Had yet another wedding dream.
The dream I had last night was that I had someone do the planning for me and nothing turned out the way I wanted.
There was a bus waiting to take chris & me away, but then the guests got on it and there wasn't enough room for us so we had to wait until it came back empty.
While we were waiting we got attacked by this weird thing called a "latch". It was a glorified snake with lots of legs. This is hilarious-the thing starts moving toward us, I start screaming, put chris inbetween me and it, he grabs its tail, and chucks it at the ground. It riles in pain and bounces (exaggerated dream bouncing) from the impact of the road.
And then the diamond fell out of my ring, but Chris was okay with it because it was all a prank...he switched the rings and then purposely made it so that the diamond would fall out and freak me out.
Man I love dreams.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Never post a date until it's finalized
Ya know that earlier statement I made about having set the date for our wedding? I retract it! :-)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ever since December 13th...
...sleep has been sporadic and when I do sleep, I dream of wedding stuff.
Please make it stop!
Please make it stop!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Breaking tradition
I wonder if my brothers would be staunchly opposed to standing on the bridesmaid's side instead of the groomsmen's. Hmmmm... I swear I wouldn't make them wear dresses.
The path less travelled...
To keep my last name or not to keep my last name??
The main reason I wouldn't want to is just to make waves through the family. Probably not a good reason. :o)
The main reason I wouldn't want to is just to make waves through the family. Probably not a good reason. :o)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
New weight-loss goal
Lose 1/2 lb per week (starting now, but more realistically at the start of the new year)
Some ideas...
We have decided to get married on November 7th, 2009. Geez! That date is something else...all odd numbers. I'd prefer even numbers (because I'm weird) but you take what you can get. :o)
That's also the date of my dad's and my great aunt's birthday. My mom said it's okay as long as I'm willing to share my anniversary with them.
We have an appointment on Saturday to take a tour of the "Castle Lady Hawke" as a possible wedding site. From their website it seems like just what we're looking for, but things are sometimes completely different in person. Chris just likes the pub and pool table downstairs. I like that we can get the place to ourselves for the entire day (8am - 12am). Not that we'd need it for that long, but it does take some stress away.
Here's a picture of "autumn at the Castle Lady Hawke" (it could be anywhere around here though):
Here's a picture of a pumpkin centerpiece I really like and might try to recreate. I also saw something where you can get small pumpkins, gut them (is that the appropriate term?), and put candles in them.
Another idea I have is to do a bouquet of asters (Chris' birth flower) and chrysanthemums (my birth flower). These are both classic autumn flowers, so that's fantastic!
Chris was so sweet last night...I was browsing online for honeymoon packages (not that we could afford it, but whatever--it doesn't hurt to look) and he said he'd like to plan it and make it a surprise. Whether we'll actually be able to take one is up in the air, but it's still sweet and I trust his decision making.
With this next subject, I'd like your opinion! For a bridal party, I think our best option is have just one maid of honor and one best man (and that's it). Chris has 5 friends he'd like in the wedding...I have two brothers...well, if my brothers are in it then his brothers will need to be in it (2 more)...so that's already 9 people. There's no way in hell I can come up with 9 bridesmaids. Even if we took 2 of his friends and put them as ushers instead, that's still 7 bridesmaids I'd have to come up with. Pretty much an impossibility. Most of the people I'd like to be in it are out-of-state and might not/probably won't be able to make it anyway.
So the questions I pose to you are: I've always thought the brides maids and groomsmen numbers need to match up...is this true? Do you think doing one each would be okay, or is it better/more fun to do more? Also, what's the criteria in choosing a maid of honor?? I don't have a "best" friend here, so I'm having a hard time figuring this out.
That's it for now :o)
That's also the date of my dad's and my great aunt's birthday. My mom said it's okay as long as I'm willing to share my anniversary with them.
We have an appointment on Saturday to take a tour of the "Castle Lady Hawke" as a possible wedding site. From their website it seems like just what we're looking for, but things are sometimes completely different in person. Chris just likes the pub and pool table downstairs. I like that we can get the place to ourselves for the entire day (8am - 12am). Not that we'd need it for that long, but it does take some stress away.
Here's a picture of "autumn at the Castle Lady Hawke" (it could be anywhere around here though):
Here's a picture of a pumpkin centerpiece I really like and might try to recreate. I also saw something where you can get small pumpkins, gut them (is that the appropriate term?), and put candles in them.
Another idea I have is to do a bouquet of asters (Chris' birth flower) and chrysanthemums (my birth flower). These are both classic autumn flowers, so that's fantastic!
Chris was so sweet last night...I was browsing online for honeymoon packages (not that we could afford it, but whatever--it doesn't hurt to look) and he said he'd like to plan it and make it a surprise. Whether we'll actually be able to take one is up in the air, but it's still sweet and I trust his decision making.
With this next subject, I'd like your opinion! For a bridal party, I think our best option is have just one maid of honor and one best man (and that's it). Chris has 5 friends he'd like in the wedding...I have two brothers...well, if my brothers are in it then his brothers will need to be in it (2 more)...so that's already 9 people. There's no way in hell I can come up with 9 bridesmaids. Even if we took 2 of his friends and put them as ushers instead, that's still 7 bridesmaids I'd have to come up with. Pretty much an impossibility. Most of the people I'd like to be in it are out-of-state and might not/probably won't be able to make it anyway.
So the questions I pose to you are: I've always thought the brides maids and groomsmen numbers need to match up...is this true? Do you think doing one each would be okay, or is it better/more fun to do more? Also, what's the criteria in choosing a maid of honor?? I don't have a "best" friend here, so I'm having a hard time figuring this out.
That's it for now :o)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Picture tag
The object of the picture tag is to:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same
NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)
I'm not sure what's going on here. This is a birthday party at my house for my friend. I think. There's really no telling.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same
NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)
I'm not sure what's going on here. This is a birthday party at my house for my friend. I think. There's really no telling.
The first of many
I'm engaged! Can you believe it?? I knew it would happen eventually, but I didn't think it would be before the year's end. He drove down to Atlanta during Thanksgiving break and bought the ring from a friend's friend who owns a jewelry store. I was actually upset he wasn't spending Thanksgiving up here with me, but now knowing what I know, I forgive him.
How it happened: First we walked downtown Dillsboro to see the luminaries (luminarias if you're from NM) and peruse some stores. On the first two weekends in December, they set up luminarias and keep their stores open late for people. This year they even had fireworks to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the luminaries.
From there we went to Restaurant 553 in downtown Sylva for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little annoying because of the people sitting behind us. Chris kept telling me, 'Just calm down...just chill out.' If we're going to spend $20 for an entree, I'd prefer not to hear every word of the next table's conversation. And when the conversation then expands to the bartender...well, you get the point. So we pay and start walking through the courtyard to go to the car. There's a big fountain in the middle and I decide to take the path on the right and Chris goes to the left and says, 'Where are you going?' Well, uh, to the car of course! How else are we getting home?? And that's when he pulled me over to the fountain and starts saying how much he loves me and that he wants to be with me for the rest of his life. And I swear...I got so confused. All that was going on in my head was: uh, yeah. I know this. What am I supposed to say? DUH!? lol But then he got down on one knee and popped the question and then it all made sense. :oD
Some funnies:
I invited my Aunt and Uncle to eat dinner with us that night & Chris about had a heartattack. How was I supposed to know??
He was going to do it during dinner, but didn't because of the aforementioned loud mouths.
We went to his office Christmas dinner the other night and one of his coworkers almost gave it away that he was going to ask. I looked at her just as she stopped pointing at her ring finger apparently.
When he brought the ring home from his office he had it in his jacket pocket while we were doing errands and I apparently kept going to the same side as the ring. He was really concerned I'd feel the box and kept moving me to his other side.
He hid the box in one of his puppets on his nightstand. Well, several Christmases ago my dad gave me an 8.5 x 11 framed picture of my face and I came across it the other day and thought it'd be funny to set it up on his nightstand. So he got home that day, laughed hysterically, and then wondered if I found the ring. He told me later that he figured if I had found it I would've said something.
That's it for now...don't be surprised if the majority of my posts are about wedding planning now.
How it happened: First we walked downtown Dillsboro to see the luminaries (luminarias if you're from NM) and peruse some stores. On the first two weekends in December, they set up luminarias and keep their stores open late for people. This year they even had fireworks to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the luminaries.
From there we went to Restaurant 553 in downtown Sylva for a nice dinner. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little annoying because of the people sitting behind us. Chris kept telling me, 'Just calm down...just chill out.' If we're going to spend $20 for an entree, I'd prefer not to hear every word of the next table's conversation. And when the conversation then expands to the bartender...well, you get the point. So we pay and start walking through the courtyard to go to the car. There's a big fountain in the middle and I decide to take the path on the right and Chris goes to the left and says, 'Where are you going?' Well, uh, to the car of course! How else are we getting home?? And that's when he pulled me over to the fountain and starts saying how much he loves me and that he wants to be with me for the rest of his life. And I swear...I got so confused. All that was going on in my head was: uh, yeah. I know this. What am I supposed to say? DUH!? lol But then he got down on one knee and popped the question and then it all made sense. :oD
Some funnies:
I invited my Aunt and Uncle to eat dinner with us that night & Chris about had a heartattack. How was I supposed to know??
He was going to do it during dinner, but didn't because of the aforementioned loud mouths.
We went to his office Christmas dinner the other night and one of his coworkers almost gave it away that he was going to ask. I looked at her just as she stopped pointing at her ring finger apparently.
When he brought the ring home from his office he had it in his jacket pocket while we were doing errands and I apparently kept going to the same side as the ring. He was really concerned I'd feel the box and kept moving me to his other side.
He hid the box in one of his puppets on his nightstand. Well, several Christmases ago my dad gave me an 8.5 x 11 framed picture of my face and I came across it the other day and thought it'd be funny to set it up on his nightstand. So he got home that day, laughed hysterically, and then wondered if I found the ring. He told me later that he figured if I had found it I would've said something.
That's it for now...don't be surprised if the majority of my posts are about wedding planning now.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Another favorite Christmas video
This is pretty popular so chances are you've seen it. But for those of you who might not have, here it is:
Being green
The things with which people come up! (An aside: that's such a goofy sentence, but you're not supposed to end sentences with a preposition.) At any rate: the Twist and Spout is a neat idea to reuse your soda and water bottles. I wouldn't benefit from it, however, since I don't ever have any plastic water or soda bottles. A neat idea nontheless!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Another post on the Christmas topic
I finally finished reading Cane River (not impressed) and started reading The Autobiography of Santa Claus as told to Jeff Guinn. I'm only two chapters in and I'm already in love. It's such a cute book (so far) and I guess you can read a chapter a day starting on December 1st and arrive at the end on Christmas day or maybe Christmas Eve...I'm not real sure. At any rate, that's pretty neat-o and I'm keeping it in mind if I ever have children.
P.S. I have a sneaking suspicion that this book is regarded as a classic. If so and you already knew that, I just demonstrated to you how little I know of literature.
Second Annual Holiday "Brew"haha
I apologize beforehand for a boring post. I don't know, maybe some of you will find the tedium of my life entertaining.
