The beginning of the ...

Days that will kill me ... End? The I have no idea what to call them. I will be running until this time next week. Heaven help me, too.

I had yesterday "off" from my exercise routine so I instead spent 3 1/2 hours cleaning, re-arranging, dusting, mopping and generally polishing my kitchen. Why? I have NO idea! It just got into my head to tidy it up and boy did I ever.

This morning I volunteered at school, and I'd be out until about 1700 (1708 is when we walked in, according to my phone anyway) so I had bupkis for exercise time. Thus, I bit the bullet and burned it in - a "monster set" - IE I did all my upper body exercises with NO break between body parts or sets. I turned a 45 minute routine into less than 30. I don't recommend the normal human do this, but if you're pressed for time you can pull it off (or I can anyway). Just remember you body will make you pay for it later ... Mine hasn't yet, but I'm loath to pay the piper when the bill comes due.


Okay, gotta go drug the oldest kid. Time for her nasty antibiotics. (Yes, I am getting perverse pleasure out of this - she's not liking the consequences of her choices and there is no 'easy' way out of it for her. Hopefully we won't have this issue (or any like it) again. That, and hopefully her sisters learn from her mistakes instead of making their own. I am a firm believer in learning from our errors, and this is a hard lesson the oldest is learning.)

A good day

Yes I do have them, though if you ask me I might lie and say I don't. ;)

I managed to sew a new pair of pants.

I manged to sew a zipper (first time EVER) into that new pair of pants.

I managed to sew those pants with a hand drawn pattern, on newsprint, and they sewed together properly!

I can't wear those pants. They're all of about 1/4" too tight. That one sorta pissed on my wheaties! However ... I MANAGED TO SEW A PAIR OF PANTS (the first time ever), and PUT IN A ZIPPER (first time ever). Thus, the project proves I can do it, and that I need to lose more weight.


I'm down to only TWO (count them ... ha ha ha ha *lightening crash* ... TWO) baskets of unfolded laundry. At last look I had less than a full load of clothes.


I got 3 loads of dishes washed today! Yeah me! (God I gotta get out of the house more often).


Catch me this time next week and I might want to kill you - I'm volunteered (somewhere or something) every day from Saturday through Friday night. The Squadron's kid party. The Airman Cookie Drop (HELP OUT IF YOU CAN!), the Book Fair (every day except Thursday). I have two different going aways back-to-back. I've got to take the oldest for her DENTAL appointment on Thursday, I'm scheduled at the youngest's class, and then the oldest has Yoga that afternoon. Friday is another Book Fair day, an early dismissal day, AND the Squadron's holiday party to boot! And sometime next week is Santa Paws for the dog and cat, though I have no idea when ...

My children have now decided to hit me up for clothes. Not BUY ME CLOTHES, oh no nothing that easy - they want MAKE ME CLOTHES. Gosh darn it! I'd never have let them know I could sew anything other than costumes if I'd known they'd expect me to USE those skills.

This is the 'second' world right?

Obviously Italy isn't the first world. Hell, most of Europe only pretends to the title, but this is getting beyond ridiculous.

ANSA (the Italian News agency) is reporting that the "Uni-bomber" suspect has had evidence tampered with to get him. He's struck all over this region of Italy starting in the mid-90's. He targets children - using Kinder egg capsules, Nutella spread jars and markers. He targets shoppers - tampering with canned tomatoes paste, eggs, and the like.

Well the public prosecutor just announced (after the news folks so it's more of a 'sour grapes') that the lab that ran tests on evidence TAMPERED with it to make it look like this suspect is guilty. I swear, there are days I'd feel safer living in Juarez and letting my little girls play outside unwatched! (Juarez by the way is a clusterfuck of biblical proportions, and yet another reason I don't trust 'justice' south of the border. At last count (they stopped counting about 3 years ago) there were near to 400 bodies found and another 400 missing. Shows you how important women and girls are in Mexican culture, no? They stopped investigating in 2006 as they don't think they'll ever solve the crime - let's pretend it isn't there, it'll go away!)

Seriously, what self respecting police and judiciary in the 'developed' world forges evidence then takes years to admit it? (No, I'm not letting the US off the hook.) You've got a guy who's life has been destroyed (who I strongly suspect is a suspect for good reason) on falsified evidence and the government only admits it when the news beats them to the punch? WHY were you tampering with evidence to begin with? Either someone pressured the lab tech to 'get this guy' or the lab tech wanted the heat throw in a different direction. This also makes every other test run by the tech, and the lab suspect. This is why I despise police corruption and I've noticed in 'latin' style countries it's far worse than elsewhere. Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, etc are all 'latin' style countries. I wouldn't trust a conviction in one to stand with crutches, a walker at the ready and a wheelchair under it's ass! This fiasco is doing nothing to improve the quality or believability of their judicial states either.

