Movies since September (it has been a while)

Fly Me to the Moon

Kung Fu Panda

Ghost Town

Tropic Thunder

The House Bunny

Burn After Reading

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Step Brothers

First Sunday

Wanted

One Night with the King

In the Valley of Elah

Fred Claus

The Hunting Party

Facing the Giants

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Mad Money

Get Smart

Indiana Jones/Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Rocket Science

What Happens in Vegas

Speed Racer

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

The Air I Breathe

Juno

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

Bella

The Foot Fist Way

Bent way out of shape

I tried to do a half hour of yoga this morning. I used to do yoga about 3 times a week for about an hour a pop. Then I got pregnant and essentially stopped moving, And now I realize I AM SO OUT OF SHAPE! It was a 30 minute beginner tape and it was not easy. I need to get to work!

seriously?

How do people do this? It is kind of hard. Not harder than I expected, just I didn't have a clue what to expect. And it is really hard.

peanutty

the peanut has arrived. and she is pretty freaking great.

BORING

So, I have been taken out of work officially. And no progress on this baby coming out any time soon. So here I sit. Bored out of my skull. And I have only been home a day and a half. So far, I have watched two movies, read half a book, and did all of my 2008 filing. Tomorrow, I am contemplating writing a cookbook....

Actually, it is one that I started some time ago and now it sits on our old computer and I need a download of Adobe to finish it, hoping a free trial will suffice.

This is going to be a long two weeks if this baby doesn't come before the due date.

Ramen Noodles

I really love ramen noodles. and with 20 days left to go in my pregnancy, suddenly I have cravings. For fruit salad and ramen noodles. Not together of course. But still random.

Mrs Argentina and her continued rudeness

As you all know, Mrs Argentina convinced us to have one of our Locust trees removed, and a debacle ensued.

Recently, we had new windows put in, and they are really nice. But not sufficient for her, as she has commented numerous times now that she thinks we need siding. Apparently wood shingles aren't good enough for her.

Then, literally 3 days ago new neighbors moved in across the street from us. A young couple, our age, with kids. My husband was across the street introducing himself and chatting with the new neighbor when Mrs Argentina comes over, and before introducing herself by name, tells the husband that they need to remove their big tree in the front yard because too many of the leaves fall in her yard. Across the street.

SHE IS SO RUDE.

Not to mention, she is literally here less than 6 months of the year. What do you care? Just sell your house if you hate all your neighbors so much and live in Maryland year round. It would make my life so much easier.

Ben Folds New Album and 4th Wife

Ben Folds is hands down my all time favorite artist. Long before I was in college, and long after. I have seen him in concert multiple times and will see him again and again. It never ever gets old. Even if I do compared to all the other kids at the concerts.

His new album is out – Way To Normal – and I want it. I was going to get it for my birthday, then I didn't. Now I think I will just download it from itunes.

But this was interesting – I have become behind the times. He got divorced and then married again for the 4^th time recently. 4 times? Really? That seems a bit excessive. Perhaps you aren't cut out for marriage. Here is an article about his last wife, and subsequently his new wife: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24231337-5012985,00.html

Apparently, he ran off with their yoga instructor and he married her 7 months after divorcing his 3^rd wife. Now, I don't want to sound judgmental here, but that just isn't all that cool.

I will still love him though, and his music. And I am looking forward to listening to the new album.

PURE LUX

I spent this afternoon at the spa. I am not usually one to spend a whole day on this kind of stuff, but it was SO AMAZING! Expensive, but so worth every penny.

I went to the Delmonte Spa in Pittsford. It was glorious. Giant plush bathrobes & slippers. Fireplace in the "sanctuary" where you wait. 6-head showers, dry sauna, herbal tea, water and fresh fruit... glorious.

I had a 50 minute pregnancy massage (wishing the whole time I could be on my stomach having a real massage...) and an 80 minute pedicure.

So insanely fabulous. I can see myself wanting to go there a lot.

Flock of Seagulls

"And I ran, I ran so far away……"

Ok, no. Not a THE flock of seagulls, and not even seagulls. A flock of pigeons.

Anyway – yesterday, on my drive into work, I was stopped at a light downtown. And I watched a huge flock of pigeons that generally speaking live on this one corner. They sometimes accumulate on the sidewalk, but this morning they were all on the roof of the building (Xerox actually). And they all left the roof together, swooped and dive bombed in formation, 3 different times and in three different patterns, all to land back on the roof. In unison. All in the course of the 45 seconds or so I was sitting at the light.

Apparently pigeons aren't as stupid as people think. It was actually quite fascinating.

i can leave

I have a car seat now, so at least they will allow me to leave the hospital when they boot me out the door to take care of another life.....

Very Cool Book

We got this book, and it is really cool. I highly recommend it. and you just cant go wrong with popular mechanics.

Ellicottville

We had a great weekend away. We went to Ellicottville, spent most of the day on Saturday at Allegany State Park, and we had great weather. We spent some time shopping around, and spent a lot of time generally relaxing. Great time.

photos

I have realized I haven't added pictures in a very long time to my blog. And the only reason I have... my battery is dead and needs charging in my camera. seriously, that's all I've got. I will try to be better, I promise.

today

This morning I got a haircut. I may have mentioned in the past that my hairdresser of like 5 years moved to NC, and subsequently I needed to find a new place to get a haircut. This morning I went to a place here in town. I was somewhat skeptical but it wasn't horrible. There were quite a few old ladies in there, I am pretty sure I was the youngest actually. And of course, since they do nails in there too, it REEKED of chemicals. But all in all, the haircut wasn't bad and I guess I would go back. I am WAY low maintenance when it comes to haircuts, so it doesn't matter that much really. However, I found it odd when I made the appointment that they didn't tell me that they didn't take credit or debit since each person owns their own chair or whatever. So I had to go across the street to the ATM. not that big of a deal, but awkward.

And, my car broke. It was pouring rain, all day, and my wipers were working on the way to the hairdresser, but on the way back, apparently they decided to break. The driver's side wiper has decided it doesn't want to go up anymore. So one more thing to take the car in for. stupid car.

What else. My mother came over, as did my father, we went out to lunch, and subsequently I got no housework done today since they lingered. annoying.

seriously? Sell out to the NFL?

So, for some weeks now, I have noticed a very prevalent commercial being played during the football games. An NFL commercial to be specific. With the catchy music of....MORRISSEY ?!?!

Now, I would consider Morrissey to be moody, brooding, dark, not to mention British. Not at all someone who would be a supporter, watcher, or even someone who would have a clue about the NFL.

I was a big fan of "Everyday is like Sunday" actually. And to hear it repeatedly in a commercial for the NFL is slightly unnerving.

Is he really that desperate now that he would have to sell out to the NFL? Disappointing.

I've been threatened

So, I have been threatened with bed rest. Not something I am at all interested in. Here is the deal. My blood pressure is creeping up slowly, however I still have like 8 weeks left or more. So.....if I don't want to be on bed rest or medications or both, then i have to be on "pseudo rest".

Basically I can go to work, but I have been told to slow down significantly. The doctor said these exact words: "If you have the choice between doing housework and watching TV, choose watching TV". Now I know, many of you would think that is luxurious. But if you know me at all, you know that is not an option for me whatsoever. I need to be busy. I have literally had something going on every night of the week for the last 3 weeks, and this tends to be my norm.

