Tomorrow I will be fishing with my favorite fishing guide in the whole world - my dad. Check out his website.
Dad has a charter business and has been a professional guide for the past 32 years. He certainly knows all the hot fishing spots in the Thousand Islands.
My dad taught me all that I know about fishing. I think he had a fishing pole in my hand before I could walk. I was 17 when I caught my first muskie with him. What a thrill to reel in a 53 inch fish weighing close to 40 pounds; this prize catch hangs on my wall today.
I also got to be the first woman to appear on the Rod & Reel show with my dad. Again, I was 17 when this happened. Bill Saiff, the star of the show, kept out fishing me early, but my dad kept warning him that I would finish strong in the end. This I did do and out fished Bill for the day. What a thrill for me and my dad; I know that dad was proud of me and my fishing accomplishments.
I will be bringing a novice fishing buddy with me tomorrow. He has only fished once before for about 30 minutes with me earlier this summer. We caught 2 Rock Bass. I'm hoping that we catch something a little more exciting tomorrow.
It is neat that I get to share my dad's fishing knowledge with a novice fisherman. Of course, who could he learn better from than my dad.
Check back in a few days since I'll probably post some fishing stories and pictures.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A Birthday Outing
Yesterday was Connie's birthday and we celebrated on Monday. We spent the afternoon in Lake Placid and then had a marvelous dinner at the Mirror Lake Inn. For those who have never been, I highly recommend going sometime.
Appetizer - Bowl of French Onion Soup
My Dinner - Grilled Pork Loin with blueberry chutney & sweet potatoes 
Appetizer - Bowl of French Onion Soup
Connie's Dinner - Grilled Rosmary Chicken served with roasted baby veggies & house potatoes
My Dinner - Grilled Pork Loin with blueberry chutney & sweet potatoes 
Surprise dessert for Connie.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Vacation Time
As of 12:00 pm yesterday, I am officially on vacation until September 5. This is wonderful!!
Here is a snapshot of what I'll be doing:
Here is a snapshot of what I'll be doing:
- sleeping in until 6 or 7 am each morning (I know you're thinking that is not sleeping in, but is for me since I get up at 4:30am to go to work);
- spending time on the St. Lawrence River with some great friends - thanks Dave & Connie for inviting me to share the cabin on the river with your family;
- lots of kayaking;
- some golf;
- visiting family in the Thousand Islands; and
- washing & re-caulking my log cabin.
I'm off to the river now. What fun!!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Unexpected Bed Guest
My mom and I arrived home Saturday night after seeing the Sound of Music production. It was late, 11:45 pm, and we both were dreaming of finding our beds. I kissed mom good night, headed up to my room and was anxious to jump in my waterbed. I decided to fluff the covers up before I made the final splash. When I did, I found an unexpected bed guest - a dead mouse.
My cat, Shadow, is an exceptional mouse hunter and I figured he had brought it to me the night before to show me his proud catch. I guess I was too sound asleep to notice his trophy and he buried it underneath my cover. I quickly got a paper towel, swooped the little guy up, and threw him out the door. I then went to bed and had a restful sleep.
My cat, Shadow, is an exceptional mouse hunter and I figured he had brought it to me the night before to show me his proud catch. I guess I was too sound asleep to notice his trophy and he buried it underneath my cover. I quickly got a paper towel, swooped the little guy up, and threw him out the door. I then went to bed and had a restful sleep.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
What Enemies Are You Facing?
Psalm 18 is written by David after God delivered him from all of his enemies. In David's case, his enemies were other humans, but the Psalm can also be applied to other forms of enemies. What are some of these other enemies?
One for sure is the devil. John 10:10 states "the thief comes but to steal, kill, and destory, but I (Jesus) have come to give you life and life more abundantly." The devil doesn't want us to live the abundant life that Christ died to give us. The devil works overtime to keep us from this abundant life through two other forms of enemies: (1) Sin and (2) Thoughts and feelings.
Sin can separate us from God for eternity if we don't confess our sins and ask God to forgive us.
Our thoughts and feelings are perhaps more subtle forms of the enemy. Our thoughts can shape how we feel about certain things and ultimately shape what we believe. If our thoughts go contrary to God's Word, then they have the power to draw us away from God and keep us from enjoying the abundant life that Christ died to give us. The devil can also use our thoughts to deceive us into feeling and believing certain things about ourselves that leads us away from God.
No matter what enemy we face, Psalm 18 provides insight to have God deliver us from them. Verses 2 & 30 tell us to that God is our strength and shield provided that we trust Him. Verses 32 and 38 indicate that God arms us with strength for the battle. Verse 37 tells us to pursue our enemies and don't turn back till they are destroyed.
