AHRAAAAHAHAHHHHGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!
...Phew.
For some reason I still don't feel any better.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Frustration
I wrote all about my christmas and for whatever reason half of it has been deleted. I really had much more to say other than what i got for christmas. I hope that i saved it on my email at work so i hope to have a better update on monday.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas 2008 (UPDATED)
*Updated - I found my lost entry and re-posted it below.
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all!
Our Christmas this year was just lovely. (Yes, the word is silly, but it fits nicely.)
Christmas Eve, after having a drink with the girls from work, I went to Mom and Dad's to meet with the rest of the family to eat hors devours and open presents. Everyone got exactly what they wanted this year, and unless it was specifically asked for, no one got gift cards. I got a sewing machine from Mom, and now I'm nervous to decide what I'm going to make first. Pillows? Window treatments? Pet clothes for the boys?
(<---example of random cat. not one of mine; Barry would kill me!) Only time will tell. Barry got a turkey fryer. The family can't wait to have our first fried turkey. I hope we don't end up like the At&t commercial! (www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MR-2zKnn1I)
On Christmas morning, Barry and I got on the road by 7:30 to drive to Tampa to visit with some of the Swedlows. About 19 of us gathered at the home of Susan Eggleston's for the day from all over the country, all kin to David Swedlow (Uncle/Morty's brother). This is the first Christmas/Hanukkah since David's death in May, so it was extra special to have the family together. The day was filled with laughter and stories, and a few tears shed for David. We all miss him so much.On a side, but important note: I just love this family so much and I am more than grateful to have become a part of it. Thank you, Swedlows, for treating me like I've been a part of the family all along. I love you all more than I can discribe.
I had to work today (unfortunately) so around 7:00 I left Barry behind and drove back to Jacksonville. I got home about 11:00 and quickly went to bed to prepare for today. After work I'll be driving back down so I can spend one more day with everyone before they all fly back to each of their respective states. I guess I can take Barry back with me as well.
PS Let me give props to my wonderful husband. Last night when he got back to his hotel he went, on his own volition, running and swimming! Being in florida has its perks sometimes - being able to swim outside on Christmas! Great job, Babe - I'm proud of you!!
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all!
Our Christmas this year was just lovely. (Yes, the word is silly, but it fits nicely.)
Christmas Eve, after having a drink with the girls from work, I went to Mom and Dad's to meet with the rest of the family to eat hors devours and open presents. Everyone got exactly what they wanted this year, and unless it was specifically asked for, no one got gift cards. I got a sewing machine from Mom, and now I'm nervous to decide what I'm going to make first. Pillows? Window treatments? Pet clothes for the boys?
On Christmas morning, Barry and I got on the road by 7:30 to drive to Tampa to visit with some of the Swedlows. About 19 of us gathered at the home of Susan Eggleston's for the day from all over the country, all kin to David Swedlow (Uncle/Morty's brother). This is the first Christmas/Hanukkah since David's death in May, so it was extra special to have the family together. The day was filled with laughter and stories, and a few tears shed for David. We all miss him so much.On a side, but important note: I just love this family so much and I am more than grateful to have become a part of it. Thank you, Swedlows, for treating me like I've been a part of the family all along. I love you all more than I can discribe.
I had to work today (unfortunately) so around 7:00 I left Barry behind and drove back to Jacksonville. I got home about 11:00 and quickly went to bed to prepare for today. After work I'll be driving back down so I can spend one more day with everyone before they all fly back to each of their respective states. I guess I can take Barry back with me as well.
PS Let me give props to my wonderful husband. Last night when he got back to his hotel he went, on his own volition, running and swimming! Being in florida has its perks sometimes - being able to swim outside on Christmas! Great job, Babe - I'm proud of you!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
48 Minutes and Counting
Until we close and get to have a drink!!!
Luckily not many people do their banking on Christmas Eve, because I was finally able to catch up on everything. I have been working 10 hour days all week, and worked 11 last friday. I'm exausted!
Ever since we did our mock tri, I haven't been as enthusiastic about working out, and that's not good. I guess now that i know i can do it, I don't feel i have to be as diligent? It's horrible, I know. (Angelle, you can stop shaking your head now.) On Thursday I went to the Jag's game, so I count the climbing up and down the ramps of the stadium to get my beer working out. Saturday we ran and swam, and Sunday I was a lazy biotch and didn't even get out of my jammies. Yesterday we ran and swam and I had a really good run. I'm actually starting to like it. Now while doing it, but immediately after. I mean, I actually thing of running fondly, it's quite a strange feeling for me.
