Sorry for the lack of updates on this blog. I have a different blog that I've been posting gal stuff to. In any case, lots and lots of stuff is happening, but it feels like everything is on hold as far as long term goals go.
Instead of saving for a house, Mark and I have decided that I will be going to school instead. Which is kind of exciting, but bumming me out in a way as well... Because of the poor decisions I made as a teenager, and without someone or a scholarship paying for my schooling after high school, I jumped straight into having a job and trying to support myself.
Luckily, I worked my way into medical billing, gained enough experience, and have established myself in a modest 32k a year job. I'm not sure if this is the career path I want... I always imagined being a teacher, nurse, or a paralegal. Of course, now all the teacher friends I have say that teaching will suck your soul away. I just honestly don't know where to go as far as a degree plan is concerned.
Not only that, but plans for a house and family have been put on hold. I should be able to pound through a hard four years to get my bachelors degree, starting at SanJac then transferring to U of H Clearlake. I'll have finished school by the time I turn 30.
But then what, hmmm? I start my career of course. I don't see kids fitting into that plan very well. It feels like we will be renting an apartment forever. And if we get a house? Then the mortgage will not be paid until we are like 60 or something.
Mark is preoccupied with his idea of a proper "order of operations". School first, house second, and (if he has it his way I think) no kids. Kind of feels like we're holding each other back in a way. I want a house with a family before I'm 30. Mark wants us to both have degrees and work towards a cushy retirement without kids around to suck away all his money.
Of course we both knew what we were getting into before we married, but we just assumed that a compromise would work itself out. I just don't know what to compromise on. School? Kids? Career? Housing?
Obviously I am going to get a degree. My first class starts on January 19th. I'm taking math. english, and history. So I'm already on that track.
We will be getting a 2bed 2bath apartment in April and rooming with Ivan to help offset the cost of school. I will be moving to part time employment so that I can go to school full time. If I attend all the mini holiday and summer semesters, I should be done in a reasonable amount of time.
We're not sure how much school will cost in total, semester by semester, so our savings goals are up in the air. Haha... they were kind of put on hold for the holidays anyway!
What I would really like to see happen, is getting a house, and offsetting the cost of a mortgage by having Ivan as a roommate. Same plan, just different living quarters, right? That way we can work towards owning a home instead of renting. And the down payment...? Uhmmm, yeah... back to the problem of our savings goals.
I just don't know how this is all going to work out, but full speed ahead!!!
All about my lucky life, and how much I love it!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
BUBBLE GUN!
I did quite a bit of shopping today, and I couldn't resist getting this toy!
Mark and I had so much fun, and the kids downstairs were like "woo-hoo! bubbles!"
Mark and I had so much fun, and the kids downstairs were like "woo-hoo! bubbles!"
I should not have done this! It made the bubble liquid get all over the handle...
Poor Mark had to touch a sticky gun.
...and then Mark tried to bite the bubbles.
Ahhhhh... such simple fun! ^_^
Ahhhhh... such simple fun! ^_^
Monday, August 9, 2010
Not Me Monday!
"Not Me!" Monday is a blog ring started by MckMama! It's a ton of fun! It's so much fun to share all the things I have *not* been doing, and read what everyone else has *not* been up to as well!
Ehhh... so I've totally *not* been neglecting my blog. I know all you who read my posts have *not* been getting ants in your pants waiting for me. I would *never* leave my friends hanging like that.
Furthermore, I would like to say that I have *not* totally given up on meal planning. It is definitely *not* because I have an hour commute to and from work. As a result, Mark and I have *not* decided to start the my fit foods program. (check it out at myfitfoods.com)
After looking at our budget and savings goals, and realizing we were totally rocking, I did *not* go on a clothes and makeup and fun shopping spree! I also did *not* convince Mark on a whim of mine to go and buy a digital camera. I certainly did *not* break the last one by dropping it with the lens open. :(
I did *not* work through lunch today and leave early since the doc is out of town. I also did *not* clean out the craft room as a surprise for Mark. I am *never* that motivated to clean! I am *not* also about to try to convince him to take me out as a reward. I would *never* do such a thing.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
ANGRY AT THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE IN IT
A good friend of mine, working with a volunteer group, asked for my advice on what to say to a guy. I got all giggly inside, thinking she had a new fling. As it turns out, a married guy was hitting on her.
She knew he was married, he knew that that she knew he was married, and he still tried to slide his way into her bed. He tries to hug her, and kiss her, and flirt with her. She tells him he's a disgusting pig, and that he needs to stop disrespecting his family. She is stuck in a group with him, so she asks him about his wife frequently. He bags on her constantly. Then, that asshole still thinks he's a real charmer and can get my friend to like him.
Some people just never stop with the same old bullshit. My friend and I have talked at length about this douche bag, and we both agree on several things: this guy should not be with anyone, he needs to see a psychiatrist or therapist, and that this is definitely not the first time he has tried this crap on another woman.
