Its the time of year to give and to receive.
Ducky's Wishlist
Things I would like others to do:
1) I would like everyone to find a way to give back to their community
check out: http://www.communitywishbook.com/ its a directory of not for profit agencies in the Rochester, NY area that serve to help others. These agencies often rely on the generosity of volunteers with their time and public donations of money and goods.
Some of my favorite organizations are:
Lollypop Farm
to donate go to:
http://www.lollypop.org/org/org6.asp?ssid=&orgid=6&storyTypeID=&sid=&
AIDS Rochester
to donate go to:
http://www.aidsrochester.org/donate.htm
Lifespan
http://www.lifespan-roch.org/
2) Check on an elderly neighbor.
3) Cancel a credit card
4) Buy something organic
5) Dont stand to close to the person at the ATM in front of you. It makes them nervous.
6) Shop a little less at the mall and wal-mart and a little more at indy stores
Lest you think I am entirely too altruistic these are things I want:
7) DUCK TAPE!!! seriously, its a specific kind
http://www.duckproducts.com/products/subcategory.asp?CatID=4&SubID=20
easy stick permanent adhesive rollers. This stuff is like crack I go through a ton of it. I buy it in big packs at wal-mart (yeah, see #6, I know )
8) Search Duck at Etsy.com and I probably want it.
9) A kayak with blocks, a paddle, and a pfd.
10) The perfect accessory for Kayaking: Wine
My favorite locals:
Liquid Wisdom!!! http://hickoryhollowwine.net/page/14hcm/Our_wines.html
I've beet hot on the Banty Red, but have always loved the Pink Catawba http://www.bullyhill.com/
11) Books, the kind with pages and words is that specific enough?
I love books. I am currently lusting after the second book in the Fabelhaven series and the last book in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfield.
www.bookmooch.com
www.paperbackswap.com
www.amazon.com
12) Music- I love hearing other peoples favorite music and finding new artists I love.
13) Handmade gifts
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Ducky Does Eats
I have blogged so many times in my head. I figured out that unless I actually type it here It doesn't make it to paper, so to speak. Well I was at a restaurant recently and I wanted to give it a review.
I went to "King David's Restaurant (The Best in Middle Eastern and Greek Food)" with Momma Duck. This is located at the New Park Point complex at RIT. They are open m-tr 11:00-9:00 f-Sa 11:00-10:00 and sun 12:00-7:00. We got there right at 11 for an early lunch and we were the only ones there. Lunch dinning was order at a counter and seat yourself. The decor was Mediterranean and seating was plentiful and comfortable with options for booths or tables. We ordered from the "A La Carte" menu getting the Vegetarian Plate ($7.95) and the Spanikopita ($7.75). Their menu is available wioth descriptions at kingdavids.com. We really enjoyed everything we ordered except for the Tabbouleh but to be fair we think maybe we just don't like Tabbouleh. They have a very diverse menu and we will go back to try new things. I am most curious about the baklava desserts because I make a very good baklava and I like to taste my competition.
I went to "King David's Restaurant (The Best in Middle Eastern and Greek Food)" with Momma Duck. This is located at the New Park Point complex at RIT. They are open m-tr 11:00-9:00 f-Sa 11:00-10:00 and sun 12:00-7:00. We got there right at 11 for an early lunch and we were the only ones there. Lunch dinning was order at a counter and seat yourself. The decor was Mediterranean and seating was plentiful and comfortable with options for booths or tables. We ordered from the "A La Carte" menu getting the Vegetarian Plate ($7.95) and the Spanikopita ($7.75). Their menu is available wioth descriptions at kingdavids.com. We really enjoyed everything we ordered except for the Tabbouleh but to be fair we think maybe we just don't like Tabbouleh. They have a very diverse menu and we will go back to try new things. I am most curious about the baklava desserts because I make a very good baklava and I like to taste my competition.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ducky does gardening
We are getting ready to put our garden into the ground. I have my tomato seedlings hardened off and everything else is going in by seed. I was geocaching recently when I came across a garden in the woods and some strangers offered me spinach and radishes. Other than making for a good story I found out about "The Geneseo Food Project" which includes a community garden. More information can be found here: http://www.geneseo.edu/CMS/display.php?page=6568&dpt=gfp. I signed up for the list serve so I can see how this develops. It sounds great, the veggies were tasty, and the people I met were really kind.
Another community action plug: Check out http://www.communitywishbook.com/. Its a website directory of Rochester area not-for-profit agencies looking for donations of goods or volunteer time. Check it out! Maybe you can help them and help yourself by getting rid of things you don't need.
