Big Girl Blue

30 Days of Photos: Day 24

2011-09-01T15:36:00.000-04:00

It is day twenty-four of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time). Do your best to try not to notice that I am taking a while to do this.

Today it became official, we will be participating in curbside organic gardening. Here is the little curbside composter they dropped off:

Ain't he cute. I shall call him Fred. Along with this lovely green container on wheels came a beige kitchen counter compost collector and brown bags for collection organic waste. And of course, directions so we don't piss off the curbside collector.

30 Days of Photos: Day 23

2011-05-03T17:34:00.004-04:00

It is day twenty-three of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Yes, I'm a bit behind but really, did you think I'd get this far?

Today's photo is of the school next door to where my husband works. They have been renovating the old structure and adding on to the back. When the tornadoes went through the states last week we had wind warnings up here as an effect. This poor little building looks like it went through a war with all the shredded plastic.

Twitter Machine

2011-04-16T17:12:00.006-04:00

I tweet a lot. One of the things I like about twitter is it makes me feel less alone. In the sense that other people, especially women, feel things the way I do or are living through similar situations. I also like the instant access to support if I need it; something that is not always available in the real world because of other people's schedules.

Could I live without it? Sure, but luckily I have the choice not to. I'd rather see the positive aspects that twitter brings into my life than focus on the negative ones that other people want to focus on. I find it interesting that those that complain about Twitter use Twitter to do the complaining.

Long live the Twitterverse!

Anti-Depressant Kit

2011-04-16T16:27:00.010-04:00

I am not a hoarder. But I do recognize that I have hoarding tendencies. Maybe we all do to some extent.

I can't remember the title of the book I read; about ten years ago, and it really has been a savior but after reading it I got in the habit of going through certain areas of my house a couple times a year and getting rid of things I haven't used in the last six to eight months. It is really a hard thing to do because: a/ I probably paid money for it and b/ I always have that "what if I need it in the future" question in my head. Then I won't have one and will have to spend money to get another one or do with out when I had already had one. While these things still go through my mind I also ask the question, "Can someone else make better use of it?" And that question helps me give things away. Not everything obviously, some things I have emotional attachments to that I have no desire of breaking while others are less painful. I still feel pretty cluttered at times even though I know that overall we live a less cluttered life than we did about fifteen years ago. It took a few years but Jeff eventually followed suit.

Which brings me to today's mini-project. Cleaning out my desk drawer. I haven't cleaned out the drawer in a while and I noticed it has been increasingly hard to close this past week. There are basics I always use like pens, post-its, scissors. And there is the stapler, playing cards, more pens, my Wacom drawing pad and a few mice, the computer kind. There's packing tape for BIW prizes once a month, an adapter for some computer but am pretty sure it is not my current one. There are a few candles, sage, a large empty Ziploc bag, recipe cards, and a bag of blue marbles. And a few other things I'll show you in a minute.

Should I get rid of some of this stuff? Maybe one or two times but for the most part I'm just going to spend a few minutes organizing the small space and maybe moving a few things to another space. I'm not in the getting rid of frame of mind today although a few things will find their way into the trash -- pens that don't write.

Here are a few things I thought were interesting:

My hoard of post-it notes and stickies which I use often but seldom share. One of my favorite things to get in my stocking at Christmas is Post-it notes. If there are no post-it or "stickies" I'm very sad. Which is kind of sad.

I bought this little goddess online. I like the shape and feel of it but still haven't decided what to do with it. I still like it so it will go in another drawer.

And the best find? A "Anti-Depressant Kit" I was given some time ago and had forgotten about. It made me smile as I read the note: "For those times when you need a 'pick me up', just open this anti-depressant kit and you're sure to feel better soon. It contains: An eraser, so you can make all your problems disappear. A penny, so you can never say 'I'm broke!' A marble, in case someone says, 'You've lost your marbles!' A rubber band, so you can stretch yourself beyond limits. A string, to tie things together when everything falls apart. A hug and a kiss, to remind you that someone somewhere cares about you!"

What truly amazes me is that there was chocolate in my desk and I didn't eat it. Have a lovely Saturday!

Starting from Scratch

2011-04-14T19:01:00.005-04:00

For some reason when I was at the hardware store last week looking for new clippers I decided I wanted to grow some plants from seeds. I did this when we first moved in to our house with little success (but what did survive I still have in the garden, surprisingly). I didn't want to go crazy so I picked up a 72 peat pod kit which has twelve short rows of six.

I planted one row of pumpkin seeds, two rows of pink fluffy grass, two row's of Jeff's dad's poppies, one row of ground cherries, three rows of blazing star (got the seeds from a lady who wrote an article for Oh Canada magazine), one row of heliotrope, one row of white clematis (from another lady I met online), and one row of blue fescue.

Today when I checked in on them I found the pumpkin seeds already sprouting. It hasn't even been a week! There also looks like a spring of grass. It is looking pretty promising so far if I do say so myself. Hopefully, I didn't just jinx it.

30 Days of Photos: Day 22

2011-04-08T16:49:00.000-04:00

It is day twenty-two of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

For the most part, after the rain and wind are finished their bit, spring is one of my favorite joys. Especially when I can go out in the back yard and find surprises like this:

I wouldn't be surprised if they are open by next week! I love watching my back yard come to life.

It's Spring!

2011-04-05T18:40:00.000-04:00

You know it's spring when I start filling up the blog with plant and gardening pictures. I wanted to get an early start on cleaning the flower beds because I have a lot to get done before the excruciating hot weather and humidity start and I become a hermit (yes, more so than now).

So far I have cleaned the biggest garden and the left side garden. I made the mistake of cleaning the big garden all in one day. After six months of no yard work, I was sore for three days afterward. At least I'm broken-in now (although I was feeling pretty broken).

Here a shot of the back garden all cleaned up. The shot is taken on an angle to include the back corner garden which is still not awake (if you click on it you'll get a bigger view):

There are some tulips coming up in the center and the hostas which I've been growing for over five years are breaking ground already.

Here is the side garden. The black eyed susans and purple coneflowers have started. And of course there are tulip tips coming up here and there.

This is wear most of the work will come in after I've cleaned all the other flower beds (another side, back corner, back stairs, by small shed, and front yard). I'll be adding a yard of soil along the back to bring the ground back up to the neighbors and then I'll put back the flagstone path I removed last year. I'll extend the garden forward a bit to give the hen & chick border some room. To the left out of shot are some cedars whose roots are showing so I want to cover them with another yard as well as the trees on the other side of the yard. If there is soil left over I'll top off some of the other gardens. Then I want to lay down new mulch as it's been a few years. Finally, I want to re-edge all the gardens. I'm hoping to have this all done by the end of June. The sooner the better because it will already be stinking hot by then.

30 Days of Photos: Day 21

2011-03-30T15:06:00.004-04:00

It is day twenty-one of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

This weekend we participated in Maple Fest which involved driving 20 or so minutes to a family farm that has been producing maple for a few generations and having fresh pancakes with their maple syrup and a side of maple infused sausage. It cost $8 and was totally worth it. The picture looks cramped because I was cramped. It was a full house with people lining up outside. I'm so glad we got up early. Ok, I got up early, Jeff was already up.

The pancakes were awesome fluffy. FLUUUFFY! Neither of us were able to finish the second pancake. We did this last year and toured a bunch of other farms on the tour to taste wines, cheese etc but this year we just took in the drive and the breakfast. I think will probably become a yearly event.

Check out your local paper and see if you have one coming up!

30 Days of Photos: Day 20

2011-03-22T22:40:00.002-04:00

It is day twenty of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

This is the number one reason why Jeff and I never get to sit or lie on the couch. Need I say more?

30 Days of Photos: Day 19

2011-03-18T19:53:00.004-04:00

It is day nineteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

One of the local stores brought in some baby chicks to entertain the kids while their parents shop. It worked. It entertained the adults too. Like me. The iPod Touch was out in seconds; I actually remembered to bring it with me. Unfortunately, the heating lamp popped on as I was taking pics (I color corrected and everything so you can imagine how much redder they were). This picture truly doesn't do their cuteness justice.

30 Days of Photos: Day 18

2011-03-08T22:55:00.003-05:00

It is day eighteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I like striped socks. And I like daisies. These socks are from an online company called Thox. They make socks for girls with big feet (long, not wide).

Topic Links
* Thox Sox

30 Days of Photos: Day 17

2011-03-08T02:53:00.005-05:00

It is day seventeen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I posted a review at PlusShe.com for hair tinsel. One of the pictures I took was with a camera app (Camera Bag) on my iPod Touch which gives the effect of having a bunch of different cameras. This photo in particular was with the Lola effect (there's like ten others with just this one app). It's one of my favorite effects.

Me without make-up, oh my!

***
Topic Links
* Hair Flairs Product Review
* Camera Bag App

More Space in Kitchen

2011-03-03T23:35:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned we got a new toaster oven (Oster Digital Toaster Oven with Convection). It's much bigger than our old toaster and having both of them on the spare counter completely took up all the extra space we had put the counter in for.

Much to my chagrin Jeff decided he wanted to put up a shelf. I talked him into cupboards and we went cupboard shopping. It was a learning experience that made me decide $600 was too much money and I allowed him to revisit the shelf idea again. After some discussion we decided on using the board I had in my office that I used for sorting papers, it has been standing in the corner for the last six months unused so I offered it up.

All he had to buy were brackets. I asked him to decorate the edge (there's a guy term for it but it escapes me) to match the plant shelf above the sink and he did.

I think the shelf has been up for about two weeks. I love it. As you can see we put both the microwave and the toaster oven on it. Jeff even put a light under the shelf so it wouldn't be too dark. I haven't used it yet but it's a nice feature to have. I wish we had done it sooner!

In the summer he will take it down and spray paint it white along with the kitchen doors.

Now for Oster's Digital Toaster Oven with Convection. It makes toast, it bakes, it fan bakes, it dehydrates. The only problem? The frigging manual sucks! Seriously. The only directions are how to set the clock and turn on each feature. There is no information on what to use the convection for i.e. bake chicken, not bake chicken, bake cake, not bake cake. Or if you are going to bake a cake or bake a chicken what kind of time variance from your regular oven I should use. No suggestions what-so-ever on how to use the bloody thing! I even went to their website, nothing. So basically everything is an experiment. Oster has some work to do in helping me to enjoy their product.

30 Days of Photos: Day 16

2011-03-03T22:43:00.003-05:00

It is day sixteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

In our neighborhood it is not uncommon to sit down to dinner then have someone knock at the door. Knocking or, heaven forbid, ringing the doorbell sends the dog into a barking tizzy. A tizzy I tell you! In an effort to avoid the literal headache, Jehovah witness, people who want us to change company or buy security alarms or have our driveway paved or whatever; we put up a no soliciting sign. You can't see the fine print but basically it says we welcome girl guides, they at least bring cookies with them.

I came home from shopping yesterday and was unloading the vehicle and had to snap this shot of Shelby patiently waiting for me while surveying the street.

You'd be amazed how many people still knock. Then comment on the sign as if it wasn't meant for them. So annoying.

30 Days of Photos: Day 15

2011-02-28T22:11:00.002-05:00

It is day fifteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I while back I mentioned that I have very few pictures of myself as a child. I have the scary school pics that we were all all tortured through in grade school and high school but no baby pictures. Here is the youngest photo I have of myself -- I'm so damn cute (even if I do say so myself).

30 Days of Photos: Day 14

2011-02-25T14:58:00.001-05:00

It is day fourteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

One of the things I've been crazy addicted to lately is doodling. I used to doodle a lot when I was a young adult but I eventually left it behind. But now I crave it it daily (I did two today).

It all started a few weeks ago when I created a Squidoo lens called Zendala Challenge. From there it has led me to furthering doodling, buying books to doodling in (my currently goal is to fill a 110 page sketch book with doodle creations) and collecting doodling books. I now have a collapsible folder of doodling tools, cut up paper, notepad, ink pens, and the doodles I've been collecting.

Jeff celebrated a birthday recently and I couldn't help decorating the plain envelope with a few doodles in his honor:

30 Days of Photos: Day 13

2011-02-22T19:19:00.006-05:00

It is day thirteen of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I perpetually have cold feet. Except in the summer but in 30 degree Celsius I don't imagine many people would have cold feet. My feet are coldest at my desk. I face an outside wall, have hardwood floors, and my desk is metal. To say I complain or whine about having cold feet is probably an understatement. Occasionally I'll don extra socks, legwarmers (I actually wear them a lot in the winter), and/or slippers. Put my feet really hate to be suffocated so I'm usually only in socks.

Jeff decided he was tired of the whining and bought me the colorful reversible tiles that can be used for kids to play on or in workshops. I bought some a while back which I split for in front of the washer in the basement and under my exercise bike in my office to protect the floor. These new ones I split again, two for in front of the ironing board in the basement and two for under my desk, one on the floor and one up the back of the desk against the wall. I noticed an immediate improvement! My feet are still cold but at least they are not frozen solid. JD seems to like it too because I've caught him under my desk more than a few times since I put them in place.

So if you have cold feet at your desk and can't afford an under the desk heater give them a try. They can be found at hardware stores or retail stores for about $15 ($8 on sale).

30 Days of Photos: Day 12

2011-02-21T16:43:00.005-05:00

It is day twelve of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I'm a tea drinker. Actually, I'm a milk drinker first. Then a tea drinker. My favorite tea is green tea (bag, loose, and matcha) and occasionally I'll drink chai. My sister-in-law tried to expand my tea horizons by sending me some blooming tea. Which is basically an herbal type tea that is artistically sewn up in a ball that expands as the tea brews into a lovely centerpiece. As far as novelty goes it is pretty cool and the tea is acceptable to drink but when the novelty wears off I still want my green tea. Here are to pictures (side and top to get the full affect).

I think this was a chrysanthemum. The picture doesn't do it justice really. The center flower some how seemed redder in real life.

30 Days of Photos: Day 11

2011-02-18T19:52:00.004-05:00

It is day eleven of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

I took a week off. I know, bad me. But look at this creation. I call it Chocolate Cake in a Mug. Yes, I was a little desperate for some chocolate affection last night. It's good in a pinch.

