They Call Me Red

Ummmm No Thank You

2010-02-28T00:16:00.003-06:00

I just looked over today's Shopittome.com email. From Free People on tobi.com I found these pants:

I may just be a girl from the midwest and therefore some might say that I lack any sense of style beyond this season's Gap sweater. However, there is no way that you can refute the idea that the model wearing this pants has obviously taken some sort of front dump in her pants.

If this is where fashion is and thus where I should be going, I am going to make a run for the Gap instead.

Wowza

2010-02-11T12:48:00.002-06:00

This Sunday, February 14, is Valentine's Day. Sunday, February 14 also marks five and half years of marriage for Nick and me. Five and a half years! That means we are nearly to the mark of six years of marriage (well duh!) and solidly not newlyweds any longer.

I still consider the two of us to be newlyweds. We're still young (well I am, Nick turned 30 last year). We don't have kids. We're adventurous and take risks like moving to California. I still feel like I did on my wedding day: Bright eyed and ready for the future. I just can't wrap my brain around the fact that this year will mark our sixth wedding anniversary.

Time has just flown by and I just cannot believe that we are nearly on the other side of half way to our ten year anniversary (when I'll be 32!!). As ready as I thought I was for future, would Bride 22 Year Old Jill ever thought that she would be living in California in 2010? I doubt it.

Speaking of age. I'll be 28 this year. I remember when Nick was 28 and I thought he was just soooo old. Twenty-eight. Yikes! That's me this year.

You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
You may find yourself in another part of the world
You may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
You may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
You may ask yourself: well... how did I get here?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

You may ask yourself
How do I work this?
You may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
You may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
You may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...

Water dissolving... and water removing
There is water... at the bottom of the ocean
Remove the water
Carry the water
Remove the water from the bottom of the ocean

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

Into the blue again/into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground
Letting the days go by/into the silent water
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

You may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
You may ask yourself
Where does that highway lead to?
You may ask yourself
Am I right?... Am I wrong?
You may say to yourself
My God!... what have I done?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

Into the blue again/into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground
Letting the days go by/into the silent water
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground

Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...

Time isn't holding us
Time isn't after us
Time isn't holding us
Time isn't holding us

Time isn't holding us
Time isn't after us
Time isn't holding us
[unknown line]

Letting the days go by...
Letting the days go by...
Letting the days go by...
Once in a lifetime...

Letting the days go by...
Letting the days go by...
Letting the days go by...
Once in a lifetime...

Talking Heads "Once in a Lifetime"

Update

2010-01-22T15:15:00.002-06:00

Bored, depressed, uninspired, and lonely.

I just feel like I am stuck in first gear. Or perhaps not even in first. Just sitting here and spinning my wheels, not going anywhere at all.

Right now I am temping and that is great and all. It puts a few dollars in my pocket but it just feels so unsatisfying each day. Career wise I just feel like I am not moving towards anything. In interviews people ask where I want to be in a few years. How about where I want to be now? No one asks that.

Each day seems to run into each other. Each day this week I went to work, came home, ate a leftover ham and cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup, sat on the couch for a few hours watching tv, and then went to bed. Just a rinse and a repeat each day.

I miss having friends. I miss having stuff to look forward to. Events to go to. Things to plan for. People to see. Each week seems to be the same.

I try and plan events and things to do but everything seems scattered and unattainable.

Unattainable and blah.

Dreaming

2010-01-06T15:04:00.003-06:00

I would go to Walt Disney World just for this cupcake.

Behold the...

Butterfinger Cupcake

Twice now, on two separate blogs, I have seen posts about this cupcake and twice now I have been forced to resist the urge to book a plane ticket to Orlando and run to Walt Disney World's Starring Rolls Bakery in Disney's Hollywood Studio for this utterly delicious looking cupcake.

Just by seeing these pictures I can almost smell Starring Rolls Bakery, hear the crowds as they move through the park, and taste all of that wonderful buttercream, chocolate cake, and butterfinger candy bar. Almost.

I am not sure why I choose to spend my time looking at awesome pictures of the (currently) culinary unattainable. I need to either get a job (and a lot of vacation hours) quick or stop looking at pictures nirvana inducing pastries.

Photo's courtesy of Cookie Madness and WDW Info.

Someone Is Going to Read That

2009-12-17T23:51:00.003-06:00

For the last two weeks or so I have had a temp. job in where I am filing. Just filing. Nothing else. When filing for eight hours a day you begin to notice certain things.

Paper makes your hands dry.
The bottom two drawers of a filing cabinet are at a horrible height no matter how you try and position yourself.
Sitting on the ground filing is never dignified.
People get terminated from their jobs for some CrAzY reasons.
People have no idea how to print.

Print Your Name:

What does that mean? It means PRINT!! Printing means that none of the letter touch. That there are no loops. There are no flourishes. Nothing. Ideally it should look like a typewriter print. It should not look like you spent all of fifth period sixth grade earth science perfecting just the best way to write your A's.

No.

When you print your name anyone should be able to read it. Printing your name does not mean that you, your wife, and your mommy can discern what chicken scratch you just composed. No! Printing your name means that ANYONE should be able to read it. Even Stevie Frickin' Wonder.

So remember the next time you are filling out a standardized form that some poor temp., working far too hard for far too little money, is going to be filing that form away sometime in the near future.

So please print your name so that I can read it.

Please.

They Call Me Lazarus

2009-12-09T23:13:00.004-06:00

They Call Me Lazarus for this blog is being resurrected from the dead.

I hope that blogging will distract me from my terrible fate of mind numbing temp. jobs and seemingly despairing job search. Hopefully a bit of humor and joy will be here too.

I miss you all.

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-08-17T15:59:00.005-05:00

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House
page 298-299

"...when the President's eyes met those of a 'handsome ... well dressed' young man, an unemployed house painter named Richard Lawrence.
Armed with two pistols, standing less than ten feet in front of Jackson, Lawrence raised the first gun and fired. The cap exploded by the powder did not light. Realizing the danger, Jackson charged his assailant, brandishing his walking stick. 'The explosion of the cap was so loud that many persons thought the pistol had fired,' said Benton. 'I heard it at the foot of the steps, far from the the place, and a great crowd in between.' Lawrence dropped the gun and produced a second pistol, but it too failed to fire. (In both cases the cap exploded but did not light the power necessary to discharge the bullet.)

Until that moment, Jackson had thought the assassin 'firm and resolved'; now Lawrence 'seemed to shrink' as the president pursued the assailant with his cane and a nearby navy lieutenant knocked Lawrence to the ground. (Jackson took no chances. "The President pressed after him until he saw he was secured," the Globe reported.)

The agitated Jackson was put into a carriage back to the White House. His life may have been save, in a way, by George Washington and by the weather. In those days there was an empty tomb in the midst of the Rotunda, dug from the floor down to the damp basement, which had been readied for Washington's remains. The first president's heirs, however, resisted moving Washington from Mount Vernon to the Capital, and so the large hole was unfilled, and it moistened the air in the Rotunda. That, added to the mistiness of the day, probably combided to dampen the powder in both guns. 'The pistols were examined, and found to be well loaded; and fired after wards without fail, carrying their bullets true, and driving them through inch boards at thirty feet,' Benton said. The odds of two guns failing under fire during the attack, it was later determined, were 125,000 to one.'

I love how Jackson charged his assailant with his walking stick after the first shot was attempted. Sixty-eight and charging would be assassins. Crazy.

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-14T16:03:00.003-05:00

Happy 5th Anniversary Nick!!

Deal Breaker

2009-07-30T14:11:00.002-05:00

This could be a deal breaker for our move to California.

Deal Breaker

Totally not serious.

"If you have ever seen a silver dragée, you will know that they are very small. The amount of silver in their coating must also be small. Since the incidence of dragée-related poisoning is very low – I could not find a documented case, though they have been around for well over a century – it stands to reason that people are not eating a sufficient number of dragées over the course of their lifetimes to succumb to silver poisoning. Perhaps I would be concerned if I were downing bottles of silver balls every day. But I really just want to decorate my cookies."

Birthday

2009-07-27T14:02:00.003-05:00

from garfield minus garfield

Countdown Begins

2009-07-07T10:49:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I officially gave my notice at Hippyville USA. My last day will be August 20th. A part of me is sad that this portion of my life is coming to an end while another part of me (perhaps a bigger part) is excited to start this next part.

Only 33 days left for working at Hippyville USA.

Europe
The Final Countdown
We're leaving together
but still it's farewell
and maybe we'll come back,
to earth, who can tell?

I guess there is no one to blame
we're leaving ground (leaving ground)
will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown.

The final countdown.

Oh, We're heading for Venus (Venus)
and still we stand tall
cause maybe they've seen us
and welcome us all, yeah
with so many light years to go
and things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown.

The final countdown.

The final countdown (final countdown).

oh...oh

The final countdown.

Oh, it's the final countdown.

The final countdown.

The final countdown. (final countdown)

Oh, it's the final countdown
we're leaving together

The final countdown
we'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
Oh, it's the final countdown

They Call Me a Glutton

2009-06-30T17:28:00.004-05:00

I have thought it over now a few times and have come to the same conclusion over and over and over again. During the summer months I could really be completely and utterly content just consumeing:

Beer

Fruity Cocktails

Grilled Meat

Pie

It does not have to be all four items each and every day (however that would be awesome). It could just be pie and beer or pie, beer, and meat one day. Or it could be meat and beer. Or just beer. The fact remains (and should be ingrained in your mind dear reader) that all of these culinary items rock my little world during the summer months.

Nothing! And I repeat NOTHING is better than coming home on a summer evening after a long day of work ( working with an outrageously stinky coworker) to drink a beer, have a cocktail, have some grilled meat, and to finish that all off with some pie. I do not care how gluttonous I sound right now. Children have summer vacations as their abscond from the school year. Adults should also possess some kind of abscond from the daily drone of their cubicle caged lives. For me beer, cocktails, meat, and pie is it.

Now who wants to buy me some beer, cocktails, meat, and pie?

They Called Him General Robert E. Lee

2009-06-29T16:01:00.003-05:00

I guess it is not common knowledge as to what General E. Lee looks like (in bronzed bust form).

A bit of history

In 1861 President Lincoln tried to recruit Lee to lead the Union forces, however Lee found himself declining the offer due to the fact that his home state of Virginia was seceding despite his own wishes. By the winter of 1864 General E. Lee was promoted to General-in Chief of the Confederate forces.

"Since the end of the Civil War, it has often been suggested that Lee was in some sense opposed to slavery. In the period following the Civil War and Reconstruction, and after his death, Lee became a central figure in the Lost Cause interpretation of the war, and as succeeding generations came to look on slavery as a terrible immorality, the idea that Lee had always somehow opposed it helped maintain his stature as a symbol of Southern honor and national reconciliation."

Many good guesses with Grant. Looking back at those who guessed, Grant would be the Civil War general to come to mind with a bunch of Yankees.

Name This Person

2009-06-25T15:56:00.003-05:00

Over the last weekend my Mom was in town. We went to the Mall of America of course, also hitting a few stores in the Rosedale Shopping Center area. One store we stumbled upon was Turn Cycle Consignment shop where we found one of these

My mom looking at it asked, "I wonder who this is?".
I responded quickly, "That's ----------".
Seemingly bemused that I knew who it was she asked how I knew who it was. To where I responded with "I do not know. I just thought everyone knew who that was."

Her response:
"Herpmh, well obviously not everyone."

So faithful readers...

Do you know who this person is?
Do you think that it is common knowledge?

This red head wants to know.

Hello and Good-bye

2009-06-16T11:37:00.003-05:00

Recently Sue Andryk, a friend of mine, asked me to link to her blog on my blog in hopes that it would generate more traffic for her. A simpl enough task not involving a lot of thought or energy I set about adding her to my blog first thing this morning. I was mid way through the process of adding her to the list of "Bloggers I Know" when I realized just how many bloggers I know who have stopped blogging.

So today while we say howdy to Sue and her new blog Road Schooled we will also take some time today and say farewell to a few bloggers and their blogs.

a little analytical
RIP 6/9/08

Blog O' Buttons
RIP 7/26/07

katie+blog=fun?
RIP 9/4/08

Life in Flux
RIP 1/15/09

My Wife Wears Mittens
RIP 4/16/08

stinkier in central illinois
RIP 1/12/09

Good-bye old friends.

Hello Road Schooled.

We're Red Heads, We're Drinking, and We're Angry

2009-06-10T09:35:00.004-05:00

We're red heads, we're drinking, and we're angry.
Whatcha goin' to do about it?

Angry Woman

2009-06-05T14:40:00.004-05:00

Summer brings a big turn around for residents at Hippyville USA. As simple as you would think life at a co-op would be, it in turn, is just that complicated. Most people who move into Hippyville USA understand that there is a learning curve and that the office staff knowledgeable people who are willing and able to aid them. Most people recognize that I do know what I am talking about and therefore listen.

But then there are those other people.

Those other people do not want to listen to my instructions. Those other people must think that I am idiot cause they never follow through with the instructions I give them. Those other people are the people I hate. The make me angry. They make me realize that the counter attached to my desk is not simply a place to write but also a barrier preventing me from launching out of my chair at their necks.

Being that face punching is frowned upon I have taken to standing up and talking in an effort to be more enticing to listen to. Now you might not think that this method would be effective while dealing with people, but it is. Let me explain.

While wearing heals (which I wear quite a bit in the summer) I can top off at 5'9" depending on the shoe. I have found that standing up and talking to people, (especially women from Asia) people take me more seriously. They (gasp!) listen to me. They do not question my authority. Perhaps literally standing over someone with a disapproving frown is effective when trying to persuade someone to listen to you (although I have heard that diabetic cookies work too).

It is going to be a long summer this year.

At least I'll be wearing great looking shoes...

Not Quick Enough

2009-05-20T13:40:00.003-05:00

When I last left you my faithful readers I had just told you that Nick and I were going to move to California. Nick and I were still adjusting to the idea that in three or so months we would be moving to California.

