10-21-11 nose to the grind stone brain
What's new with me? .....NOT MUCH, how about you?
This week Greg has been out of town for work, and thus I have been spending most of my week in KC alone with the cat. This was suppose to be my week to re-connect with Greg.... so I was feeling a bit lonely the first part of the week. It was cold and gloomy outside and I didn't leave the house for 3 and a half days...... just was getting a lot of work done... and reading.
Wednesday night, Molly came to the house for awhile and we did some Zumba exercise together. This is kind of a Latin dance music type of exercise. I have a DVD. It was a good work out for us. Molly and I realized we didn't move like we use to move back in the mid-80's when we took aerobic exercise dance classes together, back when Molly lived in DM.
I am also a bit bummed that I didn't get to see my sister and niece during their Iowa visit this week, so I will just have to look forward to our time together over Xmas break.
This week I did finish a book I had started a few weeks ago.... I really got into it, and several nights was awake past my bed time reading this fascinating story. Book called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". This was a story set in the past in China and showed how the women lived..... back when foot binding was the culture for women. Google "foot binding" to learn more about this and see pictures! Wow- so bizzare to think this was highly valued.... but women were not highly valued except when they gave birth to a son...... we've come a long way baby..... but I think we still have a ways to go.
Not much else exciting to report here- my blog's are getting boring it seems, so unless I have something exciting to write about, I won't be posting every day.
I should have a blog on Monday to report on some fun Greg and I hope to have this weekend. The weather is suppose to warm up in KC to 68 degrees this weekend. I'll be thinking of my sister and niece at the Iowa Game on Saturday!
Peace Out!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday GUEST Blog
10-19-11 slow brain
The temperatures have finally dropped to normal autumn weather (low 30's this morning), which means my blood is thickening up and I'm moving slow this week. However, Ann is as busy as ever and keeping me informed while I am at the southern "estate". ~Judy
Lastly, while I dream being part of the 1%, I’m proud of being part of the 53% of those paying taxes.
The temperatures have finally dropped to normal autumn weather (low 30's this morning), which means my blood is thickening up and I'm moving slow this week. However, Ann is as busy as ever and keeping me informed while I am at the southern "estate". ~Judy
Occupation ….. GO FOR IT!
For those supporting the occupation movement, I say “Go For It”. You have the right to protest and if you follow the law/ordinances, I see no problem. That’s something Judy and I can agree on and for the most part, I think we can all agree on. If the “Occupiers” can translate their passion to reforming the political system, I’ll be the first one to cheer them on. 
I made a point to walk by the Capitol last week and was impressed with the protesters. They appeared committed to their cause and I’ll give them credit for that. So what if they got off to a bad start (no permit for overnight campout) and a few got arrested. On day two, they got smart and got their permit = no one got arrested. Then the permit was not renewed on Friday and walla … the mayor granted them “occupation rights” to a park up the street (14th and Grand). This is a win-win for both the City and the Occupiers. Here’s a pic of the park with at least 20 tents on a wet, cold and gloom Monday.
Here’s where the saying “one bad apple ruins the barrel” …. While I was taking in the festivities of the Food Prize at the Capitol last week, one lone protester thought it was his right to come up to the area where “heads of states” and onlookers were waiting for the guests to arrive. The protester started shouting, holding up his sign only to be booted away by a state trooper. While he had a right to be there, he did not have the right to protest in that spot but really, protesting in the middle of a dignified ceremony, that’s where the movement lost my respect. Note to management, if you want to be taken seriously, fire those who discredit your cause.
On a brighter note, I felt compelled to reclaim my kitchen last week. See, my junk was occupying it and if only for a few days, I’ve claimed victory!
Lastly, while I dream being part of the 1%, I’m proud of being part of the 53% of those paying taxes.
Chat Later
That Girl, Ann MarieTuesday, October 18, 2011
I've been Miss represented
10-18-11 tuned out brain
This is part of the reason I gave up cable and don't watch TV these days. It's 99% sickening.
This is part of the reason I gave up cable and don't watch TV these days. It's 99% sickening.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weekend report
10-17-11 worn out brain (and body)
Greg and I had a busy and productive weekend down at the KC house. Last weekend we dug hosta plants from the DM house, and so we had to plant these this weekend at the KC house.
Greg dug about 20 holes along the front bushes. Our landscape design for the front will be evolving over the next few years. I believe at some point these "too high" bushes will be gone and we will have filled in with other plants.
I also did some bush trimming, and Greg finished painting the shutters. It was nice having good weather the last few weekends to get some of this house work taken care of before the snow flies.
Ann should have been down here this weekend- there was a great garage sale in the neighborhood and I scored a draft's man type of table I can use for my art (48 x 36 inch size). Greg looked up the original price which was close to $200 and I paid only $13. This will be perfect for me to set up for my next BIG art project for Westminster which is due Jan 1st. I need to get moving on this soon.
The neighbor across the street, who is a renter, is also moving and thus he put out a lot of good stuff by the curb for "free". Greg took some good lawn chairs and a hose.
Sunday was a more relaxing day: we had lunch with Molly and then I did some shopping errands while Greg watched football. Good news Dad, I now have a new printer, so I can create your Xmas letter. Please get working on that for me so I can print and have to you by Thanksgiving!
Greg and I had a busy and productive weekend down at the KC house. Last weekend we dug hosta plants from the DM house, and so we had to plant these this weekend at the KC house.
Greg dug about 20 holes along the front bushes. Our landscape design for the front will be evolving over the next few years. I believe at some point these "too high" bushes will be gone and we will have filled in with other plants.
I also did some bush trimming, and Greg finished painting the shutters. It was nice having good weather the last few weekends to get some of this house work taken care of before the snow flies.
