I'm exactly where I need to be...

New Job... New Starts all around...

2008-11-17T08:37:00.001-08:00

Starting to settle into the new job a little better.. Learning my way around a different agency, being so totally addicted to facebook (gee, thanks, Hennifero), starting to knit a lot again, and working on my social life.

Things are looking up. It's weird thinking that I don't have to go to two dinners this Thanksgiving... I always enjoyed Thanksgiving at the in-law's and with my family... we would have dessert with one, dinner with the other... but we always ended up eating two dinners - because, dang, the food was SO good! :-) So, here's to only gaining 5 lbs this Thanksgiving, instead of 10. And for giving thanks to new starts, new friendships, new honesty with self, and all other good things.

Final.

2008-10-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

What I thought was forever wasn't.
I've been quiet here for a while, and most of you know, when I'm quiet, I'm working on things.
Here's to learning to be me again, and loving myself again.

Good Video... Exactly how I'm feeling..

2008-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Glen Hansard: Say it to Me Now

"When Your Mind's Made Up" Glen Hansard

2008-09-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

So, if you want something
And you call, call
Then'll come running
To fight, and I'll be at your door
When there's something worth running for

When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to change it
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to stop it

You see, you're just like everyone
When the shit falls all you want to do is run, away
And hide all by yourself
When you're far from me, there's nothing else

When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to change it
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point even talking
When your mind's made up
When your mind's made up
There's no point trying to fight it

So, if you ever want something
And you call, call
Then I'll come running.

"Leave" - Damien Rice (always a favorite of mine)

2008-09-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

I can't wait forever is all that you said
Before you stood up
And you won't disappoint me
I can do that myself
But I'm glad that you've come
Now if you don't mind

Leave, leave,
And free yourself at the same time
Leave, leave,
I don't understand, you've already gone

And I hope you feel better
Now that it's out
What took you so long
And the truth has a habit
Of falling out of your mouth
But now that it's come
If you don't mind

Leave, leave,
And please yourself at the same time
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you have to now
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you came to now
Leave, leave,
Leave, leave,
Let go of my hand
You said what you have to now
Leave, leave...

"Sleeping" - Glen Hansard

2008-09-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

Are you sleeping?
Still dreaming?
Still drifting off alone...
I'm not leaving with this feeling
So you'd better best be told
And how in the world did you come
To be such a lazy love?

It's so simple, and fitting
The path that you are on
We're not talking, there's no secrets
There's just a note that you have gone
And all that you've ever owned
Is packed in the hall to go

And how am I supposed to live without you?
A wrong word said in anger and you were gone

I'm not listening for signals
It's all dust now on the shelf
Are you still working? Still counting?
Still buried in yourself?
And how in the world did we come
To have such an absent love?

And how am I supposed to live without you?
A wrong word said in anger and you were gone
And how am I supposed to live without anyone?

And how in the world did you come
To be such a lazy love?
And where did you go?

... For now, I don't have much to say, so, I lean on my music, and let it explain.

"Come on Get Higher"

2008-08-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
Loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I feel of your heart
I taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on

Sing sha la la la
Sing sha la la la la

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love

It's all wrong, it's all wrong
It's all wrong, it's so right
So come on, get higher
So come on and get higher
'Cause everything works, love
Everything works when you're on

New updates...

2008-07-14T12:35:00.001-07:00

Hoping to get the rest of the Paris Chronicles up soon.

Life is in flux. You read what you want into that.

The Paris Chronicles

2008-03-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

While in Paris, I wrote in a journal, since I didn't have my blog...

So, here are the typed entries, with some afterthoughts and some pictures from each day. Scroll down. :-)

March 8

2008-03-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day outside and in...

We walked to the Pantheon, stopped at a bakery for breakfast. Shannon had a chicken sandwich - of course - and I had an amande croissant - kind of a sweet croissant with almond meal in the layers, ooh - it was so fantastic! I'll have to get another one of those before we leave. Yum!

Off to the Pantheon - gorgeous building, but not too busy - we're giving the musee passes a work out. I believe we're got our money's worth - and I still have 2 more days on mine. I think I'll hit the Picasso tomorrow and the Richelue wing of the Louvre - the one I didn't get to do last night.

Anyways - the Pantheon - summed up as Shannon, "a bunch of famous dead people are buried here." But much more - gorgeous statues, the pendulum that proved the earth's rotation (moves 11 degrees per hour) and ... well... a bunch of famous dead people are buried here. :-) Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, Pierre and Marie Curie - to name a few - a very large crypt that was well done - and very cold, brr!!!

Back up stairs to Shannon and off to the Metro - we found a couple greek places, which we might go to tonight for gyros. On the Metro - we saw Catwoman - she looked fantastic, by the way - I only wish I had my camera out.

For lunch, we stopped for sandwiches near the Seine - Shannon says her best sandwich, hands down in Paris (so far!)... we then were surprised by our waitress with some deep, dark chocolate which was so bitterly good, yum!!!

Off to the Orsay Musee. Finally, a museum that Shannon actually liked - well, one room - the Van Gogh room. And then she found benches while I zoomed aroud the rest of the floors of sculptures and early 1920s art and furniture. Beautiful building. I particularly like the Renoir room - right before the Van Gogh room - which was also amazing. Bummer of the Dancing Couple wasn't there. Sigh - but to see so man of these works of art that you see - that you've only seen pictures of or read about is amazing!

After the Orsay - we walked a little bit along the Seine - the caught the metro back to the Latin Quarter - where upon exit of the metro, we foud a flea market - it was fun to walk around that. We came back to the hotel - had a snack and now we plan to go do laundry.

Laundry is super quick in Paris - less than an hour - laundromats in the States should take note!

For dinner - brie, gouda, bread - baby carrots, banana and nuts - yum! Weight Watchers be damned (Sorry, ladies at my meeting!)

March 7

2008-03-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

We went to Monmarte this morning - where first thing off the Metro, Shannon was verbally "fucked." A guy came up to Shannon, started speaking in French, and Shannon said, "No - English." Then he started to ask her questions in English, and I said, "Non!" to him, and said to Shannon, "Let's go." And the he started yelling at us, "Why did you talk to me then, FUCK!" So, we got "fucked" Paris. But, on to Sacre le Coure - we took the funicular up the hill - and it was a gorgeous view and church - had a late breakfast - eggs, salad, croissants, coffee and tea - tasty! We did some touristy stuff, bought some great scarves and some magnets for coworkers and family. Saw the "bohemian" artists - learned quickly to say "Non, merci" to all the people who wanted to draw you. We saw some cool art, and then we saw a cut little dog playing with a water bottle. We've been conquering the metro - it's pretty easy, but you have to be award of what's going on. Shannon says she's just on for the ride and trusts that I know what I'm doing - :). So far, so good - knock on wood. We grabbed lunch at a street market near our hotel: oranges, apples, bananas, and found a Greek Stand! Yum! Spanikopta, meet filled pockets, cheese filled and vege filled, and falafel. And he had HUMMUS! Fantastic Hummus! The vendor was quite a flirt, too! :) Fun! He gave us samples of his curried chicken & babaganoush, which were quite tasty. Might have to go back tomorrow. The fruit lady aske dwhat part of France I was from - I pass! Wow. She was surprised when I said, "Oh, non, je suis American, dans a la Seattle, Washington." Very cool experience - could be that I have all black on today, except my pink scarf. Oh who know! Shannon says she's a walking target - her big white sneakers :). I've been wearing my Dansko's a lot here, most comfortable for my feet, looking to buy a pair of shoes or boots here - and at least I know I'm a 39 in European sizes.

This evening we all went to the Louvre - wow. I went off on my own - saw Venus de Milo, Winged Victory (3 times - was that awesome to look at) - and of course, the Mona Lisa. Shannon gave up after an hour - too warm, not too interested, Bett - never got a report from her.

Took the metro back - then went to a local grocery for chocolate - and that took a half hour - sheesh! We ate pretzels and leftover fruit for dinner - really don't feel as if we can go out in the 'hood - kind of an odd vibe tonight - and not too many non-touristy places near by to eat at. We really were spoiled in the Rue Cler. And another Boo to the Hotel Des Arenes - no electrical outlets! Seriously, I had to unplug the TV to charge my camera batteries. Also, I measured the beds - 3.25 RS Books in width, so, about 28" wide. I almost feel off the bed last night when just turning over. We've taken to calling them Balance Beam Beds... because, they are!

Thank you to Julia - the foot roller is awesome. It's been fantastic for our tired feet - and remind us when we get home to buy one!. We all miss home, but in just 6 short days and then we are home. Sigh! Going too quick!

Note to Self:
Bananas +
Walnuts +
Malteasers =
ORAL HAPPINESS

March 7 Pictures

2008-03-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

March 6

2008-03-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Today, we moved from the Rue Cler to St. Germaine to the Hotel Des Arenes. First impression - BOO! Front desk guy - PUSHY ASSHOLE! Trip advisor is correct - and will support that. Room - spacious - actual tub in the bathroom - a plus, though. But - we have to look on the bright side, but it was hard. Beds - Hansel and Gretel had bigger "twin" beds. But - a walk helped - we actually found the true Bastille. :-) Then we went to the Harley Davidson Store - got a shirt that were requested by a coworker. Then we found my sister Jenn's favorite jewelry store - Metal Pontiu's - and of course, I had to buy something. And something to match that - a necklace and a bracelet. Can't wait to see then on together. :-)
Back to the hotel, but we had to stop at the Monoprix again (Target of France) for a few supplies - water, chocolate, diet pepsi for Shannon, walnuts (protein) - and low and behold - we found baby carrots!!! We had been craving baby carrots - Shannon and I eat them daily at work at home... we were happy to finally have found them.

Another thing we saw a protest today in the Rue Cler before we left - I got a few pictures - but then it started to rain and we had to check out of our hotel, so we went back. Besides, the cops were out in force, and the last thing we needed was to end up arrested in France.