Still having moments when the idea would randomly pop in our heads producing moments of panic. Moments when we realized that forest fires, power outages, earthquakes, and dirty hippies were going to be a part of our reality and lives. Moments when we realized that our lives in Minnesota would be gone forever only to exist as fond memories.

We had thought that we were going to be escaping Minnesota unscathed and unharmed.

That we were going to leave while still under the radar of "Minnesota Nice" with our dry humor and sacarisms still in tack.

To be able to leave un-noticed by "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" never fully understanding the appeal of Garrison Keillor.

To disappear the "Land of Hotdishes" with out ever having cracked open a can of cream of ______ soup.

To escape the land of "No Alchohol Sales on Sunday" to hopefully find a civilized area where liquor flows freely (hello Sonoma!).

However to think such things would be a grave mistake for the great state of Minnesota had other ideas:

Jury duty for Nick.

We obvisously did not start planning our escape from Minnesota quick enough. Minnesota realized after nearly five years we were trying to make our escape. That we had plans to hack our way through the frozen tundra and make our way to (literally) the greener pastures of California, and so the bitch of a state decided to punish Nick with jury duty.

Not quick enough we were with our escape.

Minnesota, what a bitch.

The Big Announcement

2009-05-11T13:22:00.006-05:00

Have I kept you in suspense for too long?

Did the weekend wait kill you?

Are you ready to kill me for keeping this news from you for too long?

Am I too mean and evil?

Are you reading all of these questions or have you simply skipped to the bottom of this post to find out "The Big Announcement"?

Well, you've waited long enough. I have held you in suspense for too long. "The Big Announcement" is...

Nick and I are moving to California!

Late last month Nick flew out to California to interview with The Company. Within a week they had e-mailed him with an offer. A week later we had made the decision to move to California. To say that these past few weeks have been whirlwind would be a great great GREAT understatement. Initially deciding to move to California was a hard decision to arrive upon. Nick and I had always hoped that there would be a job for us in Chicagoland, but as things were thought out, as we realized how exciting it will be to move out there. Moving to California soon became less of a scary idea and more of a real and thrilling reality.

As of right now we do not have a lot of specific plans. Nick plans on starting sometime in mid-August. The Company will be packing and moving our stuff including our cars. When we arrive in California The Company will provide a furnished apartment (with basic cable!) for 30 days along with a rental car(s?) until our personal cars arrive. The area we will be moving to will be somewhere around San Francisco.

While I have (mostly) come to terms that we are moving to California, there are still those moments where I cannot believe that it is actually happening. Over the weekend I would see images of mountains and think, "I am going to live near mountains soon." I bought some avocados over the weekend and I realized that soon I won't be paying $1.25 per avocado (hopefully!).
I have realized that I am going to live in a climate where I might actually need a decent bathing suit and where I am going to need gallons and gallons of sun screen.

Two and a half months left in the Midwest! I cannot believe it! Can you?

California or Bust!!

Big News

2009-05-07T10:58:00.002-05:00

The They Call Me Red Household has some big news to announce.

Look for the big announcement some time next week!

Not So Yumm-o: Zucchini Fritters with Roasted Red Pepper Dip

2009-05-01T08:29:00.003-05:00

I had Rachael Ray's Zucchini Fritters with Roasted Red Pepper Dip book marked forever (at least since June/July 2007 when the recipe was published in Everyday with Rachael Ray). By the time it had made its way to the top of my recipe rotation zucchinis were out of season, so rather than attempt the recipe with sub-par produce this recipe found its self at the bottom of the recipe rotation once again. Finally yesterday Rachael's zucchini fritters were given their chance to shine.

And they failed.

Rather than have a crunchy zucchini fritter as a delectable side dish for dinner, I had up a strangely crusted, soggy, egg-y mess with than a less than stellar roasted red pepper dip as my dinner side last night.

Maybe I made my fritters too big. Maybe I cooked them too fast preventing them from cooking all the way through. Maybe it was just a bad recipe. In my experience 1 out of 3 Rachael Ray recipes fails/is a no repeat for me. Zucchini Fritters with Roasted Red Pepper Dip just happens to be that 1 out of 3.

Photo courtesy of Everyday with Rachael Ray and Marcus Nilsson.

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-04-30T14:29:00.002-05:00

"The more important point for generations after Jackon, though, is that the president of the United States made a bold bid to place himself at the absolute center of the country's life and goverence, eliminating a rival by building an emotional case, repeating his point over and over again, largely through friendly newspapers, then seeking and winning vindication at the polls."

Page 212

Now who does that sound like...

Al's Breakfast Part II

2009-04-29T16:23:00.004-05:00

Al's Breakfast Part I can be found HERE!

And where were we? Oh yea! Nick's quest for sausage.

Let's continue...

Thankful the cook at the grill had both heard our plight for sausage and seen our server's shrug of a response, and quickly began to cook up some sausage for Nick. Not even before the sausage had landed on the grill and begin to sizzle did our server try and make her escape. Finally getting keen to her serving style (abysmal) I managed to flag her down to ask for ketchup before she ran away. A silent nod was all I received in return for my request. I was half thinking that I was not going to get any ketchup until I saw her slowly mosey over to the ketchup area and grab me a bottle.

Upon grabbing the bottle the server shook it, gave it an approving nod and dropped it off at my spot. I gave the bottle one hardy squirt only me to discover that the bottle contained the smallest most measly amount of ketchup ever. Of course our server or any server for that matter was no where to be found, which left me S.O.L in terms of ketchup for my omelet. Speaking of my omelet, this omelet was one of the puffiest omelets that I have ever seen. I only have the vaguest idea as to how they got it as puffy as they did: fry it up in a pan and leave it in the oven forever. This 'method' of omelet cooking of course created a funky, crunchy, brown exterior to my omelet. In the words of Alton Brown, this omelet was not good eats. Omelets should not have crusts.

At this point, lacking ketchup, lacking a decent server, and finally just receiving his order of sausage, Nick and I were just ready to get out of there.

This is where we caught our lucky break (with a side of annoyance...) and were finally able to start to wrap up our time at Al's Breakfast. For after being ignored for the majority of our meal our waitress finally decided sauntered over to our seats and began to tally up our bill (I guess she had finally bored with ignoring us). While over at our seats she noticed Nick's untouched plate of unwanted bacon. Seeing it she asked if Nick wanted it. Nick told her that he wanted sausage. She then asked if he wanted bacon too. Nick firmly told her that he did not want the bacon because he did not order it that he only wanted the sausage that he had ordered. A nearly inaudible "oh" was the only evidence that she understood the situation. And with that "oh" she was finally able to tally up our bill.

And without a thank you or have a great morning was she gone like the wind.

Nick and I then finished up and left.

Overall Al's Breakfast was a very disappointing experience. It was obvious to us that some patrons will receive preferential/normal treatment (menus handed to them, a hello, a good bye, a thank you, etc.) while some patrons will receive less than stellar treatment (no menus, wrong orders, silverware thrown at them, no thank you's and no good bye's, etc.). Nick and I left Al's Breakfast both thinking "What the fuck was that?". Were Nick and I mislead to believe that Al's Breakfast is just a normal breakfast place that just happens to be contained in a very small yet kitchy place. Or is Al's Breakfast on par with such place as Ed Debevic's and Dick's Last Resort and we just did not know that? For a place that is revered as a Twin Cities institution Al's Breakfast was certainly and definitely a huge let down.

Would I go back to Al's Breakfast?

HELL NO!

Al's Breakfast

2009-04-29T14:29:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday after picking Nick up at the airport from his red eye flight the two of us headed over to the famed Al's Breakfast for well, breakfast.

Over and over again the two of us had heard what an institution Al's Breakfast is. We heard all about the great food they cook up. The eggs! The pancakes! The hashbrowns! All seemingly were legendary according to all reports we had heard.

And all were lies.

We knew ahead of time that a long wait can be expected on weekends so Nick and I were actually kind of happy that we were up so early this Saturday so that we might be able to try Al's Breakfast.

We arrived at Al's around 7:00 am. We were lucky enough that a couple was leaving just as we were arriving so we were able to secure two out of the highly coveted fourteen stools at Al's Breakfast. It was obvious that this couple was familiar with the wait staff at Al's and it was obvious that the waitstaff was not eager to serve us. Nick and I saddled up to the countered and began our wait.

We waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Having not seen each other for nearly three days Nick and I were content for a bit to just sit and talk but after about five minutes or so we were ready to get the breakfast show on its way. But instead of getting menus or silverware or a wipe down of our counter area we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

We had grabbed our own menus at some point and started to peruse them

Finally the cook working the flat top grill up front noticed us (cause we were just sitting 12 inches away from her!). Very quietly, under her breath, the flat top cook told the waitress who would be unwillingly serving us, that Nick and I were 'newbies'. The waitress at this point wiped down our counter area, slid some silverware in our general direction, and asked us what we wanted to drink.

Nick and I both ordered orange juice. By the time our waitress came back with our juice the two of us were ready to order (we had been sitting there for nearly 15 minutes at this point so of course we knew what we wanted to order!!). Nick ordered a short stack of pancakes along with sausage and I ordered the Smokey Joe omelet.

Nick's pancakes arrived and his bacon arrived much earlier than my food arrived. Wait, did I just say bacon? Didn't Nick want sausage? You're right he did. But he received bacon. Before Nick could say anything to the waitress though she was gone. So there the two of us sat bewildered. There was no one to say anything to. Our waitress was obviously disinterested in us. So rather than let his pancakes become cold Nick began to eat them.

Eventually my food made its way over to us from the hands of a different server. Relived that we finally had someone's ear in regards to the bacon/sausage mix up we began to tell our story. By the time we had finally we had finished making our case our waitress had sauntered back our way. To her Nick simply said, "I ordered sausage not bacon. "

Her response: A shrug.

Not an apology. Not "it will be right up".

Nothing.

To be continued...

Will Nick get his sausage?
Will our server ever start serving us?
Will Nick on less than three hours of sleep go postal at Al's Breakfast?

Stay tuned to hear the conclusion of this riveting story!

Uncluttering or Throwing Away Memories

2009-04-27T14:05:00.002-05:00

Not too long ago I found myself in a cleaning fit. Throwing away garage, filing old (like 2003) pay stubs, sorting through bags of clothing for Goodwill, and purging un-need or un-used items. Usually cleaning and purging items is a pretty easy task for me to accomplish. The general question is, "Have I used this in six months?" I find that I have not used it in six months the odds are that the items is either going to find its self thrown away or donated.

There was one item during my cleaning fit that stopped me in my tracks.

My wedding planning book.

Nick and I got married nearly five years ago. Since getting married I have moved this planning book twice (from Illinois to St. Paul and then from St. Paul to Minneapolis). It has also made a few smaller moves. From the book shelf to the floor in the bedroom with a bunch of homeless file-ables. From the pile of homeless file-ables to next to the garbage can but not actually in it. Undoubtativly the information in my planning book is severely outdated. The book contains no pictures or any kind of scrapbooking qualities. It really has no redeeming qualities to it. Nothing logical holding me back from throwing this book away.

And with all that and the overall knowledge that there is no good reason for me to keep this book I continually find myself near to throwing out this planning book but not actually doing it.

Why can I not just pull the trigger and throw away this stupid book? I am pretty resolved that there is no information in this book that I will find myself searching for in the future. In the last nearly five years since Nick and I got married I think that I might have found myself looking back at this book two maybe three times (and those times might just have been the times when I was relocating the book). Really I should just throw away this stupid book.

But I can't and I do not know why.

So cyber world, please will someone out there tell me to throw away this stupid book. Convince me to get over my weird physcosies and throw out this book. Someone needs to convince me that by throwing away this book that I am not throwing away memories but rather uncluttering my life.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Use that Damn Dress

2009-04-24T15:29:00.003-05:00

That is how that saying goes right?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Use that Damn Dress!!

Well if not that is how it should go.

Use that Damn Dress!!

Okay, let me start from the beginning.

Back in September 2008 Hubby's younger brother was to get married. He had met the girl of his dreams and all seemed on track for the two of them to have their own version of happily ever after. From the few times that I had met her (living in Minnesota does not lend well to getting to know you future in-laws much) , I got the impression that she was nice enough. A bit high maintenance but nice enough.

About a year before their wedding date the girlfriend asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I won't lie to you. I was quite surprised that she asked me. I had always assumed that she would have a gaggle of very tan, very thin, very made up girls attending to her at the wedding. I mean, come on! She looks like this:

stolen from her facebook account

So back to the story....

I of course said yes to being one of her bridesmaids. It was in December 2007 that I ordered my dress for the wedding. Looking back now I can find it humorous that when I was paying for the dress at the bridal salon they made sure to inform me that in case of a wedding cancellation there would be no refunds on the dress. I actually laughed and scoffed at the idea that their wedding would be canceled.

Laughed and scoffed!

It was June 2008 that the wedding was put on hold. By late fall it was officially canceled.

So now I am the proud owner of a Bill Levkoff bridesmaid dress without a wedding to wear it to.

Or am I?

The dress is not too too bridesmaid-y.
This is not it exactly but it is pretty gosh darn close. It is the same colors however the one I have has a smaller sash and the champagne color as edging on the top.

The way I see it, I could totally wear this dress to one of the weddings I am going to this summer.

And so I am.

I am hoping that by altering the dress from tea length to knee length, wearing some kind of funky tribal jewelry, and wearing these awesome purple gladiator shoes

that I won't look like some lost bridesmaid from another wedding. Or worse look like a wannabe bridesmaid.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Use that Damn Dress. I think that is exactly how it goes...

I suppose that there could be worse things in life other than being stuck with a bridesmaid dress. Such as having your fiance run away to California three months before your wedding...

Behind the Times

2009-04-23T15:17:00.004-05:00

I was doing some brief cleaning the other day and discovered my Best of Hootie & The Blowfish (1993-2003) CD. I had acquired this CD back in 2004 through, I think through nefarious means (stolen from Big Red). Don't tell him okay...

