Mandi's Station

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

2011-09-14T14:50:00.001-05:00

My morning routine is usually exercise for half an hour and then it usually takes me half an hour to get ready for work.

Ask me anything

Who's the best teacher you ever had?

2011-09-06T12:40:00.001-05:00

My family. Even younger cousins, siblings, etc. Learning happens all the time from all different directions if you'll just keep an open mind and listen (not hear; LISTEN).

Ask me anything

First Flower Bed

2011-04-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Art of the Title

2011-03-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

A Brief History of Title Design from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.

Have you cried during a movie?

2011-03-16T20:02:00.001-05:00

I'm probably more likely to cry at a movie than anywhere else.

Ask me anything

Rabbit in Hotel Parking Lot

2011-03-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

This rather large rabbit (though it doesn't really look like it in this picture) was hanging out in the hotel parking lot.

Volkswagon Super Bowl Vader Commercial (Making Of)

2011-02-11T14:22:00.000-06:00

Are Sheep Smart?

2011-02-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20109-zoologger-the-sharpest-mind-in-the-farmyard.html (via Reddit.com)

After raising sheep for over twenty years I can tell you that sheep will figure out just about anything involving feed. But they will also eat until they die (Enterotoxemia). Also, rams are good buddies until it comes time to compete for the ladies.

Volkswagon Super Bowl Vader Commercial

2011-02-02T13:59:00.000-06:00

Do you have any pets? What are they and what are their names?

2011-01-24T14:08:00.001-06:00

One dog named Patches. He must think he's a cat, because he keeps using up lives.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2011-01-18T12:16:00.002-06:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/allst896...within reason, of course.

Unknown Trailer

2011-01-12T12:56:00.000-06:00

What's the best thing that happened to you in 2010?

2011-01-12T11:14:00.001-06:00

Built and moved into our new house.

Ask me anything

Ab Quest 2011: Day Four

2011-01-06T10:56:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a rest day and that was a good thing. My sinuses have been wreaking havoc all winter so far, and yesterday was one of the rougher days. Plus, my legs were (and still are) so sore from lifting on Tuesday that it’s hard to even walk, much get into and out of a chair.

This morning’s treadmill session was pretty good. I am the owner of a heart rate monitor now. I’m not sure how much help it’s going to be, but it’s fun to play with and keeps me distracted while running. Being distracted is the key for me to have a good run. As long as I’m not thinking about it and can go further and harder.

Going to try and head to the gym a bit earlier to avoid the noon crowd. I’m curious to see how long the crowd lasts before they break their new year’s resolutions. Hopefully most of them will stick with it.

I’m following the meal plans pretty well. Made an adjustment last night because it was late when I got home, but still stayed within my allowed range.

Ab Quest 2011: Day Two

2011-01-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

I was surprised at how easily I followed the meal plan for the first day. Cardio yesterday morning went well also. I decided after visiting the gym yesterday afternoon that I need to change the time that I go there. I did all but two of the planned exercises. I did those before starting today’s exercises, which were legs. Holy cow! It’s like being back in high school after the first basketball practice. I fully expect to fall down just while walking. Tonight will probably be a cheat meal. Otherwise, I’ve been following as planned. I didn’t do so well on the treadmill this morning. All of my joints were griping. I decided just to walk it so that I’d at least get something accomplished.

Gene Kelly - It's Always Fair Weather

2011-01-03T09:51:00.000-06:00

Ab Quest 2011: The Beginning

2011-01-03T09:28:00.001-06:00

In September of 2010, I made it to 13.75% body fat. It was the slimmest and fittest I have ever been. In 2011, I’m giving myself six months to get to 13% body fat and show abdominal muscle definition. Here are my starting goals (goals should be constantly re-evaluated and adjusted):

DAILY GOALS

Cardio and weights as scheduled

Meal plans as scheduled

Drink at least 70 ounces of water

SIX MONTH GOALS

Be at or below 13% body fat

Have visual abdominal muscle definition

Be able to do ten chin-ups

LONG TERM GOALS

Keep most body fat off after ab quest

Continue healthy eating

Continue regular exercise

My current measurements are thus:

weight: 138.2
body fat %: 18.1
hips: 39
waist: 32
body fat weight: 25.01
lean body mass: 113.19