New guy at the front desk - Jacob - who I talked to the night before to confirm - and he remembered my voice - very nice guy - makes this hotel a little better, but the beds are still Hansel & Gretel size.

Dinner was a quick fromage et jambon crepe (see a pattern here?) - not really what we were wanting - but not really sure of the neighborhood and the restaurants - so, and our hotel wasn't of any help. They "suggest" the place next door - with a free drink. And a big neon sign that said "FRENCH FOOD!" Um. No. To Rick Steve's I go! And not much to be found in the RS either. Damn.

I actually can say I took a bath in Paris! It's rare to have a tub , so, I thought, what the hell? My hips barely fit - as it too is child size... :-) We stopped at the Pharmacie - got some bath salts on sale, ginger and peon - I did the ginger tonight - it was nice, seeming how I usually take 2 to 3 baths a week at home on top of my daily showers. Now, Bett is having a ginger bath, too.

We're attempting to get more sleep tonight, but who knows - I don't think we'll truly sleep until we get home.

I can't wait to get back to the Rue Cler - feels more like "home" than this St. Germaine/Luxomburg neighborhood.

March 6 Pictures

2008-03-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

More walking...

2008-03-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

It's only 2 pm - and I'm pooped! Self-imposed "death march du Paris" (or "Morte marche du Paris"). Started at the Rue Cler walked to Musee de Rodin (as per my sister Jenn said "you HAVE to go there, I'll even pay for it!" Um... Jenn, I'm waiting for the 12E back!), then up, over the Siene stopping for a petit 6-grain baguette to go with my apple that Shannon chopped up for me. Then ended up at the Obelisk - opposite of the Louvre. And walked around - and by around, I am literally meaning, one side of the perimeter - but I haven't gone it... yet. My guess is tonight with the girls (oh, my feet!), oooh, but I was tempted! Then I went to Sainte Chappel - but it was closed from 1300-1430. Guess who go there right as they closed the line? Moi! So, I've not gone in there, but maybe next Monday or Friday. Monmarte is tomorrow. So, then through St. Germaine area, all the way down the Rue de Granelle, back to the hotel. Whew! (*after journal note - see my walk here: )
I think it's time for an early glass of wine? :) or atleas a pain au chocolat! I'm thinking about a nap... but really am trying not to so as I sleep at night (ha! Not sleeping very well). Oh well, off to the rest of the afternoon.

Dinner was at the hotel tonight - we had chicken, mushroom salad, sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, Brie (for Shannon and Better) and some excellent parmesan that I shaved with a butter knife, some fruit and bread from out little purple baker - a whole wheat bread that was covered in seeds - it was so excellent! Shannon & I enjoyed gathering our dinner from all the shops in the Rue Cler. This is our last night at the Valadon until Sunday... we are going to St. Germaine to the hotel des Arenes, about 6-7 blocks from Notre Dame - so less of a death march than today for Sainte Chappel - so maybe I will finally get in there... :) I think it opens around 9, so maybe a quick Friday morning before Montmarte. I'm really looking forward to the area - it was John, Julie and Mom's favorite - lots of art, etc. Well, now we pack up for the next hotel in the St. Germaine. Jill would be proud. It's her favorite area.

March 5 Pictures

2008-03-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

And the Death Marches start...

2008-03-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Death March Day! (first of many, I think).

Day started with us meeting Othello - He was at the beach. He shared our croissant et baguette with us. He drooled on Shannon's leg - ah, doggle love - it was so nice to be able to pet a dog!

Bett did her own thing today - Shannon and I set out for the Metro - we bought a book of tickets, le carnet - purple & pretty! Then, off to Notre Dame.

Beautiful! Gorgeous - so much better than the pictures I've seen. I took a ton of pictures - Shannon soaked it up. We both lit a candle for our own reasons - and we walked the whole church.

Afterwards - we touristed up at a shop - bought some of the souvenirs requested by friends and coworkers. Then - Crepes fr petit dejuener. Fromage (u peu pour moi) et jambon - oh my goodness - yum! We ate in the gardens behind Notre Dame - took more pictures - and walked the right bank, across Pont Notre Dame - and accidently found the Bastille (afternote - or, so we thought - it wasn't it)! Then, baptism by fire! We walked into one of the most busy metro stations! We heard great musicians, smelled good and horrific smells and somehow ended up at the Arc de Triomph! Wow - all 254 stairs (50 meters) but we made it (through a rain/hail/snow-ish storm, too!) Took some more pictures and then walked across the Champs Eleysees - getting stuck in the middle - we took a few more pics, too.

We walked the street - took in some shopping, and I bought a new scent at the Sephora flagship store - Narciso Rodriguez for her. Very nice, simple, floral - think Mr. J will like it - Scored two free shower gel samples, two samples of the scent - and a few more samples of other scents - wow - it was a huge store and very fun!

Then we explored the Metro, again. We got off a stop too late - so - we walked (death March part duex) - back to Rue Cler - ah - nice to be "home" - feels like a close neighborhood - which is nice, to feel "at home" in a foreign country.

Oh, Shannon was happy - we found the Target of France - MONOPRIX - :-) It was very busy, but fun to look at all the cosmetics and foods - we found another one close by, too. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk.

Also, treated myself to new pink tweezers, too, at Sephora. We're off to dinner - maybe another glass of vin! Oh la la!

Dinner - Poulet, en slad et pomme de terre puree. Very tasty - excellent with my white wine - Went to Colas - the purple bakery and had a chocolate eclair for dessert, very tasty. Shannon had a marzipan chocolate mouse.

March 4th Pictures

2008-03-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

3 March 2008 - first real day in Paris

2008-03-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Working on sleeping pattern re-arrangement. Took it slow today, late breakfast, emailed home to the men and family and then walked to the Eiffel Tower. Wow. took many pictures and then walked back to the hotel.

We walked Rue Cler and did our neighborhood exploration, bought some fruit and some ala carte off the street. Shannon got a salmon spinach quiche, some gala apples and a bunch of bananas. I bought some granny smith apples, and then some pomme frites and the best chicken breast - hands down - for lunch. We came back to the hotel to eat out lunch (around 2 PM) and then took a nap. Well, Bett did. Shannon and I couldn't sleep, and Bett was sawing logs...

So - out to the neighborhood again. We found an excellent bakery (Colas), bought a "jambon et fromage croissant," a meringue and I bought some madellaines, un chocolate et un plain. Yum! We are totally heading back there. (And we did - a lot!)

Shannon and I found a grocery, bought some water (and protein for the protein queen) and then headed back for a quick nap. Bett, still sawing logs, due to not really sleeping on the plan, let's say - trivia games are addicting - :-)

Around 7, Shannon and I headed out to find some dinner. We walked the Rue Cler, then decided to take some night shots of the Eiffel Twoer. They are gorgeous! Before out quick walk to the tower though, we grabbed our first crepe - YUM! Shannon got a jambon et fromage (surprise, surprise!) and, it was a Nutella et banane for me. That was our dinner! :-) Again, we're still adjusting our body clocks, at 7 pm here, it's only 10 am at home - so, I woke up starving last night. Luckily, Shannon was up, too, so we had a snicky-snack - a granola bar for me and some peanuts for Shannon - and a bottle of water. After our walk + crepes - we walked back to Rue Cler - found a little bistro and I had my first glass of wine - yum. Vin Rouge - Ver baudan - very full flavor. Now my cheeks are warm and it's time for bed.

Finishing every night with a shot of the Eiffel Tower from our room, nice way to know each day end on the camera card - and honey - my camera is working fabulous - fantastic Christmas present.

Day 1/2 (March 1-2)

2008-03-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

Long flight, much crabiness by all from lack of sleep.

Note to self - take early in the day flight here, night flight home next European trip.

(yes, I was already planning my next trip on the first night)

(end of journal)
Afterthoughts:
(yes, I was already planning my next trip on the first night)

We got there very late after some long flights and lay overs in Coppenhagen. We had excellent service with SAS - couldn't ask for a better long haul flight crew (Especially Eric - great talks in the galley!) - especially our first super long flight. Spacious and lots to do (movies, games, sleeping) kept us occupied.

We found a taxi to our hotel... took us up around the Arc de Triomph, past the Eiffel Tower, and to our hotel, The Hotel Valadon to start our stay in Paris.

And... We're off!

2008-03-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

Just a in a few hours I will be leaving for the airport...

I can't believe the trip is here...

I'll miss my J, my Boone and my bed, but it will be totally worth it!

Now, to finish packing (omg, I've hardly started!!!)

Overstimulated!

2008-02-27T21:06:00.001-08:00

Too much going on at work...

Still haven't made the list of the things to pack...

Still haven't really read the Paris books... (gonna do that on the plane?)

Still haven't even started packing. Guess I have to make the list first, huh?

Gained a lb. Not good.

But all that keeps me going is that next Monday - I'm going to wake up in Paris.

I can't believe the trip is already here... it seemed like it was never going to be here, and then all the sudden, just three sleeps away! Three days - HOLY SHIT. My biggest stress... claustrophobia on the plane... I get antsy easily on planes. Yikes. But it will be all worth it.

Ah, Paris! I can't wait! The sights, the crepes... the wine - the cheese (I can't eat) - the dreams. Wow. Pinch me!

Total Eclipse ... of the moon

2008-02-20T20:12:00.001-08:00

So, they are a little blurry, but here they are, with the new Lumix. Possibly need to invest in a tripod and the thing that pushes the button without moving the camera. You have to keep the camera still for 30 seconds. Well, that's why there is a little blur. But I think they came out good. One before, close to full eclipse, and one after with the "diamond ring" effect going on.

Yum! Banana Cranberry Almond Muffins (or bread).

