So I've been woefully remiss in blogging. I believe it's in part to Facebook and my ongoing like/hate relationship I have with it. I enjoy getting to keep up with folks,but dislike the extent to which people over-share on it, and have found it to be an interesting tool used by those who wish to complain/confront others and I just don't like it!
Anyway, on to my reason for blogging...I have found some nifty go-to lunch options that don't require much money and aren't heinously bad for you. Trader Joes has some amazing 99% fat free bean and cheese burritos, adn they totally hit the spot and cost about $3 for two. I am also a fan of bagged salad from Costco - there's enough in there for three-four big salads, complete with toppings for aobut $4. I recently discovered Trader Joes' Turkey Meatballs - DELICIOUS - and costs about $3 for a bag with approx 5-6 servings. Finally, Trader Joes chicken fried rice is about $3 a bag, and perfect. It just needs to be heated up with a little oil and voila! A ready lunch. We have a full fridge in our office, so it's easy for me to buy these things and keep them at the office to eat on during the week.
Anybody else have some good 'lunch on the go' tips?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Homemade Pasta
I made this pasta tonight, and, to use a phrase from my friend Celina, "Oh My Yum!" It was delicious. I read the reviews in advance, and they recommended using olive oil isntead of water, and to let it sit 15 to 30 minutes after kneading to let the gluten do its thing.
This is a photo of my finished product: I tossed it with sundried tomato and parmesan oil, sauted summer squash/garlic/onion and cherry tomatos, and ate it with a piece of salmon. SSSO delicious, super easy, and I will definitely make this again!
Basic Pasta
(From Allrecipe.com)
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
Add to Recipe Box
My folders:
DIRECTIONS
In a medium sized bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the flour, add the slightly beaten egg, and mix. Mixture should form a stiff dough. If needed, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water.
On a lightly floured surface, knead dough for about 3 to 4 minutes. With a pasta machine or by hand roll dough out to desired thinness. Use machine or knife to cut into strips of desired width.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I love these songs
I have the super cheap cable - the kind that doesn't even require a box, it merely plugs in the back of your tv. I only get the free channels, TBS and BET. That said, I've been enjoying videos again. If you miss them, check out BET. They also play a lot of good movies.
At any rate, I saw/heard this video the other day, and immediately bought the MP3. I love it! I think it's a super cute song, with a great musical undertone.
BTW - totally giggle every time Ne-Yo sings, "I was the captain of my pimp-ship," lol!
I love this one bc it makes me proud of my city!
I deactivated my facebook, recently, bc I found it becoming too stressful. I find that people forget that posting things means its public for all to see, and it was beginning to stress me out.
A friend of mine recently shared some interesting things slash conversations others were having on FB, and told me that she thought, "I bet this is exactly the kind of thing that led to Alison deactivating her FB account."
Yep, it sure is. =) Good riddance, FB! Not sure I'll be back anytime soon.
A friend of mine recently shared some interesting things slash conversations others were having on FB, and told me that she thought, "I bet this is exactly the kind of thing that led to Alison deactivating her FB account."
Yep, it sure is. =) Good riddance, FB! Not sure I'll be back anytime soon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Breathe Contented Sigh...
I love clean laundry. I also love being at home, with my clean laundry schlepped upstairs. I love the smell. Mmmmmm....
Now I am contentedly sitting in my bed, watching old episodes of The Closer.
Now I am contentedly sitting in my bed, watching old episodes of The Closer.
Pad Thai on a Budget
These were on sale at Target this weekend. I bought two, thinking I would try it out and see how if it was any good. You know - did it taste like glorified Ramen, or is it actually good.
Crazy yummy. Such a great alternative to going to my favorite Thai restaurant. And easy to make in teh office.
Crazy yummy. Such a great alternative to going to my favorite Thai restaurant. And easy to make in teh office.
Monday, June 15, 2009
What's a Girl on a Budget to do?
I am trying a little experiment. This month I am not going out to eat at restaurants if I'm the one paying (meaning dates and work are okay), and am attempting to not spend more than $10 a week on groceries (milk and fresh fruit.)
I have a freezer and cabinet full of food, and I am using it up! Tonight I made a box of mexican rice, and stir fried frozen vegetable blend with chopped peppers, onion, garlic, turkey sausage and shrimp. MMMMM.
I also found a box of rice pudding in the pantry, made it and set out some frozen peaches to thaw that can go on top. Couple of dinners, couple of lunches. Hooray!
I have a freezer and cabinet full of food, and I am using it up! Tonight I made a box of mexican rice, and stir fried frozen vegetable blend with chopped peppers, onion, garlic, turkey sausage and shrimp. MMMMM.
I also found a box of rice pudding in the pantry, made it and set out some frozen peaches to thaw that can go on top. Couple of dinners, couple of lunches. Hooray!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
My Bell Peppers are Finally Sprouting!
I'm very excited about this development. I'll be posting photos in a couple days. I want to give my peppers and spinach some time to grow. =)
Now if only my tomato blossoms would turn into actual tomatoes!!!
Now if only my tomato blossoms would turn into actual tomatoes!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's been awhile
I haven't blogged in a bit. I've been pre-occupied with Facebook, but I actually deactivated that for a time being. I needed to simplify.
Part of my attempt to simplify is that I told myself I won't be eating out for the month of June. So far, so good.
Today I had my first meal using produce from my 'urban garden.' YES - I have a garden on my deck. I had a wrap with some chopped roast beef, spinach and cilantro from my deck. It was delicious.