The Muppets: Ringing of the Bells

2010-12-30T11:28:00.000-06:00

via Roger Ebert

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening - Robert Frost

2010-12-22T14:09:00.001-06:00

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

New Hampshire

1923

Reba and Melissa Peterman Interview

2010-12-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

Cookie Monster Wants to Host SNL

2010-11-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Official Trailer

2010-11-23T12:40:00.000-06:00

Cowboys & Aliens

2010-11-17T12:33:00.001-06:00

Deathly Hallows Part 1 Trailer

2010-11-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

2010 CMA Awards: Reba

2010-11-11T08:58:00.001-06:00

Quote: To Kill A Mockingbird

2010-11-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

One of the best quotes ever:

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." - Atticus Finch

The Skeleton Dance

2010-10-26T07:50:00.000-05:00

The Skeleton Dance: "

Obligatory for Halloween. This is what happiness looks like.

Dancing with the REAL Stars

2010-10-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Dancing with the REAL Stars: "Check out this amazing video. Don't know who did the editing but he/she/they did a fantastic job.

Sesame Street Smell Like a Monster

2010-10-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

Craig Ferguson & The Mythbusters - “Melt With You”

2010-10-07T08:20:00.001-05:00

Just Keep Swimming

2010-09-28T14:52:00.001-05:00

Now it can be stuck in your head too.

Weird Al: White & Nerdy

2010-09-27T10:55:00.001-05:00

This gets stuck in my head for days…

OK Go – White Knuckles

2010-09-20T14:44:00.001-05:00

2010 98 Day Summer Big Burn Results

2010-08-30T08:09:00.001-05:00

Here are my final results of the Big Burn contest. The judges are looking to announce the winners sometime shortly after September 12. The scoring is 1/3 measurements, 1/3 pictures and 1/3 essay.

Measurements:

Front view:

Essay:

Growing up active in the country keeps a kid from having to worry about their weight. During the school year, I played basketball and softball; and every other sport known (and unknown) to man on recess. During the summer, I played softball and spent the rest of the time outside with my brother exploring the eighty or so acres we lived on. Playing softball lasted through my sophomore year of college. After that, the weight slowly climbed. So slowly that I had a tendency to not notice how big I had gotten.

At the end of July 2007, I had finally hit the tipping point. I refuse to buy bigger pants! But how to get rid of this jiggling mass? I was cruising the internet, trying to find a quick fix, when I stumbled across Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. But did I really want to spend money on a book? Something I had to read? Then I thought to myself “you were willing to spend money to buy pills that you knew in your heart wouldn’t work...” I bought the e-book and read it that very weekend. On July 30, 2007, I started my journey to be the fittest me.

When Holiday Burn 2009 came around, I was coming off of a personal contest and I didn’t really have the right mentality to give it the necessary effort. When the member poll was taken to see how many might be interested in a summer contest, and after seeing the success accomplished over the holidays, I voted positively.

Shortly after the contest began, I found it less daunting to break the time down into a week, and even a day, at a time. I did a good job of planning my meals a week ahead. This is something I had always started out doing well, but would go by the wayside a couple of weeks in.

I made two important food-related purchases during the contest; a digital scale and a rice cooker. Both have caused me to ask myself “why didn’t you do that sooner?”. Like all things, weighing food becomes a habit and can be done quickly. As my family can attest to, I’ve always been a stickler about my food touching. Now I have found that foods aren’t so bad mixed together and foods that might not otherwise be thought tasty with one another are excellent.

I’ve always joked that I played sports so that I didn’t have to exercise. As grown-ups, life often gets in the way of playtime. Fortunately, I was able to join a softball league during the contest. Unfortunately, I did have to run to burn off most of the calories. Most of my time was spent on a treadmill, and on occasion I ran on the country road beside our house.

I have a wonderful support group in my husband, family and friends. My husband joins me in a good number of my meals. When he doesn’t, he never complains about fending for himself. He doesn’t mind when I get up an hour earlier than him to put in my time on the treadmill, even though it has to be noisy owing to the fact that we live in a trailer house. His compliments and encouragement have boosted my spirits on more than one occasion. My family and friends have given me no small measure of good natured ribbing about my healthy lifestyle, but they also make it plain that they support me and are happy for me. I strive to be a good example for my thirteen year old sister and my nieces who are aged thirteen and eleven.