2008-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

3/4 c white sugar
3/4 c dark brown sugar
1 stick (1/2 c) butter or margarine (I am a butter fan)
2 large eggs
3-4 medium bananas, ripe,
1/2 c milk
1/4 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted almonds slivers (or walnuts chunks or pecans pieces, or none).
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
1 tsp of cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Put the bananas in a bowl, take the mixer and mash the bananas up. Add the softened butter or margarine, and mix until incorporated. Add the sugars, the eggs, mix. Add the milk and the lemon juice, mix. Add the vanilla, the baking soda, and salt. Mix. Add the whole wheat flour and all purpose flour, mix until incorporated. Add the cranberries and the nuts (or not), and mix.

Line the muffin pan with papers. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 24.

If you want to do a loaf, fill 9 in loaf pan, and bake 55-65 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Slice into 24 slices.

Tasty!!!

Auntie Kate

2008-02-09T11:54:00.001-08:00

Me and Miss Emily... Such a cutie!!!

Auntie Jams and Miss Emily

Mama and Em.

The paparazzi needs to stop!!!

Waiting on the Weight

2008-02-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

I guess if I would just get my butt to the gym, I wouldn't be waiting for so long.

It's going slow... and I'm wondering about my thyroid... but I can't feel like that is the answer to everything. But I'm reading a new book about the Thyroid Diet and I am going to try to put some of that into effect.

We'll see. Just keep plodding along with the eating better, more healthy things.

And now if this cold would just go away, that would help, too. Ta, ta, TEA Time!

More Emily Love...

2008-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Last night we took the new parents a good dinner... I made Shake and Bake (And I HELPED) Pork Chops, a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and romaine - all organic, and (ha!) Lipton Chicken and Veggie Rice (I was tired!). We got to hang out with the newest family member and visit with Dave, Kelly and Karla (Kelly's momma).

The moon on the night of the birth of Emily

2008-01-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

She was born on a full moon... it's was purty!

Auntie K and Uncle J

2008-01-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

Introducing Miss Emily Michelle C.

Born 22 January 2008, 7:20 AM 6 Lbs 5 Oz 19" long

Pee-Yeah

2008-01-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

Pufferbelly for dinner with Jamie, Tim and Benny

Jamie and Benny

Albion and more...

My father retired, so it was time for a trip to Pee-Yeah! Here's outside the funeral home.

Perfect Pureed Parsnips!

2008-01-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

So, I tried some parsnips the other day... and they turned out FANTASTIC!!!

3 Parsnips - peeled and cut up
1/2 vidalia onion, chopped
1 T Buttah, baby.
2 T Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream

Steam or boil parsnips until tender.

While parsnips are cooking - in a skillet, carmelize the onions with the butter (mmm... onions cooking!).

Place onions, parsnips and cheese or sour cream in Cuisinart or puree with a hand blender.

Tasty Side dish... 3 points for 1 cup...

Back Fat.

2008-01-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Yeah, you might not want to read this ... :-)

I carry back fat. I own that.

It's the last place I gain, and the first place I lose.

This morning... I noticed in the mirror, it's less! Hooray!

On the road... Keep walking it.

And eating two to three pounds (yes, pounds) of carrots a week. Sheesh! Organic baby carrots, give the crunch, not the calories.

Someone's wish came true...

2007-12-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

Seattle actually had a white Christmas... holy poo!

Old lady pin club...

2007-12-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

This lady at work brought all the ladies at work "Pocket Angel" pins.

Good Lord. She made you put it on right then and there.

And in this moment... I realized. I'm no spring chicken, I'm almost 30, and dammit, I'm wearing a festive holiday pin.

I aimed to never do this. But how can you say no to someone who could affect your rating (possibly) at work?

So, pinned it on I did. And, I was festive, dammit.

Poo.

A new take on an old carole...

2007-12-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Damien Rice's Version of Silent Night - hidden at the end of Eskimo Track from "O" - Excellent CD - suggest picking it up...

Silent night,
Broken night.
All is fallen,
When you take your flight
I found some hate for you,
just for show.
You found some love for me,
thinking I'd go.
Don't keep me from crying to sleep
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night,
Moonlit night.
Nothing's changed.
Nothing is right.
I should be stronger then,
weeping alone.
You should be weaker then,
sending me home.
I can't stop you; fighting to sleep.
Sleep in heavenly peace.

We took the hint...

2007-12-16T20:14:00.001-08:00

We saw that Boone liked the bed, so, we got him one - as an early Christmas Present!

Boone Says: Merry Christmas!

2007-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

Slow and Steady...

2007-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

I hate that saying.

I was prepared to gain this week. If I stayed steady, I would be happy.

I lost 0.4 - not the 2.0+ I had been doing, but seriously, it was Thanksgiving...

I had a plan, I stuck to it (mostly) and in the end, I lost a little. Not a lot, just a little.

Okay, a small listing of what I need to do... not all weight loss related.

I know I need to get more veggies. It's hard to force that. I know I need more dairy, but then I'm lactose intolerant. So, poop. I really don't like Yogurt, nor do I want to waste 4 points on that. But I do. I need to. I'm trying to like cottage cheese, but only mixed in things. And only then.

I need to get some training done, but when? My days are too busy to even get on the website, and I don't want to do it at home in the evenings, but that's looking like the only viable option at the moment.

I need to go to the gym. I have a new membership at the bottom of the hill, thanks to Mr. J - it's only 1.4 miles away, I really have NO excuse. I'm only working one night a week now... I should go... but then I'm working OT at the real job, so, what to do!?

I have to find a plane ticket to J and C's wedding in the end of December... There is no choice in this matter... maybe Zowwiegal will help me.

Enough listing. Now, to drink water and eat carrots (a little later).

Acorn Squash Mash

2007-11-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

1 Acorn Squash - cut in half, cleaned of seeds
1 cup of large curd cottage cheese

Clean and season with salt and nutmeg - cover with tin foil - bake at 400 for 30 - 45 minutes, until tender.

Let cool for a few minutes, scoop out squash into bowl.

Add cottage cheese, and stir, stir, stir! Add more nutmeg if you like.

1 cup = 2 points, one dairy, one vegetable serving - and it FILLS you up!

First Weigh-In

2007-11-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last night...on a full stomach! Not the smartest move, but in the end, I needed to get my weigh-in done, and I thought I worked at 2nd job last night, but found I didn't... Well, then, I was starving, and I had J look up meetings in our area, instead of my usual location... and found one.

So, baked some acorn squash, mixed it with cottage cheese - got a dairy and a good vegetable serving in, had two small chicken tenderloins, and off I went to WW.

Down: -3.4 lbs. The lady said it was probably closer to -5 due to my full stomach, but I'm not counting on that. So, officially, 236.6. The right direction.

Just think if I wouldn't have had all the richer foods I had this weekend in Victoria... might have truly been -5, but all in all, a mini-break and I still lost almost 3.5 lbs! Yeah!

Spicy!

2007-11-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Spicy Broccoli Soba Sauté - from Moosewood - adapted slightly)
Serves 4 to 6
¼ cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or rice wine vinegar
½ pound soba noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
¼ teaspoon cayenne or to taste (I used 2 tsp of Rooster Sauce instead)
4 to 5 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
¼ cup water
½ cup sake (If you don't have Sake - use 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar)
1 carrot, peeled and grated
Sesame seeds to garnish
1 lb of tofu or chicken, cooked as you like, bite-size pieces

In a large covered pot, bring 3 quarts of water to boil. Meanwhile, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and the lemon juice or vinegar until smooth, and then set aside. When the water boils, add the soba noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
While the noodles cook, warm the oil in a wok or heavy skillet on medium heat. Add the garlic and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, just until the garlic turns golden, a minute or less. Stir in the broccoli, water, and sake. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the florets are tender but still bright green. Thoroughly stir in the grated carrots and the reserved soy sauce mixture. Cook for a minute or two until the liquid thickens, then reduce the heat to low.
When the noodles are done, drain, rinse them with warm water, and drain again. Add the cooked soba noodles to the vegetables and stir until they are coated with the sauce. Place on a platter and serve immediately.
TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

Off to Victoria...

2007-11-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

We'll be married one-year tomorrow... So, we're going to Victoria, BC for the weekend... where we wanted to go for our honeymoon, but went to Mexico instead. So, off to the Clipper we go!

Joined WW and Found a LB.

2007-11-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Was going to join the WW on Sunday with Hennifero ... but they were closed.

And there was this black lab running around. And you know my weakness for black Labs (and black lab mixes, especially - BOONE). No collar.

I had some treats I was going to pass to a coworker when I saw her... and this little guy was hitting all the garbage cans, trying to find something to eat. Poor Boodle head!

So, Hennifero and I get out of the car, get the treats, call the doggle over, feed him, try to call some shelters, feed him more to keep him from leaving, and then get a hold of her Angel Friend A - she takes him in. He has cauliflower ear - looks like - wait, I know - it hurts or is bothering him, he keeps shaking his head. A takes in the little (65 lb) guy... checks him for a chip. He has one. Owners don't want him anymore.

This is a dog that knows his commands, has great teeth, good coat, good demeanor. And they just let him loose, not caring about him. I've gotta say it (kids, earmuffs!)

FUCKERS! EAT SHIT AND DIE! GO TO HELL! BURN! THIS DOG IS PART OF YOUR FAMILY THE MINUTE YOU ADOPTED IT - IT'S NOT JUST A PIECE OF GARBAGE TO PUT OUTSIDE!

Okay, feel a little better.

If A can't find a home, J and I are thinking of fostering him until we can find a home. As soon as the owners relinquish all rights to the dog - in writing... we don't want to get a 2-3K surgery for this dog if the owners can come back and say "He's ours." after we pay and help "LB" recuperate. Fuck that. Not on my clock.

So, I wanted to name him Echo. Jenn thought "LB" was more fitting (you want to lose LBs on WW - and he was a lost LB - heheh), and I couldn't agree more. LB it is, until his new family comes to claim him. Just wish I had a picture of the little guy (who is smaller than Boone, so little in my book, but not as small as puggie).

In the end, I joined last night. Here goes nothing.