In summary, trusting God gives us a shield and strength for the battle that we must pursue to have victory over our enemies.
Pursuing our enemies means that we have an active part in determining whether or not we are delivered from them. Pursuing means that we must stand ready with the sword of the Spirit (Word of God) when the devil comes to entice us into sin or influence our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. All that we do, think, feel, or believe must be compared to the Word to determine whether it is an enemny that intends to harm us. If enemnies have been discovered, then we boot them out with the Word of God and we can experience God's delivering power that David did.
One for sure is the devil. John 10:10 states "the thief comes but to steal, kill, and destory, but I (Jesus) have come to give you life and life more abundantly." The devil doesn't want us to live the abundant life that Christ died to give us. The devil works overtime to keep us from this abundant life through two other forms of enemies: (1) Sin and (2) Thoughts and feelings.
Sin can separate us from God for eternity if we don't confess our sins and ask God to forgive us.
Our thoughts and feelings are perhaps more subtle forms of the enemy. Our thoughts can shape how we feel about certain things and ultimately shape what we believe. If our thoughts go contrary to God's Word, then they have the power to draw us away from God and keep us from enjoying the abundant life that Christ died to give us. The devil can also use our thoughts to deceive us into feeling and believing certain things about ourselves that leads us away from God.
No matter what enemy we face, Psalm 18 provides insight to have God deliver us from them. Verses 2 & 30 tell us to that God is our strength and shield provided that we trust Him. Verses 32 and 38 indicate that God arms us with strength for the battle. Verse 37 tells us to pursue our enemies and don't turn back till they are destroyed.
In summary, trusting God gives us a shield and strength for the battle that we must pursue to have victory over our enemies.
Pursuing our enemies means that we have an active part in determining whether or not we are delivered from them. Pursuing means that we must stand ready with the sword of the Spirit (Word of God) when the devil comes to entice us into sin or influence our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. All that we do, think, feel, or believe must be compared to the Word to determine whether it is an enemny that intends to harm us. If enemnies have been discovered, then we boot them out with the Word of God and we can experience God's delivering power that David did.
God will deliver you from all your enemies no matter what you are facing today. Put your trust in God, He'll give you strength & a shield for the battle to pursue your enemies and experience God's delivering power.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Summer Fun
I've been enjoying the summer. Here is some of what I've been doing.
I have a new past time - kayaking. I got my kayak last weekend. I'm truly enjoying it and love being out on the water. I'm amazed at all of God's creation that I get to enjoy as I paddle across the waterways of NNY. Just today, I was able to get within 50 feet of a Blue Heron as it was searching for its next meal. I also got an up close view of a painted turtle in the water since I paddled right over it.
I have a new past time - kayaking. I got my kayak last weekend. I'm truly enjoying it and love being out on the water. I'm amazed at all of God's creation that I get to enjoy as I paddle across the waterways of NNY. Just today, I was able to get within 50 feet of a Blue Heron as it was searching for its next meal. I also got an up close view of a painted turtle in the water since I paddled right over it.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
A Day With My Best Friend
Early last week I decided that I would drive to Old Forge to purchase a kayak. I didn't want to go alone and began to think about who I could invite. I thought "I'll ask my best friend to go and spend the whole day with me." I was fortunate that my best friend didn't have anything scheduled and would love to go.
My best friend met me as I woke up on Saturday morning. We had breakfast and coffee together; it was the beginning of a great day!
We then went to a meeting at 9am. During the meeting, my best friend began to show me that there are some things in my life that are hindering our relationship. I may not have liked what I was hearing, but I knew the things that were shared were true. My best friend was gentle in sharing and I truly felt loved during the whole time. I'm so thankful for this.
At 10am, my best friend and I hopped in the car and we began the journey to Old Forge. "Oops" , I said to my best friend, "did I tell you that I was going to Watertown first?" My best friend didn't mind and said lets go. We were on our way.
As I drove, I pondered what my best friend shared with me about our relationship. Tears began to roll down my face and I could feel the volcanic eruption beginning inside of me. I pulled the car over and the weeping began. As I weeped, my best friend held and comforted me. My best friend began to speak to me through the lyrics of the following song that was playing on my CD player:
My best friend met me as I woke up on Saturday morning. We had breakfast and coffee together; it was the beginning of a great day!
We then went to a meeting at 9am. During the meeting, my best friend began to show me that there are some things in my life that are hindering our relationship. I may not have liked what I was hearing, but I knew the things that were shared were true. My best friend was gentle in sharing and I truly felt loved during the whole time. I'm so thankful for this.
At 10am, my best friend and I hopped in the car and we began the journey to Old Forge. "Oops" , I said to my best friend, "did I tell you that I was going to Watertown first?" My best friend didn't mind and said lets go. We were on our way.