I'm definitely starting a fire in the fire pit out back the day of the party, I plan on keeping the back devoid of doggie pleasantries this week, and I bought a small fire pit last week for the patio at the side of the house (technically it's the front--living in the mountains complicates things); my house is only 960 sq ft, so I have to have other areas available for people to escape to. The fire pit on the patio is intended to draw people out there. The patio hasn't proven to be a popular spot in the past. I also need to make sure the house is free of pet hair. Easier said than done. It's actually not that bad but I go a little obsessive-compulsive when I have people over.
Today we strung lights around the roof which was a heck of a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. It actually took me longer to poop-scoop than my boyfriend to hang the lights.
I strung lights on two trees and also mowed. I know it's weird to mow when it's cold, but I needed to get the leaves mulched.
We picked up my big "party table" from my friend who was going to use it but never did. I moved my regular dining table out to the shed and set up the party table in its place.
I cleaned my vacuum (rinsed the filter and such) and realized I need a vacuum for my vacuum. Haha! I then vacuumed and my boyfriend Rug Doctored the carpets. It's awesome. Nothing makes me feel better than clean carpets. And my carpets were diiiiirteeee! We have that really awful red dirt here and the dogs track it in like crazy. I'm going to have a really hard time letting them back in the house. I'd never used a Rug Doctor before and I am thoroughly impressed. It only cost $27 to rent; well worth the price.
Let's see...we also dropped some items off at the thrift store, put the small fire pit together, and I even made a dinner of breaded pork chops, biscuits, and garlic sugar snap peas. I generally enjoy cooking dinner, but I haven't been in the mood these past couple of weeks so tonight's dinner was a special treat.
My to-do list for this week:
Clean (inside & out)
Figure out what the heck I can use in posole instead of frozen red chile!!!! (A major concern of mine right now.) If you can believe it, none of the stores here (even the two Mexican grocery stores in town) carry frozen red chile. :oP
Buy rum. Lots of it. Oh yeah. It's that kind of party.
Pray it doesn't rain or snow on Friday.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
It's the little things that count
A couple of days ago my boyfriend and I were watching (kind of...he was fixing dinner & I was crocheting) a program on the TV Guide channel about Christmas entertainment or something. They started talking about Christmas movies and I proceeded to tell the tv which ones I already had and which ones I wanted.
He comes home from work yesterday and (I'm sure you can see where this is going so I'll spare you the insignificant details) hands me two DVDs that I had said I wanted! Jack Frost (the old stop-motion one) and the box set of Christmas classics! I'm so excited. He's so sweet. I already have How the Grinch Stole Christmas (which is included in the box set), but I have it on VHS, so now I can get rid of that one and stick to the DVD version.
:oD
Thursday, December 4, 2008
In the spirit of the holidays
Here is my absolute favorite Christmas song. My boyfriend and I sing this year round!
Sink or Swim
First of all, I need to thank Cassandra for giving me the inspiration to attempt this.
I've held off blogging about this because it's so new, but I've since become comfortable enough with the idea to let people know what's swirling around in my head.
I have decided to start a small (very small) business selling my crocheted items. Because I've never done anything like this before and felt like I needed someone to partner up with, I contacted my sister and she has agreed (quite willingly I think) to be a part of the business. I plan to start small, selling online and possibly at craft fairs. This is still in the very beginning stages...as of right now I'm just doing research (reading craft business books) and bouncing ideas back and forth with my sister.
Believe me, I definitely have a realistic outlook on this. It can be hard to sell crocheted items and the economy definitely doesn't help. I plan on specializing in just a few items (instead of crocheted anything and everything under the sun) and using high quality yarn. If it turns out the business is successful and there's a demand for more items, I will definitely branch out and add more things. I have more ideas, but I won't divulge them here in fear someone might steal them. I don't have high hopes of selling enough to earn a living just from this business. It's more something to earn extra money while working elsewhere.
I started with Cassandra and so I'll end with Cassandra: I need tips on how to take really good pictures of the crocheted items!
I've held off blogging about this because it's so new, but I've since become comfortable enough with the idea to let people know what's swirling around in my head.
I have decided to start a small (very small) business selling my crocheted items. Because I've never done anything like this before and felt like I needed someone to partner up with, I contacted my sister and she has agreed (quite willingly I think) to be a part of the business. I plan to start small, selling online and possibly at craft fairs. This is still in the very beginning stages...as of right now I'm just doing research (reading craft business books) and bouncing ideas back and forth with my sister.
Believe me, I definitely have a realistic outlook on this. It can be hard to sell crocheted items and the economy definitely doesn't help. I plan on specializing in just a few items (instead of crocheted anything and everything under the sun) and using high quality yarn. If it turns out the business is successful and there's a demand for more items, I will definitely branch out and add more things. I have more ideas, but I won't divulge them here in fear someone might steal them. I don't have high hopes of selling enough to earn a living just from this business. It's more something to earn extra money while working elsewhere.
I started with Cassandra and so I'll end with Cassandra: I need tips on how to take really good pictures of the crocheted items!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Neat wedding video idea
I saw this video on Polka Dot Bride and thought it was worth posting for my readers. I think it's a great idea!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I do my best thinking half asleep
In the wee hours this morning (okay fine, it was 7:30) I had a brilliant idea to temporarily solve the problem of Athena's "excitement" over Callie. Before I divulge, let me fill you in on what I've done so far.
If Athena is roaming the house, Callie is in the laundry room. If Athena is inside the bedroom or outside, Callie gets to roam the house. I have held Callie in front of Athena and let Athena sniff her, but that's as far as I've gotten. I don't trust the look in Athena's eye quite yet.
So my brilliant idea: get Athena a muzzle. That way she won't be able to get her mouth around her but still get close to her to smell and get used to her. Hopefully this muzzle idea helps...I want to live in a peaceful household again.
If Athena is roaming the house, Callie is in the laundry room. If Athena is inside the bedroom or outside, Callie gets to roam the house. I have held Callie in front of Athena and let Athena sniff her, but that's as far as I've gotten. I don't trust the look in Athena's eye quite yet.
So my brilliant idea: get Athena a muzzle. That way she won't be able to get her mouth around her but still get close to her to smell and get used to her. Hopefully this muzzle idea helps...I want to live in a peaceful household again.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Oh happy day!
Some of you may be bored by this post and I apologize beforehand.
Several years ago a sweet old Chinese man that was a client at the vet hospital where I worked gave me two plants in nice asian themed pots. I'm not sure if the pots are actually from China but I know they have authentic chinese characters on them. He told me what each one meant, but I've since forgotten.
One of the plants is a 'goldfish plant' named for its goldfish-like blooms. Since I've had it, it's bloomed once. I have, however, successfully rooted a cutting and planted it, so maybe I can get some blooms from the transplant.
I have never been sure what the other plant is because he didn't know what it is. He did, however, give me pictures of when his had bloomed. Have mine bloomed? Nope. All I could think to do is search 'white blooms'. Until now!
I had some bio friends over the other night for a movie night and one of my friends casually said, "I didn't know you had a night blooming cereus! I have one too!" A what? You have a what? Wait, this is a night blooming cereus?! Finally! I know what it is!
Apparently it's also commonly called 'queen of the night' and as its name implies, only blooms at night. Unfortunately, each bloom only lasts for that one night.
Now that I know what it is, I hope I can get it to bloom.
Several years ago a sweet old Chinese man that was a client at the vet hospital where I worked gave me two plants in nice asian themed pots. I'm not sure if the pots are actually from China but I know they have authentic chinese characters on them. He told me what each one meant, but I've since forgotten.
One of the plants is a 'goldfish plant' named for its goldfish-like blooms. Since I've had it, it's bloomed once. I have, however, successfully rooted a cutting and planted it, so maybe I can get some blooms from the transplant.
I have never been sure what the other plant is because he didn't know what it is. He did, however, give me pictures of when his had bloomed. Have mine bloomed? Nope. All I could think to do is search 'white blooms'. Until now!
I had some bio friends over the other night for a movie night and one of my friends casually said, "I didn't know you had a night blooming cereus! I have one too!" A what? You have a what? Wait, this is a night blooming cereus?! Finally! I know what it is!
Apparently it's also commonly called 'queen of the night' and as its name implies, only blooms at night. Unfortunately, each bloom only lasts for that one night.
Now that I know what it is, I hope I can get it to bloom.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A funny to brighten your day...
I received this link from a friend via email and I was just going to post the youtube video here, but I think the video needs a little more explanation. Check it out!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Palmire's own child would be coming soon.
Page 56
Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence here.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence here.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thank you Meredith via Cassandra...
...for introducing me to Scrapblog. I'm not sure whether I really think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread or whether I'm just enjoying something new that takes me away from my research. Facebook just doesn't do it anymore... I actually had a fleeting thought to create more blogs just so I could make more of these things!
As you can see, my blog has a new look...that I created at Scrapblog. It was so much fun. It took me some time to get used to it, but once I knew how everything worked, it was just a matter of getting it to suit my tastes.
My sister made a scrapbook ~8 years ago (at least) of which I was in awe. I always wanted to create a scrapbook but never got around to it. A while ago (several years) I actually bought a scrapbooking kit. Have I used it? Nope. I only got as far as opening it up. Part of the problem is these darn digital cameras. I take tons of pictures and never print any of them. Granted, I could use my old pictures, but...I don't know...I just haven't done it. I guess I'll have to make a scrapbooking date with myself.
I'm hoping the solution to my failure to scrapbook problem is Scrapblog. We'll have to see. I can already see a downside to this online scrapbooking...it kind of takes the fun away from dragging out your scrapbooking stuff, making a mess, and having to put it all up again. I've never actually done these things, but I can imagine it being like the Kindle; it takes away the enjoyment of feeling and smelling a real book. Or so I've heard.
Happy scrapbooking!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
He proposed!
Just kidding! We stopped at Taco Bell on the way back from my friend's wedding reception last night and one of the hot sauce packets said "Will you marry me?" on it. He showed it to me and we had a good laugh. :o) My friend sitting in the back started doing an overly dramatic girly excited scream and swiftly told our friend that she was talking to on her cell phone that he had proposed.
Could you imagine being proposed to with a Taco Bell hot sauce packet??
Could you imagine being proposed to with a Taco Bell hot sauce packet??
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The results are in!
And no parasites were found in Callie's ummmm....business. :o( They still prescribed her some Flagyl with the assumption she may have an overgrowth of bacteria in her bowel that's causing the loose stools. I really hope it works.
Sorry for such a gross post!
Sorry for such a gross post!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
More kitty problems
I'm hoping that the new litter box I bought & the results of a fecal test not yet back, will solve the problem of loose stools all over the house. Ugh. Sometimes she'll use the litter box and sometimes she won't. Sometimes she'll have loose stools and sometimes she won't. I'm actually hoping a parasite shows up in the fecal because then there would be an explanation. I also hope she learns not to step in her business after she goes. I'm tired of cleaning up after her.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Biggest Loser Question
Anyone else disgusted by the attitudes and actions of the former blue team minus Amy?? :oP
I'm rooting for Phil! Actually, I'm rooting for anyone but Vicky, her husband, and Heba.
I'm rooting for Phil! Actually, I'm rooting for anyone but Vicky, her husband, and Heba.
This amazing world
Just a minute ago I was listening to an interview with Gary Strobel, a plant pathologist at Montana State University. In this interview, he discusses his discovery of a fungus from a tree stem in Patagonia that produces diesel compounds. Yes, diesel the gas. He maintains that the pure substance produced by this fungus (no altering whatsoever) could be used to power vehicles (and anything else that requires diesel). Pretty amazing. Here's an article regarding the subject.
