Andy & I went to eat some Chinese (Lo-Mein - a favorite) at Long Cheng's and then went to Javalive (a coffeeshop) to see their free live entertainment, Kicking Pharmeceuticals (a punk band).
Saturday, we drove to the Cities so that Andy could pick up some parts for his project car. They we stopped at a new natural food store & an Aveda salon on the way home. Dinner was at Timberlodge.
Sunday I went to a babyshower and that was the highlight of my day.
A pretty dull weekend if I may say.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Week 5 of 8-week Plan
Ok - Now you need to add the following to what you are already doing.
Note: There were optional items that you can do each week, but they are optional (like fasting) and I did not include them in my list. You can buy the book if you want to find out what they are and do them.
Add: ginger tea, increase walking to 30 minutes, increase news fast to 3 days, listen to uplifting music, take a sauna.
I am actually enjoying the news fasts and am really enjoying the flowers.
Note: There were optional items that you can do each week, but they are optional (like fasting) and I did not include them in my list. You can buy the book if you want to find out what they are and do them.
Add: ginger tea, increase walking to 30 minutes, increase news fast to 3 days, listen to uplifting music, take a sauna.
I am actually enjoying the news fasts and am really enjoying the flowers.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Plastic Surgery
Tonight I was watching this show on Discovery Health about Plastic Surgeries before and after and this one woman got a breast augmentation because 1) her breasts were different sizes and 2) they were very droppy. The doctor doing the consultation and surgery measured the droop in her breasts and said that they want the breast at about 22" (measuring from the collar bone to the nipple). This woman on the show was measuring 31". Wow! That's 9 additional inches of droop. That's crazy. Of course I had to measure mine and see where I was at. I'm fine.
I am starting to notice lines on my forehead more now. I am not sure if they have already been there. Not noticing any wrinkles, just the lines. But now I will watch if they get worse or are just there. I wouldn't be opposed to plastic surgery in the future if I felt I needed it, but that time is not right now.
I am starting to notice lines on my forehead more now. I am not sure if they have already been there. Not noticing any wrinkles, just the lines. But now I will watch if they get worse or are just there. I wouldn't be opposed to plastic surgery in the future if I felt I needed it, but that time is not right now.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Week 4 of the 8-week plan
Soemthing have been easy to do, others a little more challenging, and other things I have already been doing.
So, as before, add this to what you have already been doing:
* Eat more garlic
* Increse walking to 25 minutes
* Contact someone with a healing (healed) experience
* Get an Air filter (at least one for the bedroom)
* Check out your bedroom & mattress and make sure there is no disturbances and you can sleep comfortably
Last week I was not able to get in the 5 times walking. I only did my walking 3 times and did yoga once. I have no excuse worthy of typing why I did not complete the rest.
I have been liking buying fresh flowers. Today I bought a pot with pink tulips in them. The potted plant cost as much as the cut flowers and they are just beautiful. Almost makes me forget about all that snow outside.
I've been trying to cut back on the exposure to news, as it does seem like everytime you see a commercial for a news program they are telling you about how your children (or yourself) are all going to die and you better tune in to find out what you can do to prevent that. I can do without all that.
And I didn't really replace meat twice a meat with soy products, I just started adding them in, like soy milk, black soy beans, mix some tofu in the scrambled eggs, etc. Although I have really started to watch the portion sizes of the meat I am serving and keeping them to reasonable portion sizes (3-4 oz.)
I did notice that when I didn't take my vitamins this morning (& waited to this afternoon) that my energy was zapped and the flowers to make me feel nice.
So, as before, add this to what you have already been doing:
* Eat more garlic
* Increse walking to 25 minutes
* Contact someone with a healing (healed) experience
* Get an Air filter (at least one for the bedroom)
* Check out your bedroom & mattress and make sure there is no disturbances and you can sleep comfortably
Last week I was not able to get in the 5 times walking. I only did my walking 3 times and did yoga once. I have no excuse worthy of typing why I did not complete the rest.
I have been liking buying fresh flowers. Today I bought a pot with pink tulips in them. The potted plant cost as much as the cut flowers and they are just beautiful. Almost makes me forget about all that snow outside.
I've been trying to cut back on the exposure to news, as it does seem like everytime you see a commercial for a news program they are telling you about how your children (or yourself) are all going to die and you better tune in to find out what you can do to prevent that. I can do without all that.
And I didn't really replace meat twice a meat with soy products, I just started adding them in, like soy milk, black soy beans, mix some tofu in the scrambled eggs, etc. Although I have really started to watch the portion sizes of the meat I am serving and keeping them to reasonable portion sizes (3-4 oz.)
I did notice that when I didn't take my vitamins this morning (& waited to this afternoon) that my energy was zapped and the flowers to make me feel nice.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
A Good 8 Inches
Ok. So, maybe it wasn't 8 inches. I didn't measure it. It could have been 7 inches, or it might have been 9 inches for all I know. All I know is that it's the biggest I've had all year. I think it had Andy baffled too, as he was pushing it all over the place on both Friday & Saturday. And Andy was so willing to offer his services. I am sure the neighbors really appreciated it. And when he was done, they could just go about their business. He even offered his services to the little old lady with the bad back who lives across the road. After Andy was done she was not going to have a bad back that night. Although, he didn't really offer, it was more of he just went ahed and did it. You should see all the piles of white stuff all over the place. It's just amazing. I would have never thought there would have been so much, and that was just from Friday. I am still not sure what we are going to do with all those piles. I was playing around with it, but it's not the good sticky kind that you can make balls with. So, after I was done throwing it at the dog I was done with it.
We pretty much had to stay inside all Friday because of it. It just would not stop. It was about over when we decided to go to bed, but that is when all the blowing started. I am not sure I am ready for anymore, but it might be happening again this week. I hope that this time we just don't get so much snow. You knew that was what I was talking about all along - didn't you?