Big Red on the Right and Little Red on the Left

A Hootie and The Blowfish is definitely something that I would not buy for myself but some how I found myself stealing a Hootie CD. Again, I beg you not to tell Big Red I have his CD. Even though I stole it five years ago and he never even made mention of it disaperance, if he knew I had it he would want it back ASAP!

I blame all the crazy and my stealing a Hootie and the Blowfish on the Summer of 2004. That was one crazy summer. It was the Summer of 2004 that I found myself all at once graduating from college, moving to Minnesota, trying to find a job in Minnesota, and getting married. And through all that crazy Hootie and Blowfish somehow fit in.

I am not sure what it was that connected me to them and their music. Nor do I know what in their music drove such a soothing force through my body, but whatever it was it is once again hitting home with me. So I'll admit it now. I am totally digging Hootie and the Blowfish. Something about them resonates with me and puts me at ease. I do not care if I am just about a decade behind the times when it comes to some of my music. I like my Hootie.

Taken from the liner notes:

"Signed to Atlantic prior to having ever put out an album, Hootie & The Blowfish released their major label debut, "Cracked Rear View", in the summer of 1994... Before long Cracked Rear View went to #1 as more Hootie singles continued to hit and hit hard... Also included in [The Best of Hootie & The Blowfish] is fan favorite Not Even the Trees, one of the band's bleakest and most beautiful songs from their debut."

Alone as I sit and watch the trees
Won't you tell me if I scream will they bend down and listen to me
And it makes me wonder if I know the words will you come
Or will you laugh at me
Or will I run

Little boy says to me,
"Where you goin' now son"
I said, "I don't know where I'm goin' boy
I only know where I'm from"
And it makes me wonder
If the stars shine when my eyes close
Or does my brothers heart cry
I don't know

I'm a stranger in my home
Now that everybody's gone
Someone please talk to me
Cause I feel you cry
And you're sitting with him
And I know I'll never see you again

Lying down in Charleston under the Carolina sky
You see I'm tired of feeling this pain
I'm tired of living my own little lie
And it makes me wonder
When I see you in my dreams
Does it mean anything
Are you trying to talk to me

I'm a stranger in my home
Tell me are you feeling alone
Someone tell me what to do
'Cause I'm feeling strong
And I wonder how you feel
Do you realize my pain is for real
I see you in my dreams
And I wonder if you're looking down at me
And smiling right now
I wanna know if it's true
When he looks at me
Won't you tell me
Does he realize he came down here
And he took you too soon

And now my days are short an my nights are long
I lay down with memories of you keep that keep me going on, going on
It makes me wonder as I sit and stare
Will I see your face again
Tell me, do you care
I'm a stranger in my home
Living Life on my own
Right now I just can't see
'Cause i'm feeling weak
And my sould begins to bleed
And no one is listening to me, not even the trees

Love It

2009-04-21T16:57:00.004-05:00

I love when prospective residents avoid my crazy co-worker and come to talk to me.

I mean come on! He tucks his shirt into his underwear. Myself, and everyone else that has seen him today knows for a fact that he is wearing blue Jockey underwear today. That is a fact that I solemnly wish that I did not know.

Random Thought

2009-04-20T15:33:00.002-05:00

I HATE the WSPA ads on yahoo.

HATE!

My yahoo e-mail account is suppose to be a fun thing. It is suppose to contain event invites from friends. Updates from family members. Funny chain letters.

My yahoo mail account is not suppose to contain sad images of abused animals. That is not fun. I would almost put these WSPA ads on the same level as porn ads. Splashing images of abused animals is almost just as bad as splashing images of boobs in my mind. Both are graphic. Both are done without any warning.

Both are unacceptable.

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-04-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

"From Jefferson forward, contemporaries and commentators have argued that Jackson was a prisoner of his passions, suggesting that there could be no method in a man as mad as Jackson. In face, as the arduous wars of Jackson's White House years show, in the end he could rise above his own pride -- and he had to do so regularly, since his pride was so often on display -- to govern the nation far more wisely, with more personal warmth for its people, than his opponents ever recognized. The journey from Jackson's early, often inflammatory words on an issue to politically sensitive and shrewd results was not easy, clean, or pretty, but frequently chaotic and highly charged. Yet the journey was made."

Page 158

What Would You Do??

2009-04-08T11:44:00.008-05:00

You have ~$450 dollars in cash saved up from doing various odd jobs. Do you:

Buy that Tommy Hilfiger coat that you have been lusting after for a few weeks now. It is now on sale for 50% off

Consider that a good start to funding a vacation and buy plane tickets to somewhere fun.

Save just a little bit more and get a lap top (something that you have been lusting at for four years).

Save it all knowing that the possibility of both you and your spouse being unemployed in the next six months is a definite possibility.

What would you do??

Inane Things You Never Wanted to Know About Me

2009-04-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

First thing you wash in the shower? Hair. I figure all the suds from my hair give my body a good preliminary wash.

What color is your favorite hoodie? I do not own a hoodie. Hoodies are for hobos.

Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yea. It seems to be working out.

Do you plan outfits? Yes if only to speed up the process of getting ready in the morning.

How are you feeling RIGHT now? Elated. Relieved. Crampy. Angry. Annoyed. Satisfied.

What’s the closest thing to you that's red? The hair on my head.

Tell me about the last dream you remember having? Me and my brother, Big Red, were playing a vicious game of capture the flag. We were back in our parents old house. It was a pretty fun dream except at the end when I lost the game.

Did you meet anybody new today? Nope, but really the day is still pretty young (1:43 pm).

What are you craving right now? A beer.

Do you floss? Every night to combat the idea of my teeth falling out of my head.

What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Gas

Are you emotional? More like emotionally stunted.

Have you ever counted to 1,000? Most likely no.

Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Lick it. Biting it just feels wrong.

Do you like your hair? I love my hair.

Do you like yourself? I do not think that I am narcissistic enough to say that I love myself nor do I find myself full of enough self loathing enough to say that I do not like myself. However, can a person be apathetic to their existence and if so does that mean that they do not exist?

Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Yes. I would love to hear what he has to say about Obama's presidency thus far.

What are you listening to right now? JackFM and the horrible hacking cough of my crazy co-worker.

Are your parents strict? My parents were not so much as strict as that they had high expectations. It was not an option to disappoint them.

Would you go sky diving? I like the idea of sky jumping I just do not know if I could take that initial step.

Do you like cottage cheese? Only if it has some fat in it. The non-fat cottage cheese is just chunky chemical soup.

Have you ever met a celebrity? I've met a few senators and some random people in random bands.

Do you rent movies often? Never.

Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My personality? Other than that my office area is pretty drab.

Have you made a prank phone call? Nope. I never understood that idea.

Ever been on a train? Yea.

Brown or white eggs? Are the exact same thing.

Do you have a cell-phone? Yea. A Sprint Instinct. I love it. There is no way I could ever go back to a phone that did not do e-mail and navigation.

Do you use chap stick? Yes.

Do you own a gun? No.

Can you use chop sticks? Yes, however very poorly.

Who are you going to be with tonight? Nick.

Are you too forgiving? No one wants to be known as too forgiving or be known as the person who always holds a grudge. It's hard to be a person who always has it right.

Ever been in love? Yep.

What is your best friend doing tomorrow? I have no idea.

Ever have cream puffs? Yea. Cream puffs are best when they are fresh.

Last time you cried? Saturday night.

What was the last question you asked? You're move out date is going to be May 11th. Is that alright?

Favorite time of the year?: Memorial day. Great weather. Time spent with friends and family. Good food. Good booze. What else could a gal ask for?

Do you have any tattoos?: No. But I've often thought about getting "Do not shake contents" tattooed on me somewhere.

Are you sarcastic? Someone once came up to me in tears complaining about my sarcastic nature. Does that make a bad person?

Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Only parts of it. It made me want to throw up.

Ever walked into a wall? I have some seriously horrible night vision. Walking into doors and walls at night is not an uncommon experience.

Favorite color? Purple.

Have you ever slapped someone? Nope.

Is your hair curly? Only when I air dry it.

What was the last CD you bought? P!nk's "Fun House".

Do looks matter? I firmly believe that no one will respect you if you do not respect your appearance to the outside world.

Could you ever forgive a cheater? Forgive yes. Forget no.

Is your phone bill sky high? My phone bill is the exactly the same month to month as that I only have a cell phone bill and that is through Sprint's Employee plan. I have never actually seen my phone bill in the nearly seven years I've had a cell phone.

Do you like your life right now? Not really. My life is pretty stalled right now.

Do you sleep with the TV on? No. I like things dark and quiet.

Can you handle the truth? Not really. I prefer to know the truth but I prefer that truth to be sugar coated.

Do you have good vision? Not at all.

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Hate is a strong word. Is there anything stronger than hate? If not then I do not hate anyone.

The last person you held hands with? Nick.

What are you wearing? Brown and purple Pumas, dark khakis from Old Navy, a purple half zip top from the Gap.

What is your favorite animal? A monkey.

Where was your default picture taken? At my brother's and sister in law's wedding shower about two years ago.

Do you have a job? I have a place I go everyday. I play on the internet, answer the phones, and answer inane questions. I guess it is a job although with the way things are going this could be purgatory.

What was the most recent thing you bought? Anti-baby pills.

Have you ever crawled through a window? I feel like I have however I do not have any specific memory to back up this feeling.

77. What decision have you regretted most in your life? Having that second Long Island Ice Tea. Nine years later and I still can't drink a Long Island without tasting puke.

78. If you could have been anybody other than yourself, who would you be? Wonder Woman. She has great accessories.

KFC Colonel and Road Repair Crew Take Advertising to the Streets to Re-'Fresh' America's Pothole-Stricken Roadways

2009-03-26T10:06:00.002-05:00

In Honor of its Freshly Delivered and Prepared Fried Chicken on the Bone, KFC Becomes First-Ever Corporate Sponsor of 'Fresh'ly Repaired Potholes in U.S. Cities

Kentucky Fried Chicken Asks Mayors to Nominate U.S. Cities for KFC-Branded Pothole Repair

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than half a century, KFC has "filled up" its fans with the Colonel's world famous, freshly prepared fried chicken. Today, in a marketing first, KFC is celebrating its continued dedication to freshness by launching a pilot infrastructure renewal program, becoming the first-ever corporate sponsor of "fresh"ly "filled up" potholes in up to five major cities across the U.S.

The KFC Colonel and his professional road repair crew got started in their hometown of Louisville by filling up potholes and re-freshing roads around the city. KFC also issued an open offer to mayors of cities nationwide, asking them to describe their city streets' state of disrepair. Four of these lucky cities, chosen at random, will receive KFC's road re-"fresh"ment, promising citizens a smooth drive that is fit for a Colonel.

In today's troubled economy, cities across the nation are left with potholes in desperate need of repair. It is estimated that U.S. roads are riddled with more than 350 million potholes nationwide - that's one mini canyon for every man, woman and child in America.

"This program is a perfect example of that rare and optimal occurrence when a company can creatively market itself and help local governments and everyday Americans across the country," said Javier Benito, executive vice president of marketing and food innovation for KFC.

"Everyone could use a little help during these tough economic times and this initiative - like our commitment to provide affordable, freshly prepared chicken - is our way of carrying on Colonel Sanders' legacy."

"Budgets are tight for cities across the country, and finding funding for needed road repairs is a continuing challenge," said Louisville's Mayor Jerry Abramson. "It's great to have a concerned corporation like KFC create innovative private/public partnerships like this pothole refresh program."

KFC-refreshed potholes will be branded via a large stencil that reads "Re-Freshed by KFC" in eye-catching, but non-permanent street chalk."

Hilarious and ingenious! I really like this marketing idea, however it is not nearly enough to convince me to go through a KFC drive thru for lunch today.

Which President Am I

2009-03-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

Ulysses Grant

Quite the celebrity. Though you might have too much faith in your friends, but almost everyone looks up to you. Personal appearance isn't one of your strong points, but you treat everyone fairly. You are compatible with William McKinley.

And now make your own Quiz!
Millions of people will take it - its really easy and fun!

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American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-03-25T16:25:00.002-05:00

"There is nothing redemptive about Jackson's Indian policy, no moment as with Lincoln and slavery, where the moderate on a morally urgent question did the right and brave thing. Not all great presidents were always good, and neither individuals nor nations are without evil."

Page 97

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-03-17T17:48:00.002-05:00

"As 1829 began, many expected Jackson to be a one-term president, if that. He was an old, wounded warrior, scarred, bullet-ridden, susceptible to all sorts o f sickness. He suffered intermittent hemorrhages, which he would relieve by cutting his arm with a penknife to bleed himself. It was entirely possible he would not live to see 1833. The rumors of his death before the inauguration had been plausible enough..." Page 73

Andrew Jackson is a bad ass mother fucker.

MEME

2009-03-13T11:06:00.003-05:00

Six names you go by:
1. Red
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Three things you are wearing right now:
1 . Jeans from the Gap
2. Blue cable knit sweater from the Gap
3. Blue sapphire earring from Hubby

Five things you want very badly at the moment:
1. Lunch
2. A clean apartment
3. A new car
4. A vacation that is not spent in Illinois
5. A Gin and Tonic with extra lime

Three People who will fill this out
Not a clue

Two things you did last night
1. Watched a lot of DVR
2. Laundry

Two Things you ate today:
1. A waffle with peanut butter
2. An Orange

Four things you are doing or did today:
1. Not killing my crazy co-worker
2. Reading American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House
3. Buy beer
4. Drinking beer

People you last talked to on the phone:
1. My mom
2. My dad
3. Hubby

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. Tomorrow is totally up in the air right now.
2.

Your favorite beverages:
1. Cherry Coke
2. Monster Chai
3. Beer

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

2009-03-12T13:56:00.004-05:00

"The is deft Machiavellian - and Chesterfieldian [as in Philip Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield] - counsel. Trust no one except those who have proved themselves, yet never let those who have failed the test know that when they look at you, they are looking at a mask, not at your true self. Life, Jackson was saying, particulary political life, can be theatrical -- an exercise in assessing other people's minds and motives and then designing your own response with an awareness of the gulf between apperance and reality. "

"To [Jackson] debt was dangerous, for debt put power in the hands of creditors - and if power was in the hands of creditors, it could not be in the hands of the people, where Jackson believed it belonged."