The conversation then turned her ex-boyfriend. He lived with her, didn't have a job, and failed to contribute anything to the household. She would come home from a full time job, clean the house, cook dinner, get the kids bathed and in bed, do the dishes, and then finish up her wonderful day washing, drying, and then folding his laundry. For goodness sakes, she had to remind the man to take a damn bath.
Of course, looking back we laughed at what an idiot will do in the name of love. There were times when she'd decide that enough was enough, and tell him to straighten up and help out. They'd fight, he'd moan and groan about his lot in life, and then he would get his shit together.
At least, for a few weeks he would resist the urge to be a total loser. He would help out around the house and look for employment. But then it would be back to the same old bullshit. She'd threaten to kick him out, and he would shape up for a bit. Then he would slip into the same tired old routine.
They obviously broke up, but it took her years to realize he wouldn't change his revolting habits. They went through a constant and vicious cycle of disrespect, laziness, anger, and then false hope.
It just makes me so angry and sad that people like that can skate by in life. It's sickening to see these assholes take advantage of good, hardworking people. It makes me feel helpless to watch the same old bullshit cycle around, and to see my friends or family stuck in it.
I just want to tell these people how worthless and disgusting they are. I wish I could cast them away to another world, far away from the people I care about.
Of course, I have very little right to judge others so harshly. I've made plenty of mistakes in my life, and I have gone through cycles of laziness as well. But, I'd like to think I'm better than the people I'm so angry about. I hope that I don't cause my friends and family such drama and heartache.
OK, deep breath. No more poisonous thoughts for today. It sure felt good to get that out, and I know that I can't change other people or the world sometimes.
She knew he was married, he knew that that she knew he was married, and he still tried to slide his way into her bed. He tries to hug her, and kiss her, and flirt with her. She tells him he's a disgusting pig, and that he needs to stop disrespecting his family. She is stuck in a group with him, so she asks him about his wife frequently. He bags on her constantly. Then, that asshole still thinks he's a real charmer and can get my friend to like him.
Some people just never stop with the same old bullshit. My friend and I have talked at length about this douche bag, and we both agree on several things: this guy should not be with anyone, he needs to see a psychiatrist or therapist, and that this is definitely not the first time he has tried this crap on another woman.
The conversation then turned her ex-boyfriend. He lived with her, didn't have a job, and failed to contribute anything to the household. She would come home from a full time job, clean the house, cook dinner, get the kids bathed and in bed, do the dishes, and then finish up her wonderful day washing, drying, and then folding his laundry. For goodness sakes, she had to remind the man to take a damn bath.
Of course, looking back we laughed at what an idiot will do in the name of love. There were times when she'd decide that enough was enough, and tell him to straighten up and help out. They'd fight, he'd moan and groan about his lot in life, and then he would get his shit together.
At least, for a few weeks he would resist the urge to be a total loser. He would help out around the house and look for employment. But then it would be back to the same old bullshit. She'd threaten to kick him out, and he would shape up for a bit. Then he would slip into the same tired old routine.
They obviously broke up, but it took her years to realize he wouldn't change his revolting habits. They went through a constant and vicious cycle of disrespect, laziness, anger, and then false hope.
It just makes me so angry and sad that people like that can skate by in life. It's sickening to see these assholes take advantage of good, hardworking people. It makes me feel helpless to watch the same old bullshit cycle around, and to see my friends or family stuck in it.
I just want to tell these people how worthless and disgusting they are. I wish I could cast them away to another world, far away from the people I care about.
Of course, I have very little right to judge others so harshly. I've made plenty of mistakes in my life, and I have gone through cycles of laziness as well. But, I'd like to think I'm better than the people I'm so angry about. I hope that I don't cause my friends and family such drama and heartache.
OK, deep breath. No more poisonous thoughts for today. It sure felt good to get that out, and I know that I can't change other people or the world sometimes.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Anger Issues - I don't have them.
I've heard people tell me that I'm an "Angry Person", and say it like they meant "Bad" instead of "Angry". I've got a few choice words for people like that. You will find them peppered through out this blog.
Now come on people. Why is it wrong to feel Angry? I think people associate Anger with negative actions. Yes, it's true that Anger can cause people to act rashly or harshly. Anger can also make you passionate about a cause, a wrong-doing, or an injustice, for example. I'd say Martin Luther King Jr. was pretty Angry regarding discrimination in the south. He probably got mad when they got his order wrong in the drive-thru.
Most people will argue (at this point) that it matters what you get Angry about. There's a big difference between the civil rights movement and a cheeseburger! You shouldn't be Angry over a cheeseburger, for goodness sake.
Ah, not so, my closed-minded friend.
Say someone gets my order wrong at the drive-thru, and I feel Angry. So, I shouldn't feel Angry? What should I feel? Happy, Sad, or perhaps Afraid? Feelings are feelings, and no one has the right to dictate how you should or shouldn't feel.