As I drove, I pondered what my best friend shared with me about our relationship. Tears began to roll down my face and I could feel the volcanic eruption beginning inside of me. I pulled the car over and the weeping began. As I weeped, my best friend held and comforted me. My best friend began to speak to me through the lyrics of the following song that was playing on my CD player:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
Written by Mark Hal
Music by Casting Crowns
Song based on Psalms 52 and 139 and Ephesians 2
© 2003 Club Zoo Music / SWEC Music
(Admin. by Club Zoo Music) / BMI.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
My best friend: cares to feel my hurt; hears me when I call; catches me when I fall; looks at me with love in spite of my sin; and calms the storm that rages inside of me. The journey continued after all the weeping was over.
During the rest of the trip, my best friend kept showing me how loved and accepted I am. I didn't have to worry about being perfect; I just needed to be who I am - a child of God.
We arrived home around 10:20 pm when my best friend said to me "Go to bed, Laura. I'll stay with you through the night and be here in the morning when you awake."
You have probably gathered that my best friend is Jesus. I am so blessed to have Him as my best friend and I look forward to spending many more days with Him.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Washington, DC Attorneys & Hourly Rates
Today I received a bill from an attorneys office that is located in Washington, DC. The bill was suppose to be sent to the St. Regis Hotel, which is located in DC, but came to me under the name of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.
The amazing part of the bill was the hourly rate for the attorney. Can you guess what it was? How about $470 per hour.
This is truly amazing that an attorney can make that much per hour. Lets see ... that is $18,800 per week for a 40 hour work week. I can't even imagine making that much money in one week. Perhaps I should think about switching careers. I always said that I would make a good attorney. What do you think?
The amazing part of the bill was the hourly rate for the attorney. Can you guess what it was? How about $470 per hour.
This is truly amazing that an attorney can make that much per hour. Lets see ... that is $18,800 per week for a 40 hour work week. I can't even imagine making that much money in one week. Perhaps I should think about switching careers. I always said that I would make a good attorney. What do you think?
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Enjoying the Weekend
At last, the weekend is here. My plans for the weekend include traveling with friends to Purchase, NY. The reason for the travel is to take my friend's daughter to a music camp; she will be spending a week there.
We will be making a stop near Lake George where we will spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming - this is what weekends are for. We'll spend the night at my friend's family resort and then travel to Purchase tomorrow. On the way home, we intend to stop and shop along the way.
I'm sure that I'll drink plenty of coffee during the trip too.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend.
We will be making a stop near Lake George where we will spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming - this is what weekends are for. We'll spend the night at my friend's family resort and then travel to Purchase tomorrow. On the way home, we intend to stop and shop along the way.
I'm sure that I'll drink plenty of coffee during the trip too.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Coffee Time With God
Ok, you all know that I love to fellowship with a cup of coffee in hand since drinking coffee and having good conversations with friends is one of my favorite past times.
Last week God encouraged me to get a cup of coffee and hang out with Him. Until then, I had never thought about having a cup of coffee while hanging out with God. What a great idea!!
I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, grabbed a cup of Gulliver's hazelnut coffee (one of my favorites), and found a spot near the Racquette River. I was truly amazed how the Lord began speaking to me about various things as sat with coffee in hand. The rushing waters of the Racquette River also soothed my soul and brought me the peace of God, which I so desparately needed on this day. I truly enjoyed drinking my coffee and being with God.
Since last week, I've gone back to the same place with coffee in hand to have a personal time with God. Just yesterday, the Lord led me to Psalm 23:2:
Last week God encouraged me to get a cup of coffee and hang out with Him. Until then, I had never thought about having a cup of coffee while hanging out with God. What a great idea!!
I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, grabbed a cup of Gulliver's hazelnut coffee (one of my favorites), and found a spot near the Racquette River. I was truly amazed how the Lord began speaking to me about various things as sat with coffee in hand. The rushing waters of the Racquette River also soothed my soul and brought me the peace of God, which I so desparately needed on this day. I truly enjoyed drinking my coffee and being with God.
Since last week, I've gone back to the same place with coffee in hand to have a personal time with God. Just yesterday, the Lord led me to Psalm 23:2:
....He leads me beside waters of rest. He restores my soul.
Sitting beside the Racquette River allows me to find a place of rest, be at at peace with God, and my soul gets refreshed and restored as I spend time with the Lord and drink my coffee.
Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to have a cup of coffee and hanging out with You. I'm am truly blessed.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Today's Struggles Are Tomorrow's Successes
Last night I watched TD Jakes' message entitled "Nothing Just Happens." This was a powerful message about understanding that God has a plan and purpose for us and that nothing just happens. God uses all things, good and bad, to work His purposes out in our lives.
