Cinema For Christmas

I have heard for a while that going to the movies is a Christmas time tradition for some families.

The idea had never occurred to me before. Suddenly however that is exactly what we did this year.

This week a few students gathered us together to watch some required movies for our church history class.

Luther and then A Man For All Seasons. Both EXCELLENT and moving. A little old worldly but I loved them anyway. Highly recommend.

I have a NetFlix account that I am just not even taking full advantage of. The last dvd I viewed was American History X which was also a great film. What has been in the house for weeks since then is The Book of Eli which I can now watch like a movie with the new projector I bought as a present for myself.

What I needed was a dvd player. All I had was my computer and I am always online. Hahahaha

To top off all this small screen cinema fun while out seeing all the sights and enjoying the shopping season the daughter and I ended up at the movies at Sunrise. 

She wanted to see Puss and Boots but gave it a thumbs down afterwards. Not as humorous as she had hoped was her explanation.

She left on her way with her dad to visit with the other side of the family and after I dropped her off I went back to see the movies she passed up for the cartoon. I had forgotten the trailers and plot of Money Ball but was thinking it had been something I wanted to see. 

Real Steel I knew would be great. What I did not know was a boy, the bot and two women would steal the show and Wolverine was just the stunt bad guy turned good. Hahahahaha 

I think my daughter would have really loved that as the child of a dead beat father who...is still trying to get it right.

I think it captured a decent portrayal and maybe someones very raw and real experience of feeling abandoned, traded, sold and undervalued. 

This movie was fun like Iron Man. I like action with a good story even if the main characters are painfully flawed. The new technology and stories are also exciting.

My extra props I save for last. Maybe now I have an idea of gifts I can get for my mother. I hope she has a dvd player or maybe I need to send her one. I think she would enjoy all these movies. When I sat down to Money Ball I thought of her and my past. 

When they got married my parents settled in Oakland California. I was born an A’s fan.

There are pictures of me with various pieces of paraphernalia from fan days at the ballpark. In the last few years it seems a funny thing happened in baseball that started with the general manager of the Oakland Athletics.

The science of baseball. Now there is an idea.

Eat Well For Life

I have fought and for the time being apparently won the battle of weight.

I will not profess that I am a nutritionist. Never the less these things are as connected as they are separated. The female side of my family is heavy as a set. 

My father and paternal grandmother were rail thin. I am five foot two and my weight hoovers at 120lbs. 

This however got all sideways one year.

As seasons changed and I pulled out appropriate clothing I realized it did not fit. 

I am hour glass shaped and wouldn’t you know I gain weight first right in the tummy. It makes me look preggo.

Now don’t hate ‘cause it might seem like I got the good genes. I have…dimples in my flesh and other markings if you get my drift. 

We are all human beings made of flesh. There are a few different body types and all we can do is accent what we have been given.

So there I was very single looking preggo trying to zip up pants that wouldn’t. I did what any internet junkie would do I hit the web.

My one fear was that I would have to do some miserable diet that left me hungry all the time and noshing on bare sticks of produce like a caged animal.

I just did not think I had it in me to go there. I asked the internet 

“What can I eat to make myself lose weight?” 

The short answer is fiber. From there I came up with these power tips for managing your figure:

Eat Breakfast to rev up and start your metabolism for the day

Drink Water 8oz at a time every 2 hours or more

Opt for high fiber foods

Avoid diet food ie, manufactured low cal or low carb options

No fake sugar it is carcinogenic

Eat, pure,simple and natural fruit, vegetables, nuts

Get moving (I did not and it took YEARS to move the weight)

Find and deal with your triggers or problems with food

Drop one bad food eating habit or food

Drink 100% juice

I found out as I researched diet and nutrition that I was under eating which had my system on shut down and storage. This is more common than people realize. 

If you only eat one or two meals a day your body thinks you are starving for those skipped meals and will hoard the calories when you finally consume them.

Eleven years since I was in my 20’s and dealing with this issue I have made more changes. 

Now I use raw sugar, I have given up hydrogenated oils which meant my beloved favorite candy bar Snickers. 

Next I want to stop ingesting corn syrup as a sweetener in everything but the problem is all the things it is in. Ketchup for instance, things you would never imagine.

Thankfully food manufacturers are getting smarter and listening to those of us who want such things.

The bottom line however is the best foods for us are simple and pure probably not anything that comes from a factory and has to be produced by large machines.

Ice & Sun

OOoooh Finally we got the pictures from our fun day at the opening of the Downtown Ice Rink!!!


I decided there is nothing like enjoying being on the ice in the warmth of the California sun.

I love Sacramento but I have love left for the cold of Oscoda Michigan. My daughter still has not seen snow. The new car should change all that. We have to get some where this winter. Apply hill too. You better call us now I am not sure how much we might be home if I can have my way! HA


Although I look like a dork I allowed myself to be photographed no make up. I am for comfort and color over fashion when it comes down to being cold. We had on layers so after a few times around it was toasty.


