Getting older means harder to lose weight

So I was having a discussion with Lily about people who we knew from high school. We both went to the same high school and re-connected with a lot of people via FaceBook. Some people were stick-skinny back in the days and now, we don't recognize them anymore.

It is the weight gain.

We talked about how a few people we know blame being "busy" contributed to their weight gain. So now, they are having a hard time losing weight and having health issues.

For me, I know I need to lose weight. However, I haven't gotten to a point where it's affecting me so much that I can't work out. Some people just don't wanna work out. Know what I mean?

Each and everyone of us are all busy. For whatever reasons that we will have. School, family, kids, etc.

What about the ones who don't have kids? What is their excuse? It's just that they don't make the effort to take care of themselves.

Some people wait until they are diagnosed with a condition before they attempt to be healthy.

One of my ex-coworkers had cancer in her throat. She stopped smoking after that. I wonder why?

I know it's easier said than done. I'm not saying it will be easy. However, if you want a change, do it. Just don't say you want to change. Action speaks louder than words.

This other ex-coworkers of mine is very overweight, now he's so overweight that he wants Gastric Bypass Surgery. This isn't an easy situation. I mean, some people think that having that surgery will help them lose weight. Yes, it does. But you have to change your eating habits. If you go right back to where you were, you will gain all that weight back again.

We make time for what we want to do in life. Simple as that. I am tired of feeling sorry for others. Especially those who do nothing to better themselves but make excuses for why they are in their situations.

Pets & life

I'm getting sick....stuffy nose and headaches. Probably the weather change.

Here's a recent pic of my dog, Puchy.

Adding on to the family, pet turtle that my son caught when he went fishing. My daughter just named in Franklin because of the famous turtle.

Soon to be added to the family, a chihuahua. Pics to be posted soon.

Sometimes I don't know what to blog about here. Or sometimes I blog nonsense.

At times, I think about deleting this blog. I don't even know why I have followers sometimes. My passion is mainly movies. So if you're not a movie bluff, then you wouldn't care much about coming to my blogs. Regardless, don't get too bored of my posts.

Photos from trip - Clearwater, FL

Finally am posting the pics from the vacation. We went to Clearwater, FL. It was a 7-hours-plus drive from Atlanta.

3-miles-long bridge from Tampa to Clearwater

I was able to stop and sight see.

View from our hotel room

Pool time!

Beautiful

Indian Shores Beach

Indian Shores Beach

Indian Shores Beach

Interesting rocks

On the ferry going to Caladesi Island

Only trees to grow and live on salt water

There we are...at Caladesi Island

On the way to the beach

Beautiful, so calm. The waves are gentle.

Sea gulls waiting and greeting us.

Gotta get my workout on. Small exercise room.

Jacuzzi, loved it! Relaxing.

I just realized I didn't save the Honeymoon Island beach photos. In order to go to Caladesi Island, you have to go to Honeymoon Island first. Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat.

I'm in FL now!

Right now at the hotel's computer, it's complimentary! Love it. I wasn't like that at the Hyatt when I was in Miami.

In Clearwater staying at the Marriott waiting. I woke up at 5 am to work out. Been a while doing some major cardio on the elliptical.

Will leave soon to go to the beach. Will post pics on Monday when I get back.

43 weird things said in job interviews

"I'm not wanted in this state."

"How many young women work here?"

"I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it."

"You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment!"

"I've never heard such a stupid question."

Believe it or not, the above statements weren't overhead in bars or random conversations -- they were said in job interviews.

Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the reason, you can be certain that you shouldn't tell an interviewer that it's probably best if they don't do a background check on you. (And yes, the hiring manager remembered you said that.)

We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they've heard from applicants in an interview. Some are laugh-out-loud hysterical, others are jaw dropping -- the majority are both. To be sure, they will relieve anyone who has ever said something unfortunate at a job interview -- and simply amuse the rest of you.

Hiring managers shared these 43 memorable interview responses:

Why did you leave your last job?

"I have a problem with authority." - Carrie Rocha, COO of HousingLink

Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it

"The resolution was we were both fired."- Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions

What kind of computer software have you used?

"Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don't have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it." - Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management, Inc

What are your hobbies and interests?

"[He said] 'Well, as you can see, I'm a young, virile man and I'm single -- if you ladies know what I'm saying.' Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, 'I particularly like blondes.'" - Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations

Why should we hire you?

"I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time." - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group

Do you have any questions?

