Friday, December 28, 2012

And then I went on the Frickin' Tower!!!

This afternoon, we got a message from one of the leaders of the Young Adult group, they had free tickets and a bunch of them were going to ChristmasTown.  Did we want to go.  Having nothing better to do than laundry, we went.

Inside, I found myself with some ride goers.  I'm not.  Seriously, my idea of fun is the Tea Cups at Disney.  And simulator rides (there's little chance of death in those).

Well, we found tea cups and went on them.

Then I got brave... and decided to go on the Nacht Tower.  It's actually the Mach Tower.... But instead of at 250 some odd foot drop, you go slowly up, then corkscrew slowly down.

Pleasant ride to see the sights.

Well... I'm terrified of heights.

What was I thinking???

Oh, I was good for the first, maybe three minutes.  But we kept going up.

and up...

and up..

And I prayed to the sweet baby Jesus to not have my body plummet to the earth... or to pass out.. or to have my glasses fall off my face.

But I did not die!  And after the 6 inch free fall at the top, we went back down.

And I lived!

And have photographic proof!
Yes, that's me...But I survived and needed photographic confirmation that I did it!

I'm sticking to the Tea Cups from now on!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

In which I Spend Christmas Money....

This morning, we got up and moving and off to get provisions!  Misty was unhappy, since that meant kennel time... but we had errands to run!

First was Target.  I needed a pill organizer (pictured).  No, I don't take that many pills a day... but if each line is a week, then I have my pills organized for a month!  I know, I'm weird...  We also got a bulb for the living room lamp, which has needed one for like a week and a half.  We can see!  It's a miracle!  I got a belt, since apparently I'm in between sizes and my new-to-me Apple Bottom jeans were falling off my butt!  I also picked up facial moisturizer and Cuties.

Then it was to the Mall, where we visited Game Stop (to buy the SE a new Wii U controller, and to Bath and Body Works for me. Mom got me a bottle of Forever Red for Christmas, but I wanted the matching lotion.  Newsflash, there was a sale, and I only bought one thing.  Yay me!





Then it was to Toys R Us to get some games.  Since it's almost January 1st, and the resolutions will start kicking in, I got a fitness game with the money my dad gave me.  I got Your Shape:  Fitness Evolved.  I haven't played it yet, SE got Call of Duty: Black Ops II so he's playing right now.







A quick stop on the way home was Wal Mart.  I needed coffee creamer, and cheap gold studs.  My dad also go me the One Ring earrings, and I needed matching studs for my other holes.





Then it was home.  Misty is cuddling with her Snowman, a gift from my mom.



Earlier she was chewing her bone... that we got her.



Meryl got some cat grass, and wet food for Christmas.  She approves of her gifts!





Me?  I'm chilling the Wine my dad got me!

And unfortunately, a pile of chores are calling my name, most important of all, putting away the tree.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

F**k you, Draco and Euclid!!

Well, Christmas came and went... and of course didn't go as I planned

December 22nd- With Winter Storm Draco setting his sights on New York, we set out.  We packed the car and left the house at 4am, only hitting snow, and snowy roads in the last two hours of the trip.  Accompanying us on the trip was The Bloggess, in the form of her audiobook.  It made the time pass quickly, listening to her stories.  It was like she was in the car with us.  We arrived tired and sore, but happy to be home.  I texted friends, making plans for Wednesday, the day after Christmas. We went for Pizza and wings to Twin Tree Too, which has the best pizza in Syracuse.  Groceries were bought.

December 23rd- It was a mellow day.  But that was the day that I caught news of Winter Storm Euclid.  Big, nasty, and about to dump a foot of snow on Syracuse.  On Thursday... Crap.  Friends were texted, and plans were unmade.  It broke my heart to do so.  Chicken Riggies were consumed for dinner.

December 24th-  Traditionally, we visit my mom's side of the family on Christmas day, but since the majority of the cousins were in town, tradition was broken, and we traveled to Cazenovia for lunch.  Since the timeline was stepped up, we left there early, so we could hit up Wegmans for provisions (most importantly Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce.)  then it was off to my dad's side of the family for presents and food.

December 25th-  After presents and brunch, we hit the mall to see Les Miserables for mom and I, and Django Unchained for the SE. After, it was back to my Dad's side of the family to actually see my dad.  Wine was had.  Much wine...  And I even had a traditional shot of whiskey.  (Well, this is what I like to call my Beer and Pretzels side of the family.)

December 26th-  At 3:30am, we left again.  I cried.  Heck, I'm crying now.  (I miss my family and see them too infrequently).  We hit a blizzard in southern Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.  It changed to freezing rain when we hit 17 South, and was just plain rain on 95.

Now we're home.  Five Guys was ordered ahead and consumed.  The car is mostly unpacked.  Now I have to tidy the house, and put away Christmas.  The trip was rushed, sandwiched between nasty weather.

Now, if you will excuse me, my dad gave me wine for Christmas.  I'm going to dry my tears and have some.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

My gracious!! Is it Christmas yet???

Seriously, Friday can't come soon enough.

In this last week I:

  • had to run all over campus finding misdirected mail
  • sent 100 emails to people asking for them to actually send all the crap in that they need to send (Seriously, you're applying to this program, send everything in!)
  • dealt with the reality that my office manager is going to have Chemotherapy and Radiation.... tomorrow.  Scary!
  • Obsessively watch the path of Winter Storm Draco, which might mess with my travel plans
  • dealt with insurance and the weird requests that my apartment complex requires for renter's insurance.
And it's only Wednesday!

Tomorrow is the last day of work for the week.  I'm going to be in this office alone.  Probably be the only one in the building too.

Hopefully after Friday, my days of everything happening at once can take a break!

Monday, December 17, 2012

I have words... and no words...