*Update - LB's name is Denver... he's with a great family now and the owner surrendered him... they are in a difficult living situation and thought a family would be able to take care of him better and even offered $ towards his ear surgery. And he's 7! He looked great for 7... Truly shows, Boone, the same age, had a rougher life in his former life. Anyway, a Happy Ending for LB/Denver.

I could never be the one that you want...

2007-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Don't Ask.

Buy. Now.

2007-10-31T09:01:00.001-07:00

Awesome Album.

Jebus, here I come!

2007-10-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Had to have the "Coming to Jebus" talk with myself. That was hard.

Wow.

I never thought I'd get that bad.

Seriously. O. M. G.

240 lbs. 1/8 of a ton. (okay, that was dramatic).

So, time to hit WW, Nia, the gym, and less cookies/cake/chocolate. I've been out of control, and I know it.

Would like to have just 20 lbs. off for Paris. That's 5 lbs. a month. Doable, I think. More, better... but still, anything is great.

That's why there's a ticker, keep me honest. Help me, Jebus, Help me! ;)

Golden Split Pea

2007-10-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Knicked this from a Moosewood, I think... All I have is a print-out, and it didn't print the website. So, who ever's this is, THANK YOU!

3 cups chopped onions
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon of tumeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 cup dried yellow split peas
7 cups of water
2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed (or yams)
1 cup apples, peeled, cored and cubed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 cup chopped tomato (about two small or 1 medium/large)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1. In a soup pot, saute the onion in the oil until golden, stirring frequently.
2. Add cumin, tumeric, coriander and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the peas, water, sweet potatoes, apple, cinnamon and chili powder, cover and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, until the split peas are tender.
5. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, lime juice, and soy sauce.
6. When peas are tender, add the tomato mixture.
7. Puree the soup in a blender (in batches) or with a stick blender, adding more water if needed.

Gah, I want a stick blender. I have always been fascinated with them. Kitchen appliance whore that I am.

Cabbage Patch Soup

2007-10-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

1 lb very lean ground beef, turkey or chicken, or one bag of Morning Star Veggie Crumbles
1 T Olive Oil
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup of carrots, sliced
1 cup of celery, thinly sliced or diced, your choice.
1 -2 green peppers, chopped
1 large (16 oz) can of tomatoes - can be flavored - I used the fire roasted garlic or with chilis
1 cup or can of low sodium tomato soup
1 large can of red kidney beans, undrained
1 can of black beans, drained.
2 cups of cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups of water
1 t salt (optional)
1 T chili powder (more or less to taste)

Cook protien source in Olive Oil... Add all the veggies, saute for about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, beans, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil.

Add can of soup, stir. Add cabbage... You can leave it to simmer as long as you like on low, but would be ready about 10 minutes after cabbage is added, if you're in a hurry.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a crusty bread.

Great for a winter evening. You can also add all of this to a crock pot, too.

Makes about 16 one cup servings. Freezes really well.

What to do?

2007-10-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Good friend of mine just told me two bits of news...

1) He and his wife are adding to their family.

This is great news... a little one, always a good thing (just not yet for me!)

2) He has a brain tumor.

Holy shit.

So, what does Miss K do?

She starts cooking.

I'm making dinners that are easy to freeze, thus, easy to grab for he and his wife -- they have two little ones, who are 2 and 4. And between his family, and many friends at work, we're going to rally behind them, and make sure that he recovers and out lives us all!!!

I'm making the Sweet Potato Bean burritos, and packing them in single serve packages. Easy to grab from the freezer, throw in the oven or micro and eat.

I'm making Cabbage Patch Soup (I can't remember if I posted that!?) If not, I'll post it. Nice, hearty, full of vegetables soup! Tasty! One of my favorites in the fall and winter.

And I'm attempting a new soup. Golden Split Pea Soup. Looks fantastic. I'll let you know.

Seeing a trend? They are vegetarians... gives me a chance to test out new ideas! :-)

Also, I'm going to make some cookie dough to freeze, so, if needed, one pan at a time can be baked off and ready, without having to get the whole kitchen messed up for the emotional satisfaction of my fantastic choco-oat-pecan cookies (all evenly scooped and ready to bake - of course).

So, say your good thoughts for he and his family... and I'll cook up a storm, because, you know, that's what I do when I'm worried about the peeps I <3.

Tickets are bought...

2007-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

We leave on March 1 - get back on the 13th.

Paris is really coming true!!!

Not Yo Mamma's Pot Pie

2007-09-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

1 large sweet potato, yam or regular potato, diced and boiled until soft
1 lb. of chicken, cooked and cut into bite size pieces
1 small bag of frozen mixed veggies (corn, peas, carrots and green beans)
1 medium onion, diced
1 can of cream of chicken, low fat, soup
1 packet of chicken gravy, dry
1 box of pie crust (two 9" crusts)

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large skillet, heat chicken, onion and veggies until they are warm.

Add soup, 1/2 cup of hot water, and stir. Add packet of gravy, stir some more.

Add potato and pour over bottom crust. Place top crust, crimp edges, and then cut a few slits in the top.

Place pot pie on a cookie sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes until piping hot and the crust is golden brown.

Let set for 10 minutes, and dig in. Tasty!

Gramma S' Lemon Bars

2007-08-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks of butter), melted
2 cups of flour, sifted
1/3 cup of powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Mix together, press into a 9X13 pan, evenly.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking, mix together:
2 cups of sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1/4 cup of flour, sifted
Pinch of salt

Then, add:
4 eggs (1 at a time, mix in)
8 tablespoons of lemon juice

Pour over hot crust, then return to oven for 20-25 minutes.

Well, Isn't this special?

2007-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Your Deadly Sins

Greed: 20%

Lust: 20%

Pride: 20%

Sloth: 20%

Wrath: 20%

Envy: 0%

Gluttony: 0%

Chance You'll Go to Hell: 14%

You will die love and feared by many. And you'll be buried in a tomb.

How Sinful Are You?

Tomato Basil Hummus

2007-07-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Experimentation tonight...

5 cloves of garlic
4 tblsp olive oil
10 fresh basil leaves (from my patio garden!)

Cusinart all of the above...

1 small (I think 3 oz?) can of tomato paste
2 15.5 oz cans of garbanzo beans
juice of one small lemon or about 2 tsp. lemon juice
Salt, white pepper

Add to above mixture, cuisinart the hell out of it... adding water or more olive oil if it starts to bog down...

Garnish with fresh basil leaf. Enjoy with chips, veggies and warm pita. Yum!

Random...

2007-07-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

I like this meme:

Grab the nearest book.
Open the book to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
Don't search around and look for the "coolest" book you can find. Do what’s actually next to you.

Book: The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Page 123
"'In desperation, he sold the charred grounds to a businessman from Pennsylvania for far less that it was worth.'"

Interesting that it was a line about Pennsylvania... It always come pack to bite you, huh? Haunts you.

Horribly fattening, but damn good lemony pork chops...

2007-07-23T20:21:00.001-07:00

Variation on Mom's Rosemary Chicken/Pork Chops - just as good, too. :-) While she used flour, and double dipped - I use bread crumbs. And no Crisco in my recipe... Good ole mix of Olive Oil and butter. Crispy, tart, savory Pork Chop... Just what the soul ordered.

4 boneless loin chops, about 1/2 inch thick
2 eggs, beaten (and bruised if you like)
1 tablespoon of water or milk (beaten in with the eggs)
1 cup of Italian bread crumbs
1 teaspoon of garlic salt (in with the bread crumbs)
2 teaspoons of rosemary
Juice of one lemon (or two small ones like I had tonight)
4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons of butter, divided

Heat half the olive oil and then add half the butter in a skillet over medium heat...

Dip each pork chop into the egg, and then coat in the bread crumb mixture... place in the skillet with the oil/butter mixture.

Sprinkle with half the rosemary, salt and pepper (white pepper if you're fancy)... brown for about 5 minutes or so, turning the temperature up or down as needed.

Flip, sprinkle other side with rosemary, salt and pepper, continue to brown. Add the rest of the olive oil and butter.

All in all, it takes about 15 - 20 minutes, five minutes per side (10 minutes per side total), flipping every five minutes or so - depending on how thick the pork chops are.

Just before serving, squeeze lemon over the top of the pork chops, flip and squeeze lemon again. Cook for a few more minutes and then place onto paper towels to drain.

Goes great with a baked potato and a big salad. Or just over the big salad if you don't want the potato!

Tasty on a rainy, damp night... even if it's in the middle of July. Ug! Sun, come back!!!

Savory Scone for Julia ...

2007-07-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

My sister Julia loves scones... so, I can't wait for her to try these at brunch tomorrow...

So, here are the Savory Scones that I pulled together by looking at a jillion other recipes. I can't ever make someone else's recipe, I gotta make it my own. :-)

So, Mrs. B - congratulations on finishing school - we're all very proud of you!!!

3 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
6 oz of ricotta fresca or regular ricotta drained over a coffee filter overnight (get off the whey)
6 oz of cream cheese - VERY soft
3 oz of finely shredded asiago or parmesan cheese
4 green onions, chopped finely

1 cup fat free half and half, milk or plain soy milk
1 egg

Egg Glaze: 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of milk, fat free half and half or water

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Combine the flour, powder and salt in a large bowl.

Mix ricotta, cream cheese and shredded cheese in a small bowl.

Mix cheeses with flour mixture.

Add scallions.

Beat egg into milk product of choice, then add to flour/cheese mixture. If dough is too sticky, add flour, 1/4 cup at a time until you can knead the dough. Knead the dough a few times, and then pat into a circle and cut in 8 pieces. OR, pat into a square and cut square shaped scones.

Brush with egg wash, and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy warm or cooled. Tasty!

Make 8 "pie" type scones, or 16 square scones.

Oh... Gorgeous Day..

2007-07-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

And I had to go to work. No fair.

But, if I can figure it out, I'm going to upload a pathetic movie of Boone.