I can't wait for my tomatos to grow in!
Part of my attempt to simplify is that I told myself I won't be eating out for the month of June. So far, so good.
Today I had my first meal using produce from my 'urban garden.' YES - I have a garden on my deck. I had a wrap with some chopped roast beef, spinach and cilantro from my deck. It was delicious.
I can't wait for my tomatos to grow in!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Leftover Makeover
I think i can take almost any leftovers and make a delicious quesadilla out of them.
Tonight I took some leftover pork chop that I wasn't thrilled with how it turned out as I had seasoned it, sliced it, and put it into a quesadilla with cheddar cheese, cilantro from my herb garden, a little ranch dressing and a little hot sauce. Yum! Seriously delicious.
Tonight I took some leftover pork chop that I wasn't thrilled with how it turned out as I had seasoned it, sliced it, and put it into a quesadilla with cheddar cheese, cilantro from my herb garden, a little ranch dressing and a little hot sauce. Yum! Seriously delicious.
Monday, April 27, 2009
My Weekend
I had an interesting weekend.
Saturday night I babysat R, who was just too cute. Her mom has been out of the country for two weeks, and it was very hard for me not to laugh during this exchange.
Mom: R, let's go potty.
R, throwing herself on floor and pulling away from her Mom's arm: NOOO!!!! I don't want to go!
Mom, pulling R by the arm into the bathroom: I know you have to go, it's been six hours since you last went to potty.
R, screaming at this point for her Daddy: I don't want to go, I don't want to go!
This went on for about two-three minutes, while Dad hollers from upstairs to ask what's going on.
Mom: Okay Miss R, but if you pee-pee in your pants there will be no more TV. You just remember that if you think about holding it for too long...Alison will turn the TV off and tell Mommy that you pee-peed in your pants.
I'm not sure why I found this so funny. I guess because she had been visiting her parents for two weeks, and came back much sterner than before. Shortly after her parents left, she went potty. Totally a control thing with that one! =)
She was such a cutie pie at bedtime, too. She snuggled up with me in the rocking chair while we read books, and it made me want one of my own.
Sunday I showed up to work at the box office two hours early. LOLOL It gave me time to go to Marshall's, where I spent $100 but got a lot of stuff I needed, including a BBQ brush for $4 and a kebab kit for $3. Love me some Marshall's and TJ Maxx!
Saturday night I babysat R, who was just too cute. Her mom has been out of the country for two weeks, and it was very hard for me not to laugh during this exchange.
Mom: R, let's go potty.
R, throwing herself on floor and pulling away from her Mom's arm: NOOO!!!! I don't want to go!
Mom, pulling R by the arm into the bathroom: I know you have to go, it's been six hours since you last went to potty.
R, screaming at this point for her Daddy: I don't want to go, I don't want to go!
This went on for about two-three minutes, while Dad hollers from upstairs to ask what's going on.
Mom: Okay Miss R, but if you pee-pee in your pants there will be no more TV. You just remember that if you think about holding it for too long...Alison will turn the TV off and tell Mommy that you pee-peed in your pants.
I'm not sure why I found this so funny. I guess because she had been visiting her parents for two weeks, and came back much sterner than before. Shortly after her parents left, she went potty. Totally a control thing with that one! =)
She was such a cutie pie at bedtime, too. She snuggled up with me in the rocking chair while we read books, and it made me want one of my own.
Sunday I showed up to work at the box office two hours early. LOLOL It gave me time to go to Marshall's, where I spent $100 but got a lot of stuff I needed, including a BBQ brush for $4 and a kebab kit for $3. Love me some Marshall's and TJ Maxx!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
More misadventures in dating
I went on a first date earlier this week. It was ok, but didn't necessarily think it was going to result in a second date or anything fabulous.
He text messaged me yesterday with the message F*** Me.
Um...excuse me? I'm not sure who you think you're talking to, but no thanks.
Let's just say the minor exchange that took place immediately following led me to believe he thought he was texting someone else.
Geesh!
He text messaged me yesterday with the message F*** Me.
Um...excuse me? I'm not sure who you think you're talking to, but no thanks.
Let's just say the minor exchange that took place immediately following led me to believe he thought he was texting someone else.
Geesh!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Shedd Aquarium
Today I had off work, and ended up taking my little charge to the aquarium in the morning. We had a blast. R kept yelling, "we're going to see the fishies!" Her dad told me she woke up and told him she wanted to "go with A-son to see the fishies."
She was a little angel, and is super smart. She kept pointing out the fish and yelling their names: stingray, starfish, seahorse, etc. I was impressed!
We finished up our morning with mac n cheese and hot dogs in the cafe, then made our way to the car. My very exhausted little charge informed me that, "I am ready to go night-night," and she was asleep before I got her home. I got paid $60, and had a free, super fun morning with my sweet girl. Not a bad way to spend a day off!
She was a little angel, and is super smart. She kept pointing out the fish and yelling their names: stingray, starfish, seahorse, etc. I was impressed!