We pretty much had to stay inside all Friday because of it. It just would not stop. It was about over when we decided to go to bed, but that is when all the blowing started. I am not sure I am ready for anymore, but it might be happening again this week. I hope that this time we just don't get so much snow. You knew that was what I was talking about all along - didn't you?
The Milk Man Delivers
It's for the Twin Cities area and does not go any further south than Lakeville/Elko. Andy & I saw the milkman truck when we were last in the Cities and I was just reading about it in one of my mags and thought I would check out what's online about it - and sure enough. You can get fresh milk delivered to your house the same day. I am so jealous we can't get this.
Dumb Ass Ways to NOT Break the Law
If you are going to break the law and get caught, then be a dumb ass about it so that we have something entertaining to read about in the paper and talk about it at work. Here are the Dumb Ass Ways to NOT Break the Law:
1) If you are going to steal beer, don't pass out at the scene.
2) If you are going to be transporting drugs, don't commit minor traffic violations.
3) If you are going to pass yourself as an actor, make sure you know what country they are from.
4) If you rob someone, don't call them back and ask for a date.
5) If you are in prison, take what you get. Beggars can't be choosers.
6) If you are going to sue Mc Donald's, make sure they don't have a reason to counter sue.
7) If you are working security at an airport, make sure you don't get caught stealing. Who is the security from airport security?
8) If you don't want to get arrested for animal cruelty, then don't bring a van full of sick & dead animals to the police.
9) If you want to keep your kid, don't dangle them out of a window. You are not Michael Jackson and don't have the money to pay many lawyers to get you out of trouble.
10) If you are going to chase down a bus because they forgot your kid, you might as well just drive them there yourself. Don't be such a Dumb Ass!
1) If you are going to steal beer, don't pass out at the scene.
2) If you are going to be transporting drugs, don't commit minor traffic violations.
3) If you are going to pass yourself as an actor, make sure you know what country they are from.
4) If you rob someone, don't call them back and ask for a date.
5) If you are in prison, take what you get. Beggars can't be choosers.
6) If you are going to sue Mc Donald's, make sure they don't have a reason to counter sue.
7) If you are working security at an airport, make sure you don't get caught stealing. Who is the security from airport security?
8) If you don't want to get arrested for animal cruelty, then don't bring a van full of sick & dead animals to the police.
9) If you want to keep your kid, don't dangle them out of a window. You are not Michael Jackson and don't have the money to pay many lawyers to get you out of trouble.
10) If you are going to chase down a bus because they forgot your kid, you might as well just drive them there yourself. Don't be such a Dumb Ass!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Too Young for a Baby?
This whole post was spurred on by a comment I was going to leave here:
As a disclaimer: I am not against those who have children; I'm against the pressure on me to have children. I don't intend to offend anyone with my post.
I'm turning 28 pretty soon and am childless and know what you are talking about. I want kids sometime in the future and we're talking about it, about starting to try in about a year and even though I am thrilled at the prospect of being a mom I am also scared out of my wits. I'm too young to be a mom. I feel like a kid myself yet, but I know seeing my age makes some people think "Why are you still waiting?" All of my co-workers are older than I am and all have kids and make me feel bad that I have a social life and buy new purses and and shoes like it's nothing. There are some days I feel completly like SJP's character, Carrie, in Sex in the City , with the exception that I am a little bit more settled (have a husband & a house.)
I have co-workers asking me "When are you having kids? You know you aren't getting any younger." Gee! Thanks for reminding me. I never felt old before this year. It's like the closer I get to 30, please need to remind me of that fact. The good thing is that all my co-workers are older than me and I can remind them that they are still older than me.
But then I get the comment from a co-worker "What's wrong? Are you guys having trouble conceiving?" WTF? The dude that asked me that was someone I had only been working with for a couple of months. I tell him that we are not even trying and are still in the practicing stage and aren't quite ready yet, as we are still young. He then goes on to tell me that all of his adult children (who are younger than me) have babies and that I am not getting any younger and I should think about starting soon.
But you know - things change with a baby. Like right now I would not be able to put the amaretto creme liqour in this morning's coffee (or even drink my occasional cup of coffee while being pregnant.)
Yes, I am getting older and people are reminding me of it. My MIL even gave me a Sweet Potato Queens Book (which is a whole other post, as I am still analyzing why she gave me this book as a present anyways) and it's a constant reminder that YOU ARE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER! But I am just turning 28! I am not there yet, and I am not 30 either.
I had a conversation just yesterday with a co-worker who is 36 and unmarried and at her last gyno appointment they brought up that she is not getting any younger and does she want to make her birth control permanent. Apparently, there is a new method that does not require surgery in which the fallopian tubes get plugged up and prevent you from getting pregnant. She totally freaked and was like, "Wow! I know I am nearing 40, but permanent birth control. I am not sure I am ready to give up on the idea of being a mom in the future."
Now, next Sunday I am going to a baby shower for a co-worker, who in her mid-30's is having her first child and was just married 9 months ago. I am already prepared for the questions of when I will be with child.
On the positive side of becoming pregnant - I can blame my continued weight gain on the pregnancy rather than own up that I just don't work out enough, have a pretty sedentary job, and enjoy sinful & rich foods.
I see how much kids change the lives of my friends - for good and for bad - and well, I see how they cramp the styles of the childless. I think I just got used to my life the way it is right now and don't want to change anything quite yet. I still have some childless memories to enjoy.
But until then I am sure there will be plenty more personally invasive questions about my child-bearing status, more not-so-subtle hints from the MIL, more constant reminders that I am getting OLD, and more guilt trips that I buy stuff for myself. Luckily though, I think my mom is even less ready to be a grandma, so the pressure is not coming from her. She seems to avoid the conversations about us having children, although I know with my youngest sister's wedding & shower happening this summer I will get plenty of questions from aunts & cousins asking when we are having children and reminding me that I have been married for almost 4 years (although, silently I will be thinking that I chose to plan out my life more, pursue a career and become financially stable first rather than trap a guy, make mistakes, and be forever and continually strapped for cash and have to depend upon my parents to financially support my unplanned or naively planned family.) (Wow! That was a load off.)