If you ever find yourself in the same situation here is what you do (assuming you have the basic ingredients on hand):

Large microwave safe mug
1 tablespoon of oil
1 egg

Add oil and egg to mug and stir until smooth.

3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
3 tablespoons of cocoa

Add sugar and cocoa to egg mixture. Stir until smooth.

4 tablespoons of flour
dash of salt
1/8 teaspoon of baking powder

Add flour, salt, and baking powder to creamy mixture. Stir until smooth.

Microwave on high for about 1 minute (my microwave is hot so keep an eye on it). It puffs up like a real cake. It makes one large serving (I say large because I couldn't finish it) or two small servings.

Enjoy!

30 Days of Photos: Day Ten

2011-02-07T23:29:00.006-05:00

It is day ten of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

It's a new week and a new me. Nothing like an afternoon at the spa to rejevenate the body or in this case the tender tootsies. Today's picture is of my feet in an awesome foot bath before I get scrubbed, rubbed, buffed, and finally painted.

If you have to pay for a pedicure then you should be soaking in a tub like this and not a bowl. You can do a bowl at home. Shop around for your pedicures ladies!

And for those of you who like moving pictures, you can get the full effect of the jets here:

FYI: Both were taken on my iPod Touch 4G.

30 Days of Photos: Day Nine

2011-02-01T14:43:00.007-05:00

It is day nine of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

You get two-for-one today. Here is a picture of our fifteen+ year old Proctor-Silex toaster oven. As you can see it has gotten a lot of use over the years. I've melted many a plastic bag on the top -- my favorite was the bag of beans that exploded all over the place when I lifted the bag off. Yes I have a thing for horizontal services and it is one of the reason why Jeff fears leaving me home alone.

Anyway, Canadian Tire has an Oster Digital Toaster Oven with Convection on sale for $75 (Reg. $150) so we decided to replace the old Procter-Silex which has been amazing and still cooks but doesn't toast anymore) with what we hope will be a more energy efficient upgrade that will allow us to use our not so energy efficient oven less. This will also replace the older toaster we have.

There wasn't a sale Oster locally so we had to drive to the next town last night (about 30 minutes) to pick one up there. When we got home I cleaned off the counter, rearranged some counter items and unpacked our shiny new toaster oven which is twice the size of the old one. I was all ready to make some toast (it can do 6 slices at one time) when I plugged it in but... nothing. No beep, no light, nada. We haven't even used it and it is dead. But it's pretty:

I've just finished packing it back up in to the box to go back to Canadian Tire to get a replacement. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Our last toaster oven lasted for over a decade and I expect this new one to do the same (well, not this one, the replacement we pick up). Even though the old one is smaller it still feels more substantial when you pick it up than the new one. I'm hoping this isn't a mistake. Will let you know after the first week of cooking.

30 Days of Photos: Day Eight

2011-01-31T14:38:00.001-05:00

It is day eight of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

One of the things I love about winter? Shelby's footprints in the snow:

This is actually upside down. Toes are at the bottom. It's hard to tell but the snow is all sparkly which makes the print even prettier. Yeah, I know, I spend too much time with the animals.

30 Days of Photos: Day Seven

2011-01-24T22:38:00.004-05:00

It is day seven of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

While this isn't exactly a picture it is an image so it is only a minor cheat. Have a look at my black bean brownies. (scroll down for recipe)

Ingredients:

1 package brownie mix
1 can of black beans
2 eggs
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon instant coffee

Directions:

Rinse black beans and put in blender with eggs, oil, and coffee. Blend until smooth. You will still be able to see little fragments. Pour the brownie mix in a bowl then add blended beans. Mix with spoon until just blended. Pour into lightly greased 8x8 baking dish and bake at 325 for about 35 minutes. Let cool and apply icing.

Black bean brownies are firmer than regular brownies and you can't taste the beans and I haven't noticed any gas issues probably because they are sort of partially digested.

30 Days of Photos: Day Six

2011-01-22T17:19:00.006-05:00

It is day six of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

What's really funny is that I seem to be doing more photo things (and social networking) with my iPod Touch than I do listening to music although I actually listened to some jewel while cooking yesterday.

Well, last night I downloaded a few apps before I went to bed. The Pocket Booth app turns your iPhone or iPod into a mini photo booth. I love photo booth pictures! And I love this app! So cool.

My first photo booth test today was to torture Suzie with multiple clicks (you can click on it to view larger image). Can you see her annoyance. JD, Shelby and Jeff are also annoyed but Jeff does kind of think it's cool. And for 99 cents I'm pretty thrilled.

Not only does it format the pictures but you can email them at different sizes, save them to your camera, or send them to your facebook or twitter account. Totally cool and super easy to use!

I can see me wearing out this photo app.

30 Days of Photos: Day Five

2011-01-18T23:01:00.005-05:00

It is day five of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Today's picture is of my African violets. I have loved African violets since I was a child. I'm not sure why but I think my favorite Aunt may have had them. I've also propagated them from an early age. I currently have eight rather large plants all but one originated from the same plant which has long since gone. I've had the current ones for as long as we have lived in the house so at least ten years.

There is a row of them above the kitchen sink where Jeff made a shelf for them and another row on a shelf on Jeff's desk. They usually flower twice a year (about every six months) but 2010 was a remarkable year for them. They would flower all bushy like above then as those blooms were dying off new ones would begin sprouting again. They were only without flowers for a few weeks last year. And as you might have guessed blue blooms are my favorite.

My care secrets? Don't water a lot, once a week to ten days. I don't abide by the water from the bottom cliche. I water from the top but just not over the leaves. They like to be warm but not hot. Bright but not scorching. And I use no special aids for propagating. If a leaf breaks off I just poke it in some African violet soil. Oh, and for some reason added fertilizer seems to kill them off. Again, not sure why I've just learned from experience not to use it.

What's your favorite house plant?

30 Days of Photos: Day Four

2011-01-17T23:32:00.004-05:00

It is day four of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Collecting things is a common quirk humans seem to share. I'm not sure why we do this. It seems like a strange habit to get into and serves no real purpose but I think the items of choice are quite variant with the individual and perhaps gives a clue or two about our personality.

Right off the top of my head I say without a doubt that I collect books. If I could have a den of books I would (along with some one to dust them please). "Lots of people collect books," you say. True, but do they also collect tea cups?

Today's picture is of one of my favorite tea cups. It came from Jeff's mother. I love the subtle blue and how the rim of the cup is kind of shaped like a flower.

What do you collect?

30 Days of Photos: Day Three

2011-01-14T21:38:00.004-05:00

It is day three of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Yesterday Jeff and I went to Toronto so he could see a migraine specialist. We made a day of it leaving early in the morning so we could enjoy the drive up and not be rushed. We had a muffin and milk at Sunnybrook's Starbucks before heading to Jeff's two hour appointment. Good thing I brought a book.

Anyway, afterward we planned on a dinner out. We drove around for a while int Toronto before we decided on Wimpy's Diner in Ajax. It was one of those drive by, "this looks interesting" decisions. It's a retro looking diner with lots of memorabilia on the walls to look at. There is a mixture of regular tables / booths and giant booths. Here is the booth we sat in:

We both ordered the Wimpy Special burger which was seriously larger than life and really tasty. The service was very quick and very friendly. The only downside was the seriously scary washrooms.

30 Days of Photos: Day Two

2011-01-11T23:05:00.003-05:00

It is day two of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Over the holidays Jeff took me to see the new Tron movie. I thought it was cool for the first fifteen minutes then was bored senseless. Jeff loved it it. The funny thing is I wanted to go because I had seen the first movie. Jeff wanted to go because of the special effects (he never saw the first movie). How weird is that?

Anyhooo, the movie is in REAL 3D and here I am modeling the take home glasses:

I think I look pretty cool if I do say so myself. These are going to make excellent Halloween glasses for some costume I'm sure. Jeff seems to think we'll need them for another 3D movie. I'm hoping the whole 3D craze will die out again.

30 Days of Photos: Day One

2011-01-07T18:22:00.005-05:00

It is day one of my 30 Days of Photos challenge (feel free to join me at any time).

Over the holidays I bought eleven black frames from Micheal's during their 40% off sale. I have been wanting to do this for literally two years. I got the idea from my friend Lana who has picture stories throughout her house using black frames. I just like the look.

My plan was to frame all the photos which I had taken off the book shelves in the living room and put them on the wall so the book shelves / tv unit wouldn't look so crowded. Unfortunately the frames sat in a pile in the corner of my office for the whole two years being moved a few time to be dusted.

I took the opportunity of my in-laws coming to force myself to finally get the photos up. My plan was to use a large sheet of paper to mark the frames position and where to put the nails then tape it up on the wall and put in the nails. I thought it was a fool proof plan that even I could accomplish and I had every intention on doing this all by myself. I swear!

Some where between me taping the paper to the wall and Jeff getting up it turned into a team project of me being the assistant with veto power and Jeff doing as he says, "the grunt work". In all honestly, who knows what it would have looked like had I did it. Jeff had out his tape measure, ruler, and level to make sure everything looked right (I would not have done that). And after an hour or so (I kind of lost tract it was probably longer) the pictures were in their new home. In case you didn't know already I think he pretty much rocks the husband department.

30 Days of Pictures

2011-01-07T18:05:00.026-05:00

Last Friday I was excited that I had finished off the 30 Days of Me meme and could move on to something new and exciting. I also hinted about continuing with the 30 day theme possibly in pictures. Well, I've decided to go ahead with the 30 Days of Pictures theme. And I invite you to do it along with me.

Some background. From an early age, like preteen, I had a fascination with cameras and pictures. Probably because I had virtually none of myself. I literally have one baby picture of me and even with that I have a full head of hair and am probably more toddlerish.

In high-school I was introduced to black and white photography and developing my own negatives and printing. I absolutely loved it and dreamed of having my own dark room. I bought many magazines that featured some of the worlds best photographers of people and still life. Shortly after this I got a job at Japan Camera in their printing department. Again, I loved it, but the customer service aspect made it incredibly stressful. It was because of this job I was able to buy my first SLR camera which I still have but almost never use and it is where I met a cute guy with a mustache.

Jeff was equally into cameras and took a course in university. He got a job at Japan Camera, we dated, we took lots of pictures of pretty much everything.

Then we got married and the picture taking was replaced by the other things in life... um, like the internet, paying the mortgage, etc. Then digital cameras got really big and we began taking digital pictures and movie making but not really from the artistic view that we both started with. More from a memory capture kind of view.

So with all that in mind, don't expect to see any shots that should appear in coffee table books. Let the fun begin!

Day One: Speaking of photos
Day Two: 3D Me
Day Three: Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy
Day Four: Tea for Two (or Three or...)
Day Five: African Violets
Day Six: The Photo Booth
Day Seven: Black Bean Brownies
Day Eight: Animal Snow Prints
Day Nine: The Toaster Oven that Almost Was
Day Ten: Tender Tootsies
Day Eleven: Chocolate Cake in a Mug
Day Twelve: Blooming Tea
Day Thirteen: Warm Feet
Day Fourteen: Doodling Oodles
Day Fifteen: Wee Me
Day Sixteen: My Door Greeter
Day Seventeen: Lola and Hair Tinsel
Day Eighteen: Striped Sox
Day Nineteen: Cute Chicks
Day Twenty: Couch Potatoes
Day Twenty-One: Pancakes and Maple Sausage
Day Twenty-Two: Springing to Life
Day Twenty-Three: Storm Front
Day Twenty-Four: Curbside Composting

30 Days of Me: Day 30

2010-12-31T14:24:00.004-05:00

It is day thirty of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "in this past month, what have you learned".

In the last 30 days I learned that there is really no reason for not posting a blog at least a few times a week. I had a plan, made the time, and followed through. There were a few days in the beginning where I kept forgetting but then I put up a post-it note reminder on my laptop.

Having a specific goal in mind definitely made it easier. I really like the concept of the 30 day challenge and will have to make up one for myself for the next 30 days for this blog. I think I might do a 30 day picture challenge. Hmm...

But in the meantime I'm going to take a week off this blog to recuperate from holidays, in-law visit, and finish off the updates on the Book-in-a-week site.

I hope you ring in the New Year with a bang and a sparkle and lots of love!

30 Days of Me: Day 29

2010-12-30T16:43:00.002-05:00

It is day twenty-nine of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "our favorite song".

I don't have a favorite song but if I had to listen to one song every day for the rest of my life then it would probably be... I don't know what to say so I'll simply say "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".

Yes, I'm talking about the song from Mary Poppins. That movie has been on my mind a lot lately for some reason. It's a fun song that is upbeat and I can't imagine it ever bringing me down. Here are the lyrics in case you want to sing it to yourself tonight while you're lying in bed trying to fall asleep:

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

Because I was afraid to speak
When I was just a lad
Me father gave me nose a tweak
And told me I was bad
But then one day I learned a word
That saved me aching nose

The biggest word you've ever heard
And this is how it goes:

Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

He traveled all around the world
And everywhere he went
He'd use tis word and all would say:
"There goes a clever gent"

When dukes refused to pass the time of day with me
I'd say me special word
And then they'd offer a cup of tea!

Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it
Is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay

You know, you can say it backwards
Which is dociousaliexpilisticfragicalirupus,
But that's going a bit to far,
Don't you think?

Indubitably!

So when the cat has got your tongue
There's no need for dismay

Here, here!
Just summon up this word
And then you've got a lot to say
But better use it carefully
Or it may change your life

Um, for example?

Yes?

One night I said it to me girl
And now me girl's my wife!
Oh, and a lovely thing she is to!

She's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

30 Days of Me: Day 28

2010-12-29T13:53:00.004-05:00

It is day twenty-eight of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?"

The first photo was taken last December and depicts my attempt at creating a smokey eye, yet again, and failing. But it is definitely better than the raccoon eyes I have created in the past. I honestly don't know why I keep trying.

The second photo was taken via Facebook webcam last month and is currently my favorite picture of myself that I keep using to update my social networks. I only wish it was a better quality and less grainy.