In the message, TD Jakes shared two points that really helped me to reframe some of my thinking about struggles that I encounter:
In the message, TD Jakes shared two points that really helped me to reframe some of my thinking about struggles that I encounter:
- Yesterday's struggles are today's successes
- Today's struggles are tomorrow's successes
As I ponder these two points, I can clearly see how my yesterday's struggles have contributed to the successes that I enjoy today. This brings me hope that the struggles I go through today will become my successes tomorrow.
I may not fully understand the reasons why I go through struggles, but it doesn't matter since I trust God that He will work them together for my good (Rm 8:28) and the struggles will become my successes in the future.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Busy Days
This week has been filled with a whirlwind of activities.
Yesterday I spent the day driving to three destinations and touring interesting sites: (1) Biomass burning facility in Lyonsdale, NY; (2) Willow biomass farm in Belleville, NY; and (3) Anaerobic digester farm in Belleville, NY. Can you guess what these three places have in common and why I would want to visit them?
These interesting field trips are part of the Fuel For the Future conference that I'm attending at Clarkson for the remainder of the week. The conference is looking at technologies for using alternative fuel supplies for creating energy. Using waste cooking oil to create biodiesel is the technology that I'm most interested in. This is a technology that I've been researching for the past year. Biodiesel can replace the diesel fuel used to run our garbage trucks. Advantages of biodiesel include it burns cleaner and is cheaper than diesel fuel. I worked on a proposal with Clarkson last week. If funded, the grant would provide money to build a biodiesel production system on the reservation. Sounds fun.
In my travels yesterday, I passed the new wind farm that is located near Lowville, NY. The wind farm has hundreds of newly installed winds mills that create enough energy to supply all the houses in Lewis County. I didn't mind the appearance of the gigantic wind mills (Nancy - this is my kind of museum). I actually thought that they added some unique beauty to the skyline. I would highly recommend to drive by them if you are traveling in that area. They are located on Route 177. Route 177 runs between Rt. 81 (Adams Center Exit) and Lowville, NY. The wind farm is located near the section of the road near Lowville, NY.
Yesterday I spent the day driving to three destinations and touring interesting sites: (1) Biomass burning facility in Lyonsdale, NY; (2) Willow biomass farm in Belleville, NY; and (3) Anaerobic digester farm in Belleville, NY. Can you guess what these three places have in common and why I would want to visit them?
These interesting field trips are part of the Fuel For the Future conference that I'm attending at Clarkson for the remainder of the week. The conference is looking at technologies for using alternative fuel supplies for creating energy. Using waste cooking oil to create biodiesel is the technology that I'm most interested in. This is a technology that I've been researching for the past year. Biodiesel can replace the diesel fuel used to run our garbage trucks. Advantages of biodiesel include it burns cleaner and is cheaper than diesel fuel. I worked on a proposal with Clarkson last week. If funded, the grant would provide money to build a biodiesel production system on the reservation. Sounds fun.
In my travels yesterday, I passed the new wind farm that is located near Lowville, NY. The wind farm has hundreds of newly installed winds mills that create enough energy to supply all the houses in Lewis County. I didn't mind the appearance of the gigantic wind mills (Nancy - this is my kind of museum). I actually thought that they added some unique beauty to the skyline. I would highly recommend to drive by them if you are traveling in that area. They are located on Route 177. Route 177 runs between Rt. 81 (Adams Center Exit) and Lowville, NY. The wind farm is located near the section of the road near Lowville, NY.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Unplanned Snack
I was able to enjoy an unplanned snack this evening. You are probably wondering how can a snack be unplanned?
I'm always planning the types and amounts of food that I eat in a day. My unplanned snack became a reality when I forgot to include one of my carb servings with my lunch today. I was disappointed to see that I had forgotten it when I opened my lunch bag up at noon, but I quickly thought "I'll just make it up later in the day."
I came home after work, ate dinner, and then mowed my lawn. As I was mowing, I planned for my unplanned snack: ice cold yogurt with a bit of cheerios on top; this has become one of my favorites. This unplanned snack sure hit the spot after mowing. I know it isn't ice cream, but I sure do enjoy it as much and appreciate that it is healthier for me to eat.
The best part of this story: I get to eat a planned snack later this evening. You guessed it - ice cold yogurt with cheerios on top. Twice in one day...doesn't get much better than this.
I'm always planning the types and amounts of food that I eat in a day. My unplanned snack became a reality when I forgot to include one of my carb servings with my lunch today. I was disappointed to see that I had forgotten it when I opened my lunch bag up at noon, but I quickly thought "I'll just make it up later in the day."
