Music

Watching the 5 season recap show of SYTYCD last week reminded me of some of the really good performances and songs. One song in particular has stuck in my mind. Love Annie Lennox!

Why

I was listening to my new favorite music station, Pandora a lot lately. When I popped it on this morning, another great song popped up. One More Night. Phil Collins is not one of my favorite artists, but after thinking about it, he has lots of really good songs. Of course, as far you can't forget this one

Ok, back to work.

First Day of School

So today is the official First Day of School for this year. Lots of changes. First, Devon & Marisa are no longer in the same school, and won't be in the same building ever again. Our HS has 2 campuses, 1 for 9th & 10th graders and another for 11th & 12th graders. So unless she takes a higher level class when she is a 10th grader and he is a 12th grader, they will be in different buildings! They are growing so fast!

Devon is a High Schooler now! He wouldn't let me go to the bus stop with him. LOL. I didn't really ask, I just said I thought he wouldn't be cool with that, at which point he agreed. I did take his picture before he left the house.

Marisa is in 7th grade now. Almost the biggest kids at school. She got sick this morning. Actually threw up. I'm not sure why, but I think it was nerves, because by the time we got to the bus stop, she was reasonably fine.

Last night we had an open house at the High School. The principal spoke for a while, and then we got to go through his schedule to his classes. Just about 10 min per class. Enough to meet the teachers and get list of supplies. Thankfully not much in supplies. Binders, paper, pens, pencils, protractor, calculator and white erase markers. We had all but the last. I had fun going down the halls from room to room. Even though maybe only 30% of the parents were there, sometimes the busy intersections that Devon warned me about were quite congested. Can't imagine when there are 1200 kids changing classes at the same time, with 1/2 of them nearly clueless! LOL. He was already talking about finding short cuts and which halls to avoid...

One thing that I'm looking forward to is being able to monitor all his grades, and not having to wait for progress reports. We've stressed to him that now it really counts, grades wise. I know, he'll be fine.

OMG, just a measly 6 years from now and both my kids will be high school graduates!

Happy Friday

Hope everyone has a nice weekend! I need to blog about stuff, but haven't been around the computer much, except at work, where I'm super busy.

We went to Grand Forks North Dakota last weekend for the Central Zones Swim Meet. Devon swam 3 events, and did very well. Plus he got to make friends with his team mates on Team Wisconsin. Normally they are his competitors, so that was fun for him.

We ate at a FANTASTIC place in Grand Forks. Giuseppe's is the name. If you are ever there, you must stop and eat dinner there. Great food, great service!

There is not much to see between the Twin Cities and Grand Forks. The neatest thing was the sunflower fields. But at 100mph they went by quickly.

Don & kids are going camping tomorrow with a bunch of other dads and kids. They compromised, since the kids didn't want to go at all. So it was decided they would go for the day tomorrow. Leaves me to do what I want then! Yay! Plan on seeing a movie with a friend, and then lazing around the rest of the day. Maybe I will resume my project of cleaning my home office.

Pic of my boy

Look at this handsome guy! Hard to believe it is an 8th grade graduation picture!

Candles!

Blatant self promotion!

PartyLite now offers online ordering! You can order anything from our catalogs, plus some extra specials for online orders only through my website. The cool thing is it gets shipped directly to you!

If you prefer to get free candles, you can host a virtual show, where your guests can order online through your show. You get at least 15% in hostess credit, with the possibility of 25% or more!

Please let me know if I can help with your candle needs!

Best Gluten Free Pizza

Last night in celebration of my birthday we went out to dinner with the family and 2 close friends who were visiting from Holland. We decided to go to Uno Chicago Grill. Our waitress was very friendly, and when Don asked about their gluten free pizza, she brought over a menu with a list of items that they make gluten free. It was all about the pizza, so we all ordered our own individual, and he ordered a GF one with mushrooms and pepperoni. Our waitress said that everyone who she had served the GF pizza to loved it, and many people took and extra pizza or two parbaked home. We were skeptical. We've tried lots of GF pizzas, premade, homemade (I am not a good pizza crust baker) and had settled on a crust from our local GF bakery, which was pretty good, but still had a distinct after taste. What a surprise we were in for!!

We all got our pizzas, and Don dug in, and immediately said how awesome it was! Of course I had to try a bite, as did Devon, and we all agreed it tasted almost the same as a regular pizza. I am so happy that we found one finally! That has been Don's biggest disappointment, not eating good tasting pizza.

YAY Uno Chicago Grill!

Foursome?

Saw this picture posted on the Smithsonian Picture of the Day website. Would it be considered a foursome?