I am, without a doubt, in the best shape of my life…at thirty-two years old. I often find myself shocked when I see my reflection in a mirror or window. I have muscle definition I’ve never had before. I can handle the Oklahoma summer heat better. I can work at physical tasks much longer without tiring. It’s such a wonderful feeling! There’s no way that I can say that it was easy. It takes work, discipline and a bit of stubbornness, which I have in abundance. But like everything that takes hard work, the reward is that much sweeter.

While writing this essay, I was thinking about the question “Why are you a winner?” and realized I had been reading it as “Why are you ‘the’ winner?”. “The” winner can only be picked by the judges. I’m “a” winner because I meet expectations I have for myself. Even when my mind and body cries for another hour in bed, I get up, strap on my shoes and do the cardio. At the end of the day, when I’m mentally drained, I head to the gym and lift weights. When I’m planning to be at an event, I have my prepared meals waiting in the cooler. Before I go into a restaurant, I know which meals I will eat. When it might be so easy to eat that cookie, I pass it by. I look in the mirror and overlay what I want my body to look like on top of what is really there and the difference is smaller than I ever imagined possible. I’m “a” winner because I’m submitting this to the completed challenges thread.

Now it’s up to the judges to determine if I am “the” winner, which will give me and my husband a wonderful 10th wedding anniversary trip.

Big Burn Progress

2010-08-16T15:32:00.001-05:00

I entered Tom Venuto’s Big Burn 2010 contest (http://www.burnthefatinnercircle.com/public/Burn_The_Fat_Summer_Challenge.cfm). It’s nearing the end now, so I thought it would be cool to post my progress so far. I started the contest on 5/24/2010.

I’ve lost 9.27% body fat.
I’ve lost 14.55 lbs. body fat.
I’ve gained 6.75 lbs. lean muscle.

Gene Simmons Military Tribute

2010-07-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

Movie Rating: Kung Fu Panda

2010-07-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

Kung Fu Panda ($) – Funny with a “believe in yourself” message.

Lately, every time I watch an animated/CGI film, I spend the first quarter of the movie trying to figure out which actor is voicing each character…

Movie Ratings: Fantastic Mr. Fox & Where the Wild Things Are

2010-07-19T07:32:00.002-05:00

Fantastic Mr. Fox (meh) – It had good moments, just not a great many of them.
Where the Wild Things Are (meh) – It did take me near tears a couple of times, but it was too slow in between those times.

Netflix and Movie Ratings

2010-07-13T14:18:00.001-05:00

In May I broke down and took advantage of the free trial offer from Netflix. I reasoned that paying the monthly fee would still be less than renting a comparable amount of movies from Dish Network. So far I’m really enjoying it. I decided that it might be fun to rate them as I watch. I had thought about doing the whole “movie critic” thing, but I’ve found that for some of the movies, I just don’t have that much to say. So mostly I’m just going to rate them and if I have a little something-something to say about that particular movie I will add it. Here is my rating system:

AFI – The movie should be on AFI’s list.
DVD – I will be purchasing this DVD.
$ – The movie was not a waste of money.
Meh – Just a movie.
Ouch – I would rather have a dry socket than sit through this movie again.

So to catch up with what I’ve seen so far:

Up in the Air (Meh) – George Clooney at his George Clooney-ist.
Avatar (DVD-already have) – Sigourney Weaver was a very nice surprise in this film.
Extraordinary Measures (Meh) – Sad, heartwarming, but seemed to drag on.
The Princess and the Frog ($) – I like the fact that this was “old-school” animation in the modern world of CGI, and it has the usual Walt Disney themes.
Inglourious Basterds ($) – A bit darker and more thought provoking than the trailers might lead one to believe.
Valkyrie ($) – I had seen a special on the assassination attempt and the movie seemed to hold pretty close to that. Filled with good actors.
The Invention of Lying ($) – Not only funny, but made me think as well.
To Have and Have Not (DVD 1/2) – The movie where Bogie and Bacall fell in love. That really shows through on the screen. Wonderful, wonderful movie.
The Secret Life of Bees ($ 1/2) – Another solid Dakota Fanning performance. Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson join a really great cast. Tear-jerker.
It’s Complicated ($) – Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin play off of each other really well. Throw in Steve Martin and it becomes a great funny/thoughtful movie.
Lawrence of Arabia (AFI) – I was told by a friend that the score makes this movie and it certainly does. It’s a long one, so don’t plan on popping it for a quick watch. It’s hard to believe that this was Peter O’Toole’s first starring role.
To Hell and Back ($ 1/2) – Audie Murphy plays himself in this movie recreating his days in WWII, for which he was the most decorated American Soldier. Another example of how much our troops give to keep us safe and free.
The Blind Side ($ 1/2) – Incredibly uplifting story. Sandra Bullock deserves every award she won for her performance.
Alice in Wonderland ($) – Loved the colors and somewhat new spin on this classic. It’s easy to tell it’s a Tim Burton movie.