What really matters is how you ACT. Now at this point, I could yell, curse, and throw my cheeseburger back at them, or I could politely ask them to fix it and wait patiently while they do so. Either way, I'm mad because someone didn't take my order correctly. The difference would be that I don't act like a total buffoon about the situation.
Now, let's look at the civil rights movement. What if no one was Angry about being treated wrongly? What if they were just Sad and Afraid? I will tell you this, with passion in my heart and Anger behind my words, that there wouldn't have been a civil rights movement.
I believe Anger is an important emotion. If we didn't have Anger in our hearts, we'd all be doormats. If there was no anger in the world, there would be nothing to temper several of our other emotions. Hatred, Fear, and Greed would run wild with only a slim chance at being checked.
Only ignorant and bland people will preach against being Angry. These are the same cretins that would speak against being Afraid.
When faced with a challenge, I've heard, "Come on! Don't be Afraid! Just do it!"
Again, no one has the right to tell you how to feel. It's fine to be Afraid. It's what you do about it that's important. Completing a task in spite of feeling Afraid is called Courage.
In conclusion, I am an Angry Person who is Afraid sometimes, but I am also undeniably a Good Person.
Now come on people. Why is it wrong to feel Angry? I think people associate Anger with negative actions. Yes, it's true that Anger can cause people to act rashly or harshly. Anger can also make you passionate about a cause, a wrong-doing, or an injustice, for example. I'd say Martin Luther King Jr. was pretty Angry regarding discrimination in the south. He probably got mad when they got his order wrong in the drive-thru.
Most people will argue (at this point) that it matters what you get Angry about. There's a big difference between the civil rights movement and a cheeseburger! You shouldn't be Angry over a cheeseburger, for goodness sake.
Ah, not so, my closed-minded friend.
Say someone gets my order wrong at the drive-thru, and I feel Angry. So, I shouldn't feel Angry? What should I feel? Happy, Sad, or perhaps Afraid? Feelings are feelings, and no one has the right to dictate how you should or shouldn't feel.
What really matters is how you ACT. Now at this point, I could yell, curse, and throw my cheeseburger back at them, or I could politely ask them to fix it and wait patiently while they do so. Either way, I'm mad because someone didn't take my order correctly. The difference would be that I don't act like a total buffoon about the situation.
Now, let's look at the civil rights movement. What if no one was Angry about being treated wrongly? What if they were just Sad and Afraid? I will tell you this, with passion in my heart and Anger behind my words, that there wouldn't have been a civil rights movement.
I believe Anger is an important emotion. If we didn't have Anger in our hearts, we'd all be doormats. If there was no anger in the world, there would be nothing to temper several of our other emotions. Hatred, Fear, and Greed would run wild with only a slim chance at being checked.
Only ignorant and bland people will preach against being Angry. These are the same cretins that would speak against being Afraid.
When faced with a challenge, I've heard, "Come on! Don't be Afraid! Just do it!"
Again, no one has the right to tell you how to feel. It's fine to be Afraid. It's what you do about it that's important. Completing a task in spite of feeling Afraid is called Courage.
In conclusion, I am an Angry Person who is Afraid sometimes, but I am also undeniably a Good Person.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"Me" Time
I've been thinking about "me" time and what that means to some people. I just heard someone complaining about not having enough. She just married not too long ago, and made a comment about envying the single life. Some one else replied that you get used to it, you become "one with your husband", and that family time takes up all your time.
WOW. I couldn't disagree more. As a side note, agreeing or disagreeing is generally absolute and not relative. You either agree or disagree, right? ...But I wanted to sound dramatic. Ok, moving along now...
I know people in my family that have adopted that point of view: living a life with no "me" time. You know what happens at the end of the day? When your family is grown and on their own, when you're alone with yourself and no husband around, you don't know what to do. That's because you don't even know who you are anymore. Scary.
I've seen people in that situation (not naming anyone) that become really depressed at that point in their life. Some of our patients are like that. Ever see the movie Failure to Launch? The mom towards the end of the movie is a prime example. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.
So! I always make sure I've got time to myself at least a couple times during the week. Some of my favorite things to do are: read, go have some coffee and read, write short stories, go shopping, make something crafty (like hair accessories, jewelry, paintings), and most of all - go shopping!
WOW. I couldn't disagree more. As a side note, agreeing or disagreeing is generally absolute and not relative. You either agree or disagree, right? ...But I wanted to sound dramatic. Ok, moving along now...
I know people in my family that have adopted that point of view: living a life with no "me" time. You know what happens at the end of the day? When your family is grown and on their own, when you're alone with yourself and no husband around, you don't know what to do. That's because you don't even know who you are anymore. Scary.
I've seen people in that situation (not naming anyone) that become really depressed at that point in their life. Some of our patients are like that. Ever see the movie Failure to Launch? The mom towards the end of the movie is a prime example. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.
So! I always make sure I've got time to myself at least a couple times during the week. Some of my favorite things to do are: read, go have some coffee and read, write short stories, go shopping, make something crafty (like hair accessories, jewelry, paintings), and most of all - go shopping!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Stuff on the brain
A lot of little things have been floating around my brain, either to encourage me or annoy me. Just little things, but a lot of them. I'm hoping that writing about it will get everything straightened out in my head.
