Porch Light Replacement with a National Geographic Twist

I finally got around to hanging that porch light I bought on eBay. You can read about that budget-win purchase here.

This post is about actually getting the light installed. The story also includes a lizard/salamander/newt-type creature that went all NatGeo on my arm and detached it's tail and made me almost fall off my ladder.

But let's forget about that for a moment. Let's start with the "before" pictures. This little dinky light is reminiscent of a drunken vampire bat. See how it leans? And look how tiny it is on the porch of my already tiny home.

Drunken Bat Porch Light

Itty-bitty light on my porch.

This the new light, fresh out of the box. It's a Heath/Zenith Antique Bronze outdoor light, model SL-4350-AZ-B.  I took this picture so I would remember how everything was supposed to look, since I was about to take it all apart. (This is not my first time to the take-it-apart-and-lose-something-and-can't-get-it-back-together rodeo.)

Fresh out of the box.

The new light required some prep work. It was a beautiful bronze color, which did not seem to go well with my black and white house. Paint is cheap and easy, so let's do that.

As I took it apart, and laid the pieces out in the order that they came off the light. And then I snapped this picture to remember. Theoretically, I'll be able to lay them back out after I paint them, just like in the picture, and just work backward to put it all back together. Theoretically.

Things are going well so far.

And then I put everything in a cardboard box and spray painted them, rotating the pieces when they dried, and spray painting the other side. That's a little plastic bag over the bulb socket, since I didn't want to paint that.

The spray-paint box. As you can see, the last item I spray painted was white.

Finally, after everything was painted at every angle, I put it all back together.

Here's the part with the creature. I had to take off the old light. When I did, a tiny creature scurried out, ran DOWN MY ARM, and jumped to the ground. It left his squirming tail ON MY ARM. It was like the National Geographic channel just happened ON MY ARM. I somehow managed to not fall off the later as I screamed and frantically shook to get it off. Ewy! Ewy! Ewy!

So that nightmare passed, I calmed down, and installed the new light. I took all the safety precautions, of course. Turn of the power, take a picture of how the wires were connected to the old light, connect the wire the same way to the new light, and screw it in.

Ta-da!

Here's the reveal. I know, I know, I took the final photo at dusk. You can't really see the details of the light itself. But trust me, it's better. The light is appropriately sized for the porch, and casts a ton more light. Plus, it automatically comes on at a low level at dusk, and brightens when it senses motion. Then dims again about 5 minutes later. No more fumbling to unlock the door!

Until the next project, tschüss!

Custom Cut Glass for Picture Frames

As I stand here in the blue home improvement store, waiting for my turn to have a piece of glass cut, I thought I'd share what I hope ends up being a budget tip.

Earlier today, I bought a picture frame, and promptly broke the glass as it slid slow-motion off the table.

I'm at this store for a totally different reason, but happened to walk down the aisle where they hide the sheets of glass. I say "hide," because I spend a lot of time in these home improvement stores, strolling the aisles, thinking of projects...and I've never ever ever noticed this.

Anyway, back to the story of how I saved a little money.

There is an employee cutting glass for another customer. Not only did I not know they stocked sheets of glass, I didn't know they would cut it, too. Seriously, I just spent $$$$ on custom-cut glass shelves for my cabinets, when I could have come here and spent $.

So let me just act like I meant to come down this aisle for this specific purpose. On the fly, I decided that I'm going with acrylic, since glass and I don't get along. Also, the final framed picture is going in a bathroom. Just the thought of broken glass on a tile floor makes me want to faint. 

It's $8.98 for an 18" x 24" sheet, which he's going to cut down to the 16" x 20" I need. I feel like $8.98 is cheap. Especially since he cut it for me. I'm already looking at other things that might need a custom piece of glass or acrylic.

Here's a picture of the employee cutting it. Sorry it's all blurry and stuff, but one bad picture is better than no picture at all.

Certified Super Star Glass Cutter Man

Bis Später!

Brrrr...3.8 miles

We were told it would be "about 3 miles." I guess that means almost 4. While I complained to myself on the run, I'm happy I finished! I have no idea what my time was, since I got lost about 2 miles in and had to stop to wait for those behind me to tell me where to turn to get back. The cold morning (about 30 degrees), and the need to get back to the start, kept me going. My multiple layers (running leggings, warmup pants, dryfit t-shirt, fleece jacket, hat) weren't enough to keep me warm. Oh, I guess I'm still complaining, then! :-p

This morning's run is brought to you by Katy Perry's "Roar." (Although, at no point did I feel like I was running through a steamy jungle.)