Another community action plug: Check out http://www.communitywishbook.com/. Its a website directory of Rochester area not-for-profit agencies looking for donations of goods or volunteer time. Check it out! Maybe you can help them and help yourself by getting rid of things you don't need.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Run Ducky Run!
I have been meaning to get into running for most of my life now. The puppy and I get "Runners World" magazines and I love reading about running so I decided it was time to do something about wanting to run. I read that sometimes you need to schedule a race before you even start training in order to give yourself the motivation to start training. Well Puppy and I have planned on doing the Medved 10 Ugly Men 5k Race: http://www.medvedrunwalk.com/events.asp?action=view&ID=68
The first thing I did was go to Fleet Feet Rochester: http://www.fleetfeetrochester.com/
They measured my feet and suggested some running sneakers. They had me try them on and they watched me walk on a treadmill to make sure they worked for my feet. This was a very pleasurable experience. The staff was helpful, they asked questions, and really tailored the experience to my needs. As a larger runner I was worried that their would be a hint of skepticism in their assistance but their was none. I got home with my new Asics and hopped online certain I would find them cheaper but I was pleasantly surprised to realize I got a better deal (when you account for shipping fees) at Fleet Feet than I could find online. I also impulse purchased 2 pairs of Balega wool running socks for $18 total for 2 pair. I love these socks. They keep my feet cool in 90+ degree weather.
To start training I downloaded "Couch to 5k" running podcasts
Program info: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Podcasts: http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page6/page6.html
From Roberts site: "When I decided it was time to get back in shape I looked around at the options, I found the "Couch to 5K" program at coolrunning.com. The only problem with the plan was that every week had a different running schedule. To help, I developed these podcasts to help with all the different pace changes. I hope you like them."
And I do like them. He tells you what to do (running/walking/warm-up/cool-down) and when and for how long. Tie that in with some peppy music and you have a running success story. I have only completed the first week but its really fun to do it with the pod casts. I am certainly a beginning runner. I still weight quite a bit at 266 pounds (down from 357) and I found that I was able to keep up with the program in the first week. My plan is to keep advancing week to week and if I reach a point that I can't run all the running parts I will go back a week until I can progress. I think the big thing that will make me successful this time is not starting out too quickly and getting burned out.
I am also following a 5k training schedule I found in "Runners World" that consists of 5k training 3 days a week on alternating days, 3 days a week of cross training (I like geocaching, swimming, and biking), and one day off. I plan to eventually add in strength training but I am also trying to make lasting changes by adding things slowly and making them habits before adding new things.
Signed happily: A running Duck
The first thing I did was go to Fleet Feet Rochester: http://www.fleetfeetrochester.com/
They measured my feet and suggested some running sneakers. They had me try them on and they watched me walk on a treadmill to make sure they worked for my feet. This was a very pleasurable experience. The staff was helpful, they asked questions, and really tailored the experience to my needs. As a larger runner I was worried that their would be a hint of skepticism in their assistance but their was none. I got home with my new Asics and hopped online certain I would find them cheaper but I was pleasantly surprised to realize I got a better deal (when you account for shipping fees) at Fleet Feet than I could find online. I also impulse purchased 2 pairs of Balega wool running socks for $18 total for 2 pair. I love these socks. They keep my feet cool in 90+ degree weather.
To start training I downloaded "Couch to 5k" running podcasts
Program info: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Podcasts: http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page6/page6.html
From Roberts site: "When I decided it was time to get back in shape I looked around at the options, I found the "Couch to 5K" program at coolrunning.com. The only problem with the plan was that every week had a different running schedule. To help, I developed these podcasts to help with all the different pace changes. I hope you like them."
And I do like them. He tells you what to do (running/walking/warm-up/cool-down) and when and for how long. Tie that in with some peppy music and you have a running success story. I have only completed the first week but its really fun to do it with the pod casts. I am certainly a beginning runner. I still weight quite a bit at 266 pounds (down from 357) and I found that I was able to keep up with the program in the first week. My plan is to keep advancing week to week and if I reach a point that I can't run all the running parts I will go back a week until I can progress. I think the big thing that will make me successful this time is not starting out too quickly and getting burned out.
I am also following a 5k training schedule I found in "Runners World" that consists of 5k training 3 days a week on alternating days, 3 days a week of cross training (I like geocaching, swimming, and biking), and one day off. I plan to eventually add in strength training but I am also trying to make lasting changes by adding things slowly and making them habits before adding new things.