And that’s it so far.

John Wooden Quotes via Tom Venuto

2010-06-12T20:38:00.002-05:00

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2010/06/john_woodens_success_advice.php

There is no substitute for hard work.
Discipline yourself and others won’t need to.
Hard work is the difference. Very hard work.
There is a price to be paid for achieving anything.
Being average means you’re as close to the bottom as you are to the top.
You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.

Cinematic Titanic - Danger on Tiki Island

2010-06-08T13:17:00.001-05:00

The Past, Present and Future

2010-05-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2010/05/some-of-us-are-looking-at-the-stars.html

My mom met me at the bus in our driveway that afternoon. As young students, we didn’t get to watch it in our tiny library with the older kids. Being younger, we also didn’t usually get in on the older student body’s conversations, so we didn’t hear them talking about it. One of the reasons we were so excited about it was the inclusion of Christa McAuliffe, who was a teacher. Not an astronaut, a teacher just like our teachers. I remember crying when my mom broke the news and I still get emotional each time I watch a launch. I’m always torn about whether I should tune in or not. Like Wil, I’m always holding my breath until the shuttle is miles and miles away from Earth, like there’s less chance of disaster there. And it’s always there, in the back of my mind, until I hear the report that the shuttle touched down safely once more.

It is amazing that we have sent so many humans to outer space and brought them safely home again. I’m from a generation that has always had space travel. It’s hard for me to even consider a time when there wasn’t people going up and coming down. I imagine it’s a lot like my sister’s age group (she’s nineteen years younger than I am). She was only four when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon was hit. I’ve never asked her, but I bet she has a hard time remembering when terrorism wasn’t mentioned daily.

Life marches on, whether we want it to or not. But every once in a while, it’s good to go back and remember how it was and those people who went before. The people that paved the way; did the difficult things, so that our way might be smoother and allow us to go to places and do things that was once thought impossible.

House Report: “I’m in our bathroom!”

2010-05-05T11:01:00.001-05:00

The basement and patio have been (for the most part) completed and work has begun on the foundation of the house. Three sides of the footings have been dug. Side note: In a light bulb moment on the way to work this morning, I figured out why they left out the one end. They have to get the trencher in there to dig for the water lines. (I’m a quick one I am.) Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming… They’ve also got what I consider a lot of the plumbing done. It is now possible to distinguish the rooms. Every time I go up there, even if I’m alone, I have to go from room to room. “I’m in the kitchen! I’m in our bedroom! I’m in our bathroom!”

I wonder how long it will be before the excited-scared feeling will fade…

House Report: Basement

2010-04-27T07:31:00.001-05:00

The basement walls are almost done. The word is that it will have a ceiling by week’s end, and possibly the plumbing-in (is that right? I don’t understand builder-speak) and foundation could be well under way this week as well.

Up until now, I have been thinking to myself that this whole thing could still be halted by just pushing the dirt in the hole and we’d be back to where we started. It’s now sinking in that we’re really going to do this thingy. It’s exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. So if you interact with me in the next several months and I seem weirder than normal, it’s because this scary, wonderful thing is happening to Jerry and I.

