Mrs. B's Brilliant Blog

Monday, April 16, 2012

Happy First Date Day!!!!!

Here is a repost of one of my favorite montages!
Mrs. B

Mrs. B's Brilliant Blog: Amy and Mark: It WAS a long time coming, too! Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Saturday, April 14, 2012

100 years ago today, just before midnight on the evening of April 14th 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg. A scant few hours later, she was lying at the bottom of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. The unthinkable had happened, the Titanic, the unsinkable Titanic, had sunk. Between her death spiral and the embrace of the frigid water, some 1500 souls perished. In a misguided attempt to make a record trip across the Atlantic from Southampton to New York, another ghastly record was set instead.

"Remember the Titanic!" People have said over the ensuing 100 years. And, remember her we have. Truly, is there any cognizant person alive today who does not recognize her name and know, at least somewhat, her sad, sad tale?

My personal interest in Titanic began long before Leo DiCaprio infamously shouted "I'm King Of the World!" in the 1997 blockbuster movie "Titanic". It was another movie that started it all for me. I was in 8th grade and it was early in the school year of the brand new Jr/Sr High School in Tierrasanta (near San Diego). For whatever reason, a bunch of us were rounded up and brought into the administrative offices to watch "A Night To Remember", a 1958 black and white film based on Walter Lord's book of the same title. Like the James Cameron's 1997 version, "Night" depicted the events after the ship struck the iceberg and its eventual sinking in pretty much real time. Us tweens watched the movie over the course of several days, though, and by the time we reached the end, most of us were riveted. I know that I was hooked, and have remained so ever since.

Why do people remain fascinated with the Titanic? Everyone has their ideas but I think it's a combination of:

People are morbidly interested in tragedy, especially one involving the division between wealth and glamour and servitude and squalor.

We can look upon what happened in hindsight and wonder over and over again WHY it had to happen in the first place, coming up with a long list of "if only s"; and this, by the way, continues to be fueled by emerging theories as to what exactly happened (two new ones were just in the paper this week). One of the most obvious blunders, of course, was that most people on board's actions (or inactions) were driven by the belief that the Titanic was unsinkable. A story goes that, a female passenger, uneasy about being on the ship, asked a crew person as she boarded if the Titanic was safe. He replied with something like "Madam, God himself couldn't sink the Titanic". In hindsight, not a wise thing to say.

Titanic is still around. Yes, it's at the bottom of the ocean in at least two if not more pieces, but, it's THERE. As long as it is, there will be talk about maybe turning it into a museum. That's unlikely to happen, I think, as there are more people than not who believe it should remain undisturbed but there will likely be ongoing controversy for while yet. Moreover, artifacts continue to be unearthed (unoceaned?) and brought to the surface. Just recently, a few possessions of a key player in the Titanic tragedy, First Office William Murdoch, were discovered.

More than few things changed in both ship design and safety regulations because of the Titanic. Thanks to the Titanic, you won't have to worry about not having a seat on a lifeboat if your cruise ship sinks. And, speaking of cruising, who hasn't thought about the Titanic when standing on deck during your muster drill?

Sayings, such as "The Tip of the Iceberg" and "Women and Children First" are frequent reminders of the Titanic and what happened to her and her passengers and crew.

Since the Cameron film in the late 90s and leading up to this, the 100th anniversary of its sinking, the Titanic has become a fad. Everyone is interested in it now (as I write this, the banner on Google is a picture of the Titanic).

Many of us ponder what we would do in a similar circumstance; imagine the heartache of climbing into a lifeboat without our husband while he remains gamely on deck smiling reassuringly at us, all the while knowing he was likely to perish; or, the horror of searching for our missing child, or the panic and confusion and total chaos that ensued once people finally realized the ship really was going to sink.

Over the years, I've read many books about the Titanic, seen all of the movies and was lucky enough to see the traveling Titanic exhibit at a museum in Raleigh in 2003. My love of and interest in the Titanic was the primary reason I wanted to go on The Queen Mary II (in essence a "sister" ship of Titanic) for our honeymoon in 2005; to experience the glamour without any fear of the tragedy (thankfully we did not have that Italian "Chicken of the Sea" captain as ours).

Now that we'll soon be past the 100th anniversary of her sinking, I wonder if the interest will continue? What else will be discovered? What new theories put forth? Will the general public get bored once the landmark day of April 15th, 2012 has passed and no one will likely be around for the Bicentennial?

Somehow, I doubt it. I think she'll always be an object of fascination, and, thus, will continue to be remembered.

Mrs. B

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Going Without Facebook: A Reflection

I gave up Facebook for Lent this year (and, judging by the picture I found online to post with this entry, I was not the only one!)

