Mrs.Chapin Says

I Owe, I Owe, So Off to Work I Go

2009-02-20T19:15:00.002-05:00

Well, let me start off by saying the last 6 months have been awesome. I have enjoyed sleeping till 9, lazing around the house, and spending all day doing whatever I wanted to. But the fun must come to an end. I've got a job now.
I've gone back to work as a CNA at my first nursing home. It's like going home. I know the management team, they haven't changed much. The nurses haven't changed much. At least 25% of the staff and residents haven't changed either.
It's good to go home.
Good, but tiring. I got up at 4:55am today and that's my new waking time. Yipee skipee.
Good news is I get out of work at 2pm. Pretty cool, huh?
I'm very tired and the words aren't coming easy. I'm gonna go take a nap now.

Yes, I'm Writing More Posts...

2009-02-15T11:57:00.003-05:00

I have not been doing things this week....or last....as you can tell from my lack of updates. I did finally get new shoes, but I haven't been able to use them yet. First our car had some issues, then my body decided to have some issues. So I am now on a course of heavy anti-biotics (seriously, I get to take 6 pills/day for the next 10-20 days!) and am already feeling much better.
But I don't know how soon I can get back into running. I feel like I have missed so much and probably lost a lot of the ground I had gained, so I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with the training. But don't you worry, I'm not going to let fear stop me, I am committed to run 15.5 miles in May so I'd better get back on track. I'm going to wait another few days and see how I feel. I want to make sure I am well on the mend before going back to the gym, but don't want to wait too long... Hard to start again once you've stopped. The key is not to ever stop. . . Silly life getting in the way....

But My Feet Hurt & I Can't Breath!

2009-02-05T20:21:00.002-05:00

It's seems as I if I have become a little lazy. I haven't been to the gym in 2 days and tomorrow's not looking good either. Not in the a.m. anyways. I won't go running until I get new shoes to avoid more blisters. Blisters Hurt!
I want to go to Grandville and exchange my shoes. Then I want to go to Hudsonville and turn in my application to the Laurels (my old boss offered me my old job back over facebook on Sunday, I stopped in on Monday and picked up an app, but haven't made it back yet...), and finally spend some unpressed time (no class to run too) at my big sister's house. I love spending time with her doing nothing.
I'm kinda putting off going to the Laurels, I'm going to miss my free time, hanging out a home. But I will like the money and the health insurance we will receive. I know hubby is looking forward to that. Therefore, going to Striders has been put off as well. Not good. Gotta keep running. I made a commitment to Lil Sister.
I've agreed to drive the evil Cougar, just for a month or so. I'm going to set aside my first couple of paychecks to buy a "new to me" car. In the meantime, I drive around in the Cougar, freezing in this silly cold weather. Oh yes, yesterday Hubby and I both woke up with a cold, and we can't breath properly anymore.
So I've been naughty but my feet hurt and I can't breath.

Hee Hee, more stuff from Nike+

2009-02-02T20:56:00.002-05:00

Found a new widget, had to use it. My new goal is to burn 3500 calories in 4 weeks. The Nike+ says that I burned 830 Calories (!) on my 6 mile run, and today's 3 mile run took 438 so I think it is very possible for me to burn them all in the next 28 days.
Why 3500? Because I read that one pound of body fat is equal to 3500 Calories. I think it will be fun to watch the little meter fill up. I keep my copy of the training program on the wall in my bedroom, and I check off each day when I finish run. I really like seeing all the little check marks in a row, it brings me a sense of satisfaction, recognition for the things I have done.
I tried running with the large bandage today. No good. So I went to Striders in Grandville and got an anti-chaffing stick. I hope it works, the chaffing is very bothersome. The nice people at Striders also helped me with my new blister problem (new shoes are giving me blisters after 2 miles on the arch of my left foot). I have till Feb 14 to decide whether or not I keep the shoes, in the mean time I am going to try special tight water wicking socks when I run. The cotton socks may be the problem.
The only pain I should have to endure while running is the burn of my muscles. Not chaffing of the arm, or blisters on the arch of my foot (what a crazy crazy place to have blisters!!). I gotta hold my arm up and out at a strange angle to prevent further damage, it's uncomfortable and stupid looking.

We're back together! I heart Nike+ !

2009-02-01T09:50:00.004-05:00

My long run went very well yesterday. I got to the gym and it was packed. It took forever to find parking and there were no available treadmills, so I just hit the track with my sensor in it's new place on top of my shoe. It worked perfectly.
It announced every mile as I finished them, and at the end it started with 500 meters to go, then 400, 300, 200, 100.....Finished! I whooped and pumped my hands in the air as about a hundred people looked on. It feels oh so good to finish my goal, a little weird to celebrate it in front of so many people. It was a good run.
I am having a sensitive skin issue, though. My brand new awesome pink running shirt is rubbing my inner arm raw, the seam of the body of the shirt rubs against my damp skin and isn't good. I am going to try: 1. a large sheer bandage over the area (not sure how well it'll stay attached through it all, could it ultimately cause more problems? ) 2. Vaseline (afraid of grease stains and washing it off of my skin!) or 3. Commercially produced anti-chaffing stick (afraid to pay for something that might not work). I'll try em that order, too. I don't want to buy any more things for running. It's ridiculous already.
The track wasn't as busy as last week, maybe because I went hours earlier than I usually do. I'm going to have to start going very early in the morning if I want to avoid driving the Cougar again.
Which I really really do want to avoid, very much.
After my workout I went to Big Sister's house where she was throwing a birthday party for her (almost!) 8 year old daughter (actual b-day is tomorrow) , and 14 of her closest friends (her 6 year old lil sister included). I got there after the party had been underway for about an hour and the pizza was just being served. I got to help with the pinata. It was so fun blindfolding and directing the little girls, then running away to avoid being whacked by a blindfolded and determined 7 year old.
Birthday girl was so sweet and kind to her little friends, we had a great time playing games and getting to know her little friends. I really enjoyed it.
After the party I met my husband at his parents house, conveniently located 3-4 minutes away from big sister's. We went out to dinner with his parents and their parents at the Texas Roadhouse (for his birthday). I chatted through dinner about my running (they don't read this blog, soThey didn't even know I started running.) I told them about the blog a few times (as my Hubby has also) and they say something along the lines of "Oh, on the Internet? Hmm" not big web users... I also don't think they understand the concept of a blog. They all have computers and good ones too, Husband and his father work hard to make it so, but it doesn't mean they understand fully how to use them). Oh well. I certainly have a lot more "fresh material" to talk about when I do see them. We had a nice dinner, and Hubby got nice presents.
Husband got some new work clothes, computer parts, an ironing board (really. An ironing board. I got an iron but had no board. Now I do! Yea!), and some playing cards he collects. He also got a big box full of candy (he's got a sweet tooth for sure). I think they believe I don't allow sugar in my house. I'm pretty sure they have the wrong idea of what I think is healthy foods. They know I try to be careful about what I eat, and that I won't buy certain things (like chocolates, pop or pre made cookies) and I think they believe me to be a food Nazi.
I'm just trying to be healthy because I've seen what happens to human bodies that aren't taken care of. I've met and taken of the 400+lb lady. I've met and taken care of diabetic men who pay no heed to their diets and go into diabetic shock on almost a regular basis. I know what happens when you refuse to drink water and eat your vegetables (colostomy is not for me).
You'll NEVER get me into a nursing home. Mark my words, NEVER
In a world with no consequences I would be a chain smoking fool. I would drink till I fell over every day. I would never put down the sweets or the breads slathered with butter. The comfort foods, the pastas, the sugar sugar sugar.
I digress. . . .
We had a nice time last night and I enjoyed it very much. I had a nice day yesterday and today I am going out with Miss Jessa to get pedicures while our men play games that do not interest us (or rather, do not interest me. I cannot speak for Miss J as I have no idea what she thinks of the games they play). I think they might watch the SuperBowl, too. I just have no interest in sports at all, so I don't care. I like the commercials, they are usually pretty funny, but if people are really into the game, I shouldn't be there becuase I will eventually anger them by talking during the game. No superbowl parties for Erin.
And today, there is no running. Ahhh. relaxing.

I'm breaking up with Nike+ and iPod

2009-01-30T13:59:00.005-05:00

Okay, I won't break up. But we are definitely fighting!
Yesterday I went to the Y around 2. I had all my shiny new belongings all ready to roll, eager to hit the track and not have to worry about keeping track of my rounds. My shiny new iPod in hand, Nike+ sensor sewn neatly into its own pouch and attached to the inside heel of my brand new left shoe. I'm dressed in my brand new bright pink and black racing back top (wicking, of course) with my shiny new black running pants, so long they actually skim the top of my new shoes. Ahhh. So awesome!!

I stretch, hit the track, walk a warm up round or two, get the iPod set to work out mode and cross the "starting line". I start the work out program (distance, 2 miles) and begin running around the track. I've got 14 laps to go. At every other lap I hit the center button to place a marker and hear run stats. A pleasant female voices informs me of how many miles I've run, how long I've been running, and what my current pace is. The first two seem okay, but then I start to realize I've gone at least 5 laps and haven't heard the half mile announcement Colleen told me about. Well, maybe it's different.... I keep running. After another 4 laps or so (I wasn't counting, why should I?) and it announces "half mile" - What?- Oh no, it's been much, much more than a half a mile! And that's when I realize, it's just not working right. I generally run a 10:30 mile, and the iPod at least is keeping the time correctly. I run a straight 20 mins, close enough to 2 miles. When the 20 mins were up, I walked a fast lap and then my powersong came on (just dance, by lady gaga) and I ran as fast and as hard as I could for at least a quarter of the track, backed down a little and finished the extra lap. That should make up for any distance missed, if you ask me.

Disappointment hardly covers the way I feel about the Nike+ sensor. I got the iPod to get the Nike+ kit, and the dang thing doesn't work! I could have gotten a lot more clothes, and some new shoes for what I paid to have this new toy, and it just isn't working. Still, I think maybe it's just not calibrated correctly. I'll try again tomorrow.

I get out to my car, boy, did I ever tell you about the Cougar? It's a rather evil car that belongs to my husband. The drivers side door and window both don't work. That's right. The door doesn't open and the window only stays up (for now, at least...). So I clamber in through the passenger side door, lift my self booty first over the console and into the drivers seat, and then try very very carefully to keep my dirty wet boots off of the car seats while I pull my legs into the drivers side of the car. Not so terrible in the summer, evil in the winter as I am constricted by the many layers of cold necessary to stay warm. And of course, the radiator is messed up (?) and the car doesn't heat up. Hardly ever. Even driving 15 miles down the expressway at 70 miles and hour, the car never gives off heat. Except of course, if it's summer. Then the car overheats and can't go over 55 or it'll explode (or massively overheat, whatever you like to call it. I like the explode, it's has more drama).

So I get in and sit down, get the key in and turn it and ....... nothing.......!!!!! I had left the headlights on while I was working out. I had 20 minutes to get to campus, park, and get in my seat for my Business Math test (in case you were wondering, this is exactly the class where I have thoroughly unimpressed my teacher due to a great combination of my forgetfulness and very bad luck equalling missing class and being very, very late) and I had left the headlights on. The battery was drained and my car won't start. So I climb back out of the cumbersome vehicle and run back into the Y. The ground was wet and slushy and my pants we getting soaked. Ew. Mushy dirty snow/salt mix. The nice people inside very conveniently have a battery jumper to help out forgetful Y patrons like myself. They were kind and relatively quick, now I had 10 min to get to campus, park and run to class, and I had already run my frustrating two miles earlier. Once the car was running, I recklessly drove towards campus. I ended up parking in downtown, just one block up from a very steep hill to the building I needed to be in. So I took the miraculous parking space and frantically climbed out the car. I had 5 minutes to pump some change in the meter, run up the hill, up two flights of stairs and across the building to my class. I pulled out my change and began pumping it in at random until at least one hour was paid up. I j-walked across the street and began to run up the hill. It was horrible. I was wearing boots and long pants, still all wet and gross and getting more so from the sidewalk. I was tired from just having completed my 2 mile run at the Y. I was going to be late again. I made it all that way in about 7 mins, got to my seat all red faced and breathing hard (and I indeed have an assigned seat in the very front row). Mercifully, there was only about 20-30 mins of talk time pre-test (I could hardly sit still and kept casting anxious looks at the clock, calculating time needed to take a test and time left on the meter) and the test was finally administered. I tried to block out the time once I got the test. No need to blow the test over a $7 ticket, trying to beat the clock. The test was very easy. I'm confident I aced it. I knew the material and double checked method and math. It all checked out, even the extra credit. Gonna need that to make up for the Zero on the first test.

I finished the test at about the time the meter ran out. I doubled checked the test anyways, it's all ready too late to beat the meter. I turned in my test and left. I wove my way through the building and down the stairs, down the steep hill back to my car. Walking back was much easier than the walk up, thank goodness.There were three parking spaces on the right hand side of the row, and mine was the third. I notice the bright green parking ticket on the front of the large van parked in the first spot (ooh!!!) and strained to see the next car and ultimately, mine. Thankfully we both sported a neon green free windshield. No ticket. I got into the car without further incident, I thankfully made it home.

Once home, I played with my iTune library, organizing my music, and importing new playlists for the rest of the night. My hubby even had to make dinner. I'm so thankful for him, he knows when I am hyper focused and just lets me be. He really understands me and for some reason he still loves me. I am so lucky to have him.

As I slept I dreamed of organizing my home as if it were on iTunes. That's crazy, I know, but dreams don't have to make sense. I dreamed about hanging out with President Obama and his wife the night before last. They were very nice and we all had a great time talking.

What a day.

Today, I went to the Y, thinking of how I will re-calibrate the Nike+ sensor and it will work. I even opted for a treadmill instead of the usual track to try to calibrate with more precision. I ran steady for one mile on the treadmill, carefully programed the iPod to calibrate for one mile and I did my best to be fast and consistent. I did not fail. The Nike+ sensor did, however. I was crushed and angry, so I put on my powersong and ran as hard and as fast as I could and then tried to keep and accelerated pace for a quarter mile. I didn't quite make it, but the treadmill suddenly stopped (it was only programmed to go 1 mile, then cool down. apparently cool down time was OVER). I wanted to get home and search the Internet to see if others were having the same inaccuracy problems that I was having with the sensor. It didn't calibrate or match up at all.

I climb through the evil car, pull the door shut and it made a dull thud, a very wrong noise. It didn't close, instead choosing to bounce back open, and refusing to close. The passenger side door has decided to have the same problem that the drivers side door does. To close it you must also lift up, as the door is sagging on the hinge at not lining up right with the catch. I seriously almost cried. Luckily the window on that side of the car still works, so I got it down and after several tries I got the door somewhat closed. Enough to stay put, yet not enough to stop the car from dinging and refusing to believe the door is closed. (sure, now it dings. Not when you leave the lights on and don't know it, but when something you are already aware of, great alarm system there) So all the way home I hear Ding...................Ding..................Ding.............Ding............Ding........Ding...........Ding........Ding

I abandoned the car in the driveway, stomped into the house and told my husband I would not ever drive that evil car again. I gave him the keys, told him where I left it and went to the office to see what the Internet had to say about the sensor issue.

Did I mention I'm so lucky to have him? I'm so lucky to have him. He went outside and played shuffle the cars in the crowded parking area to get the evil Cougar in the garage and the nice Bonneville behind it. Then he came in the house and helped me find the right web site which pointed out that the sensor should be orange side up and not one the side of the shoe. Oh! I managed to put the sensor in a crazy place by sewing a custom fit pouch around the sensor and sewing the pouch to the side of the shoe (so it didn't poke into my foot). Now I have it pinned it to the top of the shoe, through the laces, with the orange side up for sure (I had Hubby watch me to make sure it went on right)(I'll post a pic later). We'll see tomorrow; it's a 6 mile day. Tomorrow I am going back to the treadmill for mile #1. I'll re-calibrate. This should fix the problem. If it doesn't, I'm going to change the position of the sensor with my safety pins and try again. I got 6 tries. If it fails, which I don't think it will, I'm going to complain to the Apple store guys. If I get it calibrated correctly, placed correctly, and reading correctly, I will go to the track and finish how ever many more miles I have to go to get my 6 miles total. Hopefully the third try is the charm.

I really hope it is....

I Heart Nike and iPod

2009-01-28T22:50:00.005-05:00

So it turns out that Nike and iPod are good buddies. Do you see my new widget? Pretty neat, huh? It's making fun of me right now, because I only had to run a mile today. It only says a 1/2 a mile because the other 1/2 mile was to calibrate it. All I had to do was run a mile and walk 30 mins today. (I did my walking at the mall. So fun!)
The widget will update every time I sync my iPod and it will show what I've run, how far I've run, and what my timing is. I even got to make the little avitar.
Anyways, the Nike+ and iPod is like an expensive and interactive pedometer. It tracks how far I've run and how fast. There's a little plug that goes in the bottom of my iPod and a sensor that goes in my shoe. I made a little pouch with some leftover fabric from Lil' Sister's scrubs project (Which I finished, BTW) and hand sewed it to my new Asics running shoes. I'd post a pic, but my camera batteries have died and I am all out of batteries. Next time...
The shoes have a sort of mesh material on the outside on parts, so I sewed the pouch directly to the mesh at opposite corners. It'll be very easy to remove it if it doesn't work out so well. We'll see tomorrow, huh? I'm real excited to see how many things this program can do, and it should keep us entertained, at any rate. Wish me luck!
I missed Tuesday's run because I stayed out late on Monday (for hubby's BDay) and I didn't want to get up at 8:30 or 10:30. (gotta get the pics off of Lil' Sister's camera, I'll post pics when I do) Then I never made it to the gym. It's okay, I went back today and I'll go back tomorrow. I gotta get that widget to stop insulting me... At least I know it will stop teasing me after Saturday when I run a 6 mile stint.
The Nike + actually has voice overs periodically where it encourages me to keep going with recordings from famous athletes and such. I haven't heard it yet, but Colleen told me all about it and I think I am going to like it. At the end of a work out it gives me a full summary. I'm interested in seeing what tomorrow brings! Well, I'm gonna go to bed now. Good nite, blog readers. :)

Move Those Crazy Legs!