I came home after work, ate dinner, and then mowed my lawn. As I was mowing, I planned for my unplanned snack: ice cold yogurt with a bit of cheerios on top; this has become one of my favorites. This unplanned snack sure hit the spot after mowing. I know it isn't ice cream, but I sure do enjoy it as much and appreciate that it is healthier for me to eat.
The best part of this story: I get to eat a planned snack later this evening. You guessed it - ice cold yogurt with cheerios on top. Twice in one day...doesn't get much better than this.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Father's Day
Nancy snapped this picture of my dad and me after we had breakfast this past Monday. My dad loves to ride his motorcycle.
I had the awesome privilege of spending time with my dad today to celebrate Father's Day. I treasure these times since my dad spends some Father's day taking other people out fishing - my dad operates a fishing charter business. I was glad to learn that he didn't have to go fishing today and I was able to spend time with him.
Farther's day is special for me since I spent 10 years not talking to my dad. The reasons why are not important. More importantly, is that God restored my relationship with dad. We have a great relationship now and I cherish my times with him.
As my friend Nancy says "your dad is a way cool guy." I agree with her and I love him very much.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Home
I am home and enjoying the cabin life; for those who don't know, I live in a 4 bedroom log cabin nestled in 20 acres of woods. I love the peace, quiet, and all the animals that roam across my yard.
Today I'll spend trying to weed my flower beds and plant flowers. My busy life and weather have not cooperated to allow me to get this done. One would think that I'm growing a forest of weeds since they have overtaken my flower beds. The weeds will get a surprise when I put on my new garden gloves and begin pulling them out. I just hope that the weather will cooperate. It has already rained this morning and the weather channel tells me that we will be getting more.
Other than weeding, I'll need to buy a father's day present and card. I hope to see my dad tomorrow if he is not out on the St. Lawrence fishing. He has a fishing charter business and this is the opening of bass season. He didn't have a charter booked for tomorrow the last time I spoke to him.
Captain Russ is my dad's name and I think he is pretty cool. He spends most of his days on the boat fishing. He has actually fished 21 days in a row. When you ask him if he ever gets sick of fishing, he tells you no. He also has a motorcycle that he got a couple years ago and rides that around when he doesn't have a fishing pole in his hand. He is cool and I love him very much.
The rain has subsided...I guess I should go attack those weeds. Have a good one.
Today I'll spend trying to weed my flower beds and plant flowers. My busy life and weather have not cooperated to allow me to get this done. One would think that I'm growing a forest of weeds since they have overtaken my flower beds. The weeds will get a surprise when I put on my new garden gloves and begin pulling them out. I just hope that the weather will cooperate. It has already rained this morning and the weather channel tells me that we will be getting more.
Other than weeding, I'll need to buy a father's day present and card. I hope to see my dad tomorrow if he is not out on the St. Lawrence fishing. He has a fishing charter business and this is the opening of bass season. He didn't have a charter booked for tomorrow the last time I spoke to him.
Captain Russ is my dad's name and I think he is pretty cool. He spends most of his days on the boat fishing. He has actually fished 21 days in a row. When you ask him if he ever gets sick of fishing, he tells you no. He also has a motorcycle that he got a couple years ago and rides that around when he doesn't have a fishing pole in his hand. He is cool and I love him very much.
The rain has subsided...I guess I should go attack those weeds. Have a good one.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Dining in Arlington, Va
This was a post that I wrote yesterday, but couldn't publish because of internet problems at the hotel in DC. I hope you enjoy reading about our dining adventure.
After working on my proposal all day, I was ready to eat some fine food. After discussing what would satisfy our taste-buds, we decided on Thai food. A Google search revealed that there was a Thai restaurant 5 miles from the hotel. A call to the restaurant showed that we didn’t need reservations and there was a parking lot – important thing to know when you trying to dine in a large city. We printed directions from Google and headed to the company Hybrid.
We got onto Crystal Drive as we departed the hotel parking garage. We found the next street that the directions indicated we needed to be on. As we continued on, we both began to realize that the next street to turn on was no where to be found. We had to make a snap decision and turned onto a road that we thought was the one that would lead us to the Thai restaurant. We quickly realized that it was the wrong road since we were on I-395 headed across a bridge in DC; this is the opposite direction that we needed to go. We could do nothing, but enjoy the rush hour traffic, which was moving slow, and the scenery along the way. After about 15 minutes of crossing the Potomac River, we finally found an exit to get off I-395. We were able to get off and get back on I-395 south headed back to Arlington, Va. A quick geography lesson: the Potomac River separates DC from Arlington, Va. We eventually found our way back to the hotel, parked the car, and walked to a nearby Thai restaurant.