We finished up our morning with mac n cheese and hot dogs in the cafe, then made our way to the car. My very exhausted little charge informed me that, "I am ready to go night-night," and she was asleep before I got her home. I got paid $60, and had a free, super fun morning with my sweet girl. Not a bad way to spend a day off!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Staycation
This past week, I was on vacation. It kind of snuck up on me, so I didn't go out of town. Instead, I enjoyed staying in Chicago, sleeping late, watching a lot of movies, reading a lot of books, and enjoyed the Art Institute. My co-worker, Karen, gave me free passes to the Art Institute and the Field Museum.This is my new favorite painting. You cannot possibly fathom how beautiful it is in person. It's by Berthe Morisot. Before I read the plaque with her name on it, I knew a woman had to have painted this portrait. The feminine details pop in such a way that the male impressionists can't duplicate. Her earring is actually raised on the canvas, and the attention to details such as the ribbon in her dress, the reflection in the mirror and the glass in the window is exquisite. I went back and saw it once more before I left, and bought a copy of it in the gift shoppe.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Creative Cooking
Tonight I made a fun little recipe. I'm not sure what to call it, yet. Perhaps Alison's Tarts?
I took a pie crust from the store, sliced some brie cheese and laid it down on one/half of it, laid some leftover chicken on top of that, drizzled some olive oil on top of teh chicken, cut up some fresh garlic, sprinkled with Mrs. Dash and put some baby spinach in there. Then I folded the pie crust in half, to cover the cheese, chicken and spinach, and sprayed it with cooking spray. I baked it at 350 for about 20 minutes.
YUM!
I want to try it again, only this time I'll do brie cheese, apple slices and a dash of cinnamon/sugar.
I took a pie crust from the store, sliced some brie cheese and laid it down on one/half of it, laid some leftover chicken on top of that, drizzled some olive oil on top of teh chicken, cut up some fresh garlic, sprinkled with Mrs. Dash and put some baby spinach in there. Then I folded the pie crust in half, to cover the cheese, chicken and spinach, and sprayed it with cooking spray. I baked it at 350 for about 20 minutes.
YUM!
I want to try it again, only this time I'll do brie cheese, apple slices and a dash of cinnamon/sugar.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscar Wrapup
I have a system when it comes to the Oscars. I watch a tiny bit of the Red Carpet, then get bored and figure I'll see the best and worst dressed in the magazines slash online for the next week...so why not short hand it that way?
I generally don't watch the first hour to hour and a half of the actual show, and wait for the good stuff to come on. Last night I had the Oscars on mute while watching Penelope via Netflix online. Good movie, BTW.
I tuned in when Heath won the Oscar, and his parents accepted. I thought that was very sweet. I also LOVED Anne Hathaway's transparency last night. She was so emotional about Heath and her Oscar nomination, that it made me love her even more.
How much did you love the way they introduced the men and women for best Actor/Actress? I thought the women did a better job of reading the teleprompter and (possibly) adding their own little bit in there, with the exception of Nicole Kidman/Angelina Jolie. I've been hearing more and more negative things about the Jolie-Pitts, however, and wonder if Hollywood is just sick to death of their overdone orchestration of the media. I felt zero love coming from Nicole to Angelina.
I also was so struck with the guy who won the award for best screenplay for MILK. I wish more people could soften their hearts. We don't have to agree on lifestyles, but if we call ourselves Christians, we do have to agree on the fact that we're all God's children.
While I haven't seen that movie, yet, I was thrilled for Sean Penn to win his award. He's been through a lot, but I appreciate his taking responsibility for his own actions, and for being a consistently good actor.
I generally don't watch the first hour to hour and a half of the actual show, and wait for the good stuff to come on. Last night I had the Oscars on mute while watching Penelope via Netflix online. Good movie, BTW.
I tuned in when Heath won the Oscar, and his parents accepted. I thought that was very sweet. I also LOVED Anne Hathaway's transparency last night. She was so emotional about Heath and her Oscar nomination, that it made me love her even more.
How much did you love the way they introduced the men and women for best Actor/Actress? I thought the women did a better job of reading the teleprompter and (possibly) adding their own little bit in there, with the exception of Nicole Kidman/Angelina Jolie. I've been hearing more and more negative things about the Jolie-Pitts, however, and wonder if Hollywood is just sick to death of their overdone orchestration of the media. I felt zero love coming from Nicole to Angelina.
I also was so struck with the guy who won the award for best screenplay for MILK. I wish more people could soften their hearts. We don't have to agree on lifestyles, but if we call ourselves Christians, we do have to agree on the fact that we're all God's children.
While I haven't seen that movie, yet, I was thrilled for Sean Penn to win his award. He's been through a lot, but I appreciate his taking responsibility for his own actions, and for being a consistently good actor.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tidbits and picking up
More boy drama this weekend resulted in my taking a personal day on Monday. BOO on Valentine's Day! Amy was super sweet and had me over for a movie and dinner.
Tonight I am finally feeling more like myself, although still a bit raw. I am currenlty enjoying some white zinfandel and a seafood stir fry. Mmmmm.... and I'll probably have more chocolate, later. =)
I actually gave myself a good workout at home tonight, using my bands, free weights and step machine. I'm going to try working out tomorrow am and showering at the gym/getting ready/going to work. We'll see how that goes for me.
I look forward to making this recipe this week for General Tso's Chicken.
Tonight I am finally feeling more like myself, although still a bit raw. I am currenlty enjoying some white zinfandel and a seafood stir fry. Mmmmm.... and I'll probably have more chocolate, later. =)
I actually gave myself a good workout at home tonight, using my bands, free weights and step machine. I'm going to try working out tomorrow am and showering at the gym/getting ready/going to work. We'll see how that goes for me.