How have I changed since the first photo was taken last year? Well, my hair is probably five inches longer and I know it is definitely blonder. My weight hasn't gone up so that is a good thing. I'd like to say I'm more relaxed but I'm still working on that. I'd like to say I'm less whiny but I'm still working on that. I'd like to say I'm productive but I'm still working on that too. So basically, other than the physical and being one year older, I haven't changed a hell of a lot. I guess that is something to work on for 2011.

30 Days of Me: Day 27

2010-12-28T12:29:00.003-05:00

It is day twenty-seven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "why are you doing this 30 day challenge".

I like challenges, especially short ones. And for some reason 30 day challenges are fun for me. I've been working on a few the last few weeks. There's the hair challenge which I haven't completed yet because it requires me to actually do my hair and put make-up on and take photos (or bug Jeff to take photos) and there is the Zendalas challenge which has been an enjoyable mindless creative outlet that I seem to be continuing on past the original 30 day challenge and finally there is the 30 dresses in 30 days blogging challenging over at the Curvy Shopper I started not long ago. But the main reason I wanted to do this particular challenge was to get me visiting my personal blog on a regular basis with the hope of keeping it up after it is over (maybe with another 30 day challenge).

30 Days of Me: Day 26

2010-12-26T16:39:00.003-05:00

It is day twenty-six of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what you think about your friends".

I don't want to center anyone out specifically but I like to think of my friends as supportive and encouraging people who love to live life, even if it is overwhelmingly busy at times.

True friends never stop being your friends. When life gets hectic and you don't hear from them for days on end or some times weeks it doesn't mean the friendship is over. Friendship almost always picks up where it left off at least that is how I see true friendship.

I have friends that I have grown up (or old) with and ones that I have never met (online). They are all important to me in their special way and I appreciate and love what they bring into my life.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T02:56:00.005-05:00

It's late on Christmas Eve or early on Christmas morning depending on how you want to look at it. I still have stocking stuffers to wrap so I'm considering it Christmas Eve.

Jeff and I had our Christmas supper tonight (ham) and will have leftovers on Christmas Day after we get back from the theatre. Every year we take in a movie on Christmas Day. It's Jeff's turn to pick and he's limited it down to Tron Legacy or the latest Narnia.

However you spend your day I hope it is lovely.

30 Days of Me: Day 25

2010-12-25T02:33:00.002-05:00

It is day twenty-five of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what I would find in your bag".

I used to be one of those people who carry everything but for the last five years or so I've whittled it down to what I consider the necessities... at least for me.

wallet
car keys
house keys
mini mirror
emergency lipstick
folded up cloth bags from Baggu (shopping bags)
tape measure
CAA card
mini flashlight
floss
mini eye drops container
MOO cards for BIW and PlusShe

What's in your bag?

30 Days of Me: Day 24

2010-12-22T18:04:00.002-05:00

It is day twenty-four of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a letter to your parents."

You have no idea how incredibly hard it is to write a letter to my parents. A/ They have been separated since my birth. B/ I've never met my father and have already written him "the letter" with negative results. C/ I'm pretty much estranged from my mother -- she gets a Christmas gift every year and I respond to her letters on the few occasions she sends them but contact is pretty low.

I remember when I was really little that I was close with my mother, like all kids are I guess. But as I grew into my teens I began to see her for what she was and while I can accept who she is I refuse to put myself into situations where I am the one who gets hurt. I think I deserve better than that no matter how old she is getting. In my opinion, getting old is not a get out of jail free card, it doesn't erase the history that preceded it.

So, as you may have guessed there will be no "Dear" parent letter today. I hope you have better luck.

30 Days of Me: Day 23

2010-12-21T23:03:00.003-05:00

It is day twenty-three of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "something you crave a lot".

When I think of cravings I immediately think of food. The first food craving that comes to mind is salt usually in the form of potato chips. I went about six years without having a potato chip and about the time I started having my seizures I couldn't get enough of them buggers. I've never been an "additional salt" kind of person. I add it to recipes as they are written less a quarter or half but I generally don't add it to food except my other craving food -- french fries. If french fries don't have salt they suck. I don't want ketchup or vinegar (although a good malt vinegar is a nice change) or mayo on my fries, just the salt.

The other thing I think of when I think of when it comes to food cravings is "comfort". When I think of comfort food my first thought is black bean pumpkin soup -- for the last few year it has been one of my favorite comfort foods. The warmth, the heat, the smell, the color. It's a complete package of comfort. It freezes into individual servings beautifully, too.

So... what's your craving?

30 Days of Me: Day 22

2010-12-20T19:41:00.005-05:00

It is day twenty-two of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "what makes you different from everyone else."

What makes me different from everyone else? This is an interesting question. In essence, I believe there is absolutely nothing. I'm a tall fat blonde woman who's married with no kids. I want to be treated with love, respect, and kindness. I want to be successful, loving, and kind in return. While I would like to think I'm different. I know I am not.

I believe that we are all basically the same with mirror physical traits and desires. It's easy to focus in on physical characteristics and habits but with a world with over eight billion people I really don't believe anyone of us is all that unique. Sure some of us are more beautiful, smarter, successful, dangerous, etc but to look at them, really look at them, they are just like everyone else... or at the very least like someone else.

With so many similarities you would think we would be nicer to one another. Since we are all practically family.

30 Days of Me: Day 21

2010-12-20T01:34:00.004-05:00

It is day twenty-one of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "picture of something that makes you happy".

I took this picture on my iPod today. It's a picture of Suzie and JD getting along. They seldom come near one another unless it is to hiss or slap one another. This is the closest they have ever been. Suzie is on the blue sweater that she has slept on for the last ten years. For the last year JD had kind of taken it over. For some reason today Suzie decided she was sleeping on it and she wasn't budging or acknowledging JD. He was kind of put out by her being there but didn't do anything. He just hopped up and plopped down next to her and went to sleep. This makes me very happy.

30 Days of Me: Day Twenty

2010-12-19T00:55:00.004-05:00

It is day twenty of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future".

Since I'm already married it kind of seems like a moot point. I can't imagine myself with anyone else. Jeff and I started dating in 1988. After celebrating twenty-two years this October I realized we've been together for more than half my life. When it comes to getting old together I often think I'm the one that should go first because the loss of him would be so devastating on too many levels. He's the person I share everything with and I can't imagine my life without him. Even writing this short thought has made my eyes well up. So that's enough about that.

This is a photo of Jeff and I from 1991 (because I was too lazy to go get one from upstairs for one from 1988, and it's the middle of the night). I can't believe I wore white pantyhose.

30 Days of Me: Day Nineteen

2010-12-18T01:56:00.002-05:00

It is day nineteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "nicknames you have; why do you have them."

When I was in grade school I had a lot of nicknames.

My Aunt Ida used to call me "Charlie Brown". I have no idea why.
My "adoptive" brother used to call me "Cabbage Head". Supposedly I used to visit his mother's garden and go straight to the cabbage patch.
There was a boy named Alan who used to call me "Turkey Tits". He was an ass.
And of course there was "Four Eyes" which every kid with glasses surely had to put up with.

In adulthood my nicknames have been fewer -- thankfully.

My most common nickname is "Moe". It started in high school with my girlfriends. "Moe" if you don't know is just an abbreviated nickname for Maureen. Some people use "Mo" but mine has always had an "e" on the end. It just makes sense to me because there are two e's in Maureen (Yes, I know there is no "o".) Moe has pretty much become my personae for all my online dealings. Mostly because it's just easier for me to type.
My other nickname is "Moey" which is what Jeff calls me. His mother started calling me that the last few years and it annoys the hell out of me. I've asked her a few times to not do it. I like it when Jeff calls me Moey but not anyone else.

30 Days of Me: Day Eighteen

2010-12-17T01:39:00.003-05:00

It is day eighteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "plans/dreams/goals you have".

I'm really not a long term planning type of person. Beyond making sure the mortgage gets paid off in the next four years I try not to think too long term.

Most of my short term goals revolve around time management and productivity. I want more of both!

As for dreams, most of my dreams have to do with renovations for the house and yard. They definitely include someone (not Jeff, he deserves down time too) else doing them and having them all done with a week, two at the most. That is totally impossible but that is what dreams are for.

I would also like to do some more RV traveling in a less rushed atmosphere. The three weeks we did a few years ago was just too short. And wi-fi for internet would be a must. I want to be able to work from the RV anywhere. I'd love to drive to Alaska, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine and of course go through Canada again.

My few plans/dreams/goals in a nut-shell.

30 Days of Me: Day Seventeen

2010-12-15T23:57:00.002-05:00

It is day seventeen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why."

There are so many people I could think of that I would want to switch lives with for one day. One day is excellent because you get a glimpse of the fun stuff you expect but don't get completely ruined by whatever bad stuff we can't possibly know about.

The first person who comes to mind is Steven Spielberg. I have always had an addiction for movies of all kind. Even B (and C) movies. But Spielberg has produced many of the all-time best films in the world of which I have numerous favorites. I would love to have that cinematic genius for one day to see through his eyes as he creates a moving masterpiece.

My Top Fave Steven Spielberg (directed) Movies

Jaws*
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Raiders of the Lost Ark* (and sequels)
E.T.*
The Color Purple
Empire of the Sun
Jurassic Park*
Amistad
Saving Private Ryan
Catch Me If You Can
War of the Worlds
Munich*

The ones with a * are extra special and I highly recommend if you haven't seen them.

30 Days of Me: Day Sixteen

2010-12-14T23:25:00.000-05:00

It is day sixteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "another picture of yourself."

I took this picture on Facebook to make my profile look festive for the remaining weeks leading up to Christmas. I took a second one for my Twitter profile so they wouldn't look exactly alike.

30 Days of Me: Day Fifteen

2010-12-13T22:34:00.000-05:00

It is day fifteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play".

Thanks to today's task I actually learned how to put my iPod on shuffle. I've had it for almost two weeks and I haven't even played music on it yet. My ten songs are (I warn you now I have a lot of old stuff):

Voulez Vous (Abba)
Swing (Harry Connick Jr.)
One More Night (Phil Collins)
Can't Fight the Moonlight (LeeAnn Rimes)
Rene and Georgette (Jenny Gear)
Cinnamon (Tommy Roe)
Money, Money, Money (Abba)
California Dreamin' (The Mamas and the Papas)
Pilgrim (Enya)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)

Apparently, I have so much Abba on my iPod that the probability of more than one song appearing is pretty high! I also realized that these musical choices make me appear much older than I actually am. My CD collection is more varied than my iPod collection but I have always been interested in music older than my generation. I blame it on the movies I watched growing up.

30 Days of Me: Day Fourteen

2010-12-12T19:03:00.005-05:00

It is day fourteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of you and your family".

The only time we take a picture of all of us is at Christmas. We haven't tried yet this year. It's usually an event full of laughter, flying fur, and numerous retakes. In an effort to delay the inevitable here is my make-shift family photo done the easy way (I only decided at the last minute to add the names/salutation/graphic to use with our Christmas letter).

The photo of Jeff is a bit blurry because I cropped his head out of the full shot. I took this picture with my iPod when he was out putting up lights. It's currently my iPod wallpaper so as you might have guessed I really like it.

30 Days of Me: Day Thirteen

2010-12-12T14:48:00.002-05:00

It is day thirteen of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a letter to someone who has hurt you recently."

Well, there's no one who has hurt me recently (fingers crossed) that I wish to write an open blog letter too so here is my Christmas letter which I still working on (it's been passed to Jeff for his additions):

Season's Greetings Everyone!

We hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy. It's hard to believe we are almost to the end of 2010. Where did the year go? Well, we'll tell you where some of ours went:

In January Jeff finished up the semester and started teaching a new class about the environment. Maureen started a short-lived writing assignment with the Budget Fashionista. No worries, it was a good experience and she's happier working for herself anyway.

In February Jeff's back gave out unexpectedly and took a few weeks to get to normal. It's been a bit twitchy all year but seems to be holding up. The first real snow fall will be the test.

In March our new addition (JD, the feral kitten that moved in Sept 2009) had his first car ride; a toodle around town. He peed all over his kennel and his lovely fur coat and mewed the whole time -- fun had by all! Jeff had a better car ride with Shelby when he took her on a Duke camping trip for a weekend. This is one of Shelby's favourite things -- lots of kids to dote on her, fresh air and sleeping with dad.

In April we had a few minor renovations when Jeff added French doors to the kitchen entries (he's so handy). With the extra mouth to feed, feeding times were becoming challenging with all the food theft going on (JD likes both Suzie's and Shelby's food, and Shelby likes Suzie's and JD's food). Now we can close the doors and feed JD in the kitchen while Shelby and Suzie can relax eating in the living room.

In May Jeff signed up to help organize Nicholson's 50th Reunion. He put a lot of work into developing a website, maintaining a Facebook page and arranging for memorabilia.

In June our furnace fan died just in time for the hot weather. We were without air conditioning for one week because they were so busy.

In July Jeff decided all on his own without any help from Maureen that he wanted to remove the shower tiles from our main bathroom. We had talked about it for many years because many were looking cracked and the grout was diminishing. Once he started ripping out the tile he noticed the drywall underneath was spongy, so he ripped that out too, then he noticed the tub was rusted so with much effort and an additional hole in the wall the tub was taken out. So that was a planned weekend job quickly turned into a three week nightmare. The whole house was glad when it was over. It was a very hot and humid month, thank goodness for air conditioning. JD turned one this month. After looking through many photos and talking to a few experts we decided that JD was a least half Maine Coon (a very large breed of cat). He currently weighs 13 pounds. Maine Coons don't stop growing until their fourth year. In which case it's expected he'll weigh almost 20lbs.

In August Shelby turned ten. Hard to believe really, it seems like yesterday she was driving Maureen nuts. Oh yeah, she was. Some things never change. August was a special month because Jeff's parents Mavis and Gene came for their first visit since Gene's hospitalization last year. They terrorized us for a whole week -- the critters loved being spoiled.

In September Suzie turned fifteen which is also how long we've been living in Belleville.