Noises

2010-04-23T12:29:00.001-05:00

After turning off my alarm clock this morning, I got to thinking about the noises I hate. That led to thinking about the ones I love (see, I’m trying to think positive thoughts). Along with the alarm clock, these are noises I hate:

The beep my treadmill makes when I turn it on
Nails on a chalkboard
Fork on a plate
An emery board on anything

Now for the likes:

Water running over stones
Birds chirping
My husband’s voice
A child’s laugh
Hard-soled shoes on a hard surface (like you hear in the movies)

Betty White Rules

2010-04-15T18:49:00.001-05:00

Betty tells Craig Ferguson what he can do with his iPad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9xKQm5d1uU

Betty White on Ellen

2010-03-22T11:39:00.001-05:00

House Progress

2010-02-22T15:32:00.001-06:00

So, it looks like the construction on our house may get underway in the next couple of months. It has been quite a journey to get it started.

I’ll be posting progress pictures here, House Progress, if anyone would like to keep up. There are pictures there now of the drive and dirt work, which was done by Snider Construction in Cyril.

Snickers Superbowl Commercial

2010-02-16T14:58:00.001-06:00

Continuing the Betty White theme (she’s everywhere!), here’s what I considered the best Super Bowl 2010 commercial, which also features a quick cameo by Abe Vigoda.

Betty White SAG Awards Speech

2010-02-16T14:55:00.001-06:00

Here’s the best speech of the night, given by Betty White as she accepts the Lifetime Achievement award.

AP: Brooks recalls Anne Bancroft as wife, collaborator

2010-02-03T15:01:00.001-06:00

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PEOPLE_MEL_BROOKS?SITE=INEVA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Dirty Harry Meets Rain Man

2010-01-22T07:43:00.000-06:00

Dirty Harry: ""

Betty White Interview in USA Today

2010-01-21T14:50:00.001-06:00

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-01-21-bettywhite21_ST2_N.htm?csp=34&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UsatodaycomMovies-TopStories+%28Life+-+Movies+-+Top+Stories%29

The funny starts under the picture: “Betty White says of the SAG acronym: ‘It makes me nervous. I always want to put my arm under my boobs.’“

On her naughty comic persona: “…That's where the double-entendres came from. What you don't say is funnier than what you do. Now they let it all hang out. It's all single-entendre.” I can’t agree more. Why do writers think they have to spell everything out?

It will be great to see her accept the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday.

Elmer Fudd’s Geico commercial

2010-01-12T09:09:00.001-06:00

This is currently my favorite commercial. Looney Tunes rule!

Aqua Notes

2010-01-11T08:39:00.001-06:00

I need this for my birthday!

http://gizmodo.com/5444063/aqua-notes-for-people-who-get-their-best-ideas-in-the-shower

Alma by Rodrigo Blaas

2010-01-07T08:37:00.001-06:00

“Alma: Animated short is ‘equal parts Pixar and The Twilight Zone’”

- BoingBoing

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Helpful Sign in New England

2010-01-04T10:09:00.001-06:00

http://gizmodo.com/5438669/road-signs-to-tell-it-like-it-is-this-year

Sir Patrick Stewart

2009-12-31T09:43:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Patrick Stewart!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Stewart

GM recall on Corvette Convertibles

2009-12-31T09:33:00.001-06:00

Corvette convertible (2005-2007) tops could separate causing noise, poor fit, water leakage, and could possibly come off.

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/12/30/3698379-gm-recalling-some-corvettes-over-removable-roof

My Dad’s reaction? “Isn’t anything sacred anymore?!”

Has It Really Been a Month?

2009-12-29T10:06:00.001-06:00

Actually, it’s been over a month since I posted anything here. It has been a fairly busy month, I guess. Thanksgiving was in there and Jerry had surgery soon after that. Now it’s Christmas and New Year. And today is a special day as Jerry and I have been married nine years. There was snow on the ground that day as well. It seems like it’s flown by and yet, at the same time, it seems like we’ve been together forever.

It’s a little late (or a little early, depending on how you look at it), but Happy Holidays!

Julie Andrews to sing in London

2009-11-25T08:28:00.001-06:00

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6930371.ece

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/11/25/3543325-julie-andrews-to-sing-in-london-first-in-decades

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2009-11-24T16:25:00.001-06:00

The Muppets (RIP Jim Henson) are so awesome!