Another thing I find amazing is that the speaker for our Biology Seminar on Friday from NC State referred to Gary Strobel specifically for unethical practice(s). The EPA had a fit when he injected a genetically altered organism into elm trees on the MSU campus without approval to combat Dutch elm disease. He rectified (as best one could I suppose) the situation by cutting them all down.
Another thing I find amazing is that the speaker for our Biology Seminar on Friday from NC State referred to Gary Strobel specifically for unethical practice(s). The EPA had a fit when he injected a genetically altered organism into elm trees on the MSU campus without approval to combat Dutch elm disease. He rectified (as best one could I suppose) the situation by cutting them all down.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Patriotism & the Election
I've gone from anger to hurt and absolutely have to get my feelings out. Unfortunately, I've had some issues with some blog posts I've read recently. Ah the freedom of speech. So much so that I've ceased reading them because I'm afraid of what I might read and the friendships I may lose.
By the tone of their writing I feel like these aforementioned bloggers are attacking me personally just because I voted differently than they did. They use the term "democrat" as if it's a cuss word. I suggest, in another four years when we elect another president (perhaps Obama again), blog about facts and leave the emotions behind. State merely why you voted the way you did...not why someone who voted against you is wrong and that you're disappointed in your country for its choice. I understand this is hard to do...especially when this election has been so emotional. And contrary to the advice I just gave, I will be emotional in this post because I feel as if my personal choices and intelligence has been attacked.
All I'm asking for...is a little respect. Just a little bit. Ha. Ha. Aretha Franklin? No? Alright. So I voted on the issues and by your telling me I made the wrong decision by voting for President-Elect Obama, you're telling me my reasons for choosing who I chose are invalid. That hurts.
Why are the blue states wrong? Why are all democrats (and republicans for that matter) lumped together like we all voted for our guy for the same reason? Why can't we accept and respect others' opinions? Why is someone who didn't vote for the same person you voted for stupid for choosing that person? Everyone has different reasons for voting. Mine? The environment, women's rights, and health care. McCain did not, for any of those issues, go in the direction that I would have liked. And to be honest, had it not been for Palin, my decision between McCain and Obama might have been much more difficult to make. I certainly sympathize with McCain's POW status and it definitely had a pull on me. But in the end I'm going to look at the big picture.
Do I think everything's going to change over night?? No. Do I think everything will change in four years? We might see some change and it may or may not be dramatic change. Did I vote for Obama for his "Change we can believe in" slogan? No. Have I "bought into" something?? Absolutely not. I did my research and voted for the person that had the most similar viewpoints to mine.
I'm attaching a videoclip from The View. It's somewhat long, but what I really want you to see is Elisabeth Hasselbeck's response to Obama as our next president. For anyone who doesn't know, she's a supporter of McCain who is known for (among other things) the intense arguments she had with her Obama loving co-hosts. She sums up nicely the position I feel those who have had an adverse reaction to his being elected should adopt.
I feel it's ridiculous to refer to Obama with his full name; including Hussein like it refers to terrorist ties. Feel free to read this article to educate yourself on the origins of this name. McCain himself even said that using his full name is inappropriate. I think I'll name my son after Hitler just so he'll have a hard time becoming president if he so chooses that route. When else has a person running for president consistently been referred to by his full name? It's low and I'd say one who does so is ignorant and prejudiced for stooping to such depths.
Growing up in a military family, I have and will always have intense pride for my country, its leaders, and the freedoms I possess because of those who have (and have not) died for her. I had love and was devoted to my country even as Bush's popularity waned and the economy plummeted. I don't pick and choose when I love the United States and her people depending on how things are going. Even if whomever is elected is making incompetent decisions, I embrace it because that's who we, as a country, chose. That's who we had the freedom to choose. I've heard many people (not just the new First Lady) say this is the first time in a long time that they've been proud of the United States. I have always and will always be proud of my country. PERIOD.
Do I think Bush was a good choice? Maybe not, but I still supported my country, the people's decision, and our president. Do I wish "our boys" had never gone to war? As a sister of someone previously deployed to Afghanistan, absolutely. But when one enlists, one understands that he or she may be called to duty (a reason I have never enlisted) and when/if that time comes, one stands up and serves his or her country proudly. Do I think Obama's going to bring everyone back? Nope. Do I think he should? Nope. We're in too deep to pull out now. My brother (active duty AF) opened my eyes during a conversation we had regarding Bush. His stance may have changed since our discussion, but at that time he maintained that Bush had been the best president the military had seen in a long time. Funny, huh?
I revel in that I am able to vote. I revel in the fact that I am able to voice my opinions for all to hear. As a patriot and no matter my political views, I will stand up and support my new president and this wonderful country in which I was blessed to be born.
I appreciate that not everyone will have the same views I have and I will not condemn those who choose paths I may not choose. I will not disrespect you for your choice. I will not think you're dumb and were "taken" by McCain. You have your opinion. I have mine. Neither is wrong.
These are my feelings at this time. They may change and I'm open to that change. Indeed, I welcome it.
By the tone of their writing I feel like these aforementioned bloggers are attacking me personally just because I voted differently than they did. They use the term "democrat" as if it's a cuss word. I suggest, in another four years when we elect another president (perhaps Obama again), blog about facts and leave the emotions behind. State merely why you voted the way you did...not why someone who voted against you is wrong and that you're disappointed in your country for its choice. I understand this is hard to do...especially when this election has been so emotional. And contrary to the advice I just gave, I will be emotional in this post because I feel as if my personal choices and intelligence has been attacked.
All I'm asking for...is a little respect. Just a little bit. Ha. Ha. Aretha Franklin? No? Alright. So I voted on the issues and by your telling me I made the wrong decision by voting for President-Elect Obama, you're telling me my reasons for choosing who I chose are invalid. That hurts.
Why are the blue states wrong? Why are all democrats (and republicans for that matter) lumped together like we all voted for our guy for the same reason? Why can't we accept and respect others' opinions? Why is someone who didn't vote for the same person you voted for stupid for choosing that person? Everyone has different reasons for voting. Mine? The environment, women's rights, and health care. McCain did not, for any of those issues, go in the direction that I would have liked. And to be honest, had it not been for Palin, my decision between McCain and Obama might have been much more difficult to make. I certainly sympathize with McCain's POW status and it definitely had a pull on me. But in the end I'm going to look at the big picture.
Do I think everything's going to change over night?? No. Do I think everything will change in four years? We might see some change and it may or may not be dramatic change. Did I vote for Obama for his "Change we can believe in" slogan? No. Have I "bought into" something?? Absolutely not. I did my research and voted for the person that had the most similar viewpoints to mine.
I'm attaching a videoclip from The View. It's somewhat long, but what I really want you to see is Elisabeth Hasselbeck's response to Obama as our next president. For anyone who doesn't know, she's a supporter of McCain who is known for (among other things) the intense arguments she had with her Obama loving co-hosts. She sums up nicely the position I feel those who have had an adverse reaction to his being elected should adopt.
I feel it's ridiculous to refer to Obama with his full name; including Hussein like it refers to terrorist ties. Feel free to read this article to educate yourself on the origins of this name. McCain himself even said that using his full name is inappropriate. I think I'll name my son after Hitler just so he'll have a hard time becoming president if he so chooses that route. When else has a person running for president consistently been referred to by his full name? It's low and I'd say one who does so is ignorant and prejudiced for stooping to such depths.
Growing up in a military family, I have and will always have intense pride for my country, its leaders, and the freedoms I possess because of those who have (and have not) died for her. I had love and was devoted to my country even as Bush's popularity waned and the economy plummeted. I don't pick and choose when I love the United States and her people depending on how things are going. Even if whomever is elected is making incompetent decisions, I embrace it because that's who we, as a country, chose. That's who we had the freedom to choose. I've heard many people (not just the new First Lady) say this is the first time in a long time that they've been proud of the United States. I have always and will always be proud of my country. PERIOD.
Do I think Bush was a good choice? Maybe not, but I still supported my country, the people's decision, and our president. Do I wish "our boys" had never gone to war? As a sister of someone previously deployed to Afghanistan, absolutely. But when one enlists, one understands that he or she may be called to duty (a reason I have never enlisted) and when/if that time comes, one stands up and serves his or her country proudly. Do I think Obama's going to bring everyone back? Nope. Do I think he should? Nope. We're in too deep to pull out now. My brother (active duty AF) opened my eyes during a conversation we had regarding Bush. His stance may have changed since our discussion, but at that time he maintained that Bush had been the best president the military had seen in a long time. Funny, huh?
I revel in that I am able to vote. I revel in the fact that I am able to voice my opinions for all to hear. As a patriot and no matter my political views, I will stand up and support my new president and this wonderful country in which I was blessed to be born.
I appreciate that not everyone will have the same views I have and I will not condemn those who choose paths I may not choose. I will not disrespect you for your choice. I will not think you're dumb and were "taken" by McCain. You have your opinion. I have mine. Neither is wrong.
These are my feelings at this time. They may change and I'm open to that change. Indeed, I welcome it.
Close encounters of the kitty kind
We had our first Callie-Athena encounter this morning. For those of you who don't know, Athena is our rottweiler and Callie is our new kitten. Haha...that's quite a setup.
We've arranged the pets in the following way: the dogs stay outside and the cat inside until bedtime. At bedtime, the cat goes into the laundry room and the dogs go into the bedroom. In the morning the dogs go back outside and the cat is let out of the...bag?? No, the laundry room.
I ask my boyfriend this morning, "Cat inside the laundry room?" His reply: yep. So I open the bedroom door and let the dogs out...who let the dogs out?? Nicole did. I'm sorry, I just can't help it. And they swiftly ran into...the loving arms of Callie the Cat. It was doggie-kitty mayhem. Not really, but it certainly took a few seconds for my brain to register what was happening.
Something just didn't seem right and it wasn't until I saw the door to the laundry room open that I realized Callie was out and Athena was right on top of her. Athena was just sniffing her so I wasn't sure whether to grab her or let her sniff Callie. I got my answer when Callie started running away and Athena chased after her trying to get her mouth around her.
My reaction: Hey...Hey!...HEY!...HEY! as I'm running after them with my boyfriend right behind me saying, "I swear I closed it!!" lol I grabbed Athena and Callie was able to run away. My boyfriend grabbed Callie to put her up and I let the dogs out. Yes, again.
So it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but I am surprised it happened so soon. I figured it'd be at least a month before any accidental encounter would occur. And believe it or not, I still have hope that Athena and Callie can live together in peace. If Athena really wanted to eat her, she could have. I really think she's just excited and doesn't know what to do. She only started trying to get her mouth around her after she took off running...her natural dog instinct to chase and capture. I don't know, maybe I'm completely wrong, but I'd rather see the glass as half full rather than half empty.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
One step forward, two steps back
It wasn't until recently that I started to like Dr. Hahn on Grey's Anatomy. And now, just as I start to enjoy her, her character is written out of the show. Rumor has it that ABC is cutting back on homosexual story lines. Shonda Rhimes (exec prod) maintains there was just no chemistry between Erica & Callie, but if that were true, don't you think they'd keep the Erica Hahn character and just end the relationship--like they've done so many times before?? Hmmm...smells fishy. I don't know the acting world that well but it amazes me that someone can lose their job so quickly because of someone else's writing.
