Martha Stewart makes me happy. Snoop Dogg makes me happy. Mashed potatoes made with butter and cream cheese make me happy. Martha Stewart & Snoop Dogg MAKING mashed potatoes? WHAT? Fo shizzle mashed po-nizzle... :)
The Great American Smoke Out is taking place again this year tomorrow, November 20th. I challenge all you smokers out there to invest in the quality of your life... even if for just one day.
No matter how old you are or how long you've smoked, quitting will help you live longer. People who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years by half compared to those who don’t quit smoking. Ex-smokers (like me) enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, better self-reported health, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia.
Obvously, never starting to smoke is the best way to prevent smoking related illness. But did you know that quitting can actually reverse some damage? Its never too late to change your health.
Here are some quick facts about the positive results of quitting smoking:
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
- 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
- 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
- 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
- 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
- 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
- 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker, and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
- 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker's.
Wow... In just 24 hours from your last cigar or cigarette, your body begins to heal itself. I challenge you smokers out there to give your body a break. At least for 24 hours. I know you can do it! You are worth it!
Did you know...
The airspace over Disneyland is a “no fly zone.” Unless they have special authorization, aircraft are not allowed to fly below 3,000 feet anywhere within a three-mile radius of the park.
Donald Duck’s middle name is Fauntleroy.
There are "hidden Mickeys" in all areas of Disneyland. Most of them are shaped just like the head and ears, but some are full body. Look for them on the rides (*hint* In the Haunted Mansion, look at the plates in the dining room!).
According to Kodak, approximately 4% of amateur photographs in the US are taken at Disneyland or Disneyworld.
Steve Martin used to work at Disneyland. He sold guidebooks, was a cowboy trick-roper, and eventually worked at the magic shop.
And finally... Did you know... Disneyland is one of my favorite places in the world!?!
My brothers wife gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl named Valentina this weekend. She is their first child, and they are unbelievably happy.
Welcome to the world baby girl - I can't wait to meet you!
Ivan & I got another dog this weekend. She is a German Shepherd & Lab mix and is absolutely adorable! We named her Ella. Believe it or not, this time it was mainly Ivan's idea. We got Ella at the Oregon Humane Society, which I STRONGLY recommend if you are considering adopting a new pet.
My dad emailed me and called Ivan & I the "Brad and Angelina" of the animal world. We have 2 Mexican animals, 1 German, and American cats. He asked if we were planning on adopting anything from Indonesia or Africa next. :) What can I say??? I love animals! If I had the room, I would probably have a whole zoo!
Nigel & Twiggy aren't too sure what to think about this "thing" in their house. I am sure they will warm up eventually... but for now, our 4 pound Chihuahuas are laying down the law and putting 8 pound Ella in her place!
A while back, a friend of mine posted a blog with 10 things about her day. The idea is that you are supposed to "tag" someone to do the same. I like this idea (well, minus the tagging part. If you want to do this, AWESOME. But I am not gonna waste our time tagging you! :) You are supposed to post or email pictures too, but that's not gonna happen either! So without further delay...
10 THINGS ABOUT MY DAY
1. My dog is currently taking every single toy out of her toy box. She doesn't even play with them... She is just removing them one by one, in order of favorites (the little leopard that makes crinkly noises was first), and dropping the about 6 inches to the left of the box. I have no clue why this is so fun for her.
2. I am trying to figure out what to make for dinner. I was thinking some kind of chili or soup would be good because its cold and grey out. And I have a half loaf of super yummy bread that I don't want to get stale before we can eat it... so soup & bread seems like a good idea.
3. Coffee just tastes better when you are in your PJs.
4. I have 4 paint samples on the wall that I have been staring at while typing. I really wanted to paint my downstairs a golden-orangey color that looked kind of Tuscan. The wood in my kitchen never matched any of the colors I liked, so after a few months of trying in vain to find the perfect gold, I decided to go with green. :) I have it narrowed down to 4 shades and will probably wind up changing my mind again in another few months.
5. Sarah just IM'd me. Proof that even on my day off, I still multi-task.
6. I should really be doing something different... like working out, doing laundry, cleaning the house, or grocery shopping. But this week at work was INSANE so I am just enjoying doing nothing.
7. I wonder what the weather is like in San Diego right now... (Hi Brad!)
8. I wonder what the weather is like in Canada right now... (Hi Nikki!)
9. My cat is playing with the blinds. Once again, I dont know why that is so much fun for her.
10. I am deciding whether jogging around Glendoveer or at the gym is a better option. Right now, Glendoveer is winning.
I am so lucky to live by Glendoveer golf course. It has a beautiful wooded walking path that surrounds it. I try to walk it a few times a week (although by the end of some days, all I want is a glass of wine & my couch, not a walk!). This Saturday, I went on the 2 1/2 mile loop alone. I turned on my ipod, laced up my sneakers, and enjoyed some "me time." It was so wonderful!
The trees were alive with the vibrancy of fall - fire red, buttery yellow, and rich orange decorated my path... white clouds against a misty grey sky. To walk along with the beautiful scenery on a cold drizzly day was a little bit of heaven on earth! Oh - and did I mention how happy the squirrels & bunnies make me? :) I just thought I would pass on a few pictures I snapped with my phone (sorry - didn't get the bright red japanese maples).
I need more mornings like this!