Not Invented Here on Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Bill Barnes and Paul Southworth

2009-11-12T07:40:00.001-06:00

This is how I react to most any new technology:

Not Invented Here on Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Bill Barnes and Paul Southworth

woot.com - 10 Hot Rumors About Tomorrow's Ares Rocket Test Launch

2009-10-27T08:13:00.001-05:00

http://www.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=9585

Laffs by Scott Lydon & Jason Hinklin-Lauderdale on October 26, 2009 at 2:00 PM

For some reason, the on-board computer won’t stop asking Mission Control to tell its wife it loves her very much
The entire event being filmed by motion-capture cameras for use as the first level of the soon-to-be-announced Grand Theft Auto: Milky Way
Secret compartment, not shown on any blueprints, contains the corpse of the one guy who knew where Obama’s Kenyan birth certificate is
To attract a younger audience, the two stages will be named “Mojo” and “Jojo”
Elton John set to release “Candle In The Wind '09” as a tribute to the almost-defunct space shuttle
Fanboys are gathering at the gate, declaring that if NASA won’t help them, they will commandeer the rocket and rescue Kitty Pryde themselves
Certain members of Congress feel now that we've proven we can blow up the moon, it’s time to focus on blowing up the Earth again
NASA’s marketing director is kicking himself over how simple it would have been to tie-in with ABC’s upcoming remake of V
The nose cone will be loaded with the last remaining Atari 2600 cartridges of E.T. The Extraterrestrial, thus removing the awful blight of that game from the face of the Earth forever
Lex Luthor will escape yet again when he reveals to Superman that he has trapped Lois and Jimmy inside the rocket when it is JUST ABOUT TO LAUNCH!

not invented here – Out of Uniform

2009-10-27T08:10:00.001-05:00

http://notinventedhe.re/on/2009-10-27

Tricked Out Easy Chair

2009-10-26T10:25:00.001-05:00

I personally know a lot of people who would/will drool over this (click on pic to go to story):

Point Bonita

2009-10-19T15:52:00.001-05:00

Here’s a link to the pictures that were taken out in California last week. The first one is of a street in San Francisco (not sure which one). If you haven’t been out there, the streets are just how they look on TV/movies and occasionally there will be a building out in the middle of it, or so it seems. We also went across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to Point Bonita. It was hazy that day, but still really pretty. The last few are from my hotel window in San Jose. Not very good, but it is beautiful in the valley with the mountains all around.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mandi.howell/CaliforniaSanFrancisco?feat=directlink

Reba’s “Consider Me Gone” Video

2009-10-08T09:16:00.001-05:00

Reba McEntire More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

I believe Reba gets more beautiful with each passing year…

My Shape: Then and Now

2009-09-30T19:19:00.001-05:00

In order to fulfill my mid-term goal for my diet and exercise lifestyle change, below are my then and now comparison pictures. If one can get past the bad photography and the really crazy tan lines, it’s pretty easy to see that I’ve come a long way in a little over two years. In the picture from the end of July, 2007, I weighed 162 lbs. and my body fat was at 34.4 percent. As of today (September 30, 2009), I weigh 132 lbs. and my body fat is at 14.22 percent. When I began, I set my goal to be 16% body fat. At that time I was not very optimistic that I’d make it. My ultimate goal now is 14%. It’s going to take a great deal more discipline to get there. From now through the end of the holidays I’m going to focus on staying at my current weight and body fat.

If you want a laugh (or to be really grossed out), there are in-between pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mandi.howell/BodyTransformation?feat=directlink

Not Invented Here: Help Write Code

2009-09-28T09:59:00.001-05:00

http://notinventedhe.re/on/2009-9-28

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

xkcd: Tornado Hunter

2009-09-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

http://xkcd.com/640/

How timely is this with deer season right around the corner?

Talk Like a Pirate Day

2009-09-18T19:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day. You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day

Here's a translator for all of you landlubbers: http://www.talklikeapirateday.com/translate/

A Fat Loss Expert’s View of The Biggest Loser

2009-09-18T13:01:00.001-05:00

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2009/09/the_biggest_loser_pros_and_con.php

Tom Venuto weighs the pros and cons of The Biggest Loser reality television show.