All we've been hearing about since Friday morning was the shooting in Sandy Hook.  People are dealing with fear, anger and grief. People have questions.  No one has answers.  I have my thoughts:

First and foremost, I'm not touching the gun issue.  Gun control is like abortion, both sides are diametrically opposed and it's almost impossible to meet in the middle.  Plus, I'm biased.  I really dislike guns, and sincerely believe that no one should have guns and we should all live in peace and harmony.  Yes, I know I'm the Pollyanna, the Chief Executive of Fantasy Land.  This is why I'm staying out of that fight.

Second, I know that the shooter was diagnosed Autistic.  Well, I believe it was more than that... there must have been bigger, deeper issues at play.

Third, school security was to blame by many people.  He shot locks off the door.  I think having an armed guard is the only other precaution they could have had.

Fourth, I think two things lie at the heart of this, and the other shootings that have happened recently:  the sensationalization of shooters in the media and our society's relationship with mental illness.

Let me explain:

First, the easier answer.  People have tried to point to violent video games and violent movies as the cause of this type of mass violence.  Well, no study has ever proven the link.  What I think is the cause is that quest for the elusive 15 minutes of fame.  People that want to go out in infamy, if fame can't be achieved.  Look at the media.  We glorify reality stars that have no talent other than having a camera following them around.   So we have these people that are already unhinged.  They have some sort of huge message.  And one sure fire (pardon the pun) way for people to remember you is to kill innocent people.

Secondly, the hard answer.  Our culture's relationship with mental illness.  First, read this.  She says it better than I could.  Mental illness, mild or severe, is seen is a weakness.  It's not.  Mental illness isn't a sign that you are a bad person.  It's not a sign that you need to be locked away.  It's a sign that you have a problem, and that you need help.  If you broke your arm or had pneumonia, you'd also be having a problem and needing help.  It's doubly hard if you're a parent of a mentally ill child.  Not only do you have your own issues, but you also face the scorn of people blaming you.

I don't think people really know how insanely difficult it is to get help for mental illness.  First you have to wade through all of the misguided societal crap, the thoughts that you are broken or weak for having a problem.  Then you need to battle your insurance.

Take me, for example.  I have issues with anxiety, so I looked into it.  What it takes:  You have to call a hotline and talk to perfect strangers.  They then assess you and see if you're worthy for help.  If they approve, they send you to a doctor.  you don't chose your own.  Now, I've seen the provider list.  it's pitifully short, and contains mainly addiction specialists.  Now, say you get into a doctor.  You have to try different therapies, each of which the insurance company can say no to.

It's a humiliating process.  I've had friends that have gone through it.  I haven't had the courage to pick up the phone yet.

Today, I'm going to not watch the news.  I'm not going to feed into the sensational stories of people gone bad.  I'm going to work.  I'm going to go home.  i'm going to do laundry and dye my hair.

And I'm going to pray for those lives lost.

Friday, December 14, 2012

GleeCap: many things!

Oh, so much has gone on in the last two weeks!!

I'm not that upset about the sectionals loss.  We know the club won't be shut down forever.  And it's good to give the kinds some adversity.  And Tina, quit blaming Marley for the loss.  While, yes, she fainted.... and yes it was her fault technically....  Kitty's more to blame.  And thank GOD Santana called her on it.

Now on to the Christmas episode.  Personally, I thought it was brilliant.  The shorter stories all combined into one thread.  Everything was a bit over the top, but it's a Christmas episode... so you can get away with it.


  1. Artie's Dream- It was It's a Wonderful Life, with Rory as the angel.  Very cute with sweet moments.  it was kind of nice to see EVERYONE together in a skit
  2. Puck and Jake- This one was REALLY out there, but it brought the bothers and their families together .. and got Puck back to Lima.  
  3. The Mayan Apocalypse-  Seriously, how stupid is Sam?  But it's sweet for Bieste to play along
  4. Burt, Kurt and Blaine-  Glee, can you stop threatening Burt's life?  Like now? I love that Blaine and Kurt are speaking, and Kurt's reactions aren't forced   He's not getting over it too quickly, he's playing his emotions close to his vest, as he should.  But bravo for Burt to try to bring them together.
  5. Marley and Mom- Mom is saving to send her girl to an eating disorder specialist and Sue helps.  Well, it bring back the fact that Sue seems to be softening in her old age, and it doesn't completely drop the issues that Kitty started.  I don't know how believable it is for an eating disorder to start that quickly... or with outside help... but Marley's low self esteem might have helped with that.
And on the subject, Bravo to Anne Hathaway for refusing to talk about her Fantine weight loss.  She doesn't want girls to emulate her, since she claims that skinny like that isn't pretty, or healthy.  I want to me Anne Hathaway when I grow up!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Somedays I have some smart!

It's no secret that instead of a dresser or chest of drawers, I'd rather have a large number of things like this, with the plastic holders to match.  Sometimes dresser drawers are too big and things get lost.  Seriously, I found 3 pair of Christmas socks I never knew I had!

So What did I do to help work with that I had?  I went to the dollar store and bought 9 7x11 fabric drawers (that look kind of like that... but cheaper)  Now I can find things!!

And I'm amazed at the sheer number of Christmas socks that I own!!

They Say it's my birthday!



That's right.  It's my birthday!  Or in Polish:


I'm 38 this year.  An age where people traditionally have some kids, and a house and are advancing in their career.

I just re-signed a lease for this crappy apartment.  I'm starting a new career and my kids have fur.  Honestly, I love my job, my Spousal Equivalent and my furkids.  The only thing I wish I had was a house.

So what big plans do I have for my birthday?  Well, currently, I'm sitting at home, in from of the computer in my office, drinking coffee and putting data into the graduate application website.  Yes, I'm working on my birthday.  In all truth, I have to.  I need to catch up!

This week has been one stress after another.  The graduate application deadline was Wednesday, so I was dealing with 100-150 extra pieces of mail.  All of those items needed to be opened, date stamped, unstapled, scanned, downloaded form email, re-named, uploaded to Blackboard, then the data entered into the website.  If I didn't have a few hours of undergraduate helpers, I might have sat down and cried right there.  By Friday afternoon, I'd caught up on all of the fist part.  This weekend I hope to catch up on the last bit.