2009-01-25T10:46:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was the longest run I've ever done. I had to go 5 miles, and I decided to break it up into 4 parts -

Walk 2 laps, Run 16, Walk 2, Run 15 = 35 laps; 7 laps/mile; 5 miles total. I averaged around 10 1/2 minutes/mile.

The Y is very busy on weekends, the track has at least 2x as many runners on it, and there were 2 boys basketball games going on. The bb players looked about 10-12 and all their parents & siblings were crowded around the courts. There was one little boy in particular who couldn't stay off the railing dividing the track from the bb courts. He looked about 6 or 7, had kinda shaggy blonde hair and thick circular black glasses. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt with shorts and big boots, all unlaced and floppy. I had fun watching him climb all over and forget he was on the running track until one of us would have a near collision with him.

It was a pretty hard run. The track was crowded, there were runners ranging from 10 - 80, painstakingly slow to enviously fast. It was hard to weave through them and at first I was annoyed. I'm here 6 days a week, this is my track, get out of my way! But then I realized that the day of the big race there will be hundreds if not thousands of people around me, next to me, in front of me - I may as well get used to it now. So I stopped being annoyed and focused on me -raising my knees higher, rolling my feet, breathing deeply and rhythmically, and not leaning forward. I got a bunch more of the Nike + running playlists and found an awesome one by LCD Soundsystem. It had a nice heavy beat to set my pace to, and every now and again the lyrics are real encouraging. The lyrics seem to come when I need them the most. So awesome.

I can't wait to get more workout clothes. I already have such sensitive skin, the sweaty arms doesn't do me a lot of good. They rub on the seam of the shirt, or if the shirt has a no sleeves, the seam from my sports bra rubs on my inner arm and I get very sore chapped skin. I borrowed a wicking T Shirt from my husband (complete with coffee stains down front) and unfortunately it works great to prevent that. My sensitive skin is so funny to me, but I must look crazy to the people in the locker room when I get out of my post work out shower, all covered in red lines that look like welts across my legs and arms from the puff ball wrapped in the provided hand towel sized towels, trying to keep my bum from peeking out... Hee Hee. Oh well.

I keep trying not weigh myself, but it's hard. I really haven't lost that much weight, but I am pretty sure my tummy got a little smaller. Sweet. That really helps to motivate me to keep at it. The training seems to be going along at just the right pace. I really have to push myself to complete the work out each day, yet I never get overly sore. The kind of sore when it hurts to laugh or walk or move at all. I always feel great when I finish my runs on Saturday and even look forward to them.

My lil sister got info in the mail about the Irish Jig 5K, so I looked into it online. It's near my Dad's birthday this year! March 21, 2009, day before his BDay. I am positively geeked about running it. I hope by then I am able to run a little harder and get closer to 9 minute miles, it's only 3.2 miles long!. That would be so cool. I will just try my best and be happy that I finished it. When I had about a mile to go on Saturday I wanted to stop so badly. I kept trying to convince myself to walk a lap, just one, it'll be fine. But I don't want to give in. I can withstand the cravings of nicotine, I can make it another lap. So I started to visualize a mile long road a head of me. Spectators crowding each side, cheering on the runners. As I made through lap after lap I pushed myself further down the road until I could see the finish line, complete with tape across it. I never stopped running. I made it across and in my overactive imagination the people cheered for me, including my husband and my dad, and I seriously almost cried! I was so happy and so proud that I finished it. silly emotional girl, it's just a running track. . . I am starting to really enjoy all this running.

Monday is my hubby's birthday and I am so excited. We are planning on going out to dinner at our favorite date night restaurant with our friends to the Walldorff in Hastings. They make their own beer, which Phil really enjoys and so do I. We used to go up on the occasional Tuesday(they had $2 off growlers on Tues) and get $7 growlers (1/2 gallon) of different beer and have a good dinner. Good price for beer, but long trip. The Walldorff also has great food, including delicious wood fire pizzas. They make an incredible Monte Cristo, pulled pork bbq, and practically everything I've ever ordered there is delicious and wonderful. They make a great mixed drinks, too. Fancy "X rated Cosmopolitans" (it had pomegranate juice, yum) and other names I can't remember but enjoyed drinking. Last year Phil's parents and sister went with us, that pic is at the Walldorff last year on Phil's BDay. I love all the drinks on the table. It looks like Phil and I were really drinking hard, but only one of the drinks is ours. This year 4 of our friends are coming along. I will try to take lots of pics to share with you later! I'm hoping to swap our car for mom's minivan so we can all ride together. That would be nice. I'm sure mom won't mind driving the Bonneville.

Run, Run, Run (away)

2009-01-21T09:22:00.004-05:00

Monday was a fun day. I ran for 30 minutes straight. Never done that before. I didn't count how many times I went around the track, but it was from 15-17 times, making it at least 2 miles, maybe a little more. That is a first for me! Again. It seems that I am going to have a lot of firsts over the next 4 months, up to and including the day of the race when I run 15.5 miles. I never do that in training. In fact the furthest I go is 14 miles 4 weeks before the race.

Today is a nice and steady 2 mile run.

I dreamed last night of the 5K Irish Jig. It was in Jenison, and you started warming up by running around with the other runners through the neighborhood, letting people know it is time to start. We ran over to the chamber of commerce (it was a maze of brown cubical walls, in ill repair, no one was doing anything but standing around and drinking coffee, and they didn't know when we would start or where to get the chronotrack tags for our shoes) and on the way I found I couldn't run. My legs were moving, but my feet weren't hitting the ground fast enough. I talked to Dad and he just shrugged and said, "try harder". We never made it to the race.

What an odd dream.

On another note, I've started school a few weeks ago. I've got 3 classes. One online class, Intro to business, which is going very well. I like it, the class seems intelligant and nice, and I got a good review on my first assignment. I really like online classes. The flexibility is awesome.

My second class, business English, meets once a week on Wednesdays and I've only been to one class so far. Today will make 2. It's easy and the teacher is very nice.

My third class, business math, is very easy. It meets 2x a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm not so used to the twice a week classes. I like once a week marathon sessions. Anyways, the teacher and I have gotten off on the wrong foot and there is nothing I do can fix it. Last Tuesday I showed up a few minutes late. First time I had to give my married name when in trouble. I got confused last week Thurs and tried to go to class 2 hours late (My Wednesday class starts at 5:45 and I am used to late night classes. This one starts at 3). I missed a test, unknowingly (I thought it was this Tuesday). Teacher doesn't let you make up tests (she has the personality of a HR director. ICE COLD AND UNFORGIVING) so I got a zero. Great. So I went out and got calenders (yes, plural) and wrote out my school schedule for the rest of the month so I would see it every day. I put it up on my marker board, too. Yesterday, some turd parked me into my driveway. Sounds like a weak excuse, huh? IT'S TRUE. I took pics to prove it. I ended up going to class an hour late (after much fretting and my hubby's urging, just go and explain what happened. Late is better than skipping). Great. After class I went to talk to the teacher, to tell her what happened to me, and she said "Let me direct you to my syllabus which states..." and I rudely interrupted her and said "I'm not looking for mercy or grace or asking you to change the rules for me, I just wanted to explain", upon which time she smiled her evil little smile and said "are you aware you missed a test last week?" I muttered something about having issues last week and just walked away. She thinks I am an irresponsible student, and even worse, a teenager, and that I just show up when ever I feel like. I tried to swap out of her class, but I couldn't do it. I'm 4 days too late. I could drop the class, but it would show on my record and I would not get a refund.

(SIGH)

So, I am going to just keep showing up, with special attention to time (15-20 mins early with novel in hand till class starts) and I am NEVER going to speak to her unless asked to do so. I'm already unable to get an A in this class, may as well flirt with a C by means of poor attitude. As long as I pass it'll be good enough.

The worst part is that the subject matter is SO EASY. The things we are discussing should be taught in junior high, not college. I hate feeling like this. I hate having problems like this. My hubby asked my why I care so much, and I said it's because I like school. Having a good rapport with my teachers is important to me! Well, you can't win them all.... It is just going to suck twice a week for the next 14 weeks.

Worse things could happen, right?

New Week, New Post

2009-01-19T11:21:00.003-05:00

I had a lovely time last night! Hubby and I went to our friends, the Irish's and had a nice time. We watched some football (sorta) and AFV where my Hubby's cousin won $10,000 for footage of his 11 month old son escaping from his crib. Very funny. I also got 3 of my book's back!

Last Saturday's run went so well! I got a Nike Run playlist and downloaded it on my MP3 player, devised a plan for my run (2 lap walk/ 11 lap run/ 2 lap walk/ 11 lap run/ 2 lap walk - 7 laps/mile) and I totally rocked it.

The playlist helped so much. I can't help but try to move to the beat. It was written by Crystal Method, who won a Grammy in 2005 for Best Electronic Music/Dance Album. The firts song was called "Starting Line" and the last one was called "Finishing Line". I can't wait to use it again. It was so much easier to move to the beat of the songs and I could let my mind wander and just keeping moving.

I focused on leaning back and picking up my knees higher while running. That will use more of my quads and less of my calves. The quads are big giant muscles that can take a lot of work. It's what they are for.

So I ran that 4 miles and felt great when I finished. I have never had a better run that I did on Saturday. I look forward to having more runs like that.

Bad Girl, No Biscuit!

2009-01-15T14:42:00.006-05:00

Hello people!

It has been almost 4 weeks since I posted to my blog! I know, bad girl, no biscuit!

It was a nice mix of no new projects (baking or sewing), the holidays (which just make me want to curl up and hide), and a good dose of "I don't feel like it."

But I'm back.

Anyways, I'm still training for the 25K (15.5 miles) run with Colleen. We meet at the YMCA every week day and run. I got a training schedule (5/3 bank mailed it me upon request, how nice!) and we follow it religiously. For now it's pretty "easy", but it won't be for long. Last week I could hardly walk for most of the week. This week has been much easier. I hope it stays that way. The training is pretty nice, here's what I did/will be doing this week:

Sunday - Off. Super easy, I totally didn't do any exercise

Monday - 2 Mile run ( We ran 1.5 miles straight and walked the rest)

Tuesday - 10 min run / 5 min walk / 10 min run (this was the hardest so far

Wednesday - 1 mile run (piece of cake, kinda, we ran 1 mile, no stopping, no walking)

Thursday - 30 minute walk (my favorite! I could walk all day and it would not bother me a bit!)

Friday - 1.5 mile run (my goal is to run the entire 1.5 miles and to time it)

Saturday - 4 mile run (my goal is to run 3 miles of 4, with walking intervals b/t miles)

I find the interval runs (like Tuesday) to be the hardest, but they are also the best trainers for the race. There's no way I am going to run 15.5 miles straight through and it's very hard to start running again after you've stopped and started walking. I had to stop and stretch because my right knee just didn't want to do it. It hurt every time I stepped on my right side. (I wear my knee brace when I run now. Silly that I didn't before. I have weak knees)

I have also developed a crazy pain in my big toe, also on the right side. It doesn't bother me when I run, but later on I feel the tendon every time it moves. Weird. I looked at WebMD and it seems I have over stretched the tendon and need better fitting running shoes (I am using Colleen's old pair, which isn't good, you should have running shoes that fit properly to avoid injury). So I am going to go buy some new shoes soon, when I get some money.

I still am not gainfully employed, but I have faith that it will come soon. My brother in law got the supervisor position and he needs to organize the department and figure a few things out before he can hire a staff, so I am waiting for that.

The upside of waiting means that I have time to find a decent work appropriate wardrobe. I used to have lots of "business casual" clothing, but I got rid of most it when I lost weight and was working in scrubs. I think now is a good time to go shopping for warm winter clothes, as they are all on sale to make way for the bikini's and skirts. (Which is crazy if you ask me. It's going to be very very cold for at least 3 more months, but the stores all want us to buy summer clothes. Crazy stores, it's too cold to wear shorts, bathing suites, and skirts!)

I am soooo impatient. I have been working out with Colleen for a month now (just to be real honest, we didn't work out for 2 weeks because of Finals and holidays) and I haven't lost any weight. I would love it if every time I worked out I lost 3 pounds. Shoot, I'd take 1 lb. That would be a net loss of 18lbs by now! I also want to be able to really run, like some of the other runners at the Y. Right now, I'm really just jogging. I think I am "running" an 11 minute mile, which isn't terrible, but it's not great. To qualify at the 25K you have to run at least 14 minute miles. If you don't, there won't be water stations still set up, and your time won't be recorded. There are women who can finish a 5K race (3.21 miles) in 14 minutes! They are running a little over 4 minute miles!!!! Of course, that is all out running from start to finish, but dang! I wish I could run like that! Hopefully some day I will. Shoot, I'd be glad to run an 8 minute mile.

My goal is to continue the training until the 25K race and to finish in a qualifying time. I have also decided to get some race experience before the 5/3 Riverbank Run 25K with the Irish Jig 5K, sponsored by Spectrum Health. It's a 3.21 mile run in March and I know I can finish that one in time (45 minutes to qualify). I like to think I could do it tomorrow.

Hopefully by the time the 25K rolls around I will have lost weight, gained muscle, and endurance. After the 25K I would like to continue going to the Y on a daily basis, but I want to begin weight training to strengthen my muscles. Thank goodness they have free trainers to help me set up a program. Regimented programs work the best for me. If I don't HAVE to do something, chances are that I won't.

Another thing that I am working on: cutting calories. I consume way too many calories (probably the reason I haven't lost weight) and I very much want to loose weight. My highest weight ever, in '04, was about 200lbs. I don't really know because I refused to weigh myself, but if you look at pics from Carrie's wedding you can see the extra weight in my arms and on my face. The evil girls at the bridal shop wanted me to order a plus size dress (I refused. The one I ordered fit just fine, it just didn't need to be taken in. And the plus size dresses cost more money). My lowest weight since then was 140 in July of '07. Since then I have packed on 40 lbs. I want to lose that 40lbs and fit into my expensive skinny jeans again (poor lonely jeans, sitting neatly folded at the bottom of the drawer). So today I told Colleen no more fast food post work out. She balked when I said it, but I will convince her. Today we went to the grocery store and got some lean turkey and came back to my house and had turkey sandwiches with tomato soup. It was yummy and filling and way less calories than any fast food restaurant can offer.

Colleen and I also do mat work outs after our runs, incorporating such fun things as leg flutters, side planks, reg. planks, bicycle sit -ups, leg lifts, and push ups. All the exercise hurts, but it feels good to think that the extra pudge in my tummy, thighs, and butt might go away. Someday.....

Colleen tells me to relax, and just be patient. That just because I haven't lost total body weight, doesn't mean I have lost body fat. Muscle weighs more than fat and muscle builds faster than fat burns off. I hope she's right. I took some before photo's of me in my skinny girl bikini when we first started working out, and once I get to my weight goal , I'll post the before and after pics here. But not yet!!!!

Thanks for reading, and sorry to keep you waiting! I promise to post more often (but remember, I have 3 classes now and a work out program, so it won't be daily like before).

Been Busy

2008-12-21T13:48:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been posting lately, I've been pretty busy and it's only going to get worse. I take my camera with me and try to take pics, but I've got a real dumb camera, so I never take the pics. I'll try harder. Also I haven't been working on my projects lately, so I haven't got anything new to show you or tell you about. Today Phil and I went through the 4 boxes of random Christmas stuff we got from his mother. We threw away two bag fulls (Don't tell Vicki, she will not be happy about that), I have one paper bag full of stuff I don't want so we will give it to Goodwill (I believe in charities! One man's trash.... also, don't tell Vicki.... I'm giving it to the Goodwill in Cascade so she won't find it and realize what I've done), and the rest we will use or keep till next year to use. A lot of the stuff is still in it's original packaging, never been opened.

Tomorrow I am going to be ambitious and have all my nieces and my nephew over night to make cookies, stay up late, and have fun with. Wish me luck. I'll post pics for sure (I'll try to borrow dad's camera so I can take lots of pics and mini movies, too!)

2008-12-16T15:26:00.004-05:00

Best pose of all the shots. What a pretty kitty.
She didn't really care for what I was doing to her, but she didn't bite me.

Trying to escape, not quite fast enough.

See my kitty? I've had some fun dressing her up. Got a few idea's up my sleeve about what to do with development. I mean, who knew she'd let me do it? Once she's all dressed up she doesn't try to move. She just lays or sits wherever I put her. Anyone know how I can make some money off of this revelation? That would rock.

Picture of my Family

2008-12-15T17:59:00.002-05:00

I had a very nice time this afternoon with my Aunts, my mom, my cousins, and my sisters. I got a pic of it from Aunt Judy off her facebook. Thanks Aunt Judy!

Christmas Sewing Fun

2008-12-14T17:21:00.005-05:00

Okay Aunts! You all know how to sew, and I need your help! I get up to the last line that joins the whole sphere together and I don't know how to neatly and discreetly hand sew the last portion. (Think the last 1/3 portion of the last seam on a pillow). How do you keep the seam on the inside? Please, show me. I've read descriptions of how to do it, but I need to see someone do it. Please and thank you.

I can't afford to buy things for Christmas so I am going to do my best to make things. I've heard a lot of good ideas and I am going to try a few. I am so grateful that I have a sewing machine to use now. . .