41 Questions...

2007-07-03T19:39:00.001-07:00

41 Things Rarely Asked

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Nope. I'm a good girl.

2. Do you have any weird sleeping habits?
Flamingo - halfway on the belly, one leg at a 90 degree angle, hugging a pillow.

3. When’s the last time you swam in a lake?
Oh, I can't remember - sometime in Pee Yeah, probably - and it was a great lake - Erie.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
Alone - I'm a "big" sleeper, so is Mr. J. We need a bigger bed.

5. Where is the Wizard of Oz?
Kansas.

6. Can there really be “too much of a good thing”?
Nope.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Hell yes!

8. Christina Aguilera or Brittney Spears?
Gross - neither.

9. Do you stay friends with your exes?
Most of them. Why not - there was a reason why we were dating - we were friends first. It's nice if you can keep a friendship.

10. Do you know how to play poker?
Nope.

11. How long until we leave for the private island?
Who is "we" and now.

12. What's your favorite commercial?
Um. I really don't watch enough TV to have one - and why would I want one?

13. What type of food do you eat the most?
Oh, veggie corn dogs and pita pizzas.

14.When was the last time you had a lot of fun?
About a week ago with my friend Kaity.

15. Have you ever had a Choco Taco?
I think so. ;)

16. Who Do You Think Is Better, The Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees?
MARINERS or PIRATES - Both the Red Sox and the Spankees SUCK!

17. What color of underwear do you have on?
*blush* Black thong - was wearing dress pants today to work. VPL = bad!

18. How often do you forget your dreams?
Usually remember, but not been dreaming lately - too much work, not enough relax to let my brain go dreamy.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
With Jamie on my wedding day.

20. Can you name 5 songs by N'SYNC?
HELL NO.

21. What's the one thing on your mind right now?
We're going camping tomorrow! (And all the pesky work I should be doing instead of taking leave!)

22. Been pierced or tattooed?
4 in each ear, 1 used to be in the navel - tattoo on back - thinking of my next one!

23.Do you put salt on a turkey dinner?
Depends - and always on the cranberry sauce (jelly style with can marks only)

24. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Heck yes I do - It's the the "Click it or Ticket" Law - and I'd like to live if a crazy WA State Driver hits me.

25. What cell service do you use?
Sprint. Owe. My booty with the bill!

26. Do you like bananas?
What kind are we talking here? Yes, both kinds.

27. Have you almost gotten in a car accident?
Who hasn't?

28. What do you wear to bed?
Usually tee and boxers - but sometimes nada.

29. Been caught stealing?
Oh, hells, no.

30. Do you know how to play pool?
Heck yes I do.

31. Can you play pool well?
After a few drink.i.poos

32. Do you truly love anyone?
Yep - many people.

33. Bluegrass or rap?
Bluegrass.

34. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
Kate Winslet - it's a K think.

35. Skim, 1%, 2%, or whole?
Soy! Or Lactose Free Skim.

36. What food do you find disgusting?
any sort of fish

37. Windows or Macintosh?
Mac at home - WinDoze at work.

38. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"?
I still love that game! ;)

40. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?
Sure have... sometimes you have to help someone out for you to have help in the future, pay it forward!

41. Have you ever sung in front of the mirror?
yes.

Good Concert... Great food!

2007-06-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Went to see the Indigo Girls at the Zoo tonight... Good concert, and Brandi Carlile (we see her next week!) came up and joined in the fun. And I get to see her next week.

Made some AWESOME chicken Kay-Bobs.. ;) REALLY good... I added sweet chili sauce to the peanut sauce, and that came out nice... for a smoother texture, either uber mince your onions or throw it in the food processor afterwards for a few whirls... I detest broiling - I never can do it well, so I grilled these and I think that added great flavor, and I didn't baste with the marinade, I don't baste with something I had raw chicken in, so maybe reserve a 1/8 cup or so to baste with. These got a THUMBS WAY UP from everyone.

I call them personally, Rat on a Stick - because it kind of looks like that.

From BC - She's my fave:

Kabobs
2 large whole bone-in chicken breasts (2 lb)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove garlic, crushed
Peanut Sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3 to 4 drops red pepper sauce

1. Remove skin and bones from chicken. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch pieces. (For easier cutting, partially freeze chicken about 1 hour.) In large glass bowl, mix chicken and remaining kabob ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Soak 14 to 16 bamboo skewers in water at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
3. In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion in oil, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining sauce ingredients. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until blended (sauce will separate if overcooked).
4. Set oven control to broil. Remove chicken from marinade; reserve marinade. Thread 4 or 5 chicken pieces on each skewer. Brush chicken with marinade.
5. Broil chicken with tops about 4 inches from heat 4 to 5 minutes. Turn; brush with marinade. Broil 4 to 5 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Discard any remaining marinade. Serve chicken with sauce.

Betty C's Pumpkin Bread, with Ms. K's twist

2007-06-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is a double batch - it makes a lot - two 9" loaves or one 8" and a bundt and three mini (which is what I made) or one 9" and one bundt. (I have an obsession with bundt pans... seriously. I need counseling. I think there is nothing prettier than a bundt cake, bread, etc).

I call it Pumpkin Chai Spice bread now. It's spicy - makes the tongue numb - in a good way!

Okay, to the recipe.

1 large (29.5 oz can) of pumpkin
3 1/3 cups of sugar
1 1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 tsp vanilla (or 6 if you're me)
8 large eggs (gah, my heart!)
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp of cardamon
1 cup chopped walnuts (or almonds)
1 cup of GOLDEN raisins (must be golden - if not, don't bother)

Preheat that oven to 350.

Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, oil. Mix all dry together, and while mixer is on low, add a little bit at a time, until incorporated. Add walnuts and GOLDEN raisins. Put in pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray, or greased and floured.

Bake mini loaf pans for 20 minutes.
8" loaf - 50 minutes.
9" loaf and bundt - 55-65 minutes, check with toothpick. My gas oven did it in 55 - electric might be a bit longer.

Gut instints prove right, again.

2007-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Lots has happened... and have comfirmed I'm exactly where I need to be. Hence, the title.

I was deployed again, my shortest deployment, due to safety hazzards and bodily gut reaction, literally.

I left 6/6 for New Orleans. I found out I was to be working my ovetime alone. Now, if you know the temperament down there, especially against my company, you wouldn't walk outside alone. It's down right hostile. Not saying the city sucks, but when I found out I was working alone - that goes against EVERYTHING I have ever known about a deployment, and thankfully, my office here agreed and got me out of there. Now, the gutteral reaction. From the minute I got there, I was having BOS (if you know me, you KNOW what that means. And to top it off, it was from both ends. I'm not a puker... I think the last time I puked is when I had food poisoning 7 years ago. Seriously. I lost it, twice. My body was telling me, get out of there. It's not safe, remove yourself. I called back home, and I got the orders to come home. The minute I got those, my stomach stopped wrenching and my intestines calmed, and I was good. So, I know now to seriously trust my body EVERYtime it complains about something like that. And I will. I returned home at 1 AM 6/9, after being in the New Orleans airport for 6 hours, Chicago O'hare for about 2, and 7 hours of flying time. It was worth every minute spent waiting.

Other things were confirmed for me, too. I saw my husband, I saw my dog, waiting in the truck for me when I returned home, and that made me feel a wave a happiness. Two days felt like two weeks for me. Makes me want to try harder, be better to them, both, and learn that this is a team, not just two people living in the same space, because anyone can do that.

New favorite place to shop

2007-06-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

If you live in the north end, go here, http://yakimafruitmarket.com/. Mom and I went here this morning. I cancelled the Pioneer Organics, because, even though I'm not getting all organic fruits and veggies from Yakima, I know that I am getting mostly locally grown produce, and that makes me feel good, too.

I bought way too much today, but we're having some good dinners from it this week.

I got:
Huge head of lettuce
Bag of green beans (gorgeous!)
Sweet potato or two
Anahiem chili peppers
tomatoes *yum*
beets (trying to like new things like this, but baked them, and we didn't dig them)
white peaches
Bing cherries (can't wait for the Rainier cherries!)

Mr. J and I went to Mama C's this afternoon and had a "sunday" lunch... we made Sweet Potato and Bean burritos. Try them, VERY filling. And so tasty! We used whole grain uber-high fiber tortillas instead of white flour ones... always trying to up the fiber, you know me, the fiber whore. We didn't have the 3 cans of black beans that the recipe called for, so we improvised. Also, original called for 4 tsp of cumin and corriander - and I'm not the biggest fan of cumin - in fact, I detest it. I don't know why I don't dig it. So, I put the caynenne in for the heat and it worked great!!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito
modified from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites

5 C. peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (I did one yam, two sweet potatoes)
2 T. water for saute, or a few sprays of cooking spray, or 1 tsp of canola oil
3-1/2 C. diced onions - I did red
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 minced fresh green chile (I used an Anahiem, you could use a jalapeno for more heat - but MIL is sensitive to heat)
2 tsp cayenne
1 tsp corriander
1 15 oz can of black beans, drained
1 15 oz can of kidney beans, drained
1 15 oz can of garbonzo beans, drained
2/3 C. lightly packed cilantro leaves
2 T. lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
8 eight-inch flour tortillas (non-fat version)
tomato salsa for topping

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Place sweet potatoes in pot with water to cover. Cover and bring to boil. Simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and roughly mash, then set aside.

3. With 2 T. water (or cooking spray or oil) in a non-stick skillet, saute onions, garlic, and the chile. Add water as necessary to keep from sticking. Cover and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until onions are tender, about 7 min. Add caynenne and coriander and cook 2-3 min., stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. In food processor, combine beans, cilantro, lemon juice, salt. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still chunky. For a smoother texture go ahead and puree. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and mix in cooked onions and spices.