PLUS, I had a composition final for my dance class.  Where I had to choreograph a solo... which I'm not good at.  then I had to perform it.  by myself.  in front of people.  Nerve wracking!

that, on top of nasty health-related news around the office, plus good news that required scrambling.  I'm a ball of stress!

but today, I'm going to do my data entry until my hands, wrists and arms can't take it anymore, then we're going to dinner.  Afterwards is a party.

Tomorrow I have to sing at church (in Hebrew!!), then we're off to Christmas Town.  And in all of that, I need to get some shopping done.  I need new work shoes, plus I need to shop for the department!

Busy Busy!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

GleeCap: Thanksgiving

Well, it's thanksgiving on Glee. It's also Sectionals. So what happened?

~Marley's taking laxatives now
~Jake is an amazing dancer. And he and Ryder have worked things out
~Santana and Quinn aren't getting along.
~Kitty has Quinn completely snowed. Thank God Santana has her number.
~ the SE actually squeed when they started playing "Let's Have a Kiki."
~Tina KILLED Gangam Style.....

Then Marley passed out. Now I know where Ryan Murphy was going with her. Apparently there are HUGE consequences. It'll be an interesting episode.

I'm a total mixer...

And I'm not talking mixed drinks.

I was looking at my beauty regimen, and realized that I don't use anything the way that it was intended!

  • My shampoo and conditioner are mixes of the two half bottles that I had lying around.
  • My under-eye cream is a mix of the half jar of cream that I had, and a sample that I got from Birchbox
  • My facial moisturizer is a mix of moisturizer with an SPF of 15, a sample of SPF 30 sunscreen and anti-acne moisturizer.
  • When I put on lotion, I miss unscented and scented lotion...
Apparently I can't leave well enough alone...

In other news.. after a break, we're back to doing creative things with the leftover ham tonight....  There's so much of it!!!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Back to the grind...

Yesterday at 5am, my alarm went off again.  I got myself together, and went to work.  But in anticipation, I baked a cake.

Here's the recipe:

1 box of devil's food cake
1 can of pumpkin.

Mix the two together well (I used a hand mixer) until light and fluffy.  Put in a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Let cool then frost.

Seriously, that's it.  No eggs, no oil.

The taste is different.. not overly pumpkiny (when mixed with chocolate)

But Monday came, and Monday went without any problems.

I'm going back to dance class today, unprepared with my solo which is part of my final.  Apparently tonight and tomorrow night I have some work to do...

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Hallmark Channel helps fuel my addiction

As we all know... I love Christmas!  Seriously.. I even have my tree up already!  Isn't it nice!  It's new, it's not too big.  It fits all of the important ornaments (even the new ones that my late Grandmother put on her tree).  I have my new coffee maker, and thanks to the gift card that I got with purchase, I have k-cups to use with it.

But I have to confess something....

The Hallmark channel has been running cheesy Christmas movies.  And I've been watching.  And the ones I don't catch, I record!  My DVR is FULL of cheesy Christmas movies!

I have seen, or have recorded the following:

The Wishing Tree
Annie Claus is Coming to Town
Naughty or Nice (which records tonight)
A Christmas Wish
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
Christmas Song
Lucky Christmas
Farewell Mr. Kringle
Matchmaker Santa
It's Christmas, Carol
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
A Princess for Christmas
The Christmas Heart (Which is on the DVR Schedule)

Plus there's some coming up, including one starring Summer Glau that I'm going to record!

In other news... I have WAY too much ham!  Tonight fir dinner is ham-less pasta... before we go back to eating ham!!!


in other, other news... I've wanted this loveseat, and this chair,  It now comes in a bed!  Ir's WAY too expensive, but I love it!  Isn't it cute???








Friday, November 23, 2012

Black Friday

I know... shopping at Black Friday is bad...  But I was on the hunt for a good deal for this coffee maker, and Target had the best.

We got to Target around 7:30, and my friend, and the exchange student she's hosting for the year were already in line.  We stood with them and chatted, which made the time pass quickly.  9pm came, and they let the people into the store in batches.  I think we were the second batch in.  Once in, I got a cart, went right to the home goods section, got my coffee maker and was the first person to check out! We were home before 9:30.

This morning, it's pumpkin pancakes for breakfast.  I was going to make bacon, but we have too much ham in the house!!

Then it's off to see Rise of the Guardians!


Later on, I'm decorating!  Picture to follow!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

GleeCap: Dynamic Duets

I just finished with this one, and I'm still trying to process all that spandex.  but here are my thoughts:


  • Ryan Murphy's issues de jour seem to be learning disabilities and eating disorders.  I have issues with both... but more on that later
  • Seriously, I want to slap Kitty.  Slap her silly for being a bigger bitch than Sue.  Honestly, are teenage girls THAT mean these days?
  • Thank you Sam for giving Blaine the verbal slap to the face that he needs.  He's been beating himself up about this for way too long.  (And in that department, so has Kurt)
  • Marley... I can see what Ryan Murphy is doing.  Setting up an eating disorder storyline.  He's going about it oddly, having Kitty manipulate her into it.. but Marley's insecurities and body image issue do lend itself to something like that.  I hope an intervention (and a slap to Kitty's twinkling smile) happen soon.
  • Ryder's learning disability... Well, the thought is nice.  I know that they try to involve actual parents rarely, like the Peanuts, but for all of that testing to happen... parents needed to sign off on it.
Next week is sectionals.. and the week after is a episode titled "Swan Song"... which is worrisome.

I'm interested in seeing where this is all going....

That, and they are doing Gangnam Style at Sectionals!

(I just downloaded it for Just Dance 4!  Much love!!)

Now, I'm off to munch some leftovers!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Not a bad day!