So, I am sure I am not too young to have a baby, but I am not too old either and it will happen when we are ready or when God thinks its about time (& if that happens, then we will be ready.)
As a disclaimer: I am not against those who have children; I'm against the pressure on me to have children. I don't intend to offend anyone with my post.
I'm turning 28 pretty soon and am childless and know what you are talking about. I want kids sometime in the future and we're talking about it, about starting to try in about a year and even though I am thrilled at the prospect of being a mom I am also scared out of my wits. I'm too young to be a mom. I feel like a kid myself yet, but I know seeing my age makes some people think "Why are you still waiting?" All of my co-workers are older than I am and all have kids and make me feel bad that I have a social life and buy new purses and and shoes like it's nothing. There are some days I feel completly like SJP's character, Carrie, in Sex in the City , with the exception that I am a little bit more settled (have a husband & a house.)
I have co-workers asking me "When are you having kids? You know you aren't getting any younger." Gee! Thanks for reminding me. I never felt old before this year. It's like the closer I get to 30, please need to remind me of that fact. The good thing is that all my co-workers are older than me and I can remind them that they are still older than me.
But then I get the comment from a co-worker "What's wrong? Are you guys having trouble conceiving?" WTF? The dude that asked me that was someone I had only been working with for a couple of months. I tell him that we are not even trying and are still in the practicing stage and aren't quite ready yet, as we are still young. He then goes on to tell me that all of his adult children (who are younger than me) have babies and that I am not getting any younger and I should think about starting soon.
But you know - things change with a baby. Like right now I would not be able to put the amaretto creme liqour in this morning's coffee (or even drink my occasional cup of coffee while being pregnant.)
Yes, I am getting older and people are reminding me of it. My MIL even gave me a Sweet Potato Queens Book (which is a whole other post, as I am still analyzing why she gave me this book as a present anyways) and it's a constant reminder that YOU ARE NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER! But I am just turning 28! I am not there yet, and I am not 30 either.
I had a conversation just yesterday with a co-worker who is 36 and unmarried and at her last gyno appointment they brought up that she is not getting any younger and does she want to make her birth control permanent. Apparently, there is a new method that does not require surgery in which the fallopian tubes get plugged up and prevent you from getting pregnant. She totally freaked and was like, "Wow! I know I am nearing 40, but permanent birth control. I am not sure I am ready to give up on the idea of being a mom in the future."
Now, next Sunday I am going to a baby shower for a co-worker, who in her mid-30's is having her first child and was just married 9 months ago. I am already prepared for the questions of when I will be with child.
On the positive side of becoming pregnant - I can blame my continued weight gain on the pregnancy rather than own up that I just don't work out enough, have a pretty sedentary job, and enjoy sinful & rich foods.
I see how much kids change the lives of my friends - for good and for bad - and well, I see how they cramp the styles of the childless. I think I just got used to my life the way it is right now and don't want to change anything quite yet. I still have some childless memories to enjoy.
But until then I am sure there will be plenty more personally invasive questions about my child-bearing status, more not-so-subtle hints from the MIL, more constant reminders that I am getting OLD, and more guilt trips that I buy stuff for myself. Luckily though, I think my mom is even less ready to be a grandma, so the pressure is not coming from her. She seems to avoid the conversations about us having children, although I know with my youngest sister's wedding & shower happening this summer I will get plenty of questions from aunts & cousins asking when we are having children and reminding me that I have been married for almost 4 years (although, silently I will be thinking that I chose to plan out my life more, pursue a career and become financially stable first rather than trap a guy, make mistakes, and be forever and continually strapped for cash and have to depend upon my parents to financially support my unplanned or naively planned family.) (Wow! That was a load off.)
So, I am sure I am not too young to have a baby, but I am not too old either and it will happen when we are ready or when God thinks its about time (& if that happens, then we will be ready.)
Links Worth Taking a Look at
I was looking through my bookmarks and was organizing them and thought I had some links that others might be interested in. So, here's what I got:
Loan Calulators
Philadelphia Travel Guide (complete w/ discounts - Yea!)
Generous Travel Adventures (Buy a donated travel package and proceeds go to charity. FYI - package on there for rafting on Peshtigo River through Kosir's Rapid Rafts)
Online Calorie Counter (Also, tracks exercise too!)
Be In A Movie!
List of Businesses that Give you Free Stuff on your Birthday
Amusement Advantage (Secret Shopping @ an Amusement Park, although none currently in MN)
Mystery Shop Providers Association (great place to get started finding companies to secret shop for)
Real.com (downloads w/ Realplayer for 49 cents a song)
Random Url (blog that links you to random things - kinda interesting)
Loan Calulators
Philadelphia Travel Guide (complete w/ discounts - Yea!)
Generous Travel Adventures (Buy a donated travel package and proceeds go to charity. FYI - package on there for rafting on Peshtigo River through Kosir's Rapid Rafts)
Online Calorie Counter (Also, tracks exercise too!)
Be In A Movie!
List of Businesses that Give you Free Stuff on your Birthday
Amusement Advantage (Secret Shopping @ an Amusement Park, although none currently in MN)
Mystery Shop Providers Association (great place to get started finding companies to secret shop for)
Real.com (downloads w/ Realplayer for 49 cents a song)
Random Url (blog that links you to random things - kinda interesting)
My Name
My name on my blog has been brought up for discussion once again. Here is my blog entry about how I got my name.
Seed Exchange
This Seed Exchange is in the Midwest, but there are plenty of other locations (even other countries). So, just surf around the site. I think this is a neat idea.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Alone in the Dark
Today was day 2 of 2 of my days and in our small community the theater is only open when kids are not in school (nights during week days and mights & matinees on weekends and when school is not in session.) Today was one of those school not in session days and I decided to go see White Noise.