If the guy is guilty, he's guilty and the evidence will show it. If he's not, you've wasted how many millions of tax payers Euros, and let the real bad guy go free? I can't wrap my mind around the mentality that perpetrates this!

Yeesh!

I'm not dead, just dead tired. I think I might know why too ...

Went to the doc yesterday. I got a new RX for Zomig, pill form, for my migraines. Here's hoping I don't need it, or if I do that I don't get any sneak migraines so I can drug it before it becomes one.

While there I made a shocking, and disturbing (for me) discovery. The difference between the clinic's scale and my scale is 15 lbs (14.6 - might at well round up!). The difference is NOT in my favor. I weighted in at 212 yesterday morning at home, then 226.6 at the clinic a little over 2 hours later. I doubt I could gain 15lbs in a 2 hour time span, thus my scale is totally hosed! I will be replacing it at the BX today, as well as using the one at the HAWC to 'double check' it. As my current one is a digital, there's no way in hell I can "adjust" it, it's just totally off.

I have high blood pressure - as in 143, then 140 as the top number (I couldn't see the bottom one). Considering my weight is more than I thought it was, I think I know a major factor in the blood pressure sweepstakes. While the doc said blood pressure can cause headaches, they said it shouldn't cause migraines. Either way, I have a new reason to loose weight - one which sucks and bothers the shit out of me.

I have marching orders to stop at the HAWC (or clinic) a minimum of 5 times in the next 2 months to have my blood pressure taken. That way they can get an 'average'. The doc suggested the HAWC because they use the same system, and it's a less 'stressful' environment. Apparently most people get quite stressed seeing the doc, thus their blood pressure isn't correct when it's taken.


My oldest child will be having dental surgery next month. Why? She won't brush her teeth. She outright lies that she has, and I'm not going to hold her down and do it for her! She's old enough to refuse to do it, she's old enough to lie about it (and be caught repeatedly), she's old enough to suffer the consequences! Those include a cavity that broke through the gum line, requiring nasty antibiotics to kill the infection and then a fun trip under the knife to have a tooth yanked! Yea to lying to mommy and daddy! For some reason, neither of us are really amused by her little idiot behavior. While I HATE going to the dentist (long story), I brush my teeth a minimum of 2 times a day (sometimes more). I will admit that I don't floss, I hate to do it. I tell the dentist that when I see them too, no point in lying about it and it's not like they can't tell anyway.

This has served to scare the bejezuz out of her sisters though, so we didn't have the usual fight to brush our teeth. There is a silver lining! Ooooh, and talk about ticked! The oldest is mad we're making her switch to adult toothpaste - "it tastes nasty" was her response. Um, yeah, but tasting good isn't why we use it. I guess she was just licking the toothpaste off her toothbrush rather than brushing.

That child will be the death of me yet. One white hair at a time - I found a new one, thank you very little!

I have been doing my exercises. I'm already way off on listing them, but I am doing them. I also started (yesterday) using the gazelle again. The high blood pressure sheet said to walk 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week. I didn't think about it until after leaving the clinic, but 30-45 minutes on the gazelle 3-5 times a week is good, no? My way of thinking is that if walking is what's requested, the gazelle mimics walking, and any kind of added exercise is good, yes?

Anyhoo, off to do my lower body as today is a lower day. Then, I'll do the gazelle, then a well-deserved shower (and well needed by that time - ew sweaty).

Gosh Dog It!

Damnations! A&M won yesterday. 38 to 30, they beat the Horns. With the sad, sucky ball that UT was playing they got what they deserved. That's not to say A&M was just blazin', UT was just that damn bad! Yesh, I'm ashamed ya'll. That's 2 years in a row!


I did my lower body on Thursday (yes, even with it being Thanksgiving). I did nothing yesterday as it was my "day off". Today I'll do my upper body - I'm headed to it when I'm done posting.


Hubby is insane. He's been to the BX thrice in the last 2 days. Yes, he got up at was at AAFES at 0800 when they opened on Black Friday. I slept in, thank you very much!

