Santa Cleopatra! (Holy Cleopatra!)

I accomplished today what I thought was impossible.

That store is finally in working order. The stockroom is finally organized!

taaa-daaaaa!

This was one of those days, when I felt that I accomplished something. Very satisfying.

Yes, I am still tired.

Yes, I am still walking around with the remnants of this cold.

Yes, I still have to inventory all this stuff over the next 2 days.

But for tonight, I am feeling pretty good.

For your viewing pleasure, I am including some before and after photos.......

before after

I am actually becoming more and more excited about my upcoming trip to Italy now too! I have been having these conversations with myself about when I was allowed to think about it..."after the meeting, after the trip to Atlanta, after inventory, after......"

Now, the list of afters is almost over....

Sadly, I have not been practicing my Italian the way I should be. By my bedside, I have a pile of italian books ~ all of my good intentions have been there to brush up on my grammar...freshen up the vocabulary, perfect my pronunciation...

Now it is crunch time!

I am dedicating myself to Italian language CD's all weekend.

(Pity the people around me that hear me talking to myself in my caveman italian.)

Had I thought about this well in advance, I could have put some italian lanugage dvd's on my netflix list....

Instead, I settled for a DVR recording of Johnny Stecchino that ran last week and RAI TV runs late at night on one of the stations. Italian news brodcasts are not nearly as entertaining as Roberto Benigni.

I watched the movie and enjoyed it, then put it on a second night as I was puttering around the house.....just to hear the words. Unfortunately, the only thing that stuck was "Santa Cleopatra!"

This week, I have been walking around saying "Santa Cleopatra!" It is stuck in my head like a song you hear on am radio.

Check out the movie if you get a chance......

Poop or Crap, It's all the same shit....

I sent an email to someone at head office, with a note that said, "poop - I think I forgot to send this to you"
The gal responded with "I like crap better"
I then responded with the title of this post...."poop or crap, it's all the same s**t." Mainly because at work, we have to mind our p's and q's. Apparently, shit is a bad word.

My company is in the midst of inventory, and because of that, everyone is in turmoil.
Stress is running rampant thru the halls and stores across the nation.

I was actually fine, until about 2 hours ago.
Of my 17 stores, one is without a manager, and 3 stores have managers about to do inventory for the first time ever.
I am only one woman, and can't be everywhere I need to be.
Scary.
For the past week, I have spent every waking hour organizing the store without a manager.
I am pooped.
I am scared that the store won't be organized properly.
I am scared that I will be counting into the wee small hours of the morning on Sunday/Monday.
aggghhhhhhhhh

Speaking of poop - this is a gross story, but I really must share it.
Have you heard of this diet pill Alli?
An aquaintance of mine was sharing with me the fact that she began taking this pill for weight loss.
She has seen her weight go up and down over the years. It has always been a struggle for her...she finally went to her doctor and asked for an appetite suppressant.
Instead, the doctor prescribed this.
Apparently, you poop the fat right out of you.
She could see the fat in her poop!

When taken with meals, orlistat blocks the absorption of about one-quarter of any fat consumed. That fat — about 150 to 200 calories worth — is passed out of the body in stools, which can be loose as a result. About half of patients in trials experienced gastrointestinal side effects.

I was shocked that she was so comfortable telling me about looking at globs of fat in her poop.
I was equally sad that this was the step she was taking to lose weight.
Isn't that shitty?

That Crazy Moon

As you walk thru the normal routines of your day....have you had those moments when you think, "what is going on today? why are all the psychos seeking me out?"

That happened to me yesterday.

Then, last night, as I was about to lay my head down to sleep - a bright glimmer of light was shining thru the blinds.......

a full moon!

"a-ha! That explains everything!"

As the weirdness of today played out.....I actually took comfort in knowing that it was indeed a full moon. (as if that made it all better)

I found security in the knowledge that this to shall pass.

Ironically ~ I came across this bit of information on the current moon phase. And once again, found hope in the despair of the craziness of my life.

I could use another new beginning right about now.......