We both laughed about our little driving adventure and made the best of it as we entered the Thai restaurant. The menu looked great and the prices were very reasonable. We both ordered and within minutes our food arrived at our table; for those of you who know Nancy she did take pictures of the food…so check her blog out since she’ll probably post them when she gets home. As we both were admiring our food, Nancy offered me a taste from her plate. I grabbed my fork and put some in my mouth. My mouth quickly let me know that Nancy’s dish was spicy; this was evident since my mouth felt like it was on fire. I don’t like spicy food. Nancy quickly informed me that her dish was spicy enough to “wake up my insides.” I certainly felt like my insides were being waked up to something that it didn’t like. I soon recovered though and enjoyed my chicken, broccoli, and noodle dish.
We did have an enjoyable dining experience out even though we didn’t end up going to the original Thai restaurant that we had plan on. Sometimes we have to make the best of it even when our plans don't work out the way we intended them to.
After working on my proposal all day, I was ready to eat some fine food. After discussing what would satisfy our taste-buds, we decided on Thai food. A Google search revealed that there was a Thai restaurant 5 miles from the hotel. A call to the restaurant showed that we didn’t need reservations and there was a parking lot – important thing to know when you trying to dine in a large city. We printed directions from Google and headed to the company Hybrid.
We got onto Crystal Drive as we departed the hotel parking garage. We found the next street that the directions indicated we needed to be on. As we continued on, we both began to realize that the next street to turn on was no where to be found. We had to make a snap decision and turned onto a road that we thought was the one that would lead us to the Thai restaurant. We quickly realized that it was the wrong road since we were on I-395 headed across a bridge in DC; this is the opposite direction that we needed to go. We could do nothing, but enjoy the rush hour traffic, which was moving slow, and the scenery along the way. After about 15 minutes of crossing the Potomac River, we finally found an exit to get off I-395. We were able to get off and get back on I-395 south headed back to Arlington, Va. A quick geography lesson: the Potomac River separates DC from Arlington, Va. We eventually found our way back to the hotel, parked the car, and walked to a nearby Thai restaurant.
We both laughed about our little driving adventure and made the best of it as we entered the Thai restaurant. The menu looked great and the prices were very reasonable. We both ordered and within minutes our food arrived at our table; for those of you who know Nancy she did take pictures of the food…so check her blog out since she’ll probably post them when she gets home. As we both were admiring our food, Nancy offered me a taste from her plate. I grabbed my fork and put some in my mouth. My mouth quickly let me know that Nancy’s dish was spicy; this was evident since my mouth felt like it was on fire. I don’t like spicy food. Nancy quickly informed me that her dish was spicy enough to “wake up my insides.” I certainly felt like my insides were being waked up to something that it didn’t like. I soon recovered though and enjoyed my chicken, broccoli, and noodle dish.
We did have an enjoyable dining experience out even though we didn’t end up going to the original Thai restaurant that we had plan on. Sometimes we have to make the best of it even when our plans don't work out the way we intended them to.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Arrival - Washington, DC
Nancy & I arrived in Washington, DC last evening about 6:30 pm. It was a good day for traveling.
I picked Nancy up at 6:30 am and we headed south. We made a stop in Watertown where we met my dad for breakfast. He rode his motorcycle and Nancy took our picture with us standing next to it - I imagine that you might see it on her weblog in the future. We were back on the road to continue our trip south. The nice thing about heading south is the weather improved the farther we went. It was sunny and in the mid 70's by the time we arrived in Washington.
After checking in at the hotel, Nancy went off to be a tourist and I went to a business dinner meeting. I was pretty tired by the time I got back to the room at 10pm.
I have an unstructured day ahead of me. I must complete a proposal that I've been working on. I guess I should go begin working on it. Perhaps I'll work on it when I'm sitting pool side enjoying the sun. I wonder how much I would get done if I did that? Check back and I'll let you know.
I picked Nancy up at 6:30 am and we headed south. We made a stop in Watertown where we met my dad for breakfast. He rode his motorcycle and Nancy took our picture with us standing next to it - I imagine that you might see it on her weblog in the future. We were back on the road to continue our trip south. The nice thing about heading south is the weather improved the farther we went. It was sunny and in the mid 70's by the time we arrived in Washington.
After checking in at the hotel, Nancy went off to be a tourist and I went to a business dinner meeting. I was pretty tired by the time I got back to the room at 10pm.
I have an unstructured day ahead of me. I must complete a proposal that I've been working on. I guess I should go begin working on it. Perhaps I'll work on it when I'm sitting pool side enjoying the sun. I wonder how much I would get done if I did that? Check back and I'll let you know.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Destination - Washington, DC
Yes, you got it...I'm getting set for another trip. This time the trip is for work.