He even took the heathens back up there today. Let me sleep in, took 'em to the Commissary, checked the mail, did some Christmas shopping and got 'em a snack to boot. He's trying really hard of late, and I appreciate it.


Okay, off to do my exercises. Hope ya'll have a good Thanksgiving weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today we celebrate the salvation of one of our original settler groups, thanks mainly to the indians of Squanto and his friends. My husband's family (and by virtue and common American history - mine) came ashore, settled Plymouth Bay and helped start a new nation. But they were never without help, without Squanto and his friends they would have starved. It is right and fitting that we remember that we were all in it together.




As you sit down this day to your feast of family and friends and all those you hold dear, remember those who have gone before us. Remember their sacrifices, the things they did for the betterment of all.



Remember those who today go before us into the valley and abyss. Remember their struggles are yet done for the betterment of all. That includes you!

Be they sitting in a chowhall in Europe, Asia, the US or aboard ship.


Or, be they in a desert, coated in dust of a place you can't find on a map. They are there that you don't have to be.






Remember what you are thankful for today. Take time to say it. Happy Thanksgiving!

A little fashion help here?

Yeah, I've got one of those girly-girl questions at which I totally suck. Can some fashion forward maven tell me what the hell "smart casual dress" would be? It's for the sq.'s holiday party, and both myself and hubby are at a total loss as to what the hell it means.

Many thanks!

Upper Day

I did my exercises for today. Before I even ate lunch today. Yup, I did. The list of what exercises I did can be found a few posts before this one. I'm too lazy to type it again. Oh well, you can't expect everything, especially after a 45 minute weight-lifting routine.

The Eyes of TEXAS

Are upon you!!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!!

Friday morning I will be planted in front of the tv, wearing burnt orange and screaming at every touchdown and cussin' at every fumble. You best make me proud, none of that peon crap of last year.

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!!

An Accomplished Day

I manged to get a cat nap after the kiddos were out the door to school. I then had lunch with the husband even though I felt like crap warmed over and stomped on. I have a cold that showed up when hubby got his flu mist crap. I am convinced that is what caused it as he got sick as a dog then everyone else in the house slowly followed suit.

I managed to order the cat's new name tag. It will be in next week. I checked the mail (no great whoop there), and hit the commissary. Of course, I forgot the flour and kosher salt for brining the turkey so I had to go back.

We made a trip to the fabric store after the kids finished their homework. Yes, there really is a fabric and notions store and I'm quite impressed with it. It is just inside the Sacile city sign on the SS13 if anyone needs to know where it is. I got 2 different knit and linen materials to use on my pants trial. I managed to find new clasps for my cape, and I will start sewing shortly.

We hit the toy store in Pordenone and got some idears for Christmas crap for the heathens. I got some zippers at Elephante, next door. Yeah, I had forgot pants need a way to close them and I still don't have buttons! Oh well, tomorrow is another day to paraphrase a southern heroine.

WE made our second stop at the commissary and I got my missing items, as well as micro food for dinner tonight. I had forgotten to thaw anything.

I'm about to start making some more bread rolls, and hand sewing the new clasps on my cape. But before I do, I did do my exercises for today.

Today was a "lower body" day and consisted of thus:

Thighs
Regular squat
Lunge
Sissy squat
Front squat
Leg curl

Buttocks
One-legged butt lift
Lying butt lift
Feather kick-up
Prone butt lift
Scissors

Abdominals
Sit-up
Leg raise
Lying leg-in
Crunch
Standing serratus crunch

Calves
Seated stright-toe calf raise
Seated angled-out-toe calf raise
Seated angled-in-toe calf raise
Standing straight-toe calf raise

Again I did 3 sets with 3, 5 and 10lb dumbbells, 10 reps per set. I did all the exercises for the 3lbs, then the 5lbs, then the 10lbs. I actually feel quite energized. My muscles don't know to hurt until tomorrow, then stairs will NOT be my friends. However, I do enjoy the workouts so I continue them.

I'd like to ask my loyal readers and commenters to keep me honest too. If there's a day that goes by without me saying what workout I did, or if it was an "rest" day - TELL ME! I plan to do the insanity for the next month, then depending on the way I'm feeling and the weight outlook I may keep it up, or go down to the intensity. However, I realize I have to work my arse off, and I want each of you to ride my coat-tails. Tell me if I forget to post about it, it will help me remember to do so. While I have ever intention of doing a post every day about what my exercise routine was, I forget - a lot. Help by being my cyber trainers and bustin' my chops if I don't log in and tell you what I did today.