Go-Kart Disintegration

2009-03-11T13:07:00.004-05:00

Good bye heat. It was nice to know you.

Go-Kart Disintegration Update:

No A/C
No CD player
Half of an Antenna
Only Partial Window Seals
Peeling Clear Coat
No Muffler

and now...
No Heat

Hubby noticed today that the heater/fan was not working in the Go-Kart. This revelation occurred just in time for the single digits to arrive for the weather.

Closer and closer it comes from being a car to actually becoming a Go-Kart...

Andrew Jackson

2009-03-05T15:06:00.004-06:00

My current obsession is Andrew Jackson, our nations seventh president. I have just started a book entitled American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Jackson's story is intriguing and compelling right from the start. I have found myself enthralled with it even though I am less than fifty pages into the book.

Maybe it's the history major in me, but I find that I cannot read a non-fiction book without providing some kind of synopsis or summary of my thoughts every few pages. So I have come to the conclusion that I am going to provide you my readers some of my favorite excerpts as I make my way through American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.

In the fall of 1781 Jackson's mother died in a coastal city tending the wounded soldiers from the Revolutionary war. According to Jackson, some of the last words which she spoke to him were these:

"Andrew, if I should not see you again, I wish you to remember and treasure up some things I have already said to you: in this world you will have to make your own way. To do that you must have friends. You can make friends by being honest, and you can keep them by being steadfast. You must keep in mind that friends worth having will be in the long run expect as much from you as they give to you. To forget an obligation or be ungrateful for a kindness is a base crime - not merely a fault or a sin, but an actual crime. Men guilty of it sooner or later must suffer the penalty. In personal conduct be always polite but never obsequious. None will respect you more than you respect yourself. Avoid quarrels as long as you can without yielding to imposition. Bust sustain your manhood always. Never bring a suit in law for assault and battery or for defamination. The law affords no remedy for such outrages that can satisfy the feelings of a true man. Never wound the feelings of others. Never brook wanton outrage upon your own feelings. If you have have to vindicated your feelings or defend your honor, do it calmly. If you angry at first, wait till your wrath has cools before you proceed."

I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of impact these words left on Jackson and how specifically they impacted his presidency. The words alone are not the soul source of impact but the fact that these were supposedly the last words that Jackson's mother ever imparted on him. How could one not take these words to heart and strive to live by them.

Some Good and Some Bad

2009-03-05T13:30:00.003-06:00

Good:

Did you know that Disney/Pixar is making a Toy Story 3? Awesome!!

According to Wikipedia, the synopsis of the movie is:

"The film has Woody, Buzz and the rest of their toy-box friends being dropped off at a day-care center after their owner, Andy, leaves for college."

The movie is expected to be released June 2010.

Bad:

My rubber rain boots have sprung a leak. I am now sitting at work with one very wet sock. Total suckage!

Yea Right!

2009-02-27T11:00:00.003-06:00

It is all over the blogosphere. Well at least the blogosphere that I am a part of (Foodie wannabe's). Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi is set to star in a Hardy's Commerical.

Really? Seriously? Who is buying that Padma actual eats food from Hardy's?
No one.
That is who.

What I can buy is Tom Colicchio drinks Diet Coke. Chef or not, Tom Colicchio looks like the kind of guy who would drink Diet Coke.
Padma devoring a burger from Hardy's? Yea, I simply cannot buy into that horrible marketing ploy (upon that thought, which is the worse marketing ploy? Padma eating Hardy's or Top Chef executives forcing the chefs/participants to cook using Diet Dr. Pepper?).

Someone needs slap Bravo Network and that silly former model around, telling the both of them that she sounds ridiculous trying talk 'food' with worlds who's who of the culinary world (really Stephan's dessert for the finale was "pedestrian" but you are fine being a spokesmodel for Hardy's?), and convince the both of them that people turn on Top Chef to see food and Tom Colicchio.

A to Z About Me

2009-02-11T08:37:00.002-06:00

This is a re-post from Facebook.

A
- Available: Nope
- Age: 26
- Annoyance: People who don't get to the point
- Animal: Monkey or Dog

B
- Beer: Pretty much anything except for Killigan's Irish Red
- Birthday: Are over rated and destined to be disappointing
- Best Friends: are the best
- Body Part on opposite sex: I wish I could pee standing up.
- Best feeling in the world: Feeling loved, wanted, and desired
- Best weather: 72
- Been in Love: Yep
- Been on stage?: All the world is my stage
- Believe in Magic: No, but I do believe in God.
- Believe in Santa: Not since I was 11

C
- Candy: not really my thing
- Color: Purple
-Chocolate or Vanilla: Swirl
- Chinese or Mexican Food: Mexican
- Cake or pie: Pie
- Continent to visit: Europe
- Cheese: is AWESOME!

D
Day or Night: Twilight
Dancing in the rain: Is overrated.

E
- Eyes: Brown
- Everyone's got: a reason
- Ever failed a class?: Chemistry. Funny how I am now married to a chemist

F
- First thoughts waking up: Uh! What? Where am I?
- Food: Is awesome.

G
- Greatest Fear: Death in a terrible accident
- Goals: vary by the moment
- Gum: Trident
- Get along with your parents? Only when I don't have to talk to them.

H
- Hair Color: Red
- Height: 5'7ish
- Happy: sort of
- Holiday: Memorial Day
- How do you want to die: In my sleep when I am really old.

I
- Ice Cream: No thanks.
- Instrument: Clarinet. I was told that I was good and that I could be great if I practiced. Too bad that I did not follow that advice.

J
- Jewelry: and diamonds are a girl's best friend
- Job: Admin. slave.
K
- Kids: The thought freaks me out!
- Kickboxing or karate: Left me bored.
- Keep a journal? For about 18 years.

L
- Love: is the best and the worst thing in life
- Letter: J

M
Milk flavor: Plain
Movies: Only ones that don't suck.
Motion sickness? Jumping jacks give me motion sickness.
McD’s or BK: McDonalds.

N
- Number: 13

O
- One wish: is not enough

P
- Pepsi or Coke: Coke
- Perfect Pizza: Chicago style from Lou's with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, garlic, and onions.
- Piercing: I went into college with two and came out with six.

Q
- Quail: Eggs fascinate me. I kind of want to eat one.
- Quiet?: Is good.

R
- Reason to cry: There needs to be a reason?
- Reality T.V.: Has taken over. It sucks.
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Yep.
- Ring size: 6.5

S
- Shoe size: 7 1/2
- Salad Dressing: Ranch.
- Sushi: Kind of weirds me out that I like it.
- Skinny dipped?: No.
- In the shower?: I get clean?
- Strawberries or blueberries? Are yummy and make good pies.

T
- Tattoos?: No thanks.
- Thunderstorms: Are fun.

U
- Unpredictable: That's a fair assessment of me.

V
- Vacation spot(s): Anywhere except Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Illinois please.

W
- Weakness: Shopping and food.
- Which one of your friends acts the most like you? No one baby. I am an original.
- Worst feeling: Being ignored.
- Wanted to be a model?: Yea, when I was like 8.
- Worst Weather?: -25 before wind chill. Man I hate Minnesota winters.

X
- X-Rays: Only for teeth.

Y
-Year it is now: 2009. Hopefully this year will be better than the last.
-Yellow: Does not look good on me.

What happened to Z?

Google Reader

2009-02-04T09:30:00.003-06:00

I must admit that I am perhaps a bit behind the times when it comes to the Google phenomenon. Sure I use Google as a search engine and blog on Blogger but beyond those two items I really do not utilize what Google has to offer.

Until yesterday.

On Monday it became apparent to me that I was spending way too much time reading blogs. Wait, let me rephrase that. It became apparent to me that I was spending way too much time surfing the web reading blogs that have not been updated. With a total of almost 40 blogs that I keep up with I was finding myself dedicating nearly two hours a day going to each blog and checking if they had updated or not.

With those two hours now lost I finally came to the conclusion that I needed a way to manage my blogs. The obvious choice for blog management is of course Google Reader. So with bookmarks ready I loaded in all my treasured blogs into Google reader yesterday. After all the loading I was was a bit nervous that perhaps I had wasted my time doing this and found myself to be a bit tentative about the entire thing.

Today was my first day with Google reader and I must say that I am diggin' it. By the time I had finished reading all updated blogs I found that I had only been surfing the net for about an hour. I only have two complaints about Google reader.

1. I miss seeing the layouts of each blog. Seeing a blogs themeing gives off a certain vibe for each blog and for each author. It is hard to get that same vibe and feeling without seeing the actual blog.

2. Now that I have gained back an hour of my life at work what I am suppose to do? Wasting time at work is an art and now I find I need re-evaluate.

I guess I did not forsee how streamlining my life would leave me bored at work. Oh well.

They Do Not Call Me Fashionista

2009-02-03T17:31:00.005-06:00

Over the summer, right after my second trip to the Minnesota State Fair (where my consumption of deep fried food is always the highest) I bought a pair of pants from Marshalls. They are a super soft pair of khaki cotton pants from the Limited. At the time the fit just fine around my belly, however now, a few months and about a hundred trips to the gym later these pants have begun to fit a big on me.

Being that I purchased these pants less than six months ago and that they are super comfy (both from the nature of the cotton material and that they are now baggy on me) I am less compelled to get rid of them. Having confirmed that I do not have a droopy ass while wearing these pants I have gone ahead and continued to wear them about once every other week while at work.

Sure they are not the best pants in the world. Sure I could do better and perhaps present myself in a better manner. But you know what, these pants are comfy and you know what is the best part of them?

I do not have to unbutton them to take them off. Something is just so satisfying of just swooshing off my pants whenever I need to or whenever the event arises. (imagine Jim Carry in Bruce Almighty). I should also note that it is also very satisfying that I have lost enough weight since the end of the summer to do this awesome procedure.

Yea so I am definitely not a fashionista by stretch my imagination and I am quite fine with that right now for the most part. Any part of me that might be a tad bit disappointed with my lack of fashion will certainly be appeased by the swooshing noise of my pants falling to the floor.

Bookmarks

2009-01-29T13:18:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I can never quit my job. There are too many bookmarks set on my computer for me to ever do so. So many websites with little tid bits have been saved. So many items on etsy that I lust for have been tagged.

I would love to have this item by the way. Most any color would do but I feel like the sour apple color is the most adaptable for any future decor I might have.

There are also so so so many recipes that I have bookmarked on my computer. It would take me months upon months to get through them all.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to how to move bookmarks? Even though I am not planning on leaving this job anytime soon, the future possible prospect of losing all of my book marks makes me far more anxious than I would like to admit.

In Who's Defense Do We Go To?

2009-01-21T10:24:00.003-06:00

To who's defense to we go to when it comes to food? To the food its self? To our bodies? Or to marketing and business juggernaut that is the food industry? Are we to blame ourselves for enjoying and craving certain foods that are bad for our bodies? Are we to blame the food itself for simply being bad for us? Or are we to blame marketing? Who are we to blame and to who's defense are we suppose to come to?

Recently Hubby and I acquired the books "Eat This Not That! Thousands of Simple Foods Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds or More " along with "Eat This Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution" by David Zinczenko. After scanning both of them it has become apparent that simply I am not eating as healthy as I can be. It is as simple as that. However who is to blame for that? With what I have been eating, for the most part at least, I knew all along that I was not making the best choices.

I know that Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is not healthy for me, but I still eat it. I know that chili rellenos is not a healthy choice, but I still order it each time I got out for Mexican food. But what about bread? Bread is suppose to be healthy for you? And what about cereal? And corn tortilla chips? And pasta? And sour cream? And yoghurt? All of those items should be an easy choice. All of those items should I should not have to turn around the package to ensure I am not eating crap. But the fact of the matter is that you have to turn around that package and look at what you are about to ingest. The fact remains that there are hidden 'things' in our food. The fact also remains that the food companies have a not so hidden agenda; make money.

The Center for Science for the Public Intrest has served a notice of a class action law suit to the Coca-Cola company filed for the "deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its VitaminWater line of beverages.". One of the quotes that caught my eye was from one of the plantiffs. The individual stated:

"When I bought VitaminWater, frankly I thought I was doing myself a favor health-wise," said the plaintiff, San Francisco, California, resident James Koh, who used to purchase and drink VitaminWater after working out at the gym. "I was attracted by the prospect of getting extra vitamins. But I had no idea that I was actually getting almost a Coke’s worth of sugar and calories. There’s no way I would have spent money on that, had I known."

What I do not get is how ignorant people can be with what they are allowing to go into their bodies. Like I said before, I know that some of the choices I am making are not the best for me, but I know that. I recognize that, and I move on (hopefully moving on to the gym and the treadmill there).

How could anyone be under the misguided thought process that something that tastes like a Jolly Rancher could be good for them? How could they feel like they got duped in the process? The information was right there in their hands. There is no excuse for this level of ignorance.

David Zinczenko was recently on Rachel Ray's talk show. While there he stated that "The unhealthy choices we make when we go grocery shopping may not be our fault." That it is not our fault that we are fat, that it is our foods fault that we are fat. As much as I enjoy Zinczenko's books and the research that he has done, I must say that I disagree with this line of fault. It is our fault that our food is making us fat. We are knowenly eating the wrong things and eating far too much of it. People must become knowledgable about the food that they eat.

So to who's defense should we go to?

Our own of course! We need to be more knowledgable for our own sakes. We need to stop making excuses and become better consumers both fiscally and food wise. In short, ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to your body.

Edison Indeed

2009-01-14T11:41:00.003-06:00

Work has been slow.

Very slow.

Mind numbing slow.

This long breath of monotony and an almost complete work stoppage has granted me quite some time to day dream a bit as to how I would decorate the fictional house that The Hubby and I will have in the future (and hopefully the near future at that). It was while browsing on Pottery Barn's website I came upon this most awesome chandelier/light fixture. It is by far the most visually interesting and unique light fixture that I have ever seen.

Is it not glorious and splendid? Does it not fit my taste to a t (or Tee or Tea?).

