Date: 2008-07-20 20:46 Subject: My first real Wikipedia article Security: Public Mood: accomplished

When my mom moved out of her last place, she entrusted me with a few precious family heirlooms: my grandfather's badges, our original Woodstock poster, and some various boxes from my mother's youth.

In it, I found a virtual cornucopia of things from both my mother's and my grandfather's legacy- including several articles about my grandfather. Armed with vast internet resources (my grandfather's death was even announced on MTV News- it was very hard to turn on the television right after he died because it seemed the notices were everywhere) and now real newspaper clippings, I finally accomplished something I had wanted to do for years: write his Wikipedia article. It is somewhat fitting that I accomplished this a little after the 10 year anniversary of his death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Pomeroy

Please read it and feel free to comment here or on the talk page (or, hey, it's on Wikipedia so you can just edit it.) =D

Date: 2008-07-19 17:04 Subject: LARP tonight! Security: Public Mood: devious

The Memphis VTM LARP is tonight. Go to facebook or MySpace to see a pic of me dressed up. LJ needs to get on the ball and make an iPhone app.

Date: 2008-07-12 10:05 Subject: Cocka-doodle-do! Security: Public Location: key west, fl Mood: happy Tags: florida keys, key west, xe's wedding

In Key West, FL! Mattie and I noted that the keys have changed a good bit since we last drove down about 2 years ago. But then, that had also been after 2 bad hurricane seasons and this is after 2 years of no hurricanes. So there were a lot more keys than we remembered and a LOT more vegetation.

When I went to Ft. Lauderdale 2 weeks ago, I noted that both Andre's Steakhouse and Sterlingworth Cafe went out-of-business. Going down to the keys, I didn't see The Pier or the giant lobster for the Pirate Mall. Also, Key West has grown quite a bit. Rooftop Cafe is still in business though, despite a fire earlier this year. So that is very good as it's our favorite restaurant in Key West.

Michael and Allison are getting married on the beach today so it's time to sunscreen up and get ready!

Date: 2008-07-08 10:02 Subject: Wii Fit Gets Rid of Cellulite! Security: Public Mood: excited

First, let me preface this by saying that I don't work for Nintendo or anything (though I think all of you knew that.)

I got the Wii Fit as a present for my 30th birthday from my husband, poormattie. Before that, I was on-again/off-again working out with Dance Dance Revolution Max 2 for PS2/PS3. The problem with DDR is that it is high impact aerobics. This is great for working out 2-3 times a week but you can't do it every day when you have rheumatoid arthritis in your knees (as it is the case with me). Also, you get bored with the songs and routines if you do them every single day.

Anyway, so I got Wii Fit on May 17th. I've been using it fairly regularly since then (though with 3 weeks of NOT using it due to being out of town/sick). When I was in Florida, I put on my bathing suit to go to the beach (boyshort tankini) and I noticed that the cellulite on my upper thighs had decreased noticably. I figured it was just a trick of the light. Yesterday, I examined myself in my bathroom at home.

The cellulite was almost totally gone. (!)

For REAL. I've had cellulite on my thighs- especially the backs of them- since I was in middle school (no lie- betasignal can attest to this) even when I was super thin. It's always been my achilles heel. In early May- right before we went out-of-town for the weekend- I dismayed over my body in general and zeroed in at being depressed over my cellulite. So this is how I know it has to do with the Wii Fit, unless cellulite magically starts disappearing on its own after your 30th birthday. XD

I'm not sure what exercises did it, to be honest. But I can tell you what I do every day- 10 minutes of yoga/strength training exercises. Particularly I do the half moon/leg twist workout and the jackknife/body twist/bridge workouts. Then I do 5 minutes of advanced step, 10 minutes of Super Hula Hoop, and 30 minutes of freestyle step. 5 more minutes of strength training (this is actually when I do my jackknifes).

I will post a more detailed review on the Wii Fit later, but I had to share the news that I believe it was responsible for getting rid of my cellulite.

