Religion/Health

    I have been thinking the last bit after talking to some people- at the dog park that I frequent- that some people LOVE health. They view healthy diet/exercise as the axis around which all things should turn. It seems like I almost offend them by not being the 6 days a week at the gym, counting calorie type of person. My diet (or lack thereof in their opinion) has become the topic of conversation the last week or so and I find that I strongly resent it. Today at the park, one of my friends actually brought me a protein shake because she doesnt like that I dont usually eat breakfast. She tried to force me to drink it even though I told her no flat out. Thats going too far.. waay to far.
     I assume that most the people that read my blog know that I dont go to any church or meeting of any kind right now. I grew up going to meeting and I dont really have anything bad to say about it, its just not for me. That being said, I have no problem with accepting other people and their chosen religions and the practices that go along with it. For the most part people extend the same courtesy to me with my lack of such.
   When it comes to food/health/nutrition/exercise people are a lot more willing to share their opinion whether its asked for or not (usually not). Im sure Mom has gotten her share of this in her cancer fight. What I am coming to realize is that in some ways, the health becomes a religion. It is very consuming and the need to convert people to your way of thinking is very strong. I realize that being healthy is well good and beneficial to your health (as the name implies) but everyone should be allowed the choice of how they choose to go about being healthy. People believe very strongly that the way they are choosing to do health is the ONLY proper and right way to go about it. Over the last few years I have heard a lot of different views, from dad, sisters, mom, cousins, friends, etc. And it seems like they all work to varying degrees. What some people dont seem to realize is that what works great for one person might not be so good for another.

   Some of the views I have heard are as follows-

• Butter/fat is good for you depending on what it is eaten with because the proteins/sugars change as they react to the other foods. 
• Conversly- butter is the devil, you should never eat butter because no one needs to eat saturated fats, there is no good that can come from it. If you need to grease a pan, use PAM
• Fruit- most people seem to agree that fruit is good for you.. in moderation due to all the natural sugars
• Vegetables- Are good for you, some better than others but mostly good. There are some exceptions such as corn since thats mostly starch
• Potatoes- Some say they are good for you, they can provde nutrients you need and when accompanied with butter are pretty good.
• Conversly- Potatoes are full of starch and carbs and nothing good comes from them, they should be eaten only rarely and then with no butter
• Soda/Sugar- now this is one that everyone agrees on- including myself even though I still drink soda and probably eat more sugar than I should- soda is horrible for you, it can cause heart burn, upset stomach, bladder problems, not to mention gaining weight if you arent really active. 
• Pasta- pretty much considered a not good food due to the carbs and the fact that we tend to eat bread with it thus compounding the problem
• Side note- some people believe that pasta is better than spuds because you can do different things with it- add protein and etc
• Bread- Bread is kind of useless carbs, much like pasta. You dont get much benefit from the normal store bought bread. Some types- like the stuff dad makes- are probably much better although I have never tested that (I take his word for it :)) 
• Meals- The argument is that there is no way to lose weight unless you eat a large protein filled breakfast. This goes with the "you will feel better if you eat breakfast"
• Conversly- I feel sick when I eat a large breakfast -or even a small one- and I have never lost weight from eating food in the morning. And yes I did give it a solid try.

*I am not trying to offend anyone with this post, I am not talking about anyone in particular. Somethings just brought it to a head today and I needed to vent. I know people disapprove of my diet but ultimately its my business and my decision what and how I eat*

Long Delay

Well its been 5 months since the last post. In that 5 months quite a lot has happened. It just hasnt occured to me to blog any of it. Maybe I should make a quick link to my own blog so I actually see it more.
So we left off with me giving my notice at Safeway. Well... that 2 weeks turned into 2 months. It all began when I went to turn in my notice. They were apparently all taken quite by surprise like they had no idea there were any problems. I talked to them in depth about my concerns and problems and they asked if I would be willing to stay and give them a chance to take care of the problems. I thought that sounded fair so I said ok. The conditions of my staying on were- 1. D would get talked to about her treatment of me, 2. I would be getting $1.50 raise effective immediately.

  Well D got talked to... 3 different times and things got worse rather than better which had been my fear all along. My raise was supposed to have been put through the day I agreed to stay.. that didnt happen. I talked to the store manager about it and he said oh its going its going, it just takes a couple weeks to get processed. 7 weeks later he let slip that he "forgot" to send in the raise and it still hadnt been sent in. I said ok Im done and left 2 weeks later. I spent the next 2.5 months kinda just relaxing and enjoying an extended vacation.