Sunday morning neighborhood run.

So...I just realized my MapMyRun app is way off in the distance it calculates. It says I ran 2.38 miles, but Gmap Pedometer (milermeter.com) says I ran 2.69. I like 2.69 better than 2.38. I knew it was off a little bit (the streets around have lots of trees that interfere with a clear GPS signal). 

I ran for 22:45, for a pace of 8:27. 

I ran through Cloverdale. In the newish part of Cloverdale (by Stonehenge and Derk's Filet & Vine), there was a man sitting outside playing a banjo and singing out loud, all by himself. I wonder if he does that all the time.

This morning's run is brought to you by "Wake Me Up," by Aloe Blacc and Avicci.

Veteran's Day Free or Discounted Dining Offers

 

Veteran's Day Free Meals and Discounts 

 

Many dining establishments offer free or discounted meals to military veterans on Veteran's Day. I've posted a few below, but visit The Military Wallet for more.

The Military Wallet has two notes:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

Applebee’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.

Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Dine-in only. Find a location near you.

Champps Americana, Nov. 11, 2013. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free hamburger (7 to choose from) and waffle fries from open to close on Monday, November 11, 2013. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). More info, Find a location near you.

Charley Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal from select menu with military ID or proof of service. Beverages and gratuity not included. Find a location near you.

Chili’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11 2013. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Click here for many more options for Veteran's Day.

Discounts for People Over 50

I'm not over 50, but I know a few that are!

This compiled list of discounts, some starting as young as 50 years old, was taken from a Facebook share. The original Facebook post is here, and the text of it is also pasted below the image. Enjoy!

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently,I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 ...get 10% off everything on the menu, every day. (But you need to ASK for your discount.)

Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too. This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and howsome of them start at the young age of 50. This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.

Dunkin' Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 .
If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.

YOU must ASK for your discount !

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

CAR RENTAL:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - and remember -- YOU must ASK for discount ---- no ask, no discount.

Saturday 5k Race - I won! 26:51

I won the overall women's category in Saturday's 5k! My time was 26:51, with a pace of 8:36.

It was the Catholic Social Services "Saints and Sinners" 5k, held on the campus of Auburn University - Montgomery. There were some people in costumes. The children dressed up as angels were adorable!

Feels good to finally win one, after getting second loser in my age group time after time. It's motivating!

I read that Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe" song equals about a 10 minute mile. So I added it to my playlist...it was a little to slow, but appropriate because it came on during a hill.

Tuesday Morning Run - 1.85 miles

Really, I thought it would be 2 miles.

This morning was a light run. My pace was 8:41, which is a bit better than the 8:52 pace I ran on Saturday. Tiny victories!

I did listen to the Lorde Pure Heroine album for the entire run. I really like the flow of it. It's great for easy runs, and road trips. This morning's run is brought to you by Lorde "Tennis Court."

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k Race - 27:33

We ran the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k. This was a well put-together race. We finished on the Riverwalk Stadium baseball field. I finished second in my age group! 27:33. I didn't think it was fast enough for anything until they posted the race results. I got a medal, too. So did everyone else. But it's a real metal medal. On a ribbon chain and everything. And the mayor was there high-fiving people as they crossed the finish line. That's a really cool thing to do, Mr. Mayor!

The route was uphill for the first mile. Really. Uphill. I was thinking the whole time, who does this to people? This definitely separates the runners from the...well...the highly motivated people that thought they were going to run it. By the 3/4 mile mark, we were dodging people that had already pooped out.

DB ran with me the whole time. Bless his heart. The last half mile he was pulling away from me, but kept looking over his shoulder to make sure I didn't quit (or die). But we finished together because he thought the finish line was the same as the start line. We still had a 1/4 mile to go when he thought we would be done. 

I will probably never wear the race t-shirt though. Oh, it's a nice shirt. Dry-wicking fabric and everything. The nicest quality shirt I've ever gotten for free. But the design...the little blue handprints are right on my boobs! Who approved this? 

This is the race t-shirt.