Today starts my 5 day weekend.  I celebrated by sleeping in before running to WalMart for provisions.  (Mike's hard Margarita, and supplies for 2 Ingredient Cake, among other things...)

I made a to do list of everything I needed to accomplish for the long weekend and have already check off a few things (laundry, dishes, sorting the Tupperware).  But I have been lax in working out.

I must tell you... The working out has really made a difference.  See here:

The beginning of November I was all good!  The lowest I've been in ages!  Then I got a monster migraine, and we got discount candy... and I was back up in the 176's.

But between working my butt off in class, and Just Dance 4 (and getting rid of said candy), The weight has come down!  See?

Now, Let me tell you... I have undying love for the Just dance games.  But 4?  AMAZING!  (And seriously, no one is paying me to say this!)

The game has the best Sweat mode of any of them.  You pick the length of the workout (10, 25 or 45 minutes), which of the 5 workouts that you want and you're off.  It plays a short workout, then a song, then another.. and so on.  I love it!

But the songs are new (They even Rick Rolled us), they have extreme version (rather difficult) for the advanced dancers, and a battle round!  LOVE IT!


Apparently, JD4 has just released Gangnam Style...

I'm off to try it out!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Everything is just off today!

For multiple reasons


  1. I'm driving a Prius.  While my car is in the shop, I've been given a rental Prius.  Now that's an interesting car!!  It's like sitting in a cockpit!!  Plus, I don't have to worry much about gas, since it gets a million miles to the gallon!
  2. Misty's at the vet.  It's time for her teeth cleaning.  So she's there, and UNHAPPY.  And I'm a worried, nervous momma.
  3. It's Tuesday... and Friday.  It's the end of my work week... but also Tuesday and I have class.  Yes, I forgot my dance bag and had to go back for it.
  4. I stopped at a green light
  5. Because the dog went to the vet this morning, my routine was all thrown off!
So today I'm going to going on work, go to my class and try to shake off the total discombobulated feeling!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Shopping!!!

It looks as thought I'm going to be getting a bonus in time for my birthday!  How very nice of everyone!

What am I going to do with this money?  I decided to be an adult with it and save most of it.  Times are tough and it's recommended that people start growing a savings account.  That's what I'm going to do.

But I might have a tiny bit of fun with it.





This weekend I was at the mall and stopped into Bath and Body Works to sniff their new scent, Forever Red.  I like it!!  I might treat myself for my birthday!








I'm not the biggest coffee addict ever, but I do enjoy my morning cup (maybe two on the weekends).  Target has the Mr. Coffee coffee maker that takes the K-cups on special for Black Friday.


Of course, all of this is subject to getting my fat butt out to the stores during the INSANE shopping season!

Friday, November 16, 2012

GleeCap: Glease is the Word!

I have thoughts.....  many thoughts...


  • What's with under-using Tina?  Seriously... use her more!!
  • Kitty is a STUPENDOUS bitch.  
  • Finn- Way to over-react with Rachael.  Though, for those two, it might be necessary
  • Kurt, the eternal drama queen-  I hope he gets over the hurt a little to talk it over with Blaine.  
  • Cassandra July-  Wow... she's a bitch.  But That seems to be her defense mechanism.  Also, Rachael needs to stop speaking to her.  Totally.
  • Wade/Unique-  The way his parents are behaving is actually quite believable   They don't want to see their child hurt.  Unfortunately, this, in the end. will hurt their child more.  But I can see they mean well.
And now onto the elephant in the room.

Bulimia is never funny.  Never.  Ever.  Making yourself vomit as a form is weight control isn't funny.  I know the context of it was about Kitty trying to ruin Marley's life (and bulimia will go some damage to her, surely), and we know that everything Kitty was doing to Marley was damaging.... but I'm afraid that some desperate children will miss Ryder insisting that it's awful and unattractive, or miss the fact that Kitty  (while appearing to be trying to help) was being the most unhelpful person ever!

I wonder if this will come up again, Marley being concerned for her weight...

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The wait is killing me!!!

After this morning's further scale disappointment (seriously... I need to start working out after work and MAKE SURE my daily step count is over 10,000).. I'm focusing on something positive!

It's almost Christmas!!!  And for me, Christmas is a season!

I have the tree ready to be put up.  I found the wreath I want to buy.  I've already gotten my Starbucks in the red cups!

Now, my Christmas Favorites:

1.) A Charlie Brown Christmas.  It's an oldie, but one of my favorites.  It was one of the first to lampoon the over-commercialization of the season.  And while I'm not a religious woman, I agree with Linus about the peace on earth, good will toward men.







2.) A Garfield Christmas Special.  This one is from the 80's, and right out of my childhood.  I saw the DVD in the $5 bin at Wal Mart last year.  I actually screamed.





3.) The Nutcracker.  There are a million of them out there.  This is one of my favorites.   I know some channel that we don't get does a different Nutcracker every night.

It's overdone and cheezy, but it's like the ballet gateway drug.


4.) Peppermint everything!  Seriously, peppermint and chocolate.  Two tastes that taste great together





5.) Family.  Family of blood or family of choosing.  It's a wonderful time for family

and

6.) Vacation time!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Letting people die is Pro-life?

In Ireland.. the unthinkable has happened.  A woman died, because the pro-life catholic country denied her an abortion (she was admitted to the hospital because she was in the process of miscarrying).

Ireland has a pretty severe ban on abortion.  It's in their constitution.  The Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution reads:
The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.

It has been interpreted to allow abortions when the pregnancy will threaten the life of the mother.  This was clearly the case here, so why wasn't it performed?  They waited until the fetal heartbeat has stopped, but the pregnancy was deemed non-viable within three hours of her being admitted (which was LONG before the fetus died).

This is a fate I fear for this country.  How many women need to die before we value the mother's life as much as the fetus?  (And don't get me started about the conservatives cutting the programs for the children of single mothers...)