Our internet is acting up at home again... we tried to install a wireless router - that was a mistake. now we have nuthin'.
Ok, this is now labeled the most boring post. Ever.
Luckily not many people do their banking on Christmas Eve, because I was finally able to catch up on everything. I have been working 10 hour days all week, and worked 11 last friday. I'm exausted!
Ever since we did our mock tri, I haven't been as enthusiastic about working out, and that's not good. I guess now that i know i can do it, I don't feel i have to be as diligent? It's horrible, I know. (Angelle, you can stop shaking your head now.) On Thursday I went to the Jag's game, so I count the climbing up and down the ramps of the stadium to get my beer working out. Saturday we ran and swam, and Sunday I was a lazy biotch and didn't even get out of my jammies. Yesterday we ran and swam and I had a really good run. I'm actually starting to like it. Now while doing it, but immediately after. I mean, I actually thing of running fondly, it's quite a strange feeling for me.
Our internet is acting up at home again... we tried to install a wireless router - that was a mistake. now we have nuthin'.
Ok, this is now labeled the most boring post. Ever.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
PLEASE?
Can I use my period as an excuse not to go swimming tonight and to watch my nephew's preschool christmas program instead?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Whole Foods
My life has changed forever. I have experienced Whole Foods.
For the last year I have passed the distruction, then construction, of the building that has become Whole Foods. Everyday, coming home from work, it became a game. I hoped that I would get stopped by the light at Hartley just so I can gawk to see what more might have been added. To see how much closer. The anticipation almost killed me. But finally, on December 10th, the anticipation was over. For Whole Foods had opened.
It was more than I ever imagined. The produce, the meats, the hot and cold bars. Gourmet cheeses and chocolates, fresh gelato, fresh pizzas baked in a 600+ degree wood burning oven. Half the store is the by-the-pound hot bars filled with chinese, indian, american, middle-eastern, italian, and more. By 8:00am there are fresh soups like Potato and Gouda (and oh yes, it was gouda). There's even a bar where you can buy specialty sugars and salts by the pound (example? smoked black salt).
The food is only the beginning. The service is extroidanary. They aren't just nice to Alton! They are truly happy to help you. Not sure which variety apple you'd like? Just ask and they'll cut one up for you to taste. Same goes for the chocolates and caramels, and the $50 per pound cheese.
This place is so good, as we were leaving it on friday night, a couple was taking their picture in front of the store.
If you've never experienced whole foods, then I urge you to find the one closest to you. It really is worth the drive.
If you prefer steak um's to prime rib, it may not be the store for you. As I over heard one digruntled consumer say "It's all that or-ganic crap. I coodn't find NUTHIN' normal!"
That's fine lady, save that parking space for me.
For the last year I have passed the distruction, then construction, of the building that has become Whole Foods. Everyday, coming home from work, it became a game. I hoped that I would get stopped by the light at Hartley just so I can gawk to see what more might have been added. To see how much closer. The anticipation almost killed me. But finally, on December 10th, the anticipation was over. For Whole Foods had opened.
It was more than I ever imagined. The produce, the meats, the hot and cold bars. Gourmet cheeses and chocolates, fresh gelato, fresh pizzas baked in a 600+ degree wood burning oven. Half the store is the by-the-pound hot bars filled with chinese, indian, american, middle-eastern, italian, and more. By 8:00am there are fresh soups like Potato and Gouda (and oh yes, it was gouda). There's even a bar where you can buy specialty sugars and salts by the pound (example? smoked black salt).
The food is only the beginning. The service is extroidanary. They aren't just nice to Alton! They are truly happy to help you. Not sure which variety apple you'd like? Just ask and they'll cut one up for you to taste. Same goes for the chocolates and caramels, and the $50 per pound cheese.
This place is so good, as we were leaving it on friday night, a couple was taking their picture in front of the store.
If you've never experienced whole foods, then I urge you to find the one closest to you. It really is worth the drive.
If you prefer steak um's to prime rib, it may not be the store for you. As I over heard one digruntled consumer say "It's all that or-ganic crap. I coodn't find NUTHIN' normal!"
That's fine lady, save that parking space for me.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
WORK. A Four Letter Word
From now until 2009, please be kind to me if I'm not blogging regularly. My best time to blog is at work during my down time, but I don't forsee any of that for the rest of the year.