Part of me says "Buy it now. You'll never see something like this again and you'll be cursing yourself til the end of your days thinking about it."

However the more sensible part of me says to "Leave it be. Remember that there will be other
fantastic light fixtures in your future."

The third part of me has me saying, "You are one crazy lady for getting so excited and consumed about a light fixture. Go have a beer and wallow in your apartment renting self."

Is this light fixture not awesome? So awesome in fact that you know that I just have to have it. You know that my life will not be complete until this light fixture is hanging up in my house one day. In your heart you are so committed to this fact and idealogy that you in fact are ready to buy it for me. I know you are. I just know it. Thank you! If you do decide to buy this for me please e-mail me for shipping instructions/shipping destination.

PETA

2009-01-13T16:15:00.001-06:00

Create Your Own Sea Kitten at peta.org!

BBBBBBBRRRRrrrrrrr

2009-01-13T13:27:00.002-06:00

It's cold.

I hate Minnesota.

I hate the snow.

I want a vacation.

I need a vacation.

I have a bunch of sun block that is about to expire. If only I had some reason to use it. (Other than to block the glare of the sun reflecting off the snow and the ice.)

They Call Me Goldie Locks

2009-01-02T11:41:00.003-06:00

Sigh!

I had called a bunch of JCrews in the Twin Cities trying to find this coat only to discover that no one had it in purple. With this information in hand it was my quest over the Christmas weekend to find this style of coat, try it on in the two sizes I usually find myself wearing, and order the best fit online (as that it was only available online).

Over the Christmas weekend I visited a JCrew in Illinois. This store only had one of the sizes that I was looking for so I was unable to do a side by side comparison. When I tried it on I found it to be a bit too big in the waist. As nice as that was to discover that it was too big (in a size I normally just squeak into) I was a bit concerned that the next size down would be way too small.

And just as I suspected, it was.

The JCrew that I went to in Minnesota had the coat in the other size I was looking at. When I tried it on I found it to fit well in the waist but was way too tight in the shoulders. I must had looked like a crazy lady flexing my shoulders and pulling out random Greek god positions. All the posing and flexing, the wiggling and writhing was my desperate and sad attempt to see if I could get away with buying my unicorn of fashion: a purple wool coat. After one fateful and swift move where I nearly busted a seam the coat it became apparent to me, the purple wool coat would remain my unicorn. It simply was not meant to be.

Me and Goldie Locks, never satisfied. Never happy. Seemingly always let down and forever chasing our own individual unicorns. And thus ended my hopes of getting this coat.

A little to soft or a little to firm.

A little too big or a little too small.

Adult and Mature Colors

2008-12-23T15:08:00.003-06:00

Is purple an adult color?

If you saw a woman on the street wearing a purple coat would you think that she was mature?

What if she was wearing this coat?

Not too long ago I was watching Private Practice. The main character, Addison, was wearing this fabulous purple coat and look awesome in it. At the time Addison had the same hair color as me, deep red. Immediately I recognized that I too would awesome in a purple coat and immediately decided that I needed a new purple wool coat.

For awhile it seemed that purple wool coats were my unicorn of the internet. No where I search, no matter what wording I used, what search engine I tried, I could not find a decent looking wool purple coat. And then it happened!!

After searching high and low on the internet I finally found a purple wool coat at JCrew and it is currently on sale (click on coat pic above to see link) (I wear a size 10 and would like to have the Thinsulate version).

With the coat finally within reach I talked to Hubby about the notion of me purchasing my unicorn. To which he said: "Purple is not really an adult color. I like the coat but why don't you get a different color?"

Gah! A different color. The whole reason I want this coat is so that I can have a
purple awesome coat. I already have a black coat! I want a purple one!

So now the disagreement starts. Is purple an adult color? Do you think that a purple coat will have staying power in my life and my ever changing tastes (keep in mind that four years ago I had a purple bridesmaid dresses at my wedding). What are your opinions on purple? Is a purple coat only something that a little girl would wear? Would a professional wear a purple coat? Let me hear it (but only if you are on my side)!!

Meme

2008-12-23T14:13:00.000-06:00

You Are Champagne

Your holiday personality is celebratory.

In other words, you love to drink!

For you, the holidays are a time to let loose and enjoy yourself.

You figure they only happen once a year, so why restrain yourself?

What Holiday Drink Are You?

Inauguration Day 2009

2008-12-09T16:25:00.002-06:00

Last week two black women walked into the Hippyville USA office. One of the ladies was applying to live at Hippyville USA and the other woman was there seemingly just to hang out and be with her friend. The two of them were friendly enough. I smiled and nodded in all the right places and only managed to falter at one particular point.

The woman filling out the application form asked me what the date was. To which I replied "December second.". And then her friend started to squeal. I of course tried to look as nonchalant as possible all the while thinking "well at least the crazy one is not applying to live at Hippyville USA". Finally, after far too many uncomfortable moments the squealing friend says, "Only a month and a half until Obama becomes President." To which then the applying friend begins to squeal and squeak in unison. And then they are staring at me in anticipation for me to join in.

My response?
"Heh hee heh heh."

Not exactly what they were anticipating I am sure. But the fact of the matter is that I am still not excited, enthused, or filled with any sort of anticipatory romanticized thoughts of what Obama's term as President will bring. This lack of enthusiasm is so evident that apparently I cannot evenly convincingly fake Obama joy.

The Republican in me will be bummed, pissed, and very sad come Inauguration Day this year. It is something that I feel I cannot help. However, the history major in me that has me excited about Inauguration Day. Any Inauguration Day is historic for our country which is why I will probably watch this momentous occasion with bated breath wondering what it will mean to me, you, and the world when Obama takes his oath and becomes President of the United States of America.

Super Job

2008-12-03T16:16:00.002-06:00

The Hippyville USA Office shares space with a day care. Every day is an adventure there and every day I remember why I do not have children (yet). The conversations overheard from the day care are usually quite hysterical and provide a lot of good quotes. My favorite day care quotes come usually come from one very effeminate man while he is supervising bathroom breaks for the children. Why the best quotes always come from him? I don't know. They just do.

"No! No! No! We do not sit on the bench without underwear on!!"

"Ahh Timmy! Super Job!! Super Job Timmy with going to the bathroom! Super Job!"

After hearing that last quote, I have begun to wonder. Would life be more fulfilling if I had someone cheering me on when I went to the bathroom?

Super Job Red! Super Job going to the bathroom.

Probably not.

Rachel Ray's Italian Sub Stoup

2008-11-25T14:47:00.002-06:00

Last week was the week of Rachel Ray's Italian Sub Stoup. I say 'The week of' because that is pretty close to how long it took Hubby and I to finish off one pot of this recipe. But considering that this was a Rachel Ray recipe, that really is not saying a whole lot.

I pretty much followed the recipe as Rachel wrote it.

* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
* 3/4 pound, 3 links, hot or sweet Italian sausage, split and meat removed from casing
* 1/4 pound piece stick pepperoni, diced
* 1 ham steak, diced (about 1/2 to 3/4 pound)
* 1 green bell pepper, seeded, quartered and sliced
* 1 medium yellow onion, peeled, quartered and sliced
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 6 cups chicken stock
* 1/2 pound gemelli pasta or other short-cut pasta
* 2 bunches arugula, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)

Directions

Place a soup pot or deep sided skillet on the stove top and preheat to medium high heat. Add olive oil, 2 turns of the pan and the sausage. Brown and crumble the sausage, drain off excess fat if necessary then add the ham and pepperoni. Cook meats together 2 minutes then add peppers and onions and cook 2 or 3 minutes more. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and bring stoup to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook for 8 minutes.
Stir arugula into soup just before you serve it up.

The recipe calls for arugula but I used fresh spinach instead because I was not willing to give Cub Foods one of my arms and one of my legs for two bunches of arugula. Speaking of the spinach. If and when I make this again, I think that I might just add the spinach to each bowl individually rather than place the entire two bunches in the pot. Just by the second day the spinach had turned a deep dark green and did not look all that appealing any more (although it did taste just fine).

Rachel suggests using gemelli pasta. I used orzo and I was quite happy with my choice. Something of note; the pasta soaks up a lot of the liquid in the soup during refrigeration. I added some chicken broth to my stoup (god I hate that word...) before I reheated it, but Hubby thought it was fine without the addition.

The stoup was very good and I would suspect that I will be making this again in the future. The only thing that I think that I would change would be to add either a few dashes of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeno. Even though I used spicy Italian sausage I thought that the stoup needed a bit more heat.

On a side note. I love reading food blogs and have gotten quite a few ideas from the ones that I read daily and have also become quite inspired to do more food reviews on my own blog. I enjoy reviewing the recipes I make here on my blog, yet I am unsure if I am ready to make that next jump to taking and posting my original pictures. I guess time will tell where I go with this...

I'll Admit It

2008-11-24T11:07:00.003-06:00

I have been listening to Christmas music at work for about a week now. I love Christmas music and find no reason not to listen to it whenever I feel like it. Of all the Christmas music out there I will have to admit, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is my favorite with "Sleigh Ride" coming a very close second.

I have been looking at Christmas music on ITunes this past week or so and have been trying to find the perfect compilation. There are a lot of them out there with a lot of those compilations being quite crappy after a bit of examination. Does anyone out there have a Christmas music album or compilation that they would recommend?

disappointed

2008-11-05T14:58:00.003-06:00

Never did I imagine how disappointed I would be with the outcome of yesterday's election. Yesterday's election was the third election in which I was able to vote in. Yesterday's election was also the first time in which my candidate did not win. It is a weird sensation and feeling knowing that the items that you care about the most will not be acted upon by the new President Elect.

Doppleganger

2008-10-29T15:05:00.007-05:00

Recently Hubby and I watched the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshal. While watching it we came to the realization that The Little One (AKA my sister in law) is Kristen Bell's doppleganger.

See the evidence for yourself.

Seriously!! Not only could they be the sisters, they could be the same person. They look so much alike it is frightening. What do you think?

Sisters?
Twins?
Doppleganger?

Should we be afraid of tiny blonds taking over the world one tiny blond body at a time? I think we should...

Everyone Has Seen My Butt

2008-10-22T08:52:00.003-05:00

About two months ago my mother was lamenting to me via e-mail that she wanted to go down to Florida to visit her father but did not want to go alone. In a moment that went by in a flash I e-mailed her back telling her that I would go down with her if she paid for my plane ticket. And so now with 17 and a half hours to go before my plane takes off from MSP I am wondering if I am crazy.

As of late I have found myself falling back and forth between the desire to punch my parents in the face and the desire to fly down to Chicagoland to give both of them a big hug.

I am not sure how this weekend will be. It could be great. It could be awful. If things do start to head south at least I can comforted by the fact that everyone I will be seeing this weekend will have seen my butt before.

My mom has obviously seen my butt.
I am guessing that my grandfather has seen my butt (when I was a baby!)

So, I am assuming that it is safe to say that everyone whom I will see this weekend has seen my naked butt and as strange as that might be at least that thought brings a smile to my face.

Ooops!

2008-10-15T08:10:00.002-05:00

Yesterday while talking to my mother on the phone I think that I might have invited everyone (Mom, Dad, Little Red, Aunt, Uncle, and cousin) up to my apartment for Thanksgiving.

I do not know what I was thinking. The whole thing could become really bad (I destroy Thanksgiving dinner and the eight of us are stuck in my tiny apartment) or awesome (I display my awesome mad cooking skills, there is alcohol freely flowing, and everyone consequently has an awesome time).

Oh La La

2008-09-30T16:44:00.004-05:00

It is no secret that I have a things for clothes, shoes, and purses. The sight of a cute bag, a funky top, or some fabulous shoes will always bring a smile to my face when I am down in the dumps (and it will bring an even bigger smile to my face if I am able to buy or receive said item). These Coach shoes are no exception.
So if you are looking for something to buy for me. Say, ummm, a Halloween present, these shoes would be perfect. I wear a size 7.5 and would like these in the bronze color, however I would accept them in the gun metal color also.

Youthful Expressions

2008-09-29T08:29:00.002-05:00

When I was about 10 years old my older brother, Big Red, was on a Little League team sponsored by the local bakery, Tasty Bakery. Being that the team sponsorships were assigned randomly, I was very surprised when one evening when I saw one of the other little sisters of the team scrawling on the jungle gym 'Tasty Bakery Rules'. Even at the tender age of 10 I realized how silly her actions were and how her youthful expressions were misguided. Sixteen years later I am still perplexed about the misguided expressions of today's youths.

Yesterday evening after a weekend spent at Hubby's grandma's and a long 7 1/2 hour drive back home, Hubby and I walked to Burrito Loco for dinner. Being near the heart of a large university (In the Dinky Town area of the U of M campus) one could assume that the patrons of this burrito establishment are to be:

Young
Liberal
Smart/Educated
Opinionated

Seemingly 3 out of 4 is the best that we can hope for.

Before Hubby and I started out on our walk back home I made a trip to the ladies room (nothing, in my opinion, is worse in life than having to go to the bathroom but not having a bathroom available). Usually the bathrooms at Burrito Loco are what you would expect with any college area bar/restaurant establishment:

Black painted metal stalls
No soap
Advertisements on the stall doors for legitimate business
Advertisements on the stall walls for some not so legal business activities
Mildly stinky

However this time around the bathrooms offered a surprise that made me chuckle (luckily no one else was in the bathroom to hear me chuckle because I am sure they would have thought that I was some kind of freak or weirdo). Someone decided to 'tag' the white plastic feminine hygiene garbage can with "VOTE OBAMA '08". To which there were two 'replies'. One being "WOOT!!" and the other being "Fuck you!!".

Now maybe I am just becoming old and cynical or perhaps I have always been this way (see opening anecdote) but expressing political views on a white plastic feminine hygiene garbage can seems a bit misguided. Many times around by many different people it has been said that Obama is a great driving force and inspiration when it comes to motivating the youth of today to vote and become politically involved. However having the effect of driving them to express them selves on white plastic feminine hygiene garbage can in reverence to your political campaign seems a bit misguided when it comes to youthful political expressions.