So, this is going to be a very big struggle.

yuck

There is just something so very wrong about keeping a half gallon of urine in your refrigerator.

Plumbing and other fears

Sometimes I wish I had the nerve to take things like my toilet apart to find out what is wrong.

When we first moved in, our toilet ran all the time. So I went to the Home Depot and bought a pump, and I was going to have my husband put it in. Well, one night, he wasn't home, and I couldn't take the constant running, so I tried to do it myself. Everything was going smoothly, and I was doing it all by my lonesome….until something happened and water was spraying out of something all over the place. So my husband, who was luckily nearby, had to come home to stop the spraying water and finish the job.

Now our toilet is running again, even with the 4 year old pump. Not nearly as much or as often, but it is starting again. I took the lid off the tank, took a look around, and everything looks in good shape. I checked for visible leaks. None. So, I don't know what it is.

And I just wish I had the nerve to rip apart the toilet and try to figure it out. Also, I wish we had a second toilet so that if I ruined the other one, I would have someplace to go to the bathroom. You know, a minor necessity.

Book Fair

There was a book fair at work today. And it reminded me of when I was a kid and we used to get the Scholastic Books paper newsletter and could order books that were delivered to you in school. I loved it.

I think it is kind of hilarious that they hold a book fair in the atrium of our building. It's like scholastic books for adults. (but the books aren't nearly as good...)

Only slightly awkward….

Back in the day, I was a boy scout. Yes I know. But I was. I worked at a boy scout camp for 4 summers and I loved it.

So tonight I was at my husband's volleyball game (he coaches JV girls volleyball) and I saw one of my old coworkers. We had that weird "I know you" moment, but neither of us said hello to each other. It was odd. And I don't know why we didn't say anything, but we didn't. I suppose it could be that we wouldn't have anything to say after 15 years. But anyway, it was awkward and uncomfortable.

 

September Movies (late again)

Leatherheads

Run, Fat Boy, Run

Speed Racer

Outsourced

The Savages

21

The Love Guru

Entourage: Season 4: Disc 3

Entourage: Season 4: Disc 2

Entourage: Season 4: Disc 1

Doogie got Robbed

Neil Patrick Harris really should have won an Emmy. Not for Doogie, but for Barney. He got robbed.

Totally Appalling

I cannot believe this commercial. It is so bad that my friend saw it on television and called me at work to tell me about it. Obesity, particularly childhood obesity, is now a national epidemic, and this commercial is saying "it's fine in moderation". Well, yeah. But no one knows what that is anymore. I am just really bothered by this.




Ok, and here are their facts:

High Fructose Corn Quick Facts
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently concluded that "high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners."

Research confirms that high fructose corn syrup is safe and no different from other common sweeteners like table sugar and honey. All three sweeteners are nutritionally the same.

High fructose corn syrup has the same number of calories as table sugar and is equal in sweetness. It contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted high fructose corn syrup "Generally Recognized as Safe" status for use in food, and reaffirmed that ruling in 1996 after thorough review.

High fructose corn syrup offers numerous benefits. It keeps food fresh, enhances fruit and spice flavors, retains moisture in bran cereals, helps keep breakfast and energy bars moist, maintains consistent flavors in beverages and keeps ingredients evenly dispersed in condiments.

http://www.sweetsurprise.com/hfcsquickfacts.php

But, all that being said, I am still not a fan of corn syrup. Do I eat it from time to time? Yes. Do I love it, not necessarily. That is my opinion. I accept that.

However, this commercial makes it seem like "eh - it's no big deal". Maybe it is the same caloric value as sugar, but should you really be cramming sugar down your kid's gullet all day long? Because yeah, maybe you give him a tiny glass of kool aid at a party, but what about the artificially flavored syrup on his artificially flavored waffles? What about the Sunny D he drinks with his breakfast? And what about the cereal bar (that is kept moist by corn syrup) that he has as a snack? And the soda with his happy meal at lunch? And the ketchup he puts on his french fries? And the steak sauce you put on his gigantic steak at dinner? I don't get it.

Craigslist

I admit, I love Craigslist. It is fantastic. For the most part. But, on occasion, there is some shady dealing that go on.

For example, Monday I ordered a diaper bag from LL Bean. I then saw that exact same diaper bag from LL Bean on Craigslist new in the plastic bag on Tuesday morning. The seller lived nearby me, so not even spending money on the gas, it was 20 dollars cheaper. I thought, well, I will get this one, and send back the ordered one. Even if I have to eat the shipping and handling, I will still be getting a deal. So, I email the woman, she emails me back. We talk on the phone at 12:30 and she gives me directions, and make arrangements for a 4pm pick up.

Now, ironically, one of my girlfriends was thinking about getting that same bag. Before I had decided to make my little transaction, I showed her the listing. We did not discuss the purchasing. And she had emailed the woman as well.

At 2:30, after I had already made arrangements to purchase the item at 12:30, my girlfriend emails me to tell me that she was getting multiple emails from the seller asking if she still wanted the bag. As in, if my girlfriend said yes, she could have gone over and gotten it before 4, and my deal would be off.

I know there are no real "rules" but come on. You were going to make your 30 bucks either way, did you desperately need it before 4pm? I don't know, I just think it is shady. Either way, I got the bag, but it kind of irked me.

slacker updates

Ok, so I have been a slacker lately when it comes to blogging. I was doing so well there for a while....
Anyway - here is what is new:
-Big Dog got married, Home Slice says he is now on his way to becoming a lap dog. He is much less interesting to me.
-My husband got roped into coaching JV girls volleyball. They aren't all that bad actually. One of the Varsity mothers however is very bitter she didn't get his job, and mentions it every game I have been to. And yes, she is aware I am his wife.
-I went all domestic this weekend and made and froze 12 meals for when the baby comes. Perhaps that is what they consider nesting? One of the things I made was chicken & dumplings, and it tasted so good, I am disappointed I froze it. I will have to make it again sooner rather than later.
-I have become somewhat obsessed with this election, Tina Fey does an AWESOME Sarah Palin, and I cant wait for the debates so I can actually hear about issues.
-I never sleep through the night any more, and everyone thinks it is hilarious to tell me that it is just practice for later.....However I am mean and evil and a crybaby and not myself if I don't sleep, and I don't need practice for later, I need sleep to make it through the day now.
-I have enough clothes to keep this unborn kid covered for the next 12 years. However, I have nothing for her to sleep on. Or ride in. Or swing in. Or really, do anything else besides be clothed.
- 5 of my close friends, along with me, having babies in the next year. Kind of a boom in procreation.
-Winds keep breaking off parts of the tree in the back yard. I just wish that it would take off some limbs on the other side so that it would be even.

I guess that is all for now.

August Movies Super Late

Slim pickins this month - what can I say - I was an Olympics addict.

Grace Is Gone
27 Dresses
The Great Debaters
The Ultimate Gift
Vantage Point

i'm a cheater

I have been going to the same Polish butcher for my whole life (European Meat Products & Deli). It is where my Babcia shopped when she lived here, and it is where my dad always goes, and it is where I started to go a few years ago. But today, I had to go to another shop to get my Babcia something specific that the regular one does not carry. And when I went to the new place (Polska Chata), I found that in addition to a plethora of delicious smoked pork products, they had all sorts of homemade baked goods, and homemade golobki, and homemade pierogi. All things i know how to make but take too much work to cook for two people. So for dinner I got a little sausage and some golobki, and it was FANTASTIC. And, it turns out they are renovating the upstairs to have seating for a restaurant. Could be deadly for us, we may become frequent customers....

insomnia

I woke up again in the middle of the night again, unable to get back to sleep.