Interestingly when I first got on the ice I felt a little fear. I contemplated just getting off and heading home. Thankfully I pressed on and through. I taught myself to inline skate without injury, ice skating shouldn't be too much worse.


When we left the rink we hit Temple Coffee before jumping on the light rail and heading home. I asked my daughter when we were at home getting ready to visit if she wanted to invite some of her friends to join us. With the free admission all they would have needed was public transit fair. She made a face at me.


She is good with faces. This face was the one that said "Hmmm let me think about my dare devil awkward male teenaged friends who hurt themselves walking and clowning around. Now let me think about the slippery ice....COLLISION CRASH BANG..ooohh awful visions...no no no" lol


It did cross my mind that there might be a learning curve. Stands to reason that many if not most of them have probably never been on ice. Still I know a lot of them can roller skate so I figured they might want to brave it.

If you knew me you would know I am a people watcher. I try to survey things and make mental notes. There are little seemingly insignificant things that can fill me with delight. In this instance it was to see the diversity we did find on the ice from ages to culture.


I saw parents and grand parents, tiny tots, kids teens and young adults the full spectrum. A reminder that Sacramento is the most culturally diverse city in the nation. School professionals can probably see that the most clearly. In our every day grown up lives I know sometimes folks get into ruts.


Traveling the same way to and from work or those few favorite stores. Entertainment or charitable activities and family the circle is closed. You have to get out of your every day a little to see what all you could be missing.

Car Shopping Success

As school started this fall my budget was set to increase and buying a car was on the agenda. I kept hoping someone would have something they were trying to get rid of that we could snap up. Finally the other night in the wee hours I saw a Fiat commercial.

I began to crunch the numbers and decided if I had to go the dealership & financing route this might be just the right deal.

Late yesterday afternoon we wandered over to the lot and got the full treatment. Fiats remind me of little VW Bugs. 

The latest and greatest of what the car industry has to offer is impressive. A lot has changed in car making since before my daughter was born. Hahahahahaha

I like a hatch back and seats that lay down. I want good gas mileage but I also like a little space and leg room in a vehicle.

I ended up in a slightly used GTI with an impressive CarFax report. It was someone’s pampered baby. About 5 years old with less than 100,000 miles. 

The most disappointing aspects A) It is a boring color B) I really wanted to get back into a manual transmission.

It was my first car purchase. I am not sure how to feel. I know I want to help my daughter make this adult step when it is time. I never dreamed of doing anything like this before. When my credit score was higher I couldn’t see making  car payments. 

As a teen my parents did not think my driving or having a car was important I guess... As an adult and parent it seemed to out of reach.

My 1^st car was a gift from a virtual stranger. A few weeks after I started driving it we were broad sided by a Broncho.

The next car was a trade deal between me, an at home mechanic and couple he knew who had an infant in need of child care. 

Car #3 was one of a family friend by marriage who’s daughter had ruined it. I was able to make the needed repairs and the vehicle belonged to me. When it died I was car less until my mother bought a new one after my dad died in 06. I got her old car. 

It has been hard to be totally frugal and squeeze the most fun out of every day life having to rely on public assistance. One of our favorite cheapy fun events is the drive ins off high way 50 in Rancho Cordova. For less than the price of a regular movie you can see a current double feature.

I like to look for deals and discounts from various stores and grocers every time we need to stock up or get more items for around the home. I used to be able to get my single foam mattress in the back of my old Tracer. 

I hauled home a 4ft dresser I found on the side of the road one night. It is finally in my bedroom. My daughter found a wide one with a mirror she wanted from across the street just the other day. It was too heavy to carry home with help so we had to call the guy with the car to come help us out.

Here is to 2012 and adventures old and new!

Cyber Shopping Monday s

The only shopping I did for cyber Monday was comparison shopping. What I am banking on is that anything I did not buy will be cheaper or just as cheap the day after Christmas so there is no rush.

It does not hurt that my budget is stuck until at least a week or two from now. I am mostly finished getting the few gifts I want for my daughter. We are not even doing Christmas this year. I will light some candles and contemplate Hanuka next month.

Since she does not read my blog I can tell you about what I want for her. 

She wants a bath robe from Burlington and Patient Zero a zombie novel. She likes candles so I got her a cute little discount votive set. I bought her a palm sized flat iron that I hope will work well and a wet to dry curling iron I think. These things are buried so it is easy to forget.

I don't do wrapping. I can make a festive covering for gifts that have to travel but other than that I just see express packaging as waste.

A car is still our biggest need so my little wish list is on the back burner for a little longer but it includes a pop corn popper. One that you plug in. I sort of scorch the stove top ones... New inline skates, my first pair of ice skates, some wall clocks and an espresso machine. 