Great Morning

2008-09-25T08:09:00.003-05:00

They started excavating around my apartment building earlier this month for a water proofing project. Work stopped abruptly when the workers began to find garbage and other interesting things. One such thing was lead.

This morning everyone at Hippyville USA woke up to a letter at their front door detailing to them the situation. In essence it stated that the dirt/ground is only dangerous if you consume it.

This morning everyone in the World was greeted with the fact (or opinion if you choose) that if this 700 billion dollar bail out does not happen that we will be moving towards a depression. In essence it will be a lot like The Great Depression but without FDR and his plan.

Great morning.

Stay Right Where You Are

2008-09-19T08:47:00.003-05:00

At my job at Hippyville USA I am the front desk person. Being that my desk is like every other front desk at a business, my desk has a counter.

Quite frequently (like 3 or 4 times a day) people reach over the counter to get at my desk.

I hate it.

They are invading my personal space and threaten to make a mess of it all in one simple foul swoop. Just last December I had someone reaching over the counter and on to my desk. In the process he managed to spill his scalding hot coffee cup on to my computer, my desk, and on to me.

Some people feel the need to place items directly on to my desk rather than just leaving them on the counter. Do they feel that I will not see the items on the counter? Are they afraid that I might over look anything on the eye height counter?

Other people feel the need to stand on their tipy toes, reach over the desk, and thrust papers into my face. Are they doing this in hopes that shoving things into my face will let them obtain their desired outcome. Because if that is the fact they are sorely wrong. Shoving things in my face, encroaching on my personal space, and acting like I do not possess two brain cells to rub together is not the way to get what you want out of me.

Stay behind the counter and no one gets hurt.

How Long Could You Survive Chained to a Bunk Bed With A Velociraptor

2008-09-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

1 minute, 16 seconds

Created by Bunk Beds Pedia

Thinking

2008-09-16T15:08:00.001-05:00

"Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart."

-- Erma Bombeck

Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

2008-09-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

Inspired by an episode of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee that I randomly caught a few months ago (one of the few shows on the Food Network that I do not DVR) I made Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers.

Sandra's orginal recipe looks like this:

Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 packet beefy onion soup mix (recommended: Lipton)
2 tablespoons ginger teriyaki marinade mix (recommended: McCormick Grill Mates)
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained, juice reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon wasabi paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 whole-grain burger buns
Lettuce, tomato, onion, for serving

Set up grill for direct cooking over high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

In a mixing bowl, stir to combine ground beef, soup mix, teriyaki marinade mix, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice.

Form 4 patties slightly larger than bun. Gently press pineapple rings into tops of burgers.

Season burgers with salt and pepper and place on grill pineapple side down. Cook 8 minutes per side for medium.

Mix together mayonnaise, wasabi, and soy sauce.

Serve hot on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onions, and wasabi mayonnaise.

INDOORS: Follow instructions for preparing burgers. Preheat broiler. Place burgers pineapple side up on wire rack over foil lined baking sheet or broiler pan. Broil 6 inches from heat source for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium.

Now if you ask me Sandra Lee is pretty inventive when it comes to cooking. She is by far no culinary genius, just inventive in my book. She has made a lot of money and become quite famous by figuring out ways to use normal every day ingredients in cooking in order to speed up and simplify the process. Do I agree with all of her methods and cooking ideology? Simply put, no. However, I do recognize that she had made cooking more accessible to the every day cook (someone like me) and that is great. But I simply cannot condone the use of so many over processed, sodium laced, HFCS containing foods. So when it comes to her recipes and her good ideas what is a girl to do? You simply cannot deny a good recipe when you see one. So do what I did to Sandra Lee's recipe:

Steal it make it your own as I did last night.

Here is what I did:
Pre-Packaged Turkey Burgers
Canned Pineapple Slices
Teriyaki Sauce
Onion Slices
Tomato Slices
Mayo/Soy Sauce Mixture
Onion Rolls

Rather than forming my own burgers such as Sandra Lee did I bought pre-packaged turkey burgers and pressed the pineapple rings into the burgers. I cooked the patties on the first side (the side with the pineapple on it) for 5 minutes and then flipped. Once flipped I drizzled teriyaki sauce on the burger and continued to cook the burgers for another 4 minutes.

While the burgers were cooking I slathered some of the mayo/soy sauce mixture onto the onion rolls.

Once the burgers were finished I placed them on the buns and topped the burgers with a slice of onion and a slice of tomato.

Overall the burgers were good and messy but perhaps a bit too salty. The burgers were labeled as "pre-seasoned" and I think that combined with the already salty teriyaki sauce and the mayo/soy sauce mixture that there was a sodium over load. If I were to make these again (which I doubt I will) I would probably toast the buns before hand and not use a mayo/soy mixture instead just slathering mayo on the buns.

Mexican Fiesta Biscuit Bake

2008-09-08T11:39:00.003-05:00

Last night for dinner I was inspired by a recipe from Pillsbury.com called Mexican Fiesta Biscuit Bake. Having read the recipe and realizing that I had all the ingredients on hand I decided to whip up this recipe and tweak it just a bit to make it Red's!

Original Recipe from Pillsbury.com

2	tablespoons margarine or butter
1	(16.3-oz.) can Pillsbury® Grands!® Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
1	(10.2-oz.) can Pillsbury® Grands!® Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
1	(16-oz.) jar (1 3/4 cups) Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky Salsa
12	oz. (3 cups) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2	cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2	cup sliced green onions
1	(2 1/4-oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1	cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky Salsa, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1.	Heat oven to 375°F. Melt margarine in oven in 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish or non-aluminum baking pan. Tilt to evenly coat dish.
2.	Separate dough into 13 biscuits; cut each biscuit into eighths. Place biscuit pieces in large bowl; toss with 1 3/4 cups salsa. Spoon evenly into margarine-coated dish. Sprinkle with cheese, bell pepper, onions and olives.
3.	Bake at 375°F. for 35 to 45 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown and center is set. Let stand 15 minutes. Cut into squares; serve with additional 1 cup salsa.

The tweaks I made:

1. I cut the recipe in half. The original recipe stated that it serves 15. Being that it is only Hubby and I cut it down to half. Even though I cut the recipe in half it still ended up needing to be bake for 35 minutes.

2. I layered by bake. The first layer was the biscuit salsa mixture. The second layer was the veggies. With the veggies I opted for corn rather than olives. The second layer was 2 ounces of cream cheese that i cut up and dropped around the baking dish. The third layer was the remaining biscuit and salsa mixture. The last layer was the cheese.

Overall I found this recipe to be very good with the tweaks that I made and thus would probably make again. I served this bake with some sauted green beans.

Dead

2008-09-04T08:26:00.003-05:00

It has been a few months now since my parents divorce and really nothing has changed and nothing has gotten easier. Recently I read in some magazine, probably Real Simple, that when faced with bad times or adversity, give it three months. In three months everything will change and most likely everything will change for the better. Well I can fully tell you that that mindset and idea is hogwash. Since April nothing has gotten better. Nothing has changed. Nothing has gotten better. The only thing that these past few months have given me is time to think about what has happened and try to make sense of it. Of it all, the best conclusion that I can come up with is that the event of parent's divorce feels like the event of someone dying.

It feels like someone has died. The general idea that I had about my family has been taken away and it can never be restored or given back to me. It is gone forever. It has died. Sure no one really died, but in some aspects this feeling is almost worse. Everyone is still around and alive but no one acts the same. No one laughs the same way. No one smiles the same way. No one is the same.

Most cultures share the common thread and idea that you are not to speak ill of the dead. I feel the same way regarding my parents divorce. When other people talk about it, make random comments, compare my experience to their experiences or their friends experience or their best friends cousin's daughter's experience I want to slap them. How dare they speak of it themselves. How dare they speak ill of my parents divorce. Don't they realize that it is my parents and family they are talking about?

The death of my family as I formerly knew it.

I don't want to talk about it with you.
I don't want you to talk about it.
It is dead to me.

Random Happenings

2008-08-29T10:10:00.003-05:00

First off I want to reiterate what I have said countless times on this blog.

Be nice to the receptionist/person answering the phone. Do not be mean. Do not be evil. Do not be demanding. Do not hang up on them and try again later. I remember all of your evil shenanigans and could and just might make your life a living hell because you were mean and evil to me. Yesterday I had a future tenant call up trying to demand certain things that were way out of line. Instead of recognizing that I cannot make the impossible happen they hung up on me. This morning they called again and were just as evil and annoying if not more.

After talking to the Big Man in Charge I found out that we could meet some of the future tenants demands. I told the Big Man in Charge that I had wished he had said the opposite only because the future tenant was mean and evil. To which he replied "I don't care what you say. You can tell them anything you want especially if they are mean to you."

So there you go. If you are mean to me I have been given sanctions to make your life hell.

In other news...

Yesterday was a good day:

It was the first day of a seven day stretch where my crazy co-worker would be out of the office.
I got a raise!
I booked my flight down to Florida to visit my grandfather along with my mom in October.
I made cake batter ice cream and it is awesome!

Purple People Eater

2008-08-18T10:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday found me at the Albertville Outlet Mall. While there I discovered that purple is seemingly the new 'it' color. And being that purple is my most favorite color in the world I found myself buying a purple sweat shirt, a purple dress, a purple shirt, and purple patent leather shoes.

Did I go overboard? Perhaps, but it is not like I plan one wearing all the above listed items at the same time. Besides purple is an awesome color and this particular shade (a deep jewel tone purple) looks quite stunning on me if I do say so myself.

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-14T14:03:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth Anniversary Sweetie!

Umm No

2008-08-14T13:39:00.001-05:00

Someone this morning was trying to haggle the price of postage stamps with me.

It did not work.

They suck.

Postage stamps are 42 cents mister.

Pay up.

Anecdote

2008-08-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

A jovial anecdote involving moving into the wrong apartment are not so jovial when it is your father that is the individual moving into the wrong apartment after getting kicked out by your mother.

Sigh.

A good weekend spoiled by a 7 minute phone call.

Words of Wisdom

2008-08-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

Mama always said "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all."

I'll be back when I have something nice to say.

Sliced Steak Gyros

2008-07-25T14:33:00.004-05:00

After my success with Rachel Ray's recipe for Deconstructed Guacamole I decided to give another Rachel Ray recipe a go this week, Sliced Steak Gyros.

photo courtesy of Rachel Ray/Tina Rupp

I am a big hater when it comes to people complaining and bashing recipes that they really did not follow. So I guess I will not be saying a lot about this recipe as to not be a hypocrite...

Rachel's Orginal Recipe:

2 lbs 1-inch thick sirloin steak
2 tablespponds extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper
4 Large pitas or other flatbreads
Toppings, such as thinly sliced cucumbers
tomato, red onions, chopped chilies, and kalamata olives
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 dashes hot pepper sauce
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 clove of garlic grated
2 sprigs of oregano
Flat leaf parsley
Lemon wedges

1. Preheat the broiler or a grill to medium. Drizzle the steak with the EVOO; season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once, for medium-rare, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then thinly slice.
2. While the steak is cooking, using a food processor, puree the feta, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper; transfer to a bowl.
3. Char the pitas under the broiler or on the grill. Top with the steak and your choice of toppings. Serve with the lemon wedges and yogurt sauce.

First off I was not in the mood for steak last night so I used chicken instead. I prepared it the same way that Rachel suggests preparing the steak; salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. As for preparing the sauce, I was in too big of a rush to drag out my food processor so I simply mashed the feta into the yogurt spice mixture. Speaking of the yogurt, my Cub Foods does not carry Greek style yogurt so I was left straining my yogurt through a clean kitchen towel. This was done in order to remove some of the whey to give the yogurt the same consistency of Greek style yogurt. It took about four hours for this process. As if it was a trend Cub Foods also did not have coriander or any decent pitas/flatbread.

I served my gyros with chopped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, chopped red onion, and sliced pepperoncinis. I made due with what I had and I guess I would say that this meal came out somewhere along the lines of 'all right' and 'pretty good'. If I were to make this again I would start off by using steak and I would really try and find some good flatbread/pitas.

This meal is touted as one of Rachel Ray's 30 Minute meals. I must say that this was my first 30 Minute meal that I actually made in 30 minutes rather than 40-50 minutes. I think that Rachel wrote a good recipe however my kitchen was only able to produce average results.

Job Description

2008-07-24T11:33:00.003-05:00

FYI:

No where in my job description does in state that I am to do personal wake-up calls for tenants.

It also does not state that I shall be a travel agent and provide airplane ticket booking assistance.

Updated to add...

My job description does not include me preforming tech support for you. Spare computer parts are not available.

They Call Me The Cook

2008-07-21T16:18:00.002-05:00

Every once in awhile I come up with a recipe in my head. Something that is an original. Something that has never been made before. Something all my own. Honestly, a lot of the time that 'Red Original' is not very good. But today, today was something different. It was as if the plants aligned just right. I had all the right ingredients, all the right ingredients, and all the right knowledge.

Today was my day in the kitchen.

Red's Panini

4 inches or so of french bread
Enough Brie to be cheesy
Enough Salami to fill your tummy
Enough Arugula to lead to contentment
1/4 of a Peach thinly sliced
Olive Oil

I placed all the items on the French bread except for the olive oil. After heating up my mini George Foreman grill (heh, I don't have a panini press and this worked really well.) rub the outside of the sandwich with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place sandwich on grill. You might have to babysit the sandwich at the beginning to ensure that it does not slip out of the grill. Every few minutes or so press down the grill to ensure that the sandwich gets to the desired panini thinness. Total grilling time will be about 10 minutes.

Slice in half and enjoy.

I was quite amazed at how well this turned out. The saltiness of the salami paired with the sweetness of the peach really worked out well. Quite amazed indeed. Try this sandwich out for yourself and tell me what you think.

Dear Helen...

2008-07-18T08:38:00.002-05:00

Dear Helen Mirren,

I hate you.

Hugs and Kisses,
Red

Crafts

2008-07-16T14:20:00.003-05:00

How do you go about starting a new craft?