5. Spray with nonstick spray a large baking dish. Spoon about 2/3 to 3/4 C. of the filling into center of each tortilla, roll closed, and place seam side down in baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at least 30 min., until piping hot. Serve topped with salsa. If you want crispier tortillas, don't cover with foil. With the whole wheat tortillas, they came out crunchy!

less than 10% of calories from fat
per serving: 10.6 g. protein; 7.5 g. fiber

Enjoy. And get out there, the PRODUCE is fantastic.

Now, to tend to my pumpkin bread baking in oven. J and I have lucky co-workers tomorrow!

Great Song

2007-06-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

Twenty Four - Switchfoot

Download it. Now. Legally, of course.

Twenty-four oceans
Twenty-four skies
Twenty-four failures
And twenty-four tries
Twenty-four finds me
In twenty-fourth place
With twenty-four drop outs
At the end of the day

Life is not what I thought it was
Twenty-four hours ago
Still I'm singing 'Spirit,
take me up in arms with You'
And I'm not who I thought I was
Twenty-four hours ago
Still I'm singing 'Spirit,
take me up in arms with You'

There's twenty-four reasons
To admit that I'm wrong
With all my excuses
Still twenty-four strong

See, I'm not copping out
Not copping out
Not copping out
When you're raising the dead in me

Oh, oh
I am the second man
Oh, oh
I am the second man now
Oh, I am the second man now
And you're raising these...

Twenty-four voices
With twenty-four hearts
All of my symphonies
In twenty-four parts
But I want to be one today
Centered and true
I'm singing 'Spirit take me up in arms with You'
You're raising the dead in me

Oh, oh
I am the second man
Oh, oh
I am the second man now
Oh
I am the second man now
And you're raising the dead in me
Yeah

I wanna see miracles
To see the world change
Wrestled the angel for more than a name
For more than a feeling
For more than a cause
I'm singing 'Spirit, take me up in arms with You'
And you're raising the dead in me

Twenty-four oceans
With twenty-four hearts
All of my symphonies
With twenty-four parts
Life is not what I thought it was
Twenty-four hours ago
Still I'm singing 'Spirit,
take me up in arms with You'
I'm not copping out
Not copping out

Sadness.

2007-05-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Mr. J's father passed away on Monday... we're dealing with a lot around here, but we appreciate all the support and kind words. Just 6.5 months, and I don't have a father-in-law. It's odd, and I know he's taking it hard, I guess it's a reality check, we're all getting older by the minute, and any second could be our last. Mama C is doing alright, she's surrounded by all of us, and we're staying nights down there, and we're being her support system.

Kick ass Chocolate chocolate chip cookies

2007-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Can you Handle it? Note - this batter is STICKY - use parchement paper or those fabulous sil-pats (that's Mrs. C in Pee-yeah for making my baking dreams come true with those!) The other Mrs. KC and I made these today at Mama and Papa C's house for the relatives in from Kansas. They rocked!

2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened bittersweet chocolate powder/cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt (with added cocoa you need the extra salt)
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, salted, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar (how come you taste so good)
2 tsp vanilla extract (or the real stuff that I have from Mexico - yum)
2 large eggs
1 bag of mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts, if you like or not. Macadamia might rock this recipe more... might try that.

preheat that oven to 375.

Combine your butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla and cocoa. Mix in the salt, baking soda. Then add the flour. Mix well, add chips and nuts (if you please).

Get that super cookie scoop out (if you're like me, you like uniform cookies) (my favorite here: http://www.amazon.com/Grips-1044083-Small-Cookie-Scoop/dp/B0000CCY1E/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5654791-7555214?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1181524002&sr=8-2 - Small cookie scoop by OXO - buy one NOW)... scoop out onto your silpat or parchment (I know, it's high maintainence, but seriously, these are sticky!).

Bake 9 -11 minutes. Then, remove and let stand on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes to set, then cool on wire racks or waxed paper over newspaper - old school.

To makes these a little healthier - you could do half whole wheat flour, half regular.

Get a big glass of (lactose free soy) milk - enjoy!

Hmm.

2007-05-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Loving the new job, new challenges, BIG learning curve, which is good for me. I just hope that an opportunity might present itself to me. We'll see.

New Job for a while

2007-04-30T18:19:00.001-07:00

Moving to a different section for 4 months. I hope this brings good things.

On trying new things...

2007-04-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

So, today we got our first produce shipment from Pioneer Organics based out of South Seattle...

It is in the attempt to do a few things:
1. Eat more locally
2. Eat more veggies - and different veggies - and stuff I normally wouldn't buy but I just paid $30 for the bin of stuff, and dammit, we're going to eat it.
3. Try new recipes. (see #2)

So, we're getting this every two weeks - so I figure that saves me from having to shop every week for produce, just every other week now. And it's organic - which is kind of a treat... so we have it delivered every Friday after Pay Day. It's kind of fun, wondering what you are going to get in your bin.

This shipment we got:
7 nice Carrots
6 baby turnips
2 leeks
3 cameo apples
3 fuji apples
2 ruby grapefruits
4 bananas
1 bunch of asparagus (that is for J - I still hate it, I try it again and again)
2 mangos (we already had one - YUM - Boone had some, too)
1 huge head of green lettuce
4 baby artichokes
1 bunch of collard greens (watch K cook southern, coming to FoodTV)

So, Mr. J had defrosted a roast - so I had to get it ready to crock...

In went the carrots, the turnips, the leeks, some potatoes I had, a packet of onion soup mix, a packet of brown gravy mix, and the super roast and all is in the fridge right now, steeping, so to speak. I can't decide if I want to put it on tomorrow, and just have it when we get to it (he has plans for tomorrow night, and I have to work) or put it on early Sunday morning and have a nice Sunday dinner (gah, saying that makes me feel like I should go to church or something - um. No - how about Hale's Ales for a beer and brunch instead!).

That is what is new at the C household. Mama C sounds interested in it... we might get her a gift certificate for mother's day - and maybe Mama H will get one, too. We all could use more veggies!!!

5 things Meme

2007-04-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Five Things In My Closet

Usually a suitcase - a nice one I bought at 22 - all grown up girl item
Sheets - lots of NICE (aka higher than 400 thread count) sheets
Clothes - all sizes, some fit, some don't.
Wedding dress - waiting to be cleaned (still)
At least 5 bridesmaid dresses I'll (hopefully) NEVER wear again

Five Things In My fridge

Lactaid Milk (for me :P)
Champagne
Frambiose
At least two bottles of Ketchup (Heinz ONLY)
Garlic Stuffed olives *unless J ate the rest*

Five Things In My Car

CDs
Gum (three kinds)
Insurance information
Bottle of water
umbrella (that I don't use)

Five Things In My Purse

Work ID
Lip Balm (Sunshine Wheat from New Belgium Brewery)
Key for other work
Mom's house key
Debit cards

Top 7 Favorite Songs

2007-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

As I fly off to Denver for the week (Mr. J and Boone get to have a bachelor's pad for the week - lucky!), I will be listening to my MP3 Player (no, I don't have an iPod, even my husband, who admits he's less tech than me has one now, (thanks to me)) on the plane, made me think, I should list my favorite songs...(well, at least at this point in time)

So, here they are - leave comments, let me know yours - always in search of new songs to download!

These are songs - if you hear them on the radio, I have to crank it up!!! Which is usually why I miss calls on my cell phone - radio too loud. >:)

1. "One" by U2
2. "23" by Jimmy Eat World
3. "The Story" by Brandi Carlile (newish, but still - gonna be classic!)
4. "Red Light" by Jonny Lang
5. "Anything by Mine" by Kenny Chesney
6. "Never Tear us Apart" by INXS
7. "Jack and Diane" John Couger Mellencamp

Have a good week! Off to see old peeps in Denver and learn new and amazing skillz.

So, I did it...

2007-04-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know, I am trying to save for Paris... I was all wild-hair up my butt a few weeks ago, and informed Mr. J that I will go with or without him ... and by the end of the year. He's encouraging it and we hope to save enough for him to go with me, too. But then again, the other Mrs. C's ~~spawn~~ baby is arriving in late August. My friend J the crazy chemist is getting married on December 29, and wants me to be a groomswoman, which I think is totally cool - I'll look fantastic in a black satin dress... but that totally HOSES my plan... unless I leave from Houston... Hmm.. Thoughts!

So, I had to buy "The Story" - listened to the snippets on iTunes... and it HAD to be done.

I've been thinking.. it's time to start writing again... So, I'm going to do my best - I think it's an outlet that I need. (if you didn't see from above). Here goes nothing...

Things I have been thinking about lately - thoughts swimming in my mind.

Is it sad that seeing U2 in concert is the closest thing to a god in my life? Should I put that much stock in their music (and the answer is YES)?

My head is a mess - what do I do with that? I just keep sorting, but the sorting is usually in my sleep, so I'm not sleeping well.

I am bored with my job. How do I fix that? I've been watching the boards, but then again, I am so blessed to have a job, should I really be bitching? In fact, I'm blessed to have two jobs. The second job lets me feel useful to the world, even if it's only selling pet supplies (but with the best company that truly cares about their employees). Besides, the said second job is allowing me to save for Paris... and all those other trips I have to make this year.

Oh, don't forget that 10-year high school reunion. Ug! Which one do I go to? The one in Penciltuckie - with the people I went K through Junior year with - or the one in Colorado, where I went all of two years? It's a toss up. Hopefully Pee-yeah will coincide with said ~~spawn~~ baby of the other Mrs. C.

Other deep thoughts - I think I would be a great momma, but only to doggles. I think if I had an actual baby, I would seriously fuck it up. I use the word fuck too much. The child would be the worst kid on the block, and would look at other parent's with a big middle finger in their face. But, then again, that would be bad ass, and I would put it in a leather jacket. But then again, I don't think I would pawn my genetics off onto an unsuspecting being, either. Yes, I know, I'm only 27.6 years old. Maybe it will change in my 30s. Not even going to consider it until then.