This isn't all that unusual these days. But what really stinks is I lie in bed, worrying about everything. My job at a failing company and what kind of a humongous pay cut I would take it I had to leave and work elsewhere. I think about our finances. We aren't in bad shape, better than most Americans I would actually guess, but still not enough to make myself feel comfortable. i even worry about where we are going to move furniture since we have run out of rooms to move things and store things and I am just too pregnant to move boxes and furniture and go through storage items to determine what we need and what we can get rid of.

It's 5 am and I have already surfed the net, read the newspaper, watched the end of the men's gold medal basketball game (which oddly enough my husband woke up for at 4 am and came downstairs to watch, and then returned to bed, all without an alarm), played some majhong, and now I am typing this. I was contemplating unloading the dishwasher, but I think it would make too much noise.

And, I am hungry, and eating at 5 am when out of your schedule isn't really a good thing. not to mention, we don't have anything all that good in the fridge.

urgh, i hate this. what I hate the most though is I have my family coming over this afternoon. Since I am the only one with a backyard, I was asked to host a picnic for my dad's new girlfriend. woo hoo. which means I am going to have to be "on" today and with a lack of sleep, that may be difficult.

ok, i am going to get some orange juice and try to doze off while watching endless infomercials on my poor people no cable television.

geez, thanks, dad

My father has out of control allergies. Shots year round. eyes swollen shut in the summer. can't eat peaches or cherries. you get the idea.

and he so graciously shared this genetic trait with me.

and this season has been particularly horrible for me, particularly with the weeds.

and now i have the asthmatic cough that is so insanely annoying. In previous years, when the coughing came, I needed an inhaler. This year, I need the inhaler but cant use it. So, i suffer, as do all of those around me. So if you are around to hear the hacking, i apologize. If not, count yourself as lucky.

5 years

As of yesterday, I have been married for 5 years. I cant even believe it has been 5 years. It seems all at the same time like it has been forever and also just yesterday. i suppose that is what it is supposed to feel like. We went to Toronto. Just like our honeymoon. And it was nice. Although this time, I just did a lot of sitting around watching the Olympics and resting. Which is ok by me. But anyway, 5 years under the belt. A million more to come. Yeah, happy anniversary to me.

Someday

Someday, I will learn to say no, and someday I will learn that I cant keep doing everything I used to, and someday, I will not care anymore.

Everyone keeps saying "If you stop, someone else will have to do it" but that isn't the case. Not because I have a big ego and think that I am the only one who can do anything, but because I know for a fact that people will not step up and take responsibility.

Someday, I will have no choice and wont be able to do any of it. I am really getting to the point where I just don't care anymore.

Also, a word of advice to anyone who reads. Do not volunteer for things if you are unable to take direction or you have your own agenda. It doesn't do anyone any good. You just get in the way and aggravate people.

Carbonara

I made spaghetti carbonara tonight for dinner. Because, seriously, how much easier does it get? Boiling the pasta is the hardest part. I used this recipe I found here on Every Day Food:

http://www.pbs.org/everydayfood/recipes/Spaghetti_Carbonara.html

plus honestly - it is spaghetti, bacon and cheese. can' t get much tastier than that.

July Movies

Penelope
College Road Trip
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Drillbit Taylor
Carrier: Disc 1
Carrier: Disc 2
Carrier: Disc 3
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With
My Mom's New Boyfriend
Strange Wilderness
Definitely, Maybe

Cannonball

I am a breeder. And I have to say, so far I am not so good at it. 4 months to go before the conceived one pops out, and I am freaking out already about stupid furniture and stupid registry crap and all sorts. I am an ultra-organized person, and it is difficult to get organized when I have no idea what is going on.

I need a crib. Seriously, this crap is hard. You cant just walk in and say "Oh, I like this one, I think I will get it" you have to read consumer reports, and you have to shake it to test for sturdiness, you have to read reviews, and even then, how do I know it will be safe and the right one. Not to mention, they cost almost as much as my car.

and this is just for sleeping. what about all the rest?

The Doctor Change

So I called and switched doctors. I stayed in the practice, but decided to go to another doctor in the practice. And just as I suspected, I got a voice mail from the doctor apologizing, wishing me well, but also kind of laying on the guilt a bit, saying she wished I had talked to her, etc. However, that is the reason I am switching, I don't at all feel like I can talk to her. She has never engaged in conversation with me. She answers my question with one to five word answers, if there is an answer or an opportunity to ask at all. She was a fabulous clinician. I just need someone who will talk to me a bit more. Now however I am feeling tremendous guilt about this, and feeling really really bad. She was my doctor for 17 years. That is a lot of years. I think I am doing the right thing, but I don't know how to respond to her message without getting all emotional about it. I feel bad. I just do. But I also need to do what makes me comfortable. Urgh. I know, so much drama for something not that big. But in my world it kind of is. I actually see the new doctor tomorrow. I am hoping that after that appointment I will feel differently, not second guessing what I have done. If not, then I am basically screwed.

homebound

Our new little car is in the shop until Tuesday! Apparently, some major oil gasket thing was defective and there was a giant oil leak, and if we hadn't caught it when we did, it would seep into the engine and get into the spark plugs and seize up our engine. It's all covered under the warranty, so no worries.

However, that makes me without a car until then. Not that we don't have another, but tomorrow my hubby will be in Buffalo, so that leaves me home. I should take this opportunity to read and do some housework, but most likely I wont. I will probably watch cooking shows and veg out in the too hot weather.

Freaked out

There are too many things freaking me out right now, and I don't need the stress.

All sorts of family drama rearing its ugly head that I just don't think we need to be involved in. I am changing one of my doctors after 17 years and I am afraid of the clinical and personal ramifications. Mostly I don't want any confrontation or to have to explain myself. (And in the end, my odds of getting stuck with her are 1 in 10). And I just want to sleep all the way through a night again.

The Wedding and Carrier

My husband's youngest sister is getting married on the beach in Oak Harbor, WA in 15 minutes. And I am so sad that I am not there. I love his youngest sister so much, she is the nicest person in the world, and she is marrying a wonderful man, and she deserves much happiness. And I am totally bummed I am not there night now.