This is how I got started. I went into the basement and found all the Christmas stuff that I have. I found the porcelain dolls my parents gave me and Min for Christmas around 1990. I, of course, broke my doll (look closely at the doll in the red (on the Left) her face is broken. Her face is, I believe, glued together, and one of her legs was torn off (I took off the other to get the clothes off the doll. Figured out I didn't need to do that after I did it). Anyways, these poor dolls are no longer in great condition, ie, not suitable for display (also, 28 is a little old to have a doll collection. That's just not me) So I figure, maybe I can use their parts for something new. Don't know what yet. I washed all the doll clothes, and they look much better. I was really afraid that the color was going to seep or the embellishments would come apart.

I also found a little Santa doll I got for about 25 cents when I worked at Sears. I bought it because it was 25 cents, not because I necessarily wanted it. So I decided to tear it apart and use the pieces for something else. Don't know what yet. Notice that the Santa is brown? I wonder why, he's the USA Santa (Native Americans?) I got a few others when I picked up this one, and each one depicted a Santa from another country. I think I gave the others to Goodwill a few years back. Anyways, while I was working on pull it apart I thought it might be fun to make a Snowman for my Gma Boone, apparently she collects them. I thought she might like one I made by hand for her.

This is my prototype. He's not all sewn together, at least 20% of him is held up by pins. I'm thinking I may try to make a carrot nose for him...

Then I dressed him up. Ain't he cute? I just haven't yet brought myself to tear up the doll's cloak, but I was thinking if I were to leave him with the coat, I would cut off the sleeves, and put the gold bead embellishment from the cloak on his chest instead of the black buttons.
I gotta find some cute embellishments for the eyes and for the arms. I like the hand sewn mouth. I also have a cute red/white scarf I took from a Rudolph doll I happen to have, but it was too heavy (the snowman head is only pinned to the body, and the scarf made the head fall off. Also, the Santa hat was way too big for the snowman and he was enveloped in it.

So, anybody have any suggestions?

Pretty Kitty

2008-12-14T17:17:00.003-05:00

See my pretty Kitty! Okay, for the record, this owning a cat thing and dressing it up is not really on my list of favorite things to do. I am not a big cat person. However, my friend, Carey (the girl in the pic) is. She talked to and about my cat for a long time last night. She's very nice and I enjoyed hanging out with her and her fiance, Matt, last night.
that cat got a lot of attention last night. Spoiled cat. Seriously.

Fun pics I found

2008-12-11T21:45:00.004-05:00

I was crawling around the web and I found some fun pics I'd like to share with you.

I remember that from my wedding. Before you go to the bathroom in your beautiful dress you hold it till you think you might explode. Sheer bliss when you finally get to go. Maybe she didn't notice the camera. I did, and I knew the inevitability (and impossibility to escape) so I just smiled for the camera.

I love this pic, it cracked me up when I found it. Did I get it all?
Watch out! She's got a knife!

Ahh Thursdays

2008-12-11T11:14:00.007-05:00

I totally did not do any sewing yesterday. Instead I cleaned the sun room, the living room, and the front hall. Swept, mopped, and everything. I played around on Facebook (how fun) and tried to help console my poor husband, who had a very bad day.

I should move on to the dining room, the kitchen, and the back room, but then I may as well do the office and the bedroom, too and I just don't want to do that much sweeping/mopping.
I also finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. It started slow, but I couldn't put it down in the end. The story was unpredictable and had some very interesting POV's about what it means to be human. I liked it.

Poor Phil got hit on his way to work yesterday. We can't drive the car as it is, the wheel is all loose and rubs against the wheel well. Hopefully the car will be alright, we think all it needs is a new shocks (about $100) and he can order the parts from ACI (a place auto shops get parts from) because his grandfather used to own Chapin's Auto (he sold the property to Walgreen's and retired) and still has an account. Phil is quite capable when it comes to car repair (he's done all kinds of work on our cars and they run fine). Also, Phil's Dad was a mechanic (guess where he worked?) for 20 years and is willing to help Phil. Hopefully the guy who hit Phil is an honorable person (are those type still out there?) and will pay for the parts (he said he would). Both drivers have PLPD on their cars and reporting the accident would only increase everyone's rates and not help get us any money to fix our car.

Ah, the joys of winter.

After Phil got home from work, he took off his glasses to clean them, and they broke right in half. With out his glasses, my hubby is blind as a bat. Good thing he has prescription sunglasses and a soldering gun.

I put in an application at The Queen's Pub, a new bar opening right across the street from my house. It's part of the Bombay Cuisine, a delicious Indian restaurant. Phil and I ate there the day after the wedding before heading over to the Amway Grand. Word to the wise, if you want a romantic night with your hubby, don't give him Indian food before going to the hotel. I didn't personally have any problems, but my hubby about drove me crazy with his constantly farting. Not romantic.

BTW - Don't bother wasting all your money at the Amway to feel pampered. I mainly felt uncomfortable. If you want comfort and nice people, go to the Hampton Inn. They were at least 1/4 the cost, the bed and the room were bigger and way more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, I was very excited to go and am very glad I have had the experience, it was a dream come true, but I won't do it again.

Okay, I am going to go work on being productive. Really, I am.

Good Morning

2008-12-10T08:09:00.004-05:00

For someone with not much to do, I sure keep busy. I've been working out with Colly and keeping up on the training, today is the first day I've felt tired and not really wanting to get out of bed... but I will do it anyways.

Yesterday I ran a entire mile straight! I think that may be the first time I have ever done that in my life and I am real proud of myself. We ran/walked another mile (walk a lap, run a lap) and did various other exercises too.

I did my first side plank yesterday. If you don't know what that is, you're lucky, cause they are like torture. I couldn't hold the pose longer than 15 seconds and I trembled the whole time. Go ahead, you try it.

I really enjoy spending all this extra time with Colly, she's a great person. Colly has always been so much younger than me, and it's a different dynamic than with Min, but I love her just as much. It's just different.

My favorite part of the workouts are the cool down in the pool. For those of you who don't know, I am a water baby. I love the water. Nothing feels as good as deep water all around me, and pulling my body through it with my arms. I love the water. So we always hit the pool after our workouts, it feels good to use those sore muscles in a low impact way. I think it helps lessen the amount of pain due to lactic acid, too. Oh ya, don't forget the 10 minute soak in the hot tub to finish it all off. (awesome).

Today I hope to do some more sewing on Colly's scrubs, I haven't touched them since Sunday and I have new plans to put in pockets (front ones, like on an apron) with some of the leftover material. I'd better get these things done soon....
Since the last post about them I have added material to the bottom of two pairs of pants and are ready to attach the material to #3. I'll post pics later.

I'm supposed to be at the Y in 10 mins so I gotta go. Thanks for dropping by!

PS I finished Mom's curtains and hung them up for her a few days ago! Whoo-Hoo, one project down, one more to go!

Thanksgiving Fun

2008-12-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

I just keep posting 'em cause it's fun to make them, and I want people to see them. Sorry if it's getting a little boring. I might sew today which will prevent me from making more of these...

What do you think?

2008-12-07T11:01:00.004-05:00

Check out the Jesus car! Stephenie noticed this car on her way to work many times and wondered what is Jesus was doing? Is he surfing? Is he reaching to a person? Is he picking up something? We weren't sure when she pointed the car out to me a few weeks ago. Of course, on the road you only get a few seconds to check it out as you pass by (seems I might be supposed to be paying attention to something...). So Steph decided to take a pic and she emailed it to me today.
( If you click on the pic it should open in another window at a larger size) What do you think Jesus is doing?

More Fun with Scrapblog

2008-12-06T21:27:00.002-05:00

Scrapblog.com and I Get Along Well

2008-12-06T17:22:00.003-05:00

Digital Photography is so much fun. I love using Picasa 3 and Scrapblog.com to create these beautiful and easy to do digital scrapbooks. I just need to get more ink for my printer and I will be the happiest girl in Michigan, for sure.

Here's the Plan

2008-12-04T10:35:00.002-05:00

First off, last this week Tuesday was one full year since I have smoked a cigarette. I am amazed that entire year has past and I did it. I really did it. I really feel like I have accomplished something. (But then I know, I have not really, and never will fully, conquer cigarettes. I have significant cravings at least 2x/month and I know that if I were ever to take even one hit off a smoke I would be right back up to a pack a day within weeks. It will be a lifelong struggle.)

Secondly, I am almost finished with mom's curtains. (really mom, I will do it as soon as I finish writing this blog entry. and after I have some oatmeal. yum. oatmeal) It is amazing how much exercise affects my body. It's crazy, but I have noticed when I am exercising on a consistent basis I have more follow through. I have more motivation to do projects and to finish them (I'd say 1 out of 4 projects get abandoned before finished, or they are an ongoing project, like blogging. Shocking that an ADD baby like me would be that way, huh?) It's weird. But anyways.
While I was waiting for Colleen I started sewing the curtains. I did one about 2 weeks ago, and I was so overwhelmed I didn't want to finish the project. Then Thanksgiving came and I was busy, but that's all over now and my excuses all ran out. I started with the smaller curtains from Colleens room and I got the hang out it, it's really pretty easy. I worked on them till Colleen came over and we went to the Y and she worked me hard.

Colleen wants to run in the 5/3 Riverbank Run this coming March and she wants me to run with her. She's been trying to get me to run a marathon for about 2 years now, if not more. I have never done it. I don't think I have even run more than 2 miles ever in my life. But I am ready to change. Colleen is so wonderful, poor girl is so busy and she stills takes out time for me. How special am I?! She works 4 days a week (32 hours) and goes to school full time (12 credit hours) and participates in her Aikido, has a social life including a steady guy, and now she is going to train for the Marathon and include little o' me. Luckily for me, location is perfect. I live just east of downtown GR, GRCC is a little over 2 Miles from my home, and the YMCA is a little under 3 miles away. So it's not too far out of her way to pick me up.

The downtown Y is a beautiful place. It's huge and I love that I have to walk all the way up 3 flights of stairs to get to the gym. I love the indoor track, such a big upgrade from running around my neighborhood this summer! Concrete is no match for the rubber (?) indoor track stuff at the Y. My shins can feel a big difference. The track is 1/7 of a mile, and the walls are all glass so you can see into downtown GR. I love looking out the windows while walking in a wonderful temperature controlled environment (it was HOT running around like we did. We tried to run by 10 am to avoid the heat). So now I am very sore, and have been since the first time we worked out. (I have been kinda wussy the last 2 days, I won't do any more push ups. I'm going to try to motivate to do something later today.... Really, I'm going to try). In my defense, it really hurts when I cough, stand up, walk up stairs, reach above my shoulders, bend over, breath... I hurt. (Stupid anaerobic respiration....) But it's worth it and I know it'll end eventually and it won't hurt as much soon enough.

I'm very thankful for Colleen and her persistence. She never stopped asking me to work out with her, never stopped encouraging me, always gave me an opportunity to go to the Y with her (at no cost to me, which is good cause I am flat broke) and she always pushes me to work out harder while we are there. She helps me to feel (almost) comfortable in a crowed room of people, most of whom are good looking and in very good shape (so intimidating! so scary!). I hope that if I keep at it I could potentially eventually be one of them, the intimidating good looking people who work out at an obviously hard pace for prolonged periods of time, comfortable in their surroundings. Also, I would love to have a 6 pack this summer. I've never had a flat stomach, even when I was 17 and had a tiny waist. I used to be very thin, but I never had muscle. I want to have a little muscle and be thinner than I am now, but I am going to try to concentrate not on numbers (how much I weigh) but on being health and strong. I want to have muscle definition. That would be cool.

I know this has the potential to be a lifelong struggle, one I know that many people struggle with, and I want to make working out a part of my normal routine so that I can break the cycle - (lose weight (feel great!), gain weight (feel terrible), lose weight (feel great!), gain weight (feel terrible), and on and on. If just don't stop using the gym I won't gain the weight and in the end I won't feel bad. It's so hard to do, but I really don't like feeling terrible.

Colleen and I are at day 3 of working out. I am going to try and spend 30mins using my small weights, and working my very sore abs, upper arms, and shoulders. This morning we walked/ran (read jogged) a mile and stretched. Yesterday we W/R a mile or more, 5 mins on Elliptical machine, and 5 mins on the bike. Tuesday we W/R a mile or more (we lost track) did 15 lunges (evil), 30 leg lifts (awesome but hard), and 30 push ups (if you wanna count what I did as a push up. I know the Military would not count that as a push up...).

I want to use my digital camera to take some pics every week so I can do a before and after. Maybe if it all goes well I'll post em. I should do that soon if I am going to at all.

Alright, I'm going to go finish mom's curtains now. Maybe I'll even bring them to her later today. We'll see.

Feel the Burn

2008-12-02T21:36:00.003-05:00

Tuesday was a nice day. I got stuff done. Laundry, dishes, cooking, taking care of the cats... Colleen came over, we went out for Chinese. There's an awesome place not too far from home that sells buffet style food by the pound and they make real good crab cheese Rangoon's. Awesome.

Colleen and I went running together this summer. I really enjoyed our time together. Now she wants to work out again. Since I have quit working I have put on a few pounds, my pants are getting a little tight... Ew.

It turns out that I am just like most every other girl out there. I like to eat, but don't like to jiggle too much. I realize that I am going to have to fight for the rest of my life to maintain a healthy weight. I like to cook, and therefore eat, and I'm just going to have to acknowledge that I am going to have to exercise to maintain a smaller waist line or give up and pass the 200 lb line.

I miss the days of my teenage years, when I could eat whatever I wanted and never gain a pound. I blame alcohol and my early 20's for my initial weight gain. I got to around 190 lbs around the time Carrie got married. I lost weight when I took on the CNA job, I was working 60 hours a week and constantly moving during all that time. It was easy. It didn't take sit ups, push ups, or running around a track to lose the weight. If I had stayed at that nursing home, I probably would have stayed at that weight.

I have also stopped taking Adderal. That's probably messed with my metabolism. ..

I gotta go, I'll post more later, promise. Sorry it's been so long.....I'll tell you all about it!

Happy B-day Gma Strang

2008-12-01T10:34:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Grandma Strang's (Phil's maternal grandmother) Birthday at his parents house in Jenison. I made this little collage for her, seeing as we can't afford a present. I hope she likes it. Someday I am going to get a good printer that will print real pictures instead paper or cardstock... Someday I'll have it.

We went to there house around 6 and met up with the rest of his family. They are much smaller than my side of the family. At the Chapin's we can still eat at the regular table in the kitchen. At the Boone's we have to make the table longer and bring it into the living room, and we still don't all fit around the table.

Rachelle and Daryl were there with both of their little ones, McKenzie(18 months) and Jordan (5 years). Poor little Kenzie, at 1 year, has a nasty cold and hasn't been feeling well for a while. Rachelle said Kenzie hasn't slept for longer than an hour at a time in about 48 hours. Poor Kid! Her little eyes were only half open, her nose was bright red and the poor girl was sneezing and phlegmy, and still somehow mobile, in fact, she would hardly sit still. She jabbers and coos at us, intermittently talking and shrieking, little hands constantly moving. After dinner she fell asleep on her grandpa's lap (Phil's dad) and snored contentedly while the rest of us watched Hancock (which, by the way, was kinda dumb, but definitely entertaining). She woke up with a start, asleep for no longer than an hour, and got right back to work wandering sleepily, and jibber - jabber flowing constantly.

Jordan and I played for a while. He just turned 5, and is VERY busy. He is into the constant noise phase and loves to screech at a very high pitch. His dad, Daryl, is not impressed by this screech noise...

Jordan and I played a very busy game of "play fighting" and "blame it on someone else" I believe that I have started a very dangerous protocol here. I don't really like getting beat on by a 5 year old (they can hit pretty hard) but I also get very bored when Phil starts fixing other people's computers. (it's like he's drawn to them. He must check them, and see what he could add or change or fix. At his parent's house it's almost worse because his dad is right there encouraging him, showing him new programs or hardware he's installed. Even last Thursday he ended the night by working on my dad's laptop while I packed up the car...)

So I played with Jordan. Gonna have to work on better games to play with him...one's that don't include a computer, video games, or punching...

We had a nice time talking to Phil's parents, his dad cracks me up, and Grandma Strang as well.

So happy birthday Grandma, and many more joyful years to come. Give me a few years and I'll give you some great-grand babies.

One more Collage from Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T01:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T13:45:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that everyone had a nice turkey day with their families and loved ones, I sure did. All my brothers and sisters were at my parents house with their kids, loved ones, and a few extras, too.

Alexis and Kylie love to bring along their friends, Erick and Alex, brothers who live next door. Erick and Alex are first generation American Mexicans. Their parents are from Mexico and speak hardly any English. When we first met Erick, he hardly spoke English, either. He learned from watching TV and talking to us! Erick is the same age as Kylie, they go to school together and are good friends. Alex is Erick's little brother, he's quiet, but he understands English pretty well, too. This was Erick and Alex's first experience with Thanksgiving (it's an American Holiday, not a Mexican Holiday, and they didn't come along before). I gotta get more pics from other people because I don't have any good ones of them. Just a few of the back of their little heads.

Joe had a lot of fun jumping into most of my shots, but I think I had more fun cropping them for display. See how much Joe loves Jacob?

Mindi and her girls looked real cute in their pink outfits. Joe even had on a nice T shirt with a picture of his recently deceased Grandma holding a little baby Joe. It's amazing how fast my nieces are growing up and I think I'd better put more effort into taking their pictures and spending time with them or they will become teenagers and start thinking I am not cool anymore.

I am also amazed at how big Dylan and Faith are getting. I don't see them very often and it always strikes me how much Dylan looks like Dan and Dave did. I remember David looking a lot like that...

The food was great (of course! I made it!) and the company was too. It's going to be even bigger next year, with the addition of Dave and Jessa's son. If Phil and I get going on it we could add a new one, too. (Don't hold your breath. We like to talk about it, but we aren't trying to conceive at this time). At any rate it seems if we get any bigger we are going to have to start renting out School Gyms again soon. . .