I saw for Black Friday Macy's had a 40% off deal and I found one over there for under $50. That was a great deal until I found one on Amazon tonight for under $40. The new perk I am discovering is rebate availability for some on line purchases now with this new business opportunity. Overstock is a partner and also Barnes and Noble.

So next month on a Monday I might be comparison shopping again and this time hitting send on some purchases. We shall see but it does seem like something to pencil in on the calendar to look forward to on a Monday you know?

I could get used to this delivery stuff. I just love cyber space. It seems hilarious now, I have an eye for things. I sold Tupperware in the late 90's they were fighting the idea of selling on line. They felt that customers wouldn't respond to the product the same way. I know there was a part of me and still is that does not exactly want no retail shopping with all 5 senses from time to time.

Still there is that sitting on the couch, bed or floor in total privacy and at ones own convenience thing. When we know what we want, the deal is just a steal or we are simply willing to take a gamble. Keeping brown Ups and fed the X in business, rivaling the Us P services, life is good. Or as Martha would say "It's a good thing".

Do you shop online? Is it a chore or a joy and delight? Who are your favorite retailers?

Random Odd Blessings

The day I am waiting for a package in the mail is also the day before the day before Thanksgiving.

I did not want to put it off any more. Thinking the package would come early I lounged around until 4ish then finally headed out to get a few things.

My plan was to stop by Trader Joes for pudding and chocolate milk plus samples and maybe a few other things then his Safeway for the $5 small turkey, some sweet potatoes and juice.

These were the non negotiables. Going so far made me hungry so I stopped at Panda Express on my walk from Greenback and Sunrise to Trader Joes off Madison. It is not a bad walk if you have on comfortable shoes and aren't carrying things or walking in miserable weather.

Of course I get into TJ's and just start having shopping fun. Adding a little of this and a little of that into my cart until like $200 has been used. I still have miles to go before I sleep. eke

I had no idea what time any buses going north on Sunrise might be running to help me get back in position for my commute home. Never the less I set my sites on the bus stop across from Rite Aid and hauled my goodies all that way. Just as I arrived to look around a bus stopped.

They bus driver expressed sympathy for me all loaded down. He was able to get me right to the bus I needed to get home quickly. I thanked him and called my daughter. I told her to meet me at the bus stop and help me get the groceries across the street.

My plan was to not lose momentum and take the next bus going back the way I came so I could hit Safeway empty handed. We managed that. My package still has not arrived. I got to Safeway and shopped for the rest of what I thought we needed with time to spare. I waited for the final bus I needed and it came. 

When I arrived home I had the box to open and explore. I ordered Tea, Cough Drops, 3in1 stain remover and house hold cleaner, deodorant, chocolate chip cookies, wet wipes, perfume and some business supplies. No complaints so far. I want to try everything at once. It is a struggle to pace myself.

My turkey is in the freezer. hahahahah I should have bought more juice we are all out already. I need to make some sweetened iced tea.

Healthy Living Options

My family thinks I am a little off. I call it organic and crunchy if I have to add labels. 

Who can blame me for not just swallowing the status quo when it comes to advertising and the purchases I make for my home? 

We shop at places like Elliots Natural Foods, The Sacramento Foods Cooperative down town, Whole Foods & Trader Joes. I call Walmart, Walfart and I refuse to shop there. When I get the newspaper I would clip coupons but there is usually nothing I am going to buy. I can find something healthier if not cheaper elsewhere is usually my thought. 

My mother just says something will get us all so it does not matter. I like to think if I am more choosy I can avoid going along fine and suddenly coming up ailing as I get older. I think some of the things we are suffering as people in a 1st world have to do with missing vitamins and nutrients.

It has been over a decade since I took an antibiotic. We do not keep the usual cold and flu season OTC products in the house. Instead we stock Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc, Colloidal Silver, and now Tea Tree oil. I have been hearing about it and seeing it in things such as shampoo. Turns out it has another name Melaleuca. There is also a company by that name which I am just being introduced to. 

Through the end of the month they are running a $1 special. Usually for about half of what it costs to join Sams or Costco you join their company as a consumer. There is also the opportunity to earn by sharing with those you know or who are interested. 

I am already excited about the idea of having supplies delivered. I have not even really gotten into all the perks that are included like other retail shopping discounts. 

A friend of mine shared this with a few friends of hers myself included. The couple she heard about it from has been involved for a long while. One of the other friends at our get together who works for the state said she had joined a while back but let her account lapse. 

I felt better to come home and see the business is a member of the BBB and also recommended by Dave Ramsey as a viable home business for those who want to work for themselves or climb out of debt. 

So check out the products and promos. Send me a note somewhere. Twitter, FB, Email. I know you need products for the home to get you through the rest of the year. 

I am excited to reach out and get to know more people using the products. The lotion and the basic tree oil are definitely spoken well of. I want to see if the one they claim works against house hold pests like fleas really does. My poor kitty has a few and you know what that means. We finally got her Brewers Yeast but it appears to be a deterrent but not fatal to the little parasites.