That second place win was great. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a good hour or so. DB thinks we can shave a minute and a half off our time, which would make me a contender for first place. That same time would put him in the top three, once he has his birthday and gets pushed into a higher age group. Always thinking, that one.

I'd post a motivating song, but I didn't have headphones.

A Not-Running Workout

Tomorrow we are running a 5k, and that's pretty much the only running I will have done in over a week. This is no bueno. I feel like poop.

Another reason I feel like poop is that on Wednesday, for squadron PT, we did a circuit workout. Outside. It almost involved pull-ups until I was like, "No."

What it did involve was 5 push-ups, 5 crunches, 5 burpees, a 20 second jog, a 20 second sprint...and then turn around and jog back to the start. And then repeat 5 times. It took about 30 minutes. My arms hurt still, so I guess that's one of those pain=gain workouts.

Anywho, that's it, just wanted to post something about fitness. Mostly to remind myself I wasn't that lazy this week.

Did you see the regrouting job in the small bathroom? That's my excuse for not running.

Budget Win - Hanging Porch Light

Every time I go to the home improvement store, I stop by the outdoor lighting section, and stare dreamily at the porch lights. My 1923 bungalow has an ugly little light that leans...sort of like a bat hanging upside down, if it was trying to look at you but remain undetected.

I really like the DualBrite feature on the Heath/Zenith brand security lights. It turns on at dusk, but at a low level. When it senses motion, it gets brighter. I have it on the flood lights in the back of the house. That seemed an awfully modern feature to find on an old-fashioned pendant light. Oh, don't get me wrong, I found some, in the $125-and-up price range.

And then the eBay gods shined shone upon me. For a total of $28.93, including shipping, I got a brand new, still in the box, Heath/Zenith Antique Bronze pendant porch light. (I would like to note that this sells for $139.45 at Lowe's. Happy dance!)

If lights were people, this one is a Southern gentleman.

Small Bathroom Remodel Project - Part One

It's time. That small guest bathroom needs some work. It is large small enough for a shower, a toilet, and a mini sink. The bathroom is so small that I thought it was imaginary.

And that grout...wow...that grout.

This is a story about how a little bathroom stayed a little bathroom, but became much more fabulous.

The grout was yellow. Who knows how old that bathroom is, or how long the grout has been that way. My guess is early 80s. It looks as though the grout was supposed to be yellow. I'll show you. Prepare yourself, it's like a horror movie.

Time to get started. First, with my penny-pincher cap on, I tried a manual grout remover tool. It worked well, but I could imagine my unborn children heading off to college before I finished the job.
 

Time for Trip One to the home improvement store, to get a Ryobi Speed Saw Rotary Cutter, with Dremel grout remover bits.

I already have a garage full of Ryobi tools, so I loved that this one fit the battery packs I already have. While the saw was super-powerful, it ate through those battery packs. 10 minutes of work, 30 minutes of charging. So I ended up borrowed a corded Dremel from a friend. Yep, I went old school.

It took three days and five trips to the home improvement store. By the fifth trip, I didn't even wipe the grout dust off. I looked like I fell into a sack of flour. Another customer said he could help me with whatever I was doing. So I still got hit on looked like I needed rescuing.

When I finally(!) finished the grout removal/application process, I thought, "it doesn't look that much better." Then I took the "after"  pictures and looked at them side-by-side. Whoa, baby! I gotta do a happy dance for that one!  

Oh, you'll notice the new hardware. I put my penny-pincher cap back on, and I didn't want to spend too much. Simple chrome upgrades should do the trick. Also, the house was built in 1923, so I had to research to make sure chrome was a thing back in the 20s. Thank goodness it was! Chrome is cheap, is cheap is my favorite.

• Showerhead: Glacier Bay 3-Spray Handshower in Chrome, $19.48
• Towel Bar: Part of Glacier Bay Builders 3-Piece Bath Accessory Set in Chrome, $34.96 for the set
• Faucet Handles: Danco Ergo Replacement Lever Faucet Handles, $17.98 for both

Here are the before-and-after pictures. Ta-da!

I apologize for the greenish tint in the "after" pictures. Camera setting fail.

That's all folks. For now. Next part of this is the floor, which has sticky laminate tiles right now. Come on, it'll be fun, right?