I had Phil bring along our Rock Band game and we played with the family through out the day. Even mom sat down with a guitar and learned to play a little. There are pics of that, and I will get them. Dad sat down and played the drums for a bit, and the guitar, too. Steph was the bravest of all people and grabbed the Mic. She rocked it almost all day, too. I was real proud of her, it takes most people about an hour to warm up to the mic, and even longer to try songs they don't know.

All in all it was a great day. Hope your's rocked as well.

Game Night

2008-11-24T13:01:00.006-05:00

Last night was the first time I participated in a semi-weekly event hosted at my house; Game night. Usually a group of Phil's friends come over and they take over the dining room, spread their cards over the kitchen table and play Magic (a very involved card game). I don't play magic, so it doesn't interest me. Sometimes, they play Risk, lately its been a futuristic version of Risk which includes the armies on the moon. I also don't play Risk - too much strategy involved, and too many expert players to have a chance. Not fun to get wiped out.
But I do play Zombies! Our friend, Matt S, has a board game called Zombies. I like to think of it as a board game version of a video game.

It's all chance, with a little strategy. You never know how a game of Zombies may play out, each time it's differant. Phil was able to acheive invicibility towards the end of last night's epic 2 hour game, but he still didn't win. The pic above shows the game board as it played out in the end.
Pick a little colored guy, get your 3 health and 3 bullets, and 3 event cards and start the game.
You start out by placing the town square piece (there is a yellow guy on town square in the large collage above) and then you pick a card from the town deck (all the cards are face down when when you play) and you place in on the existing cards so that a town slowly develops. Some cards have stores on them, or police departments, and some are just 2,3, or 4 way streets. Stores have Zombies, health and bullets in them (the amount of each is listed on the card) and when you lay a street with no stores on it, you put a zombie on every entrance/exit. This is how the town develops and insures that no two games are alike.
You then roll the dice for movement and you are allowed to move that many spaces. Whenever a zombie is your space, you must fight him by rolling the dice. 4,5,or 6 and the zombie dies, 1,2, or 3 and you must either make up the differance with bullets (like I roll a 2 and give up 2 bullets to kill the zombie) or a heart and a re-roll. when you run out of hearts, you die and return to town square to try again. The goal is to either be the first to kill 25 zombies or to make it to the helicopter landing pad. (in the collage the helipad is in the upper right hand corner, yes, the one with all the zombies on it.) You actually have to kill all 9 zombies on the helipad before you can win.
The event cards hold items like weapons which add to your attack rolls (like a +1 or so) and throw a bunch of crazy things out there (like nobody can move until the end of my next turn). It's great fun, totally unpredictable and I like it a lot.
Matt S has the orginal game and 2 expansion packs (the smaller boxes in the collage), so the game goes on and on. The expansion packs have themes, one is the mall, and the other is a military base complete with 6 super zombies. The super zombies don't die unless you roll a 5 or 6. Harsh! It's loads of fun. You don't have to be real good to play, there is little stragey and it all comes down to the roll of the dice.

Jessa won last night even though her piece was the absolute farthest away from the landing pad and Phil was invincible. So have fun and watch out for zombies!

Mickey's PR Wedding

2008-11-23T14:02:00.001-05:00

Here are a few items from Michelle (Mickey as I remember her) and Jonathan's wedding. I really liked the napkins, they were real cute. I need to get a better camera, a modern one, small and discreet. I didn't take any pics at this wedding, it just didn't feel right to take out a bulky camera in a Protestant Reformed church and start taking pictures, unless of course, if you are the wedding photographer. Who, by the way, I noticed didn't take a whole lot of pics. My photographer went nuts, almost like my personal paparazzi, clicking away. I think there were about 6 pictures taken during the hour long ceremony.

I think the last Protestant Reformed (PR) wedding I went to was my Aunt Sarah in the early 90's. I didn't forget how long they are.

Michelle's wedding started uniquely, each of her bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the isle alone. There were 3 attendants for the bride and groom each, including the matron of honor, a very pregnant cousin Rachelle. I had no idea she was expecting, but I think this is the 3rd time I've seen her kids in their lifetimes, so if that tells you how close we are...

It's odd to me to have cousins that I don't interact with very often. The cousins on my mom's side of the family are like extended brothers and sisters I don't see often, but have a great relationship with when I do. The cousins on my dad's side of the family are distant, people who are forever kids in memory, but are really adults, attending college and joining the army. Not really that much younger than I.

I feel odd about this, but then I remember the reason: religion. I choose to leave the religion they belong to (PR) and consequently, I am not welcome to be in their lives unless it is a Christmas family reunion. That's real fun, let me tell you.

There's a lot of hurt feelings over all of this and I try my best to be respectful of their choices and not to be hurt over it (they were raised to believe it or die and go to hell and cause all your children and your children's children to go to hell, too). I choose not to focus on the "lost family" it won't take too many more decades and they will all be distant relatives, lost forever to all but the best dutch bingo players.

Anyways, back to the wedding. It turns out that Mickey had picked out Mums for her flowers, and when they went to pick them up, Mickey had an allergic reaction. They had very little time to find new flowers, which turned out to be a beautiful fall colored mix featuring yellow sunflowers and orange something (sorry, I have no idea, but they looked real nice). The matron of honor and bridesmaids wore black tea length dresses, and had their hair piled in curls on top of their heads. They all carried bouquets that matched the sunflowers on the pulpit and look beautiful, even 9 months pregnant.

I sat towards the back row with my husband on one side and my older sister on the other. Lucky me, two of my most favorite people in the world! My parents sat a row ahead of us, which was nice because we could talk. Behind us sat wonderful distant relatives who were very chatty and kinda loud, playing dutch bingo. for those of you who don't know, dutch bingo is a game played by older dutch PR's. The goal of the game is to name all the people around you by what family they came from. Connect the dots and figure out who is related to who and how. When we sat down I heard "sisters. I think they are sisters, Dan and Jennie's? I think so." This went on until the bride walked down the isle. There were a couple of times I wanted to turn around and add bits of info to the conversation, "No, that's not Eric, it's his younger brother Carl" and so forth and so one.

The bride looked radiant in a long white dress with short sleeves, small buttons all down the back and a long train. Her groom was in a black tux, no tails, silver bow tie, and all smiles and they seemed like a very happy young couple.

The ceremony was very long. The minister asked us all to sing a psalter number (so long since I held a psalter!) and we did, then a quick run through of the vow's, a unity candle lighting (no invitation to kiss the bride) and the attendants all sat down while the bride and groom turned to face the minister. The minister gave a very long sermon (maybe 45 mins?) and I couldn't pay attention. The parts I did hear said things like, if you aren't christian, your marriage won't last and isn't really backed by god, and the like. If I wanted to I could get real mad about it. But I don't care if they don't want to recognize my marriage, I'm in it, and it's very real.

Anyways, on to the reception!

Mindi, Phil, and I were all thankfully assigned the same table and I enjoyed myself very much. The reception was at a different church (still PR) and Mickey had some very nice table settings. All white table and chair covers, with white and black bows across the back. I looked into it for my wedding, but decided not to in the end. It look very elegant. The party was emceed by a few PR ministers who told silly but non offensive jokes and stories and gently teased each other and the bride and groom, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We were sat in the far corner with my Aunt Fran and Uncle Doug, who were videotaping the event. I am not in the video as I was behind the equipment set up directly in the path of my view. Coincidental?

We were given Wilhelmina peppermints wrapped in black or silver wrapping paper tied with tulle bows (also black or silver), as the favors, and can I say there is nothing more dutch than that? If you don't know, then you just don't know. The food started with a simple salad and main course was wonderful, homemade beef pot roast with corn or green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and of course, rolls.

The longest service is ironically the shortest celebration. The wedding started right on time at 7 pm and the reception ended punctually at 10 pm. We sang a psalter number and that was it, everybody out.

Phil and I picked up a friend on the way home and had a celebration of our own while I reflected on what my life would have been, had I chosen to remain in the PR church. I'm so glad I made the choices that I did, they have made me the person that I am, and I know that I could not have grown in the PR Church, but would have felt suffocated and eventually it would have killed me (in my heart I would have died long before my body).

No regrets here.

Weddings and Food

2008-11-21T12:24:00.004-05:00

My cousin Mickey on my Dad's side of the family is getting married tonight. It's going to be the first wedding since I got married. How nice to attend and not plan or set up.
I love how our society focuses around food. Dates, meetings, reunions, holidays and weddings are all times we feed each other. We like to get together and watch each other eat, show off our culinary skills. We pass recipes on to the new bride, imparting bits of our cooking knowledge to her so she can feed her new husband, and hopefully a growing new family. Food is the facilitator, it brings us together, it relates us to each other.
I also love to put together gift baskets! It's so fun! Mindi and Steph and I went shopping yesterday and purchased little bits here and there to fill our gift basket. We went to Mindi's to assemble, and the electricity went out. We were quite put out. But we packed up our stuff and went to Mom and Dad's. They still had electricity.
We spread out our equipment and I set to the task of arraigning the items in the basket in a visually appealing manner. Mindi used her awesome tag making equipment and cut portions out of Mickey's invitation and made beautiful tags out of them. (I'll post pics as soon as I take them)
Dad saw what she was doing, and sat down to give it a try. He was so cute, cutting out little pieces of the invitations and asking questions, trying to figure out how it worked, and what he could do with it. He made two very nice tags.
Mindi, Steph, and I got some nice picture frames and a cookbook and I wrapped them up. We have to make up for missing Mickey's bridal shower (it was a week after my wedding, we were all so happy to be relaxing after my wedding that we forgot to go. Bad girls!)
I decided this morning to type up my favorite recipes and just got finished with that. Since I went through the trouble of typing them, I'll post them here.

Almost Hamburger Helper
I’ve had this recipe for almost 2 years and I use it often. I found in at CDKitchen.Com, one of my favorite recipe websites. All you need is a 1 quart wide mouth Ball jar to hold the mix.
Once you are comfortable with them, feel free to play with all the recipes. I like to add chopped onions and bell peppers to all of the recipes as I see fit or have on hand. Don’t have frozen mixed veggies? Used a can of green beans, or any other veggie you like, frozen or canned. With any addition you just need watch the amount of water in the skillet to make sure the noodles or potatoes have liquid to cook in. That’s why this is one of my favorites, it’s easy to substitute. I have even been known to substitute elbow macaroni with egg noodles or vice versa.

2 Cups Nonfat Dry Milk
1 Cup Cornstarch
¼ Cup Beef Bouillon powder
2 Tablespoons dried Onion flakes
1 Teaspoon dried Basil
1 Teaspoon dried Thyme
1 Teaspoon dried Parsley
1 Tablespoon Garlic powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar. Enough mix for 4-6 meals. Each recipe can serve up to 6 (with side dishes) or feed 2 twice, and can be prepared in less than 60 minutes.

Chili Mac

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
1 Cup Water
½ Cup Mix
½ Cup Elbow Macaroni Noodles (uncooked)
2 Cans Chopped Tomatoes
1 Tablespoon Chili powder

Combine all ingredients in a large skillet and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until macaroni is cooked, stirring occasionally.

Stroganoff

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
2 Cups Water
½ Cup Mix
2 Cups Egg Noodles (uncooked)
½ Cup Sour Cream

Combine all ingredients except Sour Cream in a large skillet and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until noodles are cooked, stirring occasionally.

Potato Beef Casserole

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
¾ Cup Water
½ Cup Mix
6 Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 Cup Frozen Mixed Veggies

Combine all ingredients in a large skillet and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove cover and cook until excess water is evaporated.

Quick Lasagna

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
2 Cups Water
½ Cup Mix
3 Cups Lasagna Noodles, broken into bits (uncooked)
1 onion, chopped
16 oz Tomato Sauce
¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Combine all ingredients except Mozzarella in a large skillet and bring to a boil. Let simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until noodles are cooked, stirring occasionally. Top with mozzarella. Turn off heat and let cheese melt.

Mix and Match Casserole
I just got this recipe about a month ago and I already love it. Again, I found it at CDKitchen.com and it’s great because of its versatility.

This serves up to 6, and takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 1 hour 20 minutess in the oven.

Preheat oven to 350° F, and start with:

8 oz Sour Cream
1 Cup Milk
Omit Sour Cream and Milk when using Tomatoes as Sauce Choice
1 Cup water
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Pepper

Sauce (Choose One)
1 10 ¾ oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 10 ¾ oz can Cream of Celery Soup
1 10 ¾ oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 10 ¾ oz can Cheddar Cheese Soup
2 14 ½ oz can Diced Tomatoes with 1 Tsp each: Basil, Garlic powder, and Oregano

Veggie (Choose One)
1 14 ½ oz can Cut Green Italian Beans - drained
1 15 ¼ oz can Sweet Peas - drained
1 10 ½ oz can Asparagus Cuts and Tips - drained
1 15 ¼ oz can Whole Kernel Corn - drained
2 13 ½ oz can Chopped Spinach – drained

Starch (Choose One)
2 Cups Elbow Macaroni - uncooked
1 Cup Regular Rice - uncooked
4 Cups Wide Egg Noodles – uncooked
3 Cups Small Pasta Shells – uncooked

Meat (Choose One)
12 oz Solid White Tuna in Water – drained and flaked
2 Cups Cooked Chicken
2 Cups Cooked Turkey
2 Cups Cooked Ham
1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
Optional Extras (Choose None, One, or More)
1 3 oz can Sliced Mushrooms –drained
1 4 ½ oz can Green Chiles
¼ Cup Sliced Black Olives
¼ Cup Chopped Bell Peppers (any color)
¼ Cup Chopped Celery
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 packet Taco Mix

Toppings (Choose One or Two)
½ Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
½ Cup Shredded Swiss Cheese
½ Cup Fine Dry Breadcrumbs
1 Cup Round Buttery Crackers (like Ritz), Crushed
1 Cup Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix

Directions
Combine Sour Cream, Milk, Water, Salt and Pepper with Sauce (Omit Sour Cream and Milk when using Tomatoes). Stir in veggie choice, starch choice, meat choice, and if so desired, optional extra choice. Spoon mix into a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish and bake, covered, at 350° F for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Uncover and sprinkle with toppings choice; bake an additional 10 minutes.

Be creative and have fun with this recipe. There are so many choices, the variety is awesome. The length of cooking eliminates the need to pre cook the noodles and saves you a pan to wash. Gotta love the one dish meal.

Here are a few tried and true combinations:

Chicken Casserole: Cream of Chicken, asparagus, rice, chicken, Parmesan chesse, breadcrumbs.

Ham Casserole: Cream of Celery, Green Beans, wide egg noodles, ham, garlic, 2 portions Swiss cheese.

Turkey Casserole: 3 cans diced tomatoes, sweet peas, small pasta shells, turkey, onion, garlic, 2 portions Mozzarella cheese, herb-seasoned stuffing mix or round buttery crackers.

Ground Beef Casserole: Cheddar cheese soup, corn, elbow macaroni, ground beef, sliced mushrooms, green chiles, taco seasoning mix, 2 portions Mozzarella cheese.

Tuna Casserole: Cream of Mushroom, sweet peas, elbow macaroni, tuna, sliced mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs.

Vegetarian Casserole: Diced tomatoes, corn, rice, ripe olives, 4 portions bell pepper, 4 portions celery, garlic, Parmesan cheese.

Onion Chopped Steak with Easy Gravy
aka
Swiss Steak or Salisbury Steak

Another favorite of mine from CDKitchen.com, there’s nothing you can’t find on that web site… This recipe is easy and fast and tastes great. I find better results with the lower fat ground sirloin, a 90/10 mix of ground beef and fat, but it works fine with less expensive 80/20 or 70/30 mixes (regular ground beef). I also usually use a brown gravy mix with great results.

This serves up to 4 and is ready is about 30 minutes.

1 lb Ground Beef
½ Cup Unseasoned Dry Bread Crumbs
¼ Cup Milk
½ Envelope (about 3 Tablespoons) Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 Package Demi-Glace mix, or Au Jus mix, or Brown Gravy mix. (choose one)
1 ¼ Cup Water

Directions:
Combine the beef, bread crumbs, milk and dry onion-soup mix in a 2-quart or larger bowl; mix thoroughly with your hands.
Heat a large skillet (that has a lid) over medium heat.
Shape the meat mixture into 6 small patties of even size and shape. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes on one side, reduce heat if meat begins to brown too quickly.
Meanwhile, empty the demi-glace mixture into a 2 Cup or larger measure to make gravy mix. Add water and whisk until well blended. Set aside.
Turn patties over, cover skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
Uncover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and add the gravy mix. Cook for 5 minutes, flip patties, and cook an additional 5 minutes or until gravy reaches desired consistency and the patties are no longer pink in the center.

Serve at once or simmer until ready to serve.
Goes great with Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes. Yum

Colleen Liked It!

2008-11-21T07:59:00.001-05:00

Here's Colleen in the altered scrubs. They can be worn! Yea!
Now, if only I could make money this way. (sigh) I need to get a job...