Now I'm off to start some bread, and then sew. Have a happy and productive day! (And yes, I'm in a MUCH better mood today!)

Endorphins!

Yeah, I as missing the rush! I just finished my first group of my switched-up routine. This is the routine I used in the UK to get back in shape between kiddos 2 & 3, so I know it works. Woo buddy, did I forget how much harder it is than the one I've been using.

Today is an "upper body" day. As such I worked my biceps, triceps, chest, back and shoulders. I'm doing the "insanity" workout which is monster sets (10 reps with 3lb weights, 10 reps with 5lb weights, 10 reps with 10lb weights) though there are other options - regular and intensity which varies how many exercises per body part, but not the weight stacks. I happen to do a full 10 reps per weight, though the book states 10, 8, 5 with 3, 5, 10lbs respectively. I've been doing another weight lifting one so there isn't any strain on my muscles, plus I've done this workout before so I know what my body can and can't handle.

This is how my "upper" day is broken down:

Biceps
Standing alternate dumbbell curl
Standing angled simultaneous dumbbell curl
Standing alternate hammer curl
Concentration curl

Chest
Incline dumbbell press
Incline dumbbell flye with a twist
Cross-bench pullover
Flat dumbbell flye
Flat dumbbell press

Shoulders
Standing side lateral
Standing front lateral
Pee-wee lateral
Bent lateral
Standing alternate dumbbell press

Triceps
One-arm overhead triceps extention
One-arm triceps kickback
Flat cross-face triceps extension
Incline cross-face triceps extension

Back
Reverse bent dumbbell row
Bent dumbbell shrug
Dumbbell upright row
Seated dumbbell back lateral
Lying dumbbell back lateral


I run through the entire workout at 3lbs, then again with the 5lbs, and a final time with the 10lbs dumbbells. Tomorrow is a "lower" day. I'll post what I do, and how many later today (as it's after midnight here).

Anyhoo, buddy did I miss the "happy" hormone release that comes with working out. My headache has even lessened - not gone by a long shot but less than when I started and I'll take what I can get (and be thankful for it)!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm all sweaty and nasty and no one likes me sweaty and nasty (least of all me). I do believe I've earned a nice hot bath with a good book or magazine to keep my company.

Okay, okay

I broke down and scheduled an appointment with the clinic for my migraines. It will be early next week as this one is booked and only 3 work days long. I actually had one when I called to schedule and when the lady found out she very sweetly lowered her voice (not loud to begin with) to help. Thankfully today is not a sound sensitive day, though I do appreciate that she tried. Today is a light sensitive day, and the laptop is killing me.

It was bad enough I didn't go to the shop's Thanksgiving thing though I did supply the food I promised. That pissed off the hubby who's sure it's about him (part of it is) and a really ridiculously bad parenting decision he made that I'm going to have to deal with when he deploys again. That lead to a pissing contest that's still ongoing. I'm in a foul mood, the migraine isn't helping and I'm going to make him sit up and understand I'm pissed about it.

He got angry I didn't eat lunch with him today as we eat lunch together pretty much every day. Tough shit! It was that or be pissed at him while we ate, in front of the shop and in public. I preferred to let him know I was mad privately.

He got home after PT and I didn't talk to him (didn't feel like it). The oldests got off the bus and I went to bed. Walking from the house to the bus-stop and back was about all I could do. In total I slept from 1530 to 2315ish. I still have a migraine, it won't go away and I can't even knock it back.

So here I sit with a migraine, typing as I can't sleep any more, I took my pain meds and they're not working so I sit not sleeping. Hopefully my readers are doing better. That, and the doc can give me some good pain meds.

Four Score and Seven

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Today is the day of one of Lincoln's most famous speeches, in a war that nearly destroyed our country. Just thought in the midst of another war we might need a little perspective.

My Kingdom for some Jeans!

Sheesh! I'm down to 2 pairs of jeans that fit well. They are near and dear to me, I cried when I had to throw one of their siblings away. You never know how close a TEXAN and her jeans can get (and we're not talkin' in liu of underwear - I don't do "commando"). Damn nations if some of the jeans I got on COT leave 2+ years ago ain't endin' their loved lifetimes. Which has me on an all mighty tear to replace them.

Let's check off why I hate shopping for clothes, shall we?

