Anyone else planning on boycotting the Olympics this summer? I am. I'm not watching any of it. I will not purchase any merchandise. I will not support the sponsors either. I will support the athletes and countries that choose not to compete (not sure how, but I'll do what I can).
Now, I am not a huge fan of the Olympics to begin with so this isn't a huge loss for me. I probably wouldn't have watched much of it. I probably wouldn't have bought any merchandise either. Although, I'm sure it will be cute this year. China will, no doubt, plaster pandas on everything that they can. Pandas are adorable. They make the merchandise much cuter and much more sell-able. Avoiding the sponsors will be tricky. They are everywhere. It's big name companies. Coca Cola, McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Visa, etc. I'm joining the many others that will be boycotting them.
I know this will not change anything. It makes me feel better though. The Olympic committee made a huge mistake by choosing China for the 2008 summer games. They were advised against it. They thought it would bring a positive change to the country. They have been wrong thus far.
There are entire villages that are going without water so that the Olympic sized pools can be filled, cleaned, and refilled. Their factories are being shut down, putting thousands (?) of people out of work, to reduce smog levels. I'm pretty sure those people NEED those jobs. Chinese officials have been shipping the homeless out of Beijing to special camps (Nazi concentration camps anyone?) to give the city a 'cleaner' appearance. Beijing has begun killing hundreds of cats everyday after ordering citizens to give them up due to fears of disease. Most likely not a humane death either, based of the fact that thousands of dogs were clubbed to death by government officials about a year ago. All of this to give the city a 'cleaner and greener' appearance.
I've heard/read (New York Times) that Olympic officials are shipping in some 25,000 pounds of protein for the athletes due to fears of contaminated food in China. Great. You are sending the best of the best to a country that doesn't even have a safe food supply. Sounds like a great idea.
China puts lead in our children's toys, poison in our pet's food, and antifreeze in our toothpaste. They are one of the leading sources of pollution. The human rights violations are astounding, just unbelievable. They have no concept of animal rights. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Olympic committee made a hell of a mistake when they chose China as the host.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Online prizes
Do you ever sign up to win things on the internet? For example, you go to do some online window shopping and the store has a promotion to win a free trip, do you register to win?
I usually do. I love free stuff. I think I would like to win things. I can't really remember the last time I won something, so I can't say for sure that I like to win things. Since I spend a lot of time online I seem to find a lot of giveaways. I imagine that this increases the amount of junk mail that I receive. Well, given that my permanent address is actually my mom's house, I guess it increases her level of junk mail. But let's face it, not all junk mail is bad. Catalogs are fun to look at and magazines can an amusing read. Bills are icky. Who would only want to get bills? I'd prefer an Ikea catalog anytime.
I usually do. I love free stuff. I think I would like to win things. I can't really remember the last time I won something, so I can't say for sure that I like to win things. Since I spend a lot of time online I seem to find a lot of giveaways. I imagine that this increases the amount of junk mail that I receive. Well, given that my permanent address is actually my mom's house, I guess it increases her level of junk mail. But let's face it, not all junk mail is bad. Catalogs are fun to look at and magazines can an amusing read. Bills are icky. Who would only want to get bills? I'd prefer an Ikea catalog anytime.
Welcome to the 80's
Itchy and I have gone back in time. We're currently living without a remote control for the cable box. Gasp! I know, I know. Who even has a cable box these days? It's like 1985 all over again.
Maybe I am just unaware of how these things work, but really, who has a cable box? I guess things like TiVo and Direct Tv have boxes but those are DVRs. Not the same thing. Regular cable shouldn't have boxes anymore. It's just suppose to be a cord from the TV to the wall. Not a cord from the wall to the box and then another cord from the box to the TV. It's just messy and ugly. Who wants extra cords? Since they do nothing but get tangled I don't.
Did I mention that we have to pay extra for this cable box? Our cable is included in our rent. When we moved in we did not need a cable box. Then one day we were informed that we would need a cable box. Our rent would be going up to cover the cost of the cable box. Great. We do not get extra channels. It does not improve the quality of our picture. It does nothing when it's raining as the cable still goes out. What exactly are we paying for?