Attempting Alterations

2008-11-20T11:00:00.004-05:00

It took me about a year, but I finally did it. I added length this pair of scrubs. Shoot, one down, 4 sets and an extra pair of pants to go! I bought 5 sets of solid color scrubs somewhere in August of last year for $10/set online. It was a great deal, but the pants were kinda short. Big shocker, I know. So I just wore them hanging low so that they were "longer" but I was not exposed. I have since given all the scrub sets to Colleen. In my defense, I was working full time and going to school full time at that time, so I didn't really have the time to learn how to use a sewing machine properly and how to add length.
But yesterday I did. This is my first clothing project using the sewing machine. I'm so glad Colleen was here yesterday, she taught me a lot! She was real cute, sitting at the table with me while I fiddled with fabric, and occasionally she would look at me and say, No, No, not like that, and show me something new. My favorite was her response to my ironing (I'm really bad at ironing!) I don't think she knew that I don't know how to iron, and she looked shocked at what I was doing. Hee Hee. Turns out I am real good at burning clothes because I am impatient. Imagine that.
Colleen helped me through the project, made me tear out stitches I didn't want to (because it's a lot of work!), and do things over. I really had a lot of fun with her last night. And now I know what a top stitch is.
I really enjoyed putting the material on the collar of the scrub top. I started it with scrap material, just playing around, trying out design concept. I pinned it down and ironed it into shape and showed Colleen. She was so sweet, she looked it over, moved around a few pins and told me to straighten it out and show her again, so I did. Then she explained to me how I could sew it on, just like it was! So cool! I think my first attempt was a success! I can now proceed to the other 4 sets! I learned a lot of what not to to, and have some improved design ideas and I think the next 4 sets will go smoother. I'm not real happy with the one of the cuff additions, it doesn't wrap all the way around, but I've worked out that problem, just don't have enough material to re-do it.
Colleen is real daring with the colors, picking patterns I never would have considered. I like her choices, and can't wait to see how they liven up ( and length up) the other sets. She will be so cute at work!

My Kitchen Has Been Updated

2008-11-18T12:40:00.003-05:00

On Sunday Phil installed one of the shelves in my kitchen, and we moved a bunch of things around. I now have more counter space and more convenient placement of things. I love it. I think the kitchen even looks better, less blank. Next I want to stencil a border...but that's a project for another time...
I spent almost all day yesterday split between cooking and cleaning. I even cleaned the bathroom, which I hate doing. Now my bathroom smells very lightly and pleasantly of bleach. Mmm. Bleach means clean, which makes me happy.
I tried to make tapioca pudding yesterday and I don't think it turned out right. I won't post any pics because I don't think it looked right. It tasted all right, though.
I didn't pay enough attention to the amount of water in the double boiler and consequently I think that the pudding wasn't at at high enough temp. . .
Don't really know, but we ate it anyways.
I put a small chicken covered in butter and oregano in the crock pot with some potatoes and onions and a splash of apple juice. Don't think the apple juice really effected too much. But I had tapioca on the brain and when I took out the chicken I put in 2 Tablespoons of instant Tapioca (I have both instant tapioca and a pouch of regular tapioca pearls) in the crock pot and mixed it with the juices, and , wow!, talk about an easy way to thicken! I am going to try more thickening with instant tapioca.
I looked up tapioca on wikipedia and found out it's pretty cool. It's a starch with no gluten and very little protein. It is native to South America and thought to help relieve the common cold, headaches, and back pains. It is also made into a flour form, and I wonder if mom knows that. It seems that would be a great option for her.
I also did all the laundry, and re-organized the bedroom closet.
Anyways, I'm really going to start working on the curtains now. As long as I have enough white thread, I shouldn't have a problem and don't think it will take too long.
At the same time, I got a pot on the stove with all the chicken bones in it, simmering away. I don't know how long to leave it on there, but it smells pretty good. Phil and I are coming down with some icky colds here, so I am making soups left and right. Last Saturday I made a pureed winter veggie soup and put chunks of chicken it. The soup was made with onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery. Phil loved it and so did a friend who had great timing in stopping over.
Don't I have so much fun? Some day soon I'm going to have to stop having all this fun and get a paying job. . .

My Weekend Project

2008-11-16T21:01:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I know that I was supposed to work on the curtains, but I wanted to work on my idea for blocking air from the bottom of the doors. I had made the linen set the day I did the curtains, and I added elastic the next day. Then I realized that the linen ones were too weak a material (they were pulling apart at the seams, I guess linen is not meant to be stressed) and that it isn't truly effective because it is too short.

I found an ugly pair of old brown dress pants that belonged to my husband in the basement and I attacked them. Halfway through that project I was struck with an epiphany (during a cooking break when I wasn't even really thinking about it) and I developed a better way to use the pants. Unfortunately half the pants were ruined, so I only had half a good air blocker.

So today I tried my new idea. It worked beautifully when I did it right. I seem to learn best by making mistakes...

Ifound a pair of old black dress pants and I cut the legs off, trying to retain as much material in the pant leg as possible. I then turned the pant legs inside out. Then I Measured and marked 4 inches from each seam going up the pant leg, so the one leg is divided in two. Then I ran the leg through the sewing machine, creating two more seams down one leg (like picture in the upper left of the brown leg with the red thread). I cut each portion free from the other. Using the stuffing from an old torn toss pillow I stuffed each tube. I did the same to the other leg, creating another two tubes, only these tubes were only stuffed about 1/3 of the way. I measured the tubes against the door and used the smaller tube to lengthen the full tube. I adjusted the small tube to the correct fill level, and very carefully shoved the full tube into the smaller one, so the two combined to cover the entire length of the door. I repeated this one the other two tubes, so the four tubes became 2.
I laid out the tubes next to each other and marked out roughly even spots along 5 points on the tubes. I cut out five 1.5 inch lengths of of elastic and hand sewed the elastic to the tubes at even intervals to hold them together. (See the bottom row of pics). I slid the connected tubes under the door and now the tubes block air on both sides of the door and move with door, so we don't have to replace anything when the door opens and closes.
Pretty cool, huh?
I think we are going to nail or tack the tubes at each end to ensure proper placement on the door, but we haven't done that yet.
The idea is pretty simple, but the project takes a lot of time and patience for screw ups, which I do a lot. But I'm going to do it to another three pairs of pants to cover the French doors (double door, going to need two pairs of pants) and the bedroom door (for the summer to keep in the air conditioning).
I don't like that the other tubes (the linen ones and the brown ones) don't match and aren't effective, so I will probably cut them and use the stuffing in the new ones. I really like things to match and I like doing this project, so I don't mind.
The sun room gets so cold in the winter, it's ridiculous. Phil and I close it off sometimes when the weather gets real cold overnight or longer, this will really help insulate it and keep the colder air from coming into the house.

I really will start on the curtains tomorrow. Really. I will.

Guess Who I Saw?

2008-11-14T09:52:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted for the last couple days because I haven't been home. Gas prices dropped below $2 a gallon (The first time I saw that I just about drove off the road staring at the $1.99/gal price, and almost again when it dropped to $1.89/gal) so I went to Jenison, two days in a row! So happy! First I went to see Carrie. I didn't leave her house for about 5-6 hours the first day. We talked non stop and I had a great time. I love seeing her and her babies. Next I went to see Mindi and her family. I love them all.

Tyler is the happiest 9 year old I have ever met. He came home from school both days with a big smile and a great attitude. He is also very busy, so I didn't get to talk to him too much. I do know that he makes some real good paper airplanes that fly VERY far, and he is very sweet and loving with his younger siblings, which makes them very happy.

Luke is 2 years old ALREADY, and is a total cutie pie. He loves to watch Nemo and tries to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail (the cover looks so fun, but the movie starts with the credits and he can't quite wait that long). Poor kid, some day he will watch the whole movie and I think he will be a little disappointed that it is not a cartoon. Luke is a pretty good talker, has a little trouble with some words, but it's very cute. He pronounces his name "Yuke" and can't say "batman". He wouldn't even try in front of me. He also refused to try "Erin". My name is very hard for little kids, it usually comes out "Aah-Win".

Paige is 5 months old now. She is so sweet and calm, it's unreal. She wakes up from her mid day nap and talks to herself for a while (so cute!) before crying to be picked up, and stops crying as soon as Carrie picks her up and sooths her. Paige is full of wet, gummy smiles and is a mini-me version of Carrie. I wish I had a baby pic of Carrie to post next to the pic of Paige so you could see how much she looks like her mom. Paige is a little cranky because she's got some teeth coming in, but for the most part is a-ok. Give her a bottle and keep her nearby and she's happy. She even takes well to the exer-saucer for a good 20-30 mins, enough for Carrie to make dinner.

I managed to stay at Carrie's long enough to see Fred both days, he seems to be doing well, and was kind enough to jump my car when I left the headlights on and drained the battery... Nice guy, that Fred. It's real cute, too. When he comes in from work, he finds his kids and hangs out with them for a while. What a good daddy.

Mindi's family is also doing well, I love visiting them as well. I even stopped by my parents, but they were both at work. I saw Steph just as she was going to work, and Dave and Jessa just as they were leaving. I took all my mom's curtains and am going to work on them today. I think I should be able to get them done pretty easily, but am excited to get to play with the sewing machine again today. I'll let you know how they turn out. You know me, I love to share.

Thanksgiving Update

2008-11-11T16:11:00.003-05:00

Today I played with my computer a whole lot. I also got to play with my colored pencils, which I love. I found and created the kids' place cards for Thanksgiving. I'm going to give them a backboard and laminate them like I did finally do to the Adult Place Cards. Wanna See?

I found the clip art on the net, extracted the pic, and using Adobe Photoshop I enlarged it, and copied it 4 times, and made one pic with all 5.

I used Picasa to make the pic black and white and lighten up the existing lines. I printed it on yellow cardstock (I got a pack of Autumn colored cardstock on sale at Micheal's yesterday when I dropped off my application). I then colored it all in by hand (I like the homemade look, but can't draw to save my life...). I'm going to cut out duplicates on brown cardstock and paste it to the back of the yellow cardstock. Then I will Laminate them and cut the laminate to shape.

Wa-La, I have created easy (almost free) and fun place cards for the kids. I think they are real cute. Wait till you see how I use them on Thanksgiving! It's going to be sooooo cool. Unlike any other year before. I love doing parties!

I love Garlic

2008-11-10T16:21:00.005-05:00

I really do love garlic. I would put it in almost everything I made if other people didn't eat it too. Phil asked me once if I could try cooking with less garlic and less Pineapple. I love to put Pineapple in stuff, too. I think they go good together... But I cut it down and try not to over do it.

I decided to try to make garlic bread like the frozen loafs from the store. I think It worked real good. First I pre heated the oven to 350. Then I took 8 cloves of roasted garlic and mashed them into a paste with a small spoon. Then I sliced the baguette into small slices and lathered them with a lot of butter. I spooned out relatively equal amounts of the garlic paste on each slice and then placed them in the oven for 5 mins. I was really afraid of burning the garlic (it burns real easy real quick, at least it has for me) so I checked it almost every minute. Next time I'll try 6 to see if I can get the bread a little crisper. But I really liked it and so did Phil.

Next time, I want to slice the bread the long way and cover it with more butter and more garlic. Then I will slice it like I did here, but wrap it in tinfoil and let it cook for 10 mins at 350. I think that will be even better.

On a more boring note, I applied at Pet Smart, Hobby Lobby, and Micheal's today. Cross your fingers for me, I could use a job. Next week I will hit the mall. Super Fun.

French Bread Update

2008-11-09T20:55:00.002-05:00

It was delicious. We loved it. The bread itself was firm and moist, all I needed to do was maybe throw it in the broiler for a few mins to crisp it and it would've been just like the frozen garlic bread only better. The final version with the roasted garlic cloves was very comparable to the "two napkin garlic bread" at mangiamo's. We smushed the roasted garlic clove over the bread and it formed a kind of delicious paste. I buttered all the pieces, too. Just awesome. I want to eat the rest of them. But I won't, just yet. I can't wait to try this again! I'll make the dough longer, split it into 2 instead of 4, and let it rise a bit higher before cooking it. Today was real cold and I don't think I let the bread rise long enough. I can't wait forever you know...

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

2008-11-09T19:17:00.006-05:00

Today I realized that the memory card was not in the camera for the last 24 hours. That means the shots are stuck on the internal memory (Phil and I have lost the cord needed to plug the stupid thing into a computer). Sorry Ky, your cute little cooking pics are lost to the internal memory. She was so cute, making herself a sandwich singing a little song about how She is cooking and is a Chef. I am a Chef because I am Cooking. So cute. Ugh! If I could just remember to check the memory card before I use the camera...

Anyways today I made my second attempt at roasting garlic. The first time I tried was in early spring and I burned them all to a crisp. I was sad, but I ended up with garlic flavored oil for a while, and that was tasty. So today I took 3 bulbs of garlic, peeled the papery part away from the garlic, but trying not to expose the "meat" of the garlic. I snipped the tips of the garlic bulbs, placed them in my mini loaf pan and I put about a 1/3 cup of veggie oil in the mini pan, being sure to drizzle some oil over the exposed parts of the garlic. I covered the mini pan with tinfoil and put it in my preheated oven at 425 for 30 mins. I think they turned out a little over done (I think I over peeled them...Gotta leave on some more skin) but totally usable. The pic shows the garlic cloves roasted and peeled, in a small container of oil. I read that I can store them that way and they won't go bad because the oil keeps the air from spoiling them.

I also decided to make a french bread to put the garlic on (mmm. roasted garlic + butter on warm baguette.... YUMMY) I am making 4 mini loafs from a recipe I found on Cooks.com. The French Bread has turned out to be a real soft dough, very sticky, and I don't know if I did it right and it's supposed to be like that or what. I'll find out soon. I am waiting for the loaves to rise a little more before I put them in the oven.

Once they are cooked, I'm going to slice up one loaf with 1/2" slices and lather it with butter, and slip a roasted garlic clove in between each piece. Phil and I went to Mangiamo's once and had a garlic bread made like that. It was called "two napkin garlic bread" and it was delicious. It's a good thing we both love garlic or I would never get kisses. . .

I want to hollow out another loaf and use it as a dip bowl. Yum. I'm not planing on throwing a party soon but I would just to have a good excuse to try the appetizer recipe I just found.

Mainly I cooked all this because I have been craving garlic bread. I think I will have a lot of garlic bread in my future. . .

Curtains Are Fun

2008-11-08T11:16:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I got to use the sewing machine to attack curtains. The french door in between the Living Room and the Sun Room got my attention this time. My husband took me to Menard's yesterday and we got 4 curtain rods about $2/rod. Neato!
The pic on the left top shows how the curtains used to hang. When you opened the door the curtain got in the way. It was annoying and not very pretty.
So I hauled out the sewing machine, Thank you Colleen, and hemmed both of the curtains to 73". My husband attached the curtain rods to the top of the door and we hung the curtains, then he put in the rod on the bottom. I had cut off some of the extra material from the bottom of the curtain and I made a "sash" to tie around the curtains so they look cooler than if they just hung there. I also leftovers to make a "tube" filled with stuffing stolen from an old torn toss pillow to put along the bottom of the french door and block the cold air from coming in. (if you click on the pic and look at the pic in the lower right hand corner you can see it along the bottom of the door). Change is good, huh?

Cat Update

2008-11-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

For all you out there worried about my cat, fret no more. She has conjunctivitis. A viral disease that is popular in cats, especially outdoor cats. Cats may be carriers and it may lay dormant until, sudenly, something triggers it. A cat will show signs similar to a human cold, sneezing, coughing, weeping eyes, ect. I was wrong about the meds, I have to give her 3 meds. Eye drops - 3x/day, anti-biotic pill 1x/day, and some anti biotic powder stuff to mix in food. I can't regulate which cat eats what food. Usually we just fill up 3 bowls 1x/day and they eat at their will. Now I had to go buy wet food (enough for 3 weeks) to mix the powder in and feed 1/3 of a can to each cat 3x/day to make sure each one gets a full dose. The vet said that it is probably better for the other cats anyways because chances are they will all contract conjunctivitis. It's super fun forcing a cat to take a pill. You pry their mouth open and literally shove it down their throat. Oh yes, and Set does not have a UTI. She was just mad that I wouldn't let her out of the house. The vet said if she keeps that up he can give me some behavioral meds for her. Hee Hee. A kitty anti-psychotic. How awesome. So that has been my fun day with a super fun three weeks ahead.

Cats are Work

2008-11-05T10:07:00.005-05:00

..................................................................................................................................................................................I have some cats. I don't want any cats, but I have 3. We have my lil bro's cat, Loki; my husbands cat, Merlin; and my cat, Set. Set is the baby of the bunch (she's 2), Merlin is the old man of the group at 8 years and I'm not sure how old Loki is, but he's older than set and younger than Merlin (maybe 3-5?).

Loki is the one in the cat tree (my husband and I built that thing. That was fun. Dave helped us carpet it).

Set is in the upper Right and Merlin below. Merlin is much more orange than that but he wouldn't hold still long enough for me to fet a good shot.

Loki was shot with a pellet gun in the lower half of his spine a few years ago, and Dave spent A LOT of money to fix him. The vet wasn't sure if Loki would be able to walk again, but Dave insisted they try everything possible to save him. Loki has a very pronounced limp, some days are better than others, but he is very mobile. Loki loves string. He likes to bat it around and chase it, he likes to attack it, but most of all he loves to eat it. Too bad he can't keep it down. Last year, on Valentines Day I put a ribbon wrapped vase with flowers on the dining room table. During the night, Loki jumped up on the table (A BIG No-No in my house) and chewed the string off the vase. I know because I had to clean up his resulting mess. Loki also has some hairball issues. I have all hardwood floors except I used to have a big chunk of carpet remnant in the basement (in front of the washer and dryer). Loki would run downstairs and vomit on the only carpet in the whole house. I hate cleaning carpet. To combat the hairball issues I purchased some petroleum-based stuff you make the cat eat. All the ads said cats love the tuna taste. Loki, however, acted like I was poisoning him and would shake his paw as hard as he could to get it off. I am still cleaning the remnants of this goo off the walls. Loki is also a bit of a worrier and a glutton. He will over eat and lose his lunch, and immediately run back for more. The instant the food dishes are empty he cries (very persistently) for more food as if he hasn't eaten in days. The first time the cats ran out of food in the night, he waited till about 6 am and came crying into my room. I was fast asleep. He jumped up on the bed and cried loudly, directly into my ear. I reacted with out thought and the next thing I know there's a cat flying through the air. Loki has never pulled that little move again. You gotta have pity for the cripple kitty. Loki is the most curious of all the cats. When a visitor brings a bag (like a gym bag or a backpack) he is the first cat trying to see what's in the package. When we move furniture he is the first cat to run into the newly opened space to see what happened. He's always gotta know what is going on. It's pretty funny.