"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?" - Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.

"What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it's raining? Can you pick me up?" - Christine Pechstein, career coach

"I was a Chamber of Commerce Executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] 'What does a Chamber of Commerce do?'" - Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek, Inc. Visibility Consulting

"Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go." - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions

"What is your company's policy on Monday absences?" - Campbell

"If this doesn't work out can I call you to go out sometime?" - Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching

"How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it's some serious cash." - Bolzan

"[The candidate asked,] 'Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I'm not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.' The dad did call. Then that dad's friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents ... long story." - Bolzan

"If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?" - Bolzan

"When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?" - Bolzan

"Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room."- Bolzan

"So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?" -- Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why are you leaving your current job?

"Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building." - Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc.

"I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes." - Smith

Why are you looking for a job?

"Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job." - Pechstein

"My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here." - McGowan

Why do you want to work for us?

"Just for the benefits." - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications

"My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!" - Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications

"I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?" - Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, Communications Director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

What are your assets? (as in strengths)

"Well, I do own a bike." - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group

What are your weaknesses?

"I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you." - Pechstein

"I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning." - Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach

"I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job." - Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show

"I'm really not a big learner. You know ... some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that's just not me. I'd much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn't change a lot." -- Michaele Charles, Voice Communications

When have you demonstrated leadership skills?

"Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that." - Rachel Croce

Is there anything else I should know about you?

"You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends." - Venne

When can you start?

"I need to check with my mom on that one." - Bolzan

Use three adjectives to describe yourself

"I hate questions like this." - Katrina Meistering, manager of outreach, National Fatherhood Initiative

Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it

"I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement." - Meistering

Have you submitted your two weeks' notice to your current employer?

"What is two weeks' notice? I've never quit a job before, I've always been fired." - Meistering

Random responses

"One guy [said] 'it would probably be best' if I didn't run a background check on him. Of course, I did, and learned all about his long, sordid past of law-breaking. Our client actually offered him a job as a staff accountant, but quickly retracted the offer when I had to tell them all about his recent arrest for a meth lab in his basement." - Charles

"[A] guy said he did not have a mailing address, as he was living in a gypsy camp at the airport." -- Sandra L. Flippo, SPHR

"I went into the lobby to pick up a candidate. As he stood up, his trousers fell to the floor! [He said] 'Oh, my gosh -- they told me I needed a suit for the interview. I've got no money -- so I borrowed this thing. It's too big!'" - Beth Ross, executive and career coach

"Wow -- I'm not used to wearing dress shoes! My feet are killing me. Can I show you these bloody blisters?" - Bolzan

"May I have a cup of coffee? I think I may still be a little drunk from last night." - Smith

(During a telephone call to schedule the interview) "Can we meet next month? I am currently incarcerated."- Smith

"[A candidate] was asked whether he could advocate impartially on behalf of the various universities he would be representing since he had attended one of them. He responded, 'Well, I don't like to poop where I eat, but I thought my education sucked, so I certainly wouldn't put that school above the others.'" - Darby

Source

Dogs are like children!!!

It angers me that people who claim they love animals, particularly a dog, and buy one for the family. Or for their kids.

But they don't take care of the dog.

Dogs are just like children. You have to bathe them, take them to the vet to get their shots, walk them, play with them, potty train them, etc.

They need love and attention too!!! They're not a toy when you're finish playing with them that you put away.

I hate it when people leave their dogs outdoors just straying the neighborhood. If you are going to have an outdoor dog, make sure to give him a doghouse!!!

So the next time you want to purchase a dog, just cause. Think again.

Here's a pic of my dog Puchy. She's a 9-years-old Min Pin. We've had for 8 years and love her like our own child.

Kids love her. They always argue on who will keep Puchy in their room that night. Puchy sleeps on the bed with them.

Thanks for the concerns, but it's an ear infection

Thanks to all those who commented last and were concern.

I hate going to the doctor's office. You go on time but still have to wait to see the doctor.

Once you finally get called, you still have to wait.

Doctor diagnose me with an ear infection. She says my left ear is really red and prescribed some drops to put in it 3-4 times daily for 7 days.

Before that, I had lots of wax in both my ears. So I got my ears cleaned out, it was soooo nasty.

Doctor says to never use Q-TIPS to clean out ears. I've been doing that all these years.