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and rules new beginnings. This is the Full Moon of the child: a celebration of innocence, adventurousness and starting anew. So if you spent these last two weeks since the Virgo New Moon looking deeply at your inner motivations and/or your unhealthy lifestyle choices, and have decided to make some adjustments, this is the best Full Moon to take a leap of faith, release your desire for a new beginning to the universe and start taking action.
On an Aries Full Moon your intention is best released with these qualities in mind: spontaneity, wonder, curiosity, adventurousness, and innocence. There are few times in an adult life when we can begin anew without dragging along our past pain, fear and worries. But this is the Full Moon to strive for releasing your intention with childlike hopefulness and inner faith. Know that what comes from your strong intention will be evolutionary, supportive and…. well, a big adventure! So smile and let it fly! Since Aries is a fire sign, releasing is best done through burning, and fire ritual is best done with safety in mind; so make sure to use a cauldron, indoor fireplace, or a stone fire circle at the beach to do this ritual.
This is a time to lighten up and celebrate the cheerier, Arian side of life. For those of you who just want to have some fun, this Full Moon of the child is best celebrated with playfulness and adventure. Jupiter in Sagittarius and Moon in Aries bring out athleticism. So don't be surprised if someone starts a touch football game! Mercury in Libra and Mars in Gemini are always up for a treasure hunt or a game of intrigue and mystery. As long as there is good company and lots of action, be together in lightness and joy, and open up to the healing magic of play. This might even be a good day for a fun-filled lunch event at your office. Think of it as a break from the seriousness we'll all feel during the first three weeks of Saturn in Virgo.
Aries also represents our instinctual warrior nature; the raw animal part of us. Though it is true that most animals fight and kill for food and territory, we humans have the intelligence to garner our resources without the fight. The truth is, war is an outmoded technology and must be abandoned. It is a solution that rarely works and only brings with it increased suffering.
Since 2002, our government has been at war as the Moon waxes to its fullness in Aries, the warrior. This year though, the opposition of the hotheaded Moon in Aries and "the great negotiator" Sun in Libra are square the Pluto in Sagittarius (transforming dogmatic beliefs) Mars in Gemini (acting from open-mindedness) opposition. I think we will hear a lot about drawing down troop numbers during this time.
This grand square will also act as a tempering agent, keeping emotions at a tolerable level. It is a good time to consider where you have acted impulsively and brought emotional or physical harm to others through your own misunderstanding. Could you have listened more, negotiated more, trusted more, (all Libran qualities) and through these acts behaved more consciously?
The raw sexual energy of this Aries Full Moon will be heightened by the romance of Venus in Leo. But the Sun in Libra and Mars in Gemini want to connect and communicate with others in ways that are non-sexual. These planetary placements make for an integrated sexual/inter-relational Full Moon for fully embodied love.
The Aries Full Moon is the time to remember that we are born knowing only love and to celebrate and share this precious gift. Though our lives seem to seesaw between achievement and loss, love and pain, there is a childlike innocence that still lives within us all. This tender hopefulness continually rekindles our spirit with an unwavering belief in human goodness and love and enables us to rise up from failure. Jupiter in Sagittarius lends extra energy to this belief.
So here's to the successful launching of your new beginnings!

http://astrowisdom.com/thisfullmoon.htm

Hello, My name is Fabulous

One of the benefits of my sick day last week, was watching Bravo run the new Tim Gunn show.
Tim Gunn's Guide to Style.
I love this man.
Tim tells us, that all women need 10 essential wardrobe pieces.
I don't recall them all, and they seem to have one or two that vary for women, but here is the rundown :

1. black dress
2. black dress pants
3. classic white shirt
4. jeans
5. cashmere sweater
6. sweatsuit alternative ~ Tim does not approve of sloppy attire in public
7. day dress
8. trench coat
9. blazer
10. skirt

as an option, you may also have one trendy item ( I must admit to buying one of the cropped jackets...very cute)

I was blown away at the trench coat. A trench coat?! but sure enough, every woman that put one on looked fantastic! I made a pledge that I too would own a trench coat.
This weekend, I went on a trench search - and found 3!

Tim would have made me pick one, but I couldn't pick just one! I found the short Michael Kors in khaki, the DKNY in classic black and this fabulous sateen like Gucci knockoff in white. Why wouldn't you buy all 3?
I found them at the Nordstrom rack for a steal.....and wow, nothing like a little retail therapy kids!

On the creative front, I finished my cable knitted purse that I have been working on. I took up knitting maybe a year and a half ago. I don't knit frequently, I mainly do it to calm my brain. I find it very relaxing. (Ironically, this particular project had me using a few choice words for the first couple of hours, but once I got into the groove it went very smoothly....)