Phil got Merlin about 8 years ago when he was a little kitten just old enough to be weaned. That was way back in 2000. Merlin is a big genetic mutant cat with 6-7 toes on each paw, seriously, this crazy cat seems to have thumbs. He is fat and anti social cat that should have been named Heathcliff or Garfield. When Merlin fights he bats with his paws like he's a boxer. He is the only de-clawed cat, but he rarely loses fights. Merlin pretty much only likes Phil. Once a day, after Phil is home from work, he's ready for some attention and he comes padding into the room and jumps on Phil's lap for about an hour. When he's had enough he leaves and finds somewhere to sleep. Merlin doesn't really like people who aren't Phil. He tolerates me. When we have people over I tell them, "don't touch the orange cat. He doesn't like to be pet and he will bite you." and I mean it. He will bite you. He even bites Phil (if provoked, I mean he's not a crazy cat that goes around biting people for no reason. You have to touch him and annoy him for a while before he will bite you). People take this as a challenge (!) and say things to the extent of, "oh, cats love me! You just need to ..." and proceed to try and touch him and pet him and are alarmed when he tries to bite them. Why don't people just listen? At least I try... Merlin has a growth on his bottom jaw that makes it seem as if his tongue is sticking out all the time. My husband took him to the vet when the abnormal growth appeared some years ago. At one point in time that cat ate better than Phil did. Pure duck or fish or lamb or whatever to see if it was a food allergy. It's not. Phil even paid for a biopsy to see if it was cancer. It's not. After all that time and money we still don't know what is the cause of the growth, but it doesn't hinder Merlin at all (eating, grooming) so we just live and let live. Merlin likes to throw his weight around on occasion. It's really kinda funny. He has spent 24 hours straight stalking Loki. Just a few steps behind him, all day long. Sometimes I'll separate the two of them so poor Loki can rest. Merlin is cat best left alone. He is occasionally affectionate towards me, and especially so if i am upset or crying. He's been know to jump on my lap from time to time.

Set came to me a little over a year and a half ago in a moment of weakness. My neighbor was moving to a non-cat friendly place and I agreed to take Set. Set is the only female of the group (don't get all excited, all 3 cats are neutered). I don't know why the neighbor named her cat Set. It's a strange name, but I wouldn't want someone to change my name so I won't change hers. Set is an indoor/outdoor cat. She has the softest fur of any cat I've ever touched, and is very affectionate and sweet. Set lets my nieces carry her around and takes abuse from kids very well. She cries when she's had enough and the girls are good enough to let her go when she does. She's never bit them or scratched at them. She loves to stalk things like grasshoppers, leaves, and especially the birds. She was just barely a full grown cat when I got her, more kitten than mature. She loves the laser light (so does Loki, but Set especially so) and has spend up to 45 mins watching the laser spin in circle on the wall, waiting for it to make a mistake. Someday I'd like to film her attacking the laser light. It's hilarious to watch her jump up half the wall and attack it at the same time, her little paws furiously batting at the light she can't seem to catch. Set is an impetuous cat. She wants to go outside constantly. She cries to get out and if I don't let her she will jump up on things and knock things over and claw the furniture she doesn't usually touch. Just like a little kid. Give me what I want or I'll throw a fit! Set hates snow, she cries and acts like something horrible has been thrown upon her, and rain is almost as bad. Last year she started peeing around the house and once on our bed (while she was lying on) so I took her to the vet. She had a UTI. I had to give her medicine! That's crazy! It's a cat! Last Sunday I noticed her eye seemed funny. Sure enough, she has what appears to be an infected eye, but what do I know. Yesterday she started peeing around the house. So I decided to take her to the vet. She's sick if she's doing that...or mad that I'm not letting her out of the house... either way, I can't have her peeing all the place, so I gotta take her to the vet today. I made an appointment for today. There goes another $100. This time I might have to give her two meds! Can you see it? Eye drops and an anti-biotic. Cats hate getting medicine by the way. Dogs can be easily tricked or forced. Cats take more work. I've had Set quarantined for about 14 hours now in the back room. She hates it when that happens. I feel bad for her. But I can't let her wander around and pee on things (I refuse to let my house smell like cat!) and I don't want her getting the other cats sick. I need to know if she is eating or drinking, if she's peed or not, and that's hard to do with 2 other cats about. So it's best if I leave her quarantined for a while until we find out what's wrong with her.

I never wanted to be the crazy cat lady but here I am with 3 cats and a huge long blog about what said cats do. Help me, I don't want to be the crazy cat lady! (at least I'm not single)

History, Both Large and Small

2008-11-05T09:37:00.006-05:00

First, History is made on the large scale:
We (America) elected the first black man to president in the history of our country. How amazing that we could live in such a time! Even 30-40 years ago the idea was unbelievable. I knew a woman who used to get in trouble just for talking to a black man on the open street (White women didn't talk to black men on the open street in 1920). Imagine how they would have felt then if they knew now that we'd not only talk to them, we'd vote them into the highest office in the land. I'm impressed with America. Now let's hope that some extremist Neo-Nazi (or anyone else) doesn't assassinate him. He'll just be another Kennedy when I believe he could be something much more.

Now for the making of History on a smaller scale:
-or- Things you didn't already read about in the news:

I saw my little bro last night and he had just come from a very eventful doctor's appointment and now knows the sex of his unborn child!
Apparently, the picture in the middle row, on the right, shows a little baby wang. It's a BOY!
(if you click on the picture another page will open with the picture real big and you should be able to see details better) The doc said everything looked GREAT, the baby is coming along GREAT, and the heart sounds GREAT. We couldn't ask for anything more than a healthy baby.
I'm so excited for them, that's what they were hoping for. It's hard to believe that my little brother is having a baby. Tomorrow this little child will be on the halfway mark to saying hello(20 weeks, halfway through pregnancy).
Dave told me that while they were at the appointment the ultrasound tech left the room, so Dave grabbed the imaging thing and put some more goo on Jessa's belly and they took at look at their child together. How Awesome. His curiosity and enthusiasm are wonderful.
I hope this little guy comes out covered in red hair, looking just like his father and his grandfather before him.

Happy Birthday Little Brother!

2008-11-04T09:19:00.003-05:00

Today is not only a historical election day, but it is also my little brother's birthday! Today he is 27 years old

This is my little brother and I around 1984. I was 4 and he was 3. Aren't those footie pajamas so cute?

Here we are at our older brother's wedding, in 2001. He was a groomsman and I was a bridesmaid. Love that red hair...

And finally here is little brother at my wedding. He was the Bestman and looked so handsome.

So Happy Birthday David John, and many many more to you.

I Can't Wait for Thanksgiving!

2008-11-03T10:27:00.004-05:00

I have begun planning the Thanksgiving dinner. I have been involved in Thanksgiving for the last 2 years with my sisters. 2 years ago we just got Stove Top Stuffing, a couple cans of corn and peas, some Pillsbury type biscuits, and some store bought pumpkin pies. Nice and easy, Thanksgiving dinner provided by corporate America and their beloved brand names. It was boring. I wasn't excited about it at all. Last year, we made some awesome food but didn't go all out. This year I am going all out Martha Steward (less formal than her, but I'm working in some craft projects). I already have my menu picked out, now I need to know how many are planning on coming. (Even if my family doesn't RSVP to this bountiful feast, they are still welcome to stop by and eat with us. I will make more than necessary because there should always be Thanksgiving leftovers. Just don't expect a place card with out an RSVP.)

These are my place cards for Adults. I had so much fun making them. . .

I need to talk to my sister and see if I can use her laminator for a while (So fun), and I need to do some more work, but I have the basics worked out. I figure as long as I get all the work done before Thanksgiving, I should be able to pull it off.

Shelves are Pretty Cool

2008-11-02T21:17:00.010-05:00

I have a major dislike of all things boring; especially white walls - to me, they are vapid, blank, and dull. Last year my husband and I picked up a bunch of pictures his mother donated to us to cover my glaring white walls. I recently discovered shelves. I realize that they have been around a lot longer than I have, and it seems weird I didn't think of it before, but I didn't. Then I remembered my Grandpa Hoving liked making wood crafts. He made a bunch of shelves and they were just waiting in the barn, gathering dust. So last Friday Phil and I visited the barn.
While we were I told my mom what I was up to and she volunteered some glass shelves she purchased some years back and just never got around to hanging up (Thanks Mom, they look great!).
See Mom? Phil put them up that same day we got them. He's hard at work on the wooden shelves, too. He has taken some of them apart and sanded them down, stained them, and lacquered them.
The Glass Shelves actually replaced wooden ones already up in our bedroom. They look really nice. (And just for the record, the jewelry on my shelf is all costume jewelry, and the chest holds stamps. The only pieces of jewelry I own worth any money are my wedding rings, and that's not even worth robbing me for. We are living on love, not money).

..................................................
So the other shelves are cool, too. Mom gave us a wooden one she bought years ago and doesn't use, it's the one with the open circle in it. Phil took it apart and is going to stain it to match the other two from our room. The two long ones are going to be stained as well, I feel a little bad covering up the hand painted flowers, but I haven't made a decision yet. I am going to put one long shelf in the kitchen above the stove to hold the stuff that clutters the top of the fridge. It's going to look very cool. We had to take down the picture that was in the kitchen, and so we re-used it.

The shelf on the bottom right of the collage has a very cool scrolly thing going on and we haven't decided what to do with it yet, but rest assured, it will be sanded down, stained, lacquered and sanded again. And we will bind a use for it.

I plan to inscribe each piece "Created by Robert Hoving 2000-2005, Refinished by Phil Chapin 11/2008" or something to that extent so that generations from now people will know who made those shelves.

We took the kitchen picture apart and used the frame and the matting to showcase my husband's novelty T-Shirt of Foamy the Squirrel. I don't care for Foamy, but he says it's a collectible and the T -Shirt itself isn't offensive (It says, "Squirrely Wrath" and the pin says "DO NOT! Anger the Master"). He really likes it, and honestly, you gotta pick your battles.

Voting Is Hard Work

2008-10-31T11:31:00.005-04:00

Before I go to vote, I want to make sure I know what and who I am voting for. So I am going to figure out what exactly is on the ballot. I found the Michigan Gov't web site, and a way to see what will be on your ballot card. Click this link and enter your info to see what will be on your ballot (differs by area).
I have spent about 2 hours searching the web to find out what we are going to be voting on (besides the Pres/Vice Pres and Proposals). The link above is bound to be the most accurate way to see what will be on your ballot card. Once you have the names it should'nt be to hard to google them and find the info. I'm going to do that this weekend. Today I have to carve an awesome pumpkin (or 2) and maybe throw together some cheap Halloween costumes for me and my husband (I think Tony and Cyndi are throwing a Halloween Costume party tonight. They were talking about it a few weeks ago...).
Anyway, back to voting...
It is important to make an educated vote. I firmly believe in knowing what/who you are voting for, even though I have never really looked into anything past the president/VP and proposals. This year I want to put a little more time into the other people on the ballot and I encourage you do so as well. Even if you don't vote the same way I do.
I'm hoping this is the biggest turn out ever for the US population to vote. I think I heard once that less than 50% of the population votes. That's not cool. I hope this year it's over 75%. That'll really make history.

(Not) Smoking Cigarettes

2008-10-30T10:25:00.003-04:00

I was at my sister's house last week and showing her how to add fun things to her blog when we found the Quit Smoking widget. How cool! Part of me felt like it has been so long since I quit that a counter is a little late, but since I installed it, I find I am very attracted to it! It's hard to believe (even now) that it has been so long since I quit. 47 weeks. I could have had a baby in that time. It's amazing to me that I was able to do it, that I still choose to not do it. It was such a part of me, part of my identity - Smoker - and I was able to change it with out changing me.
Cool. Amazing.
My favorite memories (of quitting) are from January of this year. That was the coldest winter weather I can remember, ever. And seeing that I live in Michigan, that means C-O-L-D. My Fiancee and our smoker friends would bundle up and go outside to smoke their cigs and I would stay on the couch, stretched out, cozy and warm underneath my favorite blanket. I love not smoking. Especially when it means not getting cold.
I feel I should say I don't think I could have done it without the help I got from Chantix. I was seriously surprised when it really did take away the urge to go smoke. I would realize I hadn't thought of having a smoke for a LOOONG time. I had to use Chantix twice. The first time, I was too eager to stop taking the pills and couldn't stop smoking the cigs. I smoked for another guilt filled month and finally told my doc I needed a new prescription for the first month pack again (That was hard, because I was hiding the fact that I had stopped taking it). So the second time I started the plan, I just decided I would quit when I was ready, not when a special date occurred. I found I didn't really want to smoke very often, and when I did smoke, I would lose interest before the cig was even half gone. So I started smoking half a cig (very stinky!) and smoked the other half when the urge to smoke struck again again. I was actually about 4 days or so past the time the Chantix said to quit smoking. I smoked "halfies" maybe twice a day, or whenever I felt the need, until I ran out of smokes. Then I never bought another pack of cigs again.

Chantix was wonderful, but had side effects for me. I got very nauseated for about 15 mins every time I took the pill. I never actually vomited, but it was so severe I would wonder if I was ill, before I remembered the pills made me feel that way. That is why I quit taking the pills the first time - I really hate feeling like I'm going to vomit. But I stopped too early, before my physical addiction to nicotine was over. The second time I used the nausea as an incentive. I never want to feel that again, therefore, if I never smoke again, I never have to. That sentiment there has kept me cigarette free (not even one puff) since December 2, 2007.

My husband wants to quit smoking. He even used my leftover Chantix, but wasn't able to get past the nausea side effects and stopped taking them so he is still smoking. The more time that passes, the more I notice and feel adverse to the smell of smoking. The other day he took a "halfie" inside and it about knocked me over. Very Stinky. I don't know if he will ever be able to quit smoking, you have to put up with a lot of discomfort (whether it is nausea from Chantix or just plain withdraw) for about a month and then it lightens up for the next 2 months until you don't really notice it (until situations of high stress). I confess there are times I think a smoke would be great, but I have never and will never give in to that urge. I fought too hard to go back. I know that I am not strong enough to smoke "only one" or even take one hit. I know I would be right back to a pack a day. I don't want to die of cancer (especially cancer I could have avoided), I don't want to smell (Smokers - you smell really bad), and I don't want to spend all that money just to feed an addiction that brings me closer to death.

A lot of my friends have successfully quit smoking over the years. In fact more of my friends are non smokers than there are smokers. In between my quit attempts I was talking to one friend who had recently quit (he had about a month smoke free) and I asked him how he did it. He said "It's real easy. Just don't do it." I see now that not smoking is the lazy thing to do. I don't have to worry about how many cigs I have, where the best price for them is, when I will be going to the gas station to get more, how much money I have to purchase them, where they are, where my lighter is, or when I will be able to go outside to smoke. Not smoking is a lot easier than smoking. I don't even need to stop what I am doing to go smoke. Not ever. And I like that a whole lot.

A reflection on sisters

2008-10-27T23:01:00.005-04:00

I was looking at my wedding pics again (can't help it, just love 'em) and I came across this beautiful pic of my lovely nieces. When I see this, I imagine how they must have felt. I imagine the reckless joy and excitement, the sensation of flying while whirling around with her, the only ground to the world holding each others hands, flying together.

Thank god we have sisters to share moments like these and to keep us safely secured to the ground while we fly together...

Oh, the joy of seeing through a child's eye...

Look What I found!

2008-10-25T14:55:00.003-04:00

When I was planning my wedding, I created a wedding website. I deleted it because I didn't want to pay for it. Back then I didn't realize you could just blog about it for free, or that I would love blogging as much as I do.
One portion of that website asked for stories, so I wrote one. I thought I had lost it when I deleted the site, but I just found it on my hard drive. I thought I'd post it here. Hope you enjoy it.

Once upon a time, in land far, far away there lived a pretty-good-looking Princess. The Princess did not know much of what lay outside the Realm of the Castle. One day, in a fit of curiosity and impulsivity that ruled her, she ventured into the village to see what could be seen. She came upon her sister, the only-slightly-older-and-slightly-thinner Princess. Her sister, a seasoned veteran of escape from the Castle Realm, took her by the hand and introduced her to the wonders outside the Castle Realm.
The only-slightly-older-and-thinner Princess introduced her younger sister to a charming Prince on their journey. The younger Princess took quite a shine to the handsome Prince, but was oh-so-afraid of being out of the Castle Realm, so she went back home to the Castle straight away. The Princess found she could not stay away from the clever Prince. She was compelled to continue to steal out to meet the Prince somewhere, and hang out for a while; even on winter weather advisory days when the paths to the Prince were quite treacherous. But she always returned to the Castle Realm.
This went on for about 11 years, till one day the Princess knew she could no longer deny her undying love for the attractive Prince. She decided to try a kiss from her adorable Prince. For 7 days the Princess tried to summon the courage to kiss her Prince. She went to him, night after night, waiting for the perfect moment. Finally, she could take it no longer. The Princess lifted her head and kissed her Prince. The Prince was pleased to say the least.
The Princess now stole off nightly to meet the Prince. She returned to her Castle, night after night, in a fog of hormone produced chemical ecstasy. Fast forward 8 months. The Princess, having known her Prince all those 11, almost 12 years, knew he was right for her. She thought about how much simpler her life could if she didn’t have to return to the Castle Realm every night, all that driving, and sneaking about, it was time consuming. So she thought about it real hard, until her little head became dizzy with exhaustion, and her humble brain hurt. She realized what must happen; she ought to marry the Prince! She really wanted to marry the Prince! But then, like a ton of bricks, it hit her, did the Prince want to marry her?
The Princess did what any sensible Princess would do. She took the Prince out to eat at Red Lobster and without delay, started crying. She felt so silly, she hardly knew what to do, but she figured she had better do it fast because the Prince was bound to start getting confused. She hid her face in her arms. Slowly peeking up at her Prince, she whispered to him, “I love you and I want to marry you. Do you want to marry me?” Her poor Prince smiled and said, “Well, not right now, but maybe, definitely maybe, later.”
Hee Hee. Just Kidding! The dashing Prince took his Princess’s hand, looked deep in her tearful eyes, and said “I’ve always wanted to marry you.” And so it was that the Princess had her Prince and all was well in the country.

