TechnoMonday...

Do you know what is making this Monday morning a manageable one for me? Technology. Yeah. This computer is acting as my friend today by allowing me to decompress while still allowing me to focus on the tasks at hand. Right now I have six tabs and two screens open and everyone of them is keeping me in tune with myself and allowing me to make it step by step through a Monday. Again.

Currently I am listening to a playlist on Project Playlist that I call "Songs to Sing To". I have filled it with songs that are easy to sing along with in an empty office while I am doing mundane things like vacumming and dusting. I have several other playlists that i put on depending on the mood I need to set...or fix.


I am also logged into my blog here which is allowing me to take the thoughts swirling in my head and place them squarely here on this page thusly creating much needed space for the rest of my thoughts to bounce around in.


I have both my work and my personal e-mail accounts open so that I can stay on top of any incoming correspondence (giving me a distraction form the mundane duties of office life).


Facebook. Yeah, that is open, too. The occasional peek to see what everyone is up to and what new quizzes I can do to learn more about who I am (this mornings newest being "What Swear Word Are You?" and for the record I am "Shit").


Of course, I also have an excel spreadsheet open with all of the tasks to be completed today on it. I cross them out when I complete them which gives me a tangible accountng of how much I have actually accomplished since I got here at 8:30 this morning.


And lastly, another person's blog is up. I do a task and reward myself with the words of a fellow blogger in my long list of favorites. It allows me to get my work done and still be caught up on what is going on in the blogosphere.


Technology is my friend on a day like today. A day when I am otherwise inclined to sit in the corner and finish my "Twilight" book and wish it were yet another weekend day so that I could be with my family. I felt cheated out of the weekend. Partly because I didn't take advantage of the time I did have with my kids and partly because circumstances cheated me out of a much needed date night (one that won't be recovered for several weeks). Today, I am tired. And sore. And needing technology to get me through.


What kind of technology do you use to get you through Monday's? I can always add to my arsenal. :)


**Side note: This is my 200th blog post. That makes me kind of happy.**

The title has nothing to do with the post...school/work has been cancelled once again due to a blizzard.

It must always happen this way. As soon as I don't write anything good in my blog for over a week, someone goes and points people right on over here. And that, my dears, is where the panic starts to set in.

So, to those of you that are new here...instead of using this post to decide how witty and entertaining I am, read a few of my more classic posts. Go ahead. Just play around in my archives for a bit. You know you want to. Everyone is looking for a way to waste time. Especially when the boss isn't looking or you are like me and just want a glimpse into other people's everyday lives. My archives are entertaining...well, I think they are. I mean there was that time I ranted about the color of the tampon applicator. Oh, and that time I told you about my sister starting her period. Are all of my posts about a woman's "monthly gift"? Holy cow! I hope not. Oh, here's one about the cops coming to get us. Okay so maybe they're not that entertaining. Maybe you should just skip the archives. How about you just read my 100 Things About Me List? Oh, um. Maybe that isn't a good idea either. I might come across as a tad bit insane and most definitely quirky and if you don't like quirky, you won't like me.

Why do I care if you like me? Aren't we all spouting off at the mouth that we should be ourselves and it doesn't matter if people like us or not? Well, grrrrr. I care. I mean, I like it when you internet peoples read what I have to write (or rant) about because I feel like it connects us. Yep. A connection right out of thin air.

So, I am now pretty sure that I am rambling and even more sure that you are hating me more and more each and every second that you continue to read. You new peoples anyway.

Those of you that have been here awhile...thanks for liking me. :) Even when I ramble. And suck.

And for those of you that read Michelle's post...I did win a prize once. An orginal drawing done by her called "Take it Easy, Girlfriend". It's going on my new office wall (when we get it finished!) because it is just brilliant! And leave her a comment, okay? She's pretty cool. And her Mommy Blogger Monday's have given me some good reads in the past, so stay tuned for next week's installment.

For those of you who are sitting at your computer saying, "It's Monday. How do I make this day more manageable?", I have a tip for you.

Do not under any circumstances watch this movie...

The original movie came out in 1987 and included the action stylings of the Corey's (you know, Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Remember those hotties?). That was a great movie. The sequel? Not so much. Not even a little bit. In fact, the only good part about it was the return of the original song that made the first movie so eerie. And I have to tell you, as if you didn't already know...Corey Feldman's career as an actor is official dead. Talk about overacting! Holy cripes! The original Edgar Frog didn't deliver this time. Hubby said that he hadn't seen a movie that cheesy in a very long time. Bad, people, just plain bad.