But as along as we have people like Joe Walsh around, this will never happen. A quote from the article:

Republican Rep. Joe Walsh, running against Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth in Illinois, told reporters Thursday night that there should be no abortion exception for the "life of the mother" because "with modern technology and science, you can't find one instance" in which a woman would actually die, according to a radio station. Walsh, of course, is flat wrong.
Yes, it is flat wrong.  And scary that people still think this way.

Women are more than baby-making machines.  I'm more than a baby making machine.  (If you want kids, great!!  This is not an anti-kids rant)

I wish these pro-life people would consider ALL life, mother and child.



A small setback

That's the setback.

Sigh....

I blame my lack of willpower, and the discount Halloween candy we had in the house.

Will I pout?  (Well, I did, for a bit...)  No.  That means watching what I eat, not buying snacks and making sure to get my work out in (yes, even on the weekends).

Though, looking at the calendar... I'm past due for a monthly visit... and that might be the cause of the weight gain.  And no, I'm not pregnant.  I got that possibility taken care of!

In the realm of amusing... This morning, while completing the first walkie circuit with Misty, I noticed that the Spousal Equivalent was back.  We poke our heads into his car.  He asks if we're done with walkies, and I say no.  As soon as the words left my mouth, Misty runs to drag me back inside.  I guess she was cold!

Ok, back to work!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Turkey Day is right around the corner!

This year, for the first time in a few years we're on our own.

And I'm actually OK with this.  We decided to make some good food.  The Spousal Equivalent is going to play computer games and I'm going to watch the parade.

For food, it's just two of us, so no need to go crazy.  I'm going to get a small ham, and make roasted carrots (And since I'm roasting like that, we'll do roasted potatoes and maybe another vegetable.  The oven is on and all....).  He wants some rolls.  And something pumpkin for dessert.  I was thinking this easy cake.

And maybe some wine....

And since the calendar gods are giving us four days off in a row, we're going to go hog wild and make a big breakfast on Black Friday, celebrating the fact that we're not going shopping!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thrifting!!

Can I tell you how much I love thrifting??

You see, I have a bit of a purse habit....  I love buying new ones.  I never use the same bag for long, though.  I have a large bin of them that I rotate through as the year goes on.  We went to Goodwill and the DAV thrift store yesterday looking for Christmas-themed table cloths, and I found these bags.  (This picture is taken on my entry way table)  The two of them were a combined $4.20.

In penance, I placed 6 bags in my donation bag, that's being dropped off at Goodwill this week.

I love them!  The brown bag is not quite large enough to hold a file folder, but the black one is.

And notice the table cloth?  It's a $3.97 vinyl table cloth from Wal Mart.  I cut it in half (the other half is on the kitchen table).  When I put up my table top tree I'm going to cut it to make it a tree skirt.

Yes, i'm already thinking about Christmas decorations.  I found the wreath I want to put on the door at Big Lots today ($15).

But before I an decorate any more, I need to get through Thanksgiving   It's just us this year, so I don't plan to go all out (Ham, potatoes, carrots and maybe another vegetable and pie).

Thursday, November 8, 2012

The sun keeps on rising and setting, even if Barack Obama did win the election

And I'm glad of it.

It's been a fairly strange week at my place.  Tuesday saw me returning to dance class after a week and a half of not dancing.  Needless to say I was sore.  The car was appraised ($2200 to repair, YAY insurance), a rental was set up, and I watched the election results.

I found it very interesting that my area made national news for the ridiculously long lines.  I was in a long time myself.  I heard there were errors with the electronic voting (I miss the old fashioned, steampunk-ish lever voting machines).

I was expecting to be watching until the wee hours of the morning when they called it.  It was 10:30ish, and in the beginning of Tim Kaine's acceptance speech.  And like that it was all over.

Not only did President Obama win, but 4 states had ballot measures for marriage equality.  Maine, Washington and Maryland passed marriage equality and Minnesota defeated a measure to define marraige and between a man and a woman (and this is the home of Michele Bachmann too!).  Two states even votes to legalize pot.  And Puerto Rico voted to become a state.

The sun rose the next morning in spite of all of this, and I stayed home from work on Wednesday to receive a new washer and dryer.

Now it's Thursday.  Choir tonight and class this afternoon.

I just wish I could muster up some enthusiasm....

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I voted, Did you?

I got up this morning, and spent over an hour in line to vote (forgetting that I needed to wear contacts and not glasses... it's dance class day.).

The polling places were BUSY!

And now... off to class!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Tired of Bronco Bamma and Mitt Romney



I've never been so glad to see an election day in all of my life.

Everyone, please go vote.

And can we get back to life on Wednesday?  Please?

My organization project: Part 1

When the unfortunate happened on Friday, we were on our way pick up my new shelves from Wal Mart.  To stop wallowing about the money I'm about to plunk down on my car, I got busy setting them up.

Holy crap, what a difference they made!!  The table is useable, the entryway table is clear of stuff.  I even had room to put my Rock Band drums away.

We later got the clean clothes put away and the living room vacuumed.  I could seriously have company without being embarrassed now!  The hard part, keeping it that way.

The hard part?  We had to return my new Christmas tree.  I thought I was getting this tree, which would work perfectly on my entryway table.  Instead, we picked up this one, which is WAY too small.  I dind't want to spend $40 on the 4 foot one... I wanted to spend $25.  Of course, in pulling things up, I see they are on sale.... I might have to go back and pick it up....

Speaking of Christmas.. the subject came up.  What do I want.  What do I want?  Well besides financial stability, everything from Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways and World Peace....

A new coffee maker.  It's expensive... but it would be nice, since I'm the only one that drinks coffee in the house.

I haven't seen these numbers in a while.

Now that I have an accurate scale.... I'm trying to use it more.  (I tend not to weigh myself when I slack off.. like not seeing the number will make the weight go away)

But I decided to hold myself accountable.

And I was pleasantly surprised!