This meant from February 21st (I started a few days early) to April 8th, I did not engage in an activity that, up to then, I'll admit I was somewhat addicted to. It's sort of scary to admit that; being relatively addicted to logging onto a social media site and both reading up on what all of my 100-odd so "friends" were up to and posting several times per day myself about what I was up to, or thought, or found interesting, etc. Giving what was going on in my life; how much time I had to spare, I was on Facebook off and on several hours over the course of a day. And, this meant I was in all likeliness on Facebook when I really should have been doing something else.

I'll have to admit, though, even as I was asserting that I was giving up something I truly loved (and I meant it), I was also thinking in the back of my mind that perhaps this was a good time to start weaning myself off Facebook a bit. Truth be told, there had been instances where I found myself more annoyed than entertained; sometimes downright pissed off. How silly is that, then? To constantly subject oneself to the possibility of getting angry. And, over what? Some other person's opinion on (fill in the blank) subject? The fact that no one was commenting on some picture I posted (or that someone did and I found what they said to be extremely inappropriate and even hurtful?)

Facebook is a social "place". And, as with other places where people hang out (school yards, classrooms, workplaces, parties), there is a degree of who is the popular one, who says all the witty things, who is trying to say all the witty things, who is being shunned, who is being insulted, who is being talked about, etc. And, because this is all online, people can be a lot more bold; "saying" things on Facebook that they'd never have the guts to say to a person's face.

Anyway. As I said. To be honest, I was not going to miss that aspect of Facebook.

What became important to me as I approached Lent was, what would I do with "all of the time" I'd be saving not being on Facebook? Well, true to form, I had a long list. I won't share the whole list here (15 items) but here is a sampling:

Help Mark/Business
Read
Blog
Write (as in WRITE)
Spend more time with family
Play with Lucy and the kitties
Help people "somehow"
Think and reflect

As it turned out, due primarily to the time of year and our personal circumstances, what I ended up doing, mostly, was assisting with the preparation of income taxes. Not exactly the spiritual intention of Lent, but, life happens.

For both fun and sad reasons, I also spent quite a bit of time with family and I was also able to blog here and there. Maybe I got a bit of "helping people somehow" in there as well, indirectly, I suppose.

Several times throughout the Lenten period, a family or friend would comment (via email), "I sure do miss you on Facebook!" Interestingly enough, with the exception of those few folks, I did not hear squat from the majority of my Facebook friends, even though my email is clearly posted on my profile page. What does this tell you? I'm not upset about it, mind. It's simply an observation. It's a lot easier to stay in touch with hundreds of people through a few key strokes on one site than to send personal emails, or a text, or make a phone call or, God forbid write an actual snail-mail letter. I'm not saying I'd be any different. In fact, during my absence from Facebook period, I was a dismal failure at another item on my list, "Write personal notes to family and friends". I wrote ONE (not including birthday cards and the like). What's important for me to take away from this observation is, if I decided to never go on Facebook again, although it may take awhile, I'd eventually get back to communicating via an alternative method with the people who really matter and factor into my life.

Because I am a disciplined soul, I was not really tempted to cheat and sneak a few peeks of what people were saying on Facebook during the six weeks. Maybe this means it wasn't a hard enough thing to "give up" or maybe it means I was committed to keeping my promise. In either case, I didn't do it. I was, however, able to post two things remotely onto Facebook. I thought about it and decided it wasn't cheating because I wasn't actually on Facebook, nor would I go onto Facebook to see if and what people had to say about it. These two things, one a tribute to Margot (a link to my Blog) on March 1st and the other a link to my FIL's obit, I felt people would want to read/know.

As an aside, it's a bit scary how many sites these days have a button these days of "Do You Want To Share This On Facebook?" It made me ponder if, eventually, every single thing we do will have this option. "You just saved $12.35 with coupons at Publix! Do you want to share this on Facebook?" "Your pap smear is negative! Do you want to share this on Facebook?" Your husband just told you your butt looks big in those pants. Do you want to share this on Facebook?"

But, I digress.

Don't get me wrong. There were many, many times I wished I could share a thought, or an article I'd read, or some pictures from this or that. And, I truly missed being "up on things". Even though I read the paper on a daily basis, I always found out more about what was going on in the world by being on Facebook. Yeah, sometimes I didn't CARE (e.g., about Tim Tebow), but, at least I knew who the heck he was. Oh, and at times some (what I thought was) a funny or amusing quip would go through my mind and I thought, "Gee, too bad I couldn't post that on Facebook". But, I'm sure all my friends survived without my humor and "wisdom".

