Just think of all the BRAS that could dry on this thing!

In an effort to live another few years or so, David and I finally broke down and bought an elliptical machine. Isn't she purdy?

Seriously, David talked to someone who has already had open heart surgery, still has a lot of problems, and basically describes himself as living on borrowed time. That scared the crap out of David. He is much more motivated by fear than I am. The first time his triglycerides were over 400, he followed every doctor's order to the letter....at first. (His triglycerides aren't supposed to be over 150, so 429 sort of made him like a walking time bomb!)

I've had a few minor issues with cholesterol, but nothing to write hom to mom about. I take fish oil and try to avoid trans fats and junk like that. If only bacon didn't taste even better when it's DEEP FRIED! I am a very sedentary person by nature, though. I really need to get in some sort of shape...besides ROUND! Now that my asthma seems to be under control and the sinus infection from hell is finally gone, I feel it's time to jump back on that horse and try to get in shape.

The guy at the shop where we bought this thing had a really interesting theory: "I don't care about dying, I just don't want to be fat!" Alrighty then.

We got our elliptical on Saturday. Since then, I've been on it for at least 30 minutes every single day. My heart rate would be crazy-high at first, but has already somewhat adjusted to the new demands I'm putting on it. This elliptical has one of those chest straps that wirelessly monitors your heart rate the entire time. SO COOL!

I always start strong when it comes to a new healthy habit or routine. It's the long-term stuff that I have trouble with. I'm hoping I can make this a regular part of my day, even though I feel the need to fight any form of routine and most of the 'have to's' so many days.

I'm my own worst enemy, I'm afriad.

For now, I will always try to squeeze in 30 minutes a day. I've spent more time than that trying to get my Farm Town farm to load up on Facebook! (Don't judge me.) I do seem to have more energy and I'm sweating like a...I don't know what I'm sweating like. I manage to stay still enough most days so that I never have to know about the whole 'sweating thing.' Seriously, I'm as lazy as they come, I'm afraid!

Well, the longer I type, the longer it will take for me to get ready to conquer that elliptical. And my day goes so much more smoothly once that's behind me.

Soon enough, I'm sure this thing will be tucked into a corner with laundry hanging off it. Isn't that what home exercise equipment is ultimately for?

Due to the Current Economy-Part 1

I've had a few requests to share with you my recipe for homemade laundry soap. Well, it's not *technically* mine, I found it HERE, which was a link sent to me by a friend. I did read through all the comments, though, and take bits and pieces from some of them.

First of all, I used half a bar of Fels Naptha instead of regular soap. Actually, I used regular bar soap for my first two batches, then I decided to switch it up with the Fels Naptha. I like that the Fels Naptha grates more easily than regular bar soap. I actually turns into crumbs and makes it that much easier to dissolve in the simmering water.

After I follow the directions I got from THIS SITE, I switched it up a bit. Instead of leaving it in the bucket to set up for the 24 hours, I immediately funnel the freshly-mixed goo into three old Tide bottles that I never managed to dispose of.

Yeah, this is one of those rare moments when procrastination actually pays off. Not usually the case for me, but YAY ME!

The recipe makes a little more than three gallons of laundry soap. Since it's not the fancy schmancy concentrated stuff that you can find in the stores, it takes a whole cup for each load. Needless to say, it doesn't last nearly as long. But, for the couple of dollars it takes to make the stuff, it's totally worth it to me! Those bottles of Tide cost me almost twenty bucks each and I was still buying one almost once a month!

With this last batch, I even went a little above and beyond and added some essential oils to the batch. Just a little, but it makes it smell yummy.

I haven't actually bought laundry soap in about three months. Yes, I go through a little less than three gallons a month, but it only costs a couple of dollars and twenty minutes of my time to MAKE the three gallons. My clothes seem to be just as clean as they were with the Tide. I still have to pretreat with the usual stain fighters, but that's always going to be the case. I've found a few recipes for making my own stain fighters, but I haven't tried them out yet.

I have, however, also learned how to make my own fabric softener. I've played around with a couple of different recipes, but haven't found *the one* as of yet. I still use what I make, but I know it could be better.

So, stay tuned for more things that I've discovered along the way on my journey of being more efficient.

I might even make this a regular thing...

Compliments of the Satellite Installers, I think!

I waited at a neighbor's house for someone to come and install their satellite stuff while they were at work. This dish was on the house to begin with.

Needless to say, a different company installed it this time. They took the old dish down, and it was left lying on the side of the house just like this. And I apologize for the quality of the picture, I took it on my cell phone.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

As far as satellite service goes, I don't really have a preference. I have cable.