October was a difficult month as we found some more strange lumps on Shelby and to be safe she had surgery to remove them. Luckily they turned out not to be cancerous but she suffered numerous skin infections in the incisions and ended up having three sessions of antibiotics. We got around to getting our passports this month. We have no travel plans but at least we have them should we win a trip to Hawaii. It could happen.

In November JD had his official one year check up and received a clean bill of health and a shot in the keister for good behaviour. Yes he peed in the kennel again. Jeff and Maureen are hoping he will grow out of it by the two year mark.

And here it is December again and we are writing all of you. Mavis and Gene are making the journey to visit us on the 27th for a week. All the crew is excited to have the company and to celebrate the New Year with them.

Thanks for making it through another Christmas letter / short-cut year in review which mostly centers on animals and what kind of mischief we get into ripping the house apart (that was Jeff).

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jeff, Maureen, Suzie, Shelby, and JD too.

30 Days of Me: Day Twelve

2010-12-10T18:28:00.002-05:00

It is day twelve of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "how you found out about Blogger and why you made one".

I've had this blog for five years. At the time Blogger was the premium option for creating a blog. It offered a variety of themes and was easy to use almost immediately. I was a regular visitor of a few blogs but didn't really get into the idea until a realized there were a number of Book-in-a-Week writers/members who were making use of it.

Even though all my other blogs have migrated to the WordPress format I continue to keep this Blogger blog so I can keep in touch with the technology as they update it and I guess for sentimental reasons -- it's important to remember where you started even with blogging.

What do you use for blogging? Blogger or Wordpress or something else?

30 Days of Me: Day Eleven

2010-12-09T20:02:00.004-05:00

It is day eleven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "another picture of you and your friends".

Here is a picture of me and a bunch of my twitter friends. Why did I choose my twitter friends? Other than Jeff they are the people I spend most of the time with. They are a hoot (bet you can't find my picture!):

30 Days of Me: Day Ten

2010-12-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

It is day ten of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad."

When I was growing up (I'm growed up, don't you know) I listened to a lot of music whenever I could. At one point I was so proudly on the hub of what was hot, unique, and introspective. I was very eclectic when everyone else was either into pop or heavy metal. I guess I still am today but I am stuck in the past when it comes to music, buying maybe two or three new CDs a year.

I don't listen to music according to my moods really (not like I used to), but my mood is often affected by music and I try to avoid sad provoking music as much as possible unless I'm in the proper frame of mind.

Happy -- silly songs tend to make me happy Barbie Girl, I Come from a Land Down Under, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, and Footloose.

Sad -- for some reason, Air Supply makes me sad even though I think Phil Collins is a music making god. Johnny Cash, Jewel, Norah Jones, Nina Simone, and Boys on the Side.

Hyped -- pretty much anything that Ricky Martin would shake his hips to. Blondie, Madonna, and Will Smith.

Mad -- Avril or Alanis Morissette; enough said.

My all time favorite artist this year is Adele "Make You Feel My Love". Here's the video for it:

30 Days of Me: Day Nine

2010-12-07T17:08:00.003-05:00

It is day nine of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "something you’re proud of in the past few days".

The first thing that came to mind is how well I'm doing on my iPod playing Angry Birds Seasons. I think that sentence kind of says a lot about me. Not all good but kind of funny.

Jeff bought me an iPod for my birthday on Saturday. It arrived on Friday (yes, it was a surprise) and when I told my twitter friends about it the first message I got back was from Roxie/Maria: "you must download the Angry Birds Game." After getting my iTunes up to date and syncing my tunes I was ready to surf "apps" and the first thing that showed up was Angry Birds Seasons. 99 cents later and it was mine. And a new addiction was born.

One of my first action after downloading the game was to watch this youtube video which gives the back story as to why the birds in the game are so angry at the green pigs:

When the game is first opened up it kind of looks like those monthly calendars that you open up and there's a little treat inside (picture, chocolate); in this case it's a new game to work through where the birds sling shot through the air to destroy the green pigs and their abode for points. Different birds have different tricks they can do (i.e. one is an egg dive bomber). Each game seems to have three levels (based on number of points attained) that you can work through until you get three stars.

The first day I had no clue what I was doing and was sling shotting all willy nilly. Now that I'm on to day seven I feel like I've attained some skill and am getting more precise with my shots. I'm also reaching final victory quicker by destroying all pigs which can range from three to seven. In some cases with a few birds left over.

There you have it -- something I'm proud of in the last few days. If you have a phone where you can download apps I have to say "you must download the Angry Birds Game" too.

30 Days of Me: Day Eight

2010-12-06T02:03:00.006-05:00

It is day eight of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "short term goals for this month and why".

All of my short term goals are work related. Why do I want to get them done? Because it's efficient, because they need to be done, because some of them I've been procrastinating on and it will feel good not to have them hanging over my head. I'll limit my sharing to five.

Finish changing over book-in-a-week site so all pages are nice and pretty and the background has less noise. I feel pretty good about the look and feel and have had good feedback from members. Hopefully this will be the last month I will be working on site changes.
Finish the ebook I've been working on for the Large and Lovely site. I've had formatting and anxiety issues with this project but things are zooming along. I look forward to finishing it and sharing it with the BellaOnline readers.
Complete this 30 days challenge with no more "oops I forgot". I fell off the wagon on Friday as I was gearing up for my birthday weekend and computerless Saturday.
Publish at least three of the lenses that have been patiently waiting in the cue for the last year. I have fifteen works-in-progress at the moment. I usually have about 10 at any given time. Some have been in there longer than others. I would really like to clear 3 of the older ones out.
Drink more water (you may not think this work related but when I drink more water I work better).

What are your short term goals for this month?

30 Days of Me: Day Seven

2010-12-05T01:33:00.001-05:00

It is day seven of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you".

This is a panorama picture (using the 360 app on my new birthday iPod) of my creativity board which sits on a base above my desk. It really hasn't changed much over the years -- I add the occasional slip of paper, notecard etc.

I look at it every day while I'm sitting here, numerous times actually, waiting for the computer to boot, or restart, unfreeze, or if I'm just looking for a mental prompt. Every time I read a quote or note I've posted it is like I'm reading it with fresh eyes. I never know what I'll learn from that particular moment or what it will spur on. One of my favorite recent additions are the glass push pins with the words: wish, inspire, cherish, joy, and laugh (Etsy). They are great reminders.

I highly recommend making your own creativity board whether it is above your desk, or above your microwave, or just a cut out piece of cardboard stuck on your book shelf.

30 Days of Me: Day Six

2010-12-04T15:12:00.003-05:00

It is day six of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "favorite super hero and why".

I think my favorite super hero has always been Wonder Woman. She was the first super feminine super hero I came across in my childhood through television (Lynda Carter) and comic books.

While the tv series could be a little campy at times I still enjoyed the loving and strong character; yes, I also thought she was incredibly beautiful. In the comics, Wonder Woman went beyond what television could do at the time for the budgets they had. She expanded my imagination and provided a sense of feminine strength I didn't feel I had in my life.

At 40 (today), I still love her. (Please Joss Whedon, hurry up and make a Wonder Woman movie before I'm 50!)

30 Days of Me: Day Five

2010-12-03T00:42:00.000-05:00

It is day five of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task on my list is: "A picture of somewhere you’ve been to."

This is a picture of Mount McKay. You can see it almost from any lookout in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I grew up in Fort William end of town looking at this sill every day. To the average person it probably isn't much but I have always thought it was beautiful during every season. I didn't get the opportunity to go up until my late teens when I went with a good friend to a Pow Wow put on by the Ojibway First Nation. It was an incredible experience sitting on the ground watching women and children and men in native ceremonial garb dance around while drums vibrated through the earth. It has always been one of my fondest experiences.

When Jeff and I were dating he took me up to a manufactured lookout that gives a splendid view of Thunder Bay in the summer. Another fond early date had us going up there in the winter, or at least trying, and getting the Bel-Air (big car Jeff was driving at the time) stuck in the snow. His dog Sandy was with us and not particularly co-operative. It was the first time I heard Jeff swear.

Every time we back to visit I'm always excited to see it. It like an old friend standing up to welcome me home.

30 Days of Me: Day Four

2010-12-02T15:46:00.005-05:00

It is day four of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task: "A habit that you wish you didn’t have."

This is easy and it is a little embarrassing. But luckily I already got it over with and mentioned it on day one:

"For the last two years I've had this incredibly weird habit of picking (picking, not biting) at my fingernails. The nails are so short my fingertips actually hurt. I used to have lovely nails. Not super long but long enough to be considered feminine and fun to paint. I'm not sure why I developed this habit."

Every day for months I make a goal to grow my nails. Some days I will even go so far as file them smooth and apply a conditioner only to find that by evening I'm picking at them again. It is an insane habit.

But I think I've found a reason and a solution. Yesterday while I was driving home with Jeff I realized why I developed what is essentially a boredom habit. For a good twenty or so years of my life whenever I watched TV or went on long drives I also knitted or crocheted something at the same time; usually something easy like an afghan, keeping my hands too busy to be picking anything let alone my fingernails. Essentially my hands were always kept busy.

It seemed like the busier I got on the computer the less time I put in to crafts like knitting and crocheting. The whole nail picking of the last few years must have developed out of my lack of keeping my hands busy with thread art.

My solution? To take up knitting/crocheting again. Now to find a project pronto.

30 Days of Me: Day Three

2010-12-01T01:53:00.001-05:00

It is day three of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task: "A picture of you and your friends."

My closest friend is Jeff and it has been that way since 1988. This is a somewhat recent picture of us (within the last two years). We had gone for a winter hike and there was a flash snowstorm. It was a great day and I think it shows:

It's not the greatest picture of me but I remember having so much fun that day and laughing an awful lot. It's hard to believe I don't wear glasses anymore -- and so much more convenient. Glasses are not conducive to hiking in the snow. I think we'll have to make a point of going back again this winter.

Three days down and twenty-seven to go.

30 Days of Me: Day Two

2010-11-30T01:29:00.002-05:00

It is day two of my 30 Days of Me challenge. Today's task: "The meaning behind your blog name."

I started BigGirlBlue on March 05, 2005. It's hard to believe it has been five years. Over that time this blog has taken many twists and turns but has never really settled on a style or focus. I don't remember exactly why I decided on the title but my about section pretty much explains what it means with the tag line: "I'm big, I'm a girl and I like blue." So... BigGirlBlue. It's short and sweet and easy to remember. And kind of cool sounding if I do say so myself.

Over the last five years BigGirlBlue has become part of my online personae pretty much every where that I am required to make an account: facebook, myspace, linked, twitter, squidoo, youtube etc. If you do a search for biggirlblue all my social networks are guaranteed to come up including this blog.

I guess that pretty much sums up the name of my blog and my task for day two.

30 Days of Me: Day One

2010-11-29T05:08:00.006-05:00

It is day one of my 30 Days of Me challenge. The first task on my list is: "a recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself."

The Picture

The most recent picture of me that actually shows my face is this head shot I took with my web cam to replace my avatar photo in my Facebook profile. It was taken a few weeks ago shortly after having my hair lightened. This is one of my favorite photos of me.

15 Facts About Me

I taught myself to juggle. Most people take about three hours to learn, it took me three months.

When I was younger I used to be obsessed with the moon. I still love the moon today and I even have a moon program on my computer toolbar that tells me what phase the moon.

I'm a night owl. I have always been a night owl. In fact as I type this it is 5 a.m. and I haven't gone to bed yet.

I have a scar on my forehead from falling over the back of a chair and hitting my head on my aunt's fireplace. I was playing with a kitten. Luckily, I didn't land on the kitten. I probably should have had stitches as it looks like it might have gaped.

My best friend when I was eight was a boy named Wayne. We used to sit on his grandmother's iron fence and yell at vehicles as they went by, "Peace, brother!"

I've given two bloody noses to other women. Both times they deserved it but I still felt guilty about it afterward.

I have a half sister I never met who's name rhymes with "folly".

I ran away from home when I was ten. It was down a back alley, about a block away and I was gone for a whole three hours. No one noticed.

I am smarter than most people think I am but not as smart as I would like to be.

I'm currently addicted to doodling. Seriously. If I wasn't doing this blog post I'd be doodling.

The big toe on my left foot is usually blue. I've had it since I was sixteen. There's a medical term for it but I never remember it. It has like twenty letters and I couldn't pronounce it for a million dollars.

If I could be any animal it would probably be an elephant, as long as it was on a reserve (I wouldn't want to have to live with the fear of poaching). Why? Because elephants are humongous, most people are afraid of them charging, children like to ride around on them, they live a really long time, and they have a beautiful trunk.

For the last two years I've had this incredibly weird habit of picking (picking, not biting) at my fingernails. The nails are so short my fingertips actually hurt. I used to have lovely nails. Not super long but long enough to be considered feminine and fun to paint. I'm not sure why I developed this habit.

If money and space were not an option I would have more animals. More dogs, more cats, horses, probably a cow, some sheep and geese. Maybe a donkey too. And a few turtles. And an outdoor pond with fish.

I sigh a lot. I really mean a lot. I sigh so much that the dog mimics me. There's been times where I've sighed at least four times in 40s. My sighing has often been confused for lack of patience. While I'll admit that could happen, in most cases it has to do with getting my body to relax. I tend to hold myself in a tensed state which is tiring. When I sigh, I relax... briefly. I keep sighing because I'm continually tensed. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

There you have it. One photo and fifteen facts. Day one is over and I'm going to bed.

30 Days of Me

2010-11-03T20:58:00.032-04:00

While reading the blog Simplest Form of an Elle I was inspired by her Thirty Days of Me Challenge to do one of my own on the BigGirlBlue blog. I invite you to do it too (let me know)!

The just of this challenge is to create 30 posts in 30 days about moi (me). And since December 1st is around the corner that seems like a good day to start except it is on a Wednesday which seems like a weird day to start something new so I'll start on Monday the 29th. I'm sure you see my logic.