To top it off, the remote broke. This is annoying. We have to get up (well almost, the chairs are pretty close to the TV) to change the channel. I don't care if this makes me sound lazy. You try not using your remote for a few days and we'll see how you like it.
Maybe I am just unaware of how these things work, but really, who has a cable box? I guess things like TiVo and Direct Tv have boxes but those are DVRs. Not the same thing. Regular cable shouldn't have boxes anymore. It's just suppose to be a cord from the TV to the wall. Not a cord from the wall to the box and then another cord from the box to the TV. It's just messy and ugly. Who wants extra cords? Since they do nothing but get tangled I don't.
Did I mention that we have to pay extra for this cable box? Our cable is included in our rent. When we moved in we did not need a cable box. Then one day we were informed that we would need a cable box. Our rent would be going up to cover the cost of the cable box. Great. We do not get extra channels. It does not improve the quality of our picture. It does nothing when it's raining as the cable still goes out. What exactly are we paying for?
To top it off, the remote broke. This is annoying. We have to get up (well almost, the chairs are pretty close to the TV) to change the channel. I don't care if this makes me sound lazy. You try not using your remote for a few days and we'll see how you like it.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Finally
I don't know if you all saw it, but researchers are now saying that getting more sleep can help you lose weight. Finally, a weight loss technique that I get on board with. I can totally sleep more. I wonder if sleeping longer at night or an afternoon nap is better? I'm willing to do either or both if necessary.
What day is it now?
Last weekend totally threw me off. I have a routine. I know what day it is by the chores I have that day. Not that I always do them, but I know what I *should* do that day. Get me out of that routine and I have no idea what day it is.
Itch had a vet conference last weekend. It started on Thursday. I went to a few of the lectures but not all of them, since most of them were for those who registered (paid). Thursday night they had a Welcome Reception. Free food and an open bar! They even provided entertainment, kittitian style. Given the table that we sat at (front and center) that was not enjoyable. First of all, we had seen the Deja Vu dancers before. It's 2 overweight girls in leotards failing about. This particular time (we've seen the before) they had a 3 part series. The last part was one of them doing the limbo. Of course, audience participation was required. She picked Itchy. Ha ha. He did it because that how he is. And it was only the top notch so not like he really had to bend much.
They also had the Masqueraders perform. Basically, a group of men from 12 to 70 (estimates) dance around wearing this ridiculous ribbon outfits. Did I mention that they don't shower for weeks prior to their performance? That smell is overwhelmingly unpleasant.
The rest of the conference was much less exciting. Lots of smart people talking about drugs and fluid choices. Itchy went to much more of it than I did. We did go out with a few of the doctors after the reception. Fun was had by all. It was unfortunate that we did not see them again. I also met a reproduction specialist from Florida. Had little time to talk to him which was sad because I'd like to hear his opinion on the mandatory spay/neuter laws. I mean, he said he was against it (obviously) but I'd like his reasons.
Itch had a vet conference last weekend. It started on Thursday. I went to a few of the lectures but not all of them, since most of them were for those who registered (paid). Thursday night they had a Welcome Reception. Free food and an open bar! They even provided entertainment, kittitian style. Given the table that we sat at (front and center) that was not enjoyable. First of all, we had seen the Deja Vu dancers before. It's 2 overweight girls in leotards failing about. This particular time (we've seen the before) they had a 3 part series. The last part was one of them doing the limbo. Of course, audience participation was required. She picked Itchy. Ha ha. He did it because that how he is. And it was only the top notch so not like he really had to bend much.
They also had the Masqueraders perform. Basically, a group of men from 12 to 70 (estimates) dance around wearing this ridiculous ribbon outfits. Did I mention that they don't shower for weeks prior to their performance? That smell is overwhelmingly unpleasant.