Babycakes and Pumpkin Muffins

Isn't that just the cutest title? It is also deceptively true!

I'm currently obsessed with two things. First, the recipes I see floating around Pinterest, especially the ones that require a box of cake mix and maybe two other ingredients. And particularly the recipes with one extra ingredient. That's my kind of recipe.

The second obsession is very specific small appliances. Ones that only make quesadillas, or hot dogs, or mini-muffins. Especially if they make mini-muffins and are called Babycakes.

I would like to note that these obsessions compliment my mild OCD quite nicely.

Let's combine my two obsessions into one super-obsession. Like this pumpkin muffin recipe, which exceeds all expectations by having only two ingredients. And my darling little Babycakes.

It goes like this:

• 1 15 oz can of pumpkin guts. (Okay, it's just pumpkin, but I like to differentiate between the thing you carve for Halloween, and the insides of it.) I used Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 box of yellow cake mix. I used Pillsbury Sugar-Free Yellow Cake Mix)
• Mix it all together until you can't see the white cake mix floating around in the pumpkin guts. Put it in the Babycakes for 8 minutes. 
• That's it! No really, that's it. End of recipe. 

The Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins are moist and delicious delectable. They also make your house smell like autumn is finally here.

If you need evidence of this witchcraft, here is the proof. Behold, Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins!

 

The final product, Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins.

 

 That's the Babycakes, doing her thing, with next batch on standby.

That's what they look like when you open the Babycakes at 5 minutes to check them, then decide they need 3 more minutes of quality time.

Are SEALs quieter than ninjas?

Thank you, Admiral McRaven, for taking the time to reply to a little boy. I'm pretty sure he's going to be a SEAL when he grows up.

http://www.businessinsider.com/walker-greentree-ninjas-seals-mcraven-jsoc-2013-10

Friday morning run, 2.02 miles

I took it nice and easy this morning. Nothing eventful to report. Except it's crazy annoying when people stand on the sidewalk and don't step off to the side when a runner is coming through. Don't worry, lady with no manners, I'll run in the grass so you don't have to exert yourself. And now I'm back home, glad to have the run out of the way!

This morning's job is brought to you by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Thursday morning, 2.2 miles.

Another beautiful autumn morning here in Montgomery, Alabama! I got my Puppy Brother to run about a mile. That's pretty much all he can handle these days. He's old, and recovering from a stroke. But he still gets excited when he sees my running shoes come out. I am going to blame my workout app for recording 2.12 miles in 21:15. I feel like I ran so much faster this morning!

Mr. Mister - Kyrie

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Thanks, SpouseBUZZ.com!

Until the government shutdown ends, military personnel can shop at Sam's Club without a membership. (The base commissaries are closed during the shutdown.)

Call your local Sam's Club to confirm. Here's a link to find the phone numbers for the nearest Sam's. http://www3.samsclub.com/clublocator/.

I just called the Montgomery, Alabama location, and they are participating.

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Commandant's Challenge 5k+

Today was the capstone event for Squadron Officer School (SOS). It happens in the last week of an eight-week course. It consists of an individual 5k run, and then as soon as the entire team finishes, the team continues on to a series of problem solving events. Those events take place over the course of another two miles or so. The team is supposed to use all of the leadership and problem-solving skills they've learned over the course of the eight-week program. My job as their instructor is to run alongside them and keep them on the right track (literally, on the course, not on guiding them through their problem solving).

The flight did well. They didn't get all of the problems solved. But they remained a team the entire team. Well, mostly a team. There is one person in the flight that I will consider "dead weight." She had no interest in doing her best. Everyone finished before her, which is fine, but the flight sent five members back to run with her to the finish. When they found her, she was walking the course, chit-chatting with another student. As if they were out for a stroll, not a timed military team event. I was disappointed to say the least. This flight has carried her through each event throughout the course. For this capstone, I had hoped to see some motivation in her to help them succeed. But no. Just a shrug and "whatever." *sigh* I can say though, that of the 42 students I've had so far, she is the only one that has so obviously shown this mentality. 

This is a fitness post because I had to run alongside them for every event. I finished the first three miles in 26:48. Not bad! Then the next two miles (untimed), and then finished it with another 1/2 mile jog back to the starting point. My left leg aches a little bit. But I feel much better than I did the last time I did this about 10 weeks ago. The recent runs building up to this have certainly helped!

