|
Monday, February 27, 2006
 |
The 2006 Winter Olympics are over, and I'm feeling the same emotions as at the end of a season of Big Brother, but without the hate. | That would break down to 2 parts relief that the marathon has ended and 1 part withdrawl. But not really. I still have a stack of tapes to view for the 80% I missed during the nightly broadcasts. I've found that watching the tapes goes well with sessions on the Gazelle, so I have inspirational viewing material for my next 300 sessions.
Winter Olympics thoughts and impressions:
1. My favorite event - the Men's Biathalon. This was a surprise since I'd never watched that event before. The winter scenery was beautiful as was the lean men in tight ski outfits. Throw in guns and it's the perfect package.
2. Greatest Life Lesson - came to the woman who was in the lead in the snowboard cross until she made a hotdog showoff move and fell allowing a fellow racer to take the gold. Don't show off until you've crossed the finish line.
3. Biggest Olympic and Commercial Blowhard - Bode Miller. The fat, not fit, break all rules guy. His Nike commercials were painful in light of his arrogant 'superstar' non-performance.
4. Wonderfully Exciting - all things snowboard. Loved the cross and halfpipe. These will join my usual favorites of ski jumps and downhill and ice skating and the new favorite, the biathalon.
5. Most Disappointing - the mens and woman's ice skating. Nothing new here. I did like the pairs and dance contests, though.
Well, it's a wrap. Now back to the Gazelle.
ETA: I just realized that I missed an opportunity to create a Winter Olympics Torino 2006 banner edition. That would have been cool. Back to sushi.
Posted at 2/27/2006 12:09:24 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Monday, February 20, 2006
I have this President's Day off and it has turned into a computer admin day for me. I've cleaned out my e-mail down to the single digits and tucked away all my recent bookmarks into their appropriate folders on both my desktop and laptop computer. In this spirit, I am inspired to sing the praises of my favorite online organizer, so here's the spiel:
So many blogs, so little time. Is this you? Or has the whole blog thing gotten old, always clicking on links only to see nothing but stale entries (a la recent Life Off Hold)?
I would like to once again recommend a very useful management tool. It's free and simple and works for more than just blog listings, but also for your favorite web sites such as the daily Dilbert comic strip or Sudoko puzzle.
Just register for a free page and then list your favorite blog links in the My Feeds section. Then visit your bloglines page at your convienience; updated sites will be in bold along with the number of new entries. Click on the link and read the entries right within bloglines or go to the site by clicking on it's banner for full content such as sidebars and graphics. It's very easy to use, saves time, and provides organization.
I also have this tip for listing your blogs of interest:
Open up an e-mail and keep it open while you visit each of your favorite blogs; copy and paste the blog address into your e-mail; when you have all your blog addresses listed in your e-mail you will have all the addresses at hand for setting them up on bloglines. When done, e-mail it to yourself and file it as a backup reference.
To get you started, LIST ME!
Posted at 2/20/2006 2:44:29 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Friday, February 17, 2006
Ok, ok. I admit that I've been very unattentive to Life Off Hold. Does this mean that life IS off hold? Hardly. It's winter, after all, the season of hibrenation. I have no excuses.
Well, one excuse....Poker
AOL Limit Texas Hold'em Poker.
I've worked my way up from the $500 entry to just over $8800. since catching the bug back around Thanksgiving. Too bad it isn't real money. I've put a counter in my sidebar so you can follow along.
Weight Watchers.
I did so well through the holidays, but have fallen apart this past month. This is the worst time of the year for me because the body wants internal heat and my carb cravings go through the roof. I need to refocus and get back to the basics of tracking. The 'throwing caution to the wind' approach just doesn't work. I also need to put a new stake in the ground since I've been officially goal-less since reaching my 10% goal; as of this week I've re-committed.
Those Wacky Neighbors
Winter has been kind to us here in the Northeast with only a few short periods of real winter weather. Just before the last wave of really cold weather, and subsequent blizzard, our apartment building heat went out on us. [Thus, massive carb loading. My excuse!]. The heating experts found a melted electronic part after changing the thermostat didn't fix the problem. [2 cold days]. Then heat!
Then, NO heat! On the eve of the blizzard! The landlord was called and found the problem. Yup, wacky neighbors. Human error. Seems the couple downstairs in the apartment with the thermostat that controls the building were cold. Did they call the landlord? No. Did they crank up the gas stove and turn on all four burners to heat their apartment? Yes. They did that. Which meant the thermostat told the boiler "Too friggin HOT. Don't heat!"