1. I have a 36-38" inseam. Know any WOMEN'S jean companies that think anything over 34 is "long"? Nope, didn't think so! *Literally, it is 35 3/4" from my crotch to my heel.*

2. I love my pocket-less western jeans. Rockies to be specific, I've been enthralled to them for over a decade. I like the high rise on jeans. It's necessary too! (Yeah, mine is ... oh ... *14" from my crotch to my waist, I just measured it.*)

3. I do NOT know how to sew jeans. That is NOT one of my skills, though I apparently need to learn it. Shepler's doesn't have jeans my size, neither do Walmart (I'm desperate), Horsetown, hell even Wranglers don't come in the measurements I need (not want, NEED = want + 40" inseam!) It looks like I'll have to sacrifice a pair of my jeans so I can reverse engineer them, I'm just havin' some serious issues with doing it. That would drop me to 1 pair I like and I'm loath to do it. (I have others, but they have short inseams, asses that are too big for mine, they ride too low, etc.)

4. I do NOT wear a size 00! I haven't EVER worn a 00, and I'm quite happy with that fact! I wore a 10 in high school, I got back to it with NO trouble after the oldest was born. Well, not with the second and third. I have a mommy's body, a mommy who had a C-section and let me tell you, NO amount of 'targeting' that area has done anything to help me out. I accept my body changed, I don't want to look like a pre-pubescent 8 year-old. I want jeans that fit! Apparently that is a cardinal sin in the 'fashion' world.

5. Any jeans in my waist size are 'plus' which drops their inseam to about a 30"! Yeah, I don't dig high waters, I don't want to wear them. I think they look stupid! Now I'm really sorry a lot of women are short, or have no legs or whatever you want to put it as but my legs are 3 3/4' LONG! I need long legs on my pants to cover my long legs God gave me!

6. What moron in their right mind is going to pay $300 for jeans ON SALE!?!? I don't pay more than $40, and that's pushin' my upper limit on pants. Hell, I can barely bring myself to pay for Lucchaese boots but I did it (on sale!).

7. I'm still working on losing the weight I want off. I've plateaued at 15lbs lost. The exercises I'm doing seem to be working great for maintaining but they're not doing anything for losing. I'll be switching that up ASAP. I also accept that during the winter the body doesn't WANT to lose weight, it will fight against you if you push it too hard and I'm okay with that. I just don't want to pay out bukoo bucks and then 6 months from now not be able to wear them and be out the $$. (I've given myself until my 30th birthday to lose the rest of the weigh, I found a sensible plan within the bounds the doc said was a healthy weight loss.)


I need Women's 18 Extra-long, high rise. Anyone know where to get those?? Preferably in western style without pockets on the back??? That, or where to get a pattern to make them so I won't have to cannibalize some of mine? I'd appreciate it, really I would!

For Boyd

Yes, I lurve him enough to try to explain his sign(s). If you're an Aries in the cusp of Pisces that means you're born sometime between 15 and 21 April. That tail end week of a sign that leads to the next. It also means you share traits from BOTH signs, though your actual sign should be more ascendant. (I'm not shittin' you, that's the explanation in a nutshell, and from a nut!)

Basically, you should have more Aries traits than Pisces but you won't be fully the Ram, you'll share some Fish traits too.

Aries

Pisces

Since I don't truly know you in real life, I can't say my charecter assement of you is proper. However, you know what I think of you, and it is based in fact and 'vibe'. Either as the ram or the fish, you're still one of my favorite Texans! :)

Roar!

Yeah, I'm a Leo. Can you tell?

I've had several people say they see the positive Leo traits in me, but I must say I see more of the negative ones in myself. I guess I know my 'secret heart' where others don't. That and as hard as I might be on other people, I'm infinitely harder on myself.

I got the little link from Ellie at You Knwo What Erks Me. I can't figure out how to link to the post though, so I linked to her blog instead.

Now, as a good Leo - back to me!

Traditional
Leo Traits


Generous and warmhearted
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving


On the dark side....

Pompous and patronizing
Bossy and interfering
Dogmatic and intolerant *I never honestly attempt to be intolerant, though I have a great tendency to come off that way. I just like to argue, not necessarily to be the 'winner', just to argue really.*

Leo! About Your Sign...