Anywho... sadness aside... I have been watching Carrier. I caught bits and pieces of this million part series on PBS and was IN LOVE. It is so well done. So I got the whole thing on Netflix. It is a documentary chronicling the navy's 6 month tour on the air craft carrier Nimitz. I know, who wants to watch something about the Navy? But it is phenomenal. In addition to learning what actually happens on an aircraft carrier, it follows the stories of a lot of the 5000 people who work on board the ship. Their personal stories, their stories of what goes on while on board, it follows them when they are on shore leave in various countries, and it has real, honest opinions from people actually living their life in the military, opinions about fighting the war, Iraq, and what they really truly think of being in the military. If you have some time to spare, or can sit and watch all 10 hours, get this documentary. It is so amazing. (you can watch full episodes on the PBS web site, or you can get the discs from Netflix.)

travelers beware, and one redeeming factor

This morning I took my husband to the airport. he is flying to Seattle. we had previously booked a flight on United at double the cost of what we paid last summer. He was to connect through Dulles. So we get to the airport at 4:30 am. he checks in. we say our good-byes. he goes through security. And I leave. As I am driving home, he calls to tell me they have cancelled his flight. 20 people had already checked in. and it was within 15 minutes of my husband checking in that they cancelled the flight. You cant tell me they didn't know they were going to cancel. couldn't they have just dealt with it when he checked in? So anyway, the plan was to re-route him through Chicago and then on to Seattle. I said call me with the details. I get a call at quarter to six, and now he is booked on an entirely different airline going through Atlanta. And in addition, there is a possibility that the commuter flight he was going to take from Seattle to Bellingham - he wont make. He will have to wait 3 hours for the next one. what a total pain.

however, the redeeming factor: Once he arrived in Seattle, he rushed to the Alaska Airlines (Horizon actually) desk to see if he could at a minimum get stand by for the flight that was shortly leaving. This was the flight he had hoped to catch rather than waiting 3 more hours. The attendant looked at him, said "No problem" printed him a boarding pass right there on the spot and that was that. He boarded 30 minutes later. No hassle of stand by. No hassle at all. Just said sure thing. What a relief after such a crap day. And, to top it off, they serve Jones soda on their planes and they have this handy dandy flight tracker! So all of you that get to travel Alaska Airlines on a regular basis (Zieak) I say you are lucky, very lucky indeed.

June movies

Charlie Bartlett
Be Kind Rewind
Fools Gold
Love and other Disasters
The Grand
Mama's Boy
Chaos Theory
The Bucket List
Once
Reservation Road
Death at a Funeral
August Rush
Semi Pro

I am predicting that movie watching will increase now that summer tv really sucks it big time.

The Brighton restaurant

If you live in Rochester, or have ever lived in Rochester, and you have driven past the Brighton Restaurant, either on East Ave or on the backside via the expressway…..can you PLEASE tell me why it smells like burnt coffee? Every single day. For the last 20 years or however long the place has been there?

The weathermen (and women) don’t really know what they are talking about

This weekend has been outright BEAUTIFUL. Which is in direct contrast to the reports of weather for the last 3 days of rain. It was supposedly going rain all day every day this weekend. And it has been glorious, Laundry on the line, sitting in the sunshine, picnic today glorious. Beautiful weather. Contrary to what the weathermen say. I am not going to believe them anymore.

We are not the bad guy

I just watched a news story about my employer – a health insurance company – having to change a policy because someone went to the attorney general. That in itself is not the issue. What I really take major issue with is the way the news makes us out to be the bad guy. They interviewed a woman who said "they only care about their money, not my health" or something to that effect. Here is the deal. It isn't OUR money that we are worried about. We are brokers for your employer. So if you don't like what we do, perhaps you should talk to your employer. In most cases, they are the ones that choose your insurance carrier for you, they are the ones that determine what you get covered and what you don't, and they are the ones that tell us what we can and can't do. So if you aren't happy, instead of going to the news and saying things that you don't really know to be true, perhaps you could talk to the people who really can make the changes and currently pay your salary.

Friends

Sometime, I think it is possible to have friends that are too close. For example, when you feel comfortable enough to say mean things loudly so your friend can hear them through the phone while talking to your husband…this is a problem. My husband was talking to our friend, who had called to ask a favor. He needed directions while driving somewhere, he was lost. Except, this caused us to stop what we are doing, start up our computer, wait for it to load, mapquest something, with my husband typing with one hand, messing it up, etc. and apparently this outraged me.

So I grabbed the laptop out of his hands, broke the shift key, said loudly that our friend should have called his own wife to help him, and then in the end, the street he was looking for didn't even exist.

Then I felt really bad about it and started to cry. I think it must be hormones….. otherwise I am just a jerk.

the recliner

last spring, we got new beige carpet in our living room. Actually, it is more of an off white than beige. what was I thinking - I don't know, on the 2x2 inch square they give you to look at in the store, it seemed a bit darker. none the less, I love it. And I vacuum it religiously. and I admire it. and I lay on it, and an rub my bare feet into it.

Also about the same time, my husband was working part-time-ish for a guy moving furniture on the weekends. Mostly old people moving into senior living communities. And they were always giving stuff away. So, he got a long-desired recliner from some old lady for free. It was mauve and ugly and annoying, and I spent a bunch of money on a nice slip cover so I could tolerate looking at it. and this recliner has been the bane of my existence ever since.

At Christmas time, when we moved the recliner to put up the tree, we found a nice black grease stain on my beautiful carpet. I scrubbed and Resolved and scrubbed some more until only a very vague hint of stain remained. I told my husband (under penalty of death) that if he wanted that recliner back, he would have to get something underneath it. He eventually got matching carpet remnants to place underneath. I was satisfied with this. Until one day, I found another grease stain from where the feet part came out. You know, where it extends all the way out.

We had a giant fight, my husband moved the chair around the room a few more times, I scrubbed another spot. and eventually, we worked something out.

Well, that recliner finally broke. It is out at the street. And no one has taken it. There it sits, in all it's mauve glory. Pink and rain soaked. And no one will get it off my front lawn. I thought for sure at least the scrap metal collector guys would take it. but no. there it sits. thankfully, tomorrow is trash day. it will finally go.

and now, all we can talk about is the next recliner. ugh.

break in

last night, our car was broken into in our driveway. Surprisingly, nothing was damaged and nothing was taken.

But, it still happened. My husband got home around 5:30 and I got home around 6:45. That evening, we watched a movie and when we finished my husband decided to take the movie to the post office. He went out to the car and the dome light was on and the passenger door was wide open.

Now, as I have discussed before, I cant even express the level of obsession my husband has with making sure doors are locked. In the car, if we get out, and lock the doors, he will still ask if I locked them, and go around and double check. This is a regular occurrence. And, in addition to lock down, nothing ever gets left in the car for this very reason.

Anyway, the door was locked, there was no question. Plus it was the passenger door, and it was his car that I never use.

So we called the police, and I was less than satisfied with our interaction. The officer came to the house, and while talking with my husband, stood in the driveway smoking a cigarette. Now, smoking isn't my favorite thing, but I don't condemn people for that choice. However, if you are on duty, then the professional thing to do is wait to light up. Then, he proceeded to insist that my husband left the door open. To which my husband said, "I have been home for more than 4 hours, the dome light would have burned the battery out". No. He would not believe it. And he then continued to give my husband a hard time about the dome light, saying that it would have turned off in 10 minutes. My husband reminded him that it was an 11 year old car, it didn't go out on its own. And if we used the officer's logic about the dome light, then the break in would have happened in the 10 minutes prior to calling, therefor confirming that my husband didn't leave the door open 4 hours earlier. He refused to make a police report. And said "we'll keep the neighborhood on special watch". Yeah right.

Needless to say, I was irritated with the interaction but glad nothing happened to the car and nothing was missing.

I want a vacation

Every summer we tend to take a nice big schmancy vacation. This year, we have decided to forego the vacation in lieu of other impending things. But now, I really want one. I know, whoa is me. But I usually mark the beginning of summer with the anticipation of my big vacation. I have a feeling we will mostly likely do something for our anniversary in August. However, it will be local instead of either international or on the west coast. Where, of course, is now the question. Suggestions?

only slightly hot....