So, Easter rolls around and a few people said, "Oh, you'll be able to get onto Facebook!" I was busy Easter Sunday and didn't log on until late that night. I checked my profile (new timeline, great, something new to learn) and read the several comments there in response to my two remote posts. I checked each of my lists (BFFs, Family, School Days, etc.) to see what all my peeps were up to. I uploaded a new profile picture (this took some time since the format has changed). I posted a status update. By then, I was exhausted and there is simply no way I'll be going back through the past six weeks to see what everyone posted. Just won't do it.

So, going forward. What will be different for me? Here is what I am hoping to do:

1. Limit my time on Facebook. Check it once or twice a day. Don't leave it up on my computer. Not read every single thing people post and feel I have to comment on same. Keep what I post to a minimum and this to things that are more about what's going on in my life; updates, pictures, etc., NOT my opinion on every darn thing.

2. Refrain from having Facebook stuff sent to my phone. In fact, I'll probably remove the app. I may still send an update from my phone from time to time (or a picture).

3. Absolutely positively never post anything offensive, rude or hurtful to anyone. Ditto with comments.

4. Post more of my Blog entries as opposed to links to this or that article, site, etc. This way, I can keep my focus on writing/blogging (e.g., like I'm doing right now).

5. Get rid of Pinterest. Ok, technically, Pinterest isn't Faceook, but it seems somewhat connected to me and It's another time suck that I do not need.

I could probably add a few more but this pretty much covers it.

I guess I cannot end this entry without addressing why I'm even going back to Facebook. in the end, I still believe it's a great way to keep in touch with both people I know and what's going on in the world. I have learned many things from Facebook activity over the almost four years I've been on it (thanks to the new timeline version, I now know that I joined Facebook on September 27th, 2008). And, I think it's important to keep up with the way the world is or else I'm apt to get run over and passed up by the people coming up behind me. That's not something I'm ready to do.

Yet.

Mrs. B

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Happy 3rd Birthday, Little Kids (AKA The Greeks)!

Wow how times flies. Golly Whoopers, Batman.

Our Little Kids, formerly known as The Greeks, are three years old today (and, at least until July, the same age as Pete and Lily). I can't hardly believe it, due in some part because they just don't LOOK like they are three years old. They are mini-cats compared to their older siblings and some of the monster kitties I've had in the past (Buda, We'um and Clyde come to mind). Also, how can three years have gone by so quickly?

Those who have read my Blog over the years know full well the story of how these three kitties came (and stayed) in our lives; Ares and Athena with little fan-fare (they just seemed to become part of our family by osmosis) and our sweet guy Apollo became a permanent fixture after quite a bit of drama.

Although they are not generally as friendly as Pete and Lily, they have come a long way in this regard. They are not nearly as fearful as they were three years ago, and, in fact, don't appear to be afraid of us at all any longer. They do, however, remain gun-shy of people they don't see all that often (unless said persons happen to be coming around to feed them, right Grammy?)

I managed to get pictures of all three of them today (although Ares wasn't really cooperating).

I had just finished grooming them, something they all, thankfully, enjoy (this because I started them out right off the bat when they were fosters, something I wish Pete and Lily's foster mom had done because they HATE being groomed).

A rare shot of all three Little Kids 3.31.12. Too bad they wouldn't look at the camera!

I gave Apollo and extra turn because he loves it so much. Heck, he'd take the turn for the other four, if I let him. But, hey, who can resist combing and petting a kitty who is having such a great time; purring, rolling around on his back, etc.? It really is cute; if I turn away for a second, he jumps up onto the grooming table, whether there is a sibling there or not.

And Athena, well, Little Miss Bossy Pants is such a lovely kitty, really.

I bought them a special treat (Fancy Feast Appetizers) for their birthday dinner (which they'll have to share with P&L) and maybe dad will give Apollo and Ares some extra turkey.

Anyway, even though we never really counted on having five cats, our lives just wouldn't be the same now without Ares, Athena and Apollo.

Mrs. B

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

New Work Out Routine = New Me

I had to face facts; I'm pushing 50 and the work out routine I've adhered to for years and years just ain't cutting it any longer. It's not that I'm overweight or even out of shape (that much), it's more that I feel what I've been doing isn't getting me any results. Plus, I'm totally bored with it ("it" being going to the gym and jumping on the elliptical machine for 20-30 minutes, then doing ab work either at the gym or with my ab roller at home).

I thought joining the Y would help; give me the opportunity to join in on some classes and use all of the cool machines. I tried one class and felt uncomfortable. I am, by nature, a loner, not a joiner. Not to mention, I looked like a total fool because I couldn't do the basic moves very well at all (and this was a class for BEGINNERS!) Plank = fall over on my face. T-Ups? No freakin' way.