In April- the week after I quit- I got myself a dog. Her name is Nikki, our best guess is that she's a black lab/border collie mix with possibly a little bit of german shephard. She was 7 months old when I got her and pretty neglected/abused/ and sick. Now, 3 months later, she has put on weight, gotten all healthy, fixed, all shots and is really enjoying her life. She gets spoiled pretty rotten I must say. We got in the habit of going to the dog park every day for a couple hours while I wasnt working so she gets to play with all sorts of dogs every day. Her best friend is a Yellow Lab named Bama (short for Alabama) He is 3 months older than Nikki but they have the same energy and temperment. Bama has taken Nikki under his wing and whenever she gets unsure or scared she runs over to him and he pushes the other dogs away until shes comfortable again. Its pretty awesome to watch.

This is Nikki running around at the park, she gets SOOOOOO excited when I say the word "Go" or "Park" I think if she knew how she would be doing back flips along with the circles she spins.

The next picture, we were at Bama's house because I was dog sitting Bama, they sat on top of each other for a good long while just havin fun chewing on each others faces :) They usually end up so tired that they lay facing each other and half heartedly put out a paw now and then. 

Lets see, what else happened in 5 months...
 I went to Montana in June and got to watch my Grandpa graduate High School. He asked me if it was weird seeing him graduate but I said " are you kidding? I dont know anyone else that can say they went to their grandpa's graduation" (other than my cousins)

Not to mention the fact- My youngest sister can tell people that she and Grandpa graduated the same year. It was awesome being able to see so much of the family that came up for the graduation and the ones that live in Shelby anyways.  I stayed in MT for a week I think it was and got to see pretty much everyone I was hoping to. 

Back in WA, I flatter myself to say that my presence was sorely missed by a couple individuals. Nikki I know for sure and Im just going to assume the same for Will ;) if only because it ment I was taking care of Nikki's messes again. 

Just about a month ago I started working at Hobby Lobby. The best way to describe it to those who havent heard of them before (I never had until one came to Federal Way) think Pottery Barn crossed with Joanns. You could think Tuesday Morning instead of Pottery barn but a customer informed me that that was doing Hobby Lobby an injustice because TM has a lot of shoddy products. Whatever way makes more sense for you-- go with it, I dont mind at all.. really.

Um, I think thats all the news for now. Not much writing to sum it all up but there it is. 

New Beginning... again

Calvin and Hobbes tells us to "Go do something you hate, being miserable builds character" (said by Calvin while mocking his dad) However, after deep consideration I decided that I have more than enough character and there is no need to be miserable at a job any longer. I have spent enough time at jobs I dont like or hated and heck, I can make minimum wage anywhere and be happier. So tomorrow I am giving my 2 weeks notice, and going back to the temp agency that I worked at about a year ago. I went and talked to them yesterday and they were happy that I was thinkin about coming back to them and they were pretty sure I could get at least as many hours as I am now and probably more come spring when companies start wanting long term help- 2 or 3 months at a time. I am going to try to get my butt in gear and start applying at small bakeries where I can do what I want to do. Decorate cakes. I am going to take a caligraphy class and some flower making classes at Michaels while I am doing other stuff. Im a tad nervous about having to talk to my bakery manager but I kinda have my fingers crossed that she will be sick again tomorrow and I can talk to one of the store managers who is more easy going. Wish me luck :)

To be determined

As I was thinking about writing another blog post, it occured to me that since getting this job with Safeway all the posts that come to mind- with exception of the football one- seem to revolve around work. And more often than not- its the stupidity of the person I work closely with. Well today is no exception to the rule. I thought of the perfect quote to go at the beginning of this post while I was at work today but as soon as I got on the computer out the window my brain went. (yes it took the quote with it) I have a couple more cake pictures to put up today as well as a story to go with them.
Ninja Lego cake anyone?