So if you are looking for a way to relax on this Monday, renting this movie is definitely not it. You can, however, picture me sitting in this cold house with a raging blizzard out my door and the kids whining about being bored (they've only been up for an hour and a half!!!) hungry and shivering while typing out a blog post for you. The look around you and say to yourself "This Monday is more manageable because I am not in the midst of a blizzard!" And if you are in the midst of a blizzard like me...I wish you could have gotten snowed in here! I could use some adult conversation. :)

What is ailing you on this Monday? I can cure it!

It is once again Monday. I have officially been working my new hours for a week and I am loving being home with my kids.


But, of course, it is Monday and they are always the worst day of the week. So how about another tip to Make Monday a bit more Manageable? Yeah. Well, check out this doozy.


The Real Miracle Food is...


Bananas!


Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


So, what ails you today?


Are you depressed? According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


Is it that time of the month? Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


Doctor just told you that you are anemic? High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


Is your blood pressure running high? This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.


Have a big test today and need some Brain Power? 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.


Having a little trouble going? High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


Have a big birthday party last night for your BFF and had a bit too much to drink? One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


Heart burning from last nights spicy burrito dinner? Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Pregnant and puking every morning? Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Got bit by what had to be the very first mosquito of the season? Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


Have a huge presentation and your nerves are getting the best of you? Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.


Stressed out so bad by the economy that you have developed an ulcer? The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.


Hot flashes? Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.


Upset about the changes of the season and have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.


Trying to quit smoking because it is a nasty habit? Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.


Stressed out by the "Drama Llama"? Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Want to reduce the risk of having a Stroke? According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!


Been playing in the pond withthos froggies and are covered in warts? Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

Scuffed up your shoe on the way to see a new client and need a quick shine on our shoes? Take the inside of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth and the shine will be brought back to life.

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So what is my point?

As my Hubby would sing in the style of Weird Al Yankovic...

"Have a banana,
have a whole bunch.
It doesn't matter,
what you have for lunch.
Just Eat It!"

Monday Morning Tip...to brighten your otherwise Manic (and snowy!) Monday...

It's the first day of my new schedule at work. My new laptop is with my genius computer guy getting a great anti-virus and some new programs. The weather is crappy wintery snow. I have done almost everything on my work to-do list and am anxious to start my home to-do list as soon as I get there. It's definitely a Manic Monday! And what is better on a Monday than something to brighten your day? Nothing! That's what. So, without further ado, I give you my Make Monday Manageable Tip...

You know how you go into the grocery store and you need to buy a loaf of bread but you want to get the freshest of the fresh? So what do you do? You squeeze them for softness, right? Well this tip will keep you from squeezing loaves for good.

Did you know that bread is delevered fresh to the store five days a week? Breads are made on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and there is a way you can tell on which day it was made! I got a tip in my e-mail one day that included this fact...

EACH DAY HAS A DIFFERENT COLOR TWIST TIE!

OMG! Really? No more squeezy squeeze? I could get the freshest bread just by remembering twist tie colors? No way!

I was, of course, rather skeptical about this fact, so I put it in a safe folder in my e-mail to come back to later. The next day, I was in the grocery store to buy my daily doughnut (apologies to my fat thighs for my bad habit of getting five more winks thus allowing no time for a real breakfast) and I saw the bread man stocking shelves. I walked right past him. Then I stopped dead in my tracks, turned around and politely asked him if he could answer a question for me. He, being the wonderful guy he is, obliged. And what I found out was...

EACH DAY DOES HAVE A DIFFERENT COLOR TWIST TIE!

I did find out, however, that the colors that were in my original e-mail were not in the correct order according to my bread guy. So I urge you, to find the bread guy/gal at your most frequent bread buying haunt and ask for the colors they use. You will get the freshest bread and therefore it will last longer before drying out! Yippee! no more stale-before-it's-gone purchases!

In my grocery store, it goes like this...

Monday=Green
Tuesday=Red
Thursday=White
Friday=Blue
Saturday=Yellow

So, if I am in the store on a Saturday to buy bread, I would buy the one with the yellow twist tie to get the freshest. I would NOT want one with a green twistie because it would be almost a week old already! This also works on buns with the little plastic clippie things. They are also color-coordinated to days!

In conclusion, search out that bread person and get your own local color code. It will Make your Monday Manageable!