There is a simple format of prompts to make the whole process easier. And here they are as follows:

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends.
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have.
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why.
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days.
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad.
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends.
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one.
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 14- A picture of you and your family.
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.
Day 16- Another picture of yourself.
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them.
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else.
Day 23- Something you crave a lot.
Day 24- A letter to your parents.
Day 25- What I would find in your bag.
Day 26- What you think about your friends.
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge.
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- Your favorite song.
Day 30- In this past month, what have you learned.

Wish me luck!

A Clean Sink

2010-09-11T13:13:00.001-04:00

A couple years, actually more than a couple years really, I came across a website called The Flylady. I like to call her a "organized cleaning machine". In reality she's more gentle than that. At the time I started her amazing program and recommended to everyone I knew (even when I wasn't using it, I recommended it). Then some where along the way I fell off the wagon.

I wouldn't call myself a slob per se but there are certain areas of my home that get more attention than others and it has kind of been driving me crazy lately. So I decided to visit The Flylady website, print off all her instructions and give it another go. Except this time I'm using my schedule and not hers. She's more of a catalyst for me this time.

The first and most necessary order of business was cleaning the kitchen sink. Not the usual fly by night cleaning most of us would do but a deep cleaning that leaves the sink sparkling. It does, look:

The whole process takes a few hours to complete. You're not standing at the sink the whole time but from start to the "oooo, ahhh" takes a few hours. And it's totally worth it. Every sink can benefit from this kind of cleaning.

For just over a month now I've been able to keep this up both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. I've made it a nightly routine. Every night the counters and sink get a vinegar and water spritz (50/50) and wipe down. I have to say it is a strangely wonderful feeling to wake up to a clean sink every morning. Jeff has even said so with no prompting on more than one occasion.

On the downside it is very hard not to get neurotic about it. On more than one occasion I've chastised Jeff for using the sink after I had wiped it dry during the day -- how dare he! But I've learned to get over it. Sort of.

Another thing The Flylady has encouraged to me do is to schedule cleaning activities. Instead of wondering when the last time something was cleaned or having to do a mass cleaning all at once. I'll clean something, then schedule the next cleaning in my computer reminders. Not only can I forget about it, I get a gentle nudge of my own choosing to clean something. This breaks things up through out the month so I don't feel like I'm always cleaning. An example would be Thursday, my reminder popped up to tell me to wash the shower curtain and wax the kitchen and bathroom floor. Done, done, done, and forgotten until the next reminder pops up.

When I feel I have settled into my new scheduling and habits I'll consider adding another one of her baby "to-do's" but for the meantime, I'm happy with what I'm doing and my incredibly clean sink.

***
Topic Links
* The Flylady
* Directions for cleaning your sink

Day Trip to Reptile Zoo

2010-08-29T12:52:00.020-04:00

Summer feels like it is quickly drawing to a close and it feels like Jeff and I are scrambling to spend some quality time together since the bathroom reno threw the beginning off quite a bit. One of the things we wanted to do this summer was re-visit the Indian River Reptile Zoo.

We had visited the Indian River Reptile Zoo a few years after it opened and have read there were numerous additions since then. The reptile zoo is east of Peterborough on highway #7. They have over 200 reptiles on display including snakes, turtles, lizards, one alligator, and one crocodile. They are Canada's only accredited reptile zoo and also house Canada's largest exhibit of rattlesnakes.

One of the first things we saw was their miniature version of Stonehenge, visible from the parking lot. You could walk up to them and sit on some of rocks but I chose the from the parking lot perspective. It's pretty (and sparkly) but I came for reptiles!

Jeff paid our entry fee ($10 each for adults ) while I looked around the gift shop which was full of stuffed animals, candles, and other items the zoo uses for fund raising. We learned from the cashier that there was going to be a presentation at the new barn in fifteen minutes so after a quick potty break we headed out the back and over to the barn.

Just outside the barn were some foot high enclosures where we got a good look at the African Spurred Tortoise... or the Red Footed Tortoise. We couldn't really tell them apart. This little guy was sharing the enclosure with at least ten other ones all roughly the size of the palm of my hand. It was really cool to be able to hover over them.

The presentation was orated by Lacey who has been with the reptile zoo for three and half years. She provided an introduction to reptiles with the help of Sheila the Lizard, Speedy the Turtle, and Friendly the Python.

Yep! I petted friendly. And Jeff took this flattering photo of me doing:

Here's a video blurb of Lacey introducing us to friendly:

After the presentation we left the barn and visited a few of the tortoises who live in an outside pen. They were surprisingly speedy! As you can see from this video:

They have beautiful shells:

Here's a close-up of the Alligator in his indoor habitat. You could never get this close to one in the wild. Even though there was glass between us I still had a heebie jeebie racing around my back. After I took this picture he winked at me. Ok, he didn't wink, he closed one eye. I went around to the other side and his other eye was open. I purposefully didn't use flash but I think he might have thought one was coming.

The crocodile was either in or he was out and both times he wasn't up for having his picture taken but he does have an awesome backside. The tip of his nose is out of the water toward the outdoor exit. We couldn't decide if he was catching some of the breeze or not.

On the way out we noticed one of the staff crawling in the back window to clean the alligator's pen (we had wondered earlier why there was no water). What a creepy job that would be. You'll notice that he keeps the garbage can between him and the alligator. We were told that this alligator is pretty sulky when people are in his enclosure and there's never been a problem. He tends to move to the opposite end. The crocodile is a little more aggressive with his space so they always have two people clean -- one always on look out.

Overall, we both had a great time and will definitely go back again in the future. If it was closer (we had to drive 1 1/2 hours to get there) we'd probably go more often and take guests when they came to visit. We have a nephew who is totally in love with reptiles who would love this. We'd like to go back again when it is cooler (and my ankle is better) and walk the nature trail.

***
Topic Links
* Visit the Reptile Zoo online

Fat Asses and Skinny Bitches Kind of Day

2010-08-18T19:55:00.006-04:00

I was having a great day today. It usually is when I'm having a great day that someone seems to go out of their way to make sure it stops. So you think I wouldn't be surprised but I was.

After physio I had a couple errands, one of them was stopping at the grocery store to pick up bananas, canned tuna, and chicken breasts. I didn't even get a basket. I was walking down the last half of the isle leading up to the checkout when the voices of a few girls suddenly came into my radar.

"Is my ass that fat?" asked one. As I moved into line at the check out they stepped in behind me. Another replied.

"You could wrap me around your ass two or three times and your ass still wouldn't be as fat as hers." With the inflection she used on hers, I knew she was referring to me.

Yes, I have a fat ass. Duh! No rocket scientist needed for that. But there is still no excuse for being so incredibly rude. There are two words to describe what I felt at that moment: dumbfounded and angry.

Immediately following the above statement was a shush followed by giggling and a "I don't care."

Obviously, I felt they were talking about me. And if they weren't it was definitely some fattie in the immediate vicinity. Still rude and still uncalled for.

Now, I know I'm fat. But for another woman to be so incredibly rude really threw me. I wanted to turn around and say something so badly, and as an afterthought I probably should of. But at the time all I could think was if I turn around I will be arrested for battery and embarrass my husband (no he wasn't there but he'd have to come and bail me out).

A minute or so later the one with the mouth went past me to get a box for the groceries they were buying. And I immediately thought, there is a girl who thinks her shit doesn't stink. I bagged up my things and left. As I was pulling out and saw the girl with the mouth full of disrespect, I had my first look at the other two women she was with; another young slim girl and a slightly overweight older woman, probably one of the girl's moms. This seemed to bother me even more.

I've never been a fan of Mo'Nique's stand up comedy (but I love her movies) mainly because of her use of the term "skinny bitches". Something about it has always bothered me because, let's face it, not all skinny women can be clumped into one category like that just like fat women shouldn't be. But for the first time I feel like I truly understand what she means by "skinny bitches" because today I definitely had my first run in with one.

Now to let it go and get on with the rest of my day!

Sticking Out Your Neck

2010-08-09T14:28:00.002-04:00

I came across a great quote today:

"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." ~James Bryant Conant

I'm a totally visual person. I often relate difficult scenarios/decisions to taking a deep breath and stepping off a ledge but I think this one is much better. No?

OMG! Book Giveaway

2010-08-01T18:12:00.012-04:00

My online friend Keris Stainton has her first young adult book in print. Della Says: OMG! was published by Orchard Books in May of this year but because Keris lives in the U.K. the book wasn't immediately available here. Actually, it still isn't available on Amazon.com (boo) unless you own a Kindle and it's sold out at Amazon.ca where I bought two copies. One for myself and one for a blog giveaway right here. Yeah!

About the Book: Don't miss this fantastic debut novel - Keris Stainton is a fabulously contemporary, witty and fresh new voice who teen girls will adore. Della's over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party -- but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della's distraught -- how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?

About the Author: Keris Stainton is a new, incredibly promising young writer, with a magazine journalist background and with her finger firmly on the pulse of what rocks in a teen girl's world. She co-edits the online reading group Chicklish ("Reader, I snogged him...") -- www.chicklish.co.uk. Keris also has her own books blog (fiveminutespeace.co.uk) in addition to her original blog -- www.keris-stainton.com.

Prize Details:

One copy of Della Says: OMG!
Retail value: $10

How to Enter:

For this giveaway there is the option of one to four entries. To get four entries you must leave a separate comment below for each method following these directions. You must include a contact email. To avoid your email getting spammed use this format: imagery [at] cogeco [dot] ca:

Main entry: This one is a must to enter. Leave a comment below telling us if you have ever kept a diary and worried about someone reading it. Easy peasy!
Second entry: Leave a comment below after you follow Keris on facebook. Include your facebook address in comment.
Third entry: Leave a comment below after you follow Keris on twitter. Include your twitter name in comment.
Bonus: Leave a comment below after you follow BigGirlBlue on twitter. Include your twitter name in comment.

Stipulations:

One entry per person is allowed -- suspicious entries with the same IP address will be deleted without notice. The lucky winner will be chosen from the comments at random, using random.org, on August 30, 2010 at 3 pm EST. This giveaway is sponsored by BigGirlBlue and I will be mailing the giveaway after the email and mailing address of the winner have been confirmed by myself (so make sure you enter the right email). This giveaway is open to person 18 years and older living in the United States or Canada only. Void where prohibited by law. The winner will have two weeks to claim the prize; after which time it will be rewarded to someone else.

UPDATE: The winner was announced in the comments below. Congratulations to Suzanne Culp-Veldpaus.

***
Topic Links
* Keris Stainton's official website
* Della Says: OMG! on Kindle

Summer Irritation Be Gone

2010-07-20T15:10:00.000-04:00

Two things give me grief in the summer: sweat/friction between the thighs and sweat under the breasts.

For years thigh rub or what some call chub-rub led me to avoid dresses and skirts like the plague because they were too uncomfortable to wear them. A few years ago I was introduce to thigh protectors called Luvees. They slip on separately for each leg so you don't get the added warm of wearing a full short underneath. They are quiet. And they are quite comfortable. They have opened up a whole new world for maxi dresses. I love maxi dresses!

Sweating under the breast never caused any real skin problems for me but it was uncomfortable to walk around in the summer with a wet bra and I had to wash them often. This year in walked Pambras. It's a bra liner that goes discreetly under the band of the bra with a little dip that comes between the breasts. I LOVE THESE! After a hot day running around doing errands I can come home and yank out the liner and my bra is fresh again without having to change into a new one. I also use them after a shower when I'm cooling off.

If you have your own battles with a sweaty summer I highly recommend trying out these two products.

Hope you are otherwise having a delightful season!

Chicken and Mushy Pea Wraps

2010-07-10T23:43:00.005-04:00

The other day Jeff and I caught an episode of Nigella Lawson cooking up one of her favorite side dishes -- mushy peas. Neither Jeff nor I had ever heard of it so we watched intently as she loaded them up with a whole lot of salt. By the end of show I had pretty much decided that I was going to attempt my own version. I offhandedly mentioned to Jeff that I was going to make them then forgot about them until today.

Today was one of those clean out some of the stuff in the freezer days. I found eight whole grain and flax wraps (who knows how long they were in there but it was a good sign there was no freezer burn), strips of barbecue chicken I had Jeff cook up a few weeks ago, and what do you know frozen peas.

The first thing I decided was I didn't want a huge pot of mushy peas in case neither of us liked them. The recipe had to be a maximum of two servings. The next thing I decided was I didn't want them as a side dish. I was going to dollop them in the wraps and roll 'em up with the chicken. I shared this bit with Jeff and it was met with mushy face.

Here's my Mushy Peas for Two Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon instant skim milk powder
1 tablespoon skim milk
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon margarine / butter

Directions:

Bring water to boil in a small saucepan. Add sprinkle of salt (not the salt from ingredients, just enough to excite the water). Add peas and continue to boil ten to fifteen minutes until they are no longer crisp. While peas are boiling prepare other ingredients.

I have a Bullet blender with a small 500 ml container for blending small items so this is what I used. Fill your blending container with remaining ingredients, stopping after cornstarch to stir until dissolved.

When peas are done, drain and add to top of ingredients in blender. Pulse, then blend until desired consistency. Mine looked like guacamole.

These were mini wraps so I divided what looked like two chicken breasts between the four wraps I had available. I then divided the mushy peas between the four wraps, rolled and served with canned peaches.

I actually tried the mushy peas beforehand and I would definitely serve this mushy peas recipe as a side dish.

Going forward, Jeff and I decided one clove of garlic would be best as it was a bit strong later in the evening if you know what I mean.

If you give them a try let me know!

***
Topic Links
* Who's Nigella Lawson
* More of My Recipes

Sturdy Shelf

2010-07-02T16:59:00.006-04:00

It's the little things that make me realize how lucky I am. Like when Jeff made a shelf topper for the little storage unit on my desk. The top of it has been progressively sagging for months causing the stuff I regularly use to constantly slide off. I've been complaining of course, although I thought it was silently to myself.