Plenty of Rest, Lots of Liquids...

Still resting ~ but feeling much, much improved.

I worried when the mucus started to change color, but after a bit of research....I have learned that it is a sign of my body fighting.....apparently not a sign of a bronchial infection. (whew...Italy is only a few weeks away!)

I continue to lay off the excercise. This has been difficult for me, I have become addicted to the excercise hormone rush. But, I am well aware that if I push to hard I will stay sick longer.

I attempted to sing in the car today. This is one of my favorite past times (in case you were wondering, I long to be a lounge singer) I started to cough terribly.....the road to wellness and recovery is a long one. So sad when simple daily pleasures are foiled by germs.

Death Warmed Over

That is such a great saying.
It aptly describes me today too.
It is how I look.
It is how I feel.

Happily, looking and feeling like death warmed over allowed my inner bitch to come out full force today with an employee I have been patient with for too long.
Today, I snapped.
And I don't think I'll be having to deal with her bad attitude ever again.

She saw Death Warmed Over could be Hell on Wheels.

back to my hot tea and kleenex........aaachooo.

Something to Share...

I made this meal over the weekend - and have been enjoying it thru the week since. It is made to serve 8. The recipe comes from Wegman's magazine. Weggies is my mecca. It is the best grocery store on the face of the earth. So all applause and kudos to Weggies for this recipe.

I did attempt to make it a bit more healthful by using a hot italian turkey sausage link, and a reduced sodium chicken stock.

A very tasty and cozy meal..........



Autumn Cassoulet with Italian Sausage

• 2 lbs pork shoulder or boneless country ribs


• Wegmans Pan Searing Flour


• 3 Tbsp Wegmans Pure Olive Oil


• 2 medium cloves Food You Feel Good About Peeled Garlic, crushed


• 1 pkg (8 oz) Food You Feel Good About Cleaned & Cut Mirepoix


• 1 can (28 oz) Italian Classics Kitchen Cut Roma Tomatoes with Basil


• 3 cans (15.5 oz each) Italian Classics Cannellini Beans, drained


• 1 cup dry white wine


• 1 1/2 cups Food You Feel Good About Chicken Culinary Stock


• 4 slices Wegmans Bacon, halved


• 8 sprigs fresh thyme


• 1 pkg (1 1/2 lbs total) Wegmans Mild Italian Sausage Links


• 1 cup Italian Classics Unseasoned Bread Crumbs


• 1 Tbsp Wegmans Basting Oil


• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat pork evenly on all sides with pan-searing flour; pat off excess.
Heat olive oil in large braising pan on MEDIUM, until oil faintly smokes. Brown pork lightly on all sides, 5-8 min. Transfer to clean platter; set aside.


Reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW. Add garlic and mirepoix; cook 2-3 min. Add tomatoes and beans; cook 2-3 min. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of pan. Simmer 10-12 min to reduce by a third to syrupy consistency.


Add chicken stock. Return pork to pan; bring to simmer. Top meat with bacon and thyme. Cover; place on center rack of oven (place baking sheet under pan to catch overspill). Braise 1 hour 45 min.


Remove pan from oven; add sausage. Replace cover; braise 15 min.



Mix bread crumbs with basting oil.
Remove pan from oven; top with bread crumb mixture. Return to oven, uncovered. Bake 8-10 min until crust is golden brown.


Place pork and sausage on serving platter; top with sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.



Recipe featured in Wegmans Menu Magazine, Fall 2007.

aaaaa-choo

I am in battle.

I am fighting fiercely with the common cold.

Actually, I have kind of given up the fight and decided that today I am going to rest and nap and try to drink plenty of fluids.

If the shirt fits

I am still filled with joy about an event that took place last Tuesday.

Many months ago, something went off in my head that said - "Annette, get it together!"

I began making small changes....no more butter with olive oil....just olive oil. No added salt.

And I started to get smaller.

Then I took it a step further....watching my sodium, watching my fat.....no more white bread...I made the switch to whole grain and multi grain.

And I started getting smaller.

Then I took the leap and began to excercise.

So here I am, 6 sizes smaller and feeling really good.

I have not stepped on a scale, I have not weighed my food, I have not forbidden myself from eating chocolate cake. I just made some lifestyle changes on my terms.

All the while, this shirt was hanging in my closet. A shirt that I paid way too much money for, and that was way to small for me.....(what was I thinking?!)