It seems that there's not enough time in the day. I spend 11 hours a day away from home with work and my commute. I have to come home and cook dinner, take care of any chores, and then find some time to unwind. I also need to find more time to go to the gym, read more books, play more video games, watch movies or shows. Sometimes I feel like all I do is work and come home to cook. Goodness, if I had kids I'd have even less time for myself.
Ultimately, I wish that work and home were closer. Right now, that's not an option. I have a court date set in August to sue a delinquent account for the clinic. I can't exactly just leave them hanging on that. After we see how this case works out, we may send a whole group of accounts through the court system. Another commitment is coming my way! I found out quite a while ago that court dates are usually full for about 6 - 8 months out. Do people really sue other people or companies that much around here? Jeeeeez.
I've filled out all my thank you cards (as of three weeks ago), and I've given them to Mark to mail out. He still hasn't done that. I don't want to be a nag, but come on!!!! Mail the damn thank you cards already. How annoying...
Lots of my friends are tying the knot! Yay! I know I'm about to sound really shallow here, but whatehv. I'm going to put this out here anyway. Ladies, when you put on that fabulous and perfect corset back wedding dress, please don't cinch yourself in so tightly! I've seen a couple of very pretty gowns on girls in fairly good physical shape that are tightened too much. Then you know what happens? Muffin top and back crease. Seriously! Look at this:
I know I wasn't exactly "slim and trim" on my big day, but I'd like to imagine that I wore a flattering dress that fit my body type well. Who knows? Maybe I was delusional... It wouldn't be the first time. ;)
I tried something new today! I woke up around five-ish this morning and hit the gym before work. It was nice because the gym wasn't crowded. It was also a pain because I was sleepy and couldn't get moving enough to burn a significant amount of calories. I'm going to keep at it though. I think I just need to go to bed a little earlier and get used to the routine. Then on days I don't go workout, it will feel like I get to sleep in. Right?
It seems that there's not enough time in the day. I spend 11 hours a day away from home with work and my commute. I have to come home and cook dinner, take care of any chores, and then find some time to unwind. I also need to find more time to go to the gym, read more books, play more video games, watch movies or shows. Sometimes I feel like all I do is work and come home to cook. Goodness, if I had kids I'd have even less time for myself.
Ultimately, I wish that work and home were closer. Right now, that's not an option. I have a court date set in August to sue a delinquent account for the clinic. I can't exactly just leave them hanging on that. After we see how this case works out, we may send a whole group of accounts through the court system. Another commitment is coming my way! I found out quite a while ago that court dates are usually full for about 6 - 8 months out. Do people really sue other people or companies that much around here? Jeeeeez.
I've filled out all my thank you cards (as of three weeks ago), and I've given them to Mark to mail out. He still hasn't done that. I don't want to be a nag, but come on!!!! Mail the damn thank you cards already. How annoying...
Lots of my friends are tying the knot! Yay! I know I'm about to sound really shallow here, but whatehv. I'm going to put this out here anyway. Ladies, when you put on that fabulous and perfect corset back wedding dress, please don't cinch yourself in so tightly! I've seen a couple of very pretty gowns on girls in fairly good physical shape that are tightened too much. Then you know what happens? Muffin top and back crease. Seriously! Look at this:
I know I wasn't exactly "slim and trim" on my big day, but I'd like to imagine that I wore a flattering dress that fit my body type well. Who knows? Maybe I was delusional... It wouldn't be the first time. ;)I tried something new today! I woke up around five-ish this morning and hit the gym before work. It was nice because the gym wasn't crowded. It was also a pain because I was sleepy and couldn't get moving enough to burn a significant amount of calories. I'm going to keep at it though. I think I just need to go to bed a little earlier and get used to the routine. Then on days I don't go workout, it will feel like I get to sleep in. Right?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Not Me! Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama (and I found it through my dear friend at Just Thinking. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
After being so dedicated to meal planning, I definitely did *not* whine about it every night. I certainly do *not* feel trapped by routine. Mark and our budget have definitely improved with this new plan of action, and I would *never* consider just throwing that out the window. I'm *not* a crazy lady.
Dr. Williams is back today from his vacation! I have *not* been slacking off and playing on facebook the entire time he was away. As a result, I did *not* have to bust my butt the last few days just show that I did something productive. I would *never* waste company time and money just because I'm bored.
This weekend was lots of fun! A surprise birthday party for Amanda was on Saturday, and I did *not* lie to her all day via text message to keep it a secret. I would *never* deceive my friends for a noble cause. Also, I did *not* have three friends barfing at the end of the night. I would *never* let guests over indulge in alcohol to the point of sickness.
Fathers day was nice! We went out to Landry's in Kemah for some great seafood. I did *not* have beer with lunch. I would *never* deviate from my eating plan. I have a figure to watch!