Last weekend I woke and found my desk dismantled and the storage unit missing in action. I heard noise outside and had a look out the back door to find Jeff fiddling with my unit, some wood, and some guy tools. Here is the result:

It is so sturdy I can stand on it... ok, if I was 10 to 15 lbs, I could stand on it, which is how much the stuff I had on top probably ways. It's like a new unit, no sagging and the top drawer opens and closes without me having to do battle with the sag. I was just going to stick a piece of scrap wood on top. I like Jeff's version better. He cut it to the shape of the unit, painted it, then screwed it to the top. It is not going anywhere and either is the stuff I have piled on top. I might even be able to add more!

Now that is love. I appreciate this so much I'd say it is better than a box of chocolate. And you know how much I like my chocolate!

The FURminator

2010-06-15T23:15:00.001-04:00

During one of my many travels through Squidoo, I came across a cat lens that had a cat grooming tool called the FURminator. After a good half hour of internet searches and how to video examples and reviews of this brush I decided to get one for JD and one for Shelby.

The absolute best prices were at Drugstore.com where they were up to 50% off retail (seriously, we have these locally for $50 and I got them for $25 or less); at the time, if I spent $70, I also got free shipping but Canadian shipping is pretty reasonable from them still making it cheaper.

Here's one of the demonstrations that hooked me. The cat demo is about 2:11:

I had my FURminator order from Drugstore.com within a week and was very excited to try this product on JD. Up until this point JD hasn't really shed much and during our brushing sessions I got very little to no fur on my current cat utensils. You can't tell from the photos but he's quite plush in the fur department.

One of the things I learned in my research was that you need to use the FURminator in a large space where you can easily clean up the fur. I chose the kitchen. I rolled the mat out of the way and Swiffed so I could sit with JD between my legs while I worked.

I started off with his regular brushes as recommended to make sure there were no knots. As you can see, I didn't get very much out.

I found the FURminator easy enough to hold in my hand but awkward to use on a squirming cat. I had to keep moving around the kitchen to brush him. Fur was flying up my arms (I found this to be both gross and irritating) and into my face. The official website for the FURminator insists this tool does not cut the fur but I really have my doubts (it sounds like it's cutting). I found the corners of the blade to be quite sharp. I could very easily draw blood from my hand or the cat delicate skin. It seems odd that they would not round these off for safety.

As you can see the FURminator produced a considerable amount of JD fur for the compost. He wasn't any more put out by the experience than using the other brushes. I know I could have gotten lots more but it was just so irritating to have flying fur all over the place. Before I cleaned up I did a once over touch up with his needle brush and put the tools away.

The main reason I wanted this tool was to decrease the amount of fur under JD's armpits and his backside (he looks like he's wearing genie pants from behind). These areas are what I think will be problem areas in the future when it comes to potential mat formation.

Yes, the FURminator removes fur. But as I mentioned I'm not so sure it's not cutting the fur or should I say shearing it, like that special bladed comb the hairdresser uses to thin sections of hair. The sharp corners really concern me, especially with a wiggly kitty. But most importantly, for the next week JD was dropping fur like crazy. Apparently the FURminator loosened up a lot of fur that even doing a touch up after using didn't pick up. I'm not completely satisfied but I'm not ready to do away with it. Like any new tool, it needs to be used more than once to be mastered and I definitely don't feel like JD and I have mastered it enough to say it sucks... completely.

As you may have guessed, more to come on the FURminator

***
Topic Links
* Get your own FURminator from drugstore.com

The Heat Doesn't Agree

2010-05-28T22:36:00.006-04:00

To coin one of my favorite phrases, "It's like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn't take this kind of hot" (Matthew Broderick, Biloxi Blues).

That's right folks, summer has arrived in my little neck of the woods. The air conditioner is running and I'm avoiding going outdoors as much as possible. It was 37°C the other day. It's considerably cooler today but still hot and humid enough to make me whine.

I would not be exaggerating if I said the heat doesn't agree with me. After a few hours outdoors in heat like this I could be sick and bedridden for 24 hours. Throw in a sunburn (20 minutes of direct exposure is all it takes) and I'm a very unhappy camper.

Today I had to go out to get the dog because she refused to come in when I called her. Apparently she doesn't mind "sweating her bag off" (Jeff colloquialism), kiddie pool or not. On stepping out the back door I was greeted with the beautiful site of my clematis in full bloom. Apparently the heat works just fine for it.

It's beautiful moments like these that make short summers worth while. I ran back in and grabbed the camera to take this picture. You would think standing there for all of 30 seconds taking in nature's beauty I would be safe but no, damn mosquito found me.

Purina Maxx Scoop Week Two

2010-04-17T22:56:00.007-04:00

As I mentioned last week, I was going to put on the hood of the ExquisiCat Cosy Corner litter box but without the trap door. Done!

I also mentioned that I had some concerns about it becoming a trap for Suzie since JD is overly protective of the litter spots. Up until this point Suzie hadn't bothered with the box and it was being exclusively used by JD.

Thirty minutes after putting the lid on the litter box, Suzie was in there digging up a storm and leaving her mark. Jeff and I were both shocked. I made Jeff take the picture. Don't worry, she's only digging.

Both cats have been using it all week intermittently with their regular boxes. I empty the litter box every day and I have to admit it is a bit of a pain to empty. I have to remove the hood, find a horizontal space to put it down, then put it back on when I'm done. I thought for sure the litter would become stronger with the cover on but it is still freshly scented.

The plan is to add the door this week but I really don't think it needs the door and I have concerns about it not being used as much. Time will tell!

***
Topic Links
* Week One
* Please do this Purina Maxx Survey after reading this blog post. It's really short. For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2 donation to The Redwood Women's Shelter.

Closing in the Kitchen

2010-04-17T22:19:00.004-04:00

For the last few weeks we've been hymning and hawing about what to do with the animals at feeding time. There's a whole bunch of crazy stress centered around feeding times mostly because of JD. He tries to steal the other animals food and is quite successful unless one of us is standing over the other animal. As you can imagine it is not convenient. For months we've tried different scenarios mostly involving moving Suzie around. Now we've decided on what we hope will be the last and perfect solution -- a closed in kitchen.

Today Jeff started the process of hanging a french door on each entrance. We picked them up this week at Home Depot for $69 along with hinges and handles (about another $20) that match the kitchen finials. They actually only had one door, the other is on order (more on that later).

Before the door can even be permanently hung there was some prep work that needed to be done. The door had to be shortened to fit the opening. Space had to be chiseled for the hinges (3), and a hole had to be drilled for the handle mechanism. Oh, and Jeff's favorite part, it has to be primed and painted.

The image here is Jeff doing a pre-hang to make sure the hinges on the door align with the space on the door frame. It did.

At the moment of this posting he has finished priming the door and it is drying in the basement. If he has time tomorrow he'll put on the first coat of paint. Why am I not painting you ask? Because I suck at painting. It would be all over me, the floor, the glass, the ceiling, the animals. It's just not my thing.

The fogginess you see on the glass is to protect it while it's being painted, no taping required. Jeff is heading up for a shower to wash away the work of today. He tells me he's decided to return the second door we have on order to get an already primed door instead (painted and pre-drilled holes). Apparently the little extra money is worth the time and effort he had to put into what we thought would be a simple project.

I think the door looks pretty cool though! I can hardly wait to see the project finished so we can work on getting the crew into a new eating pattern. And of course I'm looking forward to the first time one of use walks into one of the doors.

Purina Maxx Scoop and the Big Test

2010-04-09T15:25:00.003-04:00

I was contacted by Purina Maxx Scoop to be apart of a small collection of reviewers whose cats test Purina Maxx Scoop litter and the ExquisiCat Cosy Corner litter box. Once accepted into the program they sent me a kit which consisted of the following:

Litter box
Rubbermaid scoop
Cat treats
Coupons for Maxx Scoop

For the first few days that we weren't able to make it to the store to use the coupons we had the litter box sitting in the living room. After day one both cats were easily introduced to the inside of the box. JD with some treats and Suzie because she was trying to hide from JD; ok, there might have been a little fanny push to get her the rest of the way in. Both cats were able to find their way out by pushing on the door no problem.

Here is one of our current kitty litter set up:

As you can see we use Special Kitty which costs about $8 for 18 kg. We get it from Walmart and have been using it since we got the second cat. We have a second box in another location because sometimes JD doesn't let Suzie do her "business" in this room which is the original "business" location. To the right is the Kitty Locker which we highly recommend for containing litter once it is removed from pan. Again we found the locker and the refills to be cheapest at Walmart (a lot cheaper).

Here's what the kitty corner litter pan will look when we use it:

When I first opened the Maxx Scoop container it didn't look as dusty as the special kitty and when I poured it into the base it definitely was not as dusty. I used one complete 7kg container to fill the base.

Because the kids aren't used to a sheltered potty space I'm started them off with just the base:

I brought Suzie kitty up and introduced her to the new box and litter. She sniffed it and walked over to the old litter and peed. Personally, I would have preferred using fresh litter first. But perhaps she was waiting for JD to do the first pee test.

On day two JD did the official doo and pee test more than once. He also did a good job of removing about a 1/2 cup of litter out of the pan. My little digger (this new kitten has so many nick names already: dust buster, swifty, bruiser, brat...).

At this point I wasn't sure Suzie would use the new litter as she is acting very sensitive to scent lately. And the Maxx Scoop has a subtle sent that I noticed when I was emptying the pan for the first time. It's actually find it kind of pleasing as I'm the one usually in charge of goody removal.

It has been a week and I still haven't found any of Suzie's business. But I have noticed that JD has been using the spare box we set up for Suzie less than usual which is definitely a bonus as it probably increases Suzie's comfort level in there.

I haven't had to top off the Maxx Scoop yet even with JD shoveling stuff out. I picked up back-up litter yesterday just in case. I wasn't the only one buying kitty litter and couldn't help chatting up the Maxx Scoop a bit.

Overall I'm enjoying the litter. The covered box however, I'm not so keen on. I'm currently reading Cat vs Cat by Bennett Johnson and she has dissuaded me considerably against using them exclusively. She explains how they are acceptable in a single cat household but not for a multi-cat household where the user can't see what is coming or may become trapped inside. And since we already have control issues with the litter box it's probably not even a good idea to encourage Suzie to use one. But if I can get JD to use one almost exclusive then I might have less litter to clean off of the floor.

The plan for the next week is to add the cover and have the door open. We'll see what happens.

***
Topic Links
* Week Two
* Please do this Purina Maxx Survey after reading this blog post. It's really short. For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2 donation to The Redwood Women's Shelter.

Pretty Boy

2010-03-30T23:31:00.003-04:00

Yes, he is a pretty boy. This is the first time since he moved in that I have actually seen him enjoy some sun.

Other new behaviors: coming to find me when it's time to eat, meowing at me and tugging on my clothes. I kid you not. He tries to drag me to the food dish.

Movie Screen in My Living Room

2010-03-20T23:29:00.007-04:00

It's tax season. And unlike last year, my taxes didn't cancel out Jeff's return. This meant good news for our movie and soap opera viewing enjoyment as Jeff decided it was time to replace this TV:

It looks like a pretty good TV and really as far as TVs go we were happy with it. Ignorance is bliss. It was big, heavy and awkward but the main problem was that it was dark; although you wouldn't know it from this picture. Sometimes we'd be watching a movie and when a dark scene came up all we could see was the glints of people's eyes, if we were lucky. The TV was in to the shop once and a TV guy turned up the lightness and that helped for a while but we've been noticing the darkness getting much worse lately.

Jeff is a research guy. And I'm perfectly happy to let him be the research guy and for him to give me the Coles Notes versions of what he finds.

We took this knowledge and spent the Saturday visiting Future Shop, Best Buy, and the Brick. Not once, but twice in one day. After lots of talking, listening, and measuring, we ended up with a Samsung from Best Buy:

It's 39" across. Jeff had originally had in mind one a few inches bigger and I talked him out of it. We just don't have the depth to sit that far back and as you can see there isn't a lot of space to fit a bigger television.

I have to say, it rocks. It's like having a movie screen in my living room. Now I realize compared to what some people have this is still small but compared to what we have it is awesome.

The other day I was watching General Hospital and I could actually see all the detail in the back at both Sonny's and Jason's homes. It made the long Saturday and the exodus of cash all the more worth it.

Less Room in Office

2010-03-14T23:30:00.004-04:00

Since I tore my Achilles tendon in December I've been having a rough go trying to do pretty much everything that involves using the foot. It has been two steps forward and five steps back.

I'm under orders not to do anything that will increase the angle and stretch of my tendon and have been walking around in heels. Both are against my nature. That has meant, no walking (other than the basic), no jumping (I can't anyway), going up and down stairs in what amounts to a hobble, and absolutely no yoga (lawn mowing was thrown in there too but that hasn't been high on my list of stuff to do in the winter).

So when I saw the Tempo Fitness (#84-0127-0) recumbent bike on sale for 50% off at Canadian Tire I knew I had to check it out.

When I went to do errands I added Canadian Tire to my list of things to do. I was presently surprised to see that there was one set up in the store and it was even better than I thought. I sat in it and tested it -- comfortable and very quiet. I didn't give any thought to where I was going to put it and asked the manager to bring me one down from storage.

I left it in the back of the vehicle for a day while I decided where I wanted to put it. Then the perfect spot came to me. If I did a little rearranging I could put it in my office a.k.a. dining room; although, it hasn't been a place where people eat for some time. But first I'd have to sell Jeff on the idea.

My major selling point was that I could take a break from the computer anytime during the day and go for a spin. Or I could go for a spin while I was watching tv in the evening. Sold! Actually, it was easier to sell than I thought. It's important to mention that he really didn't think it would fit in the small space I had planned for.

It was a good thing Jeff was around because even though the whole bike didn't feel like it weighed more than 60lbs it was a bit tricky to put together and definitely easier with four hands instead of two.

It's been set up for a few weeks and I have to say I love it. The seat is comfortable and actually fits my ass. It is super quiet. It shocks me how quiet it is, and having it in my office means not having to go into the basement. But what makes it all worth it was that it was 50% off.

I'm not a speed demon and I won't be entering any bike peddling competitions anytime soon (ever) but at least I'm moving again.