A lot of the kids I work with went and saw when it opened and loved it and said it was freaky. So, I decided to see it today. But apparently other people forgot the theater was open, because I was the only person in that theater. So, here I am (sitting smack in the middle of the theater - makes it seem more like it's all for me then) alone in the dark watching a seriously freaky movie. It was a very good movie and if you like suspense you will like this. What I liked was just when you thought it was going to do one thing, it would do another. It literally and figuratively kept you on the edge of your seat.
Ok - gotta go finish my candy hearts. I bought a bag yesterday and they are almost all gone. Yes, I ate them all. Those things are addicting. I need to have my candy heart fix this time of the year, peeps at easter time, and candy corn at halloween time. Ok - they are gone now and my teeth hurt.
A lot of the kids I work with went and saw when it opened and loved it and said it was freaky. So, I decided to see it today. But apparently other people forgot the theater was open, because I was the only person in that theater. So, here I am (sitting smack in the middle of the theater - makes it seem more like it's all for me then) alone in the dark watching a seriously freaky movie. It was a very good movie and if you like suspense you will like this. What I liked was just when you thought it was going to do one thing, it would do another. It literally and figuratively kept you on the edge of your seat.
Ok - gotta go finish my candy hearts. I bought a bag yesterday and they are almost all gone. Yes, I ate them all. Those things are addicting. I need to have my candy heart fix this time of the year, peeps at easter time, and candy corn at halloween time. Ok - they are gone now and my teeth hurt.
Strawberry Bread Recipe
I got this recipe out of The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook vol. 2.
Strawberry Bread
Ingredients
1/2 C. butter
1 C sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs, separated
1 C crushed strawberries
2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Spray a 9"x5" pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and almond extract. Beat in egg yolks. Add strawberries and blend well.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into strawberry mixture alternately with the flour mixture. Turn the batter into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes on a rack. Makes 1 loaf.
Strawberry Bread
Ingredients
1/2 C. butter
1 C sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs, separated
1 C crushed strawberries
2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Spray a 9"x5" pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and almond extract. Beat in egg yolks. Add strawberries and blend well.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into strawberry mixture alternately with the flour mixture. Turn the batter into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes on a rack. Makes 1 loaf.
Monday, January 17, 2005
No More Burnt Rice
So, several years back it was burnt eggs. Did you ever forget about your eggs boiling in the water only to have them burn and explode all over the place and create a smelly mess? You would think after someone does this once and completly freaks everyone out because they are not sure where the smoke came from and why their is this awful smell of burnt sulfur and they are pretty sure they are going to die from some toxic gas, that they would learn to watch their eggs. But not me! I must have blew up about 5 pans of eggs before Andy politely requested that my brother-in-law who had my name for xmas a few years ago buy me an electric egg cooker.
I absolutly love it. I can make hardboiled eggs and poached eggs and it will stop cooking when it's out of water and no longer are there exploding eggs in my house.
But there have been a few instances of burnt rice, the most recently being last week. It totally sucked and the smell was stuck in my hair and just hung in the air in the house for days. It took several scented candles to remove that smell. I have a microwave rice cooker, but it is always overflowing with water all over in the microwave. It's a pain and I don't like to deal with it. I finally broke down and bought an electric rice cooker. I made rice tonight and it is fan-freaking-tastic. The rice is even sticky like it is when you get Chinese take-out. Yeah. No more burnt rice and no more burnt eggs. I think those are the only things I have trouble burning, so now things should be just fine.
I absolutly love it. I can make hardboiled eggs and poached eggs and it will stop cooking when it's out of water and no longer are there exploding eggs in my house.
But there have been a few instances of burnt rice, the most recently being last week. It totally sucked and the smell was stuck in my hair and just hung in the air in the house for days. It took several scented candles to remove that smell. I have a microwave rice cooker, but it is always overflowing with water all over in the microwave. It's a pain and I don't like to deal with it. I finally broke down and bought an electric rice cooker. I made rice tonight and it is fan-freaking-tastic. The rice is even sticky like it is when you get Chinese take-out. Yeah. No more burnt rice and no more burnt eggs. I think those are the only things I have trouble burning, so now things should be just fine.
Do you Understand?
So, I was driving around running on errands and I was thinking of words that if you take them apart you can figure out what they mean. So, one of the words I was perplexed by was -- understand.
Here's the defintion of under (basically means beneath, less than, or inferior), and then there is stand (basically means either upright, valid, or motionless), and finally there is understand (basically means to comprehend).
Just thoughts.
Here's the defintion of under (basically means beneath, less than, or inferior), and then there is stand (basically means either upright, valid, or motionless), and finally there is understand (basically means to comprehend).
Just thoughts.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Friggin' Freezin'
Ok - I wanna move. I just don't like this cold. If starting over wasn't such a pain in the ass I would move tomorrow. The below zero stuff is supposed to end on Tuesday, but is being followed by freezing rain.
So, Friday night we went to Andy's work holiday party. We opted to not stay at the hotel because of the below freezing temperatures and we did not want to make the dog stay outside in that. Freaking dog ruined everything. Although, we did have a good time. It's great having him work for a big technology retailer, because they can throw nice shindigs andgive away A LOT of stuff. All employees got $10 gift cards, choice of a DVD (on the table) and choice of technology accessory on the table, plus door prizes. Andy's name was one of the first ones chosen, so he got his pick early (which was a KLH speaker system worth about $350 - I think). He was pretty excited about that and set them up. The subwoofer on this set is so much better than our other one.
Saturday we sat inside all day and watched movies on cable. I am not sure I can remember all the movies we watched. Also did some more cooking, made this strawberry bread (kinda tastes like a strawberry angel food bread) and shrimp gumbo, and then spaghetti & a homemade meat sauce.