I look forward to making this recipe this week for General Tso's Chicken.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I'm Sad Today
I broke up with my boy last night. Have you ever been in a relationship where it was just the wrong timing? That was the case for us. It was hard on me, and I'm super sad today. Part of why it was so hard for me was that I assumed that he, too, knew it wasn't working and thought it would be a mutual thing. It wasn't. He tried so hard to propose ways to make it work under our current situation, but it is kind of a case of 'too little, too late.' It was an hour-long conversation too late last night, followed by stress eating chocolate and watching reruns of The Office and Will & Grace in an attempt to keep myself busy slash possibly laugh until I was so exhausted I could drop off.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cooking Frenzy
I often cook several things at one time, then put them into individual serving containers and freeze what I won't eat in the next day or two. Today was one of those days. Here's what I prepared:
Roasted an 8lb chicken (took FOREVER!) that I injected with margarine and poultry seasoning (to make various dishes and throw the rest in the freezer.)
Used some of the chicken in a chicken tortilla soup
Two thick cut porkchops
Jambalaya with turkey polska kielbaska
Spicy Summer Corn Salad (this is basically grape tomatoes, avocado, frozen corn, various hot peppers, onion, cider vinegar and lime juice. I love it! This time I threw in some cucumber as well.) If anybody wants, email me and I'll send you the recipe.
I bought two salad bag kits at the grocery and will pull some chicken to throw on there for my work lunches this week. When I get bored with the food I have, I'll put it in the freezer and make some tomato basil pasta I picked up awhile back and toss it with pesto sauce and more chicken.
Tomorrow I have the day off, and I am planning to get myself up early and do the following (I am totally having a Rory Gilmore moment!):
laundry (take laptop and work on writing projects)
gym (read for class while on treadmill)
come home, put the clothes away
inventory my freezer (heard this tip recently - inventory freezer so you don't forget what you have and unneccessarily buy more)
pull the rest of the chicken off the bones, clean up mess
finishe cleaning room
call Tribune to report two weeks of no paper, get credit for those two weeks
potential nap
do a little homework.
My goal is to be up by 7 am, make some waffles and be at the laundromat by 8 am. We'll see how that works out for me. =) My goal is to be exhausted by 9:30 and in bed.
Roasted an 8lb chicken (took FOREVER!) that I injected with margarine and poultry seasoning (to make various dishes and throw the rest in the freezer.)
Used some of the chicken in a chicken tortilla soup
Two thick cut porkchops
Jambalaya with turkey polska kielbaska
Spicy Summer Corn Salad (this is basically grape tomatoes, avocado, frozen corn, various hot peppers, onion, cider vinegar and lime juice. I love it! This time I threw in some cucumber as well.) If anybody wants, email me and I'll send you the recipe.
I bought two salad bag kits at the grocery and will pull some chicken to throw on there for my work lunches this week. When I get bored with the food I have, I'll put it in the freezer and make some tomato basil pasta I picked up awhile back and toss it with pesto sauce and more chicken.
Tomorrow I have the day off, and I am planning to get myself up early and do the following (I am totally having a Rory Gilmore moment!):
laundry (take laptop and work on writing projects)
gym (read for class while on treadmill)
come home, put the clothes away
inventory my freezer (heard this tip recently - inventory freezer so you don't forget what you have and unneccessarily buy more)
pull the rest of the chicken off the bones, clean up mess
finishe cleaning room
call Tribune to report two weeks of no paper, get credit for those two weeks
potential nap
do a little homework.
My goal is to be up by 7 am, make some waffles and be at the laundromat by 8 am. We'll see how that works out for me. =) My goal is to be exhausted by 9:30 and in bed.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
My Busy Weekend
I accidentally loaded the photos in reverse order of my weekend, and am too lazy to switch it. So here's my weekend in reverse. =)
We came to my house after Ann Sathers and created our own art. We had a slew of canvases and went at it. No, this painting is not supposed to be upside down...this is just the way that Blogger chose to do it and I can't figure out how to switch it. The flower and the geometric triptec are mine. The beautiful red, taupe and black pieces are Celina's. She's NEVER done art before. Didn't she do a beautiful job?
Saturday morning, Celina, Amy and I went to breakfast and to windowshop in Andersonville.
Ann Sathers, home of the AMAZING cinnamon rolls!
Green eggs and ham. Yum!
Friday night, Celina and I went to a fundraiser for the Firehouse Community Arts Center. It was at Momma K and Russ' house. I love them!
We came to my house after Ann Sathers and created our own art. We had a slew of canvases and went at it. No, this painting is not supposed to be upside down...this is just the way that Blogger chose to do it and I can't figure out how to switch it. The flower and the geometric triptec are mine. The beautiful red, taupe and black pieces are Celina's. She's NEVER done art before. Didn't she do a beautiful job?
Saturday morning, Celina, Amy and I went to breakfast and to windowshop in Andersonville.
Ann Sathers, home of the AMAZING cinnamon rolls!
Green eggs and ham. Yum!
Friday night, Celina and I went to a fundraiser for the Firehouse Community Arts Center. It was at Momma K and Russ' house. I love them!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
25 Random Things
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the application then click post).
1) I really dislike driving. Apparently my brother Lee Jay always knew this about me...I just discovered it in the last three or four years. If I could afford it, I'd hire somebody to chauffer me around.
2) I secretly hope to one day rock-climb. It's a big dream. I may be just a big enough dreamer to make it happen.
3) I went to see New Kids on the Block in Oct of 2008, and consider that one of the best concerts I've ever been to.
4) In the early 2000s, I was a closet Eminem fan. I think he's a brilliant lyricist. He expresses his emotions and anger through a creative outlet instead of being physically aggressive. (Well, minus that pistol-whipping incident in Royal Oak. He wasn't recording at the time.) Isn't this what therapy tells all of us to do?