Summer is here!

Today it is going to be HOT here. 90s with heat index of 105F. Fine with me!

I love summer! I really do. I love hot hot hot. Of course I will place a caveat, that I really like to sleep in air conditioned air, but otherwise I love summer! I am so sick of hearing people complain about hot weather. Go move to Antarctica then! Of course we must be careful when we are exposed to hot air. No differently than when it is cold. In winter we put on clothes, mittens, drink hot cocoa, etc. So in summer it isn't any different. Drink lots of water, keep your body cool. Of course that means ice cream. Or custard. Today's flavor is Chocolate covered Strawberry. I know where I'm going for lunch. The only question is whether I will get a burger, or just the custard.

Hump Day

Ok, so today is Wednesday. Happy Hump Day. I woke up 15 min early, thanks to a stoopid bird making noise outside our window. But amazingly I slept through the night, so I feel mainly refreshed and in a good mood.

My goal today is to keep that good mood going. I'm sick of crabby people, and feeling down. Maybe I'll stop for ice cream.

What is your goal today?

Good food and help a good cause

I got this in an email this week. As you may know, my DH has Celiac Disease, or an intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. Untreated this disease can lead to major weight loss, osteoporosis, cancer and death. Some studies say that 2M+ people in the US have this disease, yet many don't know it. Doctors misdiagnose due to sometimes a lack of many symptoms or a lack of awareness.

I love Uno's pizza, we're looking forward to trying the Gluten Free version!


ACDA & Uno Chicago Grill Partner for Awareness
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awareness Month events abound. Walks, runs, golf, cooking and . . . GF
PIZZA! That's right. What better way to celebrate awareness month than
going out and sharing a pie with friends.

From May 25 - 31st, Uno Chicago GrillR will host a nationwide Dough Rai$er.
To participate go to: www.unos.com/ACDA . Download the voucher with the ACDA logo and take it to your local Uno Chicago Grill location. Twenty percent of sales generated from those who participate will go to support celiac awareness.

Don't want to wait until May 25th for a GF Pizza. Go to www.unos.com/coupons/glutenfree and download a $1 off coupon. Not a pizza fan? The gluten-free menu has a number of wonderful options.

Mark your calendar now to eat at Uno Chicago GrillR the week of May 25th - And don't forget the voucher!

Beth Hillson,
President,
American Celiac Disease Alliance

RIP Gene

My sister's soulmate passed away May 5. We are all completely devastated, as this was completely unexpected. Gene was a special, giving person. Gruff biker on the outside, soft heart and soul on the inside. His funeral was attended by over 120 people, including at least 50 members of his biker club. Watching them roll in and out was amazing.

Please keep Michelle in your thoughts and prayers. She has never lived alone in her life, and is really struggling with the ramifications of Gene's death.

I've been in Florida since I found out last week. Caught the first plane (literally) that I could from home. Don & kids followed by car. We are heading back home on Tuesday night. That is really when it will get hard for my sister and my dad too.

Thanks for your support.

Jessica Hardy Suspension lowered to 1 year

This article was published in Swimming World Magazine on May 4, 2009. Basically the gist is that the supplement she was taking was contaminated, apparently when it was packaged or produced. We deal with this issue when looking for foods to avoid in an allergy situation. This is why so many foods say they are packaged in a facility that packages other food containing xyz (allergen like nuts, wheat, eggs, etc). The FDA does not monitor supplements like it does foods, so there is no such warning for supplements. This is a sticky situation, because in the end the athlete is responsible for what they consume. And at this level of athletics, they are pushing their body beyond normal levels, thereby making a choice of supplements (legal) an easy one. The world championships are in Rome from July 18 to August 2. I wonder if we'll see Jessica swimming the last days.

LOS ANGELES, California, May 4. ACCORDING to a press release sent out by Jessica Hardy's legal representation, Hardy's suspension for a positive test for Clenbuterol has been reduced to one year. Hardy tested positive for the banned substance at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb., setting off a firestorm of controversy regarding who would replace her on the U.S. Olympic roster.

The press release states that the American Arbitration Association (AAA) found that Hardy's positive test came from a contaminated supplement sample.

Additionally, should Hardy's one-year suspension fall under the auspices of the new rule where any doping ban for longer than six months would preclude Hardy from competing at the 2012 London Games, the AAA would consider further limiting the suspension.

This is the second high profile doping case for the U.S. ending in a contaminated supplement. Kicker Vencill once drew a four-year suspension, later reduced to two years, before winning a lawsuit to prove his innocence of intent to dope.