I had one of the volunteers show me the nautilus equipment (much of which I'd used sometime in a past life at one gym or another). Issue with this was primarily getting the opportunity to get onto the equipment; the "machine hogs" abounded and there is nothing more frustrating (and discouraging) than attempting to do a routine and not being able to get through your entire circuit in a reasonable amount of time. Oh, and every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 11-12 there was a senior citizen group working the circuit and I wasn't allowed to jump in.

I finally decided to avail myself of the personal trainers at the Y. I figured why not, the cost for one session was nominal and I definitely needed to learn something new.

It took a while but I eventually ended up one Friday morning a few weeks back meeting with a lady named Felisa. Prior to our appointment, we'd chatted back and forth via email so that she knew what my goals were, what I was and was not interested in, etc. So, she was prepared.

First off, they matched me up with a great trainer for me because Felisa is 54 years old, and, let me tell you, she looks great and not in that sorta creepy woman looks like a man way but simply in fantastic shape. Not too skinny but fit, toned and strong.

We spent about an hour together and it was well worth the $55. I'd told her I wanted a routine that was portable; meaning, I could do it anywhere. Yeah, I intend to mostly work out at the Y (especially as I'm still going to avail myself of the elliptical machines and maybe even the treadmills and stationary bikes) but there will be times when I won't be near a gym and I don't want this to be an excuse not to work out. Walking the dog helps, but, it's not the most vigorous of activities (Lucy starts to drag after a few minutes of walking at a good clip).

Although many of the exercises she put in my routine are familiar (chest press, chest fly, bicep curls, bent-over rows), she introduced several new ones that addressed the issue I've been having with my knees (I'm sorry, I just HATE lunges and squats). She showed me reverse lunges and curtsy lunges and one-leg dead lifts and step-ups, all of which appear to be quite effective (judging from the soreness in my hamstrings and quads) but have not caused any knee pain. She is a firm believer that women should be able to do real push ups (this from her background in self-defense, apparently, this type of upper body strength is crucial to fighting off would-be attackers). Well, this chickie can't do ANY push ups, real or otherwise. So, she has me doing push ups off the kitchen counter. She says if I pump out 10 a few times each day, sooner or later, I'll work my way down to the floor. We'll see, but, I can manage to do these fairly easily so she's probably right.

In addition to the free weight routines, she showed me some new conditioning activities (to be done before anything else) and then core work (the last thing I do). I can assure you, both the conditioning and core work are definitely a challenge.

So, now, here is a representative new routine for me:

Conditioning

Plank Jacks. Think this is easy? You try it!

T-Ups AKA Plank Twist. Wow. I'm lucky I haven't fallen over (yet!)

Aerobic/Fat Burning

20-30 minutes on the elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike.

Upper Body (Alternating Days)

Chess Press or Chest Flys.

Biceps Curls.

Triceps Dips. Yowie!

Arnold Press. This works the entire shoulder area.

Overhead Pull. As far as I can tell (and feel), this appears to work every muscle from my shoulders to my gut).

Push Ups.

Bent Over Rows or One Arm Rows.

Lower Body (Alternating Days)

Reverse Lunges.

Curtsy Lunges.

Step-Ups.

Wall-Sits.

Bridges.

One Leg Dead-Lifts.

Core

Ab Roll Outs. For this, you use this wheel thing. I keep worrying that I'll roll out right onto my face but I haven't yet!

Reverse Swivel Crunch. This one is uncomfortably hard.

Planks. This one actually feels pretty good at the end of a long hard work out.

Pulls-Ins with Stability Ball. Thank goodness we have one of these balls at home so I don't have to embarrass myself in public.

A stint at the gym now takes a little more than an hour, which feels right.

I went out and bought a yoga mat plus an ab wheel so I can now do everything at home. I also started doing a few more ab exercises because I want to work on that area.

A final remark on my new routine; it can be changed up quite easily and/or things added to make the routine more challenging. Plus, Felisa said she had "lots more" to show me if and when I get bored. Not to mention, while searching for images to post with this entry, I've already discovered several new variations on what I'm doing. Also, I think it's really cool that the majority of the resistance I'm getting is from using my own body. Talk about a cheap way to get fit; not a lot of equipment required (and much of what is required is readily available (e.g., a wall, a chair, a bench, the floor).

Watch out. I'm heading towards KICK ASS! I'm the new (almost) 50.

Mrs. B

Thursday, March 22, 2012

RIP Mr. Senior B

John "Jack" Mr. Sr. B

August 7th 1931-March 20th 2012

My Father-In-Law passed away early Tuesday morning. He was 80, in ill-health and in a heck of a lot of pain and discomfort. Of course we all say "He's in a better place now" and I truly hope that is the case. Although I only knew him a bit shy of eight years, he was a welcome presence in my life and always treated me well. I will miss him a great deal.

RIP, my dear FIL!

Mrs. B