Links

2009-09-18T12:20:00.001-05:00

I just noticed in the post below (http://mandis-station.blogspot.com/2009/09/garrison-keillor-nice-67-yo-male-has.html) that the link is very long. I debated on whether to shrink it down or hide it behind some words (i.e. LINK; which actually would let you see the location down in the status bar) and decided against it. Since Twitter has hit the scene, link shrinking has become the norm. The only problem is, it’s very hard to see where the link leads to and I really like to know where I’m going. So sorry if long links offend anyone, but I try to live by “do unto others”.

Garrison Keillor: Nice 67 Y.O. Male Has Brush With Mortality

2009-09-18T11:12:00.001-05:00

http://www.tmsfeatures.com/columns/political/liberal/garrison-keillor/Garrison-Keillor.html?articleURL=http://rss.tmsfeatures.com/websvc-bin/rss_story_read.cgi?resid=200909151353TMS_____GKEILLOR_ctngk-a_20090915

Garrison Keillor, to me, is best known as the host of A Prairie Home Companion (which can be heard on NPR). There’s also been a movie made of the same name.

Keillor had a stroke on September 7, 2009. The link above is to an article he did regarding his time at the hospital following the stroke.

Robot Beach

2009-09-17T14:49:00.001-05:00

I just found a really cool comic strip, courtesy of Paul Southworth. It’s called called Robot Beach by Matt Forcum. You can check it out here: http://www.robotbeach.com/

'Laugh-In' actor Henry Gibson dies at 73

2009-09-17T08:29:00.001-05:00

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/09/16/3279174-laugh-in-actor-henry-gibson-dies-at-73

'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze dies at 57

2009-09-15T09:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/09/14/3268359-dirty-dancing-star-patrick-swayze-dies-at-57

GraphJam: Can it be fixed?

2009-08-31T10:20:00.001-05:00

xkcd: Tech Support Cheat Sheet

2009-08-24T08:55:00.001-05:00

http://xkcd.com/627/

Orphaned hedgehogs adopt cleaning brush as their mother

2009-08-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

Another one for the awwwww category.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-478026/Orphaned-hedgehogs-adopt-cleaning-brush-mother.html

Reba: Keep On Loving You

2009-08-19T12:12:00.001-05:00

Reba McEntire’s new album Keep On Loving You was released yesterday. It’s an album that has grown on me. None of the songs jumped out at me like “The Only Promise That Remains” did on her Duets album, but all of them are listen-worthy. I found myself singing parts of all the songs later in the day, although I knew very little of the words.

“Strange” – This was the first single from the album and has been out since April. It took me a while to get into this song. The lyrics threw me off a bit.
“Just When I Thought I’d Stopped Loving You” – Kelly Clarkson’s influence is very evident in this song. Casual karaoke-ers will have trouble with this one.
“I Keep On Lovin’ You” – One of the slower songs (there aren’t too many). Anyone who has been in a relationship for any length of time will be able to relate to this one.
“I Want A Cowboy” – Good ‘ol Country song. Wrangler’s, hat, pick-ups; “the real McCoy”.
“Consider Me Gone” – If you don’t want to meet me halfway or if you think there might be something out there that’s better, I’m moving on.
“But Why” – I could make it on my own, but why miss out on your kisses, shoulder to lean on, love, etc.
“Pink Guitar” – At first I thought of this as a “Girl Power” song, but it’s really not. It’s about having a dream and pursuing it.
“She’s Turning 50 Today” – This really is a “Girl Power” song. Faced with a setback, she doesn’t let it eat her up.
“Eight Crazy Hours (In the Story of Love)” – Hitting an emotional low and realizing all that she does have, all in eight hours. It would make a very good video.
“Nothing to Lose” – Very fast paced. Classic country lost love song.
“Over You” – This song reminds me a bit of “And Still”, a song from one of Reba’s earlier albums. They happen to meet and she wishes that he would say he still loves her like she does him.
“Maggie Creek Road” – This song is begging for a video, or even a tv movie al a “Is There Life Out There?”. It tells the story of a mother worrying for her daughter. The daughter doesn’t listen when the mother cautions her; the mother has reason to worry.
“I’ll Have What She’s Having” – The music of this one reminds me of “Have I Got a Deal For You”. It has a honky-tonk feel.

All in all, a nice album after six years (solo).