 And his loyal minions of course

So the story behind this cake. A lady called asking if we had any ninja lego cakes. I said well I dont believe I have heard of them so I would say no we dont. She asked if she could bring in a pic and see if it was something we could do. I said sure why not and she came in a few hours later to talk to me. Now if coworker D had been on the phone or talking to the customer she would have told them flat out no it wouldnt be possible. Now it is my opinion that if the customer wants something that isnt super difficult to make then we should go ahead and make it. The customer will think its the best thing ever and will tell her friends how wonderful we are and we will get more business because of an extra 10 mintues of work.
I got to work at 9am yesterday and started working on this cake that was due at 11. D had been there since 6 but the customer specifically asked if I could make it for her (go me :)) I got going on the cake and cupcakes and got everything done. As I was putting it in the fridge, D came over and said well it looks nice but thats why we cant do special orders that arent in the book. I had a rather perplexed look on my face since D has a rather annoying habit of speaking in the middle of the conversations she is holding in her head that I am not privy to. She went on to explain that it had taken me 2 hours to do this special cake that wasnt in the book. Well I stopped and looked at her and said "D, How is it possible that it took me 2 hours to make this when I wasnt even out of BED 2 hours ago?" This conversation took place at 10am- if you will recall I started work at 9am She stopped talking to me for a while which was rather nice for a change. Sadly all good things must come to an end and she talked my ears off today.

I was working on some cake orders today and I couldnt figure out where all of my icing tips were. We should have a full drawer of them all sorted out but at least 4 of the spots were totally empty. After D left I started going through our tranist where we store icing bags and stuff in and guess what I found. Yep 33 icing tips, 12 couplers and 19 coupler ends. Dont ask me how so many got in there but it may have something to do with the 3 bags of purple, 3 bags of green, 2 bags of blue, 2 bags of orange and 2 bags of pink icing.
Really, why would someone feel this need to make a new bag of icing every single time they need a color. D's theory is that "oh I want to use FRESH" Even if I tell her I just barely made it she will make more. Honestly I think she does it because she has some control issues. Oh well, to each their own?

Football Season- sigh

I have learned in the last few months that I have a boyfriend that likes Football. I suppose his growing up in Texas and playing football himself might have something to do with that. At the moment we are into the playoff games of 2013 (or is it still the 2012 season? I really have no concept of how they label seasons of sports) The current game is Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings- Greenbay is winning by 19 points so far. Since learning of this football "enjoyment" lets call it, I have been learning many things about the game. I will take this time to list them out since the game is playing and talking isnt encouraged.

1. The Running Back runs with the ball- makes sense right? I guessed that one all on my own
2. The Quarter Back does not give out quarters like the name implies, instead he throws the ball. Seems like they should call him the Toss back or the Throw back but I suppose that doesnt sound as cool or something. Actually it should be the Toss Forward or Throw Forward since thats the direction the ball goes.
3. Apparently while watching a game one should not yell out "Run little man, Run!" This is apparently not proper football watching etiquette.
4. Also saying "aww, the little man fell down" is considered not ok language. This strikes me as interesting since there isnt a single offensive word in that statement and some of the language people use while watching a game is nothing but offensive. (Bf is not one of the foul mouth ones just to clarify)
5.Never try to talk to a male when the game is on. Period
6. It amazes me the people that are chosen to play football. Almost all of them have HORRIBLE balance and sense of direction. I mean they run back and forth on a field and constantly trip over and into one another creating large piles on the field then they have to line up and start it all over again.
7. A game consists of 4 quarters, each quarter is 15 minutes long. This equals a 1 hour game. WRONG! The current game has been going for 2.25 hours so far and there is still 16 minutes left on the clock. Figure 45 minutes per quarter so far that means the total game will be 3 hours long. Need I say more?
 8. If team A throws the ball and team B knocks the ball out of team A's hand while team A's hand is going forward it is called an incomplete pass and the play starts over, still team A's ball. If the ball is knocked out of team A's hand while it is not in motion and is then grabbed by team B, it is called a fumble and is then team B's ball. See I actually learned something not amusing. Not quite sure how I feel about that....

I think thats all I have learned from the current game. Not to bad, 8 things in 2.33 hours when Im not even really paying attention