The rest of the conference was much less exciting. Lots of smart people talking about drugs and fluid choices. Itchy went to much more of it than I did. We did go out with a few of the doctors after the reception. Fun was had by all. It was unfortunate that we did not see them again. I also met a reproduction specialist from Florida. Had little time to talk to him which was sad because I'd like to hear his opinion on the mandatory spay/neuter laws. I mean, he said he was against it (obviously) but I'd like his reasons.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Waiting paid off
I finally made a decision and booked my flight. It will be a summer visit. No freezing my ass off. Nope, not this time. It will be nice out. The nieces will be on summer vacation. There will be nice long summery days. It should be great.
The only downside is that I had to squeeze my trip in between 2 of Itchy's trips. One of his trips got cut a little short. Sorry about that Itchy. I really do feel badly about it. The poor cats will be so confused with all the coming and going. They like the routine. One or the other of us will be gone for just over a month. That's practically forever to them. We'll have to bring them presents so that they forgive us. Maybe Patches would like that new wallet that we saw today? Yes, I think she would. Itchy, I can send you a link and it can be from you!
My indecisiveness paid off this time though. Usually, if I ponder over a purchase it ends up sold out, price goes up, my size isn't available, etc. This time though, it worked out in my favor. I had been checking airfare for weeks. Everything was way too expensive. I was doubting whether or not this trip would even happen. I'd find cheap flights within the states but once I added on the flight off/on the island they crossed the line of what I could afford.
I've got to say though, I do not understand why some airlines are so cheap and others are so expensive when they are flying the same routes. It boggles the mind. It's not like there are any 'extras' on any flights these days. You get a chair and a free beverage. Sometimes the chair reclines a tiny little bit. That's about it. You want something else? Maybe you should drive. Sorry, I'll get back to the flight finding.
Yesterday, I found a flight that I could afford. Not the most ideal dates, but hey for a $200 difference I'll deal with it. Not only that, but on the surrounding dates I would have had different connecting airports. I can deal with different connecting airlines. Even when I have to book them all separately. And then check in at each airport. And go through security each time. But different connecting airports? I don't think so. Especially not in a city like New York. Even I'm not that crazy.
So the flight is booked. I'm working on getting the rides to and from the big city. Now I just need to figure out the details of getting everyone off the island. Since I can't do that until we know where Itchy will be continuing his edumacation, I guess it has to wait until January 2009. Itchy's got a plan though and I like it. A lot. I think, depending on the circumstances, that we will follow through on that plan.
The only downside is that I had to squeeze my trip in between 2 of Itchy's trips. One of his trips got cut a little short. Sorry about that Itchy. I really do feel badly about it. The poor cats will be so confused with all the coming and going. They like the routine. One or the other of us will be gone for just over a month. That's practically forever to them. We'll have to bring them presents so that they forgive us. Maybe Patches would like that new wallet that we saw today? Yes, I think she would. Itchy, I can send you a link and it can be from you!
My indecisiveness paid off this time though. Usually, if I ponder over a purchase it ends up sold out, price goes up, my size isn't available, etc. This time though, it worked out in my favor. I had been checking airfare for weeks. Everything was way too expensive. I was doubting whether or not this trip would even happen. I'd find cheap flights within the states but once I added on the flight off/on the island they crossed the line of what I could afford.
I've got to say though, I do not understand why some airlines are so cheap and others are so expensive when they are flying the same routes. It boggles the mind. It's not like there are any 'extras' on any flights these days. You get a chair and a free beverage. Sometimes the chair reclines a tiny little bit. That's about it. You want something else? Maybe you should drive. Sorry, I'll get back to the flight finding.
Yesterday, I found a flight that I could afford. Not the most ideal dates, but hey for a $200 difference I'll deal with it. Not only that, but on the surrounding dates I would have had different connecting airports. I can deal with different connecting airlines. Even when I have to book them all separately. And then check in at each airport. And go through security each time. But different connecting airports? I don't think so. Especially not in a city like New York. Even I'm not that crazy.