Signed happily: A running Duck
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ducky Did School!
I did it! I am finally done with school. On May 16th I get to pick up my diploma. I got my MSW from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work program. If you are interested in finding out more about my experience in the program drop me a line.
I am now looking for employment and reading furiously to tamp down my TBR pile. Seriously, books would take over my life and not let me out of the house if I didn't contain them. The book I Read yesterday was The Clique by Lisi Harrison. Very vapid reading, perfect for my school fried brain.
Last night the puppy and I went out to dinner to celebrate the end of school. We went to P.F. Chang's. http://www.pfchangs.com/ I got the Ma Po Tofu and puppy got Chicken Lettuce Wraps which she already knew she liked. I was only able to eat about 1/4 of my dinner but it was good! Meals here could get pricey if you start ordering meat dishes but the apps are enough for a meal and the veggie dishes are reasonably priced.
I am now looking for employment and reading furiously to tamp down my TBR pile. Seriously, books would take over my life and not let me out of the house if I didn't contain them. The book I Read yesterday was The Clique by Lisi Harrison. Very vapid reading, perfect for my school fried brain.
Last night the puppy and I went out to dinner to celebrate the end of school. We went to P.F. Chang's. http://www.pfchangs.com/ I got the Ma Po Tofu and puppy got Chicken Lettuce Wraps which she already knew she liked. I was only able to eat about 1/4 of my dinner but it was good! Meals here could get pricey if you start ordering meat dishes but the apps are enough for a meal and the veggie dishes are reasonably priced.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ducky Does Breakfast
I had RNY gastric bypass surgery on March 5th, 2008. I have been trying a lot of new food products and a new favorite is Kashi Go Lean. I can only eat about 2 tablespoons of it right now but it is very high in both fiber and protein. I like to mix it into my yogurt but I also look forward to having it with my Wegmans Organic Soymilk.
It is available at Amazon subscribe and save for $3.33 a box but you get 6 boxes at a time and free shipping.
I also have to plug the subscribe and save program. I signed up to get my vitamin supplements this way and they will automatically send them to my house every 6 months. I get my iron and B12 this way. You have to compare amazon's prices with your local stores but so far I have found Amazon usually wins out as long as your purchase qualifys for free shipping.
Ingredients: Soy Protein, Soy Grits, Corn Bran, Corn, Evaporated Cane Juice, Honey, Whole Oats, Long Grain Brown Rice, Whole Rye, Whole Hard Red Winter Wheat, Whole Triticale, Whole Buckwheat, Whole Barley, Wheat Bran, Oat Bran, Whey, Sesame Seeds, Salt
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 140
Calories from Fat: 10
Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 1g (2%)
Saturated Fat: 0g (0%)
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg (0%)
Sodium: 85mg (4%)
Potassium: 480mg (14%)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (10%)
Dietary Fiber: 10g (40%)
Soluble Fiber: 1g
Insoluble Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 13g (20%)
Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Phosphorus: 10%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your calorie needs.
Kashi at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kashi-GOLEAN-Cereal-14-1-Ounce-Boxes/dp/B000FNJOO0/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1208097339&sr=1-18
It is available at Amazon subscribe and save for $3.33 a box but you get 6 boxes at a time and free shipping.
I also have to plug the subscribe and save program. I signed up to get my vitamin supplements this way and they will automatically send them to my house every 6 months. I get my iron and B12 this way. You have to compare amazon's prices with your local stores but so far I have found Amazon usually wins out as long as your purchase qualifys for free shipping.
Ingredients: Soy Protein, Soy Grits, Corn Bran, Corn, Evaporated Cane Juice, Honey, Whole Oats, Long Grain Brown Rice, Whole Rye, Whole Hard Red Winter Wheat, Whole Triticale, Whole Buckwheat, Whole Barley, Wheat Bran, Oat Bran, Whey, Sesame Seeds, Salt
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 140
Calories from Fat: 10
Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 1g (2%)
Saturated Fat: 0g (0%)
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg (0%)
Sodium: 85mg (4%)
Potassium: 480mg (14%)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (10%)
Dietary Fiber: 10g (40%)
Soluble Fiber: 1g
Insoluble Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 13g (20%)
Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Phosphorus: 10%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your calorie needs.
Kashi at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Kashi-GOLEAN-Cereal-14-1-Ounce-Boxes/dp/B000FNJOO0/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1208097339&sr=1-18
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Emerging from Hibernation
I am getting ready to stretch my wings and fly...except I just learned that when I fell last month I fractured my ankle. So I have a big boot thing on my leg for a little while. This means I have to hold off on those adventurous geocaches.