My thoughts on the election...
Just kidding! Many thoughts...but you won't see any posted here.
Instead, here's some pictures of our new cute, cudlly kitten Callie. :o) I hope her pooping outside the litterbox (only twice) is a kitten phase of which she'll soon grow out.
Capone is fine with her...ignores her even, but Athena is just a bit too excited for me to let them get close together. They'll stay separated until she calms down (assuming she does).
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Oh this school of mine
Something you can't get from the article but only from knowledge of the campus is that the bear was left at the main entrance to the school next to our catamount statue. They definitely wanted to make a statement...be it political or just to rile people up.
http://www.wyff4.com/news/17764161/detail.html
http://www.wyff4.com/news/17764161/detail.html
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Product Safety
There was a time when I was really interested in only buying products not tested on animals. Unfortunately, I never followed through with it. Not anymore!
I recently discovered podcasts (yes, welcome to the 21st century Nicole) and have been listening to my subscriptions during any spare moment I have. I particularly like listening to them when I'm getting ready to go out or when I'm cleaning.
I was listening to the Sierra Club Radio podcast just mere moments ago and had to stop cleaning to blog about this website they were featuring.
The Good Guide is a website currently in beta testing (so they're welcoming comments & suggestions) that "provides the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of the products in your home". I don't know, maybe I'm behind the times & many of you already know about this website, but perhaps there are a few who haven't and will benefit from this blog post.
From their website:
"With GoodGuide, You Can...
Find Safe, Healthy & Green Products that protect you and your family.
Search or Browse over 60,000 Personal Care & Household Chemical Products, and see what’s really beneath the label.
Get Expert Advice & Recommendations on products and quickly learn the impacts of what you buy.
Find better products, and make purchasing decisions based on what’s important to you.
Create a personalized Shopping List with the products that are right for you & your family.
GoodGuide gives you the best information available, wherever and whenever you need it most.
We’ll help you find better products that represent your values, avoid products that are harmful to your health, the environment, or society – and enable you to take actions to help improve the world."
If you're skeptical about the credibility or depth of this website, check out their "about us" page here. Dana O'Rourke (during the interview on Sierra Club Radio) stated that he wanted this to be something that could be easily used when you're in the store with screaming kids and have 30 seconds to pick a product. Perhaps that was a major reason I never followed through with the products tested on animals--I just never had the time or patience to sift through them.
And last but not least, for all those with an iPhone, they're coming out with an iPhone app. We can only hope that it will be free.
I recently discovered podcasts (yes, welcome to the 21st century Nicole) and have been listening to my subscriptions during any spare moment I have. I particularly like listening to them when I'm getting ready to go out or when I'm cleaning.
I was listening to the Sierra Club Radio podcast just mere moments ago and had to stop cleaning to blog about this website they were featuring.
The Good Guide is a website currently in beta testing (so they're welcoming comments & suggestions) that "provides the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of the products in your home". I don't know, maybe I'm behind the times & many of you already know about this website, but perhaps there are a few who haven't and will benefit from this blog post.
From their website:
"With GoodGuide, You Can...
Find Safe, Healthy & Green Products that protect you and your family.
Search or Browse over 60,000 Personal Care & Household Chemical Products, and see what’s really beneath the label.
Get Expert Advice & Recommendations on products and quickly learn the impacts of what you buy.
Find better products, and make purchasing decisions based on what’s important to you.
Create a personalized Shopping List with the products that are right for you & your family.
GoodGuide gives you the best information available, wherever and whenever you need it most.
We’ll help you find better products that represent your values, avoid products that are harmful to your health, the environment, or society – and enable you to take actions to help improve the world."
If you're skeptical about the credibility or depth of this website, check out their "about us" page here. Dana O'Rourke (during the interview on Sierra Club Radio) stated that he wanted this to be something that could be easily used when you're in the store with screaming kids and have 30 seconds to pick a product. Perhaps that was a major reason I never followed through with the products tested on animals--I just never had the time or patience to sift through them.
And last but not least, for all those with an iPhone, they're coming out with an iPhone app. We can only hope that it will be free.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Have you decided yet?
I'm not a big Halloween dresser-upper (the last time I dressed up was in 9th grade), but after one of my friends decided last night to have a Halloween party, I have renewed energy to dress up.
I think we've decided that I will go as Cindy Lou Who & my boyfriend will be the Grinch. If we get really into it, we might dress Capone up as Max. It could be really complicated, or it could be really simple. If I can't find any suitable Cindy Lou attire, I could always just wear pjs. I think the most difficult part might be her hair-do.
I found this really great blog post where the woman's husband (who was in dental school) made big fake teeth for her. It looked great! I think I'll just stick with simplicity...especially since it's so close to the 31st anyway.
Does anyone else have big Halloween plans? What have you decided to be?
I think we've decided that I will go as Cindy Lou Who & my boyfriend will be the Grinch. If we get really into it, we might dress Capone up as Max. It could be really complicated, or it could be really simple. If I can't find any suitable Cindy Lou attire, I could always just wear pjs. I think the most difficult part might be her hair-do.
I found this really great blog post where the woman's husband (who was in dental school) made big fake teeth for her. It looked great! I think I'll just stick with simplicity...especially since it's so close to the 31st anyway.
Does anyone else have big Halloween plans? What have you decided to be?
Money Saving Tip
Instead of spending mucho dinero on pet beds, why not make your own? Of course you'll probably need a sewing machine and basic skills in sewing.
There are plenty of patterns for pet beds circling out there, some more fancy than others, but it's not necessary to use a pattern. There may even be no-sew bed patterns.
I just took a piece of fabric bigger than the size I wanted for the bed, folded it in half, and then sewed together the three sides leaving a hole big enough for me to stuff it. For the stuffing I used regular ol' poly-fill from a craft store. After I stuffed it, I went back and sewed the hole shut. The dog bed I made only cost me the poly-fill...~$3? I'd say that's a deal.
The only advice I have for more advanced sewers (which I am not) is that you may want to add a zipper to the bed and put the stuffing in another bag so that you can remove the outer shell to wash when necessary.
There are plenty of patterns for pet beds circling out there, some more fancy than others, but it's not necessary to use a pattern. There may even be no-sew bed patterns.
I just took a piece of fabric bigger than the size I wanted for the bed, folded it in half, and then sewed together the three sides leaving a hole big enough for me to stuff it. For the stuffing I used regular ol' poly-fill from a craft store. After I stuffed it, I went back and sewed the hole shut. The dog bed I made only cost me the poly-fill...~$3? I'd say that's a deal.
The only advice I have for more advanced sewers (which I am not) is that you may want to add a zipper to the bed and put the stuffing in another bag so that you can remove the outer shell to wash when necessary.
This is the bed I made for Athena (my rottweiler). Unfortunately, Capone has already staked his claim. Oh well.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Just for fun
1. Clothes Shop
I realized recently that I haven't shopped for clothes in a while. I'm going to Jamaica next week for a wedding, so I decided to stop by a thrift store in town to see what kind of dresses they have. (I figured I'd have more luck getting something summery there than at a dept store.) I found a dress from Express for $3. AMAZING! I also recently went to Marshalls & got a bunch of stuff for really good prices.
2. Furniture Shop
Well, if I ever need any new furniture, I'll probably start at Ikea.
3. Sweets
All of them. Especially Sour Patch Kids.
4. City
I haven't really found a city in which I could live for the rest of my life. Boulder's cool, Abq's cool, Asheville's cool, Savannah's cool, Isle of Palms is cool (if you consider it a 'city'), Ft. Collins is cool
5. Drink
Sweet tea
6. Music
Classical, classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country
7. TV Series
Biggest Loser, Grey's Anatomy
8. Film
Um, lots.
9. Workout
Usually anything besides running.
10. Pastries
Krispy Kreme donuts
11. Coffee
I try to stay away from caffeine, but if I have coffee anything it's a frappaccino that's more dessert than coffee.
I realized recently that I haven't shopped for clothes in a while. I'm going to Jamaica next week for a wedding, so I decided to stop by a thrift store in town to see what kind of dresses they have. (I figured I'd have more luck getting something summery there than at a dept store.) I found a dress from Express for $3. AMAZING! I also recently went to Marshalls & got a bunch of stuff for really good prices.
2. Furniture Shop
Well, if I ever need any new furniture, I'll probably start at Ikea.
3. Sweets
All of them. Especially Sour Patch Kids.
4. City
I haven't really found a city in which I could live for the rest of my life. Boulder's cool, Abq's cool, Asheville's cool, Savannah's cool, Isle of Palms is cool (if you consider it a 'city'), Ft. Collins is cool
5. Drink
Sweet tea
6. Music
Classical, classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country
7. TV Series
Biggest Loser, Grey's Anatomy
8. Film
Um, lots.
9. Workout
Usually anything besides running.
10. Pastries
Krispy Kreme donuts
11. Coffee
I try to stay away from caffeine, but if I have coffee anything it's a frappaccino that's more dessert than coffee.
The Sweetest Gift
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "YOU'RE HOT" YOU SAY?
"Shine"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE?
"Babylon"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LONG GOAL?
"Track 5"
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Addicted" lol
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Run-around"
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
"Girl Downtown"
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
"Old Dirt Hill"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR EX?
"Mille Cherubini in Coro"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON WHO LIKES YOU?
"Track 14" :o)
WHAT DOES YOUR BEST FRIEND ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
"You Might Die Trying" lol
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Track 8" Well that's not exciting!
WHAT WILL BE PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"History in the Making" :o)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
"When It's Christmas Time in Texas" I second that.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR HOUSE?
"When Christ Was Born of Mary Free"
WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS?
"The Sweetest Gift"
OKAY, so I've started listening to Christmas music early...so sue me!! ;oD
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "YOU'RE HOT" YOU SAY?
"Shine"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE?
"Babylon"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LONG GOAL?
"Track 5"
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Addicted" lol
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Run-around"
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
"Girl Downtown"
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
"Old Dirt Hill"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR EX?
"Mille Cherubini in Coro"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON WHO LIKES YOU?
"Track 14" :o)
WHAT DOES YOUR BEST FRIEND ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SAYING?
"You Might Die Trying" lol
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Track 8" Well that's not exciting!
WHAT WILL BE PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"History in the Making" :o)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
"When It's Christmas Time in Texas" I second that.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR HOUSE?
"When Christ Was Born of Mary Free"
WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS?
"The Sweetest Gift"
OKAY, so I've started listening to Christmas music early...so sue me!! ;oD
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
My new favorite song
I'm in love with the song While I Still Got The Time from Darius Rucker's new country album. Check it out here!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thank goodness!
It's raining! Much needed rain. And it's forecast through the rest of the week. I can hear my plants singing.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Adventures in cooking
I love trying different recipes...here are some I made yesterday:
Homemade Applesauce This recipe came out great! It's not as sweet as what I'm used to from the grocery store, but that's a good thing in my opinion. My aunt sent me home with tons of leftover apples from her son's (my cousin's) wedding and since I don't like apple pie and eating plain apples upsets my stomach, I decided to try making applesauce. It was super easy and made the house smell so yummy! I recommend blending the cooked apple mixture in a food processor rather than with a mixer--that way you don't get apples all over your kitchen.