Today we did manage to get out of the house to run to Papa Murphy's to pick up a pizza. I spent about 2.5 hours rearranging the cupboards in the kitchen, watched some more movies (including "Mean Girls" - which was the DVD I had Andy pic out from the party), and Andy watched the Vikings get their asses handed to them (I just listened to him yelling at the TV - A LOT!)
And now I still have 2 days off of work - one for the holiday (MLK day) and one is a staff development day, but since I am contract I don't really have to go, so I am not.
So, Friday night we went to Andy's work holiday party. We opted to not stay at the hotel because of the below freezing temperatures and we did not want to make the dog stay outside in that. Freaking dog ruined everything. Although, we did have a good time. It's great having him work for a big technology retailer, because they can throw nice shindigs andgive away A LOT of stuff. All employees got $10 gift cards, choice of a DVD (on the table) and choice of technology accessory on the table, plus door prizes. Andy's name was one of the first ones chosen, so he got his pick early (which was a KLH speaker system worth about $350 - I think). He was pretty excited about that and set them up. The subwoofer on this set is so much better than our other one.
Saturday we sat inside all day and watched movies on cable. I am not sure I can remember all the movies we watched. Also did some more cooking, made this strawberry bread (kinda tastes like a strawberry angel food bread) and shrimp gumbo, and then spaghetti & a homemade meat sauce.
Today we did manage to get out of the house to run to Papa Murphy's to pick up a pizza. I spent about 2.5 hours rearranging the cupboards in the kitchen, watched some more movies (including "Mean Girls" - which was the DVD I had Andy pic out from the party), and Andy watched the Vikings get their asses handed to them (I just listened to him yelling at the TV - A LOT!)
And now I still have 2 days off of work - one for the holiday (MLK day) and one is a staff development day, but since I am contract I don't really have to go, so I am not.
Week 3 of 8-week plan
In addition to what you are doing for week 1 and week 2, now you need to add:
Another serving of fish
An extra serving of fruits or veggies
soy instead of meat 1x
Vitamin E
Selenium
Up walking to 20 minutes
Add stretching
Read an inspirational book
Make a list of friends you enjoy spending time with
Locate an organic food store
Stop using electric blankets & move alarm clock at least 1 ft. away from head
Another serving of fish
An extra serving of fruits or veggies
soy instead of meat 1x
Vitamin E
Selenium
Up walking to 20 minutes
Add stretching
Read an inspirational book
Make a list of friends you enjoy spending time with
Locate an organic food store
Stop using electric blankets & move alarm clock at least 1 ft. away from head
Monday, January 10, 2005
Freebies
TCBY frozen yogurt
Pacific Chai
Cooking CD-ROM
BOGO Hollywood Video Rental
ACT Mouthwash
Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash
Biz Laundry Detergent
Pacific Chai
Cooking CD-ROM
BOGO Hollywood Video Rental
ACT Mouthwash
Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash
Biz Laundry Detergent
Special Request: Veggie Recipes
Since I just made these I can remember what the recipes are (plus they are pretty simple):
SPINACH BALLS
1 box of frozen spinach (thawed)
1 C parmesan cheese
1 C fine dried bread crumbs
2 eggs
1-2 cloves minced garlic
salt & pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients. Form into 1" balls and place in pan. Freeze overnight (or at least 8 hours). Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until brown on both sides. Make sure to turn the balls after about 15 minutes. Serve with a spicy horseradish sauce.
Spicy Horseradish sauce
1 C mayo
1 tsp. horseradish
1/4 tsp. dill weed
5-10 drop of hot sauce
BAKED EGGPLANT
1 eggplant
1-2 large tomatoes
2/3 C shredded mozzerella cheese
olive oil
basil
salt
Slice eggplant in 1/2" slices and sprinkle with salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is best). The salt will make the eggplant "sweat" and cut the bitter flavor. After it is does "sweating", squeeze the excess water out of it; you might need to pull the eggplant back into shape. Place eggplant slices on greased baking sheet. Top with 1/4" slices of tomato. Sprinkle with olive oil and basil to taste. Bake @ 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. The last 2 minutes sprinkle with mozzerella cheese. Serve.
SPINACH BALLS
1 box of frozen spinach (thawed)
1 C parmesan cheese
1 C fine dried bread crumbs
2 eggs
1-2 cloves minced garlic
salt & pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients. Form into 1" balls and place in pan. Freeze overnight (or at least 8 hours). Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until brown on both sides. Make sure to turn the balls after about 15 minutes. Serve with a spicy horseradish sauce.
Spicy Horseradish sauce
1 C mayo
1 tsp. horseradish
1/4 tsp. dill weed
5-10 drop of hot sauce
BAKED EGGPLANT
1 eggplant
1-2 large tomatoes
2/3 C shredded mozzerella cheese
olive oil
basil
salt
Slice eggplant in 1/2" slices and sprinkle with salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is best). The salt will make the eggplant "sweat" and cut the bitter flavor. After it is does "sweating", squeeze the excess water out of it; you might need to pull the eggplant back into shape. Place eggplant slices on greased baking sheet. Top with 1/4" slices of tomato. Sprinkle with olive oil and basil to taste. Bake @ 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. The last 2 minutes sprinkle with mozzerella cheese. Serve.
Weekend in Review
Here's the run-down:
Friday -- had some friends over for dinner (it was very yummy - apps: spinach balls {kinda like meatballs, but w/ spinach} & breaded cheee curds, salad, Tiliapia, surprise mashed potatoes {cauliflower made to be like mashed potatoes}, baked eggplant w/ tomato, mozzerella cheese, olive oil, & basil). And then we played some games of pool, had some drinks, and then played some Karaoke Revolution.
Saturday -- stayed home most of the day, but in the evening we ate at Applebee's & went to a movie "Meet the Fockers". It was a pretty funny movie.