Now, to make those numbers go in the way that I want!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

When it rains it pours

So payday came and went, I paid bills, bought storage shelves for the dinging room,and replacement chains for my necklaces. Then I arranged for a new washer/dryer.

Which left $9 in my account.

Then on Friday, when we were going to retrieve said shelves, we got in an accident.

No one got hurt. The car is driveable. After a $500 deductible, it'll be fixed. Thanks to all of this, it looks like we'll be staying here for Christmas. (In retaliation, I'm raiding 5 Below for Christmas socks. I want to be able to wear a pair a day in December!)

Now to take care of the car....

Friday, November 2, 2012

I'm not Captain Planet... but...

I think this says it all:


Everyone knows it.  We caused this mess.

Now, am I going to chain myself to a tree and march in a protest?  Hell no.  But it has made me more mindful about the future.  (The hurricane, and watching Revolution....)

I'm getting to the age where someday I'll actually try to buy a house again.

Now I know to make sure that I'm not in a tidal surge area.  I'm also thinking that having a wood burning stove (you know... for heat and to cook on), might not be a bad move.

Currently, I do what I can.  I reuse much of the junk paper that gets sent my way.  I recycle at work.  (There's no recycling for apartments in Virginia).

And feel free to bring this post up (me not hugging trees), if I turn into the Lorax later.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

November goals

Between being ill, and overwhelmed I've gotten off track. So here are my goals:

~some exercise every day, wear the FitBit to track it.
~weigh myself Friday, Monday (before and after the weekend), and on Wednesday
~use my FlyLady zones and do the 3 simple chores per day associated with it

Doable!

Maybe we should get a storage unit....

I have a migraine, and am nauseous as heck, but those words moved me off the couch. It's true, our place is a bit cluttered. Two people with households joined to make this place.

The Spousal Equivalent's stuff is neatly packed into many plastic bins that are stuffed into corners of the house. My clutter is clothes that I need to put away or give away.

After a few texts about shelving (that I was going to buy today anyways), and a storage unit, I got mad. I got mad at myself. I have a house, and it's my poor organization that caused this mess.

(And at this point, I blame the migraine and general icky feeling on my emotions)

It took a while, but I tossed the SE's bins in the empty part of my closet, bagged an unused comforter, boxed the free range Christmas decorations in the closet, actually purchased the shelves in my shopping cart, and fixed the broken desk chair (with duct tape). Now I feel even crappier, so the clothes will have to wait until the weekend.

After a $35 overdraft fee, I'm not spending money on a storage unit!!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Disney bought Lucasfilms... and the world exploded!

Or so it seemed.

So Disney buys Lucasfilms, and during that press release George Lucas informs everyone that there will be a Star Wars Episode VII, which he's not directing or writing.

Que the cheers and jeers.

The jeers from the people worried about the "disney-ification" of the franchise.  Jeers from people that thought that episodes I-III were crap and don't want to see any more.

The cheers were from people excited that there would be more Star Wars, and that Lucas wasn't writing or directing.  We all know how brilliant The Empire Strikes Back was, and that's mainly due to Lucas's lessened involvement.

And besides, look at what's coming out of Marvel Studios, another Disney owned property.

I actually have some hope for this.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy has hit the East Coast. It's a huge storm that, while still far out to sea, reached out and slapped Hampton Roads.

We're fairing better than we did during Irene. The rain hasn't been as hard. The wind wasn't as strong. I think that the danger in this storm will be in the duration. We're going to feel this for another day or so.

We still have power. We have groceries. The only one that's unhappy is Misty. The rain puts a damper on her walkies.

Stay dry everyone.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Girly Products

We've all seen it.



People were upset with Lego Friends.






Then people mocked Bic for Her.  Stupid name, interesting colors (especially for teacher that like to grade in non-red colors)




Now Japan has a car and a laptop marketed towards the girly girls in Japan.



I consider myself a feminist.  And I'm not really upset by this.  And let me tell you why.

(This is all with the following caveat:  I'm ok with this, as long as the pink stuff isn't sold at an inflated price.)


  1. The Lego Friends.  We were a Lego household.  My brother would build things with lego.  I made houses for the Fabuland guys.  Fabuland... just like Lego Friends, but less pink.
  2. It's ok to be a woman and like pink stuff!  There.  I said it.  It's not ok to be seriously upcharged for the pink frilly stuff, but it's your right as a woman to like it and want to buy it.  Mazel Tov.  (It is also your right as a women not to like the pink stuff.)
  3. The car and the laptop are marketed in Japan, where the pink, frilly, girly movement is HUGE.  Will we see the car here?  Probably not.  (I can see the laptop.  Acer had a pink netbook years ago that sold well.)
Maybe we as a society need to move away from marketing anything to a specific gender, and maybe just offer pinks, blues, blacks and all as color options.  

I don't know.  But for now I'm going to use my pink pens (bought so I see people walking away with them) to write in my pink planner.  And I'll continue to use my ladies razor (because it's easier to hold than a man's razor).

Stress, I have it. And I'm not sure why

Seriously, it's been like this for almost two weeks.  My jaw and neck muscles are so tight I have headaches almost every day.  I'm now feeling poorly (headaches, body aches, feeling generally icky), and I wonder if it's caused by my head... or actual germs.

I'm having this feeling of impending doom.  Or it's paranoia... I don't know which.

*sigh*

It could be stress.  My job performance review wasn't stellar.  I need to slow down and double check everything.

Dance class has been stressful, as you have seen.  My house is a mess and I can't seem to make it past thing one on the daily to do list.

Thankfully we're getting out of here early today.  Maybe a nap will help.

And a milkshake.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thar She Blows!

Today in my dance class we presented the pieces our groups choreographed.  These were taped, and then we watched them.

My god....

First, I am PALE.  Like a whiter shade of pale.  Between the black top and my white skin I looked like a beached Orca.

Then I realized that not a single person said anything about our piece... good or bad...  The other pieces were chatted about a lot.

It's going to be hard to drag my beached whale ass to class on Tuesday.