5) My mom and dad were both married once before they married each other, and had kids from previous marriages. They got married and had my brother and myself. Both divorced parents didn't have custody, so I didn't realize we were a blended family until I was 5 or 6 and my teacher was discussing different types of families and used mine as an example. I vehemently denied this, until a fellow classmate (I believe it was Michael Kite) asked me if I ever thought about the fact that my sister and oldest brother's last names were different than mine.
6) I am a light sleeper in the city, and an extremly deep sleeper in the country. When camping last summer at the Grand Canyon, I slept like a log all night, every night. It was BLISS! Some of the best nights of sleep of my life!
7) I am lucky that I have great friends all over this nation who like to share fun experiences with me for vacations. I rarely have to pay a lot of money for vacations. Most of my best travels have included junior high or high school students, Josh (and now Kate) Higgins, and Momma K. Momma K is my favorite driving partner!!
8) I once discovered a 4-H fair in Montgomery County (Washington, DC) while visiting my girlfriends Sarah and Wendy. We may or may not have had some impromptu photo shoots involving horse poo and a plywood cutout of a cow head. And had an audience. Who pulled up lawn chairs. Who may have offered to take some photos and videos for us. Maybe. Or not.
9) I love to create and sing my own parody songs. My two grad school girlfriends, Wendy and Sarah, used to give me a topic and song tune, and I could do it on command. I sometimes leave them voicemails. Wendy gets a Christmas medley parody every year, but I forgot this year and was asked if we were 'fighting'.
10) In Christmas of 2002, I accompanied my sister and her 3 year old daughter (Emily) for a deluge of tests for Em. She had just finished up a round of chemotherapy and surgery, and had a day full of stuff to go through. On the way home from St. Louis, she started to get bored. I made up a Christmas cheer that she proceeded to do over and over all the way back to Palmyra. Every year since, and she's now 9, she says, "Aunt Alison...remember that Christmas cheer?" and proceeds to perform it again and again. Ho, Ho, Ho...Go, Santa, Go...
11) I secretly identify with Hermione Granger of Harry Potter because she has a double standard on the rules. She sees nothing wrong with entering the boys dormitory whenever she wants, yet gets upset with the boys when they want to come into her dormitory or her room. I used to do that at camp all the time. I always went into Kyle and Derrick's cabin whenever I wanted. I don't think I ever did that at SBR...but let's face it, SBR scared the bejesus out of me. And there were always boys from other places sitting on top of cabins, throwing sand, rocks or water balloons at people.
12) I can cook or bake just about anything. I can sew anything, and am surprisingly adept at fixing things. I say its years of 4-H and growing up in hardy frontier country. And my mom. And my junior high years working for Marguerite Keller, who seemed to think I could fix anything. One day she brought in a broken weed whacker and said, "You're so mechanical, you can fix anything!" I told her I had no idea what to do with something electrical. This from the same woman who washed a box of combs in her washing machine, and galoshes in her dishwasher. She also collected styrofoam cups with holes in them and would use them to separate her various nails/screws. She is a trip and a half.
13) If I don't get to do something creative for a few weeks at a time, I become a flurry of creative activity. Case in point: I crocheted two skeins of yarn into a scarf in a two-hour sitting at the box office shortly after Christmas because I had gone almost a month without an outlet. I also once sat in women's group at my church and 'created' four or five photo frames while everyone sat around talking. It was like I was in my own little world. =)
14) I have a great uncle who insists that our last name is actual Parfait, and that we were French living in Germany. When word got out that the military was coming through and would expel anybody without a German last name, our clan changed it to Burkhardt. Uncle George was a bit kooky, and lived without plumbing and didn't have electricity until my dad forced it on him. I remember hating to go in the outhouse. One time there was a hornets nest in the outhouse, and he had found "a hollowed out log to go in." My mom almost took me home becuase I cried so hard about going in a log. I was four.
15) I remember my third birthday, and thinking that my mom would try to show me that I was three fingers instead of two. I remember feeling irritated when she squated down to show me, and I retorted, "I KNOW! I'm THIS many, now!" My independent streak rearing its ugly head at an early age...
16) I have a set of twins that I call "my sons if I were old enough for that to be possible." I met them the summer they were 11. They turn...23 this March? Holy cow! Where has the time gone?!?!?! I love you two! Mytchel, come home safely! One is married and the other one engaged. I'm ready for some surrogate grandbabies, but let's call me Aunt Alison.
17) I was recently referred to as elderly by a teenager at a bus stop. I like to think he was thinking the phrase "respect your elders," and it was accidental.
18) I grew up eating wild game, and still do so on a regular basis. When your father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, fill-in-the-blank-relatives are all hunters, there is an abundance of meat to go around. Buffalo, mule deer and....regular deer?....are on the menu quite a bit these days. Buffalo is actually heathlier for you than turkey and chicken, believe it or not.
19) The older I've gotten, the more I talk to my sister. We talk almost every day now. It's great.
20) I'm so a daddy's girl. I wasn't so much when I was growing up, but so am now.
21) I have become somewhat of a science fiction fan. I used to HATE it with a capital H-A-T-E. I'm on the bandwagon, now. Heroes, Lost, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Harry Potter....love it all!