Ann should have been down here this weekend- there was a great garage sale in the neighborhood and I scored a draft's man type of table I can use for my art (48 x 36 inch size). Greg looked up the original price which was close to $200 and I paid only $13. This will be perfect for me to set up for my next BIG art project for Westminster which is due Jan 1st. I need to get moving on this soon.
The neighbor across the street, who is a renter, is also moving and thus he put out a lot of good stuff by the curb for "free". Greg took some good lawn chairs and a hose.
Sunday was a more relaxing day: we had lunch with Molly and then I did some shopping errands while Greg watched football. Good news Dad, I now have a new printer, so I can create your Xmas letter. Please get working on that for me so I can print and have to you by Thanksgiving!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Occupy Iowa
10-14-11 curious brain
I've had a busy week at work, traveling some- so no time to take part in the Occupy Iowa, like I would have liked to do. Some are questioning what this is all about. Really, it is not so different from the tea party who took to the streets to get attention, and voice concerns.
This video gives you an idea of some of the thoughts coming from Occupy Iowa.... but each person comes with their own reasons.
Here you can see pictures of a few more who make up 99%. It's more than just the young people.
http://front.moveon.org/what-does-i-am-the-99-mean/#.Tpd3TaqovuE.mailto
I've had a busy week at work, traveling some- so no time to take part in the Occupy Iowa, like I would have liked to do. Some are questioning what this is all about. Really, it is not so different from the tea party who took to the streets to get attention, and voice concerns.
This video gives you an idea of some of the thoughts coming from Occupy Iowa.... but each person comes with their own reasons.
Here you can see pictures of a few more who make up 99%. It's more than just the young people.
http://front.moveon.org/what-does-i-am-the-99-mean/#.Tpd3TaqovuE.mailto
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Smart Women can change the world
10-13-11 delighted brain
This smart women- I'm so glad she is speaking out!
This smart women- I'm so glad she is speaking out!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday GUEST Blog
11-12-11 working brain
I'm off in Iowa City today getting an update to my laptop software for work, so thanks Ann for filling in ~Judy
Feeding The World – World Food Prize
Happy 25th Anniversary
Des Moines might sit in the middle of the country, but you wouldn’t know that with the many national and international conventions that come and go. I see this first hand weekly as most of them are hosted either at the Marriott Hotel or the Polk County Convention Center. This week, The World Food Prize will be handed out along with a symposium and a weekend food festival. Here’s a pic of the many flags of the 30 plus countries at the Prize Symposium.
First, some background. The Food Prize is an international Prize (somewhat like the Nobel Prize) created by Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug (1914-2009). Borlaug, a native of Cresco, Iowa is known as the “father of the Green Revolution” for his work in increasing agriculture production around the world. He was a plant breeder who developed a high yielding wheat plant while he was in Mexico (1944-1963) that saved millions around the world. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.
Fast forward to 1986, Borlaug created the World Food Prize to recognize those who significantly contribute to the world’s food supply. The prize is worth $250,000 and some years, two Laureates are chosen. Like this year, the two are past Presidents of their country, Ghana and Brazil.
Second, The Prize is kicked off with a weekend “world food festival” in the East Village. On Friday, as part of “Walk America” I trotted down to the village to scout out the vendors. Boy, what a surprise, a vendor selling “Trinidad” food. Seriously, this is so wicked to find roti (type of flat bread) chicken and to boot, the family lives in Ankeny. Okay, I got my fill, roti chicken x 3.
Lastly, the Prize has a new home, the former Des Moines Central Library (circa 1903) with a $30 million dollar face lift. What’s more fitting for home of The World Prize to be located in the “heartland of America”. I can’t wait to see the building next week, open house set for October 15th and 16th. I’ll report later on the beauty of this building and the grounds.
Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie
I'm off in Iowa City today getting an update to my laptop software for work, so thanks Ann for filling in ~Judy
Feeding The World – World Food Prize
Happy 25th Anniversary
Des Moines might sit in the middle of the country, but you wouldn’t know that with the many national and international conventions that come and go. I see this first hand weekly as most of them are hosted either at the Marriott Hotel or the Polk County Convention Center. This week, The World Food Prize will be handed out along with a symposium and a weekend food festival. Here’s a pic of the many flags of the 30 plus countries at the Prize Symposium.
First, some background. The Food Prize is an international Prize (somewhat like the Nobel Prize) created by Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug (1914-2009). Borlaug, a native of Cresco, Iowa is known as the “father of the Green Revolution” for his work in increasing agriculture production around the world. He was a plant breeder who developed a high yielding wheat plant while he was in Mexico (1944-1963) that saved millions around the world. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.
Fast forward to 1986, Borlaug created the World Food Prize to recognize those who significantly contribute to the world’s food supply. The prize is worth $250,000 and some years, two Laureates are chosen. Like this year, the two are past Presidents of their country, Ghana and Brazil.
Second, The Prize is kicked off with a weekend “world food festival” in the East Village. On Friday, as part of “Walk America” I trotted down to the village to scout out the vendors. Boy, what a surprise, a vendor selling “Trinidad” food. Seriously, this is so wicked to find roti (type of flat bread) chicken and to boot, the family lives in Ankeny. Okay, I got my fill, roti chicken x 3.
Lastly, the Prize has a new home, the former Des Moines Central Library (circa 1903) with a $30 million dollar face lift. What’s more fitting for home of The World Prize to be located in the “heartland of America”. I can’t wait to see the building next week, open house set for October 15th and 16th. I’ll report later on the beauty of this building and the grounds.
Thank you Norman Borlaug for feeding the world ......
“Food is the moral right of who were born into this world.”
Chat Later
That Girl, Ann Marie
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