So the flight is booked. I'm working on getting the rides to and from the big city. Now I just need to figure out the details of getting everyone off the island. Since I can't do that until we know where Itchy will be continuing his edumacation, I guess it has to wait until January 2009. Itchy's got a plan though and I like it. A lot. I think, depending on the circumstances, that we will follow through on that plan.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
It was awful
It was just as awful as I thought it would be. I started running this week. After nearly dying on the Hash I knew I had to make changes. I figured this was a good week to start seeing as though we would only be at the gym twice. I'd be able to ease into it. Run two days this week and then 4 times next week. It sounded so doable. The thought of running again today makes me feel sick.
Did I mention that it was awful? Running is not my idea of a good time. I really don't like the gym at all but I know it's something that I need to do. Unless, of course, I suddenly stop craving junk food. Mmm, junk food. Oh yeah, running. I got distracted. I am starting the Couch to 5k program again. I started it months ago but quit during week 3. There were no available treadmills that day so I had to use the elliptical. After that, I just decided that the elliptical was just as effective. That doesn't really seem to be true. So now it's back to running. I'm starting at week 5. I just did what I could yesterday and then chose the week that best matched.
Now, I know how boring it is to talk about working out, dieting, and the things that go along with it. This blog will NOT is not going to be all about that. I'll try not to write about it too often. I just figured that since I made fun of Patches (making lifestyle changes and joining me on the road to weight loss) I had better make myself accountable.
I have what the professionals call 'perma-fat'. As in, it's permanent fat. It's not going away. No matter how hard I work, no matter how much I starve myself, I can not seem to lose weight. I started really working out Jan 07. 10 pounds fell off immediately. So fast, in fact, that it made me wonder if I had been wrong about my starting weight. The next 5 pounds took about 10 months. That's 1/2 pound every month. Most people lose a pound a week. That caused me to lose all motivation. When the scale doesn't move at all, it's hard to convince yourself that going to the gym is worth it. But Itchy made me keep going (him and the fact that we had paid for a year long membership- I'm too cheap to not use it). I haven't lost any weight since then. But I haven't gained any either so I guess that's good.
I have 10 pounds to lose to get to where I want to be. Running is suppose to be good for weight loss. I will also continue to do weight training, as everyone says that muscle will help increase my metabolism. I am making an active effort to eat less. Well, at least trying to stop eating when I feel full. You can expect some whiny posts because even typing this makes me want to quit. I'll try to keep it to a minimum for your sake though.
Did I mention that it was awful? Running is not my idea of a good time. I really don't like the gym at all but I know it's something that I need to do. Unless, of course, I suddenly stop craving junk food. Mmm, junk food. Oh yeah, running. I got distracted. I am starting the Couch to 5k program again. I started it months ago but quit during week 3. There were no available treadmills that day so I had to use the elliptical. After that, I just decided that the elliptical was just as effective. That doesn't really seem to be true. So now it's back to running. I'm starting at week 5. I just did what I could yesterday and then chose the week that best matched.
Now, I know how boring it is to talk about working out, dieting, and the things that go along with it. This blog will NOT is not going to be all about that. I'll try not to write about it too often. I just figured that since I made fun of Patches (making lifestyle changes and joining me on the road to weight loss) I had better make myself accountable.
I have what the professionals call 'perma-fat'. As in, it's permanent fat. It's not going away. No matter how hard I work, no matter how much I starve myself, I can not seem to lose weight. I started really working out Jan 07. 10 pounds fell off immediately. So fast, in fact, that it made me wonder if I had been wrong about my starting weight. The next 5 pounds took about 10 months. That's 1/2 pound every month. Most people lose a pound a week. That caused me to lose all motivation. When the scale doesn't move at all, it's hard to convince yourself that going to the gym is worth it. But Itchy made me keep going (him and the fact that we had paid for a year long membership- I'm too cheap to not use it). I haven't lost any weight since then. But I haven't gained any either so I guess that's good.
I have 10 pounds to lose to get to where I want to be. Running is suppose to be good for weight loss. I will also continue to do weight training, as everyone says that muscle will help increase my metabolism. I am making an active effort to eat less. Well, at least trying to stop eating when I feel full. You can expect some whiny posts because even typing this makes me want to quit. I'll try to keep it to a minimum for your sake though.
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