I found step-by-step instruction on how to clean your ears occassionally

**Obtain an ear syringe and hydrogen peroxide, or ear wax removal kit, from a drug store. Or use a Bulb Syringe.

**Fill the ear syringe with room-temperature hydrogen peroxide or cleaning solution, 3% or 4% solution (dilute with water as needed).

**Tilt your head back and to the side, allowing the ear to face upward.

**Carefully insert the end of the syringe into the ear and squirt a few drops. You should hear (and feel) fizzing or popping. This sound is the hydrogen peroxide reacting with the wax.

**After the fizzing has stopped, tilt your head to allow the liquid to drain out into a tissue.

**Repeat the process for the other ear.

I have told my kids to stop using the Q-Tips. You should use it to clean your ears externally, but do not use it to enter the ear canal.

Can you believe all that wax buildup caused my ear infection, migraines, nasal congestion?

Please, no infection!

Since last Wednesday, my left ear has been hurting. It isn't a ringing sensation, more like a soreness. So I did my rigorous workout - jump roping for 30 mins.

The pain continued to the weekend and I ended up with a migraine. Took Motrin and the migraine is gone.

When I drink Mountain Dew, I felt my ear burning like crap.

Now, it's Tuesday, I still have soreness in the ear. Plus haven't worked out so probably gained so much weight, no major workout except walking around.

Finally, I called a nurse and she suggested me to come in and see the doctor. My appointment is tomorrow in the late afternoon.

I just pray it's nothing major. Could be an ear or sinus infection??

I waited it out because I just didn't think much of it. I try to be a Superwoman...but only for so long.

Gotta get better. Family trip is this weekend!

I am a SOCCER MOM??

Hahaha, that's what one of my girl friends called me the other day. She said it's a compliment and that I'm always thinking about my kids first. Sometimes I would take her daughter with me to events too because she is soooo busy working on weekends that she doesn't have time to take her daughter out.

Definition of a Soccer Mom according to Wikipedia....

The phrase soccer mom generally refers to a married middle-class woman who lives in the suburbs and has school age children.
Check. I fit in all those categories

She is sometimes portrayed in the media as busy or overburdened and driving a minivan.
Check, again, I fit in all that.

She is also portrayed as putting the interests of her family, and most importantly her children, ahead of her own.
Check. I guess I could be considered a soccer mom....

I never thought myself as a soccer mom. My kids don't participate in that many activities with school during the weekdays but I do run around on the weekends and sometimes weekdays for them if needed....so maybe that's how the term got used.

Plus most of the time, I take other kids with me so their parents don't have to worry as much. Some parents have to work weekends and I understand that.

I've been busy preparing food in the last few days before the weekend. Through hubby and son a surprise bday party. Their bdays aren't until this coming up weekend but we will all be on a family trip to the FL beach so that's why I did the bbq cookout this past weekend. It was a bigger surprise for hubby and son that way :)

Didn't take pics, was too busy cooking. It was good. Very successful in the food department. Even baked cupcakes, cookies, and made that Asian jelly dessert.

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Left side of my leg is shorter and bigger than my right leg!!

No kidding!!!

Okay, this is going to sound crazy but it's true.

I always knew my left leg is shorter than my right leg because whenever I wear pants, I always have to pull up my left pants side.

Last week I went to Hobby Lobby to buy a measuring tape (only 99 cents, these are the one used for clothing and body) and keep it in my purse. But I just measured myself just now and my left leg - the thigh, calf, ankle is 1/2 inch bigger than my right side.

Funny!! I know but very true.

I decided to finally measure myself to see if any inches come off instead of only relying on the scale. Don't get me wrong, I still am going to weight myself daily, just going to take an extra step to measure myself too.

Favorite magazine at the moment

It used to be SELF.



Don't get me wrong....I still love SELF...but I'm a woman in my 30s now. A lot of the articles are targeted for younger females.

Not my body shape. Women's body shape changes after children.

I discovered Woman's Health. OMFG, I absolutely love it!!



I love me some information on being fit and healthy, adding a bit of glamour.

Debating on subscribing now since I suppose to be saving. Gotta go to the local library soon!! I did buy two issues of the mag when I was in Miami.

Review - Scott Extra Soft

Sometimes I forget what I sign up for. Seriously.

I checked back to see if I posted this freebie but I didn't. Probably signed up way before I started posting about freebies here.

Last night, when I got home from school, I saw a box for me. Inside was the Scott Extra Soft product.

I touched it and it felt soft.

I've been using only Charmin products for toilet paper.