I sit on a committee that advises EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) about environmental issues. I'm the only Tribal representative and I'll be sitting in day long meetings from Tuesday-Thursday. I call them marathon meetings since they usually start at 8 or 9 am and go until 5 or 6 pm. My brain definitely needs a rest after these meetings.
I'm driving the office hybrid vehicle, which is a Toyota Highlander. It won't get as good gas mileage as my hybrid, but it will be interesting to see how it performs.
My good friend, Nancy, will be joining me for the trip. Nancy is an excellent travel companion. Nancy will see as many museums in DC as time permits while I'm in my meetings. I'm not a museum person and this is a good thing since Nancy likes to go off on her own and check things out.
We will leave bright and early tomorrow morning (6:30 am). I guess I better go to bed now so that I'll be awake for the drive.
Check back here for updates or click on the link for Nancy's blog under my links section since we both will be able to post during the trip.
I sit on a committee that advises EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) about environmental issues. I'm the only Tribal representative and I'll be sitting in day long meetings from Tuesday-Thursday. I call them marathon meetings since they usually start at 8 or 9 am and go until 5 or 6 pm. My brain definitely needs a rest after these meetings.
I'm driving the office hybrid vehicle, which is a Toyota Highlander. It won't get as good gas mileage as my hybrid, but it will be interesting to see how it performs.
My good friend, Nancy, will be joining me for the trip. Nancy is an excellent travel companion. Nancy will see as many museums in DC as time permits while I'm in my meetings. I'm not a museum person and this is a good thing since Nancy likes to go off on her own and check things out.
We will leave bright and early tomorrow morning (6:30 am). I guess I better go to bed now so that I'll be awake for the drive.
Check back here for updates or click on the link for Nancy's blog under my links section since we both will be able to post during the trip.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Life At the Transfer Station
I arrived at the transfer station about 30 minutes ago.
I wonder what the day would bring as I stepped out of my car. I never know when I spend the day at the station. The normal routine is to sit at the desk waiting for loaded trucks of garbage or recyclables to roll across the scale. I get to weigh them and buzz them to move to the designated areas so that they can unload. I then get to re-weigh them after they unload everything and take their money: "that will be $10.00 sir". If the computer is working correctly, it will tell me how much change I need to give back to them. I take their money, give them their change and receipt, and close the cash drawer. "Have a good sir" is what I say when they leave. I then sit and wait for the next customer. I sometimes can sit for hours until the next customer. During these times, I occupy myself with doing paperwork that I bring with me from my main office, if I remember to bring it with me. Often times, customers will come in like a flood and the flurry of activities causes me to swith modes.
My work at the transfer station has taught me to adapt to whatever is happening. I find myself routinely switching modes depending on the given moment. This is a challenge since I am a person of balance and like routine. I have to adapt right now since my first customer has arrived; off to weighing I go.
My work at the transfer station has taught me to adapt to whatever is happening. I find myself routinely switching modes depending on the given moment. This is a challenge since I am a person of balance and like routine. I have to adapt right now since my first customer has arrived; off to weighing I go.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
A Time for Everything
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
In January, I entered a new season in my life that I call healthier living for today and tomorrow. I entered the season knowing fully well that the decisions I make today impacts my life in the future.
Prior to January, I wasn't sowing good seeds with respect to my eating habits. I would eat anything that I wanted and as much as I wanted to. I began to realize that continuing to eat this way was having negative impacts on my spiritual, emotional, and physical health. I also came to a place of brokeness before God and asked Him to help me control my eating. This is when the healthier living for today and tomorrow season began for me.
The first part of the season was focused on weight loss. One of the first things I learned was that metabolism is the way my body uses calories from the food that I eat. If I eat more than my body needs, those extra calories get stored as fat. Eating less than my body needs causes weight loss.
Now that I had the basic understanding about metabolism, I began to learn about eating smaller more frequent meals while measuring the portions of food that I was eating. I bought measuring cups and a balance so that I could weigh my portion sizes. Measuring and weighing my food was a new concept for me, but it taught me about portion control and the importance of eating only what my body needed.
I also learned that eating breads, crackers, and pasta made from whole wheat has more fiber and nutrients and causes my body to use more energy to digest this type of food; the more energy needed means more calories are burned that helps lead to weight loss.
Eating whole grains in combination with the right amounts of proteins and fats also caused my body to loose weight. My body needs food from all the food groups in order to fire up my metabolism, which led to my weight loss.
Combining my new healthier eating with working out five times per week (3 days of strenth training, 2 days of aerobics) allowed me to loose between 1-3 pounds per week.
I reached my goal weight a few weeks ago and I'm now in the maintaining part of the season. This means that I have to eat more food in order to maintain my weight.