PC Wizard and Clay

2008-10-23T23:10:00.003-04:00

I made a clay wizard today. Isn't he cute?

I'm trying to make a prototype for the little mascot for my husband's business.

I totally stole him from this little guy down here. Isn't he cute?

I gotta get a better camera....

New Goodies are Neat

2008-10-21T09:40:00.004-04:00

See all the new things I figured out I could do with my blog? Fancy new counters, fun new pictures, and a slide show? That's all together too awesome. I am really enjoying blogging. Who knew?
Did you know you can also put games on your blog? I decided they took up too much space and didn't leave one here. Sorry.
Yesterday I read a new book. Yep, all in one day. It's called Twilight and it's written by Stephenie Meyer (notice: StephEnie not StephAnie; I've only seen that spelling once before with my cousin who was named after her father, Stephen... interesting ). The book is written for the young adult crowd, 12 +, but I liked Harry Potter Series, too, so what do I care.
It's about a girl whose boyfriend is a vegetarian vampire, as in, he feeds only on animals and not humans. Interesting. I want to read more about them.

I laid down on my bed around 6pm and stayed there, reading until 1am. I finished the whole book. It was very well written and intriguing. Jessa loaned it to me and I can't wait to exchange for the next book in the series, New Moon.

Apparently, it is a New York Times bestseller book that is being made into a movie in about a month.

Happy Birthday Big Brother

2008-10-19T19:02:00.004-04:00

How's this for a cute little guy? This is my big brother Daniel at about 3 years old. What a sweetie. Back then we still called him Danny ...
This is Dan as a High School Senior. What a good looking guy! Check out this HS Senior pic of my dad for interesting comparison.
This is Dan and his wife at my wedding. What a handsome man.

My big brother is 33 today. Happy Birthday big brother and many happy returns!

Savory Bread filled with walnuts and olives

2008-10-19T18:48:00.006-04:00

See my beautiful savory bread? It has chopped, roasted walnuts and chopped olives tucked inside for extra goodness.

I also used a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and bread flour instead of all purpose flour.

I am pleased with the way it looks, but I am too full to try it. Jessa and Dave shared their giant pizza with us and I just can't eat anymore. So I'll let you know how it tastes later.

I enjoyed my day in the kitchen today. I started when I made my husband and I a late breakfast, then I made chocolate chip cookies, and then I used my Crock Pot to make a whole chicken version of my sweet and sour chicken. I am confident it will turn out great, but it won't be done for at least 3 more hours. . . The cookies were nothing special, so I didn't take pics of them. We've all seen chocolate chips cookies (At least I sure hope we all have, what's a childhood without chocolate chip cookies?).

The bread is good. My husband says "it's different, but very hard to explain. Crunchy and flavorful. I like it.."

I think the bread has a good consistency, real elastic, and when eating it, I find myself looking forward to the layers of olives and walnuts, even though I don't like either of them.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

2008-10-19T10:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my sisters, my friends, and I participated in the American Cancer Society fundraising event, Making Strides For Breast Cancer. We walked with hundreds of other people for 4 miles around Grand Rapids and together we raised $72,329.01 ! Good Job Grand Rapids!

It was cold, and early in the morning (well, for a weekend...) and we all pulled together and made it. I had a lot of fun and look forward to doing it again next year. I hope to get involved a little more involved next year, and start campaigning earlier to raise more money.

I found two lumps in my right breast last year, a subsequent biopsy found them to be non cancerous, and I had a small taste of the fear that those diagnosed with this disease must feel. It was even enough to help me quit smoking. (That, coupled with the help of Chantix helped me to quit, I smoked my last cigarette on December 2, 2007, and I happy to report I am still smoke free. Not one cigarette, not even one puff.)

Both of my Grandmothers were diagnosed with breast cancer, one lost the fight in 1996, Clarice Leona Hoving, and the other is a solid survior, Norma Jean Boone. Next year I hope to have a little extra money to make pink T-shirts with Grandma Hoving's picture on it for all of us. I have some great picsof her, and I'm leaning toward this one here. Doesn't she look great?

Carving Pumpkins is Fun

2008-10-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

I have been using Pumpkin Masters brand carving kits and tools for years now. The last 2 years I have seriously tried to carve not just a good pumpkin, but a great pumpkin. Something that makes the neighbors talk about you, but in a good way.

I bought 3 books (did I ever tell you I'm very impulsive?) of patterns, and one came with the tool kit. Of course, now they have a new tool, one that makes pattern transfers easier. I want it. Today I purchased the 4-in-1 carving tool for $1 at Michaels. Well worth it.

I chose the "Gimme Candy" pattern this year. I tried real hard to get a pic like that, but you need an awesome camera and some photography skills to get that. My digital camera is not special enough to get a good shot of the shadow effect. So I lifted a pic from the book cover for you.

Your welcome.

Last night I spent a few hours searching the web for tips on carving, and I found quite a few. One in particular spoke to me, basically it said don't be lazy. Take the time to scrape the pumpkin wall at least to 1 inch thick. I actually did, I even got it under an inch. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! It was so much easier to cut the pumpkin. My hands didn't get as tired as quick, and my saw didn't feel like it was going to break. The next tip was, your saw is a saw and not a knife. Don't cut with it, saw with it. It may seem like duh, you should know that, but really, the temptation is strong to pull the saw as if it were a knife, it seems like it would be faster. It's not a knife. Saw up and down with firm pressure, but not too hard.
The front of my pumpkin looks great. I had no trouble at all getting the look I wanted. The lettering on the back of the pumpkin, however, did not go so well. It was difficult, but I went slow and took my time. I messed up on the "e" in Treat, but it isn't very noticeable. When I was finished with the entire pumpkin, I got out a candle and light up the pumpkin in my room with all the lights turned off. It took another hour with the fine tooth saw to get the words to cast their shadows correctly, but now it is very clear and easy to read the "Trick or Treat" shadow cast on the wall.

The last picture in the bottom corner shows the Trick or Treat as it looks on the back of the pumpkin (backwards), it's hard to see because I don't have an awesome camera, just one that works... Someday I'll have a cool camera that will take pictures just the way I want it too...

Anyways, I had a lot of fun, and am going to have to try real hard not to carve Phil's pumpkin cause I want to do another one....

Honey Wheat Loaf

2008-10-16T12:44:00.001-04:00

Check out my my awesome first attempt at a nice big loaf of bread! It turned out real well - sweet, dense and moist with a nice crunchy crust. It only had a small section of slightly underdone in the very center. I need to develop a better ear for the hollow noise that indicated bread doneness. . .
I finished the loaf just as the presidential debates started and husband and I went over to a friend's house to watch. We brought the bread and the 5 of us ate it before I took a pic. Sorry, couldn't wait.
When we got home, my husband made a tuna sandwich with it. What a contrast in taste! The sweetness of the bread (there is a entire half a cup of honey in it!) vs the tang of the onion and pickles in the tuna spread. It was actually really good. I will try it with some nice ham and mayo, bit more normal... I'm sure it'll be real good.
I now have a nice collection of flour types: All purpose white flour, white bread flour, and now whole wheat flour. But if I keep cooking breads, I'm gonna need a lot more...
My next project is an artisan bread with walnuts and olives rolled into the middle. My husband will really like that. Maybe I'll try a whole wheat pizza dough, too.
Only time will tell.

Halloween

2008-10-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

I love Halloween. It is so much fun to decorate for it, to dress up in costumes....
It's among my favorite holidays. I have neighbors asking if I am planning on carving pumpkins again this year. Oh yeah. I went grocery shopping yesterday and found pumpkins at Aldi's for $2.99 a piece. A nice big bin full of em. So I picked out two beauties and will carve them this weekend.
I found some great tips for keeping your pumpkins pretty longer

1. Wipe petroleum jelly over the cut edges

2. If it still starts to "wilt" you can place it face down in a tub of water for about 8 hours (overnight is easiest) and it will replenish itself.

Check out these awesome pics from the world wide web sent to me by my friend Tony.

I love the creativity in the puking pumpkin! I want to do it so bad, but I am sure that will attract a lot of unwanted animals.... But maybe just for one night, on Halloween night....

Now that's a full moon! Hee Hee!

Thanksgiving Fun Time

2008-10-14T10:28:00.000-04:00

You saw it here first folks. I get to be in charge of Thanksgiving meal this year. I am SO EXCITED! I'm going to have the time to put in the extra effort to make it real unique this year. I'm going to start planing it now! Woo-Hoo!
I love having projects to do. I am looking forward to putting this all together! I gotta remember to be easy to work with and to give clear directions of what I expect and when I expect it. I learned a lot about that when I planned my wedding. Which I also enjoyed.

My Bread Rocks

2008-10-11T12:58:00.000-04:00

The bread is dense, moist, and slightly sweet. It has a crunchy crust, much like a french bread. I did pretty good!I've sliced it thin and covered it with butter (as pictured above, and yes, that is real butter, not margarine) and I sprayed it with Olive oil and sprinkled it with Italian seasoning. Both methods are pretty dang good. I'm thinking I might make up a bunch of it for Thanksgiving.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I love cooking for holidays. I'm starting to get a little bit of notoriety among my family members as a good cook, I even had them eating Asparagus with a vinaigrette last year! The prosciutto helped that, I think... At any rate, I'm really excited for Thanksgiving this year. Hope to be able to cook lots of good food this year (and next year, and the year after that, and the year after that...).

Bread, lovely homemade bread

2008-10-10T21:56:00.000-04:00

I finally did it. I finally made my own bread. After a week and a half of threatening to try it, I did it today. I used my Awesome Stand Mixer, a wedding present from my Grandpa and Grandma Boone (Thanks Gpa, it's honestly my favorite toy). It kneads the dough for me, which is very nice. Bread is easy this way. I watch the mixer do it's thing to the dough, then I just leave the dough alone and let it rise. This recipe called for honey to be added to the dough, yum. Check that out Mom, honey and not refined sugar. She'll be so proud.
My hubby and I left shortly after I left the dough to rise, and we went running errands and came home about 5 hours later. I mixed in some sunflower seeds, cut up the dough in 8 equal pieces, and rolled them in 3 different seeds (Sunflower, Poppy Seed, and Sesame Seed). The roll in the middle is dusted in flour.
It's in the oven right now, and it is HOT in my house. But it smells real good.

Talk is Good

2008-10-10T11:47:00.000-04:00

Wednesday I worked a 12.5 hour shift. It hurt the next day, but will look real good on the paycheck. Yesterday was a nice day, I didn't do anything useful, I just hung out with other girls. Jessa and I sat at my kitchen table and talked for 4 hours. Next, we went to my parent's and had dinner with them, and then sat at their kitchen table and talked with my mom for about 2 hours. Last stop was at Mindi's, where we sat at her kitchen table and talked for a few more hours.

I forget how much I need that interaction with other women. It's so nice to sit and talk, just talk.
It reminded me how much I miss my old friends. When we lived together way back in 2001 and we would sit and talk, and talk, and talk. Jessica and Melanie, my girls forever. Even If I haven't spoken with either of them in months or years, they are still my friends. (It's hard when they live in other states...)

Lately I have been able to talk to Chels fairly often, and I know that has been a good thing for both of us. Reconnecting after all the years is wonderful, and the comfort of a good friend and good conversation is priceless. With friends and family like these, I can definitely look forward to the years ahead and the wonderful things to come to all of us.

A little late night surfing

2008-10-07T00:57:00.000-04:00

The worst thing about second shift is that my husband doesn't really work second shift. He works kind of in between the two for the most part, so sometimes when I get home from work (after 11pm) he's in bed, asleep. This is very boring for me. So I surf the web, check out other people's blog and I found some real cool things on this lady's blog! A cool signature and a way to make music play! How awesome! if only I could really write that neatly....

It's Been Awhile

2008-10-06T11:36:00.000-04:00

I had this last weekend off from work and it was so nice. I had a good time. Saturday morning I neglected most of my chores and instead cooked breakfast (at noon) for the people here. Pancakes and scrambled eggs with cheese. Nice and easy. My poor husband had to leave to work for an hour or two, and so he didn't get any. I was going to save him some food, but the rest of us were hungry. . .
I spent most of the day playing Rock Band on our Playstation 2. I kept thinking I would put it down and do some dishes or something but that never happened. Instead, I'd play for about 45 minutes and put it down, go find my husband and talk to him for a while. He was doing things with computer parts, and we'd talk for a little while and then I'd go back to Rock Band. Rinse and Repeat.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................Saturday night we went to my husband's sister's house. Her husband recently purchased Rock Band 2 for the X Box, so we came over to check it out. It's awesome. He had purchased a lot of additional tracks and there were over 200 songs to choose from (at home we only have about 60 and that's on two different CD's). It was fun. We got there around 7pm and spent some time with their kids, 5 year old Jordan (our ringbearer) and 2 year old Mekenzie. She is a sweet and good natured little girl, very quiet but not very shy. Jordan is a very happy and energetic little boy, who loves his little sister and video games. He tells me all about his video games when I see him.

It's odd to me when I realize that I am one of about 3 couples who will be Aunt/Uncle to these kids. I grew up in a large family that came from large families. Combined total of both Mom and Dad's family, I have 11 pairs of Aunts/Uncles, and over 40 cousins. My mom's family used to rent out the gym of local schools to host family gatherings. And that was just Gma and Gpa and their kids and grandkids!
It's a little sad to think that my kids won't have a bunch of cousins to play with. I have always enjoyed the friendship of my cousins, they are my forever friends that I don't see very often, but when we get together we have a great time. Family gatherings we always fun because there was a lot going on and lots of kids to play with (and they still are fun for those same reasons). My poor kids are going to be so bored. . .

Easy as Apple Pie

2008-10-01T22:12:00.001-04:00

Check out my awesome pie! Usually I make everything from scratch, but I gotta tell ya, I hate making pie crust. Butter is so picky and I am just too much of a perfectionist to ever achieve a uniform thickness. Evenness in a pie crust is essential for good pies, so I just buy pre-made pie crust. Forgive me.

Anyways, I got a 3# bag of Granny Smith apples and peeled them, cored them and quartered them and mixed them in a large bowl with sugar, flour, and bits of crystallized ginger (mainly the sugar from the bag, most of the ginger is gone...but I figure the sugar still retains some of the ginger flavor). I took the apple mix and put it in my awesome Pfaltzgraff pie dish from my mother (Thanks Mom!). The pie dish came with the bird you can see poking out of the apples. The bird is hollow and allows air to rush in/out of the pie while it is cooking. If you properly seal your pie and use the bird, the goo will not run out of the pie and end up dripping all over your oven and burning. Plus I think the bird looks cool poking out of the pie. I put all 3 lbs in the pie, I love the way the overstuffed pie looks.

This time, I even remembered to dot the pie with butter. I almost always forget that. Let's hope this makes it extra good as it definitely adds extra calories.

I like crimping the edges of the pie, gives it a neat look. I washed the outside of the pie with egg whites and sprinkled sugar over the top of it. Then I cooked it for a long time. The trick to not burning your pie is to tent it with tinfoil when the crust is browned, not burned.

Well, I didn't manage to seal the crust properly so the goo dripped out and smoke poured out of my oven and set off the fire alarm. That's how you know you're doing a good job - the smoke detector goes off.

My husband, god love him, always comes behind me and un-does what I do. I open the back door to let out smoke, he closes it. I open the kitchen window and put the fan in it, he turns the fan the other direction (no matter what way I turn it, it's never the right way). It's okay, I just re-do whatever it is that he un-does. Except the fan. I don't really care. I wouldn't think about it at all if he didn't change it all the time.

Soon it will be time to eat the pie. I picked up some vanilla ice cream (I never buy ice cream, so everyone is real excited) and it will be served warm in about 10 mins. Yum.

Homemade Pizza Fun

2008-10-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

...........................................................................................................................................................................The bread flour turned out a much better dough than the all purpose flour does. It was smoother, like the flour and liquid mixed together better. As much as I like to say I do it all, I have to credit to my husband who always stretches the dough and shapes it. When he was in high school he worked at a local pizza parlor, and he actually can toss the dough to stretch it. He noticed the higher quality of the dough and wanted to try tossing it to stretch it, but didn't dare risk it. Anyways, I think the dough cooked thicker and tasted better. I am definitely going to play with this bread flour some more.

The top row of pics show my pizza sauce. I use a can of diced tomato's, a can of tomato sauce, sugar, salt, a bay leaf, and Italian seasoning and I simmer it on the stove at med high heat for a long time. Sometimes I throw in some minced garlic or minced onion, too. I'm still experimenting with different amounts of each, but I've noticed the sugar content is very important. It can make or break your sauce. The less, the better - but be careful, too little is no good either. Today I used way too much - 1 Tablespoon. Next time, I'm going to try 2 teaspoons sugar to 1 teaspoon salt. I usually start another project in the kitchen while the sauce simmers and thickens up, probably about 30 mins or so. My hubby doesn't like chunky tomato sauce so when it's finished simmering (being careful to first remove the bay leaf) I pour the sauce into my sieve and smash around the sides with a spoon until all the "meat" or flesh of the tomato (and it's seeds) are separated. It's real simple, but hard on the wrists. I wish that I had a composter. I could put the leftover food "trash" in there instead of wasting it in the city trash. I saw a cool one on the Today show this spring, but I can't afford it, plus I'd have to research the city laws about compost piles and I just don't want to. Government websites are scary and difficult to navigate.