The landlord explained the situation and bumped up the thermostat a bit. Now there is heat. A little too much, in fact. Ah well, better than no heat at this point.
Hopefully, Not a New Coat Rack
Buffyvol should be in Sales. I'll give her a recommendation. Besides her usual Chat tales of life's misadventures and a review of porn movie titles (don't ask), she has been keeping us updated on her daily workouts on Tony Little's Gazelle Edge Trainer, featured prominently in a "Good news! I just saved a bunch of money on Geico" ad.
After hearing the praises of the Gazelle sung over and over like Terrell Felon trying to get back on American Idol, I ordered one (sans Tony). It arrived in pieces and drove me crazy trying to get it assembled. It's a heavy sucker. Finally Tuesday night it was up and ready for it's first coat, um, workout.
It gave me motion sickness tummy the first time I used it, but I seem to be adjusting since then. My sessions have only been about 8 minutes / 1/2 mile each because I'm so out of shape and my calves can't take much more in one stretch. Otherwise I like it so far.
The Dumpling
Honey is not so amused by the Gazelle but it hasn't totally freaked her out. Perhaps that is because she is concentrating all her inner freak on the little campaign I have going right now to PICK HER UP. This is the next to the last hurdle in her domestication program, the last being a trip to the VET.
Poor dear, being picked up has probably meant only bad things to her. So far I've been successful 2x and unsuccessful 2x on the attempts of the last 4 days. The cat scratches are proliferating. I've got one on my neck and a few on my tummy. She almost tried to bite my hand but caught herself before following through. She is now jumpy when I reach for her, but otherwise settles down again when the threat (me) passes.
I had an appointment scheduled with the Vet for next Friday, but changed it to mid-March to give this stage time to go to completion.
Well, that's it for right now. Back to AOL Poker....
Posted at 2/17/2006 12:25:48 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Sunday, February 05, 2006
The Super Bowl just ended. Congrats, Pittsburg. I only half-followed the game, which was adequately entertaining, because I was also playing online AOL Texas Hold 'Em Limit Poker.
However, I was closely following the office football pool. I've played for the last 7 years and don't mind not winning. Some years I've been close, but not this one. My dogs didn't seem to be anywhere in the race. But just like with the teams, if my favorite can't play or win, then I want my next favorites in the game.
THAT didn't happen either.
WINNERS:
Q1 - $25 - President of the Company
Half - $50 - some employee's next door neighbor
Q3 - $25 - a Sales Engineer
Final - $100 - President of the Company
It could have been worse, the VP who seems to win every year OR some employee's next door neighbor (the same one) were also in the running at the end.
The funny thing about the President winning is that he tended to pick squares all in a line and when I saw that I thought, "What a dumb strategy." I'm sure this clinched the win for him.
You OWE me, man!
Posted at 2/5/2006 10:06:58 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Tub, she is Clean!
I am all about new household finds, and this weekend I am singing the praises of a new one to the Lifeonhold household:
 |
Like most people, I have good intentions concerning tub cleanliness, but as the birthdays go by, the task of cleaning the tub gets more and more arduous, and therefore rare because it requres getting on the knees and then getting back up again.
The Clorox BathWand made cleaning the tub really simple. I have no more excuses, but this makes me happy. It's not quite as revolutionary as the Swiffer, but it is definately welcome here. |
Speaking of birthdays, the other new find this weekend is in musical form, and not for everyone. About 2 years ago I discovered the music of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, perfecting a very mature, often punkish, often beautiful rock sound for the 2000s; The keys tend to be minor, which is my musical element. The lyrics are often outrageous, but I understand this music.
Finally, when I thought I could handle the potential disappointment, I decided to go earlier in the Nick Cave discography and this weekend received The Birthday Party's Prayers On Fire. The album was originally release in the early 1980s and it's very punk and very brilliant. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you like really dynamic and intricate music in the minor key of darkenss, this is heady food. 
Posted at 1/28/2006 8:51:42 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
I've been neglecting le blog in favor of other diversions and a few real life issues.
Diversions
Qwyzzle (see previous post for link) - I went through a real stretch of Qwyzzle-mania, the addictive puzzle online game, until my brain hit the Wall called Level 34 (out of 100) where I'm currently parked. I haven't really addressed 34, but when the Qwyzzle Hints board is barraged by fanatics pleading for hints (or even answers) for a level you know the brain will get a work-out. I'm not ready for another toughie after spending three days on Level 28. I will return one day.