Date: 2008-07-05 12:20 Subject: It's not that 'not-so-fresh' feeling... Security: Public

Do you ever get the feeling that you're forgetting something that you absolutely should remember- like a birthday or anniversary or something?

Date: 2008-07-04 20:35 Subject: Happy 4th of July! Security: Public Mood: cheerful Tags: have a muffin!, omg cheese, random musings

To all my fellow Americans, happy 4th of July!

I always remind myself that though things may suck now, the US has a knack of eventually getting out trouble- and usually by removing the current administration from the Oval Office. ;)

Remember not to shoot your fingers off if you're doing fireworks. To pass along a message that several of my friends have said- drinking + fireworks = a very bad combination if everyone is drunk. Have a designated "Fire Marshall" who isn't drinking. XD

We ate lots of barbecue and I am still tired from all the travel. We go to Key West a week from today. WOOT! Let's just hope Tropical Storm Bertha spins out into the Atlantic and stays away.

We saw Wall-E last night. OMG, such a cute movie! However, AUTO's voice creeped me the hell out in a bad way. Note to self- do not use Macintalk. XD

Date: 2008-07-02 23:07 Subject: Quick Update & Improve Your Gas Mileage Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Mood: busy Tags: gas mileage tips, travel tips

WHEW!

At 1:30 am, I will have FINALLY been home for 24 hours straight. I got back home on Monday night ONLY to have to go down to Memphis early the next morning. LOTS of stuff's been going on in my life and I've been super super busy. I am exhausted!

One thing I have been doing is a lot of travelling by car. I've driven to Knoxville and Fort Lauderdale this summer on two separate occasions as well as spent a lot of time driving to and from Memphis and Jonesboro.

So I can share my secrets of how to get good gas mileage and save lots of gas- not to mention money in general when travelling.

( Cut for length but I divided it into sections )

Okay, now I'm exhausted and going to bed. =D But I'm back and better than ever! Well, until I leave again. ;)

Date: 2008-06-15 16:11 Subject: ? Security: Public

Where have I been?

Busy working & sick. Am in bed, dozing.

Happy Fathers' Day to all the wonderful dads & step-dads out there! =)

Date: 2008-06-08 23:48 Subject: One trip down, three more to go. Security: Public

I was out-of-town last week. I will be in town this week and next week, then I will be out-of-town again.

I will be back in town for one week and the out-of-town again.

Then there's three weeks where I'll be in town. Then one week out-of-town again.

This is the summer of Travel To Two States Where I Formerly Lived. Two of the trips are to places in TN, the other two are to FL. =D

Date: 2008-05-14 21:30 Subject: Random Thought Security: Public

In the movie "High Fidelity", the main female character goes to her father's funeral with her ex-boyfriend (John Cusack's character). In the car, she turns to him and asks her to have sex with her because she wants to feel anything but the pain she's feeling. He, very much still in love with her, obliges. Afterwards, she says she wants him to take her home- to their home, the apartment they shared.

I think sometimes there comes a time in a woman's life when she realizes that sometimes there are just some people with whom you cannot live without them in your lives. It doesn't necessarily take a death or any sort of major epiphany.

They just feel like... home.

Date: 2008-05-14 11:08 Subject: National Women's Health Week, Day 3 & 4: Help Your Heart! Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Tags: heart fitness, national women's heart week

This week is National Women's Health Week. I will be making a post once a day regarding various issues that are facing women's health and links to information about them. Today you get two (again) since I didn't post yesterday. (Sheesh, I need a pop-up reminder or something) But that's fine because these are both heart related!

Prevent Heart Disease!
"Heart disease is the #1 cause of death among American women.[1]

So what can you do to prevent heart disease?

• First of all, put down that cigarette! If you haven't quit smoking yet, now's the perfect time to start.
  "Women who smoke risk having a heart attack 19 years earlier than non-smoking women."[2]
  "Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals. Many of these can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack." [3]
  
  
• Secondly, get active! I know I have been particularly bad about doing this in the past, which is also important for me to do in order to keep my lupus under control. One of the things I do is find FUN ways of keeping myself active. I have recently started up doing DDR Max 2 on workout mode (this particular game has built-in workout programs and tracks your progress) and will be adding Wii Fit also to my daily exercise routine. The grand total of all this is only $200! MUCH less than traditional exercise equipment.
  