Sunday -- obviously nothing except blogging, as I had 8 posts yesterday (did you read them?), and I did make a bunch of food (homemade lemon spongecake, homemade lentil soup, sushi rolls, & soaked and cooked some back beans to make pinto de gallo tonight -- a traditional Costa Rican beans & rice dish.)
And now it is Mondy and I am back at work.
Friday -- had some friends over for dinner (it was very yummy - apps: spinach balls {kinda like meatballs, but w/ spinach} & breaded cheee curds, salad, Tiliapia, surprise mashed potatoes {cauliflower made to be like mashed potatoes}, baked eggplant w/ tomato, mozzerella cheese, olive oil, & basil). And then we played some games of pool, had some drinks, and then played some Karaoke Revolution.
Saturday -- stayed home most of the day, but in the evening we ate at Applebee's & went to a movie "Meet the Fockers". It was a pretty funny movie.
Sunday -- obviously nothing except blogging, as I had 8 posts yesterday (did you read them?), and I did make a bunch of food (homemade lemon spongecake, homemade lentil soup, sushi rolls, & soaked and cooked some back beans to make pinto de gallo tonight -- a traditional Costa Rican beans & rice dish.)
And now it is Mondy and I am back at work.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Embassy Suites
Andy's work Holiday Party is this coming Friday at the Embassy Suites in Bloomington.
We decided to get a room this year, as our drive is an hour and we thought we would stay and party, maybe have the party room.
And I plan on taking full advantage of the amenities & services:
* The Manager's Reception (sounds like free apps - Andy hates me saying apps)
* Complimentary Cooked-to-Order Breakfast (includes eggs, pancakes, omelet, etc.)
* Kitchen w/ fridge & microwave (we're bringing booze & snacks - no high bar tabs for us)
Should be a fun time, now I just have to decide what I am going to wear.
We decided to get a room this year, as our drive is an hour and we thought we would stay and party, maybe have the party room.
And I plan on taking full advantage of the amenities & services:
* The Manager's Reception (sounds like free apps - Andy hates me saying apps)
* Complimentary Cooked-to-Order Breakfast (includes eggs, pancakes, omelet, etc.)
* Kitchen w/ fridge & microwave (we're bringing booze & snacks - no high bar tabs for us)
Should be a fun time, now I just have to decide what I am going to wear.
Rabid Ragdolls
I was searching the internet for my friend's band, Rabid Ragdolls. If you click on the photo page you can see some pictures of Jeni. Since she lives in Colorado & I in MN, I have never seen her band perform. Apparently their face is all painted -- and well, they look like rabid ragdolls. Jeni is the one with the tatoos (leopard print on her shoulders, flames coming up her chest).
I saw Jeni last a couple of years ago when she was in MN visiting. She's been pretty busy with her band and she also bought the bar, 15th Street Tavern, she had been working at & the band played at it.
I should go visit her for a long weekend, although I don't know if I could keep pace with her. I was never really able to keep pace. I am too much of a "8-hour of sleep a night" type of person.
I saw Jeni last a couple of years ago when she was in MN visiting. She's been pretty busy with her band and she also bought the bar, 15th Street Tavern, she had been working at & the band played at it.
I should go visit her for a long weekend, although I don't know if I could keep pace with her. I was never really able to keep pace. I am too much of a "8-hour of sleep a night" type of person.
Week 2 of the 8-Week Plan
So - basically do everything from week 1 and add eating a soy product one time this week and start drinking Green Tea (switching from coffee if you drink coffee, or just start drinking it if you do not), start taking a Mixed Carotenes supplement, increase walking to 15 min., visit a nature place this week, take a 1-day news fast (no listening, reading, or watching the news), and find out where your drinking water comes from.
How does analgesic rub work?
I was wondering this as I was putting it on my L calf today (I think I strained it a little exercising the other day.) So, I had to do a little search to find out and I fugured if I didn't know then some other people might not know either, so here it is:
* works by stimulating sensory receptors of heat and/or cold in the skin. This produces a counterirritant response that overrides the sensation of pain in the deeper structures such as joints and muscles.
* works by stimulating sensory receptors of heat and/or cold in the skin. This produces a counterirritant response that overrides the sensation of pain in the deeper structures such as joints and muscles.
Top 20
My name is in the top 20 of girl baby names in 2003. It appears that when I was born (70's) the name was beginning to peak and has held top rankings since.
Andy is #5 on the list of boy baby names. Andrew seems to be a pretty popular name that is consistent over time. His middle name is rated #2 and has been consistently popular.
Andy is #5 on the list of boy baby names. Andrew seems to be a pretty popular name that is consistent over time. His middle name is rated #2 and has been consistently popular.
Good thing I never owned a red car
So - another thing I got from that blog I read. It's on the Dumb Network. Here are some laws in Minnesota.
Apparently there must have been some issues about crossing state lines with birds on your head, as you cannot have a duck or chicken on your head.
And in Mpls you cannot drive down Lake Street in a red car. When we lived in Mpls we were not far from Lake Street and went down it frequently.
And in Virginia, MN you cannot park your elephant on Main Street. Who the hell has their own elephantg?
Here are some laws in Wisconsin.
There are a lot of laws regarding butter substitutes. I guess Wisconsin is really serious about being the dairy state.
In Kenosha no male may be in a state of arousal in public - funny.
There are some in Sheboygan that Steph & Jason(I know you are in a neighboring town, but you might move back) might want to check out:
* Only police officers may shoot birds in the city.
* No person may water his lawn in such a way that anoys their neighbor.
* It is illegal to swim in the Fountain Park fountain. (Did you ever do this?)
It's good to know that in Sun Prairie it's illegal to manufacture nuclear weapons in the city limits.
And in St. Croix, woman can't wear red in public --- hmmmmm.....sounds like a challenge to me!
Apparently there must have been some issues about crossing state lines with birds on your head, as you cannot have a duck or chicken on your head.