Stop the world, I want to get off!

With a week and a bit to go, I'm so over it.  Between the debates being almost hostile.  (Seriously, it wouldn't have surprised me if one candidate tried to slap the other), the nasty attack ads.... that reference other attack ads, and the sniping on Facebook.. I'm over it.

Then Donald Trump came along:


(Which got some good responses:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Donald Trump's October Surprise
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogVideo Archive



!!!!
The Daily Show with Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Donald Trump's October Surprise
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook
 
My first reaction to this supposed big news was to laugh my ass off.  Then I had some thoughts:

  1. The colleges can't release anything without the President's signature.  They can't release your transcripts without your signature
  2. He wants college applications?  Those will be LONG gone.  In Virginia they are destroyed 5 years after the student graduates.  If he wants ALL the colleges the President applied to, those are usually destroyed within 2 years.
  3. Passport applications?  Seriously?  What would that accomplish?
  4. How is his not releasing everything being non-transparent?  And is he really saying he's less transparent than say.. Nixon?
  5. Seriously, can this madness end?  Please?


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Switched at Birth Fall Finale Recap

It's been a long and winding road for these families...

And it's been brought to an end.. for now.

Daphne, who seemed to be the kid that had it all together fell for an older man, her boss in fact, and he broke her heart.

Bay, being the temperamental one, ran away from home.

And why do we think these girls were traipsing down these dangerous roads?  Quite simply, their lives are chaos.

  • First the switch, and the move
  • Katherine wrote a book
  • The lawsuit against the hospital
  • Angelo, first leaving, then marrying Regina
In all of this, the girls were left to fend mainly for themselves.  Bay got into trouble, but no one seemed to slow down enough to really talk to her.  (She brings this on herself, but honestly, the parents are too hard on her)

Thankfully, Emmett is there.  His solution:  slow down and communicate.

Thank god for Emmett!

For an ending, I was most satisfied!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

I'm Tired, Part II

I'm tired....


  • I'm so tired of the political ads.  I'm tired of seeing them on TV, on Hulu, On the right side of my Facebook feed.  I'm tired of the fights that litter my Facebook feed. The cute pictures that call one candidate or another an idiot.  I've made my decision, and now I want to not see these ads anymore.
  • I'm tired of the yo-yo-ing seasons.  It's October, please keep the temperature below 70.
  • I'm tired of stressing out about money.  I bought myself a Halloween costume, and felt guilty for a week about it!  
  • I'm tired of living in my apartment.  But, we're besically never going to move.  Between passing credit checks at other places, and pet fees we'll never find another place.
maybe it's the time of year.  Maybe it's the time of the month....

but I want to hide under the bed for a few weeks and regroup.

Monday, October 15, 2012

A cat in the bathroom..

Let me tell you a story of how I brush my teeth.

Every night... And every morning...

I step into the bathroom, and Meryl, our cat, follows.  I dance around her, as she rubs against my legs, meowing loudly the whole time.

Then I move to the other side of the bathroom.  I can't walk.  I have to shuffle, because where I want to place my feet, there's Meryl.

When I sit, she's there, rubbing and meowing.  If I stop petting, she places her paws on my thigh and digs claws in, trying to get her head toward my hands.

Every night...

Except last night, when I told the Spousal Equivalent this.


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I went to see the Dalai Lama Today!


Now, let me begin by saying, that I have a notoriously bad memory, and the Dalai Lama speaks with a rather pronounced accent….

But here is my account of the Lecture by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama:

At noon, on the day of the lecture, I was promptly kicked out of my office so I could get a decent seat.  I'm rather glad of that.  My social anxiety-laden self managed to get a seat that wasn't too high up, and on an aisle.  Bu 1:30 the place was full.  8,200 people.  5,000 from the William and Mary community.

First, the reaction that he got from the crowd is usually reserved for rock stars.  There was thunderous applause, hooting and hollering….

Until he said, in that quiet way, for us to all sit down.

The first half of the program was a lecture about Human Compassion.

The Dalai Lama welcomed us, his brothers and sisters, today.  That is the basis for his talk on Human Compassion.  That we are all brothers and sisters.  We are all human.  Here’s the highlights:
  • All living beings have compassion.  Human compassion entails empathy, and concern for others well being.  We have to love our enemies.  That is the test of Human Compassion. 
  • He acknowledged that no one wants any problems.  People don’t willingly seek out conflict.
  • Fear and anger are linked.  They also lead to stress
  • Religion can create walls between people
  • Calm minds can think objectively, and compassion keeps the mind calm
  • Everyone has the right to life a happy life, and others are the source of our happiness, since we live in a community
  • We need to value others well being… which will leave no room for bullying
  • Now… too much compassion can overwhelm you.  Help yourself, so you can then help others.
  • Compassion has religious roots, but since religion can divide as much as it brings people together…. A secular approach to human compassion must be used.
His Holiness then answered questions that were submitted by the campus community last week.

The first was about living in a multifaith world, and the faiths not getting along.  He started by saying that often it is best to stay the religion you were brought up in, but if you chose another path, you should respect the faith you came from. He also mentioned that India is getting the living together in harmony right…. But I’m not so sure he’s taking Kashmir into account.  He also mentioned that we shouldn’t base the acts of a few as a reflection on the faith as a whole, and we should make an effort to reach out to people of other faiths.  And like a true Buddhist, he stressed investigation and experimentation over blind faith.

In the end, he gave scarves to people, the president of the student body, the professor that moderated, and, my favorite, the sign language interpreters.

What an amazing man.. seriously….

Monday, October 8, 2012

Columbus Day

In many parts of the country, today is a day off of work, and parades, and eating Italian food.

In other parts of the country, today is a day of mourning.  The Indigenous people of  North America had their lives radically altered after 1492 (when Columbus sailed the ocean blue).