That's what I've *not* been doing, and I'm very proud to have acted so mature over the past week. ;)
After being so dedicated to meal planning, I definitely did *not* whine about it every night. I certainly do *not* feel trapped by routine. Mark and our budget have definitely improved with this new plan of action, and I would *never* consider just throwing that out the window. I'm *not* a crazy lady.
Dr. Williams is back today from his vacation! I have *not* been slacking off and playing on facebook the entire time he was away. As a result, I did *not* have to bust my butt the last few days just show that I did something productive. I would *never* waste company time and money just because I'm bored.
This weekend was lots of fun! A surprise birthday party for Amanda was on Saturday, and I did *not* lie to her all day via text message to keep it a secret. I would *never* deceive my friends for a noble cause. Also, I did *not* have three friends barfing at the end of the night. I would *never* let guests over indulge in alcohol to the point of sickness.
Fathers day was nice! We went out to Landry's in Kemah for some great seafood. I did *not* have beer with lunch. I would *never* deviate from my eating plan. I have a figure to watch!
That's what I've *not* been doing, and I'm very proud to have acted so mature over the past week. ;)
Eating for two
Congratulations to me! I've been keeping up with our menu planning for two weeks now! Mark likes it, so even though it's a pain, it's here to stay. This week, I've made a this menu pool to choose from. Here it is...
Chicken with peppers and rice and steamed broccoli
Meatloaf with quinoa and baked cauliflower
Chicken with vegetables and pasta
Mahi Mahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Salsa verde pork with steamed spinach and rice
Leave a comment if you want me to post the recipe for any of these.
Chicken with peppers and rice and steamed broccoli
Meatloaf with quinoa and baked cauliflower
Chicken with vegetables and pasta
Mahi Mahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Salsa verde pork with steamed spinach and rice
Leave a comment if you want me to post the recipe for any of these.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Dinner Time - All the Time
Don't know if it's just me, but everyday when I come home the first thing I start is Dinner. I have to think about what to cook, how long it will take, prepare the day before (or end up making a trip to the store), and it feels like it never stops haunting me. I get bored with the same types of food, so I'm quite frequently trying to think of new recipes and how to make them healthy. I guess it's like cleaning or laundry: it never ends.
But enough with the bitchin'. I've got my food in the oven right now as I type. What's that? Already in the oven? Yes, and pretty much done, too. I know last night's crab cakes didn't turn out as firm as I'd have liked, but I'm giving Rachel Ray another chance. It's a 30 min meal, hence the amazing finishing time, and I'm feelin' lazy. SO, don't do me wrong a second time, Miss Rachel. ;)
Shepherd's Pie!
4 potatoes
1 cup light sour cream
pot o' water
Cube the potatoes and boil for like 12 minutes. Drain them and mash with sour cream.
1 lb ground beef
2 carrots diced
1 onion diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 clove of garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
Cook all this stuff together until it's done.
drizzle of olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Medium heat, cook flour in olive oil for a couple of minutes (starts to turn golden brown) then whisk in broth and sauce. Cook until it looks like gravy.
Now - mix the meat and vegs with the gravy. Put in a casserole dish. Layer the potatoes on top. Bake at 250 for however long you feel like.
Go sit down, have a beer, and blog about something.
I LOVE LAZY COOKING.
But enough with the bitchin'. I've got my food in the oven right now as I type. What's that? Already in the oven? Yes, and pretty much done, too. I know last night's crab cakes didn't turn out as firm as I'd have liked, but I'm giving Rachel Ray another chance. It's a 30 min meal, hence the amazing finishing time, and I'm feelin' lazy. SO, don't do me wrong a second time, Miss Rachel. ;)
Shepherd's Pie!
4 potatoes
1 cup light sour cream
pot o' water
Cube the potatoes and boil for like 12 minutes. Drain them and mash with sour cream.
1 lb ground beef
2 carrots diced
1 onion diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 clove of garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
Cook all this stuff together until it's done.
drizzle of olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Medium heat, cook flour in olive oil for a couple of minutes (starts to turn golden brown) then whisk in broth and sauce. Cook until it looks like gravy.
Now - mix the meat and vegs with the gravy. Put in a casserole dish. Layer the potatoes on top. Bake at 250 for however long you feel like.
Go sit down, have a beer, and blog about something.
I LOVE LAZY COOKING.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dinner Time!
In order to facilitate a healthier lifestyle, Mark and I have started Meal Planning! Grocery shopping will be more efficient, and we can be more careful about what we eat. This should make things much easier, right? Errr... Kind of. For some reason, I can come home and whip up dinner in a few moments without even thinking about it. When I start planning it out, I run dry on ideas.
Cookbooks are coming in handy now! Just scan through and pick a few. I have a couple of Rachel Ray cookbooks, but all her food seems to consist of some unhealthy main dish paired with some crazy salad. WTH, Rachel? You're not making this any better. What I've ended up doing is this: taking a couple of her recipes and making them healthy. For example, cutting out the extra butter, cheeses, and sauces she loves to top food with, and using whole grains and whole wheat instead of white breads and processed flour. Hmm... That's better!