Today's motivational song was Lady GaGa's "Applause," which came on right before I hit the massive hill at the end of the first leg of the event.

Saturday Morning Run

Well, I intended to run two miles this morning, but it turned into three miles. I'm good with that! I won't be running for a couple of days though. I'm got a big four-plus mile run on Tuesday.

The weather was beautiful this morning! Summer is finally ending here in the South. I moved here in January, and I swear it's been summer since then. It's about 66°F with a light breeze. How perfect is that for a morning run? I think everyone else in the neighborhood thought so, too. There was quite a bit of foot traffic out there! 

I'm still using the MapMyRun app. What I like is that it pauses and resumes the workout by itself. No fumbling with it to stop tracking when I get stuck at a stoplight. Also, the buttons and icons are nice and big, so I don't accidentally click on something when I do decide to fumble with it. It will also send my stats straight to Blogger, so that you can have too much information about me I can share them with you. What I don't like is that it doesn't give me turn-by-turn navigation for the routes I create. And that was the whole point of downloading it in the first place (I read on some forum somewhere that it did that).

This is what it posts to Blogger (not directly, it created a draft post):

I ran with MapMyRun! Distance: 3.05mi, time: 29:30, pace: 9:40min/mi, speed: 6.21mi/h. http://mapmyrun.com/workout/395603207

 Well, better get started with my Saturday! It's free museum day!

The song that got me through this workout was Nikki Minaj - Moment for Life.

Air Superiority - We'll give it back to you when we're done.

If you say you're sorry and promise not to do it again, you can have it back.

Friday Morning Run

We had a late start at work yesterday, so even after I procrastinated, there was still time to go for a run. I couldn't use my usual "I don't want to be late to work" excuse! I got 2.47 miles in yesterday, and another 2 miles this morning.

I tried the MapMyRun app yesterday, thinking it would give me turn-by-turn directions for a route I uploaded. False. It was really just the same as the two other running apps I have on my phone. They just track the route I run and save it, but there isn't any navigation.

I think it will be fun to upload the video to one of my workout songs everytime I run.


Today's run is brought to you by Asia, "Heat of the Moment."

Anyhoo, now I really will be late to work if I don't finish this post up. Bis später!

Free admission to 1400 museums on Sept. 28

Looking for something to do this Saturday? When was the last time you went to a museum?

Travelzoo just posted 1400 museums that will be free this Saturday. That's my favorite price! All you have to do is grab a ticket (which is good for two people). They've conveniently listed all 1400 museums in searchable format.

This is part of the Smithsonian's Museum Day Live program. There are two museums here in Montgomery, the SPLC Civil Rights Memorial and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). I've been to both already (I've actually been to the Civil Rights Memorial a lot, every time someone comes to visit). But the MMFA is beautiful, and I can't think of anything I'd like more than to spend a Saturday afternoon strolling through their new exhibits. 

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

Here are the links:
1400 Museums Free on Sept. 28 | Travel Tips From the Deal Experts | Travelzoo
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!

Running of the Bulls

I just finished another 5k, the squadron's "Running of the Bulls." Our squadron mascot is a bull, so it makes sense. It is not a reference to an actual bull on the course, in which case I would have finished much, much faster. I think my time was 29 minutes or so, about the same time I the course in last Saturday. That makes a total of 10 miles run in the past week! I feel great. I managed to finish this second 5k without stopping at the huge hill toward the end. Started about a minute too late (messing with my phone to get the distance tracker and music started). Still managed to pass quite a few people though. I think I'm finally back to being able to (almost) comfortably run three miles. Also feels good to complete that before 8:00 on a Tuesday! Starting to look forward to these runs.

Children of Veterans Get Free Tuition in California

In the state of California, children of veterans are eligible for tuition waivers at all University of California, California State University, and state community colleges.

Got your attention? Keep reading.

There are a few easy-to-meet eligibility requirements which I'll list at the bottom of this post. And of course, your little darling will have to get accepted to the school.

The program is for any state school. For example, UCLA, Berkeley, Cal Poly, and any of California State University's 23 campuses. (Not private schools though, so ixnay to Stanford and Pepperdine.) There are more schools than that of course, but I can't think of them all.