I spent much of yesterday watching Into the West, a miniseries that explores the rise of westward expansion and the subsequent Indian Wars.  After watching the end parts, depicting life on reservations...  I did some research


And on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (Near Wounded Knee)
  • As of 2011, population estimates of the reservation range from 28,000 to 40,000. Numerous enrolled members of the tribe live off the reservation.
  • 80% of residents are unemployed (versus 10% of the rest of the country);
  • 49% of the residents live below the Federal poverty level (61% under the age of 18);
  • Per capita income in Shannon County is $6,286;
  • The Infant Mortality rate is 5 times higher than the national average;
  • Native American amputation rates due to diabetes is 3 to 4 times higher than the national average;
  • Death rate due to diabetes is 3 times higher than the national average; and
  • Life Expectancy in 2007 was estimated to be 48 for males and 52 for females
and this:

It's devastating problem... and I don't know how it can be resolved....

I'm going to go be depressed... and eat some chocolate now.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I've owned this book for years, but only read it a year and a half ago.

I was reluctant to read it again before seeing the movie.

Why?

Because it resonates so strongly with me that it's scary.




The book is a series of letters from Charlie to a nameless friend.  In these letters Charlie details his first year of High School.  He talk about being a loner, dating, making friends, losing friends, and mental scars that he tries to keep hidden.  The movie moves beyond the letters, letting us see the world around Charlie, not just what he tells his "friend."

I remember reading the book and wanting to take a highlighter to it (Something I'd rather do with the eBook).  Chbosky summed up many of the things that were written on my heart.

I went through periods with no friends.  I dated people simply because they asked, and was completely unsure as to how to get out of the relationship.  I've been the person with friends that were parted by college (though it was me leaving, and not them).  I've had thoughts and images in my mind that I couldn't get rid of.

This is why we had to stop for shakes
But unlike Charlie, I've never eaten a pot brownie or dropped acid.

I'm a wallflower.

There are millions of us around.  We sit back and watch, and notice things (if I have a lot on my mind the notice thing gets spotty).  We are quiet, and tend to get forgotten about easily.

We also can be fragile.

Toward the end of the movie, Charlie is in a rather bad place.  He cries about pain.  Why there is so much pain in the world.  Like he's feeling everyone's pain.  I know that feeling well.

This is why wallflowers, while sometimes fragile, are important.  We can't ever forget the pain of others, for being numb to pain will in the end create more pain.

But Charlie gets past it.  With the help of friends.

When we get past it, we feel infinite.

"But mostly, I was crying because I was suddenly very aware of the fact that it was me standing up in that tunnel with the wind over my face. Not caring if I saw downtown. Not even thinking about it. Because I was standing in the tunnel. And I was really there. And that was enough to make me feel infinite."

Thursday, October 4, 2012

This is a battleground!!!

*cue ominous music*

I live in a battleground state.  What does this mean?  It means that I tape everything that I watch, just so I can fast forward through commercials.

It means that the phone calls are coming.  People knocking at my door.

You know what?  I know who I'm voting for.  I am registered to vote and I'll be voting.

I'll be SO happy when November gets here!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Does that make me Crazy?

I ran across this at The Vintage Apple.. and thought I might play along!

We all know that I'm a little crazy.  But some of my crazy thing are done by other people too:

  1. I not only talk to my dog, I sing to her.  The songs are generally popular songs, with new lyrics:  i.e. "Do you hear the Misty Bark?"  (you know.. from Les Miserables...)  
  2. Before leaving for work in the morning, and to come home in the afternoon, the last thing I do is make sure I have my phone and keys
  3. Also, after getting into the car every morning, I wonder if I A. Locked the door and B. turned off the coffee pot.  The answer is always yes, but I always wonder.
  4. I have turned around to make sure.
  5. the very last thing that I HAVE to do before going to sleep is pee.  I can watch tv in bed for hours, but before I turn off the lights, I have to get up and pee.
Oh, I know that there are tons more... but I thought I should stop at 5.


Aahhh, October

October... it's the beginning of fall.  It's also breast cancer awareness month.

Well, it would be fall around here, if the forecast today didn't call for 85 degrees and sauna like conditions.  Seriously, I'm so ready for sweaters, boots and scarves.

As for the breast cancer awareness.... I went yesterday to get a mammogram.

I have been before.  In my early 30's I found a lump.  It wasn't a huge lump, and actually it was gone before I got in to be seen, but still...

For everyone that is afraid of going because it's uncomfortable.  It's the fastest uncomfortable appointment ever.  I was in and out in under 20 minutes, and most of that was filling out that form that every doctor has you fill out.

I put the gown on backwards, let my boobs flop on the machine (only in a mammogram are saggy boobs an advantage), and after hugging the machine and getting the girls squished I was done and on my way.

Easy Peasy.

And for all you pink lovers, now is the time to buy stuff!  Everything comes in pink in October!

And because I love pink.. and girls...

Monday, October 1, 2012

Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife premiered in the US last night.  The rumor was that it was better than Downton Abbey, so of course I recorded it!



Within the first five minutes, the audience realizes how much of an impact family planning makes in a lower income neighborhood.  (The kids in buggies parked outside the door was shocking, and yet amusing.)

The audience and the main character, Jenny Lee get exposed to the shockingly poor East End of London.  She thought she was being sent to work as a small private hospital.  In reality she's being sent to a group of Anglican Nuns.  (I didn't realize they made those!)

So far, so good.

And seriously... if 25 kids with 23 back to back pregnancies doesn't make you want to use family planning (so many kids, and so poor they don't use plates or bowls)... I don't know what will!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

I call a Mulligan on today!

I make oatmeal for breakfast every day.  1 cup of skim milk and a half a cup of quick oats cooked on the stove.

I actually forgot the oats today.

I had to add them, and it took forever.

Causing me to forget that I have class and I need to wear contacts.

I remembered my dance clothes, and not my contacts.  This I realized at 11.

can I go home and go back to bed and restart today?  Please?

Seriously, this absent minded professor shit has got to go!