May Movies, a few days late

        There Will Be Blood        

          Numb        

          Bee Movie            

          Over Her Dead Body            

          Dedication            

          Reservation Road        

         Margot at the wedding    

          The Kingdom            

          P.S. I Love You        

    Lars and the Real Girl

 

insomnia

I have some mild insomnia. Not in the true sense, I guess, where I am awake all night. But I wake up so damn early now, and it is driving me crazy. Especially on the weekends, I should not be waking up at 4 o'clock in the morning. I should be sound asleep, for at least a good 3-4 more hours. But alas, I am awake. So I did some online shopping in the wee hours of the morning, I signed on here, and I plan to read my book and clean the kitchen - all before my sleeping beauty of a spouse wakes up in about 4 more hours. urgh. not fair.

All Sorts

All sorts of odd little things to report: The picketers were still there, but no rat. So sad. Apparently, it appeared that I was having a conversation with my soup today. It was really good soup. I did love it. Chocolate cake was calling to me from various places, so much so that my husband went and got one from the store for dessert. Word on the street is that Clay Aiken got someone pregnant. And tonight is the finale of Lost. And I am sooo excited.

rats

Each morning, I drive past Rochester General Hospital on my way in to work. This morning, there was a small group of union workers, builders I think, picketing outside of the hospital. This in itself isn't the interesting point. The good part – they had a GIANT INFLATABLE RAT tied down to the side of the road. It made me smile. I am sure that was not the intention, but I still liked it.

still alive

Yes, it has been a while. I have no good reason other than I have been significantly preoccupied. Here are things I can update you on. The tree is down in the front yard, but we still have a stump. Who knew that stump removal was a door to door business. I have had more people ring my doorbell and make me an offer. Most of which I have been able to refuse. My house is a disaster, it is in need of a really good cleaning. Preferably not by me. My lawn is overgrown. Baseball is almost over for high school. I haven't paid bills in almost a month (doing that today - no exceptions). And I have decided that I really like bagel chips. Other than that, I've got nothing.

bye bye, tupperware

so lately I have been obsessed with getting rid of the "bad plastic" i have in my house that is POISONING ME! I thought for sure it had to be all of that cheap crap I have bought at the grocery store over the years that is taking up too much space. but no. it is my Nalgene bottles that I have used for ever, and my beloved Tupperware that is slowly killing me and my unborn children. OK, I know that is a bit extreme, but word on the street is that it isn't doing me any good either. So alas, goodbye my Sheerly Elegant bowls that I store all my fresh cut fruit in and microwave my broccoli in each week. Goodbye my Rock & serve containers that claim to be made out of unbreakable materials. So long. Sorry to clog up the landfills with you, but I don't want you poisoning me any more.

here is a link to Tupperware's list of what their containers are made of. Steer clear of the BPA #7.

here are the general rules for ditching plastic.
Avoid:
#3-PVC
#6-PS
#7-Polycarbonate (BPA = bad)

Choose instead:
#1-PETE (but dont reuse apparently - one time only)
#2-HDPE
#4-LDPE
#5-PP

lady marmalade

i was driving home from work today when i decided i needed some gum. so i started digging around in the carry on luggage I call a purse (while driving), and found orange marmalade in my purse.

april movies

No Country For Old Men
Into The Wild
Michael Clayton
The Game Plan
Dan in Real Life
The Kite Runner
Goya's Ghosts
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Bride and Prejudice
The Comebacks

good little recycler

We bought our weed mat and our mulch today and got that all taken care of in the front beds. I was so excited, this year we bought mulch made out of recycled tires! This may not be a new phenomenon, but I am really psyched about it. And it looks really really great!

junk food junkie

With my husband coaching baseball, we have been eating the most horrible diet. On game nights, he doesn't get home until about 8:00pm or later. I don't want to cook when I get home since it will be 3 hours before he will get to eat it. Plus, I like to wait for him and eat dinner with my husband. But by the time he is home, I don't want to cook, and neither does he.

In addition, this week I have been kind of busy, not getting home until later a couple times this week. And, I have also been neglectful in defrosting anything.

So this week, we have had chinese food, bagels, Wendy's, and pork chops (ok, I cooked one night - when he didn't have a game, just practice).
Not the best diet in the world.

Tomorrow night, we are going to go to the movies - so most likely we will have popcorn for dinner. So gross.

back

yes, dear readers, i am finally back. You see, my husband just finished semester 3 of his graduate program. what that means to me - the last 2 weeks of the semester means that i generally have no computer access as it has been taken over by a procrastinator who "does his best work under pressure". what it also means, as the editor of all papers, is that on the last day, i have 60+ pages to edit and be submitted before midnight. but anyway, the semester ended on sunday, and i can compute once again.

Nation Eggs Benedict Day

Today is National Eggs Benedict Day.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE eggs benedict.

So much so that if I am on vacation, and they are on a breakfast buffet,

I have to be held back.
I love them.

I make it at home too, but it is never the same.

Hey people - go eat some Eggs Benedict today!!!

Son of Argentina, and the breaking down of a Chinese Liaison

Mrs. Argentina and the rest of her family broke us down. The offered to pay 2/3 of the cost of tree removal, so we broke. I’ve always said, if they want it out so bad, they can pay for it. The truth of the matter is that we wanted to have some of the branches that hung over the roof removed. Our 1/3 would have been equal to the cost of that. So we obliged. They were at the house today removing the tree. I don’t like it. Not one bit. We will be left with a solo tree in our front yard. And an open door for the Argentinas to think they can force us to do whatever work they see fit to our house. Mrs. Argentina already told us when we brought over the check that we needed to get siding because she thought the house looked“disgusting”. Ballsy, indeed.

Also, Son of Argentina scares the crap out of me. For many reasons.
1. He is a total mama’s boy. He vacations with his mother. He lives with his parents by choice at 27 (rather than by economic circumstances), and he acts just like her.

2. When talking – and he loves to hear himself talk – he will make odd gestures while making it seem how wonderful he is. For example, he was over last night helping my husband move some furniture. He was telling a story about the man he shares an office with. He said “Joe, who I share an office with”, and then a long dramatic pause, with a slight cock of the head, and fingers to the chin, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling, he says “And it is really quite a beautiful office”, and then went on to tell the rest of the story about the office mate. Weirdo.

3. He noted that while studying for the LSAT in his dining room each night, he looks through our window to see what we are doing and what we are watching on television. Blinds now closed.

4. He made effort to speak of the guns that belong to his brother that are still in his parent’s home, and how he has a loaded AK47 type gun loaded under his bed. Safety first in Irondequoit.

5. His mama called when he was over to “check and see if everything was alright” because she expected him home sooner. Seriously. She called from next door to check on her 27 year old son.

I want the Argentinas to pack up and move to Maryland. Not for the normal 5 months of the year. Forever.

blue collar crush of the week

So my good buddy Home Slice noticed at lunch today that a contractor that has been working on our floor is actually the 20 year old spitting image of Tom Brady, butt chin and everything. Home Slice thought he was decent looking, and said "I think he is my blue collar crush of the week". I like it.