I also made Honey Banana Bread. Again, just to get rid of my stash of bananas in the freezer. If your bananas get to the point of no return, just freeze them and use them for banana bread or the like later. There's no point in throwing bananas out when they can still be used. It's a "healthy" recipe, so it's not the best banana bread I've ever had, but it's still pretty good.
For dinner I made Thai Noodle Salad. If the boyfriend going back for seconds is any indicator, I'd say this recipe was a success! Very easy and took no time at all to make...I wish now that I had timed it. I had my boyfriend chop the green onions and bell pepper (from my garden!), so that cut down on the time. Using canned chicken knocked the ease factor up some more. I might actually make this recipe again...hopefully the grocery store has cilantro next time.
Happy cooking!
Homemade Applesauce This recipe came out great! It's not as sweet as what I'm used to from the grocery store, but that's a good thing in my opinion. My aunt sent me home with tons of leftover apples from her son's (my cousin's) wedding and since I don't like apple pie and eating plain apples upsets my stomach, I decided to try making applesauce. It was super easy and made the house smell so yummy! I recommend blending the cooked apple mixture in a food processor rather than with a mixer--that way you don't get apples all over your kitchen.
I also made Honey Banana Bread. Again, just to get rid of my stash of bananas in the freezer. If your bananas get to the point of no return, just freeze them and use them for banana bread or the like later. There's no point in throwing bananas out when they can still be used. It's a "healthy" recipe, so it's not the best banana bread I've ever had, but it's still pretty good.
For dinner I made Thai Noodle Salad. If the boyfriend going back for seconds is any indicator, I'd say this recipe was a success! Very easy and took no time at all to make...I wish now that I had timed it. I had my boyfriend chop the green onions and bell pepper (from my garden!), so that cut down on the time. Using canned chicken knocked the ease factor up some more. I might actually make this recipe again...hopefully the grocery store has cilantro next time.
Happy cooking!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
WCU is definitely NOT a green campus
I may get in trouble for this post, but that's a chance I'm willing to take.
I attended Western's homecoming game today. I haven't been to a game in a while so I was shocked and appalled to see that they (who "they" are I don't know--the athletic gods I suppose) are now requiring everyone, including students, to have paper tickets to get into home football games. They are no longer scanning students' cat cards.
Apparently the students are to visit a website in which they'll find their student ticket that they can then print.
What?! Wait, wait. WHAT?!?!?! Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! The amount of paper is ridiculous. BECAUSE since they're printing them places other than the ticket office, they're on whole sheets of paper.
Was there a recycle bin there to recycle these? Of course not. How many can we safely say were recycled by eco-conscious students??
Because I had trouble getting in (for I didn't know this ridiculous new policy had taken place) there was a woman with a little clout helping me to get in. I don't know her name, nor her position, but I did get some insight as to why this new paper ticket thing was put into place. According to her, some cat cards weren't able to be scanned for some reason and those students couldn't get into games. Two, by using this ticket system, there are now incentives for students to attend more games and a variety of sports. Apparently you can win different prizes for going to WCU games.
First, rectify the scanning problem by getting a new scanning system or something. Or by just sending those few students whose card won't scan to the "Cat Card Validation" line like I went through today.
As far as incentives to go to sports games...it's a sad sad world when a student needs an incentive to go support their school.
I don't know how Western expects to be competitive with other NC system schools when they continue to pull stunts like this.
As far as a quick fix goes: how about put out some recycle bins and encourage ticket recycling next time?
I attended Western's homecoming game today. I haven't been to a game in a while so I was shocked and appalled to see that they (who "they" are I don't know--the athletic gods I suppose) are now requiring everyone, including students, to have paper tickets to get into home football games. They are no longer scanning students' cat cards.
Apparently the students are to visit a website in which they'll find their student ticket that they can then print.
What?! Wait, wait. WHAT?!?!?! Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! The amount of paper is ridiculous. BECAUSE since they're printing them places other than the ticket office, they're on whole sheets of paper.
Was there a recycle bin there to recycle these? Of course not. How many can we safely say were recycled by eco-conscious students??
Because I had trouble getting in (for I didn't know this ridiculous new policy had taken place) there was a woman with a little clout helping me to get in. I don't know her name, nor her position, but I did get some insight as to why this new paper ticket thing was put into place. According to her, some cat cards weren't able to be scanned for some reason and those students couldn't get into games. Two, by using this ticket system, there are now incentives for students to attend more games and a variety of sports. Apparently you can win different prizes for going to WCU games.
First, rectify the scanning problem by getting a new scanning system or something. Or by just sending those few students whose card won't scan to the "Cat Card Validation" line like I went through today.
As far as incentives to go to sports games...it's a sad sad world when a student needs an incentive to go support their school.
I don't know how Western expects to be competitive with other NC system schools when they continue to pull stunts like this.
As far as a quick fix goes: how about put out some recycle bins and encourage ticket recycling next time?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Garden of a Novice Gardener
In honor of the many excellent gardening blogs that I peruse, I thought I'd post a few pictures of my feeble attempts at a garden.
First, the summer squash. I am floored that I'm having such problems with these plants. Perhaps I was under the incorrect assumption that these things were like tomato plants in that they grow well with very little problems. I was very excited when I saw the first two squash the other day. I just checked on them...one is completely shrived with egg masses(?) nearby while the other is not quite shriveled yet, but obviously parasitized by the same thing as the previous one. If anyone has any guesses as to what's going on, please let me know!
The tomatoes are still going, but have slowed in their ripening. I think I'll pick some of the greener tomatoes off so the others can ripen.
The pepper plant is doing well. Here are two I picked today:
And finally, the bell pepper plant is thriving as evidenced by this baby:
R.I.P. Finny
My last surviving fish died yesterday. I've decided this owning fish thing is not for me. It's a good thing I didn't go get more fish on Saturday like I had originally planned. I think I'll put the tank in storage for now...at least until I can trust myself to be a responsible fish owner.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Fall cleaning?
When I bought my house, one of the selling points on the MLS listing was a "wintertime view of the river". Well, the guys from the power company went to work today clearing the vegetation from under the powerlines in front of my house and I now have...a year-round view of my neighbor's backyard. Think that will be a selling point when I go to resell??
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project
Here are the details of the project straight from the USGS. Complete results will be published January 2009.
McCain's Bear Reference
If you're anything like me, you became quite interested in McCain's "joke" about DNA testing of grizzly bears in Montana. Here's an article outlining the research:
McCain's Beef with Bears?—Pork
The presidential wannabe scoffs at pouring millions into studying grizzly bear DNA, but scientists say it's key to preserving the species
By Coco Ballantyne
Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is a well-known critic of frivolous government spending otherwise known as pork: those pricey projects that legislators routinely—and surreptitiously—slip into appropriations packages to benefit their own districts and bring them coveted votes. But scientists charge that an important study of grizzly bear DNA has gotten caught in the crosshairs as the veteran Arizona lawmaker attempts to showcase his creds as a crusader against wasteful government spending.
It is unclear why McCain, who has taken a firm stand on some other environmental issues—he believes more needs to be done to curtail global warming—considers the research to be a waste of time and money, and his press office did not respond to repeated e-mails and phone calls for comment. Yet, he is apparently so "outraged" that he takes a dig at it in a campaign TV spot in which an announcer declares:
"233 million for a bridge to nowhere. Outrageous… Three million to study the DNA of bears in Montana. Unbelievable… A million dollars for a Woodstock Museum—in a bill sponsored by Hillary Clinton. Predictable… Who has the guts to stand up to wasteful government spending? One man. John McCain."
Currently the front-runner for the GOP nod, McCain also hits the research in speeches on the stump, cracking jokes about bear paternity tests and criminal investigations. "I don't know if it was a paternity issue or criminal, but it was a waste of money," McCain railed last month during a campaign stop in Clawson, Mich. Scientists, however, are not amused: They insist that the study is not only worth every penny but that the $3-million price tag cited in the ad is, in a word, wrong.
In fact, Congress over the past five years has forked over a total of $4.8 million to study the genetic material of Montana's grizzly bears, according to Katherine Kendall, a research biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Kendall heads the Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project, which is aimed at obtaining the first accurate population estimate of grizzlies living in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem—eight million acres of land in northwestern Montana that encompasses Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
"This is not pork barrel at all," says Richard Mace, a research biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). "We have a federal law called the Endangered Species Act and [under this law] the federal government is supposed to help identify and conserve threatened species."
The grizzly has been listed as a threatened species since 1975 and scientists say that it is essential to get a handle on the population to preserve it. But, according to Kendall, until the feds decided to invest in this grizzly bear DNA study, researchers lacked the funds to conduct research at the scale necessary to get a reliable measure.
In 2002 Kendall assembled a scientific panel with representatives from the USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP, along with other scientific and environmental organizations to determine the best way to measure the remaining grizzly population of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. It recommended setting up barbed wire hair-snagging stations to painlessly pluck fur from passing bears that would be used for DNA fingerprinting, a technique employed to distinguish individuals of the same species by the differences in their genetic material. This is the only way to accurately estimate population in such heavily forested terrain, where bears are difficult to spot, says Chris Servheen, a grizzly expert with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In response, the USGS set aside $250,000 to launch the Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project; the next year, Congress stepped in to provide additional funding, and from 2003 to 2007 appropriated $4.8 million to the effort, Kendall says.
She notes that her team of 250 scientists and researchers set up hair-snag stations at thousands of locations throughout the grizzly habitat, some as far as 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the nearest road. These wire setups do not harm the bears in any way, Servheen says: "It's no more than running a comb through your hair."
The team collected 34,000 samples of bear hair over a 14-week period in 2004, which it sent over the border to the Wildlife Genetics International laboratory in Nelson, British Columbia. By extracting and analyzing DNA in the strands, researchers were able to pinpoint the species (grizzly or black bear), gender, and individual identity of host bears. It took two years to analyze the large swath of samples and another to compile the data and conduct statistical analyses to estimate the size, distribution and genetic structure of the population as well as summarize the findings, which Kendall says she hopes to publish in a science journal by summer. (She refuses to reveal the results prior to publication.)
But numbers are only part of the story. Scientists say they also have to figure out how the population is changing to determine how to protect it. Toward that end, the Montana state government four years ago launched a $250,000 per annum effort to monitor grizzly population trends (separate from, but complementary to Kendall's study on population size), according to Mace, who is in charge of that project.
"There are no answers yet," he says, noting that it is too early to tell whether the population is increasing, decreasing or if it remains unchanged since 2004. But researchers are optimistic they will be able to fashion effective preservation measures once they have a better idea of [to vary] the population size—thanks to Kendall's study—and a solid understanding of trends.
Still, for many Americans who have never seen and probably never will see a grizzly bear, the question remains: Why should one bear population merit millions in taxpayer money?
The reason, grizzly expert Servheen says: the bears are a threatened species. He estimates that only about 1,500 still reside in the 48 contiguous states, compared with some 50,000 before the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century (a 97 percent population decline). The once far-reaching grizzly habitat, which stretched from the Mississippi River to California and ranged north to south from Alaska to Mexico, is today restricted to four western states: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. In these states, only two populations—those living in and around Yellowstone National Park and in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem—number more than 50 bears and offer hope for long-term viability, Servheen says.