The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert of all the zodiacal characters. In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality, they are the monarch's among humans as the lion is king of beasts. They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no such a word as doubt in their vocabularies, and they are self-controlled. Born leaders, either in support of, or in revolt against, the status quo. They are at their most effective when in a position of command, their personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind bringing out the best of loyalty from subordinates. They are uncomplicated, knowing exactly what they want and using all their energies, creativeness and resolution to get it, as well as being certain that they will get whatever they are after. **WTF's the point otherwise?? Their followers know where they are with Leonians. Leonians think and act bigger than others would normally dare; the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism sometimes daunt their followers, their practical hardheadedness and ability to go straight to the heart of any problem reassures those who depend on them. If Leonians meet with setbacks they thrive on the adversity.

On the whole they are powers for good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane, and beneficent. They have powerful intelligence and are of a broad philosophical, sometimes religious, turn of mind. Those who are devout may become very obstinate in upholding traditional beliefs and will cling tenaciously, but with complete sincerity, to practices and doctrines which liberal thinkers regard as absurdly out-of-date. These will be found as the 'lions' of industries, and in the forefront of the cutting edge of technologies.

Their faults can be as large in scale as their virtues, and an excessively negative Leonian can be one of the most unpleasant human beings imaginable, displaying extreme arrogance, autocratic pride, haughtiness, and excessive hastiness of temper. If jealously suspicious of rivals, they will not hesitate to use cunning, lies and trickery to discredit them. Self-centeredness, greed for flattery, boastfulness, and bombast, pomposity, snobbish superiority, and overbearing, and intolerant disdain of underlings; to whom they will nevertheless delegate the carrying out of minor details in their grandiose schemes, and from whom they are not above borrowing immoderately if an occasion necessitates it. Any of these can be characteristic of Leo.

Add to them a passion for luxury, a lust for power, unlimited sexual lust, and emotional indulgence, and a character emerges that no one would want to know either in public life or private. But their pride may go before a fall, as uncontrolled impetuosity is likely to bring them low. Fortunately it is rare that a Leo is so undisciplined as to give way thoroughly to this list of vices, and their tendencies to them are usually balanced by an innate wisdom. Those who are afflicted with them also have the intelligence it takes to consciously and actively overcome them.

In professional life they do well at any vocation at which there is room at the top. As politicians they are content with nothing less than a powerful position in government. In business they may be the chairman of their company's board, or at least directors or managers. They are excellent organizers and overseers, often laying the groundwork for new projects. If from the artisan ranks of society they will aspire to become the boss, partly because they are ambitious by nature, partly because they dislike manual labor, preferring to take charge of others doing it. If artistic, Leos can become stars of stage or screen (their bent is serious rather than light drama), maestros as musicians where they will gravitate toward the grand instruments or activities, such as the organ or conducting of orchestras and as painters; anything grand in conception and scale appeals to them. Leo women make exceptionally good welfare workers.

In his or her relations with others the Leo type is open, sincere, genuine and trusting. Outgoing, spontaneously warm hearted and plain spoken, though never lacking in kindliness, Leos are more disillusioned than the average if let down by those they trust. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to favoritism and an exaggerated faith in their followers which too often ends in disappointment. They have a strong sex drive and are so attracted to the opposite sex that they find it hard to be constant; they can be so intensely sexual as to become dissolute. They may have numerous love affairs for their love of pleasure and beauty is liable to drive them from one attractive partner to another. They are very much inclined to deceive. Their marriages may fail for the same reason, yet they are sincere and generous to their lovers while love lasts, and will remain attached to their homes so long as it is run for their benefit. They demand service but are incapable of giving it.


* LIKES Speculative ventures
* Lavish Living
* Pageantry and Grandeur
* Children *I don't even like my own children sometimes...*
* Drama

* DISLIKES Doing things safely
* Ordinary,Day to day living
* Small minded people
* Penny pinching
* Mean spiritedness

Bolds are traits I see in myself (usually to the worst), Italics are my "no shit Sherlock" opinions. Seriously though, I don't know how anyone can question what sign rules my astrological house. A bit more about my regal sign, in case you really know how big an ass I can be at any given time.

All About Leo
Leo Characteristics and Profile
[Leo] Provided by Tarot.com

The Lion is considered the king of the jungle, and likewise you Leos have an air of royalty about you. Some Leos even have hair resembling the thick mane of the Lion. But Lions are more than roar, for they are truly magnificent beasts. The Lioness proudly cares for the young, hunts and takes care of survival with relentless intent and ferocity, when needed. And proud are you Leo! Perhaps that's why Leo often chooses work that puts you in the center of stage or in the spotlight of appreciation.