Here's your sign

Ok so on Facebook I mentioned that I have a very "special" co worker. For sake of ease and protecting her identity I shall call her D. I believe I have mentioned her before in my writings. The latest amusements have been all the "Here's Your Sign" stuff that comes out of her mouth. Some of the stuff honestly makes you stop and look at her and see if shes actually serious. Sadly on her part... she usually is dead serious. I really dont know what makes a person so totally clueless about so much stuff but hey I suppose we need to be entertained by someone.
 On to the here's your sign stuff.
First one I really noticed was about a week ago now. I was standing over in the cake decorating area with a bowl of frosting in one hand and a spatula in the other. I was using the latter to stir color into the former. D looked at the frosting, looked at me and said "What are you doing?" I really wish I had thought a little bit faster and come up with a snappy here's your sign come back but as it was all I did was stare at her and say "mixing........ frosting......." she looked slightly puzzled for a minute then said "ok" and walked off. I dont understand her most of the time lol.
The first one of today was a pretty amusing one really and for a change I was thinking fast enough to not just tell her what I was actually doing. I had just grabbed a 6 wheeler (used for hauling boxes) and some gloves and was heading to the freezer. I hollared to D that I was goin to the freezer and she said "are you going to bring our stuff back with you?" Huzzah to me that I was thinkin on my feet and I replied "No, I was planning on standing in there til I was cold and coming back with nothing" She didnt say a word.
And the final one to date. D was apparently expecting an important phone call for something so she had her phone downstairs where its not supposed to be. She hid it and then aparently forgot where she put it. Upon realization of its absence she started freaking out and asked me to call her phone so she could find it. I being the helpful person that I am said sure and got my phone and called hers. After finding her phone she looked at it and said "OH!! They called and I missed it!! I have to go in the back room and call them back right now!" I said ok go for it. She trots off to the back and about 30 seconds later my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. She saw the missed call from when I called it for her and for some reason assumed it was them. I cracked up when she got back. She had a rather sheepish look on her face it was amusing to say the least.

Ok thats all for now. I will try to keep updated on the Here's your sign as they come up.
P.S. I just found this pic that seems perfect for this post

Ok thats all now

Bein Better At this... for the moment

Well since I have the time and a few pictures I figured why not post again. After a few months away maybe I'll pretend that I will stick to posting more. Realistically I wont but hey.

I have for your viewing pleasure a few pictures of some of the cakes I made today. Today was totally INSANE! I have been working by myself for the last 5 days and have an additional 2 before my coworker comes back. Every friday Safeway has a $5 sale. Something from every department is on a really good sale for Friday only. This week I had not just 1 item but 2 on sale and since I was alone that means that some of my other stuff got neglected. Soooo needless to say when I got in to work today I was out of EVERYTHING and since Saturday is one of the busiest days for special cake orders ya know it bein the weekend and all. I started out with 8 cake orders but got calls for 2 more during the day. Normally thats not a huge deal but when the store manager is getting mad at you for having empty shelves it adds a liiiiitle bit to the stress factor. Luckily the bakery manager had my back and told the store manager to back off I was doing my best and then she rolled up her sleeves and helped me get product out.

Here are a few of the orders from today- all the large ones

Lightening McQueen anyone? This is a very popular cake for some reason. Ive done three in the last couple of weeks. This type of cake is called a funtastic cake and is at least 2 full layers of cake (4 if you count each layer as bein split in half and filled)

The Sponge who lives in a Pineapple... under water. Does anyone else see the problems with that? I mean really wouldnt a sponge soak up the water and be unable to move? And how does all the food they eat not get soggy. Cant say as I would really want to eat a hamburger or bun that had been submerged down on the ocean floor. I must say that this is the best Sponge Bob Funtastic cake I have ever made (I will now fail to mention that it is also the first one that I have made) I actually thought it turned out pretty good. Nice and simple unlike this next one...

Talk about your pain in the butt cake. Looking at the picture I like it even less now. I think it needs more color to it. Maybe some pink and yellow or something to brighten it up... and thats coming from a person who LOVES dark colors on a cake. It might have been more fun to make if I wasnt racing the clock to get it done before I had to leave, overtime is not condoned at Safeway. Not the worst cake ever but not my favorite either.

Final cake for the day- I didnt make this one, I just needed a picture of it cause I have to make it later and I didnt want to have to look it up in the gi-normous book that holds all the cake stuff. 

I think its rather cute. Not overly xmas-y which is good since I am a self proclaimed Scrooge when it comes to a lot of things xmas related. The whole season sorta annoys me. I did decide however that there is something worse than listening to xmas music all day at work. Sitting on hold listening to scratchy elevator type xmas music is FAR worse. Who ever knew they would invent a torture that could be sent through the phone lines and have people willingly submit themselves to it in a desperate attempt to talk to a human.
Anywho thats all for today. Maybe more tomorrow, probably not but who knows. Maybe I'll get crazy and post again tonight... but I doubt it :-)