Nini's Ramblings

Please follow me here...

2009-09-17T16:28:00.001-06:00

I haven't abandoned blogging, I've just moved:
deliriouszoo.com

I'm taking a break

2005-12-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

With the new baby and all I've decided to take a break until after the New Year. Catch you then!

WOO HOO!

2005-08-30T21:03:00.000-06:00

Being that we're in the wrong country for the sport, the news that my favorite team is due to sign one of the best goal scorers in the world isn't something many people here can share in my excitement.
I'm thrilled! I've been scouring over the coverage (via the internet) for anything new or noteworthy concerning Michael Owen's move to the Toon Army. He was earlier quoted to prefer a move back to his home team of Liverpool (though they weren't excited to match or beat Newcastles' over 16 million pound offer - especially since they had just sold him last season for 8 million). He said he'd only move to Newcastle on loan and only for the season. (Boo)
Finally Owen made up his mind to accept a four year contract with Newcastle! (Wheee!!) His reasons are definitely World Cup driven, he wants to be played and he knows at Newcastle he'll be given that chance.

---------------
Me: Michael Owen decided to sign with Newcastle!!
Bug: What new castle?
Me: No, Newcastle, my favorite soccer team!
Bug: We're going to watch soccer?
Me: Um, no...
Bug: When are we going?
Me: No, Michael Owen is signing with Newcastle!
Bug: Who's Michael Owen?
Me: ...

--------------
Me: Michael Owen is signing with Newcastle!
Sweatiepeas: Uh *nodding*
Me: ...

A Little Bit Me

2005-08-30T16:19:00.000-06:00

Mopsy, in an effort to kick my behind into blogging again, tagged me for an idiosyncrasies meme. As I figured our #3 worth mentioning first, this will be *gasp* my 2nd entry for the day.

1. In order to sleep (or at least sleep happily) I need the air in the room around me to be cool verging on cold, and be snuggled deep into various layers of covers. Once my body has thoroughly warmed the burrito of blankets and I start to get hot, I stick out a foot or a leg or however many body parts it takes to off set the temperature and bring me back to being just warm.

2. When I'm in the process of going to sleep - winding down my brain and shh-ing the thoughts in my head, I come up with a list of things I either forgot to do for the day, or need to do the next. I inevitably stumble out of bed in my half sleepiness to ask Hubby Mikey if he'll switch over the laundry/start a load of dishes/put the milk bottles in the box... Etc.

3. I too am addicted to having moist lips. I must have a tube of some lip balm or other with me at all times, if I for some reason forget to bring some with me, in a pocket, in the car, in my purse, in the diaper bag (as there's usually one in each of those places) I get a little nutty, just ask Hubby Mikey. Many a time has been spent picking up an extra tube at the closest supermarket in mid weekend outing.

4. To go with #3 I'm incredibly good at losing the tubes of moisturiser, which makes me nutty more often than not. I'm also good at loosing my hair ties which have more recently been an addiction of mine though I can't take credit for losing them all since Dibbs thinks the little rubber-bandy circles are just about the best things on earth and stashes them places only he knows about.

5. I love chocolate, but I must insist I have a glass of milk to drink when I'm eating anything chocolate. Soy milk is a distant second choice, and in a pinch I'll suffer with a pop, but I won't be happy about it. If I'm to really enjoy my chocolate experience there's nothing like a cold glass of moo juice to wash down the edible sweet nothings.

I'll tag Kate (mainly because she'll be shocked I started blogging again) Lorraine (because she also hasn't blogged in a while) Desiree, and Curly. Woohoo! Look forward to reading your idiosyncrasies girls!

August Ends

2005-08-30T14:12:00.000-06:00

Our lives have been speckled with many interesting events over the last month. My blogging silence should definitely not be taken as I've been leading a boring life. I've been busy. Very busy.

Today, I've been busy emailing, calling, and being emailed and called by various Honda dealerships across our metro area. Hubby Mikey and I are hoping to secure a good deal by the end of the week, and it looks like the tides of bartering are flowing in our favor.
We received news a week and a half ago that prompted our car deal searching.

We're expecting bundle of joy #3!

This news came as surprise to us, as we figured our family was complete with two kiddos in tow. Bug and Sweetiepeas are not "all she wrote" apparently since I'm now seven weeks along and have been given a tax day due date! We're thrilled! Though we weren't planning it, a third child on the way really sends me through the roof!
Of course our train of thought has been derailed and now needs to switch tracks completely. I have sent all of my past maternity clothes on their merry way, all of our tiny little boy clothes have also gone the way of charity trucks (only and issue if I have a teeny peanut boy in my tummy), and two bags of baby items have long been promised to a very good expecting friend of ours. We're thinking we'd like to have our basement kicked into shape a bit sooner that originally thought so each child will still have their own bedroom, we have more late nights to look forward to (starting sooner for me due to my impending shrinking bladder and late night potty visits), and of course we'll need a car that can accommodate 3 carseats - which brings me back to the barrage of emails and phone calls going in and out of our house today.

We're looking into a Honda Pilot. I still have issues with driving extra-large vehicles (ever since I was in an accident in our truck) and the Pilot seems to be large enough - it seats 8 - without making me feel like I'm driving a tank/boat.
Keep your fingers crossed out there in cyber world that one of the three dealerships we're currently working with give us a deal we can take (and afford!)

Deciding

2005-08-03T12:08:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to figure out exactly how to set up my new blogscape. I've even decided what I'm going to be blogging about once the new site is up and running... a series of posts introducing (or re-introducing) all the members of our family (all ten of us). Though since I have ten future posts in mind I'm having trouble coming up with something to post about right now... Life as usual - which is a good thing since when life's not "as usual", it tends to mean something is out of whack.
Hopefully I can put together the new site in my mind soon, and Hubby Mikey can push it into reality soon after that! Then I'll be a blogging machine!

MIA

2005-08-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

Yup, I've been off in la-la land recently. Nothing special has been keeping me from entering a post for blogdom, just normal everyday life... Laundry, picking up toys, diapering a cute peachy butt, fixing breakfast, fixing lunch, fixing dinner, fixing the playroom...

I have been contemplating my move from Blogger to Wordpress, trying to figure out how I want my "delirious zoo" displayed. Soon I'll be coaxing Hubby Mikey into tinkering around for me and shortly thereafter I'll be blogging in a new style (if my coaxing is effective, and I'm sure it will be since he's already agreed to help - always a good sign!) :)

I should be back in action, in a more reliable way, soon!

2005-07-23T00:54:00.000-06:00

Dibbs (part one)

2005-07-21T15:57:00.000-06:00

It was a scorching summer day. The air that blasted from the vents was welcomed by all four of the car's passengers. Traffic was holding strong after the lunch break rush, making the drive slower and longer than expected. The children seated in back were sweat sticky and growing sleepy. The "mews" that came from within the carrier set on the passenger seat grew louder and more frequent despite calming words from the driver.
The small boy strapped into his seat talked himself out of drowsiness and into the need for a potty break. A detour was set by the driver to the office of the children's father. Prompted by a phone call the father came to escort his son to the restroom. As he arrived at the car he was happily surprised to see the black and white ball of fluff contained by the carrier. He giggled a "hello" and twiddled his fingers toward the restless and reluctant passenger. He and the son skipped off toward the building while the driver stayed, listening to soft snores from the back seat and scritching and scratching from the carrier.
With the aim to soothe, the driver gave the mass of fur a break from the carrier, by holding him securely in her arms. He answered with a strong motoring purr of approval. The driver watched as the father and son returned, giant smiles on both their faces...

Alright, settle your bets

2005-07-20T11:52:00.000-06:00

For those of you who read "Kitty Fever" and immediately started placing bets as to the date of our newest addition, you can go ahead and collect, or pay up as the case may be.
July 19th. If time was a consideration, it was approx. 1pm.
I will post more information when I have the appropriate time to devote to our new family member (blogwise), but for now I'll just say he's a him, he's 3 months old, and his name is Dibbley (a name only someone like my brother can fully appreciate).

How geeky are you?

2005-07-19T09:32:00.000-06:00

The Simple Geek
You answered 69% of the questions as a geek truly would.

You don't seem to sway in either direction, however you still seem to
have some latent geek attributes within you. Maybe you're interested in
computers but not a gamer? Maybe you've got geek hobbies but none of
the awkward social tendencies. You may be slightly geekier than you
thought and in denial!

The simple geek usually has various quirks that friends may make
fun of, but in general can be considered a fairly normal person. Your
geek attributes make you less likely to conform to society. The popular
kids don't hate you but the geeks don't either, so it's a respectable
demographic.

In a nutshell, you answered enough questions with geek tendencies
and enough questions without geek tendencies that it's difficult to
pinpoint your exact alignment.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 32% on geekness

Link: The True Geek Test written by ambientred on Ok Cupid

Cause for Paws

2005-07-18T08:43:00.000-06:00

I've just registered for the "Cause for Paws" 3k walkathon happening in Boulder on September 17th. It's sponsored by The Humane Society of Boulder (where I'm volunteering).

I'm excited to join a walkathon that supports our furry friends. I'm still working on getting back into shape and this way I can kill two birds with one stone, I'll feel doubly good about it!

A bit of information as per their site:
On Saturday, September 17th, dogs, their guardians, and other pet lovers will hit the streets of Boulder in a pledge 3K Walk and 5K Doggie Dash to support the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Pre- and post- race and walk activities begin at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley at 2323 55th Street, Boulder.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a private nonprofit organization serving over 7,800 companion animals annually. They depends on community support to continue their mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals.

If anyone would like to help by making a pledge for my participation you can email me at ninij78@yahoo.com
I'll need to collect pledges by Friday September 16th so I have them in hand for the walk the next day. You can also check out their site here for more information.

10 Things I love about Mikey

2005-07-14T09:58:00.000-06:00

The way he get so focused on a project he becomes oblivious to everything around him.
His unexplainable knowledge of sports trivia.
His sensitive nature and softie-ness.
His love of most everything edible and willingness to eat anything I make.
His knowledge of computers and the excitement he gets when he explains it to me.
His general nerd-ness (including, but not limited to video games, comic books, & Linux stuff).
The way he pats himself on the back for saying something quick and witty.
His infectious laughter (especially when in a movie theatre).
His unfailing love and devotion to his friends and family.
How excited he gets for his birthday (which is today!)

I love you sweetie!
I hope your birthday turns out to be as wonderful as you'd like and as wonderful as you deserve. You're the best friend I could ever wish or hope for.

"Water Water All Over the Place" - or "Please Make it Stop"

2005-07-12T15:57:00.000-06:00

Drip. Drip. Drip.
Our basement has a puddle.
Dribble. Dribble. Dribble.
The toilet starts to gurgle.
Drop. Drop. Drop.
The hot water heater fizzles.
Plop. Plop. Plop.
The Bathroom is now flooded.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
A new water heater all hooked up.
Plunge. Plunge. Plunge.
Our toilet is now unclogged.

Do all dogs go to heaven?

2005-07-10T22:35:00.000-06:00

The other night as we drove home from karate we passed by a church who's sign read "Will dogs be with us in heaven?" It seemed to be appropriate for what's been on my mind recently.

I've mentioned that Mikey and I are softies when it comes to animals. - This could be apparent by our five animals, or by my recent bout of kitty fever.

I especially am sucked into the wag of a tail, the nudge of a wet nose, and of course those big sad eyes. I want to save all the dogs who have been abandoned by their owners because they "got their yard landscaped and didn't want it to get messed up" (an actual reason I saw for a dog named Andy here) or the kitties who are found in boxes in alleyways.

I do believe that "All Dogs Go to Heaven." Animals have such pure and welcoming hearts and I want to save them all. I know, not possible but last week I decided I would take initiative in helping animals (and not by adding another mouth to our already crowded home).

I'm going to start volunteering at one of our local animal shelters. The Humane Society of Boulder sounds like the perfect place for me to involve myself with our needy friends. Last Wednesday I went to a informational volunteer meeting, and now I'm really looking forward to starting there on a regular basis.

There will definitely be updates as I'm planning on starting soon!

**Find out more about the doggie in the picture here**

2005-07-07T10:36:00.000-06:00

Attacks on London

What a wonderful weekend

2005-07-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

I love long weekends, I love lazy weekends; this past weekend was both.
For Independence day we took Meg and Hannah (our two middle dogs) to the dog park by our house. All of our dogs love it there. They get to run around leashless and meet new friends, both canine and human.
I wish I would have brought the camera, Meggie learned how to swim. We coaxed her into the pond with a game of fetch (she just can't abandon a ball). I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at her. It took a long time for her to muster up the courage, but once she got going she quickly got the hang of it. It ate Hannah up though, she remained too chicken to venture too far into the water and for once in her life didn't win the title of master fetcher.
I was a bit leary of letting them get so wet since we still had the car ride home to contend with, but when all was said and done I was more concerned about me sitting in the car than them. -Apparently I attracted all the dogs with the muddyest paws.-
After coming home to rinse off we called a restaurant that we've been patiently waiting to open. Benny's has been a Denver staple for twenty-some years, and for some miraculous reason they decided to open a second restaurant about 2 miles away from our house! Just our luck July 4th was their first day in business. We rushed down there and had a wonderful meal (I can't wait to go back).
In the evening (after much needed naps, myself included) we headed for the Rapids game at Invesco Field. To our surprise they won 2-1! Afterward we saw the best firework show in Denver (so they say). It was great (probably even the best), I was so proud of Bug and Sweetiepeas for making it the whole night without too much of a melt down on either of their parts. We didn't get home until after 11:30.

The result

2005-07-05T22:25:00.000-06:00

The votes are in. Tallies tallied. Voices heard.

With a total of three votes Decision Pie wins the race.

I'd like to thank everyone who took part. Every vote did count. Pineapple Cloud Pie, and Hawaii-Pie-O received two votes each that seventh vote was quite the tie-breaker. I'm happy to say that in the future we will not only have a yummy recipe on our hands but a fun anecdote to tell as well!

For those interested:

Decision Pie

30 Crushed Ritz crackers
4 egg whites
1 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Chopped nuts
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1/2 C. Powdered sugar
1 t. Vanilla
2 pkgs whipped topping (4 C)
1 can well drained crushed pineapple
Shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350.
Butter a 9x13" pan. Spread crackers in the bottom of pan. Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Add nuts. Spread over the crumbs and bake 30 minutes. Cool. Cream the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla together. Add whipped topping and pineapple. Mix. Pour over cooled crust and top with coconut. Chill until ready to serve.

Update: Decision Pie

2005-07-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

Due to the overwhelming response (please note my sarcasm), Decision Pie had moved into the next level of voting.
I've decided to expand the poll-ees to include any friend I happen to bump into over the course of the holiday weekend. I plan of having pie in hand, for picture reference and convenient taste testing. Hopefully my friends and family's collective minds will settle on the perfect name (and not only agree that I'm the crazy lady who shoves pie at them).
Tune in Tuesday the 5th for the much anticipated answer (yes again, sarcasm).

Sorrow

2005-06-30T16:14:00.000-06:00

When someone you love is aching, how do you help them through? Coping is something that can't be wrapped up in a bow or slipped into a card.

When my family hurts, I hurt. I joke for fear of crying. I try to be there for them. I try not be there too long. To give space.

My family is hurting. I haven't been there, in this place where they are now, I don't know what they need, what to say.

I know how I feel. Bewildered; my doe eyed naivete smashed, stomped on and handed back. I am sad, angry, numb.

I'm not in that place. I'm looking down at them trying to steady the ladder for their long climb back to "normalcy."

I can only imagine their sadness, their anger. Their strength and hope. For they are strong and hopeful people and in time I trust they will feel that in themselves again.

Decision Pie

2005-06-28T22:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I made a quick mention of caving to my crabbyness and fixing a dessert. Ritz Cracker Pie was the result (the one I initially forgot to buy the Ritz crackers for...) In general when I mention to Hubby Mikey that I'll be making this particular treat, he responds with a luke warm "woohoo" at best. He's commented that it is the name alone that puts him off. I'd like to settle on a new name for the pie, but decided to poll the few who read this blog to pick a name for me.
I won't be able to post a picture of the pie tonight, but will do my best to describe it in writing.

Picture a crust of crumbled Ritz crackers topped with a light and slightly nutty meringue. The bulk of the pie consists of a fluffy thick white layer comprised mostly of whipped topping with pineapple strewn about. This is all topped with a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Would you name this dessert:
A. Paradise pie (pineapples send me on vacation)
B. Pineapple cloud pie (because clouds of pineapples sound yummy)
C. Pineconut pie (because I like silly names)
D. Ritz cracker pie (just leave well enough alone)
E. Something else (because I'm much more clever at this naming thing than you)

Thanks in advance for helping with the pie problem, hopefully a name change will make the pie sound appealing to HM in the future :)

One of those days

2005-06-27T23:22:00.000-06:00

It's funny how when I try to prepare myself for the week ahead - like grocery shopping on Sunday - I end up forgetting to set up some of the most important bits - like buying Ritz crackers for the Ritz cracker pie I'm going to make. Now I'm stuck with a to-do list I'd hoped to avoid. Another trip to the store in on the agenda, this time with both kiddiewinks in tow (something the Sunday trip didn't include). We also had a snafu with the milk people so there was no milk to greet me this morning - a not welcome predicament when I'm trying to wean Sweetiepeas.
--
Just one of those days.
I sat down to write this post about ten times today. What I have above is as far as I got. It wasn't a bad day, just filled with interruptions.
Breakfast - clean house - cranky kids - snack- fix lunch- HM home to eat - nap time - go to mall - buy drapes - come home - put up drapes - curse rods - call store - curse store - curse finials - stare at half finished project - curse windows - cranky kids - dish out snacks - start dinner - HM home from work - eat dinner - curse about project to HM - go to Target - buy more drapes - come home - decide it's best to drop project and make dessert instead.

Kitty Fever

2005-06-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

A lot of people around me are becoming proud new owners of tiny furry felines and I'm feeling the need to join them. Now a normal person wouldn't have a problem seeing cute widdle paws, pink widdle noses and move along with their normal routine unphased. I on the other hand am not quite that normal -evident, I'm sure, by my usage of "widdle"- I've mentioned in passing that I live in a zoo, and at times it sure feels like it. We have of course Bug (a 3 1/2 year old) and Sweetiepeas (a one year old) but we're also home and family to, Busta (a 7 year old), Hannah (a 7 year old), Meg (a 5 year old), Soma (a 5 year old), and Coby (a 4 year old). In reality I DO NOT want any more animals, I'd actually prefer to have two or three less, but obviously we're suckers when it comes to our four legged friends. I am definitely happy with who we have now, they all get along brilliantly and each have such wonderful personalities, I'm just hoping that in the future we can restrain ourselves in the number department.
That brings me back to my most recent bout of kitty fever. Currently Soma is our only cat (which I'm sure makes her happy) -- all of our others being moderately large dogs. I know I'd like to keep it that way, I'm just caught in a moment of weakness.
My new mantra:
I know that I will not go down to a shelter (today or any other day soon), I will not bring home another creature to our already full house and I will not have another widdle *ahem* little mouth to feed (however cute that mouth may be).
I just need to get Hubby Mikey to chant it with me, if we're weak together maybe we can be strong together.

The day for dads

2005-06-19T23:15:00.000-06:00

Today is Daddys' Day. A day for all dads to celebrate their dadness. In my family "dadness" refers to a vast knowledge of electronic gadgets, an appreciation for bbq'd foods, and a fondness for sleeping late. These qualities apply to not only my dad, but my husband and my brother too. All three of them are wonderful dads, and each have their own special qualities for fathering.
My dad is a jack of all trades, I don't think I ever lost the "my dad knows everything" point of view (he is definitely my "phone-a-friend"). I call him up for odd questions just about once every other day and almost always he will have something extremely helpful to contribute.
My brother has a patience that is second only to our mom's. With five children and one on the way I suppose patience is a means for sanity, but I'm still wowed how well he keeps his cool.
As for my dear husband Mikey, I don't think I could say enough to do justice concerning his skills as a father. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful father for my children. He is adventurous, cheery, imaginative and childlike (and that's all before he goes to work in the morning). I look forward to each day I spend with him. Watching his interaction with Bug and Sweetiepeas is priceless.
Happy fathers' day fellas, you all deserve the best for what you give to your kids each and every day.

Tagged by Mopsy

2005-06-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

So I got tagged by Mopsy for a book survey thingy. (Check her's out at Lifenut)
Well, here it goes...

Total number of books owned:
I'd say somewhere in the ballpark of 200... but if you add in all our comic books and trade paper backs that number jumps considerably.

Last book I bought:
Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein. This book was published last March, six years after he passed away (a 20 year project completed by his family).

The last book I read:
The last one was Witch Hunt by Ian Rankin. I had started reading Ian Rankin's Rebus series a couple of years ago and enjoyed his style of writing. Hubby Mikey had set out to find me the next in the series for my birthday, but couldn't come across it, instead he pick this one up. I highly recommend it for mystery fans. It was nicely laid out and the characters were wonderfully developed.

Five books that mean a lot to me:
Book number one would have to be The BFG by Roald Dahl. It's been one of my favorite books since elementary school (I believe I first ready it in 6th grade). I've been a fairly avid reader all my life and I can attribute a lot of my zest for books to Mr. Dahl. He had an imagination to trump just about anyone and his books are perfectly suited for kids of all ages.

Book two is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I was supposed to have read this book my Sophomore year in high school, but (I hate to admit this) I only read as far as the first chapter. I faked my way through the rest of the book with the help of a group project. The year after I graduated my best friend started discussing it with me (thinking I had already read it). When I confided in her about my sliding by ways she forcibly let me borrow her copy. I enjoyed it so much I kicked myself for not reading it when I had chance to discuss it in class. A few years later I bought myself my own copy and still found it as intreguing as I had before. I'm amazed at how forward thinking the book is especially considering it was written in the early '30s.

My third book is Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. It has special meaning to me because it was one of the first of many things HM and I found we have in common.

For my fourth book I'm actually going to cheat and name all the Harry Potters. I know they're such a phenomenon and everybody loves them, but to me they mean something special because they helped give a resurgence to my love of reading. I'd lost touch with reading after Mikey and I got married, forsaking it during the first year of our marriage, our move to a different state, and having our first baby (although I did read a couple of pregnancy help books). When Bug was about six months old I picked up a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and was hooked. I got HM hooked too and together we roped in Mom, Mum and New Sis. It was wonderful because not only did I have a renewed passion for reading I also had four other people to discuss the excitement with.

My fifth book has also been a favorite for a long time, Mrs. Fields' Cookie Book written by Debbi Fields (Mrs. Fields of course) It means a lot to me not only because it's filled with cookie recipes (I have such a weakness for cookies), but because it was the first cook book I ever owned. I still open its pages at least once every other month, mostly for the same few recipes, but occasionally to try a new delicious different one.

Now to pick on 5 people... I choose HM (he can do a guest blog here teehee) Kate at Kate Geek, Desiree at Take These Broken Wings, Jennifer at In this Life, and Jessica at Just My Life

Thanks Mopsy! That was fun :)

Coffee news

2005-06-15T16:05:00.000-06:00

The results are in. The coffee test has proven no winner. As far as I am concerned both filters brew a coffee adequate enough to give me my morning's quota of caffeine. Since the gold filter saves on $ and is reusable, that will be the keeper. On another note, Hubby Mikey approves of Peaberry's 15th anniversary blend(the new flavor) so apparently it's a keeper too.

Today has gone by far to slow for my taste. I've had some guys come to clean the carpets, HM came home for lunch and I even had a chance to put together some of our garage shelves, but still I can't seem to push the time forward fast enough. I think I've got a case of the middle of the week blahs. I keep thinking today is Thursday, but no matter how hard I try the calendar stays firmly stuck on Wednesday.
I'm looking forward to the weekend. Saturday we're hosting a BBQ. We've invited some new friends I've met through a mom's forum online. It will be nice to be able to put some more faces to the people I've known through quirky mommy driven questions, and also rants, & raves.
Of course Sunday is father's day, and although I cannot divulge our plans for the day here (HM is a daily reader), I can say I'm looking forward to spending time with the family.
Hopefully the clock will decide to cooperate and get on with things today -at least enough to bring HM home from work- of course, I wouldn't mind if it slowed down then.

Coffee Fantastic

2005-06-14T15:04:00.000-06:00

Hubby Mikey said I need to start blogging more.
Actually the conversation went a little bit more like this:
Me: Wahhh, nobody likes me!
HM: ... What do you mean?
Me: No one ever comments on my posts *sob*
HM: Well sweetie I'm not sure you want to hear this, but you may have to write more often to keep people reading it. When you go on hiatus for weeks at a time you lose people's interest.
Me: ...

I remember having a conversation with Mopsy a while back regarding blog writing. She said that she finds herself choosing to do more interesting things during the day so that she'll have something to blog about later.

...

Uh, I tried a new coffee filter...

-- Does my family and the odd person who comes across this blog want to hear about my coffee misadventures? Well considering there haven't been many comments you can also come to the conclusion that there haven't been many complaints against it either. So hey, coffee filters, why not?--

Early Sunday evening Bug and I were out getting groceries when we found ourselves at Peaberry Coffee preparing to quench our hot beverage cravings. While the barista was busy foaming my milk and adding whipped cream to Bug's cocoa, I wandered around looking at their merchandise. I came across some gold coffee filters and decided since I was almost out of filters at home, I'd go ahead and shovel out the extra cash to try one out. I'd heard they help to make a superior tasting coffee and over time can save some money. Monday morning I tested it out, but my coffee maker being what it is (generally good, but quirky) overflowed a bit onto the counter. I also discovered a taste testing mistake, I had bought a new flavor of coffee. How exactly was I to tell a superior coffeeness regarding the filter if I hadn't tasted the specific type of coffee before? Oh me, what's a girl to do? I brewed the coffee again this morning (again with the gold filter) and there was no lava flow from the carafe (a good sign) though, I've still no verdict on the new filter's superiority. I'm planning a paper filter test tomorrow morning. I know I'm riveted to know which does the better job. I'm always on a quest for a better tasting cup of joe. I'll be sure to post the verdict.

I'm sure this post comes across as one big (whiny, pathetic) plea for comments, but I assure you it isn't (well ok, it is). I am just blogging about my life and the things that happen in it (like whining to my husband about being unloved) however trivial they may be. It is in no way directed to people who I know read my blog (Mum) and comment to me in person (my parents) without leaving a comment on here (my brother x2).

Staying home

2005-06-13T09:37:00.000-06:00

I said in last night's post, "I'm not planning on abandoning my post as a stay-at-home mommy any time soon."
I'd like to elaborate on that. When I think of a "career" for me to add to my life, I fully see my children involved. As far as running a restaurant, I picture the kids (somewhere in high school I suppose) coming in after school to sit at a booth and do their homework, possibly helping out a bit to earn extra money, but definitely there. With the dairy farm idea (yes I was serious about that) I see them as little curious kids helping to name the cows and chasing our dogs around the field.
I suppose I just want to clarify that I am happy with my choice of being a stay at home mom. I have no desires in the way of eight hour shifts or the world of day care (not that there is anything wrong with either of those).
I look at a career choice for me being something that can be added to our family's current dynamic. So if I'm to write a best selling novel (um, shut up) I picture Sweetiepeas at my feet squawking for Cheerio's while I'm typing, and both her and Bug on my bookstore tour, taking time in each city to eat at exotic McDonald's.

Nothing in particular

2005-06-12T23:11:00.000-06:00

I'm in the mood to blog, but forgive me if it's just mindless babbling (for those of you who asked "so what else is new?" um- shut up). I can't really think of anything of importance to regurgitate regarding the past couple days (no, I don't suppose I generally have anything particularly important to write about -& um, shut up).

I've been thinking about what I want to be when I grow up. This question has been a tough one for me. I think that's because I'm so darn fickle. In general I have trouble with making decisions. Ask anyone I'm related to, or for that matter any one who's ever met me. What am I making for dinner? -I may as well start planning before breakfast. Choosing a restaurant? Prepare yourself for a 2 hour wait(you might want to bring snacks). I have to plan months ahead of time to come up with gifts for peoples' birthdays, it's craziness. The funny thing is, some of the biggest decisions of my life have been made in true spur of the moment, fly by the seat of your pants fashion. Marriage? -No problem. Should we have a baby? - Alrighty. Continuously moving around the country? How 'bout a coin toss to decide?
But when it comes to my ambitions career-wise I can't seem to flounder enough.

As far as I can remember the first thing I wanted to be when I was young was a ballerina. I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed, though, I stopped taking dance classes fifteen years ago. Lately I have been considering such a wide variety of professions it ranges from running a restaurant to being a dairy farmer. I even took a test online to help me sort out what it is I am best suited for. It didn't come up with anything I didn't already know. I don't want to work for anyone or have anyone work for me. I enjoy writing, mathematics, science, cooking, and don't like administration or sales. So what is a girl to do? I never stay on the same track for long, I'd say I have a fear of commitment, but I'd suppose my marriage would have an argument to that. Right out of high school I dove into photography, I decided after only a semester to venture in a different direction. English was my next, and unofficial major, and also lasted only one semester. When I transferred schools I was declared an art major by the school I switched to(sounded ok to me, I didn't argue). From that point I took an easy way out of decision making by quitting school and getting married. I'm very happy with the way my life is unfolding so far. Being a mom is the greatest "when I grow up" ending I could hope for, I would just like to sort out a career type decision in addition - you know the drill, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too. I'm young. I'm not too worried about figuring out something for my future career. Plus, I'm not planning on abandoning my post as a stay-at-home mommy any time soon.

Our quick trip

2005-06-10T23:26:00.000-06:00

We came home last night from our whirl wind road trip. Bug and Sweetiepeas did so well during the 1700 mile trip especially considering we did it all in only 4 days.
I was quite surpised with the scenery along the way. Kansas was nicer than I had expected. The farthest I've been into Kansas (to my recollection) was about 50 miles in, a little town called Colby, and that was about 8 years ago. Once you get past about halfway it turns from flat and wheat-y to green and hill-y, and the whole way there are cows! Cows make me smile. I especially enjoyed seeing them wading in ponds in their pastures. Have I never metioned I want a cow? - I've wanted one since I was about 3 - (Seriously!) So with the cows to make me happy along the way, the miles just flew by. I think Hubby Mikey survived by concentrating on the driving and listening to my giddy cow comments. -Ok, maybe not- But I do know how the kids survived, by constantly snacking and napping.

Yum yum!

Sawing logs.

The graduation was brilliant. I'm so happy we made the trip. I can't say enough how proud we all are of Mikey's little sis. I would have gladly driven (uh, sat in a moving vehicle) 2 or 3 times the distance even considering the short time we were actually at the event.

The Graduate

Did I mention?

2005-06-05T00:43:00.000-06:00

Baby girl's birthday party went great! I think everyone had a good time and the birthday girl was going strong even to the end. She was loving all the attention (well, in her own way - she's still my little clingy monkey) Oh! Did I mention how excited I am that she chose her birthday to launch herself into the walking world? Being 1 must have given her a big boost in confidence because she was all over the place! I'm not surprised at how well she kept up with the other kids, though, she's been eyeing their activities for weeks! It will be interesting to see how well she copes with being strapped in a car seat for 4 days out of the upcoming week.
Hmm... Did I mention our family road trip? Other than being stuck in a car for so long, I'm really looking forward to it. My new* little sister is graduating from National Guard boot camp on Wednesday, so we're headed to Missouri to show support and let her know, without a doubt, how proud of her we are. I can't wait to see her, it's amazing what she's done -and doing- What a strong and wonderful person she is! I'm also looking forward to seeing Mum** and new sis's beau. It's been such a long time since we've seen them; it will be like a mini family reunion!
On the way home we're stopping in Witchita Kansas (at the graduate's request) to visit an Old Chicago -YUM!- Funny thing is they're headed back to Oklahoma, so it will be an out of the way jaunt for them. Sounds strange, but it's a family thing... Ok so it's a beer thing, but a beer thing that includes family. Apparently it's the closest of the restaurant's locations to where they live in Alva, OK and when the graduate says "Drive!" you say, "How far?"
I'm hoping the Kansas Old Chicago has trivia, we like trivia (and especially since Mum covers the q's concerning dead people, we rock!) I'm also looking forward to furthering my beer tour and getting the beau initiated on Italian nachos & Taos pizza (did I mention HM and I are taking a break from our diets?)
Here's to birthday parties, walking, road trips, graduates, soldiers, family, beer, food and fun!
Cheers!

*New sis - is Mikey's little sister -the title of sister-in-law reeks of wicked witch-edness & I don't like to use it when referring to someone who is definitely not... well, wicked witch-like.
**Mum - is Mikey's mum... uh, see the wicked witch comment above.

My darling Sweetiepeas

2005-06-03T14:23:00.000-06:00

Today is my baby girl's first birthday.
These past twelve months have moved quickly past.
One year ago I was in a hospital room with a new squishy pink baby sleeping soundly outside of my body for the first time.
Nine months ago sleeping in a carrier that baby accompanied us to the closing of our house.
Six months ago that little cherub starting crawling on the wood floors of our new home.
Three months ago she proved herself a Mommy's girl by crying out to me with her arms stretched wide looking to be held.
Right now she is sleeping in her crib a full fledged one year old.
Happy, stubborn, persistent, playful... all words that describe our Sweetiepeas. I've happily come to understand and see in her all of these things (and more). It's strange to think back, laying in that hospital bed starting at her ten tiny fingers and her cute little nose all of this was just around the corner already starting to blossom. I'm excited for the upcoming year -and beyond- I'm looking forward to seeing our sweet little girl come into her own, to watch her change, grow and become more of who she is.
Happy birthday Sweetiepeas, I love you with all of my heart.

New life

2005-06-01T10:28:00.000-06:00

Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,
Adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver Goldsmith
British-Irish author (1730 - 1774)

I don't believe I'd posted at the beginning of the year when my sister-in-law, Mopsy, was expecting. The excitement, the anticipation of a new teeny person. I love being an aunt, next to being a mommy it's possibly my favorite thing to be. I was ecstatic. I love my Mopsy and the brother who brought her into the family. I'm sure I've mentioned what wonderful people they are, how kind, patient, and generous. When the baby was no longer headed to this earth they were not alone in their sadness. Grief, questions... even anger encircled the whole family.

Now that life has sparked anew, to them I send my sincerest congratulations, my greatest amounts of hope, and love from the bottom of my heart. To God I send my prayers and a plea to guide this little peanut of a soul, and watch over the family who's care it's in.

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
John Wayne
US movie actor & director (1907 - 1979)

A project completed

2005-05-31T14:36:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo! I am proud to say that the marathon paint project has finally come to an end. The kitchen/nook/playroom transformation that began last August was completed yesterday. I have to say it's taking us a bit to get used to seeing color on the walls. For such a long time we stared at a work in progress.
I definitely would have scoffed at the idea of it taking nearly a year to finish, but at least now I'm free to start other long awaited projects(like finally getting our windows dressed)! This house is feeling more and more like our home!

Quiet house

2005-05-27T17:25:00.000-06:00

Today Bug has embarked on his first big boy adventure. He's spending a whole week with his Grandma and Granddad at their home in Albuquerque.
I'm surprised I didn't get teary as he was driven away. He was so excited this morning I suppose it was infectious. As he was getting dressed he grabbed the only shirt he could reach, a Rapids' jersey that's about 4 sizes to large. He ran up to me (as best he could in his mock dress)and proclaimed that he was ready to go.
After a change of shirt and his bag was packed, he was ready for his journey. He had a bounce in each step he took to the car on the way out, practically dragging his grandparents along the way.
This trip is his reward for his new found expertise with the toilet. He's so proud, so happy, and getting so big!
The house is quiet without him here. Sweetiepeas is doing her best to make up for the lack of excitement, but I know she's missing the activity too.
I know he'll have a wonderful time. I did when I went to visit my grandparents during the summer. I know he'll be spoiled, and that he'll expend record amounts of energy, tiring his loving grandparents. Then after a week filled with activities and too many desserts he'll come home to a familiar bed and a family who missed him.

Good Morning Birds

2005-05-20T09:43:00.000-06:00

Good morning birds that go "Tweet tweet SHRIEK!"
The day has broke, the sun shines bright, I stretch and hear my joints go "creak."
My pillow though soft and plump has played its part quite well.
I must get up, get dressed and blog (I hope I remember how to spell.)
As I wipe the sleep out from my eyes, I think of what to write.
I hope I can make my day sound great, without any words of slight.
Yesterday, I write down, we did a lot of things
we went to lunch, to class and oh! HM saw 9 innings.
We were tired, it was hot, a nice warm summer day
(though it's still spring, it sure feels close and I think that's OK).
I finish up, write something witty, say so long for now!
Then I might add, I'll write more (I give my solemn vow!)
I set off to start again, a new day I move toward
My job I love, my kids so sweet, it is the best reward.

Planning a birthday party

2005-05-19T16:06:00.000-06:00

Realize your dear sweetiepeas's birthday is on the horizon
Panic.
Stop panicking
Start planning
Repeatedly ask your hubby questions like, "What theme should we do?" or, "Should I make a whole cake or just cupcakes?"
Receive, "Whatever you want to do" as an answer to most everything.
Make a list of people to invite .
Pose the question, "Would 40 people singing happy birthday to a mommy clinging one year old be a bad idea?"
Revise list of people to invite.
Decide there is not enough time to order the snazzy invitations like you did for your first child.
Wonder if there's really enough time to send invitations at all!
Panic. Again.
Figure out a way to have cool invites and give your guests time to mull over their answer(ok not much time, but at least you can stop panicking).
Pick a theme based on what makes your sweetiepeas happy.*
Decide to do both a cake and cupcakes (gulp).
Go to the party store to pick up a few items so you feel you're really getting somewhere with this planning thing.
Have your 3 year old refer to the store you're at as the potty store the whole time you're there.
Realize your brilliant theme doesn't really exist.
Somehow pull it together anyway (fingers crossed).
Feel you're actually on top of it, and breathe a sigh of relief.

*I wouldn't want to spoil any sort of surprise (plus of course it leaves me open to change it on a whim w/o anyone knowing - ha!)

Our Saturday

2005-05-15T16:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday our family of 4 had quite the busy day. We started the day off by driving down to Colorado Springs. We have recently met some super nice people who live down there so we went down to attend their daughter's 5th birthday party. It was a blast :) Yummy food, a princess pinata, bright pink frosting, how could you go wrong?! I even caught Hubby Mikey running (he was playing football with some of the older boy types -dads... whatever). Afterwards we stopped by the outlet stores in Castle Rock for a quick spending spree, buying up summer clothes for the tots. Then, last night we went to a soccer game. Bug really enjoyed the atmosphere. He became quite the pro at shelling peanuts and stomping his feet when prompted by the announcer. He even got into the mode of cheering, swept up by the encouraging shouts of the boys sitting behind us, "Go Rabbits GO!" Ethan yelled as enthusiastic as anyone in the stands, no matter how many times HM and I reminded him we were actually watching the Rapids. They won by the way, 2-1 and that's about how many we Rapids fans were out numbered by Chivas USA supporters.

Trip to the Zoo

2005-05-11T20:25:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had a super gorgeous day here in Denver. There was a bright blue sky, a nice warm sun, and the kids and I had plans to go to the zoo.

I love the zoo. I'm so happy that as a parent I can take my children to a place that stimulates and excites my children as much as it does me.
We met up with a bunch of other moms and tots from the Colorado Moms (such a wonderful group of people). It was a blast and by the end of the day all three of us were completely pooped. I can't wait to go again sunburn and all (yes, I used sunblock, but annoyingly I missed a spot) it was worth it! Hopefully next time we can have Mikey come along too (he'd probably feel right at home with this guy).

Talk about spoiled

2005-05-09T11:34:00.000-06:00

If I were to say that I was spoiled yesterday, it would be a gross understatement. My mommy's day was nothing short of fantastic.
When I woke up, I was served a yummy breakfast (though hubby Mikey was disappointed that we were missing syrup for waffles). Then I was given my first (yes there were more than one) present of the day, Gilmore Girls season 3, a show that both Mikey and I are addicted to. I was then instructed to take a shower and get ready while HM and Sweetiepeas ran an errand. When they returned they and Ethan sent me to my room while the 3 of them did secret whispered stuff at the other end of the house. When they had finished I was told to close my eyes and wait till the count of three at which time I was presented gift #2... a new laptop!! After I tested out my new toy by blogging yesterday's posts & Sweetiepeas was rejuvenated by a nap, we went to a late lunch at On The Border (yum!) Tummies full we headed to the mall for gift #3... what Ethan calls my new princess clothes (isn't he just the cutest? Hey so are the clothes!). We returned home tired, pooped, worn out, and a little snotty (I think we're all coming down with something again). What a wonderful happy mommy's day to me! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family, you won't catch me asking for anything more!

Mummy's Day

2005-05-08T13:21:00.000-06:00

To my Mum,
Even though you haven't been in my life for an extremely long time, you've been a great influence in the things that have had great bearing in how I live. You have the bragging rights to the wonderful man who is my husband (though you may in some cases choose denial). :) You've been a wonderful shoulder for tears, and your ears have been lent without question. I value your opinion greatly, and hope to make you proud of the way I'm raising your grandbabies. Have a wonderful Mummy's Day you deserve the best! I love you!

Double Duty

2005-05-08T13:08:00.000-06:00

To my mom,
Today is not only the day to celebrate you being the bearer of three children, it's also the day to celebrate the anniversary of your birth.
You have much to celebrate, and not just because society makes a rule of it, but because you are such a special person. I know both of my brothers to be wonderful people, and I see a lot of your influence in their ways. I see your smile shine through when Jim is happy, and your polite demure in Lee's eyes. I hope that I too reflect your niceties, even a small bit of your attributes filtered through me would be most welcome and well received. Your patience is truly a virtue to be admired and something I aspire to achieve. Not to mention your positive nature, you're usually the first to spot a silver lining. So, here's to you! My mom, my role model. I love you.

I'm 80% Female 40% Normal and 28 years old

2005-05-06T11:52:00.000-06:00

The big news of the week (drum roll please) is Bug's new potty habits! Woohoo! Bug's been in undies (it's Spongebob today) since Wednesday and only had one accident which was during the night and pretty much to be expected. We are so pleased that it's finally clicked for him. Wednesday morning I had him watch me throw all of his remaining diapers and pull-ups into the trash. He protested, but it wasn't long before I heard him tinkling away in the toilet.
I even started calling around to preschools on Thursday since everything is starting to fill up. We haven't made any decisions yet, but I have narrowed it down to a select few. I'm so happy to have only one child in diapers again!

The more fun stuff I promised

2005-05-02T11:44:00.000-06:00

Quizzes:

What Gender Is Your Brain?

How Normal Are You?

What Age Do You Act?

Jokes:
A preacher is buying a parrot.
"Are you sure it doesn't scream, yell, or swear?" asked the preacher.
"Oh absolutely. It's a religious parrot," the storekeeper assures him.
"Do you see those strings on his legs? When you pull the right one, he recites the lord's prayer, and when you pull on the left he recites the 23rd Psalm."
"Wonderful!" says the preacher, "but what happens if you pull both strings?"
"I fall off my perch, you stupid fool!" screeched the parrot.

The English Language

Have you ever wondered why foreigners have trouble with the English Language?

Let's face it
English is a stupid language.
There is no egg in the eggplant
No ham in the hamburger
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
English muffins were not invented in England
French fries were not invented in France.

We sometimes take English for granted
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly
Boxing rings are square
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

If writers write, how come fingers don't fing.
If the plural of tooth is teeth
Shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth
If the teacher taught,
Why didn't the preacher praught.

If a vegetarian eats vegetables
What the heck does a humanitarian eat!?
Why do people recite at a play
Yet play at a recital?
Park on driveways and
Drive on parkways

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy
Of a language where a house can burn up as
It burns down
And in which you fill in a form
By filling it out
And a bell is only heard once it goes!

English was invented by people, not computers
And it reflects the creativity of the human race
(Which of course isn't a race at all)

That is why
When the stars are out they are visible
But when the lights are out they are invisible
And why it is that when I wind up my watch
It starts
But when I wind up this observation,
It ends.

Monday, Monday...

2005-05-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

So Friday I meant to add more fun quiz things, but I got completely sidetracked and forgot all about it. Maybe I'll add some more later after I babble on for a while.

The weekend, as always, was too short. Saturday Mikey took his karate class (he's looking like a natural). He says he's not feeling as worn out at the end of them any more which is great since he was so worried about it in the beginning.

The big event for us this weekend was going to a Rapids game. With the urging of my brother we decided to buy season tickets (well half season). Funny thing is my brother and his family are buying a house now so he backed out of the whole soccer season ticket experience.
The game was at 7pm and it had been snowing that day. We decided, being the Colorado family that we are, that we'd just bundle up and make the best of it.
It was 36 degrees.
It was still snowing.
We made it to half time, but had to call it quits due to the frozen state of our bodies. (The Rapids were down 0-2 anyway.) I'm hoping that the next game (mid-May) will be a bit warmer, I think the kids will enjoy watching the game more when they're not so worried about frozen fingers and toes.

Sunday (and here's our weight update) Mikey stepped on the scale to reveal a 5.5 lb weight loss (I knew last week was a fluke)! I also lost weight (2.5 lbs) & I reached my 10% weight loss. -If you're not Weight Watchers savvy, it's the first big milestone, and for me it meant losing 16lbs! Woohoo!- Reaching this goal, I decided it was time I treated myself to a --well a treat. I had the brilliant idea of trying out one of those spray on tans. I've been seeing ads for places in all the weekly advertising mail and thought, "Why not?" So Sunday I did.
I'm not completely convinced... I am definitely more tan (Mikey said he'd have to get used to seeing me with color since I haven't had a tan the whole time we've been together), but I'm also a bit blotchy... I'm supposed to go back again today, something about building up the base... hopefully I can figure out how to smooth the stuff on a bit more evenly. In the meantime, parts of me look nicely tanned... and other parts look a bit like I have dirt caked on. We'll see after tonight, I'm leaving the verdict until then...

More fun stuff

2005-04-29T19:50:00.000-06:00

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Oh Man!

2005-04-27T18:37:00.000-06:00

I forgot to update y'all on our weight progress... Gosh darn it -I knew I was getting behind!

I think we're pretty used to the diet now. It's definitely gotten easier, though I still have my weak moments. -Especially on Saturday. Hubby Mikey and I had a rare date night out (bowling and P.F. Chang's) and decided to forgo the point counting during dinner. I still tried to make wise decisions, like the brown rice instead of white and tea for my drink. But over all I didn't (& don't) feel bad about going off the wagon for a night, especially since we don't usually get a night to ourselves. (A big thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the kiddiewinks!)- On to our weigh-in. I lost another pound and a half (total of 13.5!) and poor Mikey actually had a weight gain of 3 lbs. -My guess is it was water related since the day after he weighed again and had not only ditched the 3 lbs but another .5 lb too!-
We'll keep on nibbling our way through -seeing the results is fab!

Busy, busy, busy

2005-04-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

As always I'm behind on my blog... I think I should just suck it up and admit I'll only ever be able to commit to a once a week blogging schedule. If I'm lucky I can up it to two times. Oh well, motivation eludes me.
I got squashed by a tummy bug the past couple of days and besides Hubby Mikey my best friend was the couch -I think you can still see my imprint there.- Blech, I very much dislike being sick, but anything stomach related takes the cake on bad ways to spend your day.

Prior to being prescribed the couch, my parents were in town(in fact, they left town just as I began feeling sick-just my luck!). They were here for an Oxyfresh convention and ended up making it almost a 2 week stay. It was great to see them both. They are funny. It's amazing how every time I see them, I see more of where I came from - personality-wise. My stubbornness, my impulsiveness, what I find funny, they all came from my parents - and so much more. I'm starting to see more of these traits in Bug too. Like my parents have said, man are we in for it! But I can't wait to see how Bug's sense of humor develops, and Leigh's cheeky mischievousness continues. How lucky are HM (Hubby Mikey) and I to witness them growing up! I'm excited for every step along the way. And I suppose each step will further my path of turning into my parents - YIKES!
(& WOW!)

Words from a Babe

2005-04-22T08:17:00.000-06:00

Bug: "My feelings hurt."
Me: "I'm sorry sweetie, what happened?"
Bug: "Mommy, you give me new feelings?"
Me: "Bug, I can't give you new feelings, only you can do that. I can help you to feel better. What can I do?"
Bug: "I need new feelings. My feelings are hurt."
Me: "I can't give you new feelings, sweetie."
Bug: "Yes you can. They're right there." (Pointing at the ceiling.)

I wish it were that easy. I'm not happy right now, may I trade my feelings in for something better? Oh wait, I see a happy feeling floating by the kitchen cabinet, let me see if I can reach it.

Happy Birthday Mopsy

2005-04-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

Well scratch that (sort of). Mopsy's birthday is in June.
To preface I should say that Hubby Mikey and I aren't the most savvy shoppers when it comes to other people's birthdays. We usually find ourselves on the way to the person-in-question's celebration running into some large chain store (usually Target) to pick up a gift certificate and a nice card.
So when I read Mopsy's April 14th blog, I knew I was staring in the face of a golden opportunity (even if her birthday isn't for another 2 months). Sure, they may say the venue sold out in minutes, but of course, where there's a will there's a way. And my way included the magic of eBay. One of the greatest features of eBay is knowing that nothing is ever truly sold out.
Not much appeals to me more than a good deal and that's precisely what I got. Including the 2 day Fedex shipping from Texas I paid less than face value for 2 not too shabbily located seats.

If you read the comments to her blog, you'll know that I shamelessly invited myself along as her date -hey it's U2! They are such an iconic band, their fans are an amazing cross-section of people young and old. While at the concert (last night) Mopsy and I saw four different radio stations represented, teenagers, a man in his 70's, and a family of four -now how many times have you heard of a couple of teenagers going to a concert with their parents?!

It was amazing. When Hubby Mikey asked how it was, the comment that seemed to get the biggest "Wow it was that good?" was when I told him I was moved to tears.
Bono and U2 as a whole have been widely known for their activist participation in charities and causes world wide - during the concert there was one song and message that really struck a chord with me. When they played "Where the Streets Have No Name" their lighting effect scrolled flags from country after country as Bono sung and spoke of equality for every human. No more slavery, an end to hunger, equal no matter what. Period.

The city's a flood, and our love turns to rust.
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust.
I'll show you a place
High on a desert plain
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name
Where the streets have no name.

I highly recommend this concert to -well anyone. It was more beautiful than I've ever seen rock and roll to be. It was full of energy and emotion. It was amazing.

I hope Mopsy had a good time, I know more so now than before that I should be thanking her for not only the idea of buying the tickets, but letting me snag one of them too.

A Guest

2005-04-17T22:20:00.000-06:00

Hello all, this is Mikey, Nini's hubby. Nini just asked me to make a quick appearance and inform everyone of our further weight loss progress.

This past week Nini lost an additional 2 pounds so her total weight loss adds up to 12 pounds, all within a month of starting Weight Watchers. I lost 3 pounds, which finally brings me under the 200 lb mark. Pretty amazing considering I felt I was bad this week, but I guess that is what the flex points are for.

Both of us are pretty happy with our progress, but good lord dieting can be hard some days. Earlier this evening we were invited over to our neighbor’s house for a BBQ. Normally we would be apprehensive in attending a meet where the burger greases, hot dog mystery meat, and highly sugared (is that a word??) BBQ sauces are present in such abundance, but 1st we couldn't resist the allure of the delicious grill born carcinogens, and 2nd (and more importantly), we really want to get to know our neighbors. Turns out it was a very good move... Our neighbors, A & D, are fantastic people (with a very cute family and house I might add) and the food was absolutely awesome, we even got fed cake... WOO HOO!! The evening was full of great conversation, great company and great food. A & D, if you end up reading this, thank you so much for your hospitality, and incase you are curious, BBQ's in moderation, are more then okay for our diets. Turns out we still have a few 'overflow' points available for further overindulgence during the rest of the week :).

By the way, if anyone is curious, the whole sentence above “Normally we would be apprehensive in attending a meet where the burger greases, hot dog mystery meat, and highly sugared BBQ sauces are present in such abundance” is a complete lie. I don’t think I have ever turned down a good BBQ and neither should any of you.

With all the above said, I am sure I will end up writing another “guest blog” for Nini at some point in the future, and in order to make sure I give you all what you want to read, I suggest you go to this link and vote on a topic. That right folks, I really am that big of a nerd!!! Hooray for nerds (specifically me in this case).

Mikey

Tax day

2005-04-15T21:08:00.000-06:00

So today is the day the IRS demands an answer to the question of who owes whom. Our taxes have been filed for about a month -thank goodness for H&R Block, buying and selling homes every year makes filing online a bit taxing on the brain.- We've also already spent the money the tax man owes us (the shiny new computer I'm currently on).

In that vein, today meant little in the financial sense. For me, today meant getting a bit closer to completing a project that has wedged its thorny self into my side. Today meant PAINTING.

When we first moved into this house there were a few changes we wanted to see happen in the "make this house ours" sense. One of these changes involved wallpaper -or the hopeful lack thereof- and this is what has since turned into a major project.

To start the project off (last August -ahem-) there was the removal of the nasty stuff which included the use of razor blades and three increasingly less patient people (I had help from my mom and dad). During the next phase I folded and brought in the use of professionals (my impatience had gotten the best of me). After the "demolition" crew came and went there were two weekend days occupied with mudding, sanding, priming and a kind brother who took pity on me and lent a hand (a great many thank you's to Leeber). This is where I started today, on freshly primed walls. Ready for a shiny new, much easier to clean, coat. Now I'm pooped. I'd say the kitchen is about 99% completed and there is a wall and a half to finish in the nook area, but overall I'm pleased. Our kitchen looks real again, almost usable. I'm not making any promises (since it's taken so long just to get to this point), but I'm hoping to be hanging pictures by the end of the weekend. Ok so I can promise not to hold my breath.

Yes today is the 14th

2005-04-14T00:14:00.000-06:00

I'm having a bit of a motivational issue when it comes to my blog. I know, I know -gasp- that's so hard to believe!
I envision myself blogging every day -sometimes two or three times when I've had a really eventful day- (ok stop laughing) I realize that I don't generally have anything exciting to blog about and when I do, I'm too pooped to post.
Well no more! -maybe- we'll see...

I've decided I'm going to start one of those lists. (Remember I LOVE lists.) "One of those lists" being the kind where people write down the things they want to do/see/accomplish before they die -or so it's not morbid, say, before I turn 50.-

I already have one thing:
I would like to see my favorite team play in their home stadium. My favorite team is Newcastle United. (GO Magpies!!) Their home stadium is St. James' Park in Newcastle, England. So, it's a little bit more involved than if my favorite team were the Denver Broncos & I could just drive my happy little self to Invesco field to buy crazy over priced sniper tickets.

As an addendum to #1 on my list, I'd love to see my favorite player in action, Alan Shearer. I was upset to hear this was to be his last season, but I found out that -thank my lucky stars- he's just decided to play on another year. This doesn't mean that I'll be able to get to the UK in time to see him play, but it does give me more of a fighting chance since the current season ends next month.

This might not be too doable, but you never know -Hmm... maybe I should go get my passport renewed!-

I know I have more "to do's" but I really want to make this list with some thought. I'll be adding on to it as I figure out the must do's. Hopefully it will help me continue to blog with out weekly breaks!

Spring had been marred & we get thinner

2005-04-11T22:29:00.000-06:00

Well apparently my last post needed to be proven right (you can just scroll down if you missed it). Our beautiful vaguely existent spring was indeed tarnished by a snow storm. Oh, by the way it wasn't just any snow storm, it was: "The Spring Blizzard of 2005". A couple feet of snow isn't all that bad, although it did shut down two highways to two different state lines... anyhow, I'm betting it will all be melted by tomorrow.

On to our weigh-in... We're still doing a good job -slow and steady- the best way to lose.
Hubby Mikey lost an additional 3 lbs this week (woohoo!) and I lost another pound and a half. I'm hoping if we continue to lose steadily, like we are, that we'll be hitting our goals just about the time we take our first family vacation. The plan right now is to leave round about the 2nd or 3rd week in July so we still have some time to get skinny. Our trip also falls around Mikey's 27th birthday (he may have lost that many pounds by then too!) He deserves a good birthday. His last two were steam rolled by our moves cross country. I'm so excited for us to have a trip together that doesn't involve boxes or bubble wrap (I'm sure Mikey will be too)!
I'm know I will be updating this blog regarding our getaway plans as they become more of a reality. What a treat it will be!

Ahh Spring

2005-04-07T12:29:00.000-06:00

Spring is fleeting (if existent at all) here in Colorado, but today feels to the core like a fresh new spring day. It's beautiful outside, gorgeous blue skies, brightly shining sun and I can see that our trees are beginning to bud. Even inside I can feel life rejuvenating, our house is mid transformation from a stuffy cluttered home into a bright clean space. Ethan is excited for our park dates already dressed to go, and Leigh is verging on a first birthday and growing every second between.
I'm excited for the summer. I'm ready to shed long pants and coats and replace them with shorts and sun hats. With lots of plans for day trips, a zoo membership to take advantage of, and possibly our first family vacation to look forward to I can't wait for this busy -and fun- season to begin.
To me spring is a sneak preview. It's a peek into the days of sunblock and sunglasses. It brings with it a promise of life -and things to fill life up with.- So when our spring is marred with our next snow flurry, hopefully I can recapture the feeling from days like today and know that a fresh start is just around the corner.

Weigh in

2005-04-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

Sunday was our weekly weigh in for our diets and happily we both lost weight. Mikey is now up to a 6 1/2 pound weight loss and I'm up to 8 1/2. Not too shabby for two weeks work. -and it is work- ahh, I just love food too much.

Usually if I have a break, or a moment to myself I'll switch on the tv and tune into whatever cooking show is on the Food Network. But now, watching any cooking show turns into my own private torture. I've been forced to change my relaxation time to accommodate the diet as well. Now I'm in the habit of watching the Style Network... I'm hoping all the pretty clothes will help motivate me to stick with the diet. Plus, I may learn a thing or two to help my wardrobe when I get to my goal :)

Got bit by the spring cleaning bug

2005-04-05T01:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday officially kicked spring cleaning in the Jones' household.

I'm trying to remember if we've ever actually done a "spring cleaning" and I'm pretty sure we haven't.
I'm excited, although there is a lot to be done. We still have painting projects to be completed, shelves to be put up, pictures to be hung, not to mention the real cleaning part. Hmm.. maybe I can talk hubby Mikey into hiring a maid... I ran across an ad just the other day...
Anyway, I'm hoping for all of this to be completed by the end of the month, I guess I'll find out if that's a realistic goal.

I've already cleaned out our laundry room. It had become a place for us to stash things we weren't ready to find permanent places for. Now that it's cleaned it looks about twice the size - and I've already come up with a new project to use up the new space! A craft center. It will be a place where hubby Mikey can solder and I can sew or scrapbook. We can even make it a place where the kids can get really messy -ooh fingerpainting, my favorite!-

I can't believe how rejuvenated I feel just thinking about a super clean -super organized- house!
I know this house will feel even more ours once we've gotten everything where we want it, and that's something worth working for.

No Foolin'

2005-04-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

After being asked for an update on our Weight Watchers diet by my new sis Mopsy, I realized that since posting about starting it, I have yet to discuss the ups and downs of actually being on it. This Sunday will mark two weeks of eating less, and better for us and I've decided to try posting our newest losses (or -gulp- gains) every time we weigh in. Last Sunday (to get everything up-to-date) Mikey and I lost a total of 10 pounds! Imagine my surprise when the scale happily displayed a 7 lb leaner Nini :)
And this my friends is no April Fools! Woohoo!

New computer, less problems?

2005-04-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! My first blog entry on our new computer. It's fast, it's pretty, it's not obsolete (for at least another week). I'm excited.
We've been talking about a new computer for probably a year now, but mostly in the off hand "wouldn't it be nice to have a new computer" kind of way.
The other day hubby Mikey braved Costco for a half a million new diapers and he (being the nerd he is) wandered through the electronics section. Imagine his happy state after finding a great deal on a computer worth drooling over. We talked it over and decided that we really do need a nifty flat panel screen and that the IRS can help us pay for it. So last night -after a week stuck in the house due to more colds- the four of us packed into the car for a very eventful trip to the land of giant things (Costco has jars of olives bigger than my head!) After we got home, Mikey had the whole thing set up faster than you can say, "gallon tubs of mayo."
Voila! Today I'm blogging in style.

Beginnings

2005-03-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of a healthier Hubby and me.
We're starting ourselves back on Weight Watchers (Last time we joined was just after Bug turned one). We're doing the online program, which worked well for us last time, Mikey lost about 30 pounds and I lost 20. This time we're hoping for a similar result... though maybe a little bit more. I'm sure I'll be discusing our future dieting woes on here, but for now I'm optimistic and looking forward to fitting into clothes that have since been banished to the basement.
We're also starting karate at the Denver Karate Academy. It should prove to be a good and healthy change for us too. We're looking forward to getting into shape, and visiting the people there. I used to teach at the school about five years ago, the owners are friends of mine and wonderful people to boot. We're going tonight and I'm really looking forward to it. Mikey's never taken any martial art and I'm excited to watch/help him learn. I know he'll be great, he's so focused and learns quickly.
Woohoo! Healthier us's!

St. Patty's Day

2005-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

There once was a baby named Leigh
who was cute and sweet as a pea
she made her mom proud as she Mama'd out loud
and they were happy as they could be.

A Mommy named Nini was she
Her family consisted of three
a hubby named Mikey a son that's so lively
and a baby called Sweetiepeas.

Our love in this lifetime grows deeper
my Mikey did act a good sweeper
for him I did fall and I'll give him my all
he most definitley is a keeper.

Our little boy is called Bug
Boy at your heart he can tug
He whines and he cries, and he asks us the whys
But all he needs is a hug

Back from the weekend

2005-03-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

It feels like a Monday, in fact I keep thinking it is Monday. Hubby Mikey took the actual Monday off work (and Tuesday as well) and it gave us a nice long weekend. So now, I'm off kilter as far as my days go. It's ok though. I'd much rather think it's Monday on a Wednesday than think it's Friday when it's really Thursday. Not much good can come of thinking your next day is the weekend only to realize you still have one more mundane day to go before your break.

We spent the first half of our weekend playing countless hours of video games with five children ages 3-7, and coaxing two babies into naps and mushy bananas. We were watching our niece and nephews over night on Saturday so my brother and "new" sister could have their first night away from their children. Ever. (Staying overnight at the hospital to give birth to the next child definitely doesn't count). They had a romantic getaway at the Broadmore hotel in Colorado Springs. And man, I can't think of any couple more deserving of a weekend being pampered than these two. I am amazed by they way they can do... anything. Laundry, meal time, errands... any task that includes five children under the age of 8 just leaves me baffled. But they do it, and they do it well. Cheers to Mopsy and my brother!

The verdict: Yummy

2005-03-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

So I enjoyed my slice of "Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake" (isn't that a long enough name?) It wasn't my most favorite chocolate confection, but well, I am picky and it did do its job satisfying my need for chocolate. (I think I might have enjoyed it a bit more with the addition of the nuts, but since my Mikey isn't a fan I decided not to include them.)
Here's a link to the recipe: Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cakes
and here's a picture of my result:

Mmm... Chocolate

2005-03-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Why do I choose the warm days to bake? I have had to make an effort this winter to take advantage of the cool weather to do my baking. It seems like it's the dead of summer before I'm craving a quiche, or meat pie, or roast. Then I realize that cranking up the oven to 400 degrees directly conflicts with our cooling system which works so hard to combat summer's hottest days.
It's not exactly hot outside today, but it has that spring-like feel. The heater hasn't kicked in since six this morning, so it's been at least 70. Then, since we're still in the need of a few window coverings the sun beats down and considerably raises the temperature in one half of the house. So, my craving kicks in and now there's a chocolate cake in the oven.
Darn that Paula Deen. Everything she cooks/bakes looks heavenly (especially the sweets)! She sucked me in to thinking I need to try baking her "Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cakes." She said that no chocolate lover could resist and I am definitely a chocolate lover!
It's almost done. The aroma in the house is making my mouth water. I can't wait to run over there and chow down -ahem - I mean wait until it cools and cut myself a conservatively sized piece.
I believe that warming up the house could be construed as a good thing, I'm just getting myself into the mood of summer, ready for days in the park, trips to the zoo and adventures in swimming with two kiddiewinks... Not to mention, in the mean time I get CHOCOLATE!

Random news

2005-03-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Firstly I need to commend Mopsy on her 80's song lyric knowledge (If you don't know what I'm talking about push the giant "don't push me" button from yesterday's post, then check out the comments). Mopsy, you are truly a Jack of all trades who's talent never ceases to amaze.

As for an actual post for the day, I can't seem to get my thoughts to converge into one topic. I kid you not, I can't decide whether to talk about Sweetiepeas and her crazy mobility or our new milk delivery service. I know, I know any news regarding either of my kids should be an automatic priority, but sometimes I'd rather be in denial that I have a 9 month old on the verge of walking. Plus, I am just so very excited about having milk delivered to our door. As silly as it may seem I actually woke up on Monday with that Christmas morning feeling. I think it was the anticipation of a tall cool glass.

Also in the news department we've sold our house!!! (Yes, I realize that this also should come before milk delivery, but come on it's fresh moo juice!) One year and a week after placing our Atlanta home on the market, it is officially off our books. It's been so long I can hardly believe it. What a relief!

Laundry calls, the vacuum is whining... I'll leave you with a picture of Sweetiepeas that can sort of capture her in action:

Some fun

2005-03-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun quiz I ran across online today. Test your 80's music lyrics knowledge.

Explanation

2005-02-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

I've decided to break my blogging silence.

I'm good at bottling things up. I know avoidance well. Well enough to know that it is bad. So, I'm going to return to the reason I started this blog in the first place, to vent. Last post I said I wasn't ready, but now I think I am. I think I need to.

Right now the sun is shining. I'm in a good mood. It doesn't seem possible that I've been so at war with myself. I don't like visiting this subject when I'm happy, I can pretend it's not there. I don't like visiting this subject when I'm sad, it rears it's ugly head. It becomes a reality. Frankly, I'd rather talk about the new slightly funky shoes I just bought, or the wedding I bought them for. Something... well, something else. But I owe it to myself to have some release, to stop bottling. It's hard to explain how I feel... Not in control. Not myself. Unhappy - this in particular it doesn't make sense, where it becomes a vicious circle. I'm happy with my life - for the most part with myself - very much so with my family. Why am I so sad?

I'm fed up. I'm angry at the flux in my emotions. Two weeks ago I made the decision that this isn't how I'm supposed to be, I wanted me back. Last week I saw my doctor. He confirmed what I figured to be true, but it was hard to hear. I'm suffering from depression.

Now the sun is shining. I feel good, and it doesn't feel like just a break, it feels real. A step in the right direction. A step back to being me.

Nothing to say

2005-02-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's been 11 days since I've written, easily checked by the dates attached to my posts. It's not that I've become blocked, my head abounds with topics, but I'm not sure I want to write about them. Not much has made sense in the last week and a half. I had honestly considered writing about the weather, just to avoid what's really on my mind. This blog, I said, would be my place to vent and yet I suppose I don't feel comfortable enough to be that real. I fear my sabbatical may last a bit longer unless -and bear with me- I decide to describe the current conditions outside.

Nini

Good morning and welcome to Friday

2005-02-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I'm still not quite awake. Not only am I not a morning person, I haven't been sleeping particularly well. Most nights recently have consisted of constant flipping from one side to the other. I also have the most bizarre dreams, so when I wake up (generally for reasons of flipping) I'm thinking, "what the heck?" As I'm trying to figure out why I would dream we have Sweetiepeas sleep on a balcony on a couch surrounded by piles of junk, I only manage to prolong my sleeplessness. Then their are the nightly boxing matches between my husband and I. His punches come in the way of obnoxiously loud snores and mine, well mine are a bit more like an actual boxing match. - Sorry sweetie - though in my defense he tends to sleep right through my "love taps" and wouldn't know they exist except that I tell him about it the next morning. "Oh, so that's why my arm hurts" he says, then he pouts.
Well this morning before I had the chance to open my eyes (after another long figity night), I heard, "Mommy I want something to eat, and something to drink, I'm hungry and I'm thirsty too. I love you Mommy, Beeza loves you too (his bear), and you love me, and you love Beeza too. May I have something to eat and something to drink?" I woke up enough to say that I love him tons and figured out that he wanted soy milk and oatmeal for breakfast (to which Beeza agreed).
The making of breakfast was a blur, I know his tummy is now full so apparently I didn't forget how to make instant oatmeal (thank goodness - I'd really be in trouble there). Now that I have my tea in hand I'm hoping for the caffeine to wake me up so I can tackle the rest of the morning. I know it's cliche, but Thank Goodness It's Friday!

The perfect moment

2005-02-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Prompted by a craving of my husband's, Bug and I baked cookies today. I admit I have a weakness for sweets, but I just have to wonder is there anything more wonderful than fresh baked cookies?
Bug and I were sitting in front of the oven with plates of gooey chocolate chip cookies and cold glasses of milk. Sweetiepeas was swinging away happily, and every so often Bug would get up to help her master her new sippy cup (of course this was in between mouthfuls of the chocolatey goodness). I figured, "This is it. Perfect." It has to be one of the best moments I've had with my kids to date.
Sure, when it was over there was flour on the floor to clean up, and sure he had chocolate on his face, hands... even his legs, but it was well worth it. I only wish (within the realm of eating healthy) I could come up with a reason to add daily doses of chewy cookies. --I may just decide to eat all of our meals oven-side and make sure they're messy.

Bring on the love?

2005-02-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear February,
Understandably, being your first day on the job, you have a lot on your to do list. I hate to start things off by complaining, but it would be appreciated if you would fix a few things your predecessor fell short on. My family and I wish to stay well for the whole of your term, to actually sell the house in Atlanta like the contract says, and to have the time to finish our painting project. We enjoy our time with you. Your company brings us snowy days, a furry weather predictor, chocolate hearts and president's birthdays. You are the month of black history. The month of love. A month, despite of your length, with so much in store. Ordinarily, I wouldn't need to ask for more, but you're on the tail of a month filled with germs, missed weekends -- frankly time that wasn't used to its fullest. We'd like to help you realize your fullest potential, to make you a grand month of 2005. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to having you in our lives for the next 27 days. May they be happy and eventful!

Nini

Comfy shirt & a vanilla milkshake

2005-01-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Why is it some days I have an unexplainable motivation to get things done? --Tuesday I rearranged our bookcase and cleaned both bathrooms before 9am.-- My motivation usually shows itself in this way, turning into house cleaning marathons. Something spurs me to clean every nook and cranny, which is odd, since most days I'm pleased just to finish a load of laundry. I really enjoy the idea of organization, a concept --a place for everything and everything in its...-- However, I can't seem to stay organized once I've achieved it. Take two weeks ago for example, I had received a couple of gift cards for different places, and used them both to purchase things for organizing (baskets, boxes). Jump to today, and I'm already finding it hard to keep things corralled in their new places.
Today, besides being incredibly long, has been one of my laziest. Sure, there's a pile of laundry in our closet and Bug's clothes are running a bit thin, but motivation never even glanced my way. Which brings me to my post title tonight, because not only am I writing a blog entry (and in turn avoiding the washer & dryer that sit no more than 6 feet away), I'm comfy and making my tummy happy too.
--Here's to tomorrow and the power of procrastination--

Chile (the pepper not the country)

2005-01-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

--Darn technology... I wrote this blog originally on Tuesday, but our lovely computer decided to freeze. I wrote it again. Then, with no explanation, the computer shut off. It's getting old, needs to have the OS reinstalled. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and try patience first, but there may be a replacement in the near future.--

My dad's chile. It has become fairly famous within our family. I made a double batch last night (7 lbs), & today used some to make New Mexican style enchiladas. (YUM!) It's not what most people picture when they think of chili (notice the "i"). There is a big difference between this stuff & ground beef chili with beans (& tomatoes, & onions, & spices, & bell peppers...)
Don't get me wrong, I like me some "gringo" chili, but when I'm in a serious mood for spice (I'm talking a nose running sweat dripping kick), I reach for this family recipe.
Our chile is cubed pork slow cooked in not much more than chile powder & water. Sure, there are a few spices (oregano, cumin, coriander), some garlic (about 5 cloves), and some flour (for thickening) but that's it. It's ready to singe your nose hairs and clear your sinuses. It looks an awful lot like lava, and will stain just about anything it comes into contact with. When you compare the ground beef kind to this recipe it's like apples to oranges. It's our family's idea of gastronomic heaven.

--Reading this over, my mouth is watering... Guess what I'll be having for lunch!--

My obsession

2005-01-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

I started drinking tea as a habit my sophomore year in college. There was one of those coffeehouse slash café places on campus. It had (has?) comfy chairs and lots of table space, like something you'd see on a sitcom. Mango Ceylon was my drink of choice. Three sugars and a drop of milk. I was quite the regular, visiting at least twice a week for a year. I got married early in my junior year & I stopped going to school (& in turn the coffeehouse slash café) soon after. The Mango Ceylon was no more. Funny thing though, I married a Brit. Brit's are known for their love of tea. Crooked yellow teeth surrounded by puckered lips sipping tea with pinkies in the air. Hmm... got a little carried away with the stereotype. I tease my husband for not really being British anyway. (He's just passed the point of having lived in the States longer than the UK.) So being somewhat British, as he is, he does possess the automatic response of "yes" when offered tea. This has fueled the obsession. He's kept the habit going (now onto British Breakfast and Irish Breakfast) and accelerated it, making me sweat tea. We spur each other on. We've started drinking our tea loose leaf, & somehow I've aquired a collection of teapots. Another interesting phenomenon is the staining of our kitchen sink. You know you're drinking a lot of tea when the house you've been in for 5 months has evidence of the fact. As much as I can tell there is never a bad time to have/offer tea. The last episode of Poirot I watched was the clincher, "I'm sorry for your loss Madame, may I offer you some tea?"

A raging war

2005-01-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

My family and I have been up to our eyeballs in a war against germs. Picture each of the four of us as our own country (the allies), our immune systems are our troops, and our adversary - those pesky germs...

Those nasty germs really had their ducks in a row. Organized enough to come at us in waves. The first attack quickly claimed both my husband and Bug. Sweetiepeas (who also occasionally goes by Leigh) and I came next, but not without putting up fights of our own. Defenses consisted of germ killing tissues, frequent hand washings, and the diligence of covering our mouths when we coughed. Our troops rallied. Bug recovered quickly. My husband and I were still under siege, but seemingly achieving the upper-hand. Leigh was able to keep the enemy forces at bay just enough to concede only a stuffy nose. However, our moment of glorious triumph was to be postponed, it was discovered the germs had laid a sneak attack in the form of an ear infection. Leigh's troops were besieged with germs, their edge on the battle slipping. With Mikey and I both slowly recovering, and Bug already well, the germs decided to continually attack where they had a toe hold. The youngest of our troops were hit hard. Antibiotics were sent to the front lines and the ear infection was flushed out. Celebrations for the allies were to be squashed however, since the antibiotic counterattacks were revealed traitorous, producing a nasty case of hives before they exited the battlefield.
Now that the trials for the traitors have ended (earning them sentences of exile) we find Leigh's troops once more under attack. The germs called in their answer to special ops., The Virus. We're hopeful that once again we will be victorious, that once again we will rise up to destroy the foe, that peace will return to allied lands!
...Ok, so I got a little carried away... Well it would at least be nice for us know what it's like to be well in 2005!

Figuring me out

2005-01-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a bit about myself. Sure, there's the "view my complete profile" button you can link to, to find out my age, birthday, my sign, favorite movies & books etc. Well at least you would be able to find those things out, if I were to finish filling it out. I got stuck just after the questions where engaging your brain is optional, with that I mean, I am 26, I am a Capricorn and I do live in Colorado, no fabrications there... but when it comes to favorite movies, books, and writing a bit about myself, well the old grey matter just doesn't cooperate. So, I thought I'd write a list of things about me(say, 50 things) and hopefully (since I like lists) I could get my brain jogged as to who I am.

I...

like lists. I know this has already been mentioned, but since I believe it to be an important factor in getting my brain organized, it's worth mentioning again to start things off.
like being organized, but I am also a procrastinator and lazy. (It makes for an interesting combination.)
tend to be a perfectionist, but also impatient. (Also an interesting combo.)
love to cook, bake, and generally spend time in the kitchen.
am also familiar with take out menus, and not afraid to call on delivery people, or my husband and his truck, to supply my family with a hot meal.
have been married for 5 years and couldn't possibly imagine life without my soul mate.
have a 3 year old son whom I affectionately call "Bug."
have a 7 month old daughter with the special nicknames of "Munchiekins" and "Sweetie Peas"
have two older brothers who have all sorts of nicknames for me (Baby botz, Neeners, and a bunch more I, um... forgot).
miss my parents (who live a state away), but try to talk with them often.
have 3 sisters-in-law, 2 by my marriage and one by my brother's.
feel the title of Mother-in-law (much like Stepmother) has attached with it, warts and an evil cackle.
call my mother-in-law, Mum.
call my sisters-in-law by their names.
love to read, but hardly have/make the time to.
love a good mystery (Agatha Christie is still the tops).
spend way too much time watching TV.
started watching Poirot on the Biography channel.
have 4 dogs and a cat.
feel like I live in a zoo (hence the web address), but am usually happy about it.
have averaged a house a year for the past 4 years.
hate moving.
would never go into the real estate business.
would like to say it's our last move for at least 10 years (but should know better with our track record).
really enjoy the TV series Red Dwarf.
am a bit of a sci-fi nerd.
also enjoy Farscape and Hitchhiker's Guide.
attribute my oldest brother with teaching me nerdy ways.
enjoy the Autumn season the most, but mainly for the clothes.
am not a big fan of snow.
am in denial that we're back in Colorado where winter actually exists.
am very glad we've never moved to the north where one can say it truly snows.
am now knocking on wood that my husband's company doesn't decide to move us to Minnesota.
enjoy cheesy romantic comedies.
love that my husband enjoys them too.
hope he's not upset I "outed" him on this blog.
view any day I haven't been pooped on, peed on, or thrown up on as a good one.
love the things my Bug says. "We need to go to Target. Baby sister needs new shoes."
know his little sister doesn't wear shoes.
understand the need to go to Target.
love to take pictures of my kids.
know that's nothing out of the ordinary for your average parent.
actually went to school for photography for a year.
still can't get my automatic camera to focus properly.
enjoy cheesy and not so cheesy action/adventure movies, a la Jackie Chan, Indiana Jones & the Borne movies.
can't forget to mention James Bond.
could be disowned by both my father and husband if I did.
hope I can keep up with writing on this blog.
figure I'll take it one day at a time.
am finished with my 2nd entry!

The beginning

2005-01-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

A few factors went into the decision of starting my own blog. The main being the enjoyment I get reading my SIL's blog at Lifenut.com (yes I do recommend anyone reading this to check out her blog too, although I would be happy if you would do me the favor of finishing this entry first... You see she's a very talented writer, and I believe when deciding between this blog and Lifenut, you'd surly pick the latter). Reading her blog gave me the impression that, if given the chance, I could get some satisfaction venting about my mundane life (I'm not saying her life is mundane, far from it; she has 5 children!). Another factor was my husband's urging. When he saw me checking out a blog site he immediately listed reasons as to why I should try it out. Thanks in part to my scatter-brainedness I don't remember the reasons now, but his was the push that led me here. Of course I had my own curiosity, could I keep up with it? Would I find enough things to babble on about? Most of all, would it be interesting to read? I have no idea! I guess we'll find out...

Nini