  However, there are other things you can do too! Even just standing in front of your television and walking in place while you watch your favorite show not only burns calories but gives you the exercise you need. You might also want to try extending your shopping trips- park at the back of the lot and walk through each aisle of the store- grocery shopping, even with a cart, makes you walk a good bit! =)
  
  
• Third, eat a heart-healthy diet.
  This doesn't even mean a huge change, either. If you simply cut out transfats from your diet (that's anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil of any kind), that will do you a WORLD of good. Make fried food an extra special treat and only have it occasionally. Substitute those french fries for a side salad or baked potato. Even if you don't cut out anything else, just cutting out transfat and cutting down on fried food will help you eat better.
  
  Need something to help you? FitDay, My Start!, and Foods Database are all 100% FREE sites that help you chart your diet, weight, and exercise. I personally use FitDay and you can see my online progress here: http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=HelenAngel
  I've been using FitDay for several years and tried other stuff, but I still think FitDay is the best. =)
  
  
• Fourth, maintain a healthy weight.
  If you get active and have a heart-healthy diet, this probably isn't a problem. Also notice that a healthy weight DOES NOT mean you need to be skinny! There are different, healthy weights for each person and body type.
  
  
• Fifth, get regular checkups!
  See your doctor or medical caregiver once a year to make sure everything is where it needs to be.


A Little Bit of Laughter, A Little Bit of Wine

There are other ways to help your heart as well. Red wine, for instance, has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and have several heart-healthy effects as well. Some studies have also said that eating grapes can also help if you're not keen on drinking alcohol.[4]

Laughter is also an excellent way to help your heart! Not only does it relieve stress, but it also helps reduce fat and cholesterol build-up naturally. [5]

Chronic stress can increase your chance for a heart attack. So take a few minutes every day to have a glass of wine (or grape juice!), have a laugh or two and de-stress yourself. Your heart will thank you for it! =)

Date: 2008-05-12 23:21 Subject: National Women's Health Week, Day 1 & 2: Love The Skin You're In! Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Mood: sleepy

This week is National Women's Health Week. I will be making a post once a day regarding various issues that are facing women's health and links to information about them. Now, guys, this is important for you, too, because I'm sure you have a female loved one in your life. =)

Today you get two since I didn't post yesterday!

Health & Beauty Kits
The Federal Citizen Information Center is giving out free Health & Beauty kits with great information regarding cosmetics and cosmetic procedures (including sunless tanning, botox, and contact lenses). As women are the #1 consumers of health and beauty products in the United States, it's important for us to know not only what goes in our bodies but on them as well.

Melanoma Skin Cancer
"Melanoma is the #1 cancer in women ages 25 to 29 in the U.S. and the second most common, behind breast cancer, in women ages 30 to 34."[1]

While "pale is in" now, it wasn't always so and I know I'm not the only one who spent some of her formitive years baking herself in the sun. Skin cancer is a very real problem and can be deadly if it isn't treated early. The key is catching it before it spreads.

How do you do that? This handy dandy site not only gives step-by-step instructions for both men and women but it also has downloadable body maps you can use.

Prevention is also very important. SPF 15 or greater is a must if you're going to be out in the sun for a lengthy period of time and contrary to popular myth, you CAN get skin cancer from tanning beds. Tanning beds are no safer than laying out in the sun. "People 35 or younger who used the beds regularly had a melanoma risk eight-fold higher than people who never used tanning beds. Even occasional use among that age group almost tripled the chances of developing melanoma.[2]

Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone who uses tanning beds or who has sunned themselves is going to get skin cancer. But it's always good, I think, to check yourself just to be on the safe side. =)

Date: 2008-05-08 08:44 Subject: Quick favor? Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Tags: lj nomination

Can you guys please go here:
http://community.livejournal.com/lj_election_en/15628.html?mode=reply

And comment with "I support this nomination"

It's for the LJ Advisory Board and my fantastic friend twirlandswirl, who is 100% awesome and win, is running. It just takes a second and we'd both really appreciate it! =)

Date: 2008-05-07 13:50 Subject: Not A Good Day For Frats Security: Public Mood: busy

Two Pi Kappa Alpha pledges at Tulane severely burned during hazing ceremony.