Furry Feet

2010-03-07T23:29:00.001-05:00

JD is no longer an itty bitty kitty. In fact, for an eight month kitty he's pretty damn big. Soft and squishy, big as well in "Oh, my gawd what big feet you have!" big.

Speaking of feet. He has a strange phenomena that I have never seen in a cat, especially a cat that has spent the first two months of it's life runny wild and free.

JD has a huge growth of fur on the bottom of his feet between the large pad and small pads. It's about two inches long and prolific. So much so when he runs around the house he tends to slip and slide because the pads of his feet never seem to make contact with the floor.

This photo doesn't really do the fur justice -- he was squirming while Jeff held held and I tried to take a picture with one hand while showing off his foot.

The Kitchen

2010-02-03T14:19:00.005-05:00

One of the books I'm currently reading is The Poem I Turn To which is a collection of poetry loved by actors, directors and such. It's actually a quick read but I like to read poetry aloud to really get a cadence for it so it is probably taking me a bit longer than it would the next person.

Today I came across a poem adored by Kyra Sedgwick that was written by her "dear friend" Jocelyn Wright. It is short and sweet -- how I like my poetry -- but has a strong message that totally relates to a perspective I'm confronted with every day. I think it is a poem that almost every woman can relate to.

The Kitchen -- Jocelyn Wright

The pressure...
The pressure is on to be
tall
thin
and blonde
To be worked out enough to be firm
But not muscle-y enough to be masculinely strong
To be demure and deferential when you tell a man he is wrong
To be coiffed and well groomed at all hours of the day
Women are still cooking in the pressure pot
Cause little girls are being raised to be hot hot hot

There are many fine poems in this book, some of which I have marked to read again in the near future. But today this is my favorite poem. I hope you enjoy it as much I do.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own copy of The Poem I Turn To

Why I'm Cranky This Morning

2010-01-13T15:30:00.003-05:00

I keep debating whether I should preface with the fact that I am PMS-ing a bit (ok, maybe a lot). If you are familiar with PMS then you'll get why it may or may not be a factor in this story and if you are not well, you'll probably just roll your eyes.

I stayed up to 4 am last night working on the computer. This is not unusual. I often stay up late. I usually recover by sleeping in. If I get a good six hours I'm good for the day.

Here are how things went:

I get all prepared for bed -- wash face, brush teeth, change. Check on cats, dog etc... and everyone is calm and in their place. I crawl into a warm bed and get settled. For some reason all hell breaks loose in the living room and I have to get up and mediate. That out of the way I crawl back into bed and listen to clip clop of dog pacing on the hard wood floors. Senior kitty comes in and settles herself on my upper thighs in a position that enables her to bolt should itty bitty decide to come up on the bed. I put up with it because she isn't eating well (stress of having itty bitty around) and can use the extra attention. As I begin to dose off itty bitty comes on the bed and lies down between Jeff and I. Senior kitty doesn't bolt and I am encouraged that she is getting over it. I can feel itty bitty wiggling himself over to give senior kitty a whack. I put my hand up to block. Senior kitty has a hissy fit anyway and bolts, itty bitty pursues her. Jeff wakes up, barks lightly at the cats and goes back to sleep. I begin to doze off and Jeff's alarm goes off. After he gets up itty bitty plays with underside of bedroom door. I yell at him but eventually have to get up and shoo him away. Jeff comes in and says goodbye before leaving. A few minutes after he's gone I have to get up to settle yet another cat dispute. This time I put senior kitty in spare room with some kitty litter, food and water. I settle back in to bed but have to discipline itty bitty for chewing on cord of plugged in fan in bedroom. Doesn't work. I consider letting itty bitty continue to chew on cord and suffer consequences but decide I would feel guilty about consequences and tell him to stop. He stops, changes position and continues to chew on cord. I literally let out a thundering scream which echos through bedroom and probably out into the streets -- itty bitty stops chewing on cord and runs out of room. I settle. Dog barks at mail man. Yell at dog. I get settled and am finally dozing off... "beep!" I open eyes, "beep!". You've got to be fucking kidding me. "Beep!" The battery needs to be changed in smoke detector. It's after ten and I still haven't had any real sleep. At this point there's no bloody way I'm getting out of the bed for at least another two hours. I bury my head in sheets and pillows and continue to wake up to a "beep!" every fifteen minutes or so.

That is why I am cranky this morning. But it probably has more to do with the PMS than anything. Guess who are all sleeping at the moment. And guess what isn't beeping!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

Wishing You a Merry Christmas! on 12seconds.tv

New Ocean Spray Smoothies

2009-12-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

I'm quickly becoming a smoothie expert, having at least two a week (more when it is hot). I try to keep them towards the healthy end but have been known to make the occasional coffee and chocolate one (obviously, my favorite).

This week I found a new flavor of Ocean Spray bottled juice at the grocery store. They are on the expensive side at almost $4 a bottle but since it was on sale I picked up a bottle of the Cranberry and Pomegranate blend.

Here's my smoothie recipe for today:

1 banana
2 halves of can pears
1 fruit bottom yogurt cup without the fruit (I use BioBest)
1/2 cup of green leaf vegetables (I used a combo of kale and baby spinach)
3 teaspoons of rough bran
1 teaspoon of skim milk powder
2 teaspoons of sugar substitute
3/4 cup of Ocean Spray 100% Juice Blend -Cranberry and Pomegranate
8 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy. One large serving or two small servings. The greens will make it look a bit odd but it is seriously tasty.

***
Topic Links
* How to make smoothies and other recipes

Growing Up

2009-11-09T22:49:00.003-05:00

JD, who we now know is a boy is growing like a weed. Not only has he developed boy parts, he's grown big paws, getting tall and is totally full of kitty pee and vinegar. Here are a few more 12s videos of this cute dude.

Moving (ex) Feral cat into House on 12seconds.tv

JD posing for Cam on 12seconds.tv

He's gained almost 3 lbs, had his feline leukemia shot as well as his rabies and other necessary vaccinations. Pretty soon he will be going in for surgery to remove the boy parts (we haven't told him yet, shh).

JD is Moving About

2009-10-08T23:44:00.001-04:00

The little kitten formerly known as Jane Doe is now being called JD for short. Here are a few 12 second videos of her:

Encouraging Feral Kitty on 12seconds.tv

Rehabilitating Wild Kitten on 12seconds.tv

Feeding Feral Kitten on 12seconds.tv

New Addition (Maybe)

2009-10-01T23:31:00.004-04:00

About a month or so ago we heard a cat crying incessantly throughout the day. It seemed distant but close you know. I seemed to hear it more than Jeff at first and then he finally heard it. We went out to look in the yard and ended up scaring it out of the back garden. It was quick and stealthy. After along search we didn't find it.

A few days later we heard it again and went into the back yard to see if we'd have better luck. After much looking and waiting (for the meowing to start back up) we found it behind the shed under one of the dog's old pools. We tried to get it out and being the wiry bugger that it was it scooted up and over Jeff and out of our yard. Much too quick for us. There were a couple other false tries after this.

We didn't see the little bugger for over a month. Both of us thought that it had either found a home or a worse fate. Until today, when I dropped the dog off at the spa. On the way back a little gray fluff ball cut across the road. I slammed on the breaks, partially pulled over, slammed it into park, and jumped out to try to grab what appeared to be the same kitten.

It hadn't grown much if at all in the month since we saw it last. It was moving much slower. Not slow enough for me to catch it on the first try but definitely slower. After playing dodge the human across two yards I was finally able to reach over a bush and catch her. Did I mention wiry? I had to stuff her into my coat to hold on to her. She was trying to get away and purring at the same time which was confusing.

I was able to get her into an old cat kennel and process what I had just done. I had brought home a feral cat. Probably three months old but looking more like two. She is literally fur, skin and bones but you wouldn't know it from looking at her. It's when you touch her that you feel her ribs and hip bones. It makes me sad.

Luckily I was able to get her in to see a vet at the end of today. They gave her the once over, cleaned out her ears, gave her some flea goo, gave her some worm goo, loaded her belly with 1/2 can of high performance kitten food and sent her home with us with directions to keep her isolated from the other cats (vet is worried about spreading feline leukemia) and to feed her every two hours.

Jeff of course is going away tomorrow until Sunday camping with the Duke kids so it will be the dog, the cat, and the new kitten. Joy of joys. It will be an interesting weekend.

Here is the first picture of the little bugger. Currently she is going by the name of Jane Doe because we haven't developed the kind of relationship yet that she will share a name.

She can really pack the food away. Fluffy huh? We are working on a name. Some choices we came up with but are not sold on are: Bumper (because we spent a lot of time chasing her under them), Scarce, Mystique, Molly. I'm sure I'll come up with more before the weekend is over.

She's still a bit jumpy when we enter the garage or go near her too fast but once we give her some food she purrs and we're able to touch her a bit. We picked up some new towels from the bargain store on the way home (I washed and fluffed them up in the dryer) and we've made a snugly den for her. I actually have to go give her her last feeding for tonight in a few minutes.

I hope to have better pictures tomorrow!

Going Organic

2009-09-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

In the spring Jeff was talking to a fellow teacher and the topic of organic veggies came up. He came home with the name and number of a local farm that grows organic veggies and delivers them to your home every two weeks.

There are two things I like about this concept. The most obvious I presume is the food is organic. No pesticides, yada yada. The second is that it helps support local farmers.

I called him up and left a message. Nothing. I didn't bother calling him back going on the assumption he didn't have room for any more clients. Well last week he called. I know, right. I laughed too. I was surprised he still had our number. But I was still interested so we talked a bit about likes and dislikes etc and arranged a date for our first delivery which was Tuesday this week.

The cost works out to $20 a week for fourteen items. They arrived in one of those lidded blue bins you use for storing clothes or whatever (I have a closet full). Anyway, here's a picture of the loot he dropped off:

We were quite happy with what he brought. The watermelon was awesome and we are huge friends of spaghetti squash. I keep smelling the herb mixture because it smells awesome (chocolate mint, dill, rosemary). I think we will be able to eat everything up within the two weeks.

Check out your local farmer's market to see if anyone does it in your area.

Office Reno Pictures

2009-09-14T01:26:00.013-04:00

Jeff's office is back in order -- something we both thought would never come. It looks great especially with the furniture moved around. There is so much more room. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the process.

This is a before picture. It's hard to tell but that is a bright yellow shag carpet that came with the house. We've already started taking stuff out. There were two other book shelves, a table under the window and a desk on the right. No idea what he is doing.

Batgirl broke in while we were out and tried to lend a hand. When we took out the carpet which had more than started to disintegrate we found tiles that we could literally pluck off.

Dog wondering what the heck is going on. She becomes a nervous Nellie whenever we do stuff like this. For some reason she thinks we are leaving and not taking her.

Laying carpet (we literally picked it out in fifteen minutes). It's called pecan. Walls are freshly painted. The color is less yellow but basically the same color but better. We debated about painting the baseboard trim white but decided against it. Translation, neither one of us likes to sand and paint baseboards.

You can't even tell that the outcrop in the wall created by the cold return that Jeff put in wasn't there to begin. He did such a good job. (before)

The cat has her own priorities.

Things are pretty much finished in this picture. We didn't have a light fixture replacement when this photo was taken but it's up now. Jeff is just working at re-organizing his shit... I mean important stuff. The shelf above his computer holds a picture of moi that he took when we were dating -- I was crouched down feeding geese. It's one of my favorites. The fish tank you see in one of the above photos is out of site on the white shelf sticking out on the left. It's the same shelf, Jeff just painted it white. It's amazing what a coat of paint will do. The other two bookshelves are on the right.

Tout fini!

Summer Arrived Late & Other Woes

2009-08-23T22:42:00.007-04:00

Where did the summer go? Well, first it was late getting here which Jeff and I really didn't mind. But then about two weeks ago, SLAM, hot and humid out of no where. Here it is the last week in August and I'm predicting a late fall. Jeff will be standing in a classroom this time next week "sweating his bag off". I know, hard to believe my angel would use those terms. The things you don't know.

In the spring our plumbing from the bathroom leaked into the ceiling below and Jeff had to cut the roof... sorry, ceiling out of his office to find it, clean it up and dry it. He didn't have time then to fix the ceiling so we had a gaping hole for a few months. According to Jeff this shouldn't bug me because it was in his office and I hardly go in there. I on the other have a problem with gaping holes in the house regardless of how often I enter the room. It's a bug/spider thing. Ok, maybe even a boogie man thing.

Near the end of July I suggested, yes, I suggested, that since he would have to move all the furniture and computer stuff out to sand the drywall he had to add to the ceiling that we may as well rip out the green shag carpet that came with the house and update the paint on the walls. Shockingly to me he went for it.

It has been quite a kerfuffle to get the drywall in the ceiling done. Once we removed everything (some went in living room, some in basement, some in garage--ack!) Jeff thought it would be a good time to rearrange some duct work to put a cold return upstairs. I have not been friendly to this idea since he first mentioned it ten years ago. Again the hole thing. For some reason I caved in.

He's always been handy to have around and I'm actually quite proud of him for being a do it yourself kind a guy. He likes to try things, if they don't work, he'll curse a little or a lot depending on what is required but in the end he cleans up the mess and tries again.

So here we are today. The duct work has been rearranged, there's a cold air return upstairs, there is a wall finished behind the deep freezer in the basement, there is a trap door in the office ceiling just in case the piping there caffs again, there's a few painted shelves and tomorrow he's going to paint the walls. In a few days the carpeting will go down (yes we went carpet shopping together - I wanted to buy the first one we saw but we actually did the whole shopping for a car routine instead). Then we'll finish with trying to get all the furnishings (and crap) back into the small space. It's been fun to watch!

Here's Jeff drywalling over the extra duct work that went up to the cold duct in the floor upstairs (in front of the linen closet and bathroom). The pink stuff is ready made drywall that is pink to start with but turns white when it's dry. He says it's crap. He went out and bought some other stuff for the next coating. Above his head is the hole he cut out to repair the above pipe.

Here is from the other angle. See the little vent he put in? He moved it over from beside the plug when he did the duct work.