The quick rundown of what geocaching is--People hide small to medium sized containers outside and locations run from urban to rural to downright wilderness. In the container is a log book for signing in when you find the cache and sometimes some small trinkets (my favorite is when I find rubber duckies). The person who hides the cache takes the gps coordinates of the location and posts them online. Then suckers like me set out to find them.
What I love about geocaching is that its great exercise, cheap as long as you don't enter the "gotta have the newest/best/fanciest gps" race. It takes you to places you never knew existed but are only a drive around the corner, and you meet really great friends.
The GPS systems I have tried and liked:
Garmin Etrex Legend
This is my little easy to use unit. It was so simple to use that I didn't read the manual. It doesn't pick up satellites inside or in deep gulleys. It has an electronic compass so you have to keep moving for navigation accuracy but if you are just getting into the sport and aren't sure if its your thing this is a good starter model. I think its rugged and has held up to some beating but I know of 2 people who dropped theirs in water and it was a little less than normal after than even tough it is water resistant and submersible in something approximating 5ft of water for 30 minutes (I would have to check the manual to confirm the exact limits). I would go ahead and get the case for it too.
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
Garmin Nuvi 350
This is more of a navigation system and this little puppy stays in the car. The only thing I think can be improved is sound quality. It has an mp3 player but the sound quality is poor enough that I would prefer to listen to the radio. Others may disagree but this is not an essential piece to be able to geocache BUT if you try it you will be hooked (fair warning).
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
The holiest of holy GPS units prayed to by many is...
Garmin (see a trend here? I swear their are other manufacturers we just like garmin)
GPSMap 60 csx
This little crack rock will get satellites inside a building and anywhere outside. No dense forest, rock walls, or tall buildings will thwart its efforts to bring you clear reception. I thinks its more confusing to use but hey the addicts get used to it. Don't borrow one unless you are willing to buy one that night. This gps doesn't have a good case. Some prefer just to have it naked with screen protectors because the case covers up buttons and ports. If you are going to get an accessory get the car mount.
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
And a note on PC Nation: Of course always shop around but they have always had the best prices when I look. Shipping is fast and I have been happy with them and I was referred to them from a friend who is also always happy.
The quick rundown of what geocaching is--People hide small to medium sized containers outside and locations run from urban to rural to downright wilderness. In the container is a log book for signing in when you find the cache and sometimes some small trinkets (my favorite is when I find rubber duckies). The person who hides the cache takes the gps coordinates of the location and posts them online. Then suckers like me set out to find them.
What I love about geocaching is that its great exercise, cheap as long as you don't enter the "gotta have the newest/best/fanciest gps" race. It takes you to places you never knew existed but are only a drive around the corner, and you meet really great friends.
The GPS systems I have tried and liked:
Garmin Etrex Legend
This is my little easy to use unit. It was so simple to use that I didn't read the manual. It doesn't pick up satellites inside or in deep gulleys. It has an electronic compass so you have to keep moving for navigation accuracy but if you are just getting into the sport and aren't sure if its your thing this is a good starter model. I think its rugged and has held up to some beating but I know of 2 people who dropped theirs in water and it was a little less than normal after than even tough it is water resistant and submersible in something approximating 5ft of water for 30 minutes (I would have to check the manual to confirm the exact limits). I would go ahead and get the case for it too.
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
Garmin Nuvi 350
This is more of a navigation system and this little puppy stays in the car. The only thing I think can be improved is sound quality. It has an mp3 player but the sound quality is poor enough that I would prefer to listen to the radio. Others may disagree but this is not an essential piece to be able to geocache BUT if you try it you will be hooked (fair warning).
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
The holiest of holy GPS units prayed to by many is...
Garmin (see a trend here? I swear their are other manufacturers we just like garmin)
GPSMap 60 csx
This little crack rock will get satellites inside a building and anywhere outside. No dense forest, rock walls, or tall buildings will thwart its efforts to bring you clear reception. I thinks its more confusing to use but hey the addicts get used to it. Don't borrow one unless you are willing to buy one that night. This gps doesn't have a good case. Some prefer just to have it naked with screen protectors because the case covers up buttons and ports. If you are going to get an accessory get the car mount.
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=6G0230&GEN0=Y
And a note on PC Nation: Of course always shop around but they have always had the best prices when I look. Shipping is fast and I have been happy with them and I was referred to them from a friend who is also always happy.
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