AOL Poker - Texas Hold 'Em - Limit Play - after watching the World Series of Poker on TV I decided to try it myself. No real money is involved in the AOL game; I was given $500 to start when I first began playing around Thanksgiving and I've run that up to $4,700. Too bad it's not real cash! I play some lunch hours and usually while watching Fox News' 11 pm - 1 am programming.
TV and Chat - American Idol has been a riot and even more enjoyable with the pointed commentary by the Hamster Time chat peeps. Project Runway, Season 2, continues to be one of the most entertaining reality show ever. I watch Dancing With the Stars and it's Skating cousin only for the corresponding chat.
Book - A Million Little Pieces by James Frey - I've just finished this book. Yes, I can still read. The controversy about its levels of truthfullness vs embellishment broke when I was about 2/3rds through and that tarnished the impact for me a little, but it was still an interesting look into a different world that is well written and captivating.
Real Life Issues
Work - The Floundering Fish (where I work) is heading for the emergency room once again. Will the Fish pull through one more time? Doesn't look good. Lifey is anxious and feeling very vulnerable. Stay tuned.
Court - Landlord asked me to testify on his behalf in a discrimination suit. I did my best, but the shark lawyer on the other side objected to the purpose of my testimony and so only part was allowed after a battle. I was on the stand about 10 minutes. The whole experience was very draining even though my involvement in the 1-day case was very brief.
Sick - I had .... something ... lasted about a week, made me sick, tired and chilled but was not bad enough to keep me out of work. I slept a lot and was otherwise a big immobile lump; only the minimum got done (except online poker). The Grunge was active during the above Court demands making the whole situation worse. Honey seemed to be sick during the same time. We're both fine now.
Weight Program - My Weight Watcher's program went out the window due to the above illness and stressful things throwing off my preparations, but, thankfully at tonight's weigh-in the net was no change. Considering the way things have been, that's great.
Small Demands (in progress) - 1) review and respond to family Trust financial reports; 2) get things together for taxes, 3) deal with my new (HATED) Health Insurance plan [Oxford Health] to get authorizations for my medications, 4) figure out how to get my Medical Health Plan reimbursement.
Job Hunt - I haven't started this yet. I'm in DREAD. It needs to be on the list and near the top. I am afraid of change and of the possibility of further downward mobility. I still haven't recovered from the financial fallout and stresses from my 1995 - 1998 job turmoils. The Job Hunt is in the pre-Worry stage at this point.
Vet - Honey needs to get in for her shots. Her vaccinations have lapsed pretty badly since I've been unwilling to pull her away from her security at home. She is so fragile emotionally and since she is totally indoors I've put it off. However if I end up needing to move to Arizona or someplace else, her vaccination history might be important. I need to drum up some resolve to get this done.
So, that's the story.
Posted at 1/25/2006 11:39:42 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Friday, January 13, 2006
I was minding my own business during a friendly unfocused night in HTchat while watching the 'stars' 'dance'. That alone should tell you that most of my mind had been dismissed for the evening while the body and a few neuron sites kept me going.
That is when blurry (who does not have a blog) interjected a link.
A Link from HELL. (<------- DON'T DO IT!)
Just DON'T, if you know what's good for you.
I generally hate puzzles, and riddles, and puzzles that are riddles. But I love me some internets, visuals, and a little mystery. So, I clicked. The brain neurons began to fire up and then strain. Actual thinking feels like trying to transmit through molassas.
Now my brain hurts!
This serpent-y offering by blurry further supports my theory that he is some kind of alien bot sent to earth to inhabit chat rooms spreading pain and mayhem amongst the human race.
I must now get back to the mystery of Level 24.
"Open, Portal!"
(Access by clicking on the A Link to Hell link above, if you must.)
*pause*
OK, If you refused my advice, then here are some tips:
- The Candle will lead you to a Hints forum.
- The Introduction (click on the hat) contains valuable information and includes a few training levels before it continues on with the levels.
- Rely on Google, your mind (egad!), and other resources. You'll be using the internets a LOT. Sometimes a riddle is solved in two stages.
- Look at the riddle both literally and also figuratively.
- Get help now.
