Did you know I signed up for a half marathon?
In the past I was never too interested in running that much. My husband had wanted to do a marathon. It's just that most are on Sundays and we won't miss church to go do it. He has been a "bandit" in the Houston marathon by going up early and running as much as he could alongside the crowd, then dropped out and made it back in time for church! He even signed up for a marathon after that, but got injured and couldn't run it. This time, I found one on New Year's Day. I love the idea that it is on Jan. 1 (which is not a Sunday this year.) Also, it is a run/walk on a flat course with no time limit (other than having to be done by dark.) So I figured I'd give it a try. My friend Marathon Bird is going to run it with me. My other friend is on the waiting list (yes, registration is already full!) I have begun my training which is really compressed into a short time frame. But I am looking forward to it. I hope I can do the majority of it jogging, but know that if all else fails, I can walk it.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Did You Know There Are Different Types of Pearls?
Did You Know There Are Different Types of Pearls?
When I was in school, we read the book The Pearl. I have to say I did not appreciate it like I should have. And I had no idea that
pearls were so beautiful, nor that there were a variety of types of Pearls .
I have since learned that pearls are valued based on their type. They even come in a variety of shapes and colors. To start with there are the freshwater pearls found mostly in lakes and rivers in China. These pearls do come in a range of colors, sizes and shapeswith the most common being oval or rice shaped. There can be ten to fourteen pearls found inside one mussel.
There is also the Japanese Akoya pearl found in saltwater oysters. These are known for their luster and brilliance and are known as the diamond of the sea. These are the most popular kind of pearls.
Next is the Tahitian black pearl. I had no idea that pearls came in any color besides the opaque whitish-pink color. These elegant pearls are one of the rarest and most valuable pearls. Their colors range from peacock green to silver and purple and the only naturally black pearl. These are some of the largest pearls available.
You can also find the South Sea pearls. These are among the most rare and valuable pearls because of their size and satiny luster.
The conch pearls come from the Queen conch of Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These are known for their “flame structure” and give the appearance of a fire burning on the surface.
I'd have to say that a pearl necklace made out of any of these exquisite stones would be a gorgeous gift!
When I was in school, we read the book The Pearl. I have to say I did not appreciate it like I should have. And I had no idea that
pearls were so beautiful, nor that there were a variety of types of Pearls . I have since learned that pearls are valued based on their type. They even come in a variety of shapes and colors. To start with there are the freshwater pearls found mostly in lakes and rivers in China. These pearls do come in a range of colors, sizes and shapeswith the most common being oval or rice shaped. There can be ten to fourteen pearls found inside one mussel.
There is also the Japanese Akoya pearl found in saltwater oysters. These are known for their luster and brilliance and are known as the diamond of the sea. These are the most popular kind of pearls.
Next is the Tahitian black pearl. I had no idea that pearls came in any color besides the opaque whitish-pink color. These elegant pearls are one of the rarest and most valuable pearls. Their colors range from peacock green to silver and purple and the only naturally black pearl. These are some of the largest pearls available.
You can also find the South Sea pearls. These are among the most rare and valuable pearls because of their size and satiny luster.
The conch pearls come from the Queen conch of Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These are known for their “flame structure” and give the appearance of a fire burning on the surface.
I'd have to say that a pearl necklace made out of any of these exquisite stones would be a gorgeous gift!
Did You Know Dr. Seuss was a WW II Political Cartoonist?
Did you know Dr. Seuss was a WWII political cartoonist?
I don't remember ever hearing this before. I got an email about some current exhibits at the Holocaust Museum Houston. One is the work of Dr. Seuss during the war years and the political cartoons he drew for the New York newspaper PM. He focused on the issues America needed to address at the time and how individuals could become aware and involved. He worked to inspire people to care about the fate of human beings. Theodor Seuss Geisel's exhibit runs through July 5, 2009. The exhibit is based on the book "Dr. Seuss Goes to War" by historian Richard H. Minear.
I don't remember ever hearing this before. I got an email about some current exhibits at the Holocaust Museum Houston. One is the work of Dr. Seuss during the war years and the political cartoons he drew for the New York newspaper PM. He focused on the issues America needed to address at the time and how individuals could become aware and involved. He worked to inspire people to care about the fate of human beings. Theodor Seuss Geisel's exhibit runs through July 5, 2009. The exhibit is based on the book "Dr. Seuss Goes to War" by historian Richard H. Minear.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Did You Know We Are Stupid Parents?
Did you know we are stupid parents?
I actually got a book for my kids for Christmas with the title Stupid Parents. I like the premise of the book. It is written to teens and tells them basically how to get their parents off their back. Things like honesty, talking, and building trust are big issues the book approaches. It does eventually tell the kids that their parents really aren't stupid, but love them and want the best for them and don't always know how to do that. The end of the book does actually deal with parents who are being stupid-using drugs or have alcohol problems-and tells the kids how to find help for that situation. All in all I think the book does a good job of helping kids and parents both to keep the relationship moving in a linear motion. Moving the parent/child relationship forward into adulthood is a tough job for us all!