22) In keeping with my creative streak, I love music. I have played piano since I was five, and even had 9 students while I was in high school. I minored in music in college, and am a total music theory geek. I LOVE music theory while most true musicians detested the subject. It's like my Sudoku. Seriously. I'm currenlty trying to talk my roommate into taking music theory classes just so I can relive it vicariously through her. =)
23) I desperately want to learn guitar, but so desperately do not want to spend the money on one. So, girlfriends, its your job to tell my future husband or current boyfriend what a great gift this would be for me one day! Complete with some lessons.
24) I love to journal. I never used to have the patience for it, but have taken it up in the last couple of years. I even tried to find a journal writing club or group to join, but no such luck.
25) I really want to write a play or screenplay about my life. I think I have the right mix of crazy fun with really crazy stories to mix in. We'll see. I might do it just for my own fun.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the application then click post).
1) I really dislike driving. Apparently my brother Lee Jay always knew this about me...I just discovered it in the last three or four years. If I could afford it, I'd hire somebody to chauffer me around.
2) I secretly hope to one day rock-climb. It's a big dream. I may be just a big enough dreamer to make it happen.
3) I went to see New Kids on the Block in Oct of 2008, and consider that one of the best concerts I've ever been to.
4) In the early 2000s, I was a closet Eminem fan. I think he's a brilliant lyricist. He expresses his emotions and anger through a creative outlet instead of being physically aggressive. (Well, minus that pistol-whipping incident in Royal Oak. He wasn't recording at the time.) Isn't this what therapy tells all of us to do?
5) My mom and dad were both married once before they married each other, and had kids from previous marriages. They got married and had my brother and myself. Both divorced parents didn't have custody, so I didn't realize we were a blended family until I was 5 or 6 and my teacher was discussing different types of families and used mine as an example. I vehemently denied this, until a fellow classmate (I believe it was Michael Kite) asked me if I ever thought about the fact that my sister and oldest brother's last names were different than mine.
6) I am a light sleeper in the city, and an extremly deep sleeper in the country. When camping last summer at the Grand Canyon, I slept like a log all night, every night. It was BLISS! Some of the best nights of sleep of my life!
7) I am lucky that I have great friends all over this nation who like to share fun experiences with me for vacations. I rarely have to pay a lot of money for vacations. Most of my best travels have included junior high or high school students, Josh (and now Kate) Higgins, and Momma K. Momma K is my favorite driving partner!!
8) I once discovered a 4-H fair in Montgomery County (Washington, DC) while visiting my girlfriends Sarah and Wendy. We may or may not have had some impromptu photo shoots involving horse poo and a plywood cutout of a cow head. And had an audience. Who pulled up lawn chairs. Who may have offered to take some photos and videos for us. Maybe. Or not.
9) I love to create and sing my own parody songs. My two grad school girlfriends, Wendy and Sarah, used to give me a topic and song tune, and I could do it on command. I sometimes leave them voicemails. Wendy gets a Christmas medley parody every year, but I forgot this year and was asked if we were 'fighting'.
10) In Christmas of 2002, I accompanied my sister and her 3 year old daughter (Emily) for a deluge of tests for Em. She had just finished up a round of chemotherapy and surgery, and had a day full of stuff to go through. On the way home from St. Louis, she started to get bored. I made up a Christmas cheer that she proceeded to do over and over all the way back to Palmyra. Every year since, and she's now 9, she says, "Aunt Alison...remember that Christmas cheer?" and proceeds to perform it again and again. Ho, Ho, Ho...Go, Santa, Go...
11) I secretly identify with Hermione Granger of Harry Potter because she has a double standard on the rules. She sees nothing wrong with entering the boys dormitory whenever she wants, yet gets upset with the boys when they want to come into her dormitory or her room. I used to do that at camp all the time. I always went into Kyle and Derrick's cabin whenever I wanted. I don't think I ever did that at SBR...but let's face it, SBR scared the bejesus out of me. And there were always boys from other places sitting on top of cabins, throwing sand, rocks or water balloons at people.
12) I can cook or bake just about anything. I can sew anything, and am surprisingly adept at fixing things. I say its years of 4-H and growing up in hardy frontier country. And my mom. And my junior high years working for Marguerite Keller, who seemed to think I could fix anything. One day she brought in a broken weed whacker and said, "You're so mechanical, you can fix anything!" I told her I had no idea what to do with something electrical. This from the same woman who washed a box of combs in her washing machine, and galoshes in her dishwasher. She also collected styrofoam cups with holes in them and would use them to separate her various nails/screws. She is a trip and a half.
13) If I don't get to do something creative for a few weeks at a time, I become a flurry of creative activity. Case in point: I crocheted two skeins of yarn into a scarf in a two-hour sitting at the box office shortly after Christmas because I had gone almost a month without an outlet. I also once sat in women's group at my church and 'created' four or five photo frames while everyone sat around talking. It was like I was in my own little world. =)
14) I have a great uncle who insists that our last name is actual Parfait, and that we were French living in Germany. When word got out that the military was coming through and would expel anybody without a German last name, our clan changed it to Burkhardt. Uncle George was a bit kooky, and lived without plumbing and didn't have electricity until my dad forced it on him. I remember hating to go in the outhouse. One time there was a hornets nest in the outhouse, and he had found "a hollowed out log to go in." My mom almost took me home becuase I cried so hard about going in a log. I was four.
15) I remember my third birthday, and thinking that my mom would try to show me that I was three fingers instead of two. I remember feeling irritated when she squated down to show me, and I retorted, "I KNOW! I'm THIS many, now!" My independent streak rearing its ugly head at an early age...