So that I don't feel "blah" about meal planning, I've made a pool of recipes for the week. That way I can have a little bit of flexibility on what I feel like eating or cooking on a particular day. Planning out each day feels like a trap and makes me want to rebel. Instead, I just pick from a list and it's all good.
This week's recipe pool:
Crab cakes with quinoa and steamed spinach
MahiMahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Shepherd's Pie
Turkey Burgers
Spaghetti with chicken, mushroom, and onion, with tomato sauce
Tonight is Crab Cakes!
Another incentive to cook more and eat out less (saving lots of money!) is this great new Chef's Mat Mark purchased for me! It's filled with a wondrous gel that makes my feet feel cushy! I very sincerely believe that everyone should go to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchase your own. It takes the tired feeling away from your feet, knees, and hips while you slave over a hot stove.
And then it doesn't even feel like "slaving" anymore. ;)
Cookbooks are coming in handy now! Just scan through and pick a few. I have a couple of Rachel Ray cookbooks, but all her food seems to consist of some unhealthy main dish paired with some crazy salad. WTH, Rachel? You're not making this any better. What I've ended up doing is this: taking a couple of her recipes and making them healthy. For example, cutting out the extra butter, cheeses, and sauces she loves to top food with, and using whole grains and whole wheat instead of white breads and processed flour. Hmm... That's better!
So that I don't feel "blah" about meal planning, I've made a pool of recipes for the week. That way I can have a little bit of flexibility on what I feel like eating or cooking on a particular day. Planning out each day feels like a trap and makes me want to rebel. Instead, I just pick from a list and it's all good.
This week's recipe pool:
Crab cakes with quinoa and steamed spinach
MahiMahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Shepherd's Pie
Turkey Burgers
Spaghetti with chicken, mushroom, and onion, with tomato sauce
Tonight is Crab Cakes!
Another incentive to cook more and eat out less (saving lots of money!) is this great new Chef's Mat Mark purchased for me! It's filled with a wondrous gel that makes my feet feel cushy! I very sincerely believe that everyone should go to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchase your own. It takes the tired feeling away from your feet, knees, and hips while you slave over a hot stove.
And then it doesn't even feel like "slaving" anymore. ;)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Trolling is bad... so very bad
Trolling is never nice. Sometimes I do and don't mean to, and other times I'm just feeling bitchy and do it anyway. I've gotten into a couple of times on theknot.com's snarky bride board, and twice on facebook. The first time on facebook was an accident, but this second time (today) was definitely on purpose. I feel kinda bad, but I feel little better in a way.
Long story short, a friend said she was frustrated by someone trash talking her. Someone commented and said to kill them with kindness. I commented and said to quietly sabotage them. Then I get my ass jumped for giving bad advice. Original poster knew I was joking (any of my friends would), so I pointed that out... and then told her to un-wad her panties. Then the madness begun (apparently I dissed an "aunt")...
Rachel I want to beat this little girl that is talking shit.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
To Alcohol!
So... from my last blog post, I'm taking a good hard look at my eating habits. I had a talk and a boo-hoo whine with Mark late in to the night. Ha ha ha, I was never counting calories from all the alcohol I drink! A couple of beers here, a glass of wine there, and etc, really add up. While my eating habits are great, my drinking habits... not so much. ;) But I'm working on that.
I have a rough plan here. I can either cut out drinking (boo!) or drink less and exercise more. While I do hate exercising, I do love to drink. I'll cut out drinking for a little while, then try drinking lower calorie drinks and exercising a bit more. There's no point in working so hard and then sabotaging myself with alcoholic beverages. Tasty, tasty sabotage!
Also, my list of things to do before I have kids is still sitting there with nothing checked off. I swear I will finish that painting by tomorrow, even if it takes all night and a few pots of coffee. Pictures WILL be posted!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Health and Nutrition
Lookin' Good Ma'am! Well, it is a very flattering angle, and I am wearing a pretty dress... and lots of people in my life tell me I look great! I feel great too! But... after talking to my doctor, things aren't so great after all.
All I've ever done is fad dieting, and eating consciously in between crazy diets. The truth of the matter is it's not healthy. What I eat in between dieting is actually way better than the dieting itself. Have oatmeal with dried fruit in the morning, last night's dinner for lunch, low fat yogurt as a snack, and then another round of lean meat with vegetables for dinner. I don't use butter, sometimes a bit of EVOO, not a lot of salt, the carbs are whole grain... so why doesn't it work well? I lose more weight when dieting - which is really bad for my liver, apparently!
With eating right (I estimated about 1300 calories a day), I lose about 1/2 pound per month (with sporadic exercise). Hmmmm... at that rate my doc says it should take about 10 years to reach a healthy weight. Damn that's so totally lame. Doc wants me to get blood work to see if it's a thyroid issue, but I honestly think that is a total cop out. Seriously, fat people that say "I have thyroid problems" just sound lazy - like it totally justifies being fat. WHATEVER, 'cause it really doesn't. I don't want to be "thyroid issues fat chick" - that is so much lame sauce.