Underpants

Yesterday, Home Slice and I discovered that we are not the only sect in the cafeteria that is sick of looking at Underpants' crack every day at lunch. As we discussed this phenomenon with a coworker, others joined in on the conversation.

Today at lunch, Homes and I were able to see this news of underpants spread like wildfire from table to table. Everyone was talking about it, making disgusted faces and waiting to see if this chick's crack was still hanging out or not.

Unfortunately, today she was wearing a dress. An appropriate work outfit, you ask? Of course not. One could not expect that from Underpants. It was entirely too short for work. And I am sure,tomorrow, the crack will be back.

Watch for it.

hey, look at me!

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2008/04/photos-from-lulus-bake-shoppe.html

I'm in my favorite blog!

shoe crazy

I bought two new pairs of shoes today. I have no business really buying new shoes, but it is spring and I just couldnt resist. And the Keens were such a steal I couldnt say no.

to market, to market

I finally got to make it to the public market this morning. It is one of my favorite places to be. I have been going to the market since I was a little kid. In fact, my mother had a newspaper article with a picture of me sitting on my dad's shoulders buying eggs at the market when i was a toddler. Anyway, it was nice and packed this morning. It is the only place I don't mind the crowd. It means that the market is prospering. I got myself some empenadas for breakfast from Juan & Maria. I got an oatmeal cookie and a cupcake bigger than my face from Jon John's, and some of the sweetest shrimp from Coastal. And lots of fruits and veggies. The best part was that it was a nice, easy Saturday morning trip. Some weeks it is get in and get out shopping. This week it was all about leisure.

yoda

yoda...i mean yoga, kicks my butt. every wednesday.

Best Yogurt Ever

I tried this Greek yogurt that I keep reading about. It was FANTASTIC!!! If you are a yogurt fan, try this yogurt. It is awesome.

FAGE Total 2% Greek Yogurt Made from skimmed cow's milk, cream and yogurt culture. Perfect for those who want to keep fit with only 2% fat. Best flavor ever tasted! DID YOU KNOW! Each 200 grams (7-ounce) serving includes: 130 calories (36 from fat) 17 grams or 32% of daily value of protein, 15% calcium, and 8 grams or 3% of carbohydrates in the form of lactose (based on a 2,000 calorie diet).

Movies of the Month

I decided that I would start giving an update of all the movies we watch in a month. Most are from trusty old Netflix, but on occasion there is a lender in. now that it's spring, we may start going to the drive in again soon too. So, without further adieu, here are March's movies.

Rendition

The Comebacks

Goya's Ghosts

The Kite Runner

Bride and Prejudice

2 Days in Paris

We Own the Night

The Martian Child

Gone Baby Gone

Across the Universe

Becoming Jane 

The Darjeeling Limited 

Rendition

The Comebacks

i lied

so i lied.

we ended up in a crappy horrible chain restaurant that I cant stand, where I watched a child sneeze on the salad bar and the mother make a joke out of it.

Ruby Tuesdays. Other than the fact that it is a chain restaurant, and the food isn't good, I have a disgusted feeling every time I go in there because I once worked at that restaurant for 2 weeks. My only ever attempt at waitressing. 2 weeks I lasted. I think I made 15 bucks total in those 2 weeks. It ranks up there on the worst job ever list.

I did feed the kitties. And I did go to the book store and get some new books. The one I am reading is one that I wanted to read, and I bought it at full price rather than on the bargain bookshelf. However, so far, it is a lot of name dropping and not a lot of plot. I think when I am done I will sell it on Amazon.

Normally, I cant part with books. I have bookshelves in almost every room in my house. I love books - a whole lot. But this one cost $23 bucks, and it isn't good. So alas, we will have to part ways.

Today - it's sunny, but way to cold for this delicate little flower to go to the market, so that's out.Which is disappointing because I love the market. I may try to brave it a little later, but I doubt it. I've already made coffee and turned on the computer. I think it's all over.

the end of the week

I've gotten over my melt-down of late, at least for the short term.
We're going to my favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner.
I may watch a movie tonight.
I haven't gone to my second job that I am trying to quit all week. perhaps a successful transition.
I have to feed my neighbor's cats tonight.
I plan to get to the public market tomorrow, even though it snowed again.
this weekend i will:
clean the house
do some yoga
see my aging god son who i miss a whole lot
relax

control freak

I will fully admit that I am a full fledged, card carrying member of the control freak class. And I doubt that there are many people who will be shocked and awed to hear me say this.
But the reality is I recognize it, and I am getting better at recognizing it. And I allow myself from time to time to let things go that I realize I really don't have control over.

However, on some level, i fully believe my own well being should be entirely under my control.
Lately, it hasn't been.

Lets just say I am not the worlds best pro-creator. I saw a specialist for an office consultation last Friday.Not the first and I am sure not the last. That was only 6 days ago. And since then, it has been this whirlwind of activity, including 5 different visits to the lab, 2 ultrasounds, and a zillion pee on a stick tests (including some that were repeated due to user error).....

Needless to say, after receiving a message from a nurse in the office, I called back and had a full blown melt down on one of the nurses to the point I was sobbing so hysterically she had to ask me to repeat myself because she couldn't understand what I was saying. Most definitely not my finest moment....

It is really very difficult to have someone else dictate when and how you will do something that involves your very own body. Without opportunity to ask questions or get answers.

yes, I realize timing is of the essence. and this is where the control freak rears it's ugly head. The timing may be right for the lower half of my body, but what do I do when the timing isn't right in the brain? It causes all sorts of commotion and stress for the control freak. A total of loss of control, if you will. Because, if you want it, you have to do it now. No time for questions. And what if I'm not ready, and when a you are a control freak, there is a level of "it's all about me" that is there. There is no denying that. And like I said, i accept this flaw.

And I know this is entirely my own self conscious, people pleasing issue...but if you say "wait - I'm not ready" then all the 55 doctors and nurses who have seen you recently will say "then why did you just waste our time and yours - call us when you want this for real". And I don't like that either. Because i do want this.

I just want it to be under my control. And clearly, I am starting to realize, that isn't ever going to be the case.

Hooray!

They fixed the lighting in the bathroom at work! They even fixed stall #2 so it is no longer a bidet!!! Hooray for maintenance men everywhere!

what can I say?

sometimes I just don't have much to say believe it or not.
Home Slice is back to work and this I am happy about.
We are having chicken caesar salads for dinner - easiest meal in the world. with anchovy.

I am thinking about spending my 5th anniversary on the Oregon coast as opposed to Mexico or Jamaica - though I am not sure I am sold on the idea. We have to go to Seattle for a wedding in July. Our anniversary is in August. And though not our original plan, we are thinking it may be advantageous for us to just rent a car, drive down and rent a place somewhere. However, I am a HUGE fan of going to an all inclusive resort, sitting around, reading a thousand books, and eating and drinking whenever i like and having the option of pool, hot tub or ocean. Not to mention, I cant really see any monetary value in going the Oregon route.It is still up for discussion.

favorite quote of the month

"Make me a chicken cake"

thank you easter bunny

I remember we used to get Easter baskets from my Babcia that were full of that annoying grass, lots of cheap chocolate, and these animals made of what was obviously just sugar but it wasn't anything in particular. It's hard to describe. They weren't chocolate, they were kind of like maple creams, only not maple and not good. And when they got hard, it was kind of like a tootsie roll. And they were bright colors. Only gross. Anyway.....