Here is the full press release from lawyer Howard Jacobs:

Los Angeles (May 4, 2009) – The American Arbitration Association today issued its decision suspending Jessica Hardy from competition from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009 for her inadvertent use of a contaminated supplement, thereby allowing her to return to competition this summer. The positive test occurred at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, where Jessica Hardy qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in four events. As a result of the positive test, Jessica Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the Olympic team.

In its decision, the AAA Panel found that a longer sanction would be disproportionate to the facts of the case, relying in part on the following:

-The arbitrators found that Jessica Hardy's positive test was caused by a contaminated Advocare Arginine Extreme supplement.

-Jessica Hardy received personal assurances from Advocare regarding the purity of its supplements.

-The arbitrators found that under all of the circumstances, Jessica Hardy should receive the shortest possible suspension allowed under the rules

-The arbitrators also considered the possible application of a new rule of the International Olympic Committee ("IOC"), which could potentially preclude Jessica Hardy from competing at the 2012 Olympic Games, since her penalty is longer than 6 months. The arbitrators stated that such a result would be "grossly disproportionate," and stated that they would retain jurisdiction to reconsider the length of the penalty if the IOC did not waive the application of its new rule to Jessica Hardy.

In responding to the AAA decision, Jessica Hardy stated as follows:

"I am extremely happy that the Arbitration Panel was persuaded by my scientific proof of supplement contamination, and that they believed me when I told them that I never have and never will use performance enhancing drugs. I look forward to returning to competition as soon as possible and proving that my prior successes, including at the Olympic Trials, were achieved solely through hard work and discipline, with no shortcuts. The past year, including missing the 2008 Olympic Games, has been heartbreaking, the most difficult year of my life. It was made more tolerable by the numerous expressions of support I received from teammates, competitors, and fans all over the world, for which I will always be grateful.

I look forward to again representing my country, and will prepare for the upcoming season with the utmost determination."

USA Swimming released the following statement regarding the ruling:

We are glad that this situation has been resolved. Jessica has served a significant penalty and has taken responsibility for her actions, which were ruled unintentional. The importance in being diligent in following the anti-doping rules cannot be overstated, and this case should serve as a stern reminder to all athletes to take extreme care with everything they put into their bodies.

USADA also released the following press release:

Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 4, 2009) – An independent, three-member American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) panel issued its decision today in the case of U.S. Swimmer Jessica Hardy, from a positive drug test during last year's U.S. Olympic Trials.
On July 4, 2008, Ms. Hardy tested positive for the anabolic agent, clenbuterol. Following proceedings, instituted pursuant to the USADA Protocol on August 1, 2008, Ms. Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, reserving her right to seek a reduction to her period of ineligibility.

The AAA/CAS panel heard evidence in January and March of this year concerning Ms. Hardy's claim that her supplements were contaminated with clenbuterol. Ms. Hardy fully accepted responsibility for her negligence in taking supplements in light of education and warnings provided by USADA regarding the associated risks. The AAA/CAS panel credited Ms. Hardy's evidence of contamination and determined that she had exercised sufficient diligence in her investigation of the supplements to be entitled to a reduction of her period of ineligibility. The AAA/CAS panel assigned a one-year period of ineligibility to conclude on July 31, 2009.

The panel also retained jurisdiction for possible consideration at a later date of the potential impact of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Rule 45 on Ms. Hardy. The IOC's Rule 45, effective July 1, 2008, prohibits an athlete who has been sanctioned by more than six months from competing in the next two Olympic Games.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

I can't make you love me

After Allison on AI sang a cover, I looked around, and found this version. Love it more than Bonnie Raitt's version.

Video

prayers and good thoughts please

Please lift up my young cousin in prayer. Jenae (pronounced Jen A) was in a ski accident in Colorado 1 week ago. She sustained serious injuries, including multiple facial fractures, a skull fracture, broken femur and tibia. She seemed "ok" on Monday after the accident, talking and whining about not having access to her cell phone, but has gotten worse as the week went on. She is now in sedation to keep her in a deep sleep as well as on a ventilator. After a long weekend of 100% oxygen but continued low oxygen saturation levels, her lungs seem to be healing, as more and more oxygen is getting into her bloodstream. She was supposed to have surgery on her leg, but they cancelled it because of the oxygen issue. Also we are very thankful that she had those facial fractures. Yeah, I know, thankful? It seemed that those fractures allowed some fluids to seep out of her brain that would have otherwise built up too much pressure (like Natalie Richardson), thereby saving her life! It doesn't seem that she has sustained any severe brain damage, but until they can bring her completely off the deep sedation medication, we won't know for sure.