Anyway, I think I might be missing something here. So! Miss Kristin-pants at Just Thinking has inspired me to really take a look at what I eat and cook down to every ingredient and portion. The answer will be revealed. Ugh... but it's going to be a pain in my butt to measure and record everything. I have a feeling it will do me some good though.
And while I'm on the subject... dang Mark! I make a small adjustment to our eating habits and that fool loses weight and looks great like nobody's business. I will get him for this; I really really will. *shakes fist in air*
Ha ha, but seriously. I am going to really watch what I put into my body and start exercising with more regularity. Luckily, my gym offers free classes (like body bump) and my man likes some junk in the trunk.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Letting Go
I needed to get this off my chest - so I sent a letter. I still can't talk to my grandma until I cool down some more. Hopefully she realizes the severity of her actions. I've already sent this in the mail, and I feel much better.
Grandma Ginger –
I’m writing you this letter because I’m too hurt to talk to you about this. I talked to mom about why you left my wedding. Mark and I cannot express how hurt and disappointed we are that you skipped out on the rest of our wedding day. Everything ended at 7 pm. The last dance, us going around to visit everyone, throwing rice, the get away car – all this was missed. Not only did you miss out on these things, but you took away my mother on the most important day of her daughter’s life.
I thank the lord every day that I didn’t hear about what you said or why you left until after the wedding and honeymoon. If I had known on that day, I would have cried and it would have absolutely ruined my wedding.
Alicia
Grandma Ginger –
I’m writing you this letter because I’m too hurt to talk to you about this. I talked to mom about why you left my wedding. Mark and I cannot express how hurt and disappointed we are that you skipped out on the rest of our wedding day. Everything ended at 7 pm. The last dance, us going around to visit everyone, throwing rice, the get away car – all this was missed. Not only did you miss out on these things, but you took away my mother on the most important day of her daughter’s life.
I thank the lord every day that I didn’t hear about what you said or why you left until after the wedding and honeymoon. If I had known on that day, I would have cried and it would have absolutely ruined my wedding.
Alicia
Monday, May 24, 2010
No More!
No More Room Mate!!! Married Life will finally begin! I’ve had a room mate for about a month since the wedding, and as of today he will be gone for good! I can finally get my house back in order, unpack some wedding gifts, rearrange the craft room, and do some spring cleaning. Not only that, but I will be living with my husband instead of my husband plus a room mate. Oh, happy day!!
No more cooking for more than two. No more empty soda cans and taco bell cups lying about. No more sharing my dining room with a computer. No more sacrificing my living room for a cot. No more sharing the bathroom with anyone else besides my husband. No more washer and dryer madness. No more having to wear clothes all the time. No more chitter chatter every time I come home. No more supporting a grown child. No more of that room mate smell on my couch. No more going to bed just to sleep.
Needless to say, I am very excited and relieved to have the house all to myself again. And if you’re reading this, room mate, don’t get mad. I still count you as a friend, and you are still a good person. I just want and need to start my married life with only me and my husband. You’ll understand one day when you meet that special woman you can’t imagine living without, and all you want to see is her.
No more cooking for more than two. No more empty soda cans and taco bell cups lying about. No more sharing my dining room with a computer. No more sacrificing my living room for a cot. No more sharing the bathroom with anyone else besides my husband. No more washer and dryer madness. No more having to wear clothes all the time. No more chitter chatter every time I come home. No more supporting a grown child. No more of that room mate smell on my couch. No more going to bed just to sleep.
Needless to say, I am very excited and relieved to have the house all to myself again. And if you’re reading this, room mate, don’t get mad. I still count you as a friend, and you are still a good person. I just want and need to start my married life with only me and my husband. You’ll understand one day when you meet that special woman you can’t imagine living without, and all you want to see is her.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Before I have kids...
I just found out that a friend of mine is pregnant – congrats to her! But, it got me to thinking… what would I do in that situation? It was unexpected, so the time will fly by for her. Next thing you know, she will be bringing a new life into the world. Goodness, there are so many things I want to accomplish before I start a family! I’ve seen a few “before I’m 30” and “things to do before I die” lists, and I’ve decided to make my own. This is a list of things to accomplish before I start a family. Now that life has decided to settle down (i.e. I’m not planning a wedding or waiting for Mark to graduate and get a job), I think I will have the time and support from my dear husband to accomplish my goals. Hopefully they aren’t too lofty.