And in Mpls you cannot drive down Lake Street in a red car. When we lived in Mpls we were not far from Lake Street and went down it frequently.
And in Virginia, MN you cannot park your elephant on Main Street. Who the hell has their own elephantg?
Here are some laws in Wisconsin.
There are a lot of laws regarding butter substitutes. I guess Wisconsin is really serious about being the dairy state.
In Kenosha no male may be in a state of arousal in public - funny.
There are some in Sheboygan that Steph & Jason(I know you are in a neighboring town, but you might move back) might want to check out:
* Only police officers may shoot birds in the city.
* No person may water his lawn in such a way that anoys their neighbor.
* It is illegal to swim in the Fountain Park fountain. (Did you ever do this?)
It's good to know that in Sun Prairie it's illegal to manufacture nuclear weapons in the city limits.
And in St. Croix, woman can't wear red in public --- hmmmmm.....sounds like a challenge to me!
Finding a New Job
Saw this on this blog I read. I made 35 cents in the time Brittant Spears made $334.20.
What's even more depressing is this:
Me: 35 cents
Brittany: $334.20
Oprah: $1,280.38
I didn't even make what Oprah's change is. Poor Brittany only makes about 25% of what Oprah makes.
What's even more depressing is this:
Me: 35 cents
Brittany: $334.20
Oprah: $1,280.38
I didn't even make what Oprah's change is. Poor Brittany only makes about 25% of what Oprah makes.
A Change in Plans
Our Costa Rica plans changed a bit. We are staying 4 nights at Hotelito Si Si Si on the coast in Tamarindo first and then we are staying at Hotel Aurora Inn in Tilaren for 3 nights (this location is a change) and then the final night at one of the Best Westerns in Liberia.
We changed from the other place in Tilaren, as I was not getting a response back from them and when I called there I spend quite a bit of time trying to explain why I was calling and they just could not understand me. So, we may or may not have a reservation there, but I have not been able to find out if we do since they are not returning my emails (sent 3 of them requesting confirmation of a reservation). So, I found a different place.
We changed from the other place in Tilaren, as I was not getting a response back from them and when I called there I spend quite a bit of time trying to explain why I was calling and they just could not understand me. So, we may or may not have a reservation there, but I have not been able to find out if we do since they are not returning my emails (sent 3 of them requesting confirmation of a reservation). So, I found a different place.
Friday, January 07, 2005
New Dress Choices
So - we have not decided on bridesmaid dresses for my sister's wedding yet (on July9th) and we really need to order the dresses in February. They are looking at David's Bridals now and have 3 choices (all basically cost the same.)
I don't think I like this one as the ribbon around the upper hips might make them look bigger and the last thing I want to do is look fat. I won't wear a dress that makes me look fat.
This one of the 3 choices is my fave. The dresses will be in lilac.
This would be my 2nd choice. I kindof like the tea length. And I might be able to wear this one again since it is tea length, so maybe this one would be better.
What do my blog readers think?
I don't think I like this one as the ribbon around the upper hips might make them look bigger and the last thing I want to do is look fat. I won't wear a dress that makes me look fat.
This one of the 3 choices is my fave. The dresses will be in lilac.
This would be my 2nd choice. I kindof like the tea length. And I might be able to wear this one again since it is tea length, so maybe this one would be better.
What do my blog readers think?
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A Carrot Tan
My friend Kate has been drinking carrot juice, as something healthy to consume. She noticed (after a couple weeks), as well as others did too, that she looked somewhat tanner (& when you live in MN in the winter I am sure any amount of color is noticable.)
Drinking carrot juice has tremendous health benefits and it's pretty decent. Although, if someone is not used to eating carrots, don't like them, or doesn't eat that many "healthy" foods, then they probably won't like carrot juice, or it could take a while to get used to it. I, for one, like it.
So, anyways - I was interested in this whole turning "orange tan" and found some stuff online about it. The most interesting was this woman who conducted her own 1 month experiment and took pictures each week. Very interesting. There is a noticable difference, but not too noticable. Actually - the whole website is pretty interesting. The experiment was completed about 4 years ago.
Hmmmm.....
Drinking carrot juice has tremendous health benefits and it's pretty decent. Although, if someone is not used to eating carrots, don't like them, or doesn't eat that many "healthy" foods, then they probably won't like carrot juice, or it could take a while to get used to it. I, for one, like it.
So, anyways - I was interested in this whole turning "orange tan" and found some stuff online about it. The most interesting was this woman who conducted her own 1 month experiment and took pictures each week. Very interesting. There is a noticable difference, but not too noticable. Actually - the whole website is pretty interesting. The experiment was completed about 4 years ago.
Hmmmm.....
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
A Hat for Larry
Check These Out!
I think I like the leopard one best. The Anne's Housekeeper is cute too. They all are.
I think I like the leopard one best. The Anne's Housekeeper is cute too. They all are.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Crest Whitestrips? Colgate Simply White?
Sunday, January 02, 2005
2 More Months Until Sopranos
Their next season will start airing on March 7th with 13 new episodes. I am so psyched. Yeah!
8 Weeks to Optimum Health
I am in the process of reading 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Dr. Andrew Weil. A lot of the stuff I already do, but some of it I do not do as frequent as he recommends. So, I thought weekly I would post his recommendations (for the 8 weeks) in case someone wants to follow along or are curious. Although, I suggest buying the book. It is very good and very informative.
So, for week one these are the recommendations and what I will try to do:
Diet: Broccoli 2x, Salmon 1x
Supplements: Vit. C (1000-2000 mg)
Exercise: 10 min. walk (5x/wk.)