Leo are warm of spirit, eager for action and are driven by a desire to be loved for what you bring to others. Leo are a magnanimous leader and a faithful servant. Once scorned in love, however, Leo will withdraw your affections and the light, once brilliant, can go cold.

Leo motto might be "What you see is what you get." You tend to live your life straightforwardly and with a flair for drama. In fact, many Leos are attracted to the theater, the performing arts and public relations, for you truly understand the importance of putting on a good presentation. As you blaze gloriously through your life, remember to take time to acknowledge the feelings of those around you. If you forget, you could unconsciously hurt someone you love. But, if you remain aware your impact, others can benefit from your presence.

Element: Fire
Fire signs are naturally warm. A fire gives light and heat, but it doesn't get depleted as others feed on its warmth. One candle can bring light to a room and it won't burn any faster if ten people read from its light than if there was only one. Fire doesn't plan it next move; it isn't logical. It simply is in the moment and will burn what fuel is available without judgment or forethought. For this reason fire signs can successfully rely on their intuition and survival instincts.

The fire of Leo is brilliant and intense. It's like the summer Sun that relentlessly shows up every day and whose heat continues to build over a period of time.

Fifth House: Children
The Fifth House is directly related to children, but it is also associated with any type of childlike activity. Even grown-ups need to play and this is a function of the Fifth House. In fact, all self-expression and creativity comes from this sector. Additionally, this is the House of Romantic Love. Truly, the Fifth House could be called the House of Enjoyment.

Key Planet: Sun
The Sun is the undisputed King of our little planetary system. He is always in the center. Without his light, there would be no life here on earth. Although the Sun is 93 million miles distant, its warmth is the basis for all energy on Earth. Astrologically, the Sun represents our will. It's like the fuel that fires each of our individual furnaces and gives us cause to live. As the key planet of Leo, the Sun is the symbol of the self and from it stems all individuality and creativity.

Leo Greatest Strength: Your playful and loving nature

Leo Possible Weakness: Need for approval can become too important Wondering how you can maximize your strengths and overcome your weaknesses? Find out more with one of our insightful personalized Birth Reports.

How to Recognize LEO. Apparently for the dull witted and slow. That little hint of claw? That flash of long teeth in a smile? That's a Leo!

Never forget this little tidbit when dealing with us - It takes a brave soul to challenge him when he's defending his rights and his dignity. I'd say foolhardy, not brave.

All about the Leo Woman.

don't forget that the lioness is always ready to pounce if she feels threatened. Her claws are sheathed, but sharp.


Now that I've lectured you (apparently a favorite trait of Leos), I'll let you read up about YOUR sign. Don't forget to tell me what it is! I love reading about other bloggers and my readers.

*Hack, Cough, Wheeze*

No, sadly the title isn't about Pokemon. Everyone in the house is sick. The youngest 2 stayed home from school today (vomit and fever are nasty differential diaganosis agents). The oldest had to be picked up by daddy at school today and brought home.

I've had a migraine centered over my left temple, shooting like a lightening bolt to my right rear skull area, for ... (um, shit ... today's Thursday so that makes it ... Friday when I got the damn thing) the last 6 days running. I can no longer even knock it back with Tylenol, Midol, caffeine of chocolate, let alone kill it. I'd go to the clinic but I have no one to watch the kids while I do. I've been sleeping for the last 2 days it seems, something I NEVER do even when sick. I have a fever and the chills, how dumb is that? I had the remembrance this morning, and volunteering at school and both were canceled due to illness.

Hubby is sick as a dog but the clinic refuses to put him on Quarters. He is patient zero, this crap all started after his "flu mist". I'm wondering how long before this is a full blown epedimic at least in the local area before the clinic starts using QUARTERS as a means to contain it. They do seem to work on the theory of shut the barn door after the cow gets out. If this is the flu, they're trying to prepare us for the Spanish Lady apparently. His actually has what feels like bone pain and the clinic does BUPKIS! They look at him like he's an idiot, or worse lying.

Hey, here's a thought ... Pain is purely subjective! The pain he feels is real, even if YOU don't think it should hurt like that. Novel concept, you're a doctor you're supposed to TRY to treat your patient instead of prescribing Vitamin M. I know it's the military answer to everything but it won't do crap for bone pain caused by the 'flu'.


