The Big But Theory

I counted the 7 day arm challenge a success just because I completed it.  Not because my arms were completely transformed in 7 days.  (Midweek I dreamed I did two push-ups--one of the happiest dreams I've had, even it was as far-fetched as my typical dreams.)  I had some mild muscle soreness near where my triceps are supposed to be. And if I flex, and you are kind and/or want to sleep with me, you can see a tiny little bump of a bicep.
Buoyed by my success I moved on to the 7 day Butt Challenge.  I knew I was in trouble early on.  The arm exercises were called things like 'dips' and  'curls'.  The reps were numbers like 12 and 15.  The butt exercises are called 'burns', 'blasters', and the aptly named 'prisoner squats'.  The numbers are like 30 and 100.  I quickly modified the Day 1 workout from 100 prisoner squats to 37 prisoner squats.  I would rather be beaten or placed in solitary than do 100 squats of any kind.  As it was, I could barely go up stairs midweek and going down stairs was 37 times more painful.  Next time, I'll just take the beating at the start.  Day 2 they promised me a behind to rival JLo's or Kim Kardashian's.  I decided 37% of that would suffice for me.  Today is a rest day.   I'm doing the whole workout today. 

SISOP

I just finished the 7 day arm challenge.  The first thing I have actually done after pinning it on my I Could Be Healthy pinterest board.  Today's workout included four circuits of tricep dips done to 'failure'.  I had no desire to do anything to failure.  Let alone 4 times.  Tricep dips were a challenge for me all week.  Seems you have to sit in a chair, place your hands beside your hips and then dip your butt off the front of the chair. And then lift it back up.  Challenge number one for me?  Finding a chair that was wide enough that there was room beside my hips to place my hands.  Really.  Tonight the little pop-up box suggested I might like the Summer Ab Challenge.  I don't think so.  I'm going directly to the butt challenge.

One Crafty Lady

In search of another crafty lady to hang out and paint things with me.
Left to myself these last two weekends I was forced to paint, glue, and glitter all by myself.  In the process, I painted, glued and glittered myself.

 But I also painted my pinecones.  This was on the list to accomplish this year.  So before I put them back in the attic I tipped them with white paint.  In the middle of the living room.  Because the sewing/craft room has been lost in the great bathroom remodel of 2012-13 (14?).

And then I added some glitter to give them that little extra.  Only the glitter is tucked away somewhere in the maelstrom that is the bedroom closet.  So I used a bag of 'sparkle flakes' that was stuck in with the Christmas decorations.  Sparkle Flakes are basically glitter on steroids.

Me:  Boy, a little 'sparkle flakes' goes a long way.
Goob (picking glitter from his cereal bowl):  Yeah, they evidently go everywhere.  And don't call me 'boy'.

What?  You can't wrap your head around Christmas decorations in March?  Well when I took the newly glittered pinecones to the attic; I brought down the Easter box.  And inspired by 'something I saw on Pinterest' (which from now on I plan to abbreviate as SISOP),  I put all the plastic eggs I have accumulated into a box.  And I poured in some paint and stirred them around with my trusty paintbrush.

And put that box out on the porch to dry.  Then I added more paint and stirred again.  And then again.  And then I spread them out in the middle of the living room floor and splattered them.  (Glitter and splatter paint.  What are living rooms for if not for that kind of living?)

And then the plan was to glue those eggs to a wreath form ($0.25 at a garage sale for such a time as this) wrapped in burlap left over from the last door project.  But, alas, the glue gun is lost in the great unknown.  So I was forced to use tacky glue.  Which increased both the time and frustration level of the project.  So I had to simplify.

Still and all, not too bad.  I found the raffia when I was looking for the glue gun.  I'm not happy that the cracks in the eggs show, but you can't see them from the curb.

Total cost of both projects--not counting what I had leftover from other projects--$0.25.
Plus I took the eggs that I didn't glue to the wreath and put them in a jar-ala pottery barn.

Really, if you would just come over and craft with me, think of the fun we could have.
(If you're not the 'crafty type' would you consider just coming over and cleaning my house while I craft?)
I also made cookies this weekend.
Please.

Spelling it Out

Today I am going to take D-I-X-I-E for a S-T-R-O-L-L.  I think she has figured out D-O-G and W-A-L-K and I don't want her dragging her leash after me all morning.  I'm not going out there until it warms up.

James, Beginning to End

7.
Today on my way home from work I recited James.  All five chapters.  Beginning to end.  I know the beginning better than the end because I've been working on this for over 5 months.  But today was the first time I got the whole way to the end. It is a major victory for me.  The answer to prayer and the result of enduring hard work.  See, we count as blessed those who have endured.
My plan is to keep reviewing it so that it remains in my memory.  I picture myself in the nursing home happily reciting Scripture verses. ..every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.  Then I remember that it will be my second childhood, where the only words I remember and repeat over and over are the ones you wish I would forget.  So I will probably be sitting in the day room, strapped in my chair, screaming "Adulteresses!! Don't you know friendship with the world is hostility toward God!?!?!?!?
You'll visit me, won't you?

Up Close and Personal

14.  Get a mamogram.
Today was the day I had scheduled my mamogram.  In fact, I had scheduled a tomogram--a 3D mamogram, if you will.

FYI:  Tomography refers to imaging by sections or sectioning, through the use of any kind of penetrating wave. A device used in tomography is called a tomograph, while the image produced is a tomogram.

The STP wanted to know if I would get a copy to bring home.  Unlike baby sonograms, evidently it is not customary to receive a printed copy of the image of the inside of your breast tissue, although they will let you look at the image on a screen after the exam.  Little reward, really, for all the squishing that takes place.  Although I was impressed that my 'pressed' version appeared perkier than its real life counterpart.  I think the STP would have enjoyed having a copy.  

Perfect Saturday

Waking up with no where to go.
Finish the taxes before lunch.
Matinee of 'Lincoln' with good friends, the Goob, and the STP.
Shamrock shakes all around.
Halupki casserole ready for tomorrow's fellowship dinner.
New episodes of Duck Dynasty.
Happy, happy, happy.