I had made that shirt my goal.

And last Tuesday.....the miracle happened.....I wore the shirt!

It's No Secret

Today was a challenge. I am doing my best to purge all negativity from my life. So that is why I use the word challenge to describe my day.
As I woke up this morning, I truly wanted to remain in bed, nice and warm under the blankets. However, the cats were starving....no doubt because it had been nearly 9 hours since the last time food had been put in their bowls. They were not about to let me sleep beyond the allotted time.

I pulled myself out of bed......and decided that I had just enough time to get in my morning excercise. Recently, I began my own version of weight training. I have been doing a circuit of weights on 8 machines. For each of the machines, I do 12-15 reps and then move onto the next machine without stopping. I usually end with an aerobic activity of 20-30 minutes. On the days I don't do the machines - I take my nice long 5-7 mile walks.
Today was a machine only day - I did a warm up of 10 minutes on the treadmill and then my circuit and followed with 20 more minutes on the treadmill. I was feeling pretty darn good. It fills me with joy to know that I am building muscle mass, which will in turn increase my metabolism, which will in turn allow me to eat pasta when I want to.

I returned home, fed the cats, fed myself.......and took my seat in my home office to begin my day. Mondays are a usual routine of conference calls, numerous reports to analyze and numerous phone calls to make to all of my stores to ensure they saw all the reports and will be on the conference calls.

And so, my day began.....emails, reports, conference calls(painful), phone calls, friendly co-worker chit chats, arranged some travel, more email....you get the point..everything was fairly smooth sailing given the track record of the past few weeks.

The past few weeks have been filled with employee issues. Mainly staffing issues. It has gotten out of hand actually. I am no longer able to do my job - because of the constant fires I am putting out in these particular stores. At one point, I had 4 stores without managers! yikes!
Finally, I am down to only one open manager position.....and it is proving to be the hardest to fill.
As luck would have it, the same store had a major crisis this afternoon. It forced me to once again, drop everything and put all my energy and focus in one spot.

I wanted to cry.
But then I stopped. I decided that this store was not going to get the best of me.
I envisioned not having to go to the store and cover a shift. I envisioned the problem fixing itself.
And, it did!
Can you imagine?
The Secret fully realized!

Happily, it made me realize that the law of attraction really does surround us. I have been having nothing but negative, nasty, i-hate-this-place thoughts about this store...and time and time again...the universe has been handing me poop on a platter in the form of this problem store. The moment I said no more, things turned around.

So now, I am going off to envision the perfect manager coming to me for that store. I am going to envision the perfect staff working there....I am going to imagine work ethic pouring out of the crevices....

Have you heard of The Secret? Have you bought into it?

I know it seems cheesy. I know it seems silly.......but I am here to tell you........there is something there.

Why the hell not?

Blogging is something I have not done before.
I read blogs. I like blogs. I just don't write blogs.
I'm not sure how successful I will be at this new venture......I have never had the patience for writing, or journal keeping.....but we will give it a whirl and see how it all comes out.

Recently (and by recently I mean the last few months) I have been sending a friend of mine a weekly recap via email. I always title it "The Week in Review" and if he is lucky - images sometimes accompany the email.

The week in review has become an interesting look back for me. Sometimes I take notes thru the week, jotting them down on tidbits of paper....other times, I ready myself at the keyboard and just let the recollections fly off my fingertips.

It occured to me, that since I take the time to read other blogs, why not take a few moments to jot down my daily happenings? It certainly should make it easier to write "The Week in Reveiw" each week.....and perhaps this will replace it!

So where to begin?
I am a huge fan of the end of Bravo's "Inside the Actor's Studio"
The Pivot Questions are my favorite.
So I am going to answer them for you......and maybe if I am lucky some of you will answer them back!

Pivot Questions

1. What is your favorite word?


2. What is your least favorite word?


3. What turns you on?


4. What turns you off?


5. What sound or noise do you love?


6. What sound or noise do you hate?


7. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


8. What profession would you not like to do?


9. What is your favorite curse word?


10. If heaven exists....what would you like to have God say to you as you walk thru the gates?

• Yes


• accountability


• The Arts


• People with dirty hair - it is stinky and icky


• Laughter


• A ringing telephone


• Art restoration


• Anything featured on "Dirty Jobs"


• Fuck


• Not bad kiddo.....c'mon in.