-- Lifeonhold, A Qwyzzle Slave 
Posted at 1/13/2006 1:11:55 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Sunday, January 08, 2006
I've been hanging back trying not to make this little blog entry. You know how it is. You try to suppress something and it keeps wanting to pop up and it blocks out everything else. I've been trying to start a new year without making, or posting, a Resolutions list. However, I don't seem to be able to post anything until this gets out of my system.
Therefore, the sooner I publish my Resolutions, the sooner we can all forget all about them for another year.
1. Lose roughly 45 pounds and get to my Weight Watcher's goal weight. This oldie but goodie takes the #1 spot again, as it should, being the Ancient One that it is. Thanks to Weight Watchers in 2005 I did not have to write 'lose roughly 65 pounds'. I lost 22 pounds in 2005, including 2 pounds net between Thanksgivings and New Years. THAT never happened before.
2. Get some exercise to help support #1. I am no good at getting to the health club in the winter, so I've ordered some exercise equipment (resistance straps). The goal is 3 times per weeks to start: resistance straps, ball exercises, yoga. Anything.
3. Turn away from the anger response. I've been very self-indulgent these past few years and don't like how I get, mainly internally. I am going to try to tell myself that I'm not going to go there when the temptation strikes. Being overworked and stress or worried is no excuse. I am telling myself that this is not productive and instead I need to do the 'next best thing.'
4. Complain less and be nicer. One person who hears it all from me will know if I'm working on this or not. I've lost a lot of sleep being worried about things and also fighting battles in my mind. [See also, #3]
5. De-clutter. This time of year I tackle the paperwork piles and other accumulation. I've been making advances slowly over time and look forward to having a more enjoyable apartment by Easter. All areas will get a once-over. I need to discard more and more.
6. Recognize my personal bring-me-downs and make changes. I tend to get in ruts and stay there. This year I want to recognize when this happens and add more variety. Even little shifts in attention and activity can be healthy: read a book rather than watch TV, go for a walk, study a subject...anything.
7. Keep working on the debt to bring it down. This is difficult since there is virtually no 'discretionary income'. If I can avoid the need for root canals/crowns and high car maintenence costs this year, and stay employed in the Floundering Fish Co. (or some comparable job), and my rent doesn't go up, AND I keep a cap on the little gifts I give myself (CDs, DVDs, books...) THEN it might be possible to achieve. Sigh.
8. Make the spiritual connections. It is spiritual well-being that will help me with all the material struggles and to be a better person. Sometimes the spiritual connection seems to get pushed aside by the cares and desires of this world. When that happens everything seems to go (at least) slightly sour. I attend Mass weekly and pray daily, but it is not always quality. Also, this multi-tasking that I do constantly does not allow my mind to APPRECIATE the moment, which can be spiritual. This connection is not only with God, but the connection with other people. I want to practice more quiet time and to multi-task less so that I can be more present to the spiritual presence.
9. Go out of my way to be helpful with a good spirit. This can always use some improvement. When I get grumbly, a LOT of improvement.
10. TBD. This list needs ten items, so I'm reserving the right to keep number 10 for later assignment.
There. It's done. Whew.
I must say that the best thing to happen to me in 2005, and perhaps for the prior several years, was to join Weight Watchers and attend the weekly meeting. Some of the behavioral tools, the meeting topics and discussions have given me inspiration and positively influenced other areas of my life.
Posted at 1/8/2006 12:38:56 am by lifeonhold
Permalink
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Happy New Year! 2006 version
Oh my, I'm havin' fun! Let me bottle up this New Year's Eve to sip from in the winter ahead.
It's a rockin' New Year's Eve. I feel fine. Really fine.
I put my favorite music on shuffle play this afternoon while I made sushi and guacamole for the evening. Carol kept me company via a nice long friendly phone call on speaker phone. Friends are friends even states and time zones away.
Then I assmebled the feast.
chips, guacamole, sour cream, sushi, martinis, shrimp, shrimp cocktail
Not finished with music, I taped the football and instead slipped into the concert DVD by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, God is in the House. Food, martini, and fabulous music. One can hardly hope for more, unless it was for people to share this with. Enjoy, blog friends.
Happy New Year to one and all.
Posted at 12/31/2005 7:41:19 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
Friday, December 30, 2005
Katjam started it, then Copsister did it.
Now me.
The Face Recognition Program gave these results when I,
lifey, plugged in my webcam photo:
The Original Lifeonhold
Best match - Anne Frank. Yeah, I see it.
Finally,
Posted at 12/30/2005 9:39:46 pm by lifeonhold
Permalink
|
|