So please pray (or think good thoughts) for Jenae, her mom Nancy (my cousin) and dad Kelly, and brother Nolan, who is stuck back home in Oklahoma trying to continue a normal life.

Thanks!

End of season update

Yay! I have 3 weeks off of swim. Well, my kids do. And I don't have to drive carpool either!

Devon had a GREAT meet this weekend. He got 2 medals (4th in 1000 yd Free & 5th in 1650 yd Free), a 13th place finish in 200 yd Back, and several relay ribbons for 5th or 6th place. He swam personal best times throughout the meet. In fact on Thursday he swam the opening leg of the 4 x 200 yd relay, which counts as actual times, and got a best time in the 50 split, 100 split and 200 split! Then on Friday he swam the 200 yd Free individual event and bettered his time again! This was especially great, as he has been trying (and not succeeding) to get a personal best in that event since October!

We finally got home at 10pm on Sunday, and yesterday I was exhausted. Got some very good sleep last night, and am back to normal now, and believe it or not, looking forward to the next season, which starts on March 30.

March forth

Ok, it is a day early, but Buggy reminded me to MARCH FORTH tomorrow.

I'm done with winter. Now it can go away.

This weekend will be long, exhausting and fun. Swim Fast Devon!

Swimming update

(So it appears that Marisa is done swimming for the short course season.) She didn't get any state qualifying times. No surprise there. The time standards were tightened up quite a bit, and she is in a higher and tougher age group since she turned 11. Her goal is to get back to State for the long course season, which runs April - July. There is a slight chance she might swim on a relay or 4, but only of several girls ranked above her opt out.

Update! Well, nevermind about Marisa being done! I got a phone call from her coach asking if she can be on a relay! Who Hoo! She is swimming the 200 Freestyle Relay on Saturday afternoon. I am so excited for her! I know it is crazy. We are driving 1 hour each way to Madison, plus spending the whole afternoon there, just to watch her swim 32 seconds in a 50 Freestyle. But this is such a positive experience! She is bonding more with her teammates, gets to share in a very special event! Plus she gets a tshirt and pizza party and the knowledge that she contributed. Even if it is on a C level relay, which will probably not score any points for the team. But who cares!

Devon on the other hand is swimming crazy right now. He has more than the maximum allowed individual qualifying times for 13 & Over State, so has had to choose which not to swim. Great situation to be in! He is swimming all the distance events, which are his strength, along with 100 Back, 200 Back and 200 Free. There are 10 boys in his age group who have qualified, so I'm not sure which relays he will be on. This meet is March 5-8, so theoretically we have a weekend off!

Our high school boys swam their state meet this past Saturday. It was a fun meet, even though they only came in 4th. Next year hopefully Devon will be there swimming!

Mood

Normally winter is a blah time for me. January is my least favorite month, for many reasons. First, my mom died Jan 30 (10 years ago, feels like yesterday), and also for work it is very busy and stressful time for me, getting year end taken care of. As a result, I usually get sick late Jan or early Feb. Last weekend I felt it coming, and started popping vitamin C, trying to get more sleep, etc. We spend the weekend at a swim meet, and I really think the humidity helped me! No more beginnings of a cold!

I've also noticed I've been in a really good mood lately. Someone at practice asked me if I ever stop smiling. So I thought about it, and realised this is what I do. I take one good thing that happens to me during the day, and take that feeling and keep nurturing it so that I stay in that good frame of mind. A good friend of mine told me not too long ago to stop being negative, that it isn't like me to be that way. That I need to get back to my optimistic side.

I'm glad that my positive self is back. Even in the midst of lots of negativity.

Vote for Buddy!

Please vote for my kitty Buddy as MVP Pet! I truly do need a new vacuum, as ours died.

Thanks!

Free breakfast!

So is Denny's really smaht, or just really desperate?

Did you see the ads during the Super Bowl? They are giving everyone a FREE Grand Slam (unfortunate name for a football game) between 6am - 2pm today.

Well, I'm all about FREE, so a friend and I met for an early breakfast. He got there at 5:50, and it was already packed. So he got a table, and ordered both of our meals. I got there right at 6am, and by 6:05 was eating my yummy breakfast. Never had eggs over easy, but it worked. The pancakes were good, the bacon and sausage not overcooked. We did pay for 2 large OJs and a side of hasbrowns. I think the tip was more than the food though.

By the time we left at 6:20 it was nearly impossible to get out the door. I'd say there were 50 people waiting!

Anyone else take advantage of free breakfast at Denny's today?