Six fraternities (Theta Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Alpha Episilon) at San Diego State suspended after major student drug bust.

Not a good press day for college fraternities, it seems. As someone who was heavily involved in the Greek system at two colleges, I honestly can't say I'm surprised but at the same time I think these are the minority. I was never, ever subjected to any sort of hazing myself (in fact, they treated us extremely well as pledges and showered us with gifts) nor did I know anyone who was hazed. However, there were rumors of the Pi Kappa Alphas hazing severely- both at University of Memphis and Mississippi State. As for drug use, I did know of some girls at Mississippi State who used cocaine regularly but it was seen as more of a "sorority" drug and only for the really "hard partying" girls. I never saw any of my sisters in either sorority use any illegal drugs and it was never offered to me. Just my two cents about my own experiences, which may be atypical considering I always hung around the smart kids & the gamers. =D

Date: 2008-05-05 06:52 Subject: Cinco de Mayo! Security: Public

It's Cinco de Mayo today, which means 25 days until my 30th birthday.

poormattie told me last night that he realized he was saying "LOL" before today's high school freshmen were even born. Egads, we're getting old!

Date: 2008-05-01 20:31 Subject: DC Madam's Death Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Mood: curious

(Courtesy ohnotheydidnt)

DC Madam: Suicide or Murder US Govt Style?

I think it's interesting that usually when someone high-profile dies the police are loathe to say it's a suicide until a possible homocide has definitely been ruled out but they didn't do so in this case. Not saying one way or the other, I just think it's interesting.

Date: 2008-04-30 08:45 Subject: Legendary status! Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Tags: gaming, rockband

Last night our band, 1FTW (comprised of myself, poormattie & tedshroyer) finished the ULTIMATE SETLIST in RockBand. Yes, we played ALL 52 songs. -lol- It took us two days (thank goodness the power didn't go out) but we did it.

That's a LOT of singing, guitar playing, and drumming. I don't think Ted's foot has recovered yet (he's the drummer). =D

Oh and that song by Honest Bob & The Factory-To-Dealer Incentives? I HATE IT. I was getting above 90 (and often 100) on every song except for that one (and one other but I forgot what it was). I nearly bombed out on that song. UGH. TERRIBLE for vocals. Just terrible.

Date: 2008-04-28 13:26 Subject: Open Letter To The Boorish Bicyclist Security: Public Mood: aggravated

Dear Man On Bicycle,

I'm not sure if you thought it was cute, funny, or otherwise endearing for you to yell "boo!" at me as you came up behind me on your bicycle, but I assure you that it was anything but that. Hopefully my jumping two feet into the air, my yell of surprise, or the look of terror on my face as I looked around hopefully clued you in that this is a completely stupid thing to do to a stranger on the sidewalk. And no, your half-hearted wave and smile did not make up for launching me into panic mode. If this is your way of picking up women or making friends, I suggest you try something else.

No love,
me

Date: 2008-04-28 09:18 Subject: Nicholas makes the papers! Security: Public Location: HelenAngel.com Mood: cheerful Tags: nicholas

My little Youtube singing sensation, pookanick, got a blurb in the Albany Times Union paper regarding "The Egg".

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=683693

Date: 2008-04-25 13:36 Subject: Friday poll Security: Public Mood: awake

Yet another edition of the fantastic Friday poll, now back in full force!

For last week's "caption this" photo of the toilet sign, one of my personal favorites was by bojojoti who penned: #1 and #2 are sufficient for any humans--No #3!

( Poll discreetly behind the cut! )

(If you're getting a red X of doom, click here to see the picture in this week's poll. Picture by mistermoss)

If you missed it, you can click here to take last week's Friday poll or peruse the answers.