We also used to get these awesome chocolate eggs that were about the size of a nerf football, and hollow inside and in two pieces, so the egg was a box, and inside there was more chocolate. And it was Andy's Chocolate.

Once upon a time, when the polish neighborhood wasn't the urban decay it is now, there was an Andy's Candies shop that had a counter you could sit at to order ice cream, and they had the best banana ice cream in the world.

salt

Salt is something that gets missed a lot in our house. My husband has been all over me to get more salt this week at the grocery store. He has been on a popcorn kick this week, and he thought we were out. On the shelf with all the baking items, we were out. So he went to the store, picked up some salt with the groceries. I went to put it away - and we have 3 - yes three - open containers of salt in the house now. This includes the shaker that is now filled and the jar I keep by the stove for cooking. Urgh - too much salt. I might have to use it for cleaning or something. Not because it will go bad, but because it is taking up too much space!

LOST Tonight

Ok folks, unless you are living under a rock, or just don't have a
television, LOST is airing it's semi-final episode tonight. Semi - final
meaning it was supposed to be the end, then the writers broke the strike,
and the whole thing about no breaks this season became a sham...so alas,
the last one for about a  month or so. It better be good.

Wednesday

Wednesdays are a weird day for me.
They are traditionally the hump day, but all it means is that I have to work the next day at both jobs. urgh.
But it is also New Wave Wednesdays on WBER and that is cool. However, Jen V talks too much. Once, she used to be my favorite DJ. Now, she just blabs on and on about all her troubles and her kids and other boring stuff, and doesn't play nearly enough music.
But, since beggars cant be choosers, I still listen faithfully every week.

Also - my friend Zieak was on NPR. well, not directly - but his creations were referenced on NPR today. Check it out: Digital DIY: Web Helps Do-It-Yourselfers Share Ethic - which I think is way cool since I am a fan of NPR....his is the stool made of crutches and bike parts they mention in the beginning.

It's Corned Beef & Cabbage Day !

It's Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!

So I slapped a brisket in the crock pot with some cabbage, carrots, onions, and Guinness. Everything tastes better with Guinness.

Not the most visually appealing meal, is it?

thats wicked cool

I must be crazy. I got up early, on a Monday no less, and stood in line out in the freezing cold for tickets. To what, you ask..... Wicked. That's right. I am a musical theater geek. A hard core musical junkie. But, after an hour in the freezing temperatures, I got a decent parking spot in the lot, a gift bag from a local radio station with a hat and a winning lottery ticket ($2 - woo hoo!) and 2 seats in Row B for June 8th. Along with just a touch of frostbite on my fingers and toes. Not too shabby.

dye cast models

I took a little time off this weekend from the computer.......

I had to dye my hair this weekend. I have dyed my hair numerous times in my lifetime, but always because I wanted to change the color (mostly to red).I have done permanent dye, semi permanent, and even quite a bit of henna in my day. However, this weekend, I had to dye my hair because it is TURNING GRAY.

Seriously?

I heard this story today, and thought to myself - seriously? I understand that people have mental illness. But if my husband asked me if I was coming out of the bathroom, and I told him "Maybe tomorrow" I am 98% certain that would signal that something was potentially wrong. And I can say with 100% certainty he wouldn't let me sit there for 2 years. Of course, we only have one bathroom, it could cause some problems in our marriage.....

Sheriff recommends charge in toilet case
By ROXANA HEGEMAN Associated Press Writer

NESS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- A man should be charged for allowing his girlfriend to sit on their toilet so long that her body became stuck to the seat, the sheriff said Thursday.
Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple was among authorities who discovered the woman last month living in the bathroom of a mobile home she shared with her boyfriend, Kory McFarren.
"The house was cluttered but not in shambles," he said. "The smell was overpowering - a terrible smell about the house, obviously coming from where she was at."
McFarren, 36, told police his girlfriend, Pam Babcock, 35, had a phobia about leaving the bathroom and may not have left the bathroom in two years, although he's unsure how long she was in there.
He said during that time, he brought her food, water, and clean clothes.
"The only thing I am guilty of is I didn't get her help sooner," he told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The sheriff said that judging by the woman's condition - she had open sores on which the toilet seat would stick - it appeared she likely sat on the toilet continually for at least a month.
"She would have to be sleeping on the toilet," the sheriff said.
Whipple asked the county attorney to charge McFarren for mistreatment of a dependent adult. The prosecutor did not return phone calls seeking comment.
"The unfortunate thing is this truly is a case of two people, in my opinion, with diminished mental capacity," Whipple said.
McFarren, who works at an antique store, said he has been taking care of Babcock for the 16 years they have lived together. He insisted that he tried to coax her out of the bathroom every day. The home has a second bathroom.
McFarren said he finally called police Feb. 27 after he became worried because Babcock was acting groggy, as if she didn't know what was going on around her.
What emergency responders found when they entered the bathroom has left many in the town of about 1,500 people buzzing and authorities incredulous.
Whipple said the seat was taken off the toilet so the woman could be transported to the hospital for treatment.
Doctors at the Wichita hospital told the boyfriend an infection in her legs has damaged her nerves and may leave her in a wheelchair, he said.
© 2008 The Associated Press.

Oh, Andrew

You know you want to play for the Big Dog. Who wouldn't want the pep talks and the team picture. by the way - I will be posting the team picture if I am funding this endeavor.....just so there is no mistaking, you know you want to.

My ipod has made me ADD I think. The theory is that all the music on there is stuff that I like. And, theoretically, if you put it on shuffle, you would get to hear all sorts of music that you enjoy. But I cant listen to more than about 5 seconds of a song without wondering what is next, and hitting skip. It's sad, really.

syrup-rific

March is apparently Maple Syrup Month.

Somehow, this escaped me. I wonder why.

Anyway, since I have family in Vermont, I am partial to syrup from Vermont only. All the rest is crap (no offense to all you other maple syrup-ers out there).

This is where we get ours:http://www.vtmaplesyrup.com/info/info.htm

I particularly love maple cream. It is a favorite of mine. I got a recipe from a Vermont Maple Syrup cookbook once, but never made it. It involved too much boiling and beating. I am not that precise. I say, take this entire month to eat syrup.

Comfort Food (the healthy way)

Taco Salads are one of my comfort foods. No one thinks of taco salads as comfort foods, I am sure. But to me, they are. In an effort to eat healthier though, I needed to make it better, but no less delicious. So, I cut out the chips here, and you don’t really miss them. If you do, add them. And tonight, I made cheaters guacamole.

Vegetarian Taco Salad

1 large can Muir Glen Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
1 bag Morningstar Farms Crumbles
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp ancho chili powder
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Field Greens
4 green onions, chopped
4 oz. Cabot 75% reduced fat cheddar cheese , shredded
Handful chopped cilantro
40 cherry tomatoes
Guacamole
Light sour cream

In a large non stick pan, cook whole can of tomatoes and whole bag of soy crumbles, add all the dry spices and cook down until the liquid is reduced. Assemble salad and eat up.


Cheater’s Guacamole

4 ripe avocados
1/3 jar Fire Roasted Salsa Verde or Tomatillo Salsa (I recommend Wegmans or Rick Bayless’ versions)

Mash all together in a bowl.