I actually got a book for my kids for Christmas with the title Stupid Parents. I like the premise of the book. It is written to teens and tells them basically how to get their parents off their back. Things like honesty, talking, and building trust are big issues the book approaches. It does eventually tell the kids that their parents really aren't stupid, but love them and want the best for them and don't always know how to do that. The end of the book does actually deal with parents who are being stupid-using drugs or have alcohol problems-and tells the kids how to find help for that situation. All in all I think the book does a good job of helping kids and parents both to keep the relationship moving in a linear motion. Moving the parent/child relationship forward into adulthood is a tough job for us all!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Did You Know What You Can Learn From a Panda?
Did you know what you can learn from a panda?
We just rented Kung Fu Panda tonight. We were not sure it was something we would all enjoy, but we ended up liking it in spite of some inappropriate language and even some pretty silly moments. However, we saw a few things we could learn from this panda. My son brought out Shifu's advice about "meeting your destiny on the very road on which you try to avoid it" and how this was played out in the movie. I liked the idea that "there is no special ingredient." It's about you and what you are. There is no ancient secret or special energy, it's just you. And you gotta do with you the best you can.
We just rented Kung Fu Panda tonight. We were not sure it was something we would all enjoy, but we ended up liking it in spite of some inappropriate language and even some pretty silly moments. However, we saw a few things we could learn from this panda. My son brought out Shifu's advice about "meeting your destiny on the very road on which you try to avoid it" and how this was played out in the movie. I liked the idea that "there is no special ingredient." It's about you and what you are. There is no ancient secret or special energy, it's just you. And you gotta do with you the best you can.
Did You Know About the Ultimate Hunter's Package?
Did you know about the ultimate hunter's package?
I found out on Thanksgiving that my sister in law and her husband have now decided to go vegetarian. I am not surprised really, as she works for a vegetarian naturopath, so this is really in step with their lifestyle. She did mention that she would not be opposed to eating say wild deer cooked in a stew, which they had done not too long ago.
Due in part to this fact and also the fact that none of us are really keen on all the gorging done on Thanksgiving, the amount of leftovers, and what it takes out of my mother in law, we decided we will do something different for Christmas. I am not sure exactly what this means. But if it means my father in law needs to go hunting to get a deer, he should take a look at the Nikon Black Friday Promo. Yes, I know "Black Friday" is over, but the promo lasts all weekend! (through Dec. 1) The package includes ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle, ProStaff Laser Rangefinder, Silent Technology Rangefinder Case, Mastering a Long-range shot with BDC DVD, and $50 NikonProGear Gift Card offering a $144 savings!
I don't know if we really will be having deer stew at Christmas, but this sounds like a great package deal for all those hunters out there!
I found out on Thanksgiving that my sister in law and her husband have now decided to go vegetarian. I am not surprised really, as she works for a vegetarian naturopath, so this is really in step with their lifestyle. She did mention that she would not be opposed to eating say wild deer cooked in a stew, which they had done not too long ago.
Due in part to this fact and also the fact that none of us are really keen on all the gorging done on Thanksgiving, the amount of leftovers, and what it takes out of my mother in law, we decided we will do something different for Christmas. I am not sure exactly what this means. But if it means my father in law needs to go hunting to get a deer, he should take a look at the Nikon Black Friday Promo. Yes, I know "Black Friday" is over, but the promo lasts all weekend! (through Dec. 1) The package includes ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle, ProStaff Laser Rangefinder, Silent Technology Rangefinder Case, Mastering a Long-range shot with BDC DVD, and $50 NikonProGear Gift Card offering a $144 savings!
I don't know if we really will be having deer stew at Christmas, but this sounds like a great package deal for all those hunters out there!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Did You Know I Set My Personal Record This Morning?
Did you know I set my personal record this morning?
We got up to do a small local 5K run this morning. It was the first event put on by the local running club. My husband ran right along with me and kept me encouraged and helped me with my pace. As we neared the turn around, I realized that no girls had passed us yet. There was a teenaged girl in front of us and another girl. At first I did not think I could catch them, but when I saw the teenager walking, I thought I could do it! I told my husband we needed to catch the girls in front of us. He helped me to increase my pace and stride and helped me to regulate my breathing. If not for his encouragement every step of the way I don't think I would have been able to set my PR this morning. As we passed the last girl ahead of me, I was really feeling the hurt in my stomach. But we kept on and pulled a little away from her. I finished the race at 27:12 which also put me as the top female finisher of the race!! And since this is the first annual turkey trot, it also means I hold the course record!! So now my 15 seconds of fame will last for a whole year!!
The whole thing is really unbelievable to me!!
We got up to do a small local 5K run this morning. It was the first event put on by the local running club. My husband ran right along with me and kept me encouraged and helped me with my pace. As we neared the turn around, I realized that no girls had passed us yet. There was a teenaged girl in front of us and another girl. At first I did not think I could catch them, but when I saw the teenager walking, I thought I could do it! I told my husband we needed to catch the girls in front of us. He helped me to increase my pace and stride and helped me to regulate my breathing. If not for his encouragement every step of the way I don't think I would have been able to set my PR this morning. As we passed the last girl ahead of me, I was really feeling the hurt in my stomach. But we kept on and pulled a little away from her. I finished the race at 27:12 which also put me as the top female finisher of the race!! And since this is the first annual turkey trot, it also means I hold the course record!! So now my 15 seconds of fame will last for a whole year!!
The whole thing is really unbelievable to me!!
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