So is forking over huge chunks of change to protect grizzly bears "unbelievable"—or a joke—as McCain charges?
No way, scientists and environmentalists say. Protecting wildlife is expensive, but grizzlies are priceless, says Louisa Willcox, director of the Wild Bears Project for the National Resources Defense Council. "Grizzly bears are a symbol of our frontier past—of untamed wilderness," she says. "Lewis and Clark saw them eating buffalo carcasses on the American plains."
Not only are grizzlies "treasures of United States history," Servheen says, but they help us understand how effective our conservation efforts are. Despite their ferocious reputation, he notes, grizzlies are exquisitely sensitive to human activity and can only live on the wildest tracts of land. "They are an indicator of the health of ecosystems," he says, and they emblematize "the preservation of wilderness, which is becoming rarer every day."
Click here for the original article.
McCain's Beef with Bears?—Pork
The presidential wannabe scoffs at pouring millions into studying grizzly bear DNA, but scientists say it's key to preserving the species
By Coco Ballantyne
Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is a well-known critic of frivolous government spending otherwise known as pork: those pricey projects that legislators routinely—and surreptitiously—slip into appropriations packages to benefit their own districts and bring them coveted votes. But scientists charge that an important study of grizzly bear DNA has gotten caught in the crosshairs as the veteran Arizona lawmaker attempts to showcase his creds as a crusader against wasteful government spending.
It is unclear why McCain, who has taken a firm stand on some other environmental issues—he believes more needs to be done to curtail global warming—considers the research to be a waste of time and money, and his press office did not respond to repeated e-mails and phone calls for comment. Yet, he is apparently so "outraged" that he takes a dig at it in a campaign TV spot in which an announcer declares:
"233 million for a bridge to nowhere. Outrageous… Three million to study the DNA of bears in Montana. Unbelievable… A million dollars for a Woodstock Museum—in a bill sponsored by Hillary Clinton. Predictable… Who has the guts to stand up to wasteful government spending? One man. John McCain."
Currently the front-runner for the GOP nod, McCain also hits the research in speeches on the stump, cracking jokes about bear paternity tests and criminal investigations. "I don't know if it was a paternity issue or criminal, but it was a waste of money," McCain railed last month during a campaign stop in Clawson, Mich. Scientists, however, are not amused: They insist that the study is not only worth every penny but that the $3-million price tag cited in the ad is, in a word, wrong.
In fact, Congress over the past five years has forked over a total of $4.8 million to study the genetic material of Montana's grizzly bears, according to Katherine Kendall, a research biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Kendall heads the Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project, which is aimed at obtaining the first accurate population estimate of grizzlies living in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem—eight million acres of land in northwestern Montana that encompasses Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
"This is not pork barrel at all," says Richard Mace, a research biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). "We have a federal law called the Endangered Species Act and [under this law] the federal government is supposed to help identify and conserve threatened species."
The grizzly has been listed as a threatened species since 1975 and scientists say that it is essential to get a handle on the population to preserve it. But, according to Kendall, until the feds decided to invest in this grizzly bear DNA study, researchers lacked the funds to conduct research at the scale necessary to get a reliable measure.
In 2002 Kendall assembled a scientific panel with representatives from the USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP, along with other scientific and environmental organizations to determine the best way to measure the remaining grizzly population of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. It recommended setting up barbed wire hair-snagging stations to painlessly pluck fur from passing bears that would be used for DNA fingerprinting, a technique employed to distinguish individuals of the same species by the differences in their genetic material. This is the only way to accurately estimate population in such heavily forested terrain, where bears are difficult to spot, says Chris Servheen, a grizzly expert with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In response, the USGS set aside $250,000 to launch the Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project; the next year, Congress stepped in to provide additional funding, and from 2003 to 2007 appropriated $4.8 million to the effort, Kendall says.
She notes that her team of 250 scientists and researchers set up hair-snag stations at thousands of locations throughout the grizzly habitat, some as far as 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the nearest road. These wire setups do not harm the bears in any way, Servheen says: "It's no more than running a comb through your hair."
The team collected 34,000 samples of bear hair over a 14-week period in 2004, which it sent over the border to the Wildlife Genetics International laboratory in Nelson, British Columbia. By extracting and analyzing DNA in the strands, researchers were able to pinpoint the species (grizzly or black bear), gender, and individual identity of host bears. It took two years to analyze the large swath of samples and another to compile the data and conduct statistical analyses to estimate the size, distribution and genetic structure of the population as well as summarize the findings, which Kendall says she hopes to publish in a science journal by summer. (She refuses to reveal the results prior to publication.)
But numbers are only part of the story. Scientists say they also have to figure out how the population is changing to determine how to protect it. Toward that end, the Montana state government four years ago launched a $250,000 per annum effort to monitor grizzly population trends (separate from, but complementary to Kendall's study on population size), according to Mace, who is in charge of that project.
"There are no answers yet," he says, noting that it is too early to tell whether the population is increasing, decreasing or if it remains unchanged since 2004. But researchers are optimistic they will be able to fashion effective preservation measures once they have a better idea of [to vary] the population size—thanks to Kendall's study—and a solid understanding of trends.
Still, for many Americans who have never seen and probably never will see a grizzly bear, the question remains: Why should one bear population merit millions in taxpayer money?
The reason, grizzly expert Servheen says: the bears are a threatened species. He estimates that only about 1,500 still reside in the 48 contiguous states, compared with some 50,000 before the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century (a 97 percent population decline). The once far-reaching grizzly habitat, which stretched from the Mississippi River to California and ranged north to south from Alaska to Mexico, is today restricted to four western states: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. In these states, only two populations—those living in and around Yellowstone National Park and in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem—number more than 50 bears and offer hope for long-term viability, Servheen says.
So is forking over huge chunks of change to protect grizzly bears "unbelievable"—or a joke—as McCain charges?
No way, scientists and environmentalists say. Protecting wildlife is expensive, but grizzlies are priceless, says Louisa Willcox, director of the Wild Bears Project for the National Resources Defense Council. "Grizzly bears are a symbol of our frontier past—of untamed wilderness," she says. "Lewis and Clark saw them eating buffalo carcasses on the American plains."
Not only are grizzlies "treasures of United States history," Servheen says, but they help us understand how effective our conservation efforts are. Despite their ferocious reputation, he notes, grizzlies are exquisitely sensitive to human activity and can only live on the wildest tracts of land. "They are an indicator of the health of ecosystems," he says, and they emblematize "the preservation of wilderness, which is becoming rarer every day."
Click here for the original article.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Just some things
Another post on some things going on in my life:
--We're finally getting some cooler weather. Still no rain, but the cooler weather is nice. I can feel Fall approaching. About time too since we've passed the "start" of the season. I decorated for Fall/Halloween last Sunday, so that was fun. Not that I have many decorations, but it was fun nonetheless. I love this time of year!
--I read in a gardening book that vegetable gardens benefit from wood ashes, so I sprinkled the ashes left over from the fire pit (from the 30th bday party) around the plants today. I'm not expecting much (especially since we're getting cooler temperatures) but it was still neat to use something that otherwise would just sit there. At first I was thinking that the ashes help the fertility of the soil, but after I read more, I deduced that it helps keep pests away.
--My car is still in the shop. And not because it's not fixed, but because there's no gas. Anywhere! Apparently when I filled my car up with a mere 5 gallons of gas last Tuesday (because the pumps were so slow) I was putting contaminated gas into my car. The owner of the place has agreed to pay the bill ($340) thank goodness. And like I said, the car's fixed, but now I have the problem of finding gas to put back in it. I thought it was due to Hurricane Ike, but from what I heard on the news today, it has nothing to do with that. The way I understand it, the tankers in Spartanburg (where we get our gas) are only being filled half-way. The NC officials (not sure who that is) have called the gas companies (BP, Exxon, etc) to figure out why this is happening, but they either don't tell them or they don't answer their calls.
The solution to my problem (kind of): the guys at the auto shop siphoned off the little gas that was left from my tank (I guess the water and junk settles out of the gas) and put it back in my tank. So I have enough gas to get home or straight to a station. I've decided to just drive it home & either put the gas I have for my mower in it or just wait until this whole gas shortage thing rolls over. I'm not real concerned about my car being out of commission because my boyfriend is gone this week so I can drive his car if necessary. Also, I got my bike fixed today (another story) so I can ride it to campus. Come to think of it, I kind of like this situation. Maybe folks will actually start to carpool, ride the bus, ride their bikes, or whatever else they can come up with.
--My bike. I'm a novice...and it shows. I broke the tire valve while trying to pump up the tire. :oP So not only was I out a car, but I was also out my alternate transportation. But let's look at the bright side: the guy at the bike shop taught me how to do it correctly, I met a guy at the store that's a member of the WCU bike club and he invited me to join them, and I perused a shop next door (they sell used library and donated books there) where I found a book in the series my boyfriend is reading. It looks like it hasn't even been read & I got it for $3.00.
--I'll leave on a funny note: 2 redneck (sorry) white boys just rang my doorbell selling steaks and seafood out of the freezer in the back of their pickup. Um, sorry guys, but I think I'll pass. :o)
--We're finally getting some cooler weather. Still no rain, but the cooler weather is nice. I can feel Fall approaching. About time too since we've passed the "start" of the season. I decorated for Fall/Halloween last Sunday, so that was fun. Not that I have many decorations, but it was fun nonetheless. I love this time of year!
--I read in a gardening book that vegetable gardens benefit from wood ashes, so I sprinkled the ashes left over from the fire pit (from the 30th bday party) around the plants today. I'm not expecting much (especially since we're getting cooler temperatures) but it was still neat to use something that otherwise would just sit there. At first I was thinking that the ashes help the fertility of the soil, but after I read more, I deduced that it helps keep pests away.
--My car is still in the shop. And not because it's not fixed, but because there's no gas. Anywhere! Apparently when I filled my car up with a mere 5 gallons of gas last Tuesday (because the pumps were so slow) I was putting contaminated gas into my car. The owner of the place has agreed to pay the bill ($340) thank goodness. And like I said, the car's fixed, but now I have the problem of finding gas to put back in it. I thought it was due to Hurricane Ike, but from what I heard on the news today, it has nothing to do with that. The way I understand it, the tankers in Spartanburg (where we get our gas) are only being filled half-way. The NC officials (not sure who that is) have called the gas companies (BP, Exxon, etc) to figure out why this is happening, but they either don't tell them or they don't answer their calls.
The solution to my problem (kind of): the guys at the auto shop siphoned off the little gas that was left from my tank (I guess the water and junk settles out of the gas) and put it back in my tank. So I have enough gas to get home or straight to a station. I've decided to just drive it home & either put the gas I have for my mower in it or just wait until this whole gas shortage thing rolls over. I'm not real concerned about my car being out of commission because my boyfriend is gone this week so I can drive his car if necessary. Also, I got my bike fixed today (another story) so I can ride it to campus. Come to think of it, I kind of like this situation. Maybe folks will actually start to carpool, ride the bus, ride their bikes, or whatever else they can come up with.
--My bike. I'm a novice...and it shows. I broke the tire valve while trying to pump up the tire. :oP So not only was I out a car, but I was also out my alternate transportation. But let's look at the bright side: the guy at the bike shop taught me how to do it correctly, I met a guy at the store that's a member of the WCU bike club and he invited me to join them, and I perused a shop next door (they sell used library and donated books there) where I found a book in the series my boyfriend is reading. It looks like it hasn't even been read & I got it for $3.00.