Roasted Chicken with Fresh Lime Mojo

1 medium roasting chicken
2 limes
6 cloves garlic, chopped fine
½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped fine
Olive oil
Salt

Place the zest of both limes, the juice of both limes, a generous pinch of salt, and 3 or 4 glugs of olive oil in a bowl, mix well. Loosen the skin from the chicken, and smoosh the mojo under the skin. Repeat on both breast and underside of the chicken. Roast chicken breast down for maximum juiciness. Roast at 450 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn down to 350 degrees for an hour and a half (or longer depending on size of bird).

I know it's old, but I couldnt help it

The Big Dipper

I've realized lately that I am seriously into dipping my foods into condiments. But not ketchup and mustard.

Last night, I made chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce.

Today, when I got home and was scavenging for a snack, I ate some of the leftover chicken, dipped in my FAVORITE salsa. I was so excited to see Wegman's come out with their own version of Salsa Verde. I eat it with everything, and I especially love to put it in my guacamole when I am too lazy to chop.

what I did this weekend

drove to Webster in the blizzard so I could go shopping - I bought groceries and a Nano. All the years I have lived here, I have heard people on the news talk about how treacherous it is on the Bay Bridge, and I never believed them. It really is slippery. I believe them now.

I watched 2 movies, both were good but not great : Across the Universe and Becoming Jane.

I woke up at 5am to find my eye stuck shut, and when I finally opened it, something got in it and then it itched and burned for about an hour, I then fell asleep again and woke up an hour and a half later to clean out the driveway.

Then, I got out of the driveway and went to church only to find out it was cancelled, but no one called me. I freaking work there and no one called me to tell me it was cancelled. Anyway, then I stayed and worked for like 3 hours. I really need to do a better job of trying to quit....

Since there was about 2 feet of snow where I live, we went snowshoeing when I got home. For about an hour. And I got a nice little winter sunburn on my face. My freckles are much darker now.

And then I wrote this.

low carb is hard

So I have been trying to eat a lower carb diet for a little while now.
And no, I don't mean Atkins. How anyone can eat that much sausage is beyond me.

And I am not going to lie - it is really difficult. Flour, Sugar and I...we go way back.

I can usually last about 2 weeks before I cave, and then I have to start over. And though this may seem counter productive, it is all I can do.

Last night - I only made it a week. You see, winter is back. And we were going to go out to dinner and I had a nice little plan. But instead, we decided to stay in and get take out - Chinese of course from Lin's Palace. Instead of getting my usual staples (chicken satay, happy family with sauce on the side, or egg drop soup), I decided I needed noodles.

I ate less than 1/3rd of the container, and I picked out all the shrimp and chicken first. But this morning, up 4 pounds. It's kind of sick.

Oh yeah, maybe it was the piece of chocolate cake too that did it.

Whatever, back on today, lets see if I can make it two more weeks this time.

12 steps

Do you think there is a 12 step program out there for cheese?

B.O.

Ever go to an Indian restaurant and leave smelling like B.O? Food's good, smells bad.

I went to lunch today with my mom, and we went to the India Palace in Rochester. I haven’t been in years, but I used to work 2 doors down, so we used to go all the time. So we arrive, and no one is there. And we wait 5 minutes, and no one come out from the kitchen, so my mother goes in the back and calls hello through the doorway, to no avail. She sticks her head in a little further, and calls out again, and a hostess comes out (with fingernails about 4 inches long – disgusting!) and says “we don’t allow people in the kitchen”, to which my mother responded “We’ve been waiting for like 5 minutes”. The hostess/waitress, she didn’t care.

We sit, it’s a buffet, and the food kind of is not great. I wouldn’t go as far as bad, but I will say it was not nearly close to good. I used to go all the time and it was good. Not so. I asked for more water once, she never came back. She came with the check, I asked for more water, she came, refilled my glass and not my mother's.

Then we tried to pay the bill. My mother pulls out her debit card, and the hostess/waitress says “I’m sorry, but it appears that our lines are down, you’ll have to pay with cash”. My mom, who never carries cash says “Well, I don’t have any” and the girl tells her she can now patronize one of the few ATMs in the plaza. So I stay in the restaurant, and my mom goes to get cash, and has to spend an extra 2 bucks on ATM fees just to pay the stupid bill. While I am waiting, the waitress gets a bill for the ONLY OTHER PERSON in the restaurant, and neglects to tell them that they wont be able to use their credit cards either. Our bill was $19.33 and originally due to poor service was only going to leave a 20– it was a buffet after all. But after the whole debacle, my mother waited for her change. Because of the 4 inch long fingernails, we waited another 5minutes for the change to be counted.

Until further notice, avoid the India Palace in Brighton.

gimpy mcgee

That's me.
I sprained my knuckle. And have to wear a stupid brace. How ridiculous is that?

she found me

Mrs Argentina found me. She called after I posted last night, and the caller ID says "Blocked Call". I fall for it every time. I got her to just give me the guys information, rather than have me come out to talk to someone about trees that I don't care about. She even said to me , "I am sure he will work out some kind of deal, and it will make me happy if you remove it, and it will make me a better neighbor than I already am." Sure it will.

Also, I am turning into a train wreck. Somehow, last night I screwed up my middle finger on my right hand. I think I jammed it (though yanking on it doesn't seem to help). I have no ability to squeeze or grip anything with my right hand without pain. The worst part is, I think I did it folding a blanket.

in other news.....

I figured out what the abdominal pain was. I was calling it "punched gut syndrome" but it was really that I ate too much cheese on Friday night.

I had more blood drawn today. They are starting to get to know me by name at the lab.

Home Slice told me today that she didn't like People magazine because they try to act like a real magazine by adding human interest stories to cover up the fact that they are indeed just gossip. I guess I never noticed, and now I will forever notice this fact.

The sea monkeys I got for Christmas are starting to get big, and we stirred them up with a straw today, a straw with no wrapper on it...

I am so out of the loop that I didn't know there was an earthquake in England recently. Apparently, the bridge near my grandmother's house is closed now. Not that she drives, she is 96.

We got our tax refund, and cant decide whether or not we should dump it back into our debt or redo the bathroom. I hate the bathroom very much, but then again, to pay a nice chunk off of our debt would be nice. The question is, can I live with a gross tub and pink floor tiles for another year or so? Ironically, the only other thing that came in the mail today was an advertisement for Bath Fitter.

And I am making sesame chicken and broccoli for dinner.

I'm in hiding

Argentina and Mrs Argentina bug us constantly about our trees.

We have two trees in our front yard that she calls "dirty trees". Not in the naughty way, in the filth kind of way. And in her defense, she is right, they are annoying and disgusting. I think they are locust trees (if there is such a thing?). Anyway, they have been bothering us literally since the day we moved in to have then taken out. They don't like how all the dirty nasty little leaves get in their yard and they don't like that the shallow roots have "destroyed" their driveway.
Of course, they make no effort to assist in the payment for said removal.

Anyway, I pulled into my driveway after work, and there is a work type truck in their driveway, and I see that there is someone cutting their trees and removing the debris. Then I see Mrs Argentina using the mans clippers to cut something. She is kind of picky, and my guess was it wasn't to her liking. Anyway, I rushed in the garage and shut the door as quickly as possible before she found me to complain about our trees.

They really are nice people, really.