16) I have a set of twins that I call "my sons if I were old enough for that to be possible." I met them the summer they were 11. They turn...23 this March? Holy cow! Where has the time gone?!?!?! I love you two! Mytchel, come home safely! One is married and the other one engaged. I'm ready for some surrogate grandbabies, but let's call me Aunt Alison.
17) I was recently referred to as elderly by a teenager at a bus stop. I like to think he was thinking the phrase "respect your elders," and it was accidental.
18) I grew up eating wild game, and still do so on a regular basis. When your father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, fill-in-the-blank-relatives are all hunters, there is an abundance of meat to go around. Buffalo, mule deer and....regular deer?....are on the menu quite a bit these days. Buffalo is actually heathlier for you than turkey and chicken, believe it or not.
19) The older I've gotten, the more I talk to my sister. We talk almost every day now. It's great.
20) I'm so a daddy's girl. I wasn't so much when I was growing up, but so am now.
21) I have become somewhat of a science fiction fan. I used to HATE it with a capital H-A-T-E. I'm on the bandwagon, now. Heroes, Lost, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Harry Potter....love it all!
22) In keeping with my creative streak, I love music. I have played piano since I was five, and even had 9 students while I was in high school. I minored in music in college, and am a total music theory geek. I LOVE music theory while most true musicians detested the subject. It's like my Sudoku. Seriously. I'm currenlty trying to talk my roommate into taking music theory classes just so I can relive it vicariously through her. =)
23) I desperately want to learn guitar, but so desperately do not want to spend the money on one. So, girlfriends, its your job to tell my future husband or current boyfriend what a great gift this would be for me one day! Complete with some lessons.
24) I love to journal. I never used to have the patience for it, but have taken it up in the last couple of years. I even tried to find a journal writing club or group to join, but no such luck.
25) I really want to write a play or screenplay about my life. I think I have the right mix of crazy fun with really crazy stories to mix in. We'll see. I might do it just for my own fun.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Bride Wars
I saw this movie on Sunday. It was so good! I expected it to be funny, but sub-par, but it made me cry.
The focus is really on the life-long friendship between the two girls, and the bonds of sisterhood. I found myself reflecting on all my girlfriends throughout the movie. Go see it!
The focus is really on the life-long friendship between the two girls, and the bonds of sisterhood. I found myself reflecting on all my girlfriends throughout the movie. Go see it!
Balsamic Chicken with Pesto Gravy
I made this dish over the weekend. I didn't partake in the bitter greens part of it, because I don't care for arugala. I made mashed potatoes, instead. Yum!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Paying Off My Debt and Walking Off the Weight
Two great pieces of news...
I have done such a great job of sending extra payments from babysitting and working my part-time job at the box office to my credit card that I am down to $150 left to pay on it. Two more to pay off after that one and I'm home free!!
Also - lost 8 lbs in the last two weeks. Go me!
I have done such a great job of sending extra payments from babysitting and working my part-time job at the box office to my credit card that I am down to $150 left to pay on it. Two more to pay off after that one and I'm home free!!
Also - lost 8 lbs in the last two weeks. Go me!
Friday, January 16, 2009
I believe we're in need of a year of jubilee
Read This.
This makes me sad, both for the the employee trying to do his job, and for the man who acted irrationally out of desperation.
This makes me sad, both for the the employee trying to do his job, and for the man who acted irrationally out of desperation.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
No More Salt
I received a thumbs up from my dentist, yesterday, which was fabulous.
My Dr., however, was not too pleased. She took my blood, and I should get results next week. She officially diagnosed me with hypertension, although she didn't prescribe me drugs at this time. She did, however, tell me NO MORE SALT! Just like that. Very kind, but forceful. She said absolutely not to salty snacks, and limited salt intake from other things. I expect she's not going to be happy about my cholesterol level, either.
I have to be more regimented on my diet and exercise to keep from having some serious medical issues. We might be exploring lap-band surgery, but I think my insurance makes you jump through some serious hoops for that. We'll see.
All that said, does anyone have suggestions for a salt-substitute? I'm not a huge lover of salt, but I definitely cook with it and prefer seasoned salt on things. My father isn't supposed to eat much salt, so he uses Mrs. Dash, but it's not quite the same. Any suggestions?
My Dr., however, was not too pleased. She took my blood, and I should get results next week. She officially diagnosed me with hypertension, although she didn't prescribe me drugs at this time. She did, however, tell me NO MORE SALT! Just like that. Very kind, but forceful. She said absolutely not to salty snacks, and limited salt intake from other things. I expect she's not going to be happy about my cholesterol level, either.
I have to be more regimented on my diet and exercise to keep from having some serious medical issues. We might be exploring lap-band surgery, but I think my insurance makes you jump through some serious hoops for that. We'll see.
All that said, does anyone have suggestions for a salt-substitute? I'm not a huge lover of salt, but I definitely cook with it and prefer seasoned salt on things. My father isn't supposed to eat much salt, so he uses Mrs. Dash, but it's not quite the same. Any suggestions?
A Good Start To The Resolution
I'm not much of a NY's resolution person. I generally don't stick to them. I have put on quite a bit of the weight I lost over a year ago (read: all the weight an another 5 lbs or so!), and my sister has put on a bit that she lost...so we decided to be each others' accountability.
On Monday I brought my workout gear and hit the treadmill for an hour. Yesterday I had a dentist and Drs appt that required a ton of walking in very snowy conditions (think walking on a sandy beach). I estimate that I walked about 3 miles before it was all said and done. Given how hard I worked just getting down one block in that snow, I'm calling that a good workout.
