishing for it. If you want to lose weight, then exercise and eat healthier. If you want a great car, then save your money. If you want a reliable car, then take care of the one you have. If you want money in your pocket, then quit spending it on dumb, needless shit. If you want your kids to quit bugging about going to the pool, then take them---after they clean their room. If, if, if, then, then, then…you get the point. So next time you say, “Man, I wish….,” or “I want…,” or “Why don’t I have…,” just say: Piss in one hand and wish in the other, see which one gets filled the fastest. I’m sure you’ll have an attitude adjustment, if not a fit of laughter. Next, devise a plan to grant that wish!

How are we going to apply this to our lives right now? Well, for you guys, idk, but for me: I want a clean house. So far all I have been doing is wishing someone else (ehem, Eric) would do it, but that seems a rough road to travel. Soon I start school and I need to have this house CLEAN! I have roughly 4 weeks to do it. I need to make a plan…or take a piss.

So my plan is to do one room at a time to de-clutter and clean. First up is the boudoir, because it looks as if a clothes-bomb exploded. Second, on the list is the computer room. I want this room in shape because I’m starting school in 3 weeks. Third, is the bathroom simply because it needs to be clean. It’s due for a scrub down. Did you know that it is necessary to sanitize bathroom and kitchen sinks daily? The toilet, on the other hand, only needs sanitizing once a week. According to this data, I now believe our hands are the dirtiest parts of our body. The girls are responsible for their room, although, a good purging is needed to get rid of junk. Fourth, is the living room because the Christmas decorations should be in the basement. No, they aren’t still in use because Sam and Eric packed them up last month! Ha ha, I did have Christmas in July! The dining room needs to be de-cluttered. The Kitchen is cleaned regularly, so it’s not on the list. I say start with the hardest first! Well, it’s the basic outline of my clean-up plan. Next, I need to work out the details of each room. Send in your plans to get something done.

Christmas in July

August is tax-free season for shopping. All things school related: clothes, supplies, and electronics. This is the perfect time to do early Christmas shopping. Buy extra art supplies, jeans, socks, underwear, nighties…you name it. It’s all tax free! While you’re at it, put some stuff in layaway. Start making a list and checking it twice because soon enough it will be tax-free time! I want to get the girls: skates, the travel art kit, play dough center, and maybe the crayon maker. All of these are at Kmart and can be put on layaway.

Also, no one has responded, so I guess no one wants a free Starbuck’s gift card (or something else for Mom). This offer is only good until the end of August!

Love always,

Cassie