You see, from now until then, I'm pretty much the only Office Manager. Of the 5 branches, one OM recently left the company. One has pneumonia and the other 2 are on vacation. That's me. On top of that, my personal banker (my counterpart at the branch) is working at our Downtown location due to short staff there. Then, starting friday until the 5th, I'll also be helping out with operations because the person that does the bank's branch balancing, transaction reporting, hold maintenence, and GL Suspense balancing (among other things) is also on vacay. So from now until 2009 my duties include (but are not limited to):
>Checking and collecting overdrafts for 3-4 branches (all after 8:30am but before 10am)
>Collecting past due loans
>Pulling Daily Branch Reports
>Scanning and savings daily branch reports
>balancing the Bank's branches
>Overlooking and correcting any holds placed
>Checking and sending CTRs (govt regulation)
>Finding any GL suspense discrepencies
>Opening accounts
>Completing any customer maintenence
>Being the help desk for all the branches
>Performing any task that only OMs can do (there are a few)
>Address and send out 48 christmas cards
>Answer the phones with a smile
>NOT pulling my hair out
You see, from now until then, I'm pretty much the only Office Manager. Of the 5 branches, one OM recently left the company. One has pneumonia and the other 2 are on vacation. That's me. On top of that, my personal banker (my counterpart at the branch) is working at our Downtown location due to short staff there. Then, starting friday until the 5th, I'll also be helping out with operations because the person that does the bank's branch balancing, transaction reporting, hold maintenence, and GL Suspense balancing (among other things) is also on vacay. So from now until 2009 my duties include (but are not limited to):
>Checking and collecting overdrafts for 3-4 branches (all after 8:30am but before 10am)
>Collecting past due loans
>Pulling Daily Branch Reports
>Scanning and savings daily branch reports
>balancing the Bank's branches
>Overlooking and correcting any holds placed
>Checking and sending CTRs (govt regulation)
>Finding any GL suspense discrepencies
>Opening accounts
>Completing any customer maintenence
>Being the help desk for all the branches
>Performing any task that only OMs can do (there are a few)
>Address and send out 48 christmas cards
>Answer the phones with a smile
>NOT pulling my hair out
Laziness?
I hope not. But I haven't worked out since our mock-tri. Sunday is understandable - I need a day to rest. Monday we talked each other out of it because Barry was going to swim early this morning at a 7:30am class. I said that i would run before i went over to mom and dad's for our Tuesday dinner.
Well, I got out of work an hour and a half late (more to come on that) so I went straight to Mom's. "i'll go after dinner". Yea, right, that didn't happen. So here i am, day 3 of no workout. I'll definitely get back on the wagon tomorrow. It's bike and swim day.
Well, I got out of work an hour and a half late (more to come on that) so I went straight to Mom's. "i'll go after dinner". Yea, right, that didn't happen. So here i am, day 3 of no workout. I'll definitely get back on the wagon tomorrow. It's bike and swim day.
Triathlon Already??!
Once we finally left the accident scene on Saturday we went to an off-road trail called Durbin Creek Peninsula Trail. It was a great trail and ended up being about 3.2 miles, which was perfect. After the run Barry had the bone-head idea of completing all the components of the triathlon. At first I was against it- we're only week 8 into our training and I don't want to overdue it - but he was adamant. SOOO... we got home, put the bikes on the rack and went to the Rail Trail. We biked the 13 miles (20k) of the sprint. It was hard for me - my quads were not in the mood to bike after running 5K+, but I said "QUADS! You're not the boss of me!" and pushed through. From there we went home, put the bikes up, and went to the pool for our 500yard swim. Surprisingly, my swim was actually completed with no problems. In fact, i probably could've gone more. :)
You're probably thinking, "How nice of you to be able to live so close to all these great amenities."
No. I live in Jacksonville, where everything is "20 minutes away". So from Home to Run to Home to Bike to Home to Swim, we put about 71 miles on the car just driving back and forth. :P BUT it was all worth it. Without our lengthy transitions, i did it in less than 2 hours. :) I'm happy. :) (Even though we did it backwards)
Here are my times:
RUN: 40 minutes (3.2 miles)
BIKE: 1hr 1min (13 miles)
SWIM: 10 min (500 yards)
You're probably thinking, "How nice of you to be able to live so close to all these great amenities."
No. I live in Jacksonville, where everything is "20 minutes away". So from Home to Run to Home to Bike to Home to Swim, we put about 71 miles on the car just driving back and forth. :P BUT it was all worth it. Without our lengthy transitions, i did it in less than 2 hours. :) I'm happy. :) (Even though we did it backwards)
Here are my times:
RUN: 40 minutes (3.2 miles)
BIKE: 1hr 1min (13 miles)
SWIM: 10 min (500 yards)
Monday, December 15, 2008
coming soon...
