Thank Goodness For the Gym, that is.
I am such a pig. Most mornings, I eat breakfast. If I don't have time to eat my bowl of Special K in the morning, I grab a granola bar and eat it when I get to work. Both of those are healthy.
But almost every day before lunch, I get hungry at like 11. I can't eat lunch at 11 -- I'll be starving by 2! So I'll grab a few gummy bears that I keep in my desk to hold myself off. Those are not healthy.
Then, lunch at noon, which is usually some kind of Lean Cuisine (they're easy, cheap and good), but sometimes it's pizza or a chicken pot pie.
Along with that, I have yogurt -- also healthy. But it's never enough. So at about 2 (despite holding off eating lunch in hopes of not being hungry already), I wind up breaking into my chocolate stash. I only allow myself one (every once in a while two) bite-sized candy bars a day. Thank goodness, my mom raised me to not eat too much junk food in one day. Problem is, in my mind, "junk food" is only ice cream, chocolate, buttery popcorn or cookies. And some of those are light, so they're not so bad.
Anyway, so somewhere around 3 or so, I decide I'm craving something salty, so I'll eat a handful of peanuts. (I have a lot of snacks in my office.) Many days, I get a Coke, too -- but it's a Coke Zero, so it's not so bad, right? :)
But all those things weren't enough today, because at 4:15, I decided, dang it, I'm hungry. So now I'm eating buttery popcorn.
When my metabolism slows, I'm going to have a serious problem on my hands. And stomach. And thighs. And butt ...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
LifeTime Fitness, here I come!
I had lunch with K today. Okay, not really. He called me right as I was sitting at my desk with my yummy Lean Cuisine microwave pizza (pepperoni, thanks for asking).
K is doing great, and he's in really good spirits. He's really excited that they'll be coming home so soon. One month from now, he could be here. One month from now, I could be hugging my boyfriend. That's pretty awesome.
All this means that in the next month, I'm really going to be stepping it up with the lunges and crunches. If K came home and decided I was even better looking than he remembered, I think that's something I could definitely live with. :)
K is doing great, and he's in really good spirits. He's really excited that they'll be coming home so soon. One month from now, he could be here. One month from now, I could be hugging my boyfriend. That's pretty awesome.
All this means that in the next month, I'm really going to be stepping it up with the lunges and crunches. If K came home and decided I was even better looking than he remembered, I think that's something I could definitely live with. :)
Best e-mail ever
In my inbox this morning:
Hey there, sexy stranger!
Things have been extremely crazy and I had to go back out on a couple of missions here this past week...didn't leave much time to give you a call. Should've left an email though. ANYWAY, we just received a Warning Order that we are redeploying. It's not 100% official, but that order should be out here in a day or two. The colonel also shut phones and internet down for 48 hours to alleviate rumors...worked a little. Bottom line, I should be home by the end of next month. No dates in stone yet, merely planning. I can give you more definitive dates, answers, etc once we get to BAF, which should be in the next week or so. ... I am so freaking excited. I miss you terribly and love you more than anything.
Also, ... Alpha Battery [which is the battery his roommate commands] won't be coming either; our extention and their backfill of us both got disapproved. We'll see what happens next. Can't wait to talk to you and SEE you soon. Love and miss you TONS!!!!
K
Sunday, October 29, 2006
guilty
It's been one week now since I heard from K. I'm getting frustrated -- about many things.
Last time I talked to him, K was apologizing because the gaps are now so big between conversations and e-mails. I told him I understand he's busy. I mean, he's in Afghanistan, commanding his own battery and doing humanitarian aid. I understand. He said, "I know, but seriously -- how long does it take to just shoot you an e-mail and say, 'Hey, I'm doing well. I love you and miss you ... talk to you soon.'?" He said he'd be better about sending more e-mails. I got one from him this week. Which is one less than last week.
I think the problem is we started off so well. It took him a while to get to the area where he is now. When he first got overseas (especially before he got to Afghanistan from the surrounding countries), he called me every day. It almost felt like he was just off training somewhere else in the U.S. or something, like the only reason I couldn't call him on his cellphone was because it wasn't with him. Right before he took command over there, he started getting busier, but I still heard from him every three or four days. He was moving around Afghanistan to all the bases where his soldiers were. Some had better phone capabilities or connections, which affected how often I'd hear from him.
The base he's mainly at now doesn't have the best phone connection, but it's not the worst we've talked on since he's been there. K doesn't stay on the phone for long because he wants to let his soldiers use it or because others are always waiting for the phone, too. I understand all that.
But I'm still frustrated, and I feel bad about it.
I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but sometimes part of me -- for just a split second -- feels like it's all a lie or like he doesn't really exist, like he's some figment of my imagination or something. I know how dumb that sounds. I don't get it. And like I said, the feeling is only there for a second before I dismiss it because it's completely ridiculous. I mean, there are reminders of him everywhere -- pictures, my necklace he gave me, his shirt hanging in my closet ... But I still get that feeling from time to time. I wonder if other girlfriends/wives/significant others have had that feeling, too.
And then there's Noodle. He's driving me crazy. Not he himself, but what he's doing. He continues to claