Guilty Money

Art + Science = Awesome

2009-10-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

This guy is awesome. If i had money, I would totally buy ANY of his pieces. How amazing are these? Maybe it's my inner science geek coming out, but I think these are devastatingly gorgeous and incredibly powerful.

Luke Jerram Glass Microbiology

She couldn't be cuter.

2009-06-15T05:35:00.001-07:00

This is my niece. Her name is Olivia.

She's wearing a Lilly Pulitzer shift my mom bought her. She couldn't be more adorable.

I just thought I'd share a smile this morning :)

(p.s. - you can read about her and her mom and family over on elastamom's excerpts!)

Ah, Young Love

2009-05-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

I must must MUST share with you some of the fabulous new things I've come to love recently. Because they are fantastic, and you will love them too. I'm sure of it.

#1....Colgate Wisps!!! Frickin AMAZING!

I love these things. I am a fan, and have been for awhile, of being able to brush/freshen up on the go. However, since I work in a microbiology lab, i can't really keep a toothbrush and paste in my desk (who knows what will get on it) so I prefer some sort of disposable device. Previous versions have been, um, ok...but it was more like rubbing a piece of paper on your teeth. This feels like an actual BRUSH! And it's so minty! (or cinnamon-y! or spearmint-t!) PLUS - there's a little pick thing at the other end to really scrape with - or if you happen to get a popcorn kernel stuck at the movies. I'm just saying. AND - they are individually wrapped in the package of four, so they won't get all gross while they are waiting in your purse for you to use them. Perfection.

#2. Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain

I appreciate that I am pretty much smack dab in the middle of America's Next Top Model's target audience, but wow - did I go for this one. And DAMN - these are HA-mazing. They really are like magic in a marker. And oddly enough, it totally feels like you are coloring your lips with a marker. (Anyone else do that when they were little? No? Just me? Ok.) I got mine yesterday, in #420, which I believe is Sassy Mauve. Now, word of warning - they go on WAY more intense than the color of the packaging would lead you to believe. Also, I think the packaging leaves a little something to be desired. However, once I put this on, then added a top layer of lipgloss (my next favorite thing, see #3) it looked SO lovely! AND - the color stayed all through dinner! and talking with friends! And about 7 diet cokes! And two glasses of water! (i drink alot.) I was very impressed. So were my girlfriends.

#3. Stila Lipgloss in Kitten

I own a ridiculous number of lipglosses. For reals. But this one - is almost perfect. It is super shiny, not to sticky, glittery, but not in a seven-year-old-at-a-Hannah-Montana-concert kind of glittery. More a Look-How-Gorgeous-My-Mouth-Is-Don't-You-Want-To-Kiss-Me vibe. Lovely. Stila is well known for their Lipgloss and the color Kitten (eye shadow is SUPER popular nude) so the lipgloss in Kitten was a no brainer.

4. Google Chrome

If you haven't downloaded it yet, do it right now. I'll wait.

...
...
...

It should be done now. That's how stinkin' fast it is! Love love love it. Wish every site on the internet would realize how amazing it is and update their code so I wouldn't run into the occasional one that doesn't work with it. Still, totally worth it and use it on every computer I own.

5. The Pioneer Woman
I love blogs...I love to read them and follow them. It takes up a large part of my day. This one is FANTASTIC. Great recipes (seriously - they've ALL been good that I've tried so far.) Ree's photography is amazing, her storytelling skills are astounding (i'm on the edge of my seat with her wedding/courtship story!) and I love seeing the pictures and hearing stories of daily life on the Ranch. I feel like I might have to turn this into a cooking/food blog just so I can go visit her. That's how cool I think she is.

I'm a copycat...so?

2009-04-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Monday Mumbers, inspired by my sis...

862,347: The number of times I've wished myself back to bed this morning.

3: The number of exams left to do in my Drugs and Mental health class.

6: The number of loads of laundry still waiting for me at home.

2: The number of awesome naps I took this weekend, instead of doing said laundry or exams.

7: The number of days I have dinner planned for this week - woo woo!

960: The number of pipet tips i had to re-rack after i dropped them on the floor this morning. Clearly I need to have more caffeine before I attempt to do anything in the lab.

1466: The number of unread emails in my inbox...i get way too much junkmail.

264: The number of days until A and I leave for vacation. Far too long.

Progress on The List

2009-01-17T03:59:00.000-08:00

There has been a little progress on the list...

2. Finish my masters degree in counseling - this one is kind of always
in progress.

12. Work out 3 times per week. - I'm going to a new gym today with my mom...yes, I own Wii fit. Yes, I could use that. However, I like a gym, and I've been having huge problems with my back, so I'm looking for a place with a pool and also some weight training. I'm done with physical therapy now, and I really miss being in the pool.

17. Take my vitamin every day (super important, considering goal #1)for 3 months.(but i'll keep doing it afterwards.)(4/90) - Finally got some prenatals i like, that don't make me feel sick. Yay! I want to take Prenate DHA, but I need a prescription. In the meantime, I'm taking One a Day Prenatals with DHA supplement - I think they're pretty close. And they kinda smell like vanilla!

20. Make 5 blog posts per month for 3 months. (2/15)- Trying to be better about this - I think having the list to talk about will help lol.

26. Make dinner 5 nights a week for a month. (2/4)- We've done this two weeks in a row! Planning is the key it seems. I now have a little white board on the fridge where we plan our menu for the week - I love it; no more deciding that night what we should have, no more freaking out because we don't have what i need for dinner. All set and ready to go!

59. Use my reusable bags instead of plastic grocery bags every time i go to the store for 3 months. (2/4)- So I'm only averaging about 50% on this one...i still forget sometimes, and other times the checkout people are so fast! Mostly it's the forgetting. I'll get better though. I wish they would ask if you had your own bags!

65. Organize and file all the paper on my desk at work. – Desk is clean, just have to get some hanging file folders so I can actually use my filing cabinet!

68. Take a self-portrait each day for a year.(2/365) Starting on my birthday, 1/15/09
69. Take a photo each day for a year and create my own coffee table style book.
Both of these started on 1/15/09 - should be interesting! I feel like i need to get ready everyday so I can stop looking so scary lol - but then I guess it wouldn't be quite as real. I forgot until I was about to go to bed yesterday to do this...I'm thinking we'll have lots of shots of the dogs in the photo a day for the year.

92. Try 50 new recipes. (2/50)- So far I've tried a Southwest Black
Bean salad (yummy!) and Mashed potato soup (also yummy! and so easy!)I'll post the recipes ASAP :)

100. Teach my parents how to use Skype so they can call people when they are in Costa Rica. - This is in progress...I gave them a lesson last weekend, installed the software and set up the account. We're still having issues with them figuring out how to connect to wi-fi access points (sigh) but they just got a new laptop so it should be WAY easier now. I'll consider this complete when they go on their trip and
successfully contact me using Skype in February.

This weekend, I plan on completing:

101. Clean my microwave. I can't believe that's the last thing on my list, but it really needs to be done, and I keep putting it off.
98. Clean out the cabinet under the sink in the master bathroom.
83. Put together bedside table in guest bedroom.

I plan on doing a great deal of organizing and cleaning this weekend, but we also have plans to see friends and celebrate my birthday with my family, so I'm not sure exactly how much I'll get done. I love having this list though - it gives me direction and focus for when i do have time to spend accomplishing things!

A's Philosophy on All Things Food

2009-01-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

A: If those had cheese in the middle, I'd eat 'em.
Me: laughing hysterically, then immediately blogging.

101 things in 1001 days: Here we go!

2009-01-10T06:25:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I joined a group that is basically a discussion group for people wanting to take part in their own Day Zero Project (google it :) )The idea is that you make a list of 101 things that you want to complete over the next 1001 days...about 2.75 years. Since it is a longer time frame, it gives you more time to plan, so they can be bigger goals, but the goals have to be achievable and specific, but still stretch you. I'm excited. So, here's my list. I will keep you updated with my progress!

1. Have a baby.
2. Finish my masters degree in counseling.
3. Redecorate the master bedroom.
4. Install shelves in the pantry.
5. Repaint my office.
6. Organize A's home office.
7. Clean and organize spare bedroom.
8. Redecorate spare bedroom.
9. Clean out the garage.
10. Sell all of the stuff in the "extra stuff laundry basket" in my office on Ebay.
11. Drop off clothes we no longer wear at salvation army etc.
12. Work out 3 times per week.
13. Start composting at home.
14. Go on vacation to Costa Rica with A.
15. Convert to a digital filing system for all home files.
16. Stay on budget for our household for one month (then keep doing it).
17. Take my vitamin every day (super important, considering goal #1)for 3 months.(but i'll keep doing it afterwards.)(0/90)
18. Learn to knit - I've wanted to do this FOREVER!
19. Make a scrapbook about my dogs.
20. Make 5 blog posts per month for 3 months. (0/15)
21. Lose 10 pounds.
22. Lose 10 more pounds.
23. Lose 10 more pounds.
24. Lose 10 more pounds.
25. Lose 10 more pounds.
26. Make dinner 5 nights a week for a month. (0/4)
27. Drink 8 glasses of water per day for a month. (0/30)
28. Take a photography class.
29. Learn spanish.
30. Pay off credit cards.
31. Pay off student loans.
32. Lose 10 more pounds.
33. Lose 10 more pounds.
34. Lose 10 more pounds.
35. Lose 10 more pounds.
36. Lose 10 more pounds.
37. Find a placement for practicum and internship for this summer/fall.
38. Save $1000 in temporary emergency fund. (0/1000)
39. Finish organizing basement.
40. Clean out built in bookshelves in living room, and reorganize to store all the Wii stuff, which currently drives me crazy.
41. Get an external back up hard drive for desktop computer...and use it.
42. Install shelves in laundry room.
43. Fix utility tub in laundry room.
44. Install new garbage disposal in kitchen.
45. Fix faucet on garden tub in master bath.
46. Fix shower leak in guest bath.
47. Install new faucet in kitchen sink.
48. Repair mud room door trim.
49. Install new kitchen floor.
50. Get professional pictures taken of the dogs.
51. Have friends over for dinner 6 times. (0/6)
52. Clean and organize the laundry room.
53. Walk the dogs once a week for two months. (0/8)
54. Mail a secret to PostSecret.
55. Complete the Couch to 5K running plan.
56. Meditate 10 minutes a day for a month. (0/30)
57. Have a girls night 25 times. (0/25)
58. Attempt a fondant covered figure cake for one of the kids' birthdays.
59. Use my reusable bags instead of plastic grocery bags every time i go to the store for 3 months. (0/0)
60. Do an accessory/clothing swap with friends (our toy swap at christmas was so fun!)
61. Get my engagement and wedding rings resized so I can wear them again.
62. Take a belly dancing class.
63. Find a storage solution for all of my cake decorating stuff.
64. Learn how to use photoshop before I switch jobs, and have to buy photoshop for myself.
65. Organize and file all the paper on my desk at work.
66. Make pizza dough from scratch (that's good, that A likes)
67. Replace deck with either a new deck or paver patio.
68. Take a self-portrait each day for a year.(0/365) Starting on my birthday, 1/15/09
69. Take a photo each day for a year and create my own coffee table style book.
70. Get another tattoo.
71. Send thank you notes for every event for a year.
72. Learn to play the guitar (for real, not Guitar Hero-style)
73. Send a care package to A's brother in the Navy.
74. Clean out my car weekly for 6 months. (0/24)
75. Learn how to make a decent omelet (even though I don't like omelets).
76. Take cuttings from jade plant and start new plants, then give to friends.
77. Try acupuncture - heard it's good for headaches and babymaking!
78. Create and maintain a list of household chores that need to be done weekly/biweekly/monthly
79. See Wicked (the musical).
80. See Spring Awakening.
81. Buy no more books until all the books on my to be read pile are read (i can still get books from paperbackswap, though).
82. Clean up and repair my bike so I can ride it in the spring.
83. Put together bedside table in guest bedroom.
84. Make a gingerbread house.
85. Change the sheets once a week for a year (i know that seems ridiculous) (0/52)
86. See REM live again. Even if I have to go to Europe.
87. Give to charity in lieu of christmas presents for adults one year.
88. Adopt a family for christmas through the salvation army.
89. Attend a gay pride parade or rally (I'm straight but not narrow!)
90. Go completely caffeine free for one week before I'm pregnant.
91. Get all bills put on autopay.
92. Try 50 new recipes. (0/50)
93. Make time to get my eyes checked (should have been done in August!) Make sure A gets this done too.
94. Make new molds, and get back to soapmaking - my skin will be so much happier.
95. Make our will (or whatever we need to do).
96. Start an IRA for myself.
97. Get a piece of art for A's office at work.
98. Clean out the cabinet under the sink in the master bathroom.
99. Go on a hike with Kate and kind of keep up with her.
100. Teach my parents how to use Skype so they can call people when they are in Costa Rica.
101. Clean my microwave. I can't believe that's the last thing on my list, but it really needs to be done, and I keep putting it off.

So there you go. Depending on how fast some of these go, I reserve the right to replace some of them with new ones :) Wish me luck!

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts

Damn those Girl Scouts.

2009-01-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

So, just like every year (and pretty much every other American) I have resolved to lose weight this year...and just like every year, about a week after that occurs, those damn Girl Scouts come knocking, with their cute smiles and delcious, evil cookies. Why are they so good? Why do the samoas call my name with their coconutty goodness? And the shortbread sing to me with their buttery sweetness? And the tagalongs with their peanut butter encased in chocolate! Sigh.
I tried to be good this year...I ordered their new 100 calorie pack cookies. And like 7 other boxes. Anyone know how many points a thin mint is?

2008 roundup

2008-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, just under the wire, my last post of 2008. A lot of stuff to catch up on (shocking, no? It's only been like a month and a half since my last post!)
First - this last semester didn't actually kill me although it came close. I finished all of my assignments, and managed to get two As and and A minus in my classes. It was truly a Christmas miracle.
Secondly - I must relay my thanksgiving day drama, forever to be known as The One Where Hilary was High on Vicodin. So, I've had back problems since January of 2007, when i had a bad fall on our deck, which was frozen over with ice. I should note here that I am not the most graceful person in the world, although the deck was REALLY icy and I was also carrying a small puppy (Roscoe, who now weighs about 60 pounds)so my focus was on protecting him. Anyway, i've been dealing with back pain since then, doing the whole chiropractor/massage therapist thing and it's been working ok. I finally decided, however, to do some physical therapy to try and get it back in shape, so I could actually start working out so that maybe i could actually STRENGTHEN my core and stop reinjuring myself and be able to like, sit on the floor and play with my neice and nephews. Thanksgiving morning rolls around, however, and all that changes. As i roll out of bed and start down the stairs at home, my foot completely slips out from under me on the first step, and I proceed to fall down about 6 stairs. THIS IS NOT GOOD. It scared the shit out of me, plus it really fucking hurt. So, I start screaming for A. Good morning! Hey, if i'm going to be scared, so is he. So, we (very slowly) make our way to the hospital emergency room (i wasn't sure if i had seriously messed something up). Considering we had family gatherings to go to, and we were also going to Chicago for the weekend, I figured I at least wanted some decent pain killers. Also, I wanted to be sure I hadn't broken my back. you know, cuz that would be bad.
When we got to the emergency room, I think they were actually kind of excited to see us, considering all of the "i set myself on fire while trying to deep fry a turkey" folks hadn't showed up yet. It still took about 3 hours to fix me all up. Side note - why on earth do they ask you to do all kinds of crazy movements when taking x-rays of you? If i could "hop right up on this table" do you think I'd fucking be here??? HUH?? Seriously.
Anyway.....my x-rays came back clear (except for the fact that i apparently have managed to develop arthritis in my back already. Hi, I'm 65 years old.)So, the doctor gave me a big painkiller shot of something, don't remember what!, and 2 count em TWO vicodin :D Plus a prescription for a bunch more. Thanksgiving dinner, I hear, was great - I don't remember one second of it, because I proceeded to eat vicoding like it was candy for the next four days...which turns out is NOT a good idea. Can anyone say CONSTIPATION? holy shit. I didn't actually bother to read the patient handout that came with my drugs, and I was too high when A tried to tell me about that possible side effect to care....but holy mary mother of jesus did i care come sunday. Let's just say we didn't have movement until WEDNESDAY - almost a week went by, kids. Yikes. I also ended up back in the hospital for an emergency CT scan....but it came back clear as well. Apparently I was just having all kinds of pain and blood and protein where it shouldn't be for no reason. Whatevs.
Third - I also sprained my ankle the following sunday. And i landed on a bunch of big rocks. No, I'm not kidding. There were multiple jokes about getting me life alert and a Hover Round for christmas. My physical therapist couldn't believe it, until i showed him the truly impressive bruising on ALL SIDES of my foot and ankle.
Fourth - We had a lovely, lovely christmas. A actually surprised me with my gift - a new Coach bag that is SO DELICIOUS that he picked out all by himself, but that I TOTALLY wanted. He got lawn service for the next year!
Fifth - A and I have been working through a lot of stuff this past year, and we think we're ready to jump on the baby bandwagon....yikes! Nothing like burying the lead, huh? LOL - we aren't trying quite yet, but we will be sometime this year. I'll keep you updated!
Sixth - I got three more pairs of crocs....all i have to say is that fuzzy crocs are awesome, and Wooly mammoth crocs are like the best idea ever.
Finally - I wish each and every one of you a safe, happy and healthy 2009.

Tagged? Really, that's the only reason?

2008-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

So, I apologize for not posting in ...well, over a month. This semester is KILLING me! Never again will I take three classes at the same time. Anyway, my sister tagged me on her blog, and I love her, so I will respond.

Here's how it works.
1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself.
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

6 Random Things About Myself...

1. I have nearly all of my christmas shopping done, and all of the presents rock.
2. Gravy is my favorite part of Thanksgiving.
3. I hate wearing socks.
4. I had an obscene amount of barbies growing up, and think many of them still live in my mom's attic.
5. I literally drink almost nothing but Diet Coke...it is the perfect drink.
6. I take a nap almost every afternoon.

I'm not going to tag anyone - cuz I'm lame :)

I feel like I had more to say - but honestly I've forgotten because I'm so tired! This cold snap has completely gotten to me - it is SO cold here, and it's been snowing. Does this seem early to everyone else?

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! We'll be celebrating this sunday with my family, and then on Thursday with A's family. Enjoy!

OMG

2008-10-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

That was the biggest pain ever. Ok, not really, but wow...that took a long time. But hey, now I'm officially on blogger! So enjoy! And update your links!!!

p.s. - you might be interested to know that only after about 50 new posts in one day does blogger make you prove you're a human :)

Register Now!!!

2008-10-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

As you all know, this may be the most important election we've all had the opportunity to participate in....so don't miss your opportunity to participate!! Today is the last day to register to vote in Ohio! Today is also the last day to vote early. Visit here to check and make sure you're registered or to find out where you can register to vote or vote early. Voting is a right and a privilege.

Santa and Jesus and Hell and Leprechauns

2008-10-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

So, the VP debate was last night....Did you watch? We watched a bit...and it was hilarious. I immediately had the thought, "Wow, we should have made this into a drinking game! 'Maverick!' Take a drink! 'Hockey Mom' Take a drink! 'Reformer!' Take a drink! The only problem? I would have been trashed by like the second question.
Then this morning, I find this...

SERIOUSLY!!??? How could I have missed this? This would have been SO fun. I may have to pull it out this Saturday night when I get to re-watch the debate on SNL. Cuz you KNOW it'll be on there...and even better with Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin.

We got a new car! Also, Hi Mom!

2008-09-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

So, we got a new car! I know, doesn't seem very financially savvy right? Well, probably not....but honestly, i couldn't bear to throw any more money at A's old car. And now? I no longer get to constantly bring up the hydrolic booster assembly that we replaced in that stupid lexus about 6 months after we bought it (after a 2 am phone call from my dear husband when said hydrolic booster assembly failed and stranded him in Detroit after a Pistons game. Yes, I'm still bitter. But yes, I went and got him. Best. Wife. Ever.) All that aside, here is my husband's shiny new toy:

Pretty sweet, huh? The coolest thing about this car (aside from lack of hydraulic booster assembly problems)? You can plug your ipod into it's usb port, and control it from the dashbord - like all of the ipod controls are right there! You don't even have to mess with the ipod at all! Amazing.
And finally, I would like to give a shout out to my mom, who apparently just realized I have a blog. Since I didn't so much publicize it, it really isn't her fault :) Hi Mom!!!

Next thing you know, she'll be tweeting from her smart phone.

2008-09-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a little link love to my big sister! She started her own blog, which i think is such a fabulous idea i can't even tell you! She's got a great story to put out there, and an amazing voice. Her family is quite possibly the most adorable thing ever (ok, I'm biased, but still) and she's one of the most amazing moms I know. Go check her out at http://elastamom.blogspot.com/.

This is how we got so crispy.

2008-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to go to the Ohio vs. OSU game on Saturday. And by lucky enough, I mean we almost got fried to a crisp. I even had sunscreen on (sorry A- I kinda forgot to give you any.) At half time, we were ready to vow to never go to an Ohio State game again, if we were forced to see our boys lose to OHIO UNIVERSITY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. But, they managed to pull it out in the end, even without Beanie...or any offensive line, apparently. Hopefully, things will go better next week against USC. I'm not holding my breath. I'll be too busy peeling all of the now dead skin from A's forehead anyway.

So, I'm Loving this!

2008-08-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Call us dorks if you want, but we are loving the Olympics. And this last night? Was AMAZING!

So not a Good Thing.

2008-07-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, instead of doing something fun last night, A and I spent the evening doing this:

Yep, I was in the hospital. I was out sampling yesterday for work, and it was really, really hot. And sunny. And I didn't eat for like 8 hours. And i didn't bring enough water. And I had to carry gear across a GIANT wheat field. And, for some reason, the heat affected me more than usual. So, cut to me vomiting in a church parking lot (sorry about that!) and one very freaked out grad student driving me to Toledo Hospital's Emergency room, where I'm sure they thought I was high. Or at least gross, cuz I was very, very sweaty. More hospital pics for your enjoyment!

Full length on the stretcher - clearly I wasn't feeling well, if I let A take pics of me in this state.

My sad face, lol - this was when i was feeling a bit better, and fairly ready to be discharged so i could go home. Also, I was finally getting hungry. They don't so much feed you in the emergency room.
So, after a liter of saline, some potassium pills, and over 4 hours in the hospital, i felt much better. This morning, after some sleep, I'm feeling about the same, although my hand hurts like hell where the IV was, and my wrist where they drew more blood (fun!) hurts too - but that's ok. Because I'm not dead from massive organ failure. Props to the doctors and nurses at Toledo's ER...and A, who came through with flying colors, and no panic whatsoever.

Excitement!!!

2008-07-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

So, here's my entry into Dr. Turtle's Photo parade! Theme - Excitement!

I was sooooo excited when I finally got this. It is my second tattoo, and I love it. I can't wait to get my next one!

So, I thought this was cool.

2008-06-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's a photo meme! I got this idea from threeseven over here. It's super fun - try it!

1. St Hilary's, 2. Strawberry, 3. Northview Dunes, 4. Awrad ( Flowers ), 5. moscow today, 6. Cakespy's L'il Cuppie Character, 7. yodell ♫ lay-od-lay-od-lay-he-hoo, ♫ lay-od-lay-od-low yodellay, ♫ yodallay, yodal-low… ♫ and they fly low supreme! ♫ little egrets from bali- egretta garzetta ♫, 8. There's nothing quite like pulling a pit-bull's tongue out with your teeth, 9. Woman of Wisdom, 10. Moon / Luna, 11. Levels And Curves, 12. Nightingale Promise II... & 2 + 2 = 4

The concept:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Labs Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favorite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?

I'd love to see yours! Leave me a link in the comments!!

Revising my previous comments

2008-06-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I'm revising my previous comments Re: Vera bradley bags. Sort of. I looked at their website, and as I discussed with Dr. Turtle the other night, there are a few patterns that are, dare i say it...cute?? Her yellow bird bag definitely qualifies. But only in small doses! For example...This?

Is cute!!
This?

Not so much.

So there...I CAN admit when I'm wrong. Kinda.

Seriously? WTF?!

2008-06-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

k, first of all, I can't believe it's been an entire month without a new post. Summer classes are totally kicking my ass! But as of today, there is light at the end of the tunnel! Hallelujah!

Now on to the actual topic....what is up with Vera Bradley bags being popular all of a sudden? Every 20 year old on campus/in the mall/EVERYWHERE has one...WTF? I think they look like quilts....except not cute. And bags. That hold stuff. They're weird. And Expensive. I just don't get it.

Anybody??? Please explain it to me. I get a Coach bag - they're fabulous. Chic. They look good with almost anything. I'm not sure Vera Bradley bags look good with anything....sigh. Maybe I'm just not cool? I'm gonna go with everyone else not being cool. Yeah, that's it :)

I hope Transformers don't invade America.

2008-05-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

So, sorry about the lack of posts - I've been on vacation! I start classes tomorrow, so I'm sure there will be all kinds of fun things to talk about then. I was on a girly girl trip to visit friends in the Washington D.C./Baltimore area. And what does any girl come home with from such a trip? A new tattoo of course! I'll post a pic tomorrow :) A wasn't too crazy about it at first, but he's coming around...says it's a little outward expression of what goes on inside my head :)

Ok, so about the transformers...so we started watching Transformers, the movie tonight, and at the first fight-y scene, where the first decepticon takes out the Army base, I started laughing hysterically. I had a real issue taking these seriously since I had watched the cartoons for years when I was little - now I'm supposed to see them as scary?? It was hilarious. A was laughing at me laughing so hard, and said how happy he was that he hadn't taken me to see this in the theater, if that was the reaction I had :) I will say this for it - after i got over the original funniness, it's actually turning out to be an OK movie. Also, there's lots and lots of eye candy :)

Coming Soon to a Store Near You!

2008-04-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

So, last night i was incredibly giggly - and no, i wasn't drinking :) All of our monday night "stories" were cracking me up, and then we watched the Colbert Report and I about lost it when he did The Word segment. Yeah, like laughing so hard i couldn't breathe, almost wetting my pants funny. My favorite line? Think Globally, Nap Locally...possibly because I enjoy a nap so much! I was so inspired, I created a
T-shirt on cafepress (made, of course, from Organic cotton, natch).
Isn't it great? I'm totally going to get one for myself - I think it's adorable. :)

Edited to Add:
Feel free to buy one for yourself at my new cafepress store, lol!
Come visit my store on CafePress!

I knew it before Oprah

2008-04-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

My latest obsession? Sigg water bottles - they're so fun! And they make me (sort of) like drinking water! Here's one of mine:

Isn't it cool? I love the design...plus, they're metal, so none of that yucky BPA to leach out and cause cancer and what not. Also? It has a great spout top on it, so that I don't have to unscrew the top - although they can be confusing at first to figure out how to use. I had to read the directions, and my sister had to email me to ask how to use it - you can see them in action here. Also nice? I no longer worry about spilling water all over myself, since the top locks closed once i stop pushing down. In case you didn't know, I'm not the most graceful person.

However, I am apparently ahead of the curve, because these were featured on Oprah's Earth Day show! Look at me, being all trendy - and I did have them before Oprah showed em! I gave one to my sister for her birthday on Sunday! I got mine at Whole Foods, but you can also get a huge variety at this fun website - where they also have fabulous reusable shopping bags. I'm thinking of getting the modern grocery tote in flora...what do you think?

Screw this, I'm moving to California.

2008-04-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Um, seriously? If this is going to happen, I'm moving to Cali...at least there I get beaches and sunshine 24/7 to go along with my earthquakes. I live here because I only have to deal with tornadoes for a relatively short period of the year (theoretically). But if we're going to start throwing earthquakes in the mix...what's next? Hurricanes? Tsunamis? Come on people...this is ridiculous. Like I need MORE to worry about.

Why yes, I do actually want to be Martha Stewart when I grow up.

2008-04-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so everyone knows I pretty much idolize Martha...she's so perfect! With her own hens! And her gardens! and her good things! And sometimes i can make a fair approximation (i do make a mean popover, and a pretty good prime rib). However, in my weaker moments, when it's just me, I love my good old standby comfort foods...like pringles...and Magic Shell. Anyone remember this? The ice cream topping, that hardens into a shell, and then is all delicious and crunchy and chocolatey? Well, now I can have that AND be all martha-y, because I can make it from scratch! BEHOLD!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

2008-04-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Sorry for the extreme lack of posts lately. As A will tell you, it's the end of the semester, and as usual, I'm completely stressing...but only one more HUGE project to go and I will be free! For approximately 3 weeks. Then back into the soul crushing nightmare that is graduate school. HA! Totally kidding - it really isn't that bad. I just need to learn not to procrastinate.
In other news, my sisters dogs decided my favorite crocs sandals would make excellent chew toys yesterday. They aren't destroyed, but I think it definitely necessitates buying a new pair. Here is what i'm considering - I'd love hearing some opinions!
Choice A, the old standby, in a slightly more fun color combo

Choice B, the obviously more exciting choice:

And yes, they're both crocs :) I have other sandals that aren't. Let me know what you think!

Question of the Day - you can help me with my final for grad school!

2008-04-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, readers, I am currently taking a cultural diversity class, and my final project is a presentation on the transgender community. As part of the project, i would like to get a list of people's first impression/thought/feelings when they hear the words transgender and transsexual. Please feel free to respond in the comments! Your name etc. will not be used in any way. Thanks so much!

Finally, My Boys Step Up to the Plate

2008-04-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Tigers were supposed to be the team to beat this year, and I couldn't have been happier. A fan from the time I was born, I've suffered through every season since the magical 1984 World Series. Then this year, we start with high hopes! and excitement! and it leads to....an 0-7 start?!?? REALLY?!?! It's ok, boys... I still love you. They got their first win last night against the Red Sox (take that, Boston!), with my Tigers Carlos Guillen hitting a home run in the ninth, and Pudge Rodriguez getting is 2500th hit in the 8th. The full run down and box scores here.

Signs of Hope

2008-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

We may not actually be stuck with winter forever. Hallelujah, amen.

So, where's the one on how to be a good husband?

2008-04-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Now, don't get me wrong - yeah, I can't even write the sentence that says "every woman can use some tips.." because I just don't think its true. I think our society constantly pushes women into thinking that they must do everything for their husbands and families, to the detriment of themselves - that is why almost every woman I know thinks that she is responsible for the housework and taking care of the kids (and her husband) along with her career! This article? is a fine fluff piece about what you can do to possibly please your man a little more... but how about a companion piece for the husbands? Like, how to do a load of laundry? How to clean the bathtub? How to cook dinner AND clean up afterwards, so that your wife doesn't have to after she worked all day too?
And really? This is what will keep him crazy in love with me, hmm? Learning to play poker or cooking him a steak...instead of say, being his partner in life, raising his children with him, listening to him and validating his feelings and wants and needs. Good to know - I will stop worrying myself with all of those pesky tasks and go brush up on my Godfather quotes.

Shout out to everyone at Yahoo Finance!

2008-04-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Wow - never thought i'd title a post with that, lol! Apparently, i'm getting a lot of traffic from those of you concerned with the stock of Crocs - hi! <madly waving> hope you enjoyed my post about my shoes! I have nothing whatsoever to offer on the subject of whether or not to buy stock in Crocs. Regardless of the fact that I am wearing other shoes than Crocs (well, not actually now :) ) I still love my crocs, and almost bought another pair this weekend. But i managed to restrain myself. Barely.

Stop the Presses!

2008-04-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

For the first time, in a very long time, I'm wearing actual shoes today, not Crocs. Observe:

Every day, usually, I wear crocs. I have at least 5 pairs...Blue ones with holes, brown ones without holes, black ballerina flats, orange and brown casual shoe ones, and black sandals...and I think I'm forgetting a pair. Regardless, they're great for work - lightweight, SUPER comfortable, and dishwasher/bleach safe should I get anything disgusting on them. Plus? No laces to be bothered with, as I explained to my (now) 6 year old nephew when I bought him his first pair, when he was having a hard time with the whole learning to tie his shoes thing (why bother learning to tie laces when you can just wear crocs???)

But, alas, I do have a love of shoes other than crocs. See the post about heels down there? I do love pumps...and sandals...and pretty much all other shoes. I have so many that I thought I should try wearing some other ones. Plus, I figure when I finish grad school and start seeing clients, they might take me a little more seriously if I'm not wearing foam clogs.
Don't worry, though - I'll still be wearing my beloved Crocs on my downtime.

OMG. NKOTB!

2008-03-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ummm....all other girls who were born 30 ish years ago did you see this? I will lose my shit if they get back together. You could not find a bigger fan than me! Did you know that this year is the 20th anniversary of Hangin' Tough? Can you believe that? 20 frickin years?!?!?

Oh, the humanity...

2008-03-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have a confession - I am a messy car person. My car is pretty much ALWAYS a disaster. Observe the state it was in yesterday:

The passenger side, before cleaning, from the outside:

The passenger side, viewed from the driver's seat:

Note the backpack, purse, umbrella, and winter coat - those are all normal things to be found in my car...not so normal? The fact that the junk on the floor (i.e. the stuff that i don't even know what is there) has risen to the level of the actual seat on the passenger side. No, I'm not kidding.
The backseat, prior to cleaning:

See the dry cleaning? Yeah, those are my husband's shirts. Can I at least get points for that? I may have a messy car, but I drop off and pick up A's dry cleaning for him!
And yes, that is an OPENED case of Diet Coke - I got thirsty. Sue me.

So, I finally cleaned the car yesterday. It does eventually get to a point where I need to purge, and clean out the car - usually when I need to find something. However, this is the first time I decided to take notes of anything funny I might find. Among the most interesting -

A lip gloss I didn't even remember buying:

but I'm so excited about!

And - seriously? A cassette tape? WTF?! I don't even OWN a cassette player, let alone have one in my car:

No idea where that came from, or what's on it - and I have no way of finding out, because I DON'T OWN A CASSETTE PLAYER BECAUSE IT'S NOT 1984.

Among the other amusing things I found: 16 empty diet coke cans (I have a serious problem), 11 books (not counting the textbooks in my backpack or the books i will be posting on paperbackswap), a $100 check from A's grandma from christmas (oops), 3 birthday cards from almost 3 months ago, a project from fall semester, sampling equipment from last summer's sampling season at work, and 3 full bottles of sunscreen. I think maybe I need to clean out the car more often.

Really, Paula? Really?

2008-03-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

k, so we aren't big American Idol fans - we almost never watch it, although when we do, we seem to enjoy it. Last night, though, we were flipping channels, and happened to catch a bit. And what did we see? Only the most amazing, joyous, outrageous display of fabulousness every to be shown on Paula Abdul's body since,...um....well, probably last week. Enjoy:

I really don't even know if that does it justice. It was so sparkly! And the gloves! They had no fingers! But they had lots of sparkly bracelets! Totally freaking crazy. And so, so Paula. It might be worth it to watch the show just to see what she has on.

Facebook, part deux

2008-03-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dude - i missed all of these people doing all of these things to me because i didn't have the superpoke application! And look - now there's a whole menu of things people can do to me! Observe:

What do you want to do to Hilary:

bite, chest bump, dropkick, headbutt, high five, hug, kiss, lick, pet, pinch, pwn, slap, spank, sucker punch, tickle, trip, worship, throw a sheep at, more...

That's pretty freaking cool .

Is anyone surprised?

2008-03-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

You Are 72% Nerdy

You are a pretty big nerd, and you're getting nerdier every day.

Don't worry if you don't have friends... there's always robots.

How Nerdy Are You?

Thank god I don't like robots or use Linux....then I'd be doomed.

Inspired...

2008-03-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Maggie I'm starting a couple lists...First up is this:
100 things I hope to experience when my life flashes before my eyes:
1. Dancing with dave in the living room to salsa music
2. open mouth baby kisses from tiffany’s kids
3. herbie’s contented face as he snuggles on my chest
4. the smell of Café du Monde at 4 am
5. the feeling of my mom’s back during a bike ride, when I would cuddle up to her as a child
6. the rainbow I saw on Easter morning, 2008 on my way to work – there was 6 inches of snow on the ground
7. Dancing with Adam to Come Away With Me at the end of our wedding reception
8. My first kiss in the rain.
9. My nephew being born – an absolute miracle.
10. The smell of the library in the town I grew up in, where I used to spend hours after school.
11. New Years Eve in Costa Rica, where Dave made the game hens dance.
12. Having Dim sum in Chinatown in San Francisco for the first time.
13. Watching falling stars in the backyard one summer with Bobby, my next door neighbor, when I was about 9.
14. Going to a play in London’s West End by myself – at fourteen, and feeling so grown up.
15. All night long talks with girlfriends.
16. My first live concert – REM.
17. Walking into our house, and knowing it would be ours even though we had no idea how to afford it.
18. Finding out Adam passed the bar.
19. Crying happy tears through my sister’s entire wedding.
20. Sitting on the balcony in New Orleans, listening to the street musicians, while Adam slept inside.
21. Driving in my car with all the windows down on a summer day, with great music turned WAY up.
22. Seeing Kate in California, looking happy and free.
23. Coming face to face with Cara Blanca monkeys while on horseback in the rainforest in Costa Rica.
24. Drinking diet pepsi and reading tabloids at my grandma’s house.
25. Voting in my first presidential election – after driving all the way home from college, because I forgot to request an absentee ballot, then immediately driving back, so I could go to class. Yes, it’s that important.

The kids are one year older...

2008-03-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, my niece and nephew have both had their birthdays, and are now 7 and 6 years old...unbelievable. Mainly because they were born while I was in college, which seems like it was yesterday. With another birthday comes another cake by Aunt H, and these were their choices this year. Sis picked her favorite toy, her Webkinz Princess (who is a cat - and to be fair, she has 3, so we picked her favorite 2 for her cake) as her theme. Her brother's theme was Pirates of the Caribbean.

Here is Sis's cake:

Simple, but pretty...and the funniest part? She ate an entire one of those cats by herself! And she is TINY.

Here is her brother's cake, a roaring success today - btw, that is the sea monster from (I think) the second movie, attacking the ship:

He loved it - which is all I care about :-) I love making them happy - although I do fear that one day they will ask for something I won't be able to deliver - but it hasn't happened yet!

Hardwood

2008-03-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a shout out and thanks to Tallie over at Embellir Salon in Maumee for the awesome bikini wax today ;) She rocks, girls! If you need anything waxed - give her a call! She also happens to be a good friend of mine. A was kind of freaked out about her getting up close and personal with my lady business, but like she said, "I'm not here for the scenery - I'm just here to make the hair disappear!" That's what I'm sayin', yo. Tallie is the "conqueror of my nether regions," - I think maybe you had to be there :-) Anyway, she's great, and Embellir is a very cute place - check it out!

I am Totally In Lust...

2008-03-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

with these shoes:

They also have them in black. Sigh - it is a damn good thing we don't have cash coming out of our ears - it would all be spent on fabulous shoes from Ebay. These shoes make the Manolos I found seem almost reasonable!

Edit: In case someone has an extra $900 they want to spend on a total stranger ;) here's the ebay auction for these shoes.

According to the Barista, the Banana Nut Coffee Cake (no sugar added) Tastes Just like Homemade

2008-03-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

As my friend Kate would say, That's False.

And I am disappointed, Starbucks. My venti skinny hazelnut latte, 2 splendas, however, is absolutely perfect.

My Dreams Come True

2008-03-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so that may be overstating a bit. But, this? excites me to no end. I am so going to see them....and I may even go to Colorado to do it, because I've always wanted to go to Red Rocks! How awesome would that be? REM rocks live, and a new CD? I'm all in a tizzy :-)

Holy McHotness

2008-03-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ok...so, I love Patrick Dempsey anyway....have since Can't Buy Me Love in 1987 (yes, I was 7 years old. Yes, I loved him even then.) And now - his hotness is displayed in fine fine Versace, as the model for their new men's line. Enjoy:

Sigh.

In case anyone had any doubts...

2008-03-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of S over at Turtle Parade, I decided to take a quiz and share the results:

The quiz: http://quiz.ivillage.com/love/tests/traceycoxsexgoddess.htm

My results:

The Sex Goddess

You're the valedictorian of Sex School! You need a few crucial characteristics to be good in bed, and you get an A+ in every area. You're knowledgeable and you have a good understanding of how your body works. Plus, your communication skills are excellent: You have no qualms about telling your partner what you need and want. Most importantly though, you have the right attitude. You're able to let go of inhibitions, you're open to new ideas, you're non-judgmental and you're not too hung up on what you look like. You'll try most things once, you're playful, you take responsibility for your own pleasure and you make a lot of effort to keep your sex life healthy and active. You also accept that things do go wrong and laugh off any embarrassments; after all, people aren't machines. My only advice to you is keep up the good work!

That's right kids - in case you were wondering. A - take note. You married the right girl :-)

(OK, so it's a little more risque than S's sesame street character or spice quiz, but same idea, right? right?)

Research Subject, Interrupted

2008-03-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

As few of you probably know, I'm often a subject of research for my neurologist. I'm always up for it because 1) She's a pretty big name in her field, 2) I also do research, and I know how hard it is to find appropriate subjects sometimes, and 3)They totally pay you. So, today, I was supposed to go in for the third part of a research study on women with migraines and depression (doesn't THAT sound like a fun group???) and I did....except that as I was walking in, my back went out. Again. Into full on spasms...where i can barely walk, and apparently have a very scary look on my face, because mothers were shielding their children from my grimace.

So I made it to the clinic, and into the room with the Doctor. He puts me on the bed, attached various laser electrodes, and then starts the machines. Five times. And they don't work....all five times. We waste half an hour, and the shit still isn't working. So i have to go back on a whole different day, when they can figure out how to use their equipment.

Part of me is super pissed, because hello, huge waste of time. The other part of me knows that this happens ALL the TIME when doing research - it happens to ME all the time, i just don't affect other people. The bacteria can sit there all day and wait for me. So I understand, and I 'm not really upset. I'm just glad I made it home without killing someone, since my legs were very slow to respond to commands from my brain. The back muscles that were spasming were apparently interfering.

I'm classy

2008-03-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

A told me last night, as we were watching coverage of Spitzer's downfall:

"You'd be a seven diamond girl, baby."

That's right, folks - I'm high class all the way.

Edited:

A wanted me to write exactly what he said:

"If you were a whore, you'd be worth seven whore diamonds."

Just to be clear.

A few quick things

2008-03-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

First, junk mail usually annoys the crap out of me. However, sometimes it is so on target, that it is hilarious. I got this one at work today - two simple sentences, and so true.

Customer alert!

Life is Pleasure with Antidepressants!

Which of course was a link to an online canadian pharmacy. Priceless.

Secondly, I got a new phone...a handhelp PPC, that totally rocks my socks off. I'm so addicted to text messaging now i can't stand it. And I have the internet in my POCKET. I really think I might have died and this is my reward for all the laundry I have done and dog puke I have cleaned. It is amazing. So don't be surprised if the next time you see me, I don't ever look at you because I'm obsessively staring at my phone waiting for the next text. If you have my number, please text me - I get excited every time!

Third, related to the phone, I FINALLY have something techno geeky that makes A jealous. It's amazing and fun - he always gets the new stuff (blackberry, new ipod, car...) He sooooo wants my phone :-) I love you honey! Thanks for letting me have this for at least a little while :-)

This? Cracked me up

2008-03-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Awesome-ness: Oh sweet jebus

I, too, love the Brits (especially those accents!) and this post made me laugh out loud. Props to you for sharing, Lesser Evil!

Bush league

2008-03-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Bush explains veto of waterboarding bill - Yahoo! News

This is such bullshit, I can't even speak. This is why no one likes you, Mr. President. As in, the entire world. Resorting to torture is not ok.

I'm home!

2008-03-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

I'm home from vacation....and it's nice to be home. Really. I swear. But I really miss the sunshine. Do you know they have freeway signs that say "beaches" in california? That pretty much rocks. Also, they have beaches. With sunshine.

We're supposed to get 6-10" of snow over the next two days, which i guess is my welcome home present from karma, from all the people who didn't get to go on vacation. It will be ok, though - March in Ohio usually means giant snowstorms, followed by sixty degree days where all the snow melts, followed by more snow...rinse and repeat. :-)

I had a fantastic time on vacation though, and loved spending all that time with my friend, who was sweet enough to totally screw up her schedule to spend as much time as possible with me. We went to beaches (with sunshine! in case you didn't get that before) in La Jolla, Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach. Shopping at cute shops, lunch in cute cafes, pedicures while looking at the ocean, dinner on Coronado island.....it was fantastic. Lots and lots of relaxing, not too busy....a great vacation. And can't wait to go back.

Barack!

2008-03-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so bummed that Ohio didn't go to Obama....Ohio never goes to my candidate. And I'm so disappointed in Hillary's behavior as of late...the Dems won't take back the white house by tearing each other down. It is a delicate balance at this point, but i think Hillary has charged over the line and never looked back, essentially saying she'd rather have McCain as the president than Obama as the Dem Nominee...which is total bullshit. Especially from a woman who, come convention time, damn well better be supporting Obama. Ok - Rant Over.

I love vacations

2008-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

I love being on vacation. After a lazy morning, we went to the pool for an hour, and now we're going to get pedicures at a salon in La Jolla. This is fantastic.

I do, however, miss my husband and my dogs. I don't, however, miss my job or snow. Hmm....

Sunny San Diego

2008-02-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday = Enough snow to cancel classes at University of Toledo, so I didn't have to go to work.

Today = I went to the beach, the one on the pacific ocean, and got a little bit sunburned. I might not ever leave.

at the airport...

2008-02-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired. I was picked up at 4 am to leave for the airport by my parents. I know I shouldn't complain, seeing as how I'm leaving Ohio with it's fresh coating of 6 inches of snow for sunny San Diego, but seriously? 4 am? It's a bit ridiculous.

So now, I'm waiting at the Detroit airport. In the very fancy new Macnamara terminal, but still. I'm incredibly tired, and very bored. I'm getting a chair massage in half an hour to hopefully get rid of the migraine that has been brewing since I woke up this morning (at 3:40. AM. yes, i did wake up about 40 minutes late.) And yes, there is a spa in the airport. I know, right? Amazing. I was going to get a pedicure (my very winter-y feet aren't exactly up to sandal weather standards) but the manicurist doesn't get here until later. Oh well.

I always forget something when I travel. So far, I've realized I've forgotten my camera and any jewelry, including my wedding ring. Hopefully, I remembered everything else. Like pants.

Happy 10th cycle, ANTM!

2008-02-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

That's right - America's Next Top Model turned 10 last night. Well, they started their tenth cycle. And I couldn't be more thrilled. I love this show. It is pretty much the only reality show I watch with any regularity, and I totally love it. This cycle has the usual cast of characters, and I can't wait to see the drama that will develop. I already have the girls i don't like - I have yet to develop my favorites. My least favorites are:

Marvita - back from casting from last season, I still don't like her. Yeah, she looks different - like a man. And she's kind of mean.

Anya - From Hawaii, yet speaks as though she did not grow up speaking English. Says it is a "beach/surfer-girl" accent. All I know? It annoys the crap out of me.

Claire - A not as cute Julia Styles. Plus, she has a kid. I just don't get how these chicks can leave their kids for this long.

Dominique - Thinks she's all that. I'm sure we'll find out she has issues, and she'll "soften" at some point in the competition. They increased the number of finalists to 14, just for her. I'm sure they'll regret it.

Kimberly - "People think I'm just a dumb blonde." She's not managed to convince me otherwise. She didn't understand what she was supposed to do at the first photoshoot. Um, POSE!?

Those are my least favorite so far. The plus size girl is very pretty, but eventually will be kicked off because she is plus sized. Duh - I'm not even sure why they have them on....they never let them go all the way. Anyway, I'm still excited for the season!

Not much...

2008-02-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

Not much has been going on lately, hence the lack of posts. I just haven't been feeling funny. I think it is the sickness....I've been sleeping. A LOT.

I finally updated the budget with what we've spent this month...everything is looking pretty good, except that we eat out way too much...it's even worse when I'm ill, because then I really don't feel like cooking. Also, if I don't take the time to plan out the week in advance, then we're totally screwed. So, last week was rough, budget wise on food. This week, we're doing really well...because I planned. I even have a little menu up on the fridge, so A can get bummed every day about what we're having for dinner (just kidding...I'm a pretty good cook.) Also, we're a little high on the doctor bill category, but I also budget a decent amount for that, so we'll be ok.

Speaking of which...I went back to my ob/gyn. We decided to keep increasing my metformin dosage (oh joy...cuz I wasn't really getting quite enough digestive upset as it was) and I also filled my adipex prescription. I'm waiting to start it until I feel a bit better, and can work out again too. Also, I'm not allowed to take any anti-histamines while I'm on it, so it is probably better if I'm not all congested. We'll see how that goes.

Basically, that's the game right now. We'll see. I'll update anything exciting that happens. :-)

My husband loves me.

2008-02-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

A:"I love hanging out with a 60 year old hooker."

This post brought to you by my hacking cough and raspy voice.

So not a morning person

2008-02-15T08:58:00.001-08:00

As anyone who has spent more than one night with me will tell you (wow, that sounded dirtier than I meant it to), I am not a morning person. When traveling with friend, or meeting roomates, or anything of the sort, i give them the standard warning: I don't like to talk to people for about 3 hours after I wake up. I generally try and order my life so it works out that way. My doctor's appointments are mainly scheduled in the afternoon, and therapy is ALWAYS in the afternoon. Even though I bitch that the grad students in my lab don't get in until noon, I also love it because it means I don't have to interact with anyone at work until then either. I imagine I will eventually be able to train my children in this endeavor - to not really talk to mommy before she's had her diet coke and a couple of hours of nothing but her brain waking up. Either that, or I'm going to have to get up really damn early. I thought I had trained A., until this morning when he got to meet mean morning Me. He innocently asked me a few questions as I was getting ready (the nerve!). I believe he inquired as to why i was up early (Duh - doctor's appointment, which clearly should have been scheduled for the afternoon), and then tried to make a joke (yeah, that doesn't work sometimes when I'm in a good mood, let alone in the morning, 20 minutes after I get up; when I'm sick; after not sleeping most of the night.) I realized that I was being a bitch, but honestly have zero control over it in the morning.

So basically, this is for me to say, I'm sorry, honey. I love you. And don't ask me questions in the morning.

I outed myself

2008-02-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well, as seen by the huge jump in traffic, I posted my blog address in my facebook profile. And clearly, you all pay a hell of a lot more attention to facebook than i generally do. So, welcome! You found me. Please be nice. And leave comments - it's more fun that way. :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you all. I have a hot date with a box of Kleenex and some Nyquil tonight. Hope yours is more exciting!

Classic

2008-02-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

From my husband in an IM(instant message) today:

Maybe anal.....but not the good kind.

Green birthday presents!

2008-02-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

This is such a great idea:

http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/2008/01/cheap-easy-fabric-grocery-bags.html

How to make your own fabric grocery bags! I'm totally making these for my sister for her birthday (we're both kinda tree huggers). And they can be so much cuter than the ones you can buy, plus they are recycled from old bedsheets - perfect. Now I just need to remember to take them with me.

P.S. Still so sick. Also, i hate my doctor. How did you find yours? I want a new one.

Sick...boooo.

2008-02-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm sick - lungs like fire, horrible cough, phlegm, temp over 100. I'm thinking that the drinking on Saturday, coupled with the going to an outdoor mall in 3 degree weather on sunday probably didn't help. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Hopefully he can make me feel better. Sniff.

Any Louder?

2008-02-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Seriously, could you please eat your potato chips any louder? Because I'm 10 feet away from you in a packed Panera, and I can only hear EVERY SINGLE CRUNCH from your WIDE OPEN MOUTH.

The New Laptop

2008-02-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

So, we've been sticking to a budget. Which kind of sucks, but is also kind of neat, because we are doing what we are supposed to, and I like playing by the rules. Also, it's nice to know you aren't going to get kicked out of your house by those mean men from the bank. However, over the last 6 months, my husband's laptop has been dying a slow and painful death. This is never a good thing in a household that already owns 4 cell phones, a black berry, three computers, and three ipods for 2 people. Seriously. No. I'm not kidding. Anyway...

So, finally, on saturday, the laptop died. After deciding to come on 20 minutes after being turned on, it no longer recognized its sound card, and a million other things (not to mention the fact that actual parts (like drives) will fall out of the laptop if you pick it up the wrong way). So, we decide husband(who will be referred to as A. for now and evermore because husband is just too long) needs a new one. I would never have admitted this before I had my own laptop, but since I bought mine in August, I can't imagine going without. So it really wasn't an option - mainly because he kept stealing mine. And fortunately, because he is an understanding guy (and I control the money) he was willing to settle for less than the awesomest thing available (the macbook air, which literally makes me moan with envy every time i see the commercial - we rewind the Tivo so I can watch it)- a notebook very similar to mine. This means, of course, that our debt pay-off will take a bit of a hit this month, but we didn't increase our debt for it, which is quite an improvement over how we used to do things. And we should still be able to pay off about an extra $300, in addition to our regular payments. So, not too bad. And, we can once again have an entire conversation over IM even though we are two feet away from each other on the couch. Ah, modern loooove.

EMDR

2008-02-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

I've been dealing with depression for a long time, and over the course of my life I've been to 5 therapists. I'm a firm believer that you have to be ready and willing to be in therapy for it to be effective, but you also need a therapist who knows what they're doing and is willing to try different approaches to find something that will work for you.

My current therapist and I have been using EMDR to process memories from all throughout my life, but specifically a really traumatic event that happened when I was 15. This technique is amazing. EMDR stands for Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. You can read more about it here: www.emdr.com . When we first started the technique I was nervous, because I always wanted to give the "right answer" when asked what I was thinking. However, there is no right answer in EMDR - and that's what makes it so great. It is client directed, and it works because the brain is so amazing. You may not consciously realize it, but your brain understands that something that happened when you were 6 influenced how you reacted to that trauma when you were 15, which directly impacts how you feel today. And during an EMDR session, your brain will take you from your memory of your trauma at 15, to that incident when you were 6, that you weren't even thinking about, but is clearly related. And then it all becomes clear, and rings so true because it came from your own head, instead of coming from your therapist. And that is why I think EMDR works so quickly - because it is client directed, essentially, and it is hard to argue with things that are so obvious once they are uncovered like that.

All I know is that is has changed my life. I truly never believed I would feel better or that i would get over what happened to be when I was 15. And I'm a lot closer now.

Our Policy

2008-02-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Me: Hey, my mom stopped by tonight.

Him: Oh, yeah? What for?

Me: To give me a check for Ellen. She was so funny - she said, "It's like you have a sugar daddy - except it's a sugar momma."

Him: Really, it's more like a you break it, you buy it policy - for your mind.

Paperback swap - this one's for all the readers out there!

2008-02-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

How did I not know about this? I love books. I love to own books, and read them, and read them again. Paperback swap is an online service where you basically trade books with other book lovers. This is not the place to send out your favorite books - you won't be getting them back. However, if you are like me, you probably have tons of other books, that you liked, but wouldn't mind getting rid of. Now, in return, you can get a completely different book! Genius! Click on the banner over in the sidebar to get started - and best of all - it's free!!!!!! If you're feeling generous, feel free to reference me, hnighti, for the referral if it asks. Thanks!

Crazy, crazy dreams

2008-02-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to quickly share two dreams that I cannot get out of my head from last night, because they were so weird/funny.

In the first one, i was in group therapy(which I've never been in), and the therapist was Ellen (you know, the talk show host?) So, for some reason, part of our therapy was putting together lamps, and she was taking apart a big floor lamp. When she went to take off the shade, she tilted it down, and there as an oppossum in the shade. We all freaked out, and used our lampshades (that weren't yet attached to lamps) as shields against it....although it just kind of sat there.

In the second one, my sister was pregnant. This is the third time I've had this dream, and it is always her at my house, taking pregnancy tests, where she is unsure if they are positive, and I'm telling her they are. This time, however, I was actually excited for her. So weird - she is not pregnant in real life. Hmmm....

Dreams are so odd, aren't they? Usually, I can see where some of the stuff comes from in mine...the whole lamp thing though has got me stumped.

Facebook

2008-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Facebook is amazing. When I first joined I thought a number of things: 1) I'm too old to be joining Facebook (i was out of college), 2) How the hell does this work?, 3) How will I ever find people?

But, after joining, and putting in all of my info, i've gradually started to collect friends. And today, I got back in touch with one of my best friends from elementary/junior high/high school that i haven't talked to in about 10 years. She's in the Peace Corps - how cool is that? And it is just amazing to me that the world has really become so small, thanks to the internet, that you can find friends living thousand of miles away from the comfort of your laptop.

It's getting to look a lot like...

2008-02-07T08:40:00.001-08:00

matthew first bday,
originally uploaded by hnighti.

cake season! That's what I call it, anyway. My niece's birthday is in about 3 weeks, and my nephew's is about a month after that, with various other members thrown in along the way. I always make the kids any cake they want for their birthday. If you click on the picture (i think) it will take you to my flickr account and you can see some of the cakes i've done in the past. This year, my niece's birthday is Princess themed, but not in the usual way. Princess and Princess 2 are her 2 Webkinz cats, whom she loves very dearly. I'll be sure to post pictures of that when it's done!

I got a job offer!

2008-02-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

I got a job offer yesterday - but turned it down. Like every other job in my field, it payed nothing. Technically, my salary would have been higher, but when benefits were factored in, plus the fact that my boss here rocks, as does my schedule, it really couldn't compare (and monetarily, would've been a pay cut). Plus, it would've been a lot more work. And, since I know I don't want to be in science forever, I'm ok with turning it down.

Update on all things reproductive...also known as, I know why teenagers keep getting pregnant.

2008-02-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

TMI Warning: If you don't want to know about my sex life/reproductive stuff, don't read. But it will probably be funny!The basic decision I made was to continue on as though we are trying to have a baby, just without the part where I get to have unprotected sex with my husband. The plan was for me to stay off of birth control, since I didn't seem to be ovulating, and work on getting that end of things going again. I'm just scared to death that if I went back on the pill, in 2 years (for instance) we would start trying, then it would take another 2 years to get things all working right, etc etc...and then I catastrophize in my head and come to the conclusion that I will never have children and die all alone (props to my therapist - I'm learning not to do that anymore!). So, instead, I'm not going back on the pill, and instead we were planning on just using condoms. And THIS is why teenagers keep getting pregnant- do you know how expensive they are? I haven't bought condoms in forever, and holy crap! They were like $10! For a pack of 12! And I don't know about you, but when I was a teenager, that would last me about a day and a half. So no wonder they don't use protection - they'd have to spend all their money on condoms instead of Coach bags and Ugg boots. Anyway....

In order to help the whole ovulation process along, my OB/GYN also started me on glucophage, aka metformin. I'm on an extremely low dose to start, and am doubling it today. It has all kinds of fun side effects, including nausea all day, various digestive issues, and other fun stuff like that. It is supposed to level out insulin levels, I guess. My fasting glucose level was slightly high, so I started on this. I go back in a week, and might also be put on a weight loss drug, Adipex, which I'm kind of freaked out about, yet also kind of in love with the idea. I'm freaked out because in everything I've read about it, it says THIS IS A DRUG OF ABUSE - be sure you know how many pills you have, etc. etc., because I guess it can kind of feel like speed when you're on it. Also, common side effects include heart racing, confusion, and a really clean house. And that last part is what makes me kind of in love with the idea. Apparently, it's kind of like speed, in that it can (for some people) make you feel really focused and productive. Also can come with a side order of insomnia. But if that comes with the dessert of a smaller ass, I might be willing to not sleep for a few months.

The February Crazies

2008-02-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

This is a great post at Schmutzies Milkmoney Or Not, Here I Come on what she calls the february crazies. I usually get them in January, but that's cool. :-)

Budgets = suckage

2008-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

I hate budgets. Alas, that's what got me here in the first place. I hate the constricting nature of a budget - I feel like since i know i can't spend that money on a new lampshade the ONLY thing i want is a NEW LAMPSHADE!!! (This is very similar to how i feel on a diet - it could be the no brussels sprouts diet, and all of a sudden I would want nothing but brussels sprouts, even though I hate them.) However, I just did our budget, and theoretically we should have an extra $560 laying around each month to put towards our debt, so clearly we need a budget to pay attention to, cuz guess what? I don't have piles of cash that I don't know what to do with. I do have lots of bills that i wonder how i'm going to pay. So maybe I need to start sticking to that b-word. Dammit.

Have you seen these???

2008-02-01T08:35:00.001-08:00

Two nights ago, we were helping our friend Mike and Michelle move their new couch into their living room (hi Mike and Michelle!) Michelle was telling us about these drinks that her friend Sarah found at Walmart that heat themselves. Now, my fondest dream has always been to experience life as it was portrayed in the Jetsons, my favorite cartoon from the 80s. I really thought we would all be driving flying cars by now, damnit. Anyway, these are one step closer!

www.hillsidebeverages.com

Ha!

2008-02-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

I was just writing my grocery list for our superbowl "get together" (according to my husband, it's not a party. There aren't enough people coming,) and i totally wrote butterscrotch pudding. Ha!

Warm weather, my ass

2008-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

This little gem just came across my inbox, courtesy of Expedia.

Plan a warm-weather vacation:

Chicago (MDW) to Minneapolis

$44+

Ummm, is there a Minneapolis I don't know about? Because the one I've heard of is usually colder than Chicago. And I'm in Ohio...and as of the news from tonight, our wind chill is supposed to be something ridiculous like 30 freaking below tomorrow. I'm currently planning a trip to San Diego....wonder why that one doesn't cost $44?

UPDATE: It is 15 below in Minneapolis this morning. That is the ACTUAL temperature. The wind chill is 37 below. ZERO. Expedia - that is not a warm weather get away. Just so you know.

ovulation

2008-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

So, at the beginning of December, I went off my birth control pills. It is a very long, and emotional, story, wherein I thought we were going to try for a baby. Apparently, I was delusional. In case you missed the first post (what with it being sooo far away, two posts down) we're over $50,000 in debt. So yeah, not so much yet. But, now that I've gone off the pill, and I had a good 6 weeks almost of thinking I was trying to get pregnant, I of course became obsessed and read everything ever about trying to get pregnant. (FYI - Taking Charge of Your Fertility is one of the best books I have ever read. Seriously. Even if you aren't getting pregnant.) So, since I started doing the whole charting thing, etc. I'm way more tuned in to my body, and I've realized that I haven't ovulated since going off the pill. So it looks like this whole going off the pill was a good idea, since apparently I'm going to have to retrain my body to ovulate. And that, friends, makes me feel like a failure as a woman - seriously, I can't even ovulate? How the hell am I ever going to get pregnant, then be a mom? Huh? However, over the last few days, I've seen one of the supposed "tell-tale" signs of coming ovulation - egg white cervical mucus. It's totally freaky, and since the last time i had a cycle where i ovulated i was around 15 years old, I totally don't remember it. It kind of reminded me of rubber cement. And now, all I can think, is that I'm wasting all of this perfectly good cervical fluid, what with the not getting pregnant and all. But hey, you can't feed a baby credit card bills. Or so I've been told.

So, It's been a hundred years...

2008-01-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

and i haven't updated. Not that anyone reads currently, so that's ok. Well, as of now our baby emergency fund is fully funded at $1000. Yay us. I never managed to get a second job (I'm apparently "over-qualified". While I appreciate the kudos on getting a college education and being gainfully employed, Caribou Coffee, I'm willing to come work for you for six bucks an hour. Give me a fucking job.) I'm still trying, though - I'll be dropping off my application at Family Video (oh, the joy) later today. That is of course after my job interview for a real job. Because, it's time for what? Oh, of course! The annual "Hilary, you may be losing your job!" speech from my boss! I'm grant funded, as most people are in science and who work in academia. It totally sucks. This job, however, has been the worst on that front, because every fucking year, sometime between January and April, I get threatened with job loss, through no fault of my own. Only this year, they really might mean it. Which totally sucks. And made my husband have an anxiety attack the other night. And quite frankly - only one of us in this relationship gets to have those, and I laid claim to that right a loooooong time ago, buddy.

Welcome - My story

2007-09-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome! This blog will be the story of how I get out of a massive amount of debt - $51,000 in credit card debt, along with another $23,000 in student loans. YIKES! No worries - we'll get there. This is also a bit of therapy for me, as I have just left my Mary Kay business after 3 1/2 years. For any of you considering Mary Kay as a "career choice", please check out PinkTruth.com. I am currently following Dave Ramsey's Total Money makeover - our baby emergency fund is at $450, and I am applying for a second job all over town. I am also applying for a new primary job that would be a big increase in salary. So, these are all the things that will be getting updated as we go along! If I can figure out how, I'll be adding tracking bars to track our progress on certain things. I also really enjoy cake decorating, DIY projects, soap making, and reading, so don't be surprised if random posts about that pop up too!