--I'll leave on a funny note: 2 redneck (sorry) white boys just rang my doorbell selling steaks and seafood out of the freezer in the back of their pickup. Um, sorry guys, but I think I'll pass. :o)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
It may be healthy, but it sure ain't satisfying!
I love love love Sour Patch Kids. If someone asked me what my favorite food is, that's what I'd say--even if it's not technically a "food".
My boyfriend and I have plans to go see a movie on campus Friday night. The theater there charges only $2 for students and the popcorn and cokes are free. This poses a huge threat to my diet because I've always taken anything free, even if I didn't need it.
I can get a diet coke, that's fine. But what will I substitute for the buttery, salty popcorn that my boyfriend will be eating next to me? I can picture the wonder aromas wafting up to my nostrils right now.
So this got me thinking, "What healthy and satisfying movie snacks are out there?" I wish I could tell you that I was amazed by the amount I found. Hardly. I saw: celery sticks, pretzels, nuts, fruit, cut up veggies, etc. BLECH! Honestly, I think those'll just make me want my sour patch kids or popcorn even more. I'm fine with incorporating those things into my daily diet, but there's a sort of feeling that seeing a movie invokes that draws me toward the unhealthy stuff. It's like going to a carnival and passing on the funnel cake for celery sticks. Uh, no thanks.
Some may say that one serving of sour patch kids can't be all that bad. And I agree. One serving of sour patch kids, for me however, can sabotage my entire diet. There's no braking system here.
I did amazingly well with the movie snacks this summer when we went to see Indian Jones. I had just bought a huge basket of local strawberries, so I cut some up and shared them with my boyfriend during the movie. They were so good! And satisfying! And no longer in season! :o(
I found this article on SparkPeople that had some better snack suggestions than others I found. Not sure whether sparkpeople will make you log in to read it or not. The only other thing I found that may hit the spot is Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning. I've tried several of these and really like them except that they have a hard time sticking to butterless popcorn. I saw somewhere that you can use that healthy "butter" spray to help it stick, but I haven't tried that yet. And I'm really not all that sure that these seasonings are a healthier option. There's 2-5 calories per 1/4 tsp (1 serving) so if you stick to the serving size, perhaps it is.
A major help would be to somehow change my way of thinking that going to the movies = yummy junk food.
A funny (& perhaps relatable) aside: my dad buys the popcorn size with the free refill and then will eat all (we sometimes help) of the popcorn during the previews and get a refill before the movie even starts. :o)
Anyone have any alternative movie snack tricks up their sleeves?
Friday, September 19, 2008
The big day
Today's the big 30th party! I'm stressed out, but anxious to get the ball rolling. I have tons of cleaning to do (should've done lots of it earlier, but other things kept taking precendence) and a fair amount of setting up/decorating. I guess it's a good thing my car is in the shop (because of some bad gas I got) so that I'm forced to stay home and do these things. Well enough talkin' about it...I'm off to start cleaning!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Amazing what a little rain can do
I have bell peppers! I have peppers! No squash yet, but the plants are doing so much better!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Jamaica anyone???
So...I'm going to Jamaica! YAY! I didn't want to post anything before it was confirmed, but I just booked the plane tickets, so it's official! It happened quite suddenly (wedding is Oct 26th--NOT MINE!) and was somewhat expensive, but you only live once, right?
The story: one of the Biology grad students (who came in with my group) just recently got engaged to his girlfriend of ~10 years. His now fiance was getting a little stressed about planning a wedding so soon, so they just decided to have it down in Jamaica. My friend and her fiance (engaged last week) somehow managed to get their family to give them an early engagement present of some money towards going to Jamaica and then I got it in my head that Chris and I should go too. We had to wait to make sure Chris could get the time off--it was driving me nuts, but we can go!
The bad thing: it's at a resort, so it's not roughing it like I'd like it to be.
The good thing: it's at a resort, so it's not roughing it like I thought I'd like it to be. :o) It's all inclusive, so food, alcohol, scuba...no charge. What more could I ask for? Also, I booked the same flight as our friends, so we can carpool and share the hotel room in Charlotte.
I'm stoked STOKED STOKED STOKED! :o)
The story: one of the Biology grad students (who came in with my group) just recently got engaged to his girlfriend of ~10 years. His now fiance was getting a little stressed about planning a wedding so soon, so they just decided to have it down in Jamaica. My friend and her fiance (engaged last week) somehow managed to get their family to give them an early engagement present of some money towards going to Jamaica and then I got it in my head that Chris and I should go too. We had to wait to make sure Chris could get the time off--it was driving me nuts, but we can go!
The bad thing: it's at a resort, so it's not roughing it like I'd like it to be.
The good thing: it's at a resort, so it's not roughing it like I thought I'd like it to be. :o) It's all inclusive, so food, alcohol, scuba...no charge. What more could I ask for? Also, I booked the same flight as our friends, so we can carpool and share the hotel room in Charlotte.
I'm stoked STOKED STOKED STOKED! :o)
Friday, September 12, 2008
What's for dinner?
From Lia Mack's Blog:
1. What's for dinner tonight? Fried okra, sloppy beef sandwiches, and pico w/ chips (sounds fattening (really it's not) and random (gotta use up the veggies!))
2. Do you do all or most of the cooking? Yes
3. What is your signature/favorite food to make? What are you known for? I'm not really "known" for anything but I can whip up spaghetti and garlic bread in 5 seconds (who can't) and my grandmother's coconut cake was a huge hit once.
4. Favorite food to chop? Cucumbers
5. Least favorite food to prepare that you have to cook? Onions, tomatoes
6. What was the last thing you made/cooked? Blueberry muffins last night
7. What was the last thing someone made for you? Hmmm...does McDonald's count?
8. How often do you burn your food? What are you known to burn? I can't even remember the last time I burned something. I'm a chemist in the kitchen.
9. What's your signature/favorite breakfast? Breakfast burritos
10. What's your signature/favorite lunch? Breakfast burritos
11. Dessert? What do you have to have that you make yourself? Cake!
12. Favorite veggie to prepare? How? Cucumbers--peeled and sliced
13. Most interesting item you've ever eaten and/or cooked? Probably dim sum mainly because I didn't know what I was eating.
14. Favorite kitchen gadget(s)? Louise's new wine bottle opener
15. Ever caught the kitchen on fire? Nope--done it with microwaves a couple of times though
16. Are you the grill master? What are you best at grilling? Hardly!
17. What would your dream kitchen include? A personal chef
18. If asked, what do you make/cook to bring to a party to share? Bean salad (yum!) or cake
19. What did you have for dinner last night? Cheese and broccoli Lean Pocket
20. And, most importantly...are you hungry now?! Absolutely! It's 12:25 and past my lunch time!
1. What's for dinner tonight? Fried okra, sloppy beef sandwiches, and pico w/ chips (sounds fattening (really it's not) and random (gotta use up the veggies!))
2. Do you do all or most of the cooking? Yes
3. What is your signature/favorite food to make? What are you known for? I'm not really "known" for anything but I can whip up spaghetti and garlic bread in 5 seconds (who can't) and my grandmother's coconut cake was a huge hit once.
4. Favorite food to chop? Cucumbers
5. Least favorite food to prepare that you have to cook? Onions, tomatoes
6. What was the last thing you made/cooked? Blueberry muffins last night
7. What was the last thing someone made for you? Hmmm...does McDonald's count?
8. How often do you burn your food? What are you known to burn? I can't even remember the last time I burned something. I'm a chemist in the kitchen.
9. What's your signature/favorite breakfast? Breakfast burritos
10. What's your signature/favorite lunch? Breakfast burritos
11. Dessert? What do you have to have that you make yourself? Cake!
12. Favorite veggie to prepare? How? Cucumbers--peeled and sliced
13. Most interesting item you've ever eaten and/or cooked? Probably dim sum mainly because I didn't know what I was eating.
14. Favorite kitchen gadget(s)? Louise's new wine bottle opener
15. Ever caught the kitchen on fire? Nope--done it with microwaves a couple of times though
16. Are you the grill master? What are you best at grilling? Hardly!
17. What would your dream kitchen include? A personal chef
18. If asked, what do you make/cook to bring to a party to share? Bean salad (yum!) or cake
19. What did you have for dinner last night? Cheese and broccoli Lean Pocket
20. And, most importantly...are you hungry now?! Absolutely! It's 12:25 and past my lunch time!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Random things
1. It's the 7th anniversary of September 11th...it feels like it happened yesterday.
2. My seminar presentation has been moved from November 21st to early next semester! Yay!
3. I think I might switch from My Food Diary to Spark People. Spark People doesn't charge a monthly fee and does all that which My Food Diary does.
4. The power company started cutting down all of the brush and trees under the powerlines yesterday. One, a house above me that I didn't know was there suddenly appeared. Two, I feel like I'm going against my environmentalist side when I hope that they take down all of the brush in front of my house so that I can get a better view of the river. :oP
5. If all goes well (meaning my "boss" doesn't tell me I still need to do a certain plot) I'm all done with field work. Happy face!
6. My boyfriend bought an iPhone. Whatever.
7. Depending on whether or not my boyfriend can get the time off, we might be going to Jamaica in October for our friend's wedding. Another happy face!
8. Except for touch-up paint, my kitchen is done! Happy face number three!
9. I planted collard greens and cauliflower. Cross your fingers.
10. I needed to think of something else for number 10 (to make this list even) but couldn't.
2. My seminar presentation has been moved from November 21st to early next semester! Yay!
3. I think I might switch from My Food Diary to Spark People. Spark People doesn't charge a monthly fee and does all that which My Food Diary does.
4. The power company started cutting down all of the brush and trees under the powerlines yesterday. One, a house above me that I didn't know was there suddenly appeared. Two, I feel like I'm going against my environmentalist side when I hope that they take down all of the brush in front of my house so that I can get a better view of the river. :oP
5. If all goes well (meaning my "boss" doesn't tell me I still need to do a certain plot) I'm all done with field work. Happy face!
6. My boyfriend bought an iPhone. Whatever.
7. Depending on whether or not my boyfriend can get the time off, we might be going to Jamaica in October for our friend's wedding. Another happy face!
8. Except for touch-up paint, my kitchen is done! Happy face number three!
9. I planted collard greens and cauliflower. Cross your fingers.
10. I needed to think of something else for number 10 (to make this list even) but couldn't.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Kiddie pool?
I have a digging problem. That's the first step, right? Admit you have a problem? Actually, my dogs have the digging, I have the problem. We've had this problem off and on for a while now with them digging up and killing ALL of the rhodos in the yard, but it hasn't gotten on my nerves until recently. Perhaps the problem has gotten bigger than what I'll allow.
I did some searching online to see if there's any kind of repellent for the areas they're (I say they but I'm not sure whether it's both of them or just one) digging up. No luck. The best I found were websites saying it's either their nature, boredom, or they're trying to find a cool spot in which to lay. Basically, it's the owner's fault.
So what do I do? I go and buy treats/toys to reward(?) their bad behavior. Against my better judgement (because my dogs don't play with dog toys--imagine that!) I bought a rope and a squeaky toy. I hate spending money on stupid things my dogs don't even touch. I also bought 5 big rawhide bones. I'm okay with spending money on these since I know Capone loves them. Athena loves them because Capone loves them. As I gave one to each of them I thought, "Wait. Since Athena's going to run and bury hers...this is just going to make it worse!" AAGH!