I wish I could be a song writer - I feel lame when I listen to fabulous music and then I feel so inspired, but then think, I could never write anything like that. And then again, who would want to hear me sing. But you should hear me when the radio is turned up and I'm on my commute. (Or maybe, it's best I commute alone - I sing loud, proud and terribly! I won't even sing in front of Mr. J).

Can you maintain close friendships with men that aren't your spouse? It seems all my straight guy friends have dropped on the face of the fucking earth since I announced the engagement. I left guilt messages to most of them in the past week. Maybe they will get the HINT that just because I'm married, doesn't mean we can't talk about the stuff we talked about ... well, most of the stuff we talked about before.

So, back to Paris. You know where to find me if you would like to a non-tax-deductible donation to the cause. Ms. K needs to go to Paris!!! I feel so unworldly. But totally worthy, even if I'm bogged down with thoughts right now.

Great Song...

2007-04-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

New Brandi Carlile is out - and damn, I want it! She's awesome... wish I could have got tickets to either of the concerts in the Seattle area...

Sigh - so, here's lyrics to The Story:

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
Yeah you do and I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
Is hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through but you do
And I was made for you...

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you
And I was made for you...

"Can you read my mind?" The Killers

2007-02-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

On the corner of main street
Just tryin' to keep it in line
You say you wanna move on and
You say I'm falling behind
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?

I never really gave up on
Breakin' out of this two-star town
I got the green light
I got a little fight
I'm gonna turn this thing around
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?

The good old days, the honest man;
The restless heart, the Promised Land
A subtle kiss that no one sees;
A broken wrist and a big trapeze

Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go, can you read my mind?

It’s funny how you just break down
Waitin' on some sign
I pull up to the front of your driveway
With magic soakin' my spine

Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?

The teenage queen, the loaded gun;
The drop dead dream, the Chosen One
A southern drawl, a world unseen;
A city wall and a trampoline

Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go
Tell me what you find when you read my mind
Slippin’ in my faith until I fall
You never returned that call
Woman, open the door, don't let it sting
I wanna breathe that fire again

She said
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
Put your back on me

The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun
When you read my mind

Been digging this song lately... good album "Sam's Town"... if you haven't picked it up yet, do it. Do it now.

The Numbers:

2007-02-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

Got this from another site... thought it was a good question/answer thing. And I like those:

10 Favorites:
Favorite Color: Blues... all kinds of blues... but a hot pink here and there is good, too.
Favorite Food: Pita Pizzas - I live off of them.
Favorite Month: October.
Favorite Song: Too many to name. Love "Fair" by Remy Zero and "Universe & U" by KT Tunstall. Absolutely ADORING the new Brandi Carlile - can't wait for that to come out! Most anything on The Mountain. "She's Mine" by Brett Dennen is fabulous, too.
Favorite Movie: Bridget Jones' Diary. Got me through a lot. Watched it too many times. Notting Hill, too. British theme here?
Favorite Sport: Baseball.
Favorite Season: Early fall and late spring.
Favorite Day of the week: Used to hate them, but Sundays now. Only day off.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Miss it. Sadly, lactose is a bitch. So, Mandarine Sorbet with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
Favorite Time of Day: The moment before you fall asleep and have a happy thought, which leads to happy dreams. But sometimes, that backfires, and you sleep only 4 hours and still function the next day at work. Hmm.

9 Currents:
Current Mood: Bored now.
Current Taste: Coffee lately, and not the biggest coffee fan. Hmm.
Current Clothes: Black dress pants, aqua v-neck tunic and dress shoes. Sigh. Wish it were jeans and a fleece hoodie.
Current Desktop: Boone!
Current Toenail Color: Metallic Orange.
Current Time: 0915
Current Surroundings: Mauve cube walls.
Current Thoughts: Still bored. But the current project will get done. Just have to put good music on!

8 Firsts
First Best Friend: Jess - still a great friend, even though we only talk about every two years.
First Kiss: Rico on the playground in Kindergarten. Does that count? ;) Still see Rico every now and then, too. We think fondly of that day. ;)
First Screen Name: ColoradoCutiePie - What WAS I thinking?
First Pet: Cinnamon the Irish Setter/Springer Spaniel.
First Piercing: Ears - 4 in each.
First Crush: Shoot, too many to remember.
First CD: Ace of Base - the Sign. I'll own that. :)

7 Lasts:
Last Cigarette: Oh, years ago in a club. Really never got into that, and really glad I didn't! Now I can't even handle the smell of it on someone. Thank gawd the clubs here are now smoke free.
Last Drink: I had half a glass of red at the in-laws at lunch on Sunday.
Last Car Ride: This morning, to work.
Last Kiss: Yesterday.
Last Movie Seen: "Last Kiss" with Zach Braff - horribly depressing.
Last Phone Call: To my cell phone company. At least they admit it when they f-up.
Last CD Played: "Garden State" soundtrack

6 Have You Evers:
Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Guy/Girl Friends: Yep.
Have You Ever Broken the Law: Which law. I've been a chronic rule follower.
Have You Ever Been Arrested: No.
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: Yep. :)
Have You Ever Been on TV: Yep, after the tornado, and someone told me I was when I was in Mississippi after Katrina, but never saw the tape.
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: Who hasn't?

5 Things:
Thing You're Wearing: Diamond necklace I bought myself.
Thing You've Done Today: Wished for different circumstances, but then I know I am here because I'm supposed to be.
Thing You Can Hear Right Now: Hot water pot working, and lots of typing.
Thing You Can't Live Without: Chocolate.
Thing You Do When You're Bored: Answer surveys like this.

4 Places You've Been Today:
Home.
My Car.
Out. (Out where? OUTSIDE!)
My cube.

3 People You Can Tell Anything Most Things To:
J
The other Mrs. C in Pee-yea.
Sister J

2 Choices:
Black or White: Black
Hot or Cold: Cold weather, hot bath.

1 Thing You Want to Do Before You Die:
Go to Europe.

I'm going to...

2007-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

2007-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Explain what ended your last relationship? a cheater (not me). I was left in the dark about it for two months, even when his family knew about it. Great Christian family there! Jack-asses!

Whenwas the last time you shaved? Almost two weeks ago (sorry Mr. J - I'm too tired in the morning, and sleepy by the evening)... Aiming for Saturday evening bath.

What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? Sitting in a meeting at work - daily 0800 meetings... getting the weather, project status, etc. *snore*

What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Eating lunch... I ate really slow today, dunno why. Took me about an hour to get through my salad and half of the teriyaki (S had the other half).

Are you any good at math? Ask anyone. I can mess up with a calculator.

Your prom night? With my best guy friend, D - both years - I asked him. I wanted to go, and well, he said yes both times.

Do you have any famous ancestors? Supposedly they saved the Liberty Bell, but I don't know how true that is.

Have you had to take a loan out for school? Yep. Sigh.

Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? Most of them. "Beautiful Wreck" must be my theme song. Either that or "At Last" by Etta James.

Last thing received in the mail? Crate and Barrel and a Williams Sonoma Catalouge - I could drop a mint at either place.

How many different beverages have you had today? Water all day. Might have some ginger ale later tonight...

Do you ever leave messages on peoples answering machine? If I need them to call me back, yep. If not, then usually not.

Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to? DMB at the Gorge in George, WA. Best way to lose it. I don't count the concert with 10 bands in high school... even though, the Femmes and Cracker were great.

Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Why not?

What was the most painful dental procedure you have had? For about 6 months when I first got out of college I had to go for fillings every three weeks. And we'd do one quadrant a month, with cleanings on either side... I got to know my dentist WAY too well.

What is out your back door? Don't have one, live in a condo.

Any plans for Friday night? Working my part-time job. Sleeping, and getting up and working again on Saturday.

Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? No, it gets it all snarly and dry.

Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? No, but damn, I wish - or maybe just a cheese popcorn flavored tin!

Have you ever been to a planetarium? Yep, and almost got kicked out.

Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yep, for about a week - with our new towels, I can go longer, but I don't push it.

Some things you are excited about? Starting my dog/cat nutrition class. Possibly going to Disneyland with the other KC in the family in March. Working on a savings plan with Mr. J (sick, I know) and hopefully getting the motivation to go back to the gym. Something's gotta give.

What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? I like the cheesecake flavor of Jello Pudding - but I really don't like actual Jello. Bleah.

Describe your keychain(s): Um. Bunch on those grocery swipers to get the discounts, and key to my desk, house, and a whistle. I keep my car keep on another one with the keyless entry.

Where do you keep your change? Usually at the bottom of my purse... if there is any.

Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? Open enough for Boone to "stealth-like" slink out to the couch. He's so busted every morning because when he sees me, he wags his tail and it hits the cushion...

First BBQ of the year...

2007-01-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it's seems a little early... but I guess a snowy Tuesday evening is the perfect time for a BBQ. We had a nice small cut of steak, homemade mashed potatoes, a fresh salad - and other than the heater kicking on and having about 10 layers of clothing on from the cold - you could have almost heard the birds singing and wished the sun was shining. Oh well. Back to reality - but you still have a summer meal on your plate! Yum!

(I so need to get this for Boone!)

WOW!

2006-12-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be an auntie, of sorts...

My best friend is having a baby... it's odd - I'm completely happy for her, and yet I am completely worried about what will happen (for no good reason) after Benjamin Lucas or Alison Grace gets here. (Yes, she already has names picked out!).

I know that our friendship will change, and deep down I know that we will still talk, but probably not as much in the beginning, and we will still be the friends we always have been - even with over 3000 miles between us. I'm just having an irrational fear at the moment, and that's that.

So, to the other Mrs. C in Pennsyltucky - Congratulations! I can't wait to see that lil one in August! (A good month, by the way!)

Fortunate

2006-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

"time heals all wounds. keep your chin up."

My fortune from yesterday - many meanings for me right now. Just plodding through some muck at the moment, trying to keep moving... but it's not really working at the moment. Oh well, as I always say, "just keep swimming."

Well, well, well...