-Visit a Psychic or Taoist mystic
-Go sky-diving
-Take a trip out of the country
-Go to college
-Buy a house
-Drive and own a motorcycle
-Make my own beer
-Paint something that’s worth hanging in my home
-Attend a major sporting event
-Commission a special painting
-Write a fan letter to Alan Rickman
-Go to a major concert
-Drink beer at Oktoberfest
-Spend a night in a haunted house
-Write my will
-Gamble at a Casino
-Play the lottery
-Learn to cook and bake from scratch
-Take swing dancing lessons
-Go to a play or the opera with Mark
I’m already working on the painting, and have tickets to the Lady GaGa concert this summer – so that scratches off a couple of points. Ha ha, there are only 20! I usually do what I want when I want to, so that probably makes for a more manageable list. I may add more if I think of anything, but this looks pretty good for now.
-Visit a Psychic or Taoist mystic
-Go sky-diving
-Take a trip out of the country
-Go to college
-Buy a house
-Drive and own a motorcycle
-Make my own beer
-Paint something that’s worth hanging in my home
-Attend a major sporting event
-Commission a special painting
-Write a fan letter to Alan Rickman
-Go to a major concert
-Drink beer at Oktoberfest
-Spend a night in a haunted house
-Write my will
-Gamble at a Casino
-Play the lottery
-Learn to cook and bake from scratch
-Take swing dancing lessons
-Go to a play or the opera with Mark
I’m already working on the painting, and have tickets to the Lady GaGa concert this summer – so that scratches off a couple of points. Ha ha, there are only 20! I usually do what I want when I want to, so that probably makes for a more manageable list. I may add more if I think of anything, but this looks pretty good for now.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
How to start?
Here, I plan to let it all go - my insane thoughts about life, family, schemes, adventures, drama, EVERYTHING. So, let's get started.
I had a dream this morning that I was walking around the house naked and my room mate came home, seeing me in my birthday suit. I woke up startled. The first thing I thought to myself was "I won't be that careless until he's out for good... or at least lock the top lock on the door." Dreaming such things and ignoring my alarm clock put me behind schedule, so I jumped up and went into my craft room to grab my new shampoo - I had the urge to smell differently today. Guess what happened? I walked in on my room mate getting dressed. I saw the poor guy in his underwear (at least he was wearing that much).
I feel like I warned myself, and then ignored my own warning. My crazy dreaming mind was trying to tell me that what I was about to do was a bad idea. I should listen to myself more often. I eagerly await the day I can walk around naked freely and cook dinner every night in my underwear. I plan on making different aprons to match my different lingerie.
On to a more depressing subject. My mom and Grandma came late and left early on my wedding day. I asked my mom about it and she told me a very interesting story. Apparently, my Grandmother told her that my program said I wouldn't be opening presents until 9:00pm and that the party wouldn't end until 3:00am - so she just wanted to go then. Of course, I checked my program, and it said no such thing. (And who opens presents at the wedding? That's terrible etiquette...) They left at 6:00pm (I think) and my reception ended at 7:00pm.
They missed out on the last dance, final farewells and kisses, throwing rice, the get away car, and so much more. Which one is fibbing, and why do they feel the need to fib? I think I will just let this one go. If my own family feels the need to lie to me and skip out on my wedding, then so be it. Ah, well - I still love them all. Besides, I'm starting my own family now. ...And believe me - I won't be skipping out on my son's/daughter's wedding for any reason. If I'm dead, I will haunt the ceremony and reception, but damn it I will be there.
On a brighter note - I'm making stir fry with rice tonight. I love rice!
I had a dream this morning that I was walking around the house naked and my room mate came home, seeing me in my birthday suit. I woke up startled. The first thing I thought to myself was "I won't be that careless until he's out for good... or at least lock the top lock on the door." Dreaming such things and ignoring my alarm clock put me behind schedule, so I jumped up and went into my craft room to grab my new shampoo - I had the urge to smell differently today. Guess what happened? I walked in on my room mate getting dressed. I saw the poor guy in his underwear (at least he was wearing that much).
I feel like I warned myself, and then ignored my own warning. My crazy dreaming mind was trying to tell me that what I was about to do was a bad idea. I should listen to myself more often. I eagerly await the day I can walk around naked freely and cook dinner every night in my underwear. I plan on making different aprons to match my different lingerie.
On to a more depressing subject. My mom and Grandma came late and left early on my wedding day. I asked my mom about it and she told me a very interesting story. Apparently, my Grandmother told her that my program said I wouldn't be opening presents until 9:00pm and that the party wouldn't end until 3:00am - so she just wanted to go then. Of course, I checked my program, and it said no such thing. (And who opens presents at the wedding? That's terrible etiquette...) They left at 6:00pm (I think) and my reception ended at 7:00pm.
They missed out on the last dance, final farewells and kisses, throwing rice, the get away car, and so much more. Which one is fibbing, and why do they feel the need to fib? I think I will just let this one go. If my own family feels the need to lie to me and skip out on my wedding, then so be it. Ah, well - I still love them all. Besides, I'm starting my own family now. ...And believe me - I won't be skipping out on my son's/daughter's wedding for any reason. If I'm dead, I will haunt the ceremony and reception, but damn it I will be there.
On a brighter note - I'm making stir fry with rice tonight. I love rice!
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