This situation has been on my mind all day. Believe it or not this is somewhat of a big deal because I live on a semi-steep hill. Since the dogs (or whichever one it is) are digging right where the hill meets the flat part, I'm afraid there's going to be a major landslide with the first major rain we get. Whether this concern is warranted or not, I don't know. At any rate, if this keeps up I feel like I might have to put in a retaining wall. :oP I would get a landscaper (not sure if this is the correct professional to hire) to come in a take a look at it, but after this kitchen renovation, I HAVE NO MONEY!
At any rate, here's my conclusion: judging from where they're digging (under an azalea, under a mimosa tree, and under the picnic table) I think they're looking for a cool spot to lay in. At the same time, one of them (or both?) are eating the roots of the mimosa. Same thing happened with the rhodos. So are they hungry? Am I not feeding them enough? They're eating grass as well. Or is it the water content in the roots? Does their water get too hot to drink? My boyfriend and I have discussed previously how strange it is that they won't drink the water I provide outside and then when I let them in for the night they'll drink and drink and drink the water that's inside. I even changed the bowl I have for them outside just in case it was the problem.
I considered buying a kiddie pool to put out back, but I did that in NM and they ignored it. Also, since it's hilly back there, the only level place I could put it is on the fire-pit patio and there's not much shade there.
Does anyone have any advice??
I did some searching online to see if there's any kind of repellent for the areas they're (I say they but I'm not sure whether it's both of them or just one) digging up. No luck. The best I found were websites saying it's either their nature, boredom, or they're trying to find a cool spot in which to lay. Basically, it's the owner's fault.
So what do I do? I go and buy treats/toys to reward(?) their bad behavior. Against my better judgement (because my dogs don't play with dog toys--imagine that!) I bought a rope and a squeaky toy. I hate spending money on stupid things my dogs don't even touch. I also bought 5 big rawhide bones. I'm okay with spending money on these since I know Capone loves them. Athena loves them because Capone loves them. As I gave one to each of them I thought, "Wait. Since Athena's going to run and bury hers...this is just going to make it worse!" AAGH!
This situation has been on my mind all day. Believe it or not this is somewhat of a big deal because I live on a semi-steep hill. Since the dogs (or whichever one it is) are digging right where the hill meets the flat part, I'm afraid there's going to be a major landslide with the first major rain we get. Whether this concern is warranted or not, I don't know. At any rate, if this keeps up I feel like I might have to put in a retaining wall. :oP I would get a landscaper (not sure if this is the correct professional to hire) to come in a take a look at it, but after this kitchen renovation, I HAVE NO MONEY!
At any rate, here's my conclusion: judging from where they're digging (under an azalea, under a mimosa tree, and under the picnic table) I think they're looking for a cool spot to lay in. At the same time, one of them (or both?) are eating the roots of the mimosa. Same thing happened with the rhodos. So are they hungry? Am I not feeding them enough? They're eating grass as well. Or is it the water content in the roots? Does their water get too hot to drink? My boyfriend and I have discussed previously how strange it is that they won't drink the water I provide outside and then when I let them in for the night they'll drink and drink and drink the water that's inside. I even changed the bowl I have for them outside just in case it was the problem.
I considered buying a kiddie pool to put out back, but I did that in NM and they ignored it. Also, since it's hilly back there, the only level place I could put it is on the fire-pit patio and there's not much shade there.
Does anyone have any advice??
Thursday, September 4, 2008
When a spider isn't a spider
I recently posted a picture on Facebook of a daddy-longlegs and mistakenly called it a "spider". Boy was I wrong! (As my friends so quickly pointed out.) Apparently spiders usually have two body sections, eight eyes, and unsegmented abdomens while daddy-longlegs have one body section, two eyes, and segemented abdomens. The Spider Myths Site does a really good job explaining it when they say that daddy-longlegs are arachnids but not spiders in the same way that butterflies are insects but not beetles.
A little bit of trivia for you...now go impress all of your friends.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What I watch when I'm feeling down...
My brother sent me this a while back and I have yet to grow tired of it.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
...have the capacity to sting when they are rubbed against.
After sampling today I have decided that I'll take sampling in rhodo hell over sampling in wood nettle (Laportea canadensis) any day! If you scream in the woods and no one's around to hear it, do you make a sound?
Monday, September 1, 2008
The world would be a better place if every weekend was a 3-day weekend
SATURDAY
1. Played Mario & Sonic Olympics for Wii.
2. Picked up veggie tray and balloons from Food Lion for cousin's baby shower. Balloons were free since they forgot to blow them up before we got there. (yay)
3. Attended baby shower with lots of people I didn't know.
4. Ate microwave dinners (still don't have sink/countertops) on patio; drank a bottle of wine.
5. Went to friend's house to watch Clemson game.
6. Clemson lost.
7. Burst bloodvessels in my eye when I hit myself (on accident) with my friend's stick.
SUNDAY
8. Played M & S Olympics.
9. Boyfriend sanded address post at top of drive.
10. Picked up dog doo-doo.
11. Mowed
12. Got ice-cream at Dairy Queen.
13. Attended grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary party with (again) lots of people I didn't know.
14. Stopped by other grandparent's house for dinner and to pick up shrimp for boyfriend's bday party. Got hibiscus seeds.
15. Played M & S Olympics.
MONDAY
16. Rode bikes to eat breakfast at Huddle House.
17. Played M & S Olympics.
18. Painted post at top of drive.
19. Took two trips to the Jackson County Transfer Station to dispose of cabinets that have been sitting in my driveway for weeks.
20. Boyfriend switched out old porch light for new one.
21. Weeded, transferred bulbs, cut down overgrowth, planted some hibiscus seeds.
22. Ate at burger joint never been to before but heard great things about that didn't turn out to be true.
23. Watched Clear & Present Danger.
24. Transferred refrigerator from shed to carport closet.
25. Moved brush pile from driveway to rear of dog pen.
26. Hammock fell while sitting in it.
27. Had great idea to use posts we bought for the pergola we're no longer building to put hammock up in the backyard.
28. Levelled the dishwasher.
29. Played M & S Olympics.
30. Created "glass", "plastic", "cans", "trash", "paper" signs for recycle bins.
31. Ate microwave dinners on patio, relaxed, and enjoyed the last few moments of this wonderful three-day weekend.
1. Played Mario & Sonic Olympics for Wii.
2. Picked up veggie tray and balloons from Food Lion for cousin's baby shower. Balloons were free since they forgot to blow them up before we got there. (yay)
3. Attended baby shower with lots of people I didn't know.
4. Ate microwave dinners (still don't have sink/countertops) on patio; drank a bottle of wine.
5. Went to friend's house to watch Clemson game.
6. Clemson lost.
7. Burst bloodvessels in my eye when I hit myself (on accident) with my friend's stick.
SUNDAY
8. Played M & S Olympics.
9. Boyfriend sanded address post at top of drive.
10. Picked up dog doo-doo.
11. Mowed
12. Got ice-cream at Dairy Queen.
13. Attended grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary party with (again) lots of people I didn't know.
14. Stopped by other grandparent's house for dinner and to pick up shrimp for boyfriend's bday party. Got hibiscus seeds.
15. Played M & S Olympics.
MONDAY
16. Rode bikes to eat breakfast at Huddle House.
17. Played M & S Olympics.
18. Painted post at top of drive.
19. Took two trips to the Jackson County Transfer Station to dispose of cabinets that have been sitting in my driveway for weeks.
20. Boyfriend switched out old porch light for new one.
21. Weeded, transferred bulbs, cut down overgrowth, planted some hibiscus seeds.
22. Ate at burger joint never been to before but heard great things about that didn't turn out to be true.
23. Watched Clear & Present Danger.
24. Transferred refrigerator from shed to carport closet.
25. Moved brush pile from driveway to rear of dog pen.
26. Hammock fell while sitting in it.
27. Had great idea to use posts we bought for the pergola we're no longer building to put hammock up in the backyard.
28. Levelled the dishwasher.
29. Played M & S Olympics.
30. Created "glass", "plastic", "cans", "trash", "paper" signs for recycle bins.
31. Ate microwave dinners on patio, relaxed, and enjoyed the last few moments of this wonderful three-day weekend.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
You just can't win
So we finally have some rain. We're getting the remnants of Fay and so it's rained non-stop for two days...the first rain I've seen here in I don't know how long. Still not enough to get us out of this drought, but needed nontheless. Yet, I want the rain to stop. The time to do my veg sampling is quickly running out. The leaves have started turning and that's bad news. I'm in a perpetual tense state and unfortunately, my boyfriend bears the brunt of it. :o( I'm sure everything will work out in the end...even if it does mean I'm in graduate school for and extra semester or two.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A couple of thoughts
When you're in the woods for hours on end by yourself, you have a lot of time to think.
#1 I really should stop watching crime shows...I have very little doubt that I'll stumble upon a body someday.
#2 They call dense patches of rhododendron "rhodo hell" for a reason.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My Campus Ride
Here is my ride to campus about which I've been talking:
Campus Ride by MapMyRide.com
Oh, and don't let me forget by golly--I have to give a shout out and props to MY BIG BROTHER for referring me to this awesome website. If he hadn't told me about this site, I can guarantee I wouldn't be where I am today. :oP
Campus Ride by MapMyRide.com
Oh, and don't let me forget by golly--I have to give a shout out and props to MY BIG BROTHER for referring me to this awesome website. If he hadn't told me about this site, I can guarantee I wouldn't be where I am today. :oP
Great idea!
I think this is a fabulous idea, although some may find it tacky and informal:
save the date * save the trees
I found this site via Brenda's Wedding Blog.
save the date * save the trees
I found this site via Brenda's Wedding Blog.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Passionate about passion flower
A while ago I saw a picture my friend posted of a passion flower. Having just moved from New Mexico, I thought this flower was so unique and something that one would only see in the tropics. I was quite pleased to find out it's a common wildflower in North Carolina. I was also quite pleased to find out that I have several growing around my property.
Some interesting notes on the passionflower:
The species found in the southeastern US is Passiflora incarnata. This species is also known as maypop, wild apricot, or purple passionflower.
It produces a fruit about the size of a chicken egg. It is edible, but mostly benefits wildlife because of the abundance of seeds. The purple fruit produced by a different species is toxic.
P. incarnata leaves are used to make a tea that treats insomnia, epilepsy, and "hysteria". It also has painkilling and antidepressant properties and the dried leaves can be smoked.
Curiously, its name did not originate from the idea of love, but rather from its structures likened to the crucifixion of Christ on the cross. From Wikipedia: ...the radial filaments which can number more than a hundred and vary from flower to flower represent the Crown of Thorns. The ten petals and sepals represent the ten faithful apostles. The top 3 stigmata represent the 3 nails and the lower 5 anthers represent the 5 wounds.
There you have it folks!
Kitchen renovation has commenced!
The guy is here doing the electrical work right now, the cabinets are being delivered today, and the installation occurs tomorrow. YAY!
Proof I help with these projects:
Chris thinking about what he did that landed him in time-out:
Proof I help with these projects:
Chris thinking about what he did that landed him in time-out:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)