Tom Venuto: Why Time Magazine Owes the Fitness Industry a Big Fat Apology

2009-08-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2009/08/why_time_magazine_owes_the_fit.php

Personal Responsibility

2009-08-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

Health reform idea: Put down the doughnut

Above is an article on personal responsibility being the first big step to healthcare reform. I whole-heartedly agree. I realize that there are exceptions to every rule, but too many people put themselves in this category when it is not the truth. It's easier to say they have a medical problem that prevents them from doing the work necessary to become healthy. I will be the first to admit that losing weight the right way is not easy. It takes a lot of effort and discipline, but it's all a matter of what you want more. Find something that's more important than continuing the way that's making you unhealthy. For me, it's being around to see all the children I care about and their children for as long as possible and feeling better about myself.

We have become a nation of "do what's easiest", and it's not just exclusive to health. People want to make money, but don't want to do the jobs they must to get it. If it's not exactly to their liking they quit, thinking they'll find another one that will suit their every requirement. Every person is different. That's what makes the world go 'round. There are always going to be differing opinions at every job. Too many times, at the first hint of difficulty or disagreement, people give up, saying it's too hard or they just can't get along with a colleague. Again, I realize there are some circumstances where compromise cannot be reached, but too often people don't even try.

The only person you have to be around 24/7 is yourself, so make you the best you can be.
And the only person that can do that is YOU.

Bird experiment shows Aesop's fable may be true

2009-08-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/08/06/3125907-bird-experiment-shows-aesops-fable-may-be-true

I loved reading Aesop's fables when I was in school. There's actually free e-books and audio books available at
Project Gutenberg. Just search for Aesop in the Author search.

Woot: What Are We Doing While Twitter Is Down?

2009-08-06T14:13:00.001-05:00

What Are We Doing While Twitter Is Down?

from woot.com

Worrying how everyone will know Twitter is down if we can't tweet that Twitter is down
Desperately trying to write 140 character notes on our business cards
Yelling I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING A BURRITO as loudly as we can
Calling our friends one at a time and saying "Really fast, what are you doing right now?"
Weeping at how the world we lived in could be ruled by such an unjust and vengeful god
Settling for updating our Facebook status, though it's not the same
Worrying about how @THE_REAL_SHAQ was doing
Going to the bathroom without telling anyone

Posted using ShareThis

Goodbye Walter Cronkite

2009-07-20T10:38:00.002-05:00

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/07/17/3035635-legendary-cbs-anchor-walter-cronkite-dies-at-92

2009-07-08T15:11:00.001-05:00

If you missed 12:34:56 7/8/9, catch 04:05:06 07/08/09

2009-07-07T10:38:00.001-05:00

I finally took my rings to get them resized...now I keep freaking out thinking I've lost them.

2009-07-06T09:50:00.001-05:00

Aaaaannnndddd here comes the Monday I was expecting.

Mollie Sugden, comedy actor, dies aged 86

2009-07-03T21:40:00.001-05:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/jul/01/mollie-sugden-comedy-actor

On Sunday night during our childhood, you could find my brother and I watching "Are You Being Served?" on PBS. Our grandfather introduced us to the show when he would watch it when we spent the night. Mollie Sugden played Betty Slocombe, the pink or purple haired saleslady. The show was filled with innuendo and we loved it. You can find some clips on Youtube here.

2009-07-01T07:25:00.001-05:00

Spending my morning in daydream-land...

2009-06-30T07:20:00.001-05:00

Today I'm grateful for my treadmill, my mp3 player and upbeat music.

2009-06-29T11:12:00.001-05:00

Brain: You must drink more water. Stomach: I don't WANT more water. Brain: SHUT IT!

2009-06-29T08:03:00.001-05:00

"Commitment is doing the thing that you said you were going to do when that inspired feeling has left you." -Darren Hardy

2009-06-29T07:08:00.001-05:00

My stomach has decided that it's going to be one of those days.

2009-06-26T10:15:00.001-05:00

Boy, my emotions are all over the place today.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

Memories regarding Michael Jackson:

Levi (my little bro) used to sing "Man in the Liver".
Who didn't try to moonwalk as a kid?

2009-06-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

Nearly there, nearly there...actually two more hours. Oh drat!

2009-06-25T07:38:00.001-05:00

Thursday...on the downhill side of the week, but not quite Friday.