I will be blogging about the tri as soon as i have the time to do it. i just HAD to die my hair tonight. hopefully i'll have time at work tomorrow. :)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Can I Get a Witness?
On the way to the trails to go running this morning, the car in front of us ran the red light and T-boned an FJ cruiser. We immediately stopped and called 911. Barry ran over, along w/ 4 or 5others, to make sure the victims were ok, but i decided to stay back. I just had a refresher at the bank for Robbery training, so I knew that if i were going to be a valid witness that i would need to collect my memory and not talk to others to prevent skew the scene in my mind. It's a good thing we did because we were the last witnesses questioned and the other people had the cars REVERSED! The lady that ran the red light could've gotten away scott free (other than her broken arm) and the lady that went away in a stretcher could've been cited.
I'm glad we stopped. and the lesson of this story is: If you're a witness to something dramatic, refrain from doing the exciting thing and talk about it until you give your official statement!
I'm glad we stopped. and the lesson of this story is: If you're a witness to something dramatic, refrain from doing the exciting thing and talk about it until you give your official statement!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Keylime Cheesecake
If I could make keylime cheesecake for a living, i would make a killing! I made one for the girls at work today on behalf of Jennifer's birthday on Sunday. two words: HOLY SHIT. it turned out perfectly! I will be making another one for Meghan's bday in Jan, so if i have time i will take pictures and do a picture recipe. And when i say "from scratch" i mean from scratch! I was just short of milking the cow and gathering the eggs. I bought fresh key limes, squeezed 'em, grated the zest, seperated the eggs (using the shells only!), whipped the merengue, folded it in, made homeade whipped cream and enjoyed the deliciousness that was the cake.
Crossing My Legs
~Today I happened to cross my legs.
Now, for you skinny people, you may not comprehend what I'm about to tell you: Large Legged People have a hard time crossing their legs. It's quite annoying, especially in a skirt, when you are attempting to be ladylike but the only thing you can do is cross your ankles. And I don't know where I was in ankle-crossing class, but i just never learned how to do it comfortably. So, to avoid such awkward moments, I stay behind my desk or just wear pants where I can sit with both legs on the floor, allow my thigh fat to spread across the chair and be quasi-comfortable with my knees a shoulder length apart.
Back to today. Today, as I was sitting at my desk, I nonchalantly crossed my legs. I realized shortly there after that the task had been completed without aide. I had accomplished a 'little thing'.
Honestly, since that moment, I've been afraid to do it again in fear it was a fluke.
Now, for you skinny people, you may not comprehend what I'm about to tell you: Large Legged People have a hard time crossing their legs. It's quite annoying, especially in a skirt, when you are attempting to be ladylike but the only thing you can do is cross your ankles. And I don't know where I was in ankle-crossing class, but i just never learned how to do it comfortably. So, to avoid such awkward moments, I stay behind my desk or just wear pants where I can sit with both legs on the floor, allow my thigh fat to spread across the chair and be quasi-comfortable with my knees a shoulder length apart.
Back to today. Today, as I was sitting at my desk, I nonchalantly crossed my legs. I realized shortly there after that the task had been completed without aide. I had accomplished a 'little thing'.
Honestly, since that moment, I've been afraid to do it again in fear it was a fluke.
mmmm...Maggiano's...
I'm eating leftover Maggiano's for breakfast right now: Rigatoni D and Mushroom Ravioli al Forno. YUM!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Confession
I haven't been using my Livstrong Daily Plate. Not in like 2 or more weeks. I kinda feel bad, but at the same time, i wasn't very good at balancing my diet anyway, even when I recorded. Hm. I wonder if that's why i'm working out 5 days and only loosing a 1/2 a pound or so a week.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Picture Time!
I have updated 2 posts so far with pictures. I'm still working on the rest, but there's only so much slacking you can do during your work day, right?
Monday, December 8, 2008
My First 5K!
EVER.
The first time i decide to run 3+ miles in a row in my entire life and I do it with an official timing chip attached to my shoe and everything. :)
Sunday night, after doing my best to recover from Saturday night, Barry and I fufilled our agreement to sign up for the Festival of Lights 5K with Jenn and Dave. When I woke up Sunday morning I was a wee bit nervous about it, but I rested all day, drank water and ate pasta, so i was feeling like myself by the evening.