The bottom row of pics show my dough rising (it doubled in size by the time I used it), the dough after my hubby stretched it, and the final cooked pizza. Phil (my husband) likes to put a light layer of mozzarella cheese directly on the sauce, then the ingredients (today we put pepperoni, artichoke hearts and onion), then the rest of the cheese. The trick is not to over-do it. Too much cheese becomes too much grease and all that cheese covers the flavor of the ingredients and the sauce. Cheese should be the tie that binds, not the main attraction.

Pizza Dough

2008-10-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

I pride myself on my ability to re-create awesome foods from scratch at home. Pizza is one of them. I even make my own sauce. But I have always used all purpose flour to make the dough. Today, I splurged while grocery shopping and purchased a bag of bread flour. It has a higher gluten content and thus it turns out a bit different. I don't know first hand what that difference is, but I'm about to find out. I'm real excited. I'm going to use the same recipe I have been (I'll share it later) and see how different it is. I am also going to make an apple pie. I bought a bag of granny smith apples at Spartan Store for $5 the other day and today I saw them at Aldi's for $3. Dang, I should have waited...

CD Kitchen.com

2008-09-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

CD Kitchen is a cooking website I have been using for over a year now. It's real easy to use, very helpful and has millions of recipes. It features an awesome search bar. I type in the ingredients that I have and search for a recipe for it. You'd be surprised how often that works. It's actually part of how I learned to cook. I used to go to the grocery store and buy whatever cut of large meat was on sale. Then I'd search CD Kitchen for a recipe that used that cut and pick one based on available ingredients and cooking equipment, ease of cooking and time constraints. (Yes, it even rates the recipe on a scale of 1-5 and tells you how long it will take to make the meal. So useful!) The only problem is that I spend more time looking at recipes than it takes to make the dinner... So be careful, it's hard to leave once you get there. I just set up my RecipEbox a few days ago in order to upload a pic of a recipe I made. I haven't run across any pics on the recipes yet, but I figure I'll start it and maybe others will follow. But I'm not concerned about it. If my pics are the only ones online, that's just fine by me. I make real pretty food. (so modest, aren't I?)

I just started cooking about 2 years ago (maybe "just" isn't the right word anymore ... my how time flies) and I love it. There is something very satisfying about cooking a good meal and sharing it with friends and family who seem to really enjoy it. It really helps fill that caregiver need in me. Also it helps me keep warm in the winter as my husband believes that 68° F is warm enough. It's not. I'm cold. But when the oven is on at 350° F the kitchen gets to be about 80° F and that is more like it for this girl. I'm almost always cold, and once winter hits my toes go numb, my nose gets cold, and I stay that way until summer.

So I cook and bake a lot in the winter. I'll make dinner and a pie and some rolls to keep the oven on for hours. I'm warm and he gets to eat. We both win.

I love cooking part 2

2008-09-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

When I came home from work last night my kitchen smelled delightful. It was wonderful. So I took the chicken out of the Crock Pot with much difficulty (the chicken fell apart as I transferred it to a large plate) and let it cool. Which was hard, because as soon as I set the plate on the counter my cats entered the kitchen looking all interested in what I was doing. So I covered the plate with a large Pyrex mixing bowl and put it in the fridge. I used a strainer and took all the veggies out of the Crock Pot and lots of liquid was left. I decided to let it cool overnight, but couldn't leave the chicken alone, so I pulled it apart and burned my finger tips a little. I was hungry...

The chicken was so tender it just literally fell apart in my hands and removing the bones was real easy. This task is a little time consuming, as there are a lot of little bones in a little chicken. I mixed the chicken up with the veggies in my large Pyrex bowl, covered it and left it in the fridge. This morning I sprinkled cornstarch over the liquid from the Crock Pot and whisked it for about 2 mins and added more cornstarch. The i poured it into my large saucepan, put it on the back burner at medium heat, and left it there for about 10 mins. I whisked it again for a minute or so and it was thickening!

I love it when a plan comes together! So I left it for another 10 mins or so, (Truth be told, I wandered around the house, made some breakfast, generally ignored it) and it thickened up some more beautifully.

I mixed a few large spoonfuls of the sauce into the chicken/veggie mix, just enough to wet all the chicken/veggies. I put a generous spoonful of the chicken mix in a flour tortilla and put them in a casserole pan. When I had them all filled and rolled, I poured some sauce over the top, just enough to uniformly cover all the burritos. Then I sprinkled a Mexican cheese mix over the top.

I let the oven heat to 350 F, and put them in for about 15-20 mins.

They are Delicious! I am blown away. Definitely try this recipe!

I love cooking

2008-09-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

Today I am going to try to make up my own recipe for chicken burritos. I shop Aldi's as much as possible, the food prices can't be beat and the quality is high. Aldi's isn't a crappy knock off brand, it's actually very good, and I'll prove it to you.

I used a 6# fryer chicken ($4.86, Aldi's), two 14.5oz cans of Stewed Tomatoes with onions, green peppers and celery (less than $0.60/can, Aldi's) and Taco mix (Meijer brand, given to me for free) and added green yellow and red peppers (I keep a mix of the peppers chopped and frozen in my freezer, Aldi's brand 3 green peppers for $2.49 and 3 mixed color also $2.49), and chopped yellow onions (Sparten Food Stores, $0.69/pound). I put half the package of taco seasonings in the veggies and mixed it up. I put the chicken on top of the veggies and poured the rest of the seasonings on it. Then I rubbed the chicken with the juice of the veggies so that the seasonings don't clump up on the meat (That would be too much flavor in one spot). I set the Crock Pot on Low for 9 hours and we'll see what I have when I get home from work tonight.

My plan is to shred the chicken once it's cooked and cooled, and to mix it with all the veggies, hopefully the sauce will thicken up (if it doesn't I'll try some cornstarch) and then spoon it into flour tortilla's (I believe the package of 10 was less than $1.50, Aldi's brand) and cover with a little reserved sauce and pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend (Meijer brand, given to me for free) and put in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins to heat them through-out and melt cheese. That should be pretty good.

I'll serve it with sour cream (16 oz, $0.99, Aldi) and tortilla chips (16 oz, $0.99, Aldi).

What a lucky husband I have.

Candyland Cake

2008-09-22T12:24:00.001-04:00

Big Sis M found the idea for this cake in the Taste of Home magazine last year. We did not make the actual cake ourselves, but we did do all the decorations. We purchased a 1/2 sheet cake from Meijer in Jenison, already frosted and rainbow striped. Then we spent about $40 on candy to decorate it with. We even bought the Candyland Game so we could have the real player pieces on the cake.

We used Starbursts (both sour and regular) to make the path. We couldn't find any Candy Canes so we just used peppermint patties for the Peppermint Forest; we used gum drops and Mike n Ikes for the gumdrop pass, Twizzlers cut up into different sizes for the Licorice Forest; Peanut brittle for the path to Peanut Acres and a mini cupcake for Grandma Nutt's house (we made a house from windmill cookies, but it was too big to fit on the cake with everything else); Dum Dums for the lollipop Woods (if I do this cake again, I'll go with Safety Suckers because the colors are brighter and look more like a lollipop than a sucker); Marshmallow's and gum drops for Snow Flake Lake; Peanut butter cups, the end of a sugar cone, and mini Hersey bars covered in Hersey's Magic Shell for the Chocolate Swamp; and for the Candy Castle we used three ice cream cones drizzled with the Magic Shell, Marsh Mallow's, little gummies for hedges; then we used multicolored sprinkles over the whole thing.

We set out all the leftover candy for the guests and Big Sis M made her patented Taco Dip and set out Tortilla chips. Good candy, good dip, and a lot of beer. A good time was had by all.

Happy BDay Little Sister C

2008-09-22T12:04:00.000-04:00

Happy 21st to Lil Sis C! Big Sis M & Lil Sis S helped me throw a party. Big Sis M and I created a Candy Land Cake perfect for a junk food addict like Lil Sis C. We played Karaoke Revolution and rocked the house with Rock Band and generally had a great time. We had planned on going to the club later in the night, however some degenerate (probably in the area for the Eastown Street Fair) broke the window out of Lil Sis S' Jimmy and stole her purse. I'm so sorry for her. We were able to find her purse in a near-by dumpster the next day, everything but her bank card, her ID, and her perfume. Her bank card was used at several gas stations (not one had a security camera). Never leave valuables in plain sight in your car, some degenerate will break into your car and steal it. I've even had some degenerates (years ago when I lived somewhere else) break into my car in my own driveway and take only the face from my car stereo. They couldn't use my car stereo and neither could I. The police don't even come to the scene when your car is broken into, they file a report over the phone. Unless you have good insurance, you just have to eat the loss. Replacing the window and any stolen items is your financial responsibility. Anyways, we all had a nice time, many people spent the night, and Colleen even cooked everyone breakfast.

My First Vendor

2008-09-18T12:20:00.000-04:00

I started my wedding planning by going to a dress shop (of course) and found my dress with in a week. I went to 3 bridal shops and ended up purchasing from Connie's Bridal in Kentwood, near 44th and Kalamazoo. Connie, the owner, actually works there and is very willing to negotiate. I ended up puchasing a simple gown with a matching shrug and purse for the low price of $250. I also found a perfect tiara to match the beading on the dress for $60. Connie cuts great deals.

I had never planned a wedding when I planned mine, so the next stop was a bridal show. There I met and hired my photographer, Mr. Bandon Mulnix of Modern Photographics. Brandon is pictured in the upper right hand corner with his wife/assistant. (That pic was taken by my dad before the wedding ceremony on the day of the wedding) When I saw Brandon's booth at the bridal show, I was amazed by his sample photos. They were breath-takingly beautiful. They were more Art than documentation, and I started talking to him. About an hour later I cut him a check for $100 and made an appointment to bring my honey out to meet him and see if I could talk my fiance into hiring Brandon. Modern Photographics is not a cheap outfit. Phil and I opted to pay for the photographer ourselves because the cost is higher than a regular photographer would be, because his work is different than most. Less posed pictures and more capturing the moment. Of course, we had the battery of family photos, but the rest are phenomenal.

My Invitations and Programs

2008-09-18T11:45:00.001-04:00

I used a product line sold at Micheal's and Hobby Lobby (I could live in these 2 stores happily ever after playing with crafts) called The Wedding Studio by Diana Griffin To make both my invitations and my programs. It is a very cool line of wedding related paper products - think wedding showers, invitations, programs and more. I purchased two invitation kits, one in a sage green and the other in a platinum silver, and mixed them together to make my invitations a little more unique. The kits came with one small card with envelope/invitation and I wanted to include two; a reception card and an RSVP with self stamped and addressed envelope of course. So I purchased two more kits. I was able to get all the invitation kits for 50% off using awesome coupons from Micheal's.

I used the sage green colored The Wedding Studio programs, but again, changed them to suite my needs. It was originally a simple one fold card, but I cut it at the fold so each card was two programs, later cut in a fan shape. Making the programs was a lot of fun, I created the template for the card using my awesome HP photo scanner, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word 2007. It took a lot of time, but I love that stuff. I printed out the cards on my HP photosmart printer and sent them off to Michigan Laser Cut. I happen to be close friends with a long time employee and he hooked me up. They usually don't take such small jobs, but they did a favor for me, and all my fan programs were cut using laser technology, so they were even, neat and dare I say it, perfect. Big thanks to MI Laser Cut and my good friend.

I purchased Jumbo Sticks for the sticks on the fan, my husband helped me to coat them with a light blond stain/polyurethane to give them a soft, light wooden glow and a shiny finish. I think they turned out lovely. I invited over some friends and fed them food and beer and they helped us glue the sticks to the programs using a wood glue. Thanks to my good friends who freely and willingly gave their time to help us out.

The maps I included on behest of my mother-in-law, she wanted to make sure that everyone could find the place, so I had my hubby help me download a free screen capture program called Screen Hunter v5.0 and went to Mapquest.com to get the map. After a few adjustments I had what I wanted and again used Adobe Photoshop to create the final version seen here. I went to Micheals to purchase pretty paper to print them on and ended up purchasing a sage green pattern I thought matched the invitations pretty well. Turned out, they too were produced by Diana Griffin! I didn't even do that on purpose! My father-in-law loaned me his cutting board, like the ones they used in grade school to cut multiple sheets at one time. Very cool. I love it and don't want to give it back, at least yet anyways.

Other Table Decorations

2008-09-16T08:53:00.006-04:00

While researching the net for wedding stuff, I stumbled across a site that listed pages and pages of interesting wedding related history. Kind of a why we do what we do at weddings. I decided it would be fun to use a place card holder to hold a small card with a tid bit of wedding history and place several on each table to entertain the guests before the bridal party and I arrived at the reception. I used leftover cardstock from my invitation kit and used Microsoft Word to design the small cards (BTW if I am in love with Microsoft Word 2007, it's awesome! The online template collection just can't be beat. I got a great deal at Journey.ed using my student discount and was able to purchase the student version of Office 2007 for just under $100. If you don't know, Office 2007 retails for around $500). I created 30 different cards and put 4 at each table. My older sister used her awesome laminating machine and laminated all 120 of them for me.
I looked and looked for a good price on place card holders and found the cheapest at $1/piece + shipping. That's around $150. Not good enough. So I was talking to my Aunt Judy and she suggested polymer clay. So off to Micheal's I went. I bought Sculpey brand clay in large amount of white and smaller bricks of colored clay. I have never done clay arts and crafts. I usually stick to paper. I ended up making 16 varied wedding dresses, my talented husband (after a lot of begging on my part) made 16 Calla lilies (pictured above) and my younger sister made a variety of things including high heel shoes, little tuxedo jackets, a ring pillow, wedding cake and a beautiful rose I quickly copied and made a 16 more. I also made some little tuxedo guys and a few wedding cakes. We planted a split ring in the top of each creation and popped it in the oven. Some of the more delicate pieces broke after baking, but my honey was able to glue them back together with a two part epoxy. After all the pieces were baked we coated them with Sculpey brand glaze and they were all shiny and nice. I am in love with the little clay pieces. I have no use for them, but I am keeping some of them anyways. I gave a lot of them away at my reception to people who commented on them and were interested in keeping a few. Seriously, what am I going to do with 120 place card holders? And where would I store them?

Reception Table Centerpiece

2008-09-16T08:53:00.005-04:00

I have to give a great big shout out to my sister-in-law's mother-in-law who loaned me (for absolutely no $) mirrors and medium sized flat bowls for my centerpieces and whose faux flower collection inspired my sister-in-law (Thanks again sister-in-law) to create the look it took on. We took 3 lilies per bowl and cut off their stems. Then the stems were wrapped around the inside of the bowl, and and inch or so of water added. The bowls sat on mirrors that were either hexagon like in the pic or square. If you choose to use a mirror like this at your reception, don't forget to take Windex and paper towel with you when you set up the reception hall. This is important as they get very dirty for no apparent reason (shout out to my mother-in-law for running to Meijers while we were setting up to fix this puzzling predicament).

I had 16 tables at my reception and each table had one centerpiece. Each centerpiece needed 3 faux lilies. That is 48 lilies. If you have more patience and long term planning sense than me, I would recommend that you speak to the craft store employee and see if you can order 48 stems of the particular variety and color of flower you would like. This way you can have all the same color at each table. I, however, am impulsive and impatient and want to purchase things right away, so I ended up purchasing about 4 different colors of lilies, some of which had more than one flower on a stem. I lost the color continuity, but if was fine, I think the small variations from table to table kept it interesting. It's not like each mirror was the same shape either.

I think they turned out lovely (shout out to Aunt Judy and Uncle Bill, Mother-in-law, Mother, Aunt Claire, and my bridesmaids who came early in the morning to help me set up the reception even though I didn't pay them anything).

Wedding Favors

2008-09-16T08:53:00.004-04:00

I told you I'm really into crafts, right? Well I made a lot of things for my reception as well. My Sister-in-law's Mother-in-law has a Cricut (oohhh...drool) and loves doing craft projects. So we went over there with my sister and got to work. We purchased 12 x 12 white cardstock paper from Pages in Time in Jenison and several 12 x 12 sheets of shiny silver and sage green, some small white brads, and a package of pre printed, pre cut Thank You noted. I got pre cut circles of tulle from Hobby Lobby, filled them with custom printed M&M's (ordered online at M&Ms.com, they were silver and dark green and said "Phil and Erin Chapin" and "8/8/08"). We mixed the custom M&M's with regular M&M's sold by the color and by the pound at DeRuze's in Grandville. My lovely sisters and bridesmaids all helped me mix the candy and tie it up in the tulle circles with thin white ribbon I got for 50 cents a roll at Micheal's (Hobby Lobby and Micheal's both have such great sales all the time and offer great coupons pretty often, so I didn't pay full price for anything I got at either of these places!)

Weddings are fun

2008-09-16T08:53:00.001-04:00

I had the extreme pleasure of marring my best friend on 08/08/08. I planned my entire wedding down to the last detail, and it was FUN. I loved it. It's almost too bad I'm never getting married again, because I really enjoyed the 9 months of planning and projects that came before it. I have a few pieces of advice for any bride-to-be out there:

1. Get everything in writing - every detail of what you expect from your vendors on paper, clearly stated with a copy for yourself.

2. Don't let anyone push you into doing things you are not comfortable with - it's your day

3. Work hard before the wedding and delegate tasks on the day of the wedding.

4. ENJOY YOUR DAY. Once you get to your day accept that things will go wrong, ask for help, and don't freak out. You want to remember your day as wonderful, not stressful. Remember, today you marry your best friend.