Tonight I have plans to hit my rock n roll stepper, then tomorrow and Saturday morning I expect another hour at the gym.
On Monday I brought my workout gear and hit the treadmill for an hour. Yesterday I had a dentist and Drs appt that required a ton of walking in very snowy conditions (think walking on a sandy beach). I estimate that I walked about 3 miles before it was all said and done. Given how hard I worked just getting down one block in that snow, I'm calling that a good workout.
Tonight I have plans to hit my rock n roll stepper, then tomorrow and Saturday morning I expect another hour at the gym.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Feel Good Monday
Mondays are not usually a chart-topping day for me, but I'm having a great day. Curious? Here's why:
1) My bank gave me back $75. Long, long story that involves my having my bank account hacked into last month. It's been a long time coming to finish up my old account and close it.
2) I have several extra hundred dollars to pay towards my credit card debt. This means I'll have another one paid off by next month!! Hooray!!!
3) Taylor Swift. I loved her last album and have listened to it in its entirety multiple times. I just downloaded her new album because I love the song "Love Story." So catchy and I walk around singing, "Romeo save me, I've been feeling so alone...It's a love story, baby just say yes..." Love it!
4) Free Lunch from Jimmy Johns because of a work meeting.
5) A very sweet woman from the denomination my school belongs to (who is from California) coming up to me at said lunch meeting and introducing herself and saying, "I've heard so much about you!"
6) Downgrading cable and still getting to keep local channels, and saving a ton of money.
7) Perdue Chickens that were $.88 a pound at Jewel. I bought 3. They are in the freezer, and will happily use my new roasting pan I got from my mom for Christmas.
8) Buying 2 lbs of country short ribs for $4, and a bag of 16 large naval oranges for $4. With high grocery prices, I was ecstatic to get these deals.
What I'm looking forward to:
Going to the gym! My back hurts and I'm feeling fatter than usual. =)
1) My bank gave me back $75. Long, long story that involves my having my bank account hacked into last month. It's been a long time coming to finish up my old account and close it.
2) I have several extra hundred dollars to pay towards my credit card debt. This means I'll have another one paid off by next month!! Hooray!!!
3) Taylor Swift. I loved her last album and have listened to it in its entirety multiple times. I just downloaded her new album because I love the song "Love Story." So catchy and I walk around singing, "Romeo save me, I've been feeling so alone...It's a love story, baby just say yes..." Love it!
4) Free Lunch from Jimmy Johns because of a work meeting.
5) A very sweet woman from the denomination my school belongs to (who is from California) coming up to me at said lunch meeting and introducing herself and saying, "I've heard so much about you!"
6) Downgrading cable and still getting to keep local channels, and saving a ton of money.
7) Perdue Chickens that were $.88 a pound at Jewel. I bought 3. They are in the freezer, and will happily use my new roasting pan I got from my mom for Christmas.
8) Buying 2 lbs of country short ribs for $4, and a bag of 16 large naval oranges for $4. With high grocery prices, I was ecstatic to get these deals.
What I'm looking forward to:
Going to the gym! My back hurts and I'm feeling fatter than usual. =)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Flowers
I'm usually not a huge fan of fake flowers, but I love these. They are roses made out of shaved wood, and its hard to tell they are not real. My aunt has some at her house, and ended up buying me some for Christmas because I always comment on them.
Walking In A Winter Wonderland...
We've had about 8-10 inches of snow this weekend, with expectations for about 6 more over the next couple days.
I've become a friend of the bus!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Comcastic
So we just added phone and internet to bundle with our Comcast cable. My roommate just called to check on our bill, and it was totally messed up and showing almost $400. What the @#$#?
She's calling tomorrow to tell them to change it to what we were quoted, or shut the whole thing off. She called them tonight and actually said, "Did I just get ripped off?" to which the customer service rep didn't say anything. Boo!!!!
She's calling tomorrow to tell them to change it to what we were quoted, or shut the whole thing off. She called them tonight and actually said, "Did I just get ripped off?" to which the customer service rep didn't say anything. Boo!!!!
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
I love desserts. One of my favorites is at a restuarant in Chicago called Lou Malnetti's...it's a chocolate chip cookie 'pizza' in a tiny deep dish pan, fresh baked when you order it, with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Oh My Goodness!
I made my own version this evening. I microwaved a chocolate chip cookie and added ice cream. Yum!
I made my own version this evening. I microwaved a chocolate chip cookie and added ice cream. Yum!
Stretch.....Yawn....
No, I have not been in hibernation. Just terribly remiss at blogging for awhile.
I had a great ten days in Missouri with the family. My sister and I were pretty much attached at the hip, and spent a lot of time in The Century Press, a new coffee shop run by Anne and JD.
I highly recommend it. It's super cute on the inside (they did a lot of work on it!) There is also a book share/exchange inside. They make great lattes and the cheesecakes are to DIE for! They open ridiculously early (like 6 am) and stay open until 8 pm. My sister and I kept taking board games in and would hang out awhile.
Go check it out! It's where Mary's Cafe used to be.
I had a great ten days in Missouri with the family. My sister and I were pretty much attached at the hip, and spent a lot of time in The Century Press, a new coffee shop run by Anne and JD.
I highly recommend it. It's super cute on the inside (they did a lot of work on it!) There is also a book share/exchange inside. They make great lattes and the cheesecakes are to DIE for! They open ridiculously early (like 6 am) and stay open until 8 pm. My sister and I kept taking board games in and would hang out awhile.
Go check it out! It's where Mary's Cafe used to be.
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