I thought eating more food would be great and easy to do, but I'm finding that it is a challenge. My stomach has shrunk and is very content with me eating at the level that I've been accustomed to. Nevertheless, I either need to eat more or reduce my active level in order to maintain my weight. I don't see my active level changing so eating more is the only option that I have.
Eating more is an unusual challenge for me to experience since I've never had a problem packing the food down. Matter of fact, there were periods in my life where eating was a favorite pass time and stuffing myself beyond the point of comfort was normal for me. I'm so glad that I don't do this anymore and I love eating in moderation now.
I've loss a total of 42 pounds since January 1. I sometimes pinch myself to see if it is really true. I've always heard about other people loosing this much weight and never thought that I could do it. Nevertheless, here I am 42 pounds lighter and with God's grace I was able to achieve my goal. Thank you Lord!!
Many people have asked me if I found it hard to do. Overall, I haven't found it hard. I've had God's grace. Another key for my success was realizing that what I reap in the future depends on what I sow today. I began to look at older members of my family and began asking myself “do I want to look and have the health problems that they do when I’m their age?” My answer was no and I realized that I needed to sow good eating and exercise habits today in order to be healthy in the future.
I am also successful since I had two wonderful people (Theresa & Blanche Smith) to help me stay on course and share in the fun of experiencing weight loss together. Blanche and Theresa have been a great support and inspiration to me and I probably wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goal weight without them. I’m every so thankful for them and their support and love.
I'm glad that the weight loss season is behind me and I know that God's grace will be with me as I continue to eat more in the maintaining part of the season.
In January, I entered a new season in my life that I call healthier living for today and tomorrow. I entered the season knowing fully well that the decisions I make today impacts my life in the future.
Prior to January, I wasn't sowing good seeds with respect to my eating habits. I would eat anything that I wanted and as much as I wanted to. I began to realize that continuing to eat this way was having negative impacts on my spiritual, emotional, and physical health. I also came to a place of brokeness before God and asked Him to help me control my eating. This is when the healthier living for today and tomorrow season began for me.
The first part of the season was focused on weight loss. One of the first things I learned was that metabolism is the way my body uses calories from the food that I eat. If I eat more than my body needs, those extra calories get stored as fat. Eating less than my body needs causes weight loss.
Now that I had the basic understanding about metabolism, I began to learn about eating smaller more frequent meals while measuring the portions of food that I was eating. I bought measuring cups and a balance so that I could weigh my portion sizes. Measuring and weighing my food was a new concept for me, but it taught me about portion control and the importance of eating only what my body needed.
I also learned that eating breads, crackers, and pasta made from whole wheat has more fiber and nutrients and causes my body to use more energy to digest this type of food; the more energy needed means more calories are burned that helps lead to weight loss.
Eating whole grains in combination with the right amounts of proteins and fats also caused my body to loose weight. My body needs food from all the food groups in order to fire up my metabolism, which led to my weight loss.
Combining my new healthier eating with working out five times per week (3 days of strenth training, 2 days of aerobics) allowed me to loose between 1-3 pounds per week.
I reached my goal weight a few weeks ago and I'm now in the maintaining part of the season. This means that I have to eat more food in order to maintain my weight.
I thought eating more food would be great and easy to do, but I'm finding that it is a challenge. My stomach has shrunk and is very content with me eating at the level that I've been accustomed to. Nevertheless, I either need to eat more or reduce my active level in order to maintain my weight. I don't see my active level changing so eating more is the only option that I have.
Eating more is an unusual challenge for me to experience since I've never had a problem packing the food down. Matter of fact, there were periods in my life where eating was a favorite pass time and stuffing myself beyond the point of comfort was normal for me. I'm so glad that I don't do this anymore and I love eating in moderation now.
I've loss a total of 42 pounds since January 1. I sometimes pinch myself to see if it is really true. I've always heard about other people loosing this much weight and never thought that I could do it. Nevertheless, here I am 42 pounds lighter and with God's grace I was able to achieve my goal. Thank you Lord!!
Many people have asked me if I found it hard to do. Overall, I haven't found it hard. I've had God's grace. Another key for my success was realizing that what I reap in the future depends on what I sow today. I began to look at older members of my family and began asking myself “do I want to look and have the health problems that they do when I’m their age?” My answer was no and I realized that I needed to sow good eating and exercise habits today in order to be healthy in the future.
I am also successful since I had two wonderful people (Theresa & Blanche Smith) to help me stay on course and share in the fun of experiencing weight loss together. Blanche and Theresa have been a great support and inspiration to me and I probably wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my goal weight without them. I’m every so thankful for them and their support and love.
I'm glad that the weight loss season is behind me and I know that God's grace will be with me as I continue to eat more in the maintaining part of the season.
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