After trying the Scott Extra Soft, I am sticking to Charmin.

Good attempt but nothing beats Charmin.

Yellow River Game Ranch

I try my best to be a good mom and think about my kids. Instead of worrying about having fun for myself, I find things to do with the kids -- that Miami trip was the first time I ever went with*out* the family for fun, all-girls trip that was much needed.

Now, that they're older, I am glad I got to spend time with them but also want to spend even more time with them because they grow up sooo fast! My son will be 13-years-old next week!!!!

On Saturday, July 11th, my sister and I took the the girls out to the Yellow River Game Ranch. The boys were fishing with my brother-in-law.

Along with my daughter, I also took her BFF and my adorable niece. My sister met us there and brought her two daughters.

Sorry this is *not* in color but in black/white instead. I was too lazy to pull out my scanner (it's in the box cause I don't use it all the time). Instead I scanned it at work.

Below is the brochure I took from the Yellow River Game Ranch.
Click on image to see larger.

The girls waiting for my sis and her kids. I bought my daugther and her BFF the same shirts. My daughter is the one on top. It's cute that my niece was wearing purple too, totally not planned :)

Entering the Game Ranch

Kids feeding the animals

I have more pics but didn't want to post them all here. They are all up on my MySpace page, not sure if I will put them on Facebook, still debating.

I'm so mad, thought I rotated this picture. I can't seem to rotate the pic at work though. Oh well, Yellow River Game Ranch is home to General Lee, the groundhog that determines if spring is coming early or not for Georgia :)

Overall, the kids looooved it. As for me, I wasn't too happy with the animals' living condition and smell. Yuck. Look below at those pics.

Yeah, that's the animals' drinking water. I felt that the Game Ranch relied on us, visitors, to feed the animals. Most of them were soooo hungry and wanted you to feed them. Maybe they're just greedy? I don't know. But what I do know is that there is an admission fee to get into the Game Ranch.

The squirrels are very entertaining. Most of them are lazy and just laying down. Again, below the picture is not rotated.

Squirrels will come up to you cause they want you to feed them.

This goat kept following me around!!!!

The girls

The day didn't end at the Yellow River Game Ranch but just wanted to share these pics.

Afterwards, took the kids for ice cream, then to the pool, then out to eat, and then they were drawing on the driveway with sidewalk chalk. They had a fun day :)

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Flower Pen project - frugal how-to-do guide

On Friday night, July 10th, I finally was able to work on the FLOWER PEN project.

I actually stole this idea from my son's YMCA. When time to sign receipts or documents, the YMCA had these flower pens available. So I thought it was cool and decided to do it myself. I didn't ask them out to do it but I decided that it wasn't that hard.

Everyone has pens laying around his/her house everywhere. Plus when you actually need a pen, it's hard to find!!

This project has been pending for a while but I finally got around to do it. I decided to share this on Blogger for others who want simple projects to do. Plus it's fun for kids. My daughter helped out.

What I did is go to the Dollar Store to buy some artificial flower bouquets. I let my daughter pick out what she liked. I didn't want to spend too much money on the project. You can buy these anywhere but I chose to be frugal and save money.

Also at the Dollar Store, I picked up small glass containers.

You could also buy the glass gems at the Dollar Store but I purchase mine from Hobby Lobby. I like their selection better and plus it was 50% off :)

Also from Hobby Lobby and only could find it there (I did search at Wal-Mart), I purchase the Floreal Stem, wrapping tape. I went to Hobby Lobby not knowing the name of this tape. I just called it the "green tape" but then I described it and the nice person told me it's called Floral Tape, hahaha!

Now, you have everything you need.

Next, put the glass gem into the glass container.

Place the pen next to the flower (after you cut off each flower stem) and tape it with floral tape. I actually went back and taped all the way towards the tip to make it look more like flower.

Voila, you're done.

Place flower pens in glass container with glass gems. It looks lovely just to have around the house.

Now, you don't have to worry about finding pens to sign papers or just jot down thoughts. You'll see your flower pens :)

Freebies recap & TGIF

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I'll have a busy weekend since I already planned it.

Freebies recap for those who missed it.

Chocolate - Mars

Lean Cuisine

Gardien Meatless Food

Tea bags

Aveda Sample Pack

Emriel's Spice

Yoplaint Yogurt

Free sample of Yoplait Yogurt

My fave yogurt!

Fave flavor is strawberry/banana but I loooove the orange cream too.

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