It was great! I say this now that its over - this is what labor might feel like. During the race I remember hating it, but as soon as it was over i don't remember why. I wasn't overly winded and I recovered quite quickly. :) I had a great breathing rythym. And no matter what, I have created a Personal Record! :) Here were our official times:
Name / Total Place / Age group place / Time / Pace
Mandi / 848 / 171 out of 237 / 38.55 / 12.31 / 39.34
Jenn / 826 / 112 out of132 / 38.26 / 12.22 / 39.06
Dave /153 /17 out of 106 / 23.45 / 7.39 / 24.25
Barry / 604 / 60 out of 86 / 34.18/11.02 / 34.58
Jenn / 826 / 112 out of132 / 38.26 / 12.22 / 39.06
Dave /153 /17 out of 106 / 23.45 / 7.39 / 24.25
Barry / 604 / 60 out of 86 / 34.18/11.02 / 34.58
Side note: Does anyone know how to do a table on blogspot? hm.
My goals were to not stop running the whole time and to finish in under 42 minutes - and i did both!! WOOT!
Saturday Training - Updated with Pictures
My funk of not wanting to workout seeped into the weekend. Saturday's task was to bike for 53 minutes. I really enjoy biking, but for some reason we just didn't want to get off the couch. And then when I saw that Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story was on public TV - I didn't realize there was more after Avonlea**! So i decided that, to compromise, i would go to the gym to bike and watch it. Unfortunately, they didn't get the same public channel there and i missed out anyway. :( (I watched Lethal Weapon 4 instead). I did about 12 miles in the 53 minutes. :) My lazy husband stayed in bed! I'll definitely beat him if he keeps this up! :)
**Sidebar: Did you know there's another Anne movie coming out next year? Just found out! Click here for the synopsis: http://www.anneofgreengables.com/anneClassicmovies/anne4/index.php
Saturday night was my company's Christmas party. As a gift to my husband, i let him stay home! In fact, he dropped me off and picked me up so I could drink - woohoo! Well, i took full advantage and drank myself under the table. WAY too much vodka in WAY too short of time. But i had a blast and i was smokin' hot, i might add. (Pictures will be added tonight!) My boss said i looked like a model - I'll remember that one for a while. :)
Our CEO, Gil, and me
Me and our CLO
Me, Denise, Faye, & Meghan in front of the Tree
The end of the night. :) Erin, Vanessa, Janice, and Me
At the end of the night, I got a good ab workout - if you know what i mean. I slept on the bathroom floor and eventually ended up on the couch at my sister's. Barry started drinking when we got there, about midnight, and apparently ended up running around my sister's neighborhood with cape at 3 o'clock in the morning. :) I was unfortunately unconscious during this or i would have pictures.
**Sidebar: Did you know there's another Anne movie coming out next year? Just found out! Click here for the synopsis: http://www.anneofgreengables.com/anneClassicmovies/anne4/index.php
Saturday night was my company's Christmas party. As a gift to my husband, i let him stay home! In fact, he dropped me off and picked me up so I could drink - woohoo! Well, i took full advantage and drank myself under the table. WAY too much vodka in WAY too short of time. But i had a blast and i was smokin' hot, i might add. (Pictures will be added tonight!) My boss said i looked like a model - I'll remember that one for a while. :)
Our CEO, Gil, and me
Me and our CLO
Me, Denise, Faye, & Meghan in front of the Tree
The end of the night. :) Erin, Vanessa, Janice, and Me
At the end of the night, I got a good ab workout - if you know what i mean. I slept on the bathroom floor and eventually ended up on the couch at my sister's. Barry started drinking when we got there, about midnight, and apparently ended up running around my sister's neighborhood with cape at 3 o'clock in the morning. :) I was unfortunately unconscious during this or i would have pictures.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
UGH.
Ok, I'm at that point. I had a great vacation during which i didn't exercise once and i just don't feel like getting back into the swing of things. We went to the gym yesterday and i felt as though i struggled through the biking and swimming. Today is to swim for 26 minutes and i just don't want to go. Barry won't be there and I just soooo want to decorate the house and finish the laundry. Can you believe i'd rather do laundry than drive to the gym? Geez...
I'm so glad i have ya'll to account for me. "I don't feel like it" is just not a good enough excuse anymore. Thanks guys!
PS Monday the 8th is when my internet will be working - yay!! Sometime shortly after that i will upload all my pictures that have been waiting so patiently to be published on the World Wide Web for all to see. :)
I'm so glad i have ya'll to account for me. "I don't feel like it" is just not a good enough excuse anymore. Thanks guys!
PS Monday the 8th is when my internet will be working - yay!! Sometime shortly after that i will upload all my pictures that have been waiting so patiently to be published on the World Wide Web for all to see. :)
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