Here's the ceiling panel he put in "just in case". Half of it has been drywalled already and the brown part will be primed and painted. It will be visible but uber visible (I'm hoping).

I have some cute pictures of Shelby and I helping out that I'll post tomorrow.

My "Birth Day" Cake

2009-07-21T00:53:00.004-04:00

I did something crazy. I baked a cake. Not only did I bake it. I decorated it. If you knew my baking style then you would know that cake decorating has never been a priority of mine. Actually, my idea of decorating the top of the cake is to add some sprinkles (as in a crumb cake).

Why, oh why did I stray from my usual path, you ask? Because Threadless is having their second cake off over at Threadcakes. The just of the event is to bake a cake and decorate it in the likeness of your favortie t-shirt from Threadless -- a community driven t-shirt company.

My favorite t-shirt: A Birth Day. In a nutshell, it took me two days to make the incredibly cute cake you see here (it's cuter in person, trust me). You can read the details and see pictures of me working through the process at my Threadcakes entry as well as see over two hundred other entries.

I honestly have no aspiration of winning any of the prizes because so many of the other entries are udderly [sic] fabulous but it was sort of fun, after the fact. And we get to eat lots of sweet cake for the next week. You still have a few weeks to try one and enter yourself!

***
Topic Links
* Threadless T-Shirts
* Threadcakes "A Birth Day" Entry

Conserving Water

2009-06-22T20:54:00.003-04:00

For the last two years I have wanted to get a rain barrel for the back yard to collect rain water (duh?) to use on the growing garden scape instead of overusing tap water. The barrels are incredibly expensive in my opinion, $100 and up. And I wanted something designed specifically for collecting rainwater not just a container that would become a nesting site for mosquitoes.

In early spring Jeff found an ad in the local paper about a Waste Reduction Day where they would be offering the city rain barrels for the bargain price of $45 including tax. I thought for the price even if it was small it was a good deal so we headed out the next morning to pick one up. Let me tell you, it is fricking huge. Bigger than the ones being offered for the $100 plus I mentioned. And it was a nice beige that blends in with the scenery. It will hold about 55 gallons of rain water.

Yesterday Jeff was able to take some time to set it up (hello exam time). Hence this post and the photos. Jeff said I had to include his best side. You can figure out what side that is. One of the things I admire about Jeff is that he is not one to do things half way. I would have put down a couple bricks and plopped the barrel in place. Jeff? Well, he built a cedar table for it to sit on, dug a whole to stick the legs of the table in to bury them so the table can't tip over an then engineered the eaves to drain into the barrel.

Now, not only do we recycle and compost, we conserve water too.

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Topic Links
* Systern Rain Barrel

Cider House Rules

2009-06-22T17:02:00.006-04:00

No, I'm not talking about the movie. I'm talking about a new beverage I had last weekend at a family wedding (Jeff's cousin). We had to travel four hours to the Thornbury area on Georgian Bay. Beautiful area if you are looking for a holiday destination.

One of the best things about the reception was that I was able to try something new. Thanks to the photographer who sat at our table (sorry I forgot her name). She's from the area and told us about the local cider house and she recommended we try an iced Cider peeler before we go.

I immediately ordered one from the waiter. Basically it comes in a large beer glass that has been totally iced (seriously this was the best part for me because I like my drinks iced). It doesn't foam up like a beer but it fizzles like a seltzer. It tastes like a wine but like a beer but like apples. In that order. It is 4% alcohol.

The company offered take home bottles as wedding gifts to the guests hence the picture of me holding a bottle. I can't for the life of me figure out why I didn't take a picture of the beverage at the wedding. Maybe the glass of red wine I had before that made me forget.

So if you are ever in a Thornbury restaurant or bar ask for a Iced Cider Peeler. And be sure to drive by the cider house that produces them.

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Topic Links
* Peeler Cider

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs a World Away

2009-05-17T14:48:00.005-04:00

My friend Lisa has been singing the praises of Kiva for well over a year. And while I thought the concept sounded wonderful I never really did anything to contribute until March of this year.

If you are not familiar with Kiva they are kind of like a business bank for men and women in underdeveloped countries but unlike banks their loan recipients don't have to worry about interest and foreclosures.

In a nutshell, Kiva takes money ($25 increments) from people like me (and maybe you) and puts it into the hands of men and women trying to start up a business (or grow their business) so they can be self sufficient and take care of their families. They then work at paying the loan back. It's very low risk for both sides. Once they start paying the loan back, there is the option of removing the funds or resubmitting it for another business loan for someone else in need.

Part of the process is deciding who you want to loan your money too. They have a listing of entrepreneurs who share their business needs, family situation, a photo and loan repayment plans. The people donating have the option of choosing who is most affected by the $25.

Today I received an email from Kiva letting me know that the two women who I made loans to have started to pay it back. I know from personal experience, having paid back a heafty student loan, what a great feeling this is to be close to the end of a loan repayment. I am so happy and proud of these women -- Ana from Lima, Peru and Bola from Lagos State, Nigeria.

It will be a while still before the complete amount is paid back, but I plan to reinvest the money in someone else (or again with these ladies if they take out another loan).

I highly recommend you check out Kiva and join in the process of helping an entrepreneur a world away.

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Topic Links
* My Kiva Lender Page

12 Seconds Is All It Takes

2009-05-01T14:45:00.000-04:00

If you have a computer and a webcam now you can quickly and easily talk to the world:

12for12: Why 12seconds rocks on 12seconds.tv

Ok, I was being a little silly. But the members are diverse and so far I've seen nothing but a respectful community (unlike some other video oriented places that shall remain nameless).

Now it's time you took the 12 seconds plunge. :)

"Lessons from the Fat-o-sphere"

2009-04-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

Kate Harding, famed blogger of the Shapely Prose is soon to be an author. She teamed up with fellow blogger Marianne Kirby (Fatshionista) to pen Lessons from the Fat-o-sphere: Quit Dieting and Declare a Truce with Your Body.

It is described as: "a book to help readers achieve admiration for—or at least a truce with—their bodies. The authors believe in 'health at every size' — the idea that weight does not necessarily determine well-being and that exercise and eating healthfully are beneficial, regardless of whether they cause weight loss. They point to errors in the media, misunderstood and ignored research, as well as stories from real women around the world to underscore their message...

I just received a gift certificate for Amazon so it is at the top of my list of must have books for this quarter.

Lessons from the Fat-o-sphere is due to be released May 5th but can be pre-order for about $11 - $16.

New Tenants

2009-04-04T18:25:00.004-04:00

With April comes rain. With rain comes tulips. With spring also comes my little garden helpers -- Robins. I love robins. I love their singing, their red breasts, the way they zip across the yard. How they play in the sprinkler when I'm watering. They are just an all around cute bird.

This year they have set up a nest on the sill of my office aka dining room window. I'm almost as glorified as the cat who spent two hours watching the Mrs. build and the Mr. eat. Ok, I probably watched for a good 30 minutes too. I'm pretty sure they knew we were there but she didn't seemed concerned.

It's not what I would call an ideal place to put a nest. Especially once you get some wiggly jiggly babies in it and a good wind. Jeff is trying to think of a way to offer some protection without disturbing the nest and without making it easier for something to climb up and get the eggs.

I'm actually pretty stoked to see baby eggs and eventually hatchlings. I hope things work out for our new tenants.

The picture isn't so great but it gives you an idea of the proximity and actually shows a bird. I also have some excellent video footage but I still don't know how to upload that to the computer so I'll have to wait for tech support.

Small Talk Six - Getting Naked

2009-03-29T15:09:00.003-04:00

Toni posted this meme at The Mud Bug this weekend and I just had to join in this week's dish. The Mud Bug shares a weekly meme under the guise of Small Talk Six. Every weekend something new and scandalous to blog about. This week:

“6 things you would like to do naked if you lived alone”

If you participate you can be just as verbose or as terse as you like about your answer list.

I've never lived alone, alone but growing up in my household was pretty much like being alone at least until the party started around 3 a.m.

Up until I was about six I loved to run around in my panties. At least until a neighbour came over and squealed at me, "I can see your titties". I highly recommend not doing this to your neighbour's kids. It's mortifying, even at six.

So if I wasn't so emotionally scarred from that incident and lived alone (with blacked out windows in the boonies) I would like to do the following six things naked:

1. run around (inside) the house
2. dance to my favorite songs whenever I wanted
3. lounge in my favorite chair while I read
4. occasionally sunbath (need a huge peek free fence of course)
5. fall asleep on top of my bed (it's so soft)
6. do the laundry

Toni mentioned she'd like to cook naked and I thought at first that might be fun but I'm a dangerous cook so decided against it.

So what would you do naked in your house uninterrupted (besides the obvious)?

Baby Dreams

2009-03-28T13:13:00.004-04:00

I'm getting close to the use or lose stage of life but I never thought I would be having baby dreams like this:

I'm pregnant. The baby is sitting really really low in my abdomen and it is quite painful. The doctor is looking, you know, down there. She says she's going to reposition it. Next thing I know she's holding my baby boy. Who to me, someone in the waking world who has assisted in births as a nurse, notices the baby is quite large for a newborn and his eyes are wide open.

The eyes are a big issue for me in this dream. Bright blue and glazed over... unresponsive. I ask the doctor about it and she says it's too early to tell if there are any mental defects. Only time will tell.

I ask if I can hold him and she gives him to me and I wrap him up. She tells me I can have a few hours with him before they stuff him back in my belly so he can finish his term. He hasn't finished the whole nine months thing. For some reason I'm fine with this.

I proceed to go around town showing everyone my baby boy and asking about his eyes. I'm concerned about some kind of mental defect (I'm assuming because I'm over thirty-five).

Now here is the really good part. I go back to the hospital and we're in the usual medical type room with doctors, nurses etc getting ready to perform the procedure of stuffing the baby back into me to finish his term. The baby boy is on a tiny table and they unswaddle him.

Before my dreaming eyes the center of the baby from neck to pelvis splits open and is filled with rows of gigantic razor sharp teeth going deep inside. His body flails once popping him into the air where he bites off the doctors head. He this becomes at least ten times his size (he kind of reminds me of one of those fly catching plants except not a plant and no stalk and totally huge) and begins eating the rest of the hospital staff while I watch from the corner.

At this time I decide it would be prudent to wake up.

What do you think? Stephen King complex? Baby issues? Age issues? Or too many horror movies before I was ten years old?

Dog Day Afternoon

2009-03-20T14:41:00.009-04:00

We drove to Ottawa on Wednesday to meet with the oncology surgeon at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital who would be working on Shelby. Jeff and I both got a good vibe from Dr. Julius Liptak. He had a look in Dog's mouth and told us he thought it was a fibrous tumour coming from the ligament in the roof of her mouth. This kind of tumour does not require aggressive treatment like removing part of the palate so we were obviously thrilled by that. After our visit we confirmed the next day's surgical appointment with the receptionist and went to the hotel.

We checked into the Monterary Inn and Resort. Jeff found them online through Mapquest. It was one of the facilities listed as close to the animal hospital. It is definitely going on our list of places to stay at in Ottawa. It cost us $119 per night for two large beds on the ground level with a river view and two continental breakfasts (cereal, toast, bagels, fresh fruit, juice). They have a number of buildings for lodgings. Ours was the furthest from the road and was also considered the "pet" rooms. But we were seriously impressed. If you ever visit Ottawa and need a place to stay please check them out.

On Thursday Dog was dropped off at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital for her oral surgery around 7 a.m. She went under the knife and was waking up from her anaesthetic by 11 a.m. They called us around then to let us know how it went and what to expect when we picked her up. The assistant let us know what had transpired during the operation: they cut out the tumor, used liquid nitro to freeze the tag, then caterized for bleeding. They wanted to keep her for a few more hours as she was still partially sedated but coming out of it nicely. We eventually picked her up about 3:30 p.m.

She was so incredibly anxious to see us when she came around the corner. She nosed us both and then headed for the front door. She wanted out. No goodbyes were wasted on the staff. I was dragged out while Jeff paid off our bill which came to just over $1000.

We stayed another night in Ottawa ordering pizza in so we could keep an eye on her. I worked for a bit and then read some more of Breaking Dawn (fourth book in Twilight series) before heading to bed. We were jolted awake early by the sound of barfing cat. Luckily I remembered to pack the pet spot remover and paper towels. Since we were up we showered went for a continental breakfast then checked out. I'm not ashamed to admit I slept most of the way home.

We are home, oh-so-happy to be home. And oh-so-happy that puppy dog had a successful surgery. Here are a few pictures (click to enlarge)--the front side of our building, view out patio doors, dog before surgery, cat checking things out, Jeff looking for directions to food (wearing his Threadless birthday tee I bought him):

Dog Going Under the Knife

2009-03-17T13:49:00.005-04:00

As you know, a few weeks ago Jeff discovered a tumor on the roof of our 8 year German Shepherd's mouth. She had just been to the vet not long before but it was well hidden. DH only found it because she rolled over for a belly rub with her mouth open.

The tumor came back non-cancerous when biopsied but it is still one that is common for becoming invasive into the bone.

Since it's on the roof of the mouth we are quite concerned about it. Instead of leaving it to see what it does we decided to have it removed at which time they will send it for further analysis as well as be able to see how much underlying tissue is affected. She will probably lose the adjoining canine tooth and husk surrounding it.

Apparently these kinds of tumors are common in senior dogs and often go unfound because of lack of mouth care. By the time they are found they are usually quite large and obstructing breathing or eating as well as having invaded the bone. This requires major surgery usually removing part of the dogs jaw or worse euthanasia.

It is incredibly important that senior dog (6 and above) owners realize the importance of mouth care. It's not just about brushing the teeth. It about doing an oral exam. Don't just leave it up to your vet. Once a month you should be opening your pets mouth to check the gums, teeth, back of throat and one of the most overlooked spots -- the roof of the mouth.

We are headed for Ottawa tomorrow for a three day layover. We'll meet the animal oncologist/surgeon the first day, she'll go for surgery the next and hopefully we'll pick her up on the third. I'll be taking the laptop with me and hope to do an update.

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Topic Links
* Poor Puppy
* Puppy Update