What do you do with the craft once you have finished its completion?

Do you sell crafts?

Do you keep them all and try to use them all yourself?

At the Renaissance Faire last weekend in WI a vendor was selling yarn hair falls.

I had never seen anything like it before until the Ren. Faire that day. They look like they are fun to make, fun to wear (in the right situation of course) and just fun all around. I was thinking about make a few pairs/sets and seeing if people would buy them. NERO would be a great place to try and sell them, but I am worried that people would not buy them and I would be stuck with a hefty amount of yarn and out just a few buck-a-roos.

So what do you think? Should I just go ahead and take the plunge and cie la vie? Should the craft be judged by the fun had while making it or by the end result or by the end sale if possible? Or should I just forget the whole thing and stick to baking cookies?

Unbelievable

2008-07-15T10:26:00.002-05:00

With spring and the warmer weather I usually try and convince myself that getting out of bed a half our early to take a walk is a good idea. Usually I am able to convince myself about three times a week that this is a good idea. I have been doing these morning walks for about four or five weeks now and usually do the same routine and route each morning.

Wake up
Stumble towards clothes
Put on Clothes.
Put on hat as subtle disguise
Grab IPod
Stumble out the door
Shamble around for 10 minutes or so
Get stride around minute 15
Finish at a brisk pace at minute 30

This routine for the most has been my standard. Sometimes on Tuesdays when I am able to sleep in a bit due to my work schedule I am a bit perkier during the walk, however the above schedule is the norm. Until today that is. Today, for whatever reason I decided to run during my morning walk.

Now I only ran for half my course, but still.

I RAN IN THE MORNING.

Overall this is quite an unbelievable feat for me. Will this continue? Will give up walking in the morning for running? You (and I) will just have to wait and see.

Me? A Collector?

2008-07-14T15:29:00.003-05:00

Overwhelmed. That is what I am right now. Overwhelmed by food. You see for just two people there is not a lot of cooking or baking that needs to be done. There is really only so much food that Hubby and I can consume in any amount of time before the food goes bad. And with most recipes written for four servings (which usually happens to make five or six servings for us) the making of one recipe usually equates to a week's worth of food for Hubby and me.

Perhaps I have brought down this feeling of 'overwhelmed' upon myself? I love to look at recipes. I love reading them online. I love reading them in magazines. I love reading them in cook books. I love reading them in the newspaper. In general I love reading recipes. With each one I like to make a little plan as to who I would feed it to and in what circumstances that would happen. Whenever I have events come up in my life I like to each of my favorite recipe sources and find that just perfect recipe for that occasion. In most cases I usually find multiple just perfect recipes to fit that occasion.

It is with those multiple recipes that I find myself becoming overwhelmed. Overwhelmed from just thinking about all those recipes out there that I have yet to make and of all the recipes not yet conceived that I have yet to make. When baking or cooking I find that I have a hard time making the same thing twice. In making the same thing twice I almost feel guilty that I am not giving another recipe a chance. Which upon thinking that makes me feel like I am losing my mind.

But do you get what I am saying? I want to make it all and I want to eat it all. I want to do it all. Yet I find that I unable to do so (and really who could?).

I have never been much of a collector. Having never seen or felt the joy in obtaining one object to simply quest for the next does not fit my personality. But perhaps cooking and baking is my quest my own collection of sorts?

Meme

2008-07-10T13:30:00.000-05:00

Your result for The Attachment Style Test...

The Waffler

35% Anxiety Over Abandonment and 38% Avoidance Of Intimacy

You're not the most decisive person. You tend to be unsure what you want out of your attachments, and it's unlikely you've had more than mediocre relationships. Either that, or you've had some good relationships, and some bad relationships, and you're just between them at the moment. The point is that you don't know what you want. You vacillate between trust and mistrust, and between low and high self-esteem. You probably have a couple of good friends who support you and believe in you, but you tend not to let things get too heavy. You like to sit on fences.

Fictional character with whom you might identify: Xander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Amelie (Amelie)

Other Attachment Types:
Secure:	The Unicorn	\|	The Cuddleslut	\|	The Free Agent
Preoccupied:	The Cling Wrap	\|	The Squid	\|	The Insect
Fearful:	The Doormat	\|	The Leper	\|	The Exile
Dismissing:	The Hermit	\|	The Stone	\|	The Player
Confused:	The Waffler

Take The Attachment Style Test at HelloQuizzy

Allergies

2008-07-07T11:04:00.002-05:00

Hubby and I made our way down to Illinois for the Fourth of July last weekend. It was a splendid weekend involving ribs, bridesmaid dresses, beer, wine, and way too much good food. Besides the plague of mosquitoes that reside in my in-laws back yard everything about the weekend was splendid. As with every visit down to Illinois I saw far too few people and did far too few things and was sad to leave.

One thing that I learned while in Illinois this past weekend is that I am seemingly allergic to Minnesota. The entire time I was in Illinois I never had a stuffy nose. Never did my eyes water or itch, and I think that I might have blown my nose once.

Life in Minnesota is another story. I was sound asleep last night when suddenly I was woken up with a stuffed up nose and itchy eyes. I cannot see my clock at night, but I can assume that it was around 4:00 am when I woke up with these symptoms. It only took eight hours in Minnesota for my body to get back into the routine of hating me via allergies.

Now that I am back in Minnesota I am back on my daily regimen of Clariden D which while it makes me feel entirely loopy it does suppress my appetite which is not all that bad. :o)

So Minnesota. You are not that bad. I am armed with Clariden and I am not giving up. I am going to win this fight, even if it means living in a medicine induced haze and living in a bubble.

Quintessential Minnesota Restaurant

2008-06-24T15:24:00.002-05:00

My dad is coming up for a visit this weekend and has requested that Hubby and I take him to the quintessential Minnesota restaurant.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Birthday Present

2008-06-20T14:43:00.002-05:00

My birthday is just 40 days away and I have found the perfect birthday present for someone or someones to buy for me; Martha Stewart Collection 52-Piece Cake Decorating Set.

It includes:

Storage tin, 3 standard plastic couplers, drawstring storage bag
26 standard tips in a case, 6 large tips, 3 pastry bags, 6 jars of food coloring
4.5” and 6” spatulas, flower nail, large tube cleaning brush, tip brush and instruction booklet

I have never been a big cake decorator, but in the past I have wished that I possessed most of the items included in Martha Stewart's cake decorating set. So if you are looking for a birthday present for me and have $79.99 to spare this would make a great present for me for my birthday.

Disintegrating

2008-06-18T13:21:00.003-05:00

Disintegrating.

That would be the best word for my car The Go-Kart. It is still running. It is not breaking down.

It is disintegrating. As with any fifteen year old car it is inevitable that somethings will go wrong with it, but disintegration of non-essential items on The Go-Kart is kind of weird.

It all started five or six years ago when the clear coat started to peel off. The way that it was coming off in bits and pieces almost made the Go-Kart look like it was experiencing the effects a bad sun burn. As for aesthetics, the clear coat peeling off was not that big of a deal. From a distance The Go-Kart looked just fine and that was fine with me.

The first big blow to the Go-Kart happened five years ago. I was driving up from Illinois to see Hubby in Minnesota. I had made a stop in some gas station in the middle of no where Wisconsin to fill up on gas, go to the bathroom, and to pick up a homemade rice krispie treat (there was a bakery inside the gas station and who can pass up homemade rice krispie treats?). When I returned back to The Go-Kart I discovered that someone had bent my antenna into a right angle. I came up to The Go-Kart with hope in my heart, hoping that the antenna could simply be bent back straight.

Unfortunately that was not the case. In my attempt to return the antenna to its original state I managed to snap the antenna right in half. With no options available to me to try and fix the antenna I simply threw the half an antenna into the trunk of The Go-Kart and continued on my way to Minnesota.

Continuing on the disintegration trail, in 2004 the driver's side window of The Go-Kart was smashed. We were able to get the glass its self repaired without any hitches, however there was a hitch. Seemingly there is a rubber seal that the window needs in order to close properly. When the bastards broke the window they somehow managed to mangle that rubber seal. When the glass was replaced the seal was never replaced/fixed. Having a faulty window seal means that if I do not close my door just so there will be a gap about a half inch wide between the glass of the window and the car. This allows just enough wind to make a HECK OF A LOT of noise when ever I drive over 35 mph (along with in the rain provide a nice little mist/shower). The faulty seal is not essential to the window or the car which means that it probably will never get fixed and thus remain a constant reminder of how The Go-Kart is disintegrating.

Back in highschool, before I had The Go-Kart I had a 1988 Ford Taurus. That car sucked. It was old, it smelled, and it only had three car handles for its four doors. Somewhere during the time period when I owned it the air conditioning in it died. It was a sudden happening. I was sitting at a stop light when suddenly white air started to pour out of the vents. I had first thought fire but it did not get hot enough quick enough to prove it to be fire. Instead due to the slow creeping heat of a hot July day infiltrating my car, I learned it to be the dying of the car's a/c unit.

These same events happened with the Go-Kart and I have to admit that I did shed a silent tear for The Go-Kart's a/c. Hubby and I have looked into replacing the a/c unit in the car, but as that it is a freon unit it would cost over $300 to repair/replace it. Not seeing the benefit of pumping over $300.00 into a 12 year old car I have since been without a/c in The Go-Kart for three years. For the most part it is okay not having a/c, but on the those days when it is super hot it does suck hardcore. And again, not having an a/c unit in my car sucks, but it is not essential to the car and the running of the car. Simply put the death of The Go-Kart's a/c was just another sign of its disintegration.

A random disintegration occurred when the driver's side speaker cover fell off this past year. I have tried and tried and tried to get it back on, but it never seems to want to stay on. So now the cover resides in back seat of The Go-Kart as another reminder that my car will never die it will only disintegrate.

An ever present disintegrating process for The Go-Kart has been the tailpipe. Since my parents bought me the Go-Kart over ten years ago two tail pipes have been replaced on it. From what I have read about The Go-Kart and other Go-Kart type cars regarding their tail pipe, this matter is not uncommon. Supposedly the small engine in my car runs cooler than most cars allowing for condensation to build up in the tail pipes which of course builds up rust. Formerly this rust build-up has not been a problem...until now. As of recently I have realized that not only is my tail pipe rusting out but my muffler as well. Again, the muffler is not integral to the running of the car so for the most part I have been simply dealing with the fact that my muffler is falling off The Go-Kart. The worse things about the muffler falling off is speed bumps and the noise level. Not having a/c and being forced to have my windows open combined with a dying muffler is a bad combination. Just bad.

Ever since my parents bought me The Go-Kart I have loved it. It is cute, sporty, and red (kind of like me) and has fit my personality great. I have no doubt in my mind, that if I chose to keep The Go-Kart for another five or six years that it would still be around and working just fine. I also have no doubt in my mind that by that time The Go-Kart would have disintegrated to the point where I would be siting on milk crates with a piece of plywood at my feet and a hubcap for a steering wheel.

For now The Go-Kart is just fine and if you look at it from a distance, close your left eye, squint your right eye, tilt your head to the left, and stand on one foot you do not even notice the disintegration and it seems that The Go-Kart looks almost as it did fifteen years ago...

Blueberries

2008-06-11T15:01:00.002-05:00

How many blueberries is too many blueberries??

I ate a pint today.
Do not judge me.

Mmmm Hot Dogs!

2008-06-06T14:14:00.009-05:00

Okay.

I'll admit it.

I love hot dogs.

When it comes to my hotdogs I must say that I am a bit of a snob. When in the Chicagoland area only, and I mean ONLY, Vienna All Beef Hotdogs will do. And when it comes to that hot dog it better be done Chicagostyle. There shall be no ketchup befouling my hot dog.
There is just something to be said of an all beef Vienna beef hot dog nestled in a warm poppy seed bun that makes me happy.

However living in Minnesota has it draw backs. And while the endless winters may be close to the top of my list of 'Minneosota Draw Backs and Downfalls', the lack of good hot dog joints perhaps is at the top (sharing top dog space (pun intended) with a good pizza joint).

So what is a gal to do when she has a craving for hot dogs?
Go to the grocery store and buy her own hotdogs of course.

Minnesota grocery stores on a rare occurance (I think it corresponds to when a Minnesota professional sport teams wins a championship) will carry actual Vienna Beef Hot dogs. However, as I said before that is a rare site. So last Friday while at the grocery store trying to figure out how to fulfill my need for hotdogs I stumbled upon Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs were on the top of the price line for hot dogs, but as I said before I am a hot dog snob, and I would rather have a good all beef hot dog and pay a bit more than have a mediocre all beef hot dog and pay a bit less. In short, Ball Park "Plump When They Cook" hot dogs will not be gracing my plate.

I choose the skinless hot dogs, as that, as much of a fan of hot dogs I am, I am not a fan of the 'snap' that natural casing have.

I was a bit tentative of Nathan's, but after a quick grillin' all of my concerns quickly faded away. Nathan's hot dogs are awesome.

Yea.

AWESOME!

I could easily eat three or four of these babies. If calories and fat did not exist I would have probably downed the entire pack. Oh my god were these hot dogs good.

Now perhaps it was my winter sabbatical (I do not eat hot dogs in winter because eating hot dogs in winter is unnatural) on hot dogs that caused me to have such a reaction to Nathan's hot dogs, but I am guessing my reaction had more to do with the fact that these hot dogs were awesome.

I have no doubt that my next hot dog grilling experience will have Nathan's All Beef Hot Dogs in attendance. My only complaint about Nathan's Hot Dogs is that there is not a Nathan's Hot Dog stand in Minnesota.

If you have not tried these hot dogs yet I would suggest that you put down that pathetic Oscar Meyer dog and pick up a pack of Nathan's hot dogs. These dogs are good.

Skirt Steak with Deconstructed Guacamole

2008-06-03T14:45:00.003-05:00

Sunday night I made Skirt Steak with Deconstructed Guacamole a recipe by Rachel Ray. Rachel Ray recipes for me have had mixed results. Sometimes her short cuts work and other times her short cuts taste like short cuts. Then there are other times when the recipes states that it will feed four and suddenly Hubby and I are eating the same meal for 5 days in a row (a 1/4 lb of spaghetti is a ridiculous serving size for one person). So for the most part when I engage in a Rachel Ray recipe I start with a bit of trepidation as to what the results will be.