2006-12-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm sick of the question of "How's Married Life?" - well, seriously, it's not different than shacked up life, except, it is. Does that make sense? Granted, you don't get fabulous presents for shacking up - but that is NOT the reason we got married. Beyond that - I love my friends who don't ask me that... and still like my friends who do. Rambling lately...

What is your sleep position?

2006-11-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Find your own pose!

Dead on for Mr. J and I. :)

We're Back!

2006-11-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

And we went on a real honeymoon to Mexico! :) It came through at the last minute thanks to his Aunt. Rock on! :)

And we're married! Check it out:

17 days

2006-10-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Until I'm Mrs. C - I'm finally starting to get a little nervous - not about marrying Mr. J - just about the WHOLE event.

Honeymoon Schmoneymoon

2006-10-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

In the end... yes, every girl dreams of her wedding. And in that dream is a honeymoon where you are a size 4, in a bikini, on a beach, all tan and gorgeous, and usually blonde... come to think of it, you look a lot like Barbie.

Then reality hits you - you're not a size 4, not even a 14!

You see your friends going to Caribbean and Europe for a week or so, and wonder, why can't I do that?

And then, you realize, someone has to pay for that honeymoon, and that someone is you and your boy, and well, all the extra $ you had, goes to the wedding or the house. What do you do? You put off planning any semblance of a honeymoon to the very last minute. And then put it off some more.

Which sounds good to me right now.

NOT FAIR!

2006-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

So, I'm on this team at work, who gets called up in emergency situations.

Everyone waits for the time they will get a month detail to Hawaii.

Guess what popped in my inbox this morning?

Guess who wouldn't be at her wedding if she went. :P

Alas.

26 days?

2006-10-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Seriously? That's it? It's odd. Been thinking about the whole name change thing. Will this change who I am? Why can't HE change his name (though... must say, like his name just fine, too)? It's mostly just wondering about things. Yes, I want to be Ms. C instead of Ms. S. But then there are some many varying opinions thrown at you, you know? Some people say, don't change your name, you have so much under your maiden name at work. (And with my work, you change it in your personal life, you HAVE to change it in your work life - can't do something like that, I already questioned it.)

But in the end, my name with a C sounds great - and finally will be at the front of the alphabet. (Always hated that in school... waiting until the S's were called. Except when they started at the end and went backwards.)

When lyrics aren't what you thought...

2006-09-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

So, look them up, and really know what they are saying:
The band is Blue October and the song is "Sound of Pulling Heaven Down." All around, a fabulous CD (Foiled) and it's onsale for $6.88 - so even if you hate half of it, still a bargain!

Somewhere, far away from here
I saw stars, stars that I could reach (yeah)
It was a midnight, a silent twilight
Fell down, beyond the ocean beach (yeah)

I assemble all the sand that cover wedding beaches
To build a castle so your mom would have a place to stay
Behind the water slide and down the hill where heaven reaches
Land and time is left to float away (yeah)

So rest assured I have the key to every opening
To every wishing well that's deep enough to dream (dream)
I want to show you just how fascinating kissing is
When earth collides with all the space between (yeah)

I'm reaching farther than I ever have before
Leaving all who broke your heart upon the shore
I may be some sort of crazy
We may be some sort of crazy
But I swear on everything I have and more

So never look behind you, spooky people bring you down
The world is ending there's a party by the bay
I'll wear my suit and tie when I am
I am toasting to the way you put that smile upon my face (yeah)

Fill up the air balloon and ride with me
Yeah hell is jealous of the rain (rain)
Make love like time and space Is ending
While befriending fate's alluring way of putting this to shame

I'm reaching farther than I ever have before
Leaving all who broke your heart upon the shore
I may be some sort of crazy
We may be some sort of crazy
But I swear on everything I have and more

You make the sound of pulling heaven down
You brought the rain's romantic pour
You make the sound
You make the sound
Of pulling heaven down

I'm reaching farther than I ever have before
(Tired of wasting time)
Leaving all who broke your heart upon the shore
I may be some sort of crazy
We may be some sort of crazy
But I swear on everything I have and more
(go go go go)

I'm reaching farther than I ever have before
(Tired of wasting time)
Leaving all who broke your heart upon the shore
(Tired of wasting time)
I may be some sort of crazy
We may be some sort of crazy
But I swear on everything I have and more
(go go go go)

What Pin-Up Girl are you?

2006-09-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm:

You are Betty Grable

The ulitmate girl next door
You're the perfect girl for most guys
Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real.

What Famous Pinup Are You?

53 days.

2006-09-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

53 days. Seems like a long time. If you are deployed. Seems like a short time, if you are about to take the plunge, so to speak. Well, you can call me Mrs. C, like they did in Happy Days after then. That, or Ms. K instead of Miss K. :D

New twist on Cucumber Salad

2006-09-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've been making a cucumber salad with tomatos from my friend, Shannon...

One small shallot, sliced and ringed out
1 medium cucumber, diced
10 - 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered (or more if you like)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon white balsamic or rice wine vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
A sprig of fresh dill, chopped.
Salt and Pepper, couple shakes of each.

So GOOD!

White Balsamic makes it sweeter, rice a little more tart.

Friday - finally.

2006-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Looking SO forward to my treat - it's been building up all week, and I can say, yes, I deserve it.

My friend, Shannon, is such a sweet person. She got me a foot/leg reflexology/pedicure at Gene Juarez - this AFTERNOON! SO excited!

So, my legs and feet will be like noodles, ah. Then we are going to dinner... Good start to a weekend.

Exactly how I feel today.

2006-09-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Went to bed with a headache, woke up with a worse one. Sigh.

Note to Self:

2006-09-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Maintain faith in man kindness--despite the absence of proof.

Indulge in your hunger for delicious mischieft at least three times a day.

Off my daily "good girl's guide to being a bad girl" calendar.

Other note to self: 61 days.

Two day in a row?

2006-09-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Not much going on. Heard from a friend that I made in Portland last summer... was good to hear from her.

All the invitations are out and about to the world, landing in certain mailboxes near you, soon. That was nice to get those out yesterday. Big weight off the shoulders.

Now, it's time to find a flower girl dress and little hair sparklies for the ladies in the wedding. Work on those out of town bags, and little gifts for the attendants. Lots to do, only 65 days to go.

Almost 3 months...

2006-09-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing how my blog is boring lately. And I've been demoted on "I (heart) Thursdays" because I don't post anymore. So, thought maybe I should write something and Hennifero should learn that family is at the top, always. :P

Between all the wedding stuff (Jason's brother, my best friend Jamie, our own) I usually avoid the computer at all times, because then I get sucked into the wedding machine, especially when people start sending you links, and you think, "Well, our wedding would TOTALLY suck with WEDDING CAKE JEWELRY!" - then you have a glass of wine, and think, "What was I thinking?" It's a monster, it sucks you in, and well, then you start thinking weird. I'm doing my best not to be the bridezilla. Thinking of it as a party.

So, you happy, y'all? I posted. :P

What's been going on?

2006-06-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff. One bridal shower, one wedding, 400 cookies, 105 boxes stuffed with cookies, one rehearsal dinner, one gift of three placemats and three napkins bought, one chalkboard shipped, one box of chalk to buy, 75 save-the-dates arrived, about 55 addressed, stamped and ready to send, two registries started (www.amazon.com/wedding and Macy's), about 35 days crossed off the calendar, fed 6 small children under the age of 10 tacos one night, snuggled up with Mr. J most of those nights (he went camping some of them), made awesome pico de gallo the other night, tried on over 20 dresses, found "the one" and ordered it, one bridesmaid dress test-run went well, four basil plants growing well, along with italian parsley and sage (Oh, woe is me, the cilantro, died), one friend moved on to a great new job, another lost something important, and that's about all. :)

Weekends are too short

2006-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

But we had a great one... went and helped Jase's brother pick out tuxes for his wedding in June... shopped at Trader Joe's - made homemade crust for the "crack on a crust" for Sunday, motocycle ride in the rain to the craft store, where we made people nervous with our helmets and big jackets looking at ribbon. Sheesh, we were everywhere. But it was always nice to come home to our place. :) It's so cozy and it is home.

Moto? Cross? Is that a new phone?

2006-05-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

So, I forgot until Thursday that the "best man" Scott was coming to grace us with his glory... Love Scott, love the hangover that follows (and I didn't even drink!) Scott and Jase have know each other since 1st grade, so I get all the dirt I'll ever need on Jase! HA!

Anyways, Saturday dawns, it's COLD, it's POURING, and we're going to Motocross at Qwest Field. I'm in running pants, jeans, t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, fleece vest with ANOTHER fleece on top of it, scarf, socks, hiking shoes and a rain coat just in case. Not my idea of a stylish outfit, but what the hell, I'm going to sit with the crazy crowd in the crap-tastic weather. (And not a mullet in site, bummer!) I was amazed at the ladies in the trendy shirts and high heels/open toes in that weather - BRRR!!! See "results" here - it was CRAZY!

All in all though, had a great time - watch some good wipe outs, some amazing jumps, and lots of mud being flung! Of course, a great time with Scott in da house, too. I swear, I about pee myself half the time he is visiting...

Crack on a Crust

2006-04-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, salads and an easy main dish... this is a great, easy, low fat pizza that everyone RAVES about...

BBQ Chicken Pizza

1 sliced red onion
1 green pepper, chopped
½ lb chicken, bite sized pieces
½ cup (or more if you like) BBQ Sauce
2-3 shots of hot sauce (or more if you like)
4 whole wheat pita shells or some other pizza crust
1 cup (or more if you like) of fresh shredded Parmesan, Asaigio or Romano cheese

Cook the chicken with a little salt and pepper, then, cook the onions and peppers until just barely tender. Add cooked chicken pieces, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. Cook until heated through.

Add the ingredients to the pizza crust. Then through a little more BBQ sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese and bake at 400 degree for 10-15 minutes.