I'm hoping my witchy ho of a neighbor comes over. I'd REALLY like to make her as sick as possible, and I'm not even talking about airin' her dirty ass laundry. She was beating on my walls yesterday. Family Services has been notified as well. I don't need stupid whores to deal with when I'm sick. You REALLY don't want to deal with me when you piss me off, especially if I'm sick! *Your IP hiding attempts don't work, I can still trace you, so take the hint toots and toddle off elsewhere.*


Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go take some more pain meds and see if some might have an effect soon. Tylenol save me, please!!

Bwahahah

Okay, just got this in an e-mail from one of my aunts. Forwarning, do NOT be drinking Diet Coke or you might have to clean up the mess afterwards.


Also, she happened to return my Tiarimisu recipe that I was given some time ago by a very lovely Italian lady here. I put it up on my recipe blog (link below, or in my blogroll). Enjoy it responsibly folks, that stuff's addictive!


It isn't cool to ask Tarot Yes and No questions. Those puppies is like Yoda sometimes! Just for future reference, ye divination seekers.

New Recipe Up

Okay, I finally broke down and posted my Rosette roll recipe.

It is multipurpose and can make many shapes. It can be made in advance and baked when ready, and it can be baked and frozen for up to 3 months. It can be your bestest friend if you love bread. Works fantastic for family and friend gatherings and shop functions (like Thanksgiving next week). Either way, enjoy!

Feed the Hungry

And play a vocabulary game. Just something to build your word usage and help out those who need it.

Veteran's Day

While today is set aside to remember those who have served, and those still serving I'd like to take a few moments to honor those who have served and won't be coming home to a parade.

Here at Aviano we recently lost a UH-60 Black Hawk. The USAF and USA have released the names of the killed, while the USAF has also listed the names of the wounded. Please take a few moments to remember:

Capt. Cartize B. Durham

Staff Sgt. Robert D. Rogers

Staff Sgt. Mark A. Spence

Senior Airman Kenneth P. Hauprich Jr.

Of the USAF 31st Fighter Wing here at Aviano Air Base, Italy.


Please say a few prayers for the families and friends of


Capt. Christian P. Skoglund

Chief Warrant Officer 2 DavidAngelo F. Alvarez


Of the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment stationed here at Aviano. They were under the command of Mannheim, Germany.



Send the best wishes, hopes and prayers for the recovery of the wounded, including

Tech. Sgt. Tanisha A. Pryor

Senior Airman Michael J. Costley

Senior Airman Joshua A. Hanak

along with their, so far, un-named Army brethren.


Please take a few moments to remember our Army folks here. We don't have many, they're very close and this is hitting them very hard. Remember those they loved, those who loved them, and those who will miss them.

We'll be having a remembrance service on Thursday morning. For those readers stationed here (and I know many of you), please consider attending to show your support to our extended military family.

Military News

The Postal Service has released the needed ship-by dates. If you're in Europe, or stateside and want to make sure you cards, letters, and packages get to their destinations in time for Christmas please pay attention to these dates:

* Nov. 13 for surface mail (mail going by truck or ship).
* Nov. 27 for space-available mail.
* Dec. 4 for parcel airlift mail.
* Dec. 11 for priority mail and first-class letter and cards.
* Dec. 18 for express mail.


These dates apply to EVERYONE - stateside, Europe, downrange. Please remember to write your name and address on the interior of the package, and on the items. Also, it may help to pack your items inside a large trash bag as added precaution against the weather around the globe.


If you'd like to send a message of support, love or just to say thanks, Stars and Stripes is again running their Holiday Messages service. You have until 30 November to get your messages in. If they are submitted by that time, they'll make the print deadline for being seen in the actual paper. There is room to include a photo, and just like Holiday Greetings is looked forward to by family and friends stateside, Holiday Messages are looked forwards to by those of us overseas, and especially by those downrange. Take a moment of your time if you're up for it, you won't regret it.

TAPS





**To all our Army family out here, we love you guys. We're sorry for today, we're sorry for your losses. We're here to take care of you, lean on us when you need us. We'll make it out of this dark hole together.**

Blah, blah, blah

Took the cat to the Italian vet. She may have a respiratory virus, she's on meds for the next week, then will need to be checked again. Good for us the base vet has an appointment for her micro-chipping already a day after her meds are done so she'll do her check-up then.


Did you know that in Italy if you're prescribed meds for a pet, you go to the pharmacy? The one where you go if you see an off-base doc and get meds for you or your kid. Yeah, one and the same. Nothing wrong with it per say, just very odd to this Texan's way of thinking. Mind when I think vet I think A&M grad turnin' a calf in a cow's birth canal, so . . .


I've