Skirt Steak with Deconstructed Guacamole was a hit. The steak was moist and flavorful thanks to the marinade. The veggie combo was good. And the idea of placing avocados on the grill worked out really well.

There have only been a few Rachel Ray recipes that I have found myself making more than once. This recipe due to its ease in preparation and tastiness will surely become a repeat on my grill.

Skirt Steak with Deconstructed Guacamole
From Every Day with Rachael Ray
June-July 2008

2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
1 cup white rice
One can black beans (15 ounces), rinsed
4 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons grill seasoning (about a palmful)
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1 3/4 pounds skirt steak
2 red onions, halved crosswise
Salt and pepper
2 jalapeño chiles, halved lengthwise and seeded
2 avocados, halved
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped cilantro (a generous handful)
2 limes, cut into wedges

Preparation

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and 1 tablespoon EVOO to a boil. Stir in the rice and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Stir in the black beans and scallions and cook for 6 minutes more.

Pre-heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. In a shallow dish, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons EVOO , the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, grill seasoning and hot sauce. Coat the steak and marinate for 10 minutes.

Drizzle the red onions with EVOO, season with salt and pepper and grill with the jalapeños, turning, until charred about 10 minutes. Grill the steak, turning once, for 8 minutes for medium-rare. Grill the avocado halves until charred, 3 to 4 minutes; halve lengthwise.

Thinly slice the steak on an angle and divide among 4 plates. Top each with the avocados, jalapeños, tomatoes and cilantro. Serve with the rice, onions and lime wedges.

Traits

2008-05-31T11:15:00.002-05:00

I have to wonder what traits did my parents see in each other that caused them to despised each other so much that they decided to get a divorce. And with those traits that they despised, what of those traits do I myself possess? Do they see those traits within me? How will those traits affect our relationship from here on out?

I am having a hard time seeing how our relationship will be in the future without the other parent around, are they in turn going to have a hard time having a relationship with me as that I am a product of them.

I am having a hard time thinking about everyone else in this mess. When I think about my parents getting a divorce I only manage to think about myself and how this is going to effect me. Spending time with my brothers and my sister in law last weekend made me realize that everyone is effected and that everyone is mad.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

2008-05-30T14:04:00.004-05:00

Pop It!

2008-05-28T14:19:00.003-05:00

For some reason or another my face has been breaking out like mad. And I am not talking about a tiny little zit at the corner of my mouth or something else similarly diminutive.

No I am talking big ole white head zits just randomly popping up. Every time I go to the bathroom I pop at least one. The next time I go to the bathroom I find that three more have popped up in their fallen comrades' places. The madness has to stop. I am 25 not 15!

On an unrelated topic...
The relative styling of a nice blue polo shirt and flat front khakis are canceled out by black rubber sandals and white socks.

Snarky

2008-05-22T11:10:00.002-05:00

Today is a new day and I have decided that I am going to try to turn over a new leaf. There is an individual whom I see just about every day. He is not mean, malicious, or a bad person in general, but there is something about him that just rubs me the wrong way each time I talk/interact with him. And while I say that he is not mean or malicious he does put off a sense of self-righteousness, and he has been known to by hypercritical in his actions, which of course makes working with him, talking to him, and interacting with him in general difficult and laborious.

Through knowing him and interacting with him these past three or so years I have found myself becoming more and more snarky concerning him. I have realized these past few days that no matter what the action or statement by him I will judge him and have a snarky response to say behind his back to either a co-worker or to Hubby (who also knows this person).

And while some comments are surely warranted, I am sure that at some point or another I have stepped over the line from being justifiably judgmental to overly snarky and mean.

So that is where the new leaf comes in. I want to try and not let this person consume my thoughts any more. I do not want to waste any more of my time or energy thinking about what he is doing and saying. I want to be the better person and simply ignore his self-righteous actions and deeds.

But it is hard.

It is much easier to let my mouth run and to make the comments rather to bit my tongue and to let those thoughts pass. It is easier to snap back when he oh so subtly puts me down or makes a snide comment in my direction rather than to just smile and turn the other check.

But that is my goal. That is my ambition right now; to turn the other check.

It is hard but I do want to be this way anymore.

Consumed

2008-05-15T13:33:00.002-05:00

Having my parents get a divorce as all but consumed me mind, body, and spirit these past few weeks.

My sleeping is off. Most nights I toss and turn for the majority of the night. When I do find myself asleep my sleep is riddled with strange vivid dreams where I find that I am telling myself that it is not really happening to me and that it is all a dream.

My eating is off. I have drifted away from making meals from scratch. I find that when I am hungry that I am just not in the mood to produce anything, thus forcing me to either go without or grab whatever is nearby and convenient.

My communication is off. Most evenings Hubby will find me at home either blankly staring at the TV or at the wall. He asks me to come over to him on the couch so that we can talk and my response is "No. I want to sit here by myself and be mad."

And that is where I have found myself as of late. Mad.

Every conversation with my parents leaves me emotionally exhausted. I do not know how to react to what they are saying. The tears have nearly run dry and there is nothing left besides a deep red feeling of being mad and upset.

Mad.

Where Did Ya Go...

2008-05-08T14:39:00.001-05:00

I've realized that it has been about a month since I have last posted on my blog. And now looking back at this last month I cannot believe that a entire month has passed. These last few weeks have really been a blur to me.

I have been trying to contrive some good way of writing this all down. Some way of saying it in a witty fashion that might decrease the sting of self realizing the reality that I now live in. But after these last few weeks of pondering I have come to realize that the world does not possess a witty quip for life experiences such as this. Mostly when these things happen you simply are stuck dealing with it and processing it. However I am beginning to wonder when I stop attempting to process it and when I simply just start to live it.

Hubby and I were making our way back from Illinois on 4/20/08 after a trip to see some friends. We had gotten home late and it was not until about 9:00 pm that I noticed that my mother had called and that my older brother had called. Since it was too late to call back and I was too tired to talk to anyone I decided that I would just call my mother back during my lunch hour the next day and send Big Red an e-mail on Monday morning. I had thought that it was odd that the two of them had called but I had rationalized that my mother was just calling to say hi and that Big Red was thanking me for his birthday present.

Monday morning rolled around and at noon I was on my way back home for my lunch hour. I dialed up my mom on my cell. The conversation started out as normally. She asked how I was and I gave her a run down of my weekend (which was completely less than stellar). A five minute walk/conversation later, it was not until I had my keys in the door that I got around to asking why she had called in the first place.

Her response: "Well I did not want to do this over the phone but I guess there is no around that. I wanted to let you know that your father and I are going to get a divorce."

It is weird how things work out like they do in the movies. Right as she finished her sentence I was in the door and I found myself dropping my purse and coat onto the floor. I can still remember that moment. It seems to replay in a freakishly slow-mo mood over and over and over again in my head.

There was a short conversation that followed between my mother and I. Most of it is a blur now, but what I do remember of it is a weepy mother, a lot of unanswered questions, and a lot of very unbelievable statements.

"Things are going to be friendly between the two of us."
"We do not forsee a lot changing."
"This is all for the best."

And I did and still do not believe a word of it.

Since I was out of town the weekend prior my cell phone had not been charged in a few day so our conversation had be cut short. I told my mother that my phone was dying and that I would call her back when I got the chance. And there I sat for a moment before I started to bawl. Hearing that my parents were getting a divorce was not an entire surprise. They had been having problems for years, but I had thought that they were out of the woods and that they were going to make it.

I managed to hook my phone up to its charger and call Hubby. He was at school but quickly came home. He found me on the bed in lying down clinging to Pongo. He called my office up and told them that I would not be in for the rest of the day. For the rest of the night I spent my time either crying, staring at the wall, or sleeping.

So much has been swirling through my head these last few weeks.

I always felt very blessed that my parents were still together. Blessed that I would not have to worry about having parents that are no longer together. Blessed that no matter what they would always have each other. Blessed. And now it is gone.

I cannot stand to hear from them that everything is going to be fine. That it is for the best. That they are both fine with it.

Nothing is going to be the same. How can things be the same when I have my mother moving out of the family's home? How will Christmas be? Will we still put up the Christmas tree with the family's old ornaments? How will my parents interact with their family and their friends. My father moved from NY almost 30 years ago all of his friends are my mother's friends. He has no family here except for us kids. And if things are ending so well why get a divorce. According to the two of them Saturday they told Little Red that they were getting a divorce and then Sunday afternoon they were working on the garden together and making dinner together later on that night.

I am mad. I am angry. I do not want to talk to either of them, but how can I ignore them since they are my parents. If everything is fine now and has been why get a divorce? But I do not want to know. I do not want to know the details.

And so now I feel almost like a shade of my former self. These last few weeks have been some of the worse in my life. More than once or twice or even three times I have found myself just ranting, screaming, yelling, or crying or some combination of those. I just want to move beyond this but I have not figured out how to do that.

When I last spoke to my father he told me that him and my mother were thinking about coming up in June. I did not tell him at the time, but there is no way that they are going to be allowed in my house. It would be too weird. To hard. If they have a problem with that, then they have to deal with it. Simply put they made their own bed and now they have to lay in it. I am not ready to have them in my house yet. I am not ready to deal. I am still too angry.

So that is my life now. I guess I would much rather write it down here and have people read about it rather than trying to figure out how to work it into conversations with people.

So that's my life. That is where I am.

Meme

2008-04-11T15:10:00.002-05:00

1. How long have you been together? We have been a couple for over ten and (gasp) a half years. Come August we will have been married for four.

2. Who pursued who? I pursued him. Actually it was more of an hunt and kill sort of thing.

3. Do you wear any type of wedding/commitment ring? Yep. I wear my engagement ring and wedding band each and every day.

4. What was the hardest thing about learning to live together? Right now it would be the lack of 'my space'. Hubby has reign over the second bedroom that houses his stuff and where he works on his various projects. Right now, due to apartment restraints, there is no space that I can call my own. And while I love spending time with him and will sometimes just sit in the same room as him, there are other times when I just want my own space.

5. Who takes longer to get ready in the morning? Oh totally me. In the time it takes me to blow dry my hair he can be ready for the day.

6. Do you usually eat breakfast together? Most week day mornings we will.

7. Do you ever share clothes? Not really. If I am cold and he has a spare sweat shirt we will, but most times no.

8. Who does most of the cooking? Me.

9. Who usually takes out the trash? I am going to say me. If you ask him he would probably say him. But he lies...

10. If you have pets who usually does litter box or poop patrol? The only pet we have is a plant named Bob. I maintain Bob.

11. Which one of you is more likely to answer the phone when it rings? I answer my phone and he answers his phone. We do not have a land line. It is a rare occurrence to find one of us answering the other's phone.

12. Who's in charge of the remote if you're watching TV together? No one person is typically in charge of the remote. However whoever is in charge at the moment is generally mocked for their lack of DVR remote skills.

13. Who usually drives when you go out together? He does. Hubby is a horrible passenger.

14. Which one of you takes care of spiders and bugs that get into the house? He does.

15. Facing the bed, who sleeps on which side? I sleep on the left and he sleeps on the right. I would rather have it the other way around due to my bad shoulder though.

16. Who usually checks the (postal) mailbox? Me. I enjoy getting the mail more than he does. To me mail is like receiving presents each and every day (except for Sunday).

17. If something breaks or goes wrong in the house, which one of you is more likely to either fix it or call someone to fix it? He is generally the person to fix things if it is something that needs to be fixed.

18. Who is generally the neater of you? Me. Hands down. Living in a dirty house makes me anxious.

19. Who handles the checkbook/pays the bills? Hubby does. Sadly, if he were to die tomorrow I would be screwed because I have no idea what is going on with our finances.

20. What was your last fight/disagreement about? It was one of those all encompassing fights where you are seemingly fighting about everything. It was not pretty.

21. When you slow dance together, who leads? Both he and I try to lead. Us dancing usually leads to us arguing.

22. What do you love the most about your other half? How smart he is. And not just book smart. Hubby is probably the smartest person I know.

Awkward

2008-04-09T11:20:00.004-05:00

A resident just called the Hippyville USA office inquiring about job possibilities in our office. I told him that the Hippyville USA does not have any openings at this time. Along with I also told him that the Hippyville USA office typically does not offer paying positions for residents, but if he was interested there are many volunteer positions available within the community.

The caller pressed on saying that he was not interested in volunteer positions but rather having a paid position as perhaps the front desk person. I told him that the position was currently filled.

Again he pressed on asking how would he find out when the position would become available. I told him that when the position became available that the management would go through the proper channels to advertise it.

Again he pressed on and asked if I knew when that was going to be.

At this point I had reached my limit at being polite and told him, "Well, this conversation is a bit awkward because we are talking about my job."

The caller, stumbling upon his words and the foot in his mouth, quickly ended the conversation by thanking me for the information.

In the past when people have asked me when Hubby is expected to graduate I have always remained a bit vague on my answer. Never lying or misrepresenting, but always remaining aloof and non-committal in my answer. However now, when it has become apparent that I'll need to fend off people who want my job now, I might just start lying in regards to Hubby's expected graduation date. That or have a stick on hand to fend off any possible job seekers...

Bathing Suits Make Me Depressed

2008-04-09T09:41:00.003-05:00

Bathing suits make me depressed. It is not the normal 'oh I am a chunk of a gal and I will forever look like a beached whale in a bathing suit.'. No, that is not it at all (or at least this time...). Instead bathing suits make me sad because they are a reminder that I have no reason to wear a bathing suit.

When looking into the future (did you know that I could see the future?) there are no pools. There are no oceans. There is no water. There is no need for a bathing suit. My future is filled with fluorescent lights, popcorn ceilings, four walls, and the quiet humming of the a/c. There are no bathing suits.

And so I sit and quietly weep into my Glamour magazine while gazing at all the pretty bathing suits...