Is this even worth it? Well, for the 2013-2014 academic year, tuition for an academic year (9 months) at UCLA is $11,220. Yikes!

If you are sending your kids to college in California and are not a veteran, I would suggest adopting them out to a vet. I'm just saying.


Here's the fine print (which is really, really easy to meet):

1. You (the veteran) need to have a service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher. Yes, 0% is a disability rating! Have you ever been to the hospital while serving on active duty? Then you probably can get a 0% rating.
2. Your child must attend a California community or state college.
3. Your child must be under 27 and make less than the poverty level (about $11,000 year). That's your child, not you. You can make more if you want. 

You can read more about it (and verify that this information is legit) at http://www.calvet.ca.gov/vetservices/CollegeFeeWaiver.aspx.

I don't even have children yet, but when I do, they are going to college in California. I hear California is pretty this any time of year.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

149 Places That Offer Military Discounts

Thanks, Gift Card Granny!

Gift Card Granny has compiled a list of 149 places that offer military discounts. Like Aeropostale, Kohl's, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Applebee's.

You can get a free 8x10 and 50% off your entire purchase at JCPenney Portrait Studio.

Texas Roadhouse gives you 10% off your meal.

You can even save 5% off flooring at 1800WoodFloors.com.

This list is worth a look if you have a valid military ID. I shop regularly at a few of these places, and had no idea. I feel like I should have written this post with many exclamation points, but I'm just so excited to see this list that I've gone past exclamation points, straight to blissful serenity.

149 Military Discounts

Ziploc Vacuum Sealer - $39.99!

I really need to start saving money. Or, stop spending money. Last month, Kaiser the Dog had a stroke (he's doing great!), but the near-$4,000 of veterinarian bills was unexpected to say the least. I needed to start cutting back. Luckily my darling boyfriend is a great cook, and we're homebodies, so skipping the restaurants and eating at home was an easy kill. But then what?

I came across this blog, Blissful and Domestic, and was amazed at how she lives with her family on $14,000 a year. A year. I could use some of her tips! I was inspired.

This is the first post in my adventure to spend less, without feeling like I'm losing out.

Today's big budget-friendly "splurge" will save me tons in the long run. It's a Ziploc Vacuum Sealer. It was $42 or so at Wal-Mart. (You can get it for $39.99 at Menards by clicking here.) I've always wanted one of these toys (I have a slightly odd obsession with very specific small kitchen appliances). But man, are they expensive! Then along came Ziploc.

I stocked up on ground beef, chicken breasts, Italian sausages, and shredded cheese at Sam's Club. I came home and had a little sealing party, splitting up all the bulk meats and sealing them into portion sizes. I even opened a bag of chips and resealed it, just to see if it would work, and it did! I admit, it was kind of fun. My freezer is full, and I am a happy camper. I'm pretty sure this just paid for itself in one day.

What do you think? Do you have one? Have you continued to use it? Right now, it's a new toy to me; I hope it doesn't end up forgotten on a shelf. I kind of love it right now, in a you-could-change-my-life kind of way.

Ziploc Vacuum Sealer

Fitness Wagon

Trying to get back on the fitness wagon, I may have overdone it this week. I feel great, but my muscles are fighting me. Last year, I lost about 30 pounds in 6 months or so. I had a regular routine of hitting the gym at lunchtime. A month of Monday through Friday Spin classes kickstarted the weight loss, but I got bored fast. I switched to twice a week Spin, twice a week of whatever group workout class they offered, and once a week of Stairmaster or elliptical training. I didn't run much. The one day a week I was on a machine, I watched my guilty-pleasure TV shows like Judge Judy or Entertainment Tonight.

Then the big move, from Germany to Alabama started, and I just didn't have the time. Fast forward to this week, when I realized I had started living in yoga pants again. My skinny jeans were muffin-top jeans! I managed to fit in a Spin class, two 2-mile runs, and topped it off with a 5k this morning. I finished around 29 minutes. I'm proud of myself, but am going to take a few down days. My next thing is a group 5k that we call "The Running of the Bulls" on Tuesday. My goal is to get that 5k down to 25 minutes or less. Oh, and to make my skinny jeans zip up without doing a dance to zip them up.

So that oughta get you caught up on where I stand. I'll post more successes and failures as they come up. But to paraphrase Dori, "just keep spinning, spinning, spinning."