Mental/Spiritual: list of illness/injuries recovered from past 2 years, Breath Observation (5min/day), Buy Flowers
Project: Throw out oils, artificial sweetners, artif. Colored, Buy olive oil, canola oil & seasame oil
In case someone is going to do this as well, I will list all the supplements needed, as if you are buying them it is easier to buy them at all once than order them separately:
Vitamin C
Mixed Carotenes
Vitamin E
Selenium
The back of the book has different recommendation for specific populations (over 50, over 70, under 20, men, women, pregnant or considering pregnancy in the future, parents of young children, living in big cities, travel often, overweight, cardiovascular disease risk, & cancer risk). So, you really need to read the book to find out what you need if you are one of those. My specific populations include women & considering pregnancy, so these are the supplements I need to add to the above:
Calcium
Magnesium
Folic Acid
Floride (possibly, need to talk to my dentist, as we only drink bottled water)
I already take an E, Folic Acid, & a Multi.
So, for week one these are the recommendations and what I will try to do:
Diet: Broccoli 2x, Salmon 1x
Supplements: Vit. C (1000-2000 mg)
Exercise: 10 min. walk (5x/wk.)
Mental/Spiritual: list of illness/injuries recovered from past 2 years, Breath Observation (5min/day), Buy Flowers
Project: Throw out oils, artificial sweetners, artif. Colored, Buy olive oil, canola oil & seasame oil
In case someone is going to do this as well, I will list all the supplements needed, as if you are buying them it is easier to buy them at all once than order them separately:
Vitamin C
Mixed Carotenes
Vitamin E
Selenium
The back of the book has different recommendation for specific populations (over 50, over 70, under 20, men, women, pregnant or considering pregnancy in the future, parents of young children, living in big cities, travel often, overweight, cardiovascular disease risk, & cancer risk). So, you really need to read the book to find out what you need if you are one of those. My specific populations include women & considering pregnancy, so these are the supplements I need to add to the above:
Calcium
Magnesium
Folic Acid
Floride (possibly, need to talk to my dentist, as we only drink bottled water)
I already take an E, Folic Acid, & a Multi.
I'm Sooooo Glad It's Not 1955
The Good Wife's Guide from Housekeeping Monthly.
They have go to be kidding. This is hilarious. I don't think I would have faired very well in 1955. Plus, who the hell subscribed to Housekeeping Monthly anyways?
I like this one a little better, it's The Contemporary Guide for Stay at Home Dads.
Funny stuff.
They have go to be kidding. This is hilarious. I don't think I would have faired very well in 1955. Plus, who the hell subscribed to Housekeeping Monthly anyways?
I like this one a little better, it's The Contemporary Guide for Stay at Home Dads.
Funny stuff.
Winter Sports
Yesterday we had freezing rain (in both morning & night) and NO SUN, plus it was as cold as a witch's tit. We have about a half-inch of ice on the driveway and its pretty much glare ice. The sun is out today and it has melted the ice off our East facing windows; they had solid ice on them and were like privacy windows where no one could see in or out but the sunlight could come in. I went outside to see if the garage down was iced shut -- it was. I salted the hell out of the ice in front of it, waited a little bit and then started chipping away at it. And woohoo! It finally came loose.
I looked around and realized that my asphalt driveway that was iced over was a perfect skating rink, so back in the house to put on some snow pants. Found my ice skates (these only make it out once or twice a year) and stared skating around. I knew I might not getting skating otherwise, as Andy doesn't like to do any type of skating too much (bad inline skating accident.)
It was a lot of fun; I didn't have to watch for little kids skating around me; I could go at my own speed; there was no one there to skate slow in front of me; and I set up a chair so I could rest when I wanted to. I am not that great of a skater, but I can stay up and get around. I wish I knew how to skate better. After the fact, I found this website on how to skate.
I let the dog chase me around, but she's dumb and she was going to trip me up so I had to play fetch with her as I skated in circles. We have a pretty long driveway that has a cul-de-sac at the end, so it really is an ideal place to skate. In the summer I sometimes get out the inline skates and have my fun.
So, I fell better knowing I have ice skated at least once this winter. I still want to go cross-country skiing. I think I will check the state parks in our area to see if any rent cross country skis. Most have trails, so that's not an issue. I just don't own any skis. It might be fun to do some downhill skiing too, but I doubt Andy wants to do that and it can be pretty expensive and takes up a whole day. Although if I want to save some money, I could buy a certificate from Flato (certificates in WI, MN, IL & FL for half price). And I still want to go sledding too. I used to do a lot more winter sports when I babysat, as kids are pretty eager to do them, adults get a little apathetic about winter sports. Maybe I'll have to find a friend with kids that is going sledding and tag along.
Keep warm.
I looked around and realized that my asphalt driveway that was iced over was a perfect skating rink, so back in the house to put on some snow pants. Found my ice skates (these only make it out once or twice a year) and stared skating around. I knew I might not getting skating otherwise, as Andy doesn't like to do any type of skating too much (bad inline skating accident.)
It was a lot of fun; I didn't have to watch for little kids skating around me; I could go at my own speed; there was no one there to skate slow in front of me; and I set up a chair so I could rest when I wanted to. I am not that great of a skater, but I can stay up and get around. I wish I knew how to skate better. After the fact, I found this website on how to skate.
I let the dog chase me around, but she's dumb and she was going to trip me up so I had to play fetch with her as I skated in circles. We have a pretty long driveway that has a cul-de-sac at the end, so it really is an ideal place to skate. In the summer I sometimes get out the inline skates and have my fun.
So, I fell better knowing I have ice skated at least once this winter. I still want to go cross-country skiing. I think I will check the state parks in our area to see if any rent cross country skis. Most have trails, so that's not an issue. I just don't own any skis. It might be fun to do some downhill skiing too, but I doubt Andy wants to do that and it can be pretty expensive and takes up a whole day. Although if I want to save some money, I could buy a certificate from Flato (certificates in WI, MN, IL & FL for half price). And I still want to go sledding too. I used to do a lot more winter sports when I babysat, as kids are pretty eager to do them, adults get a little apathetic about winter sports. Maybe I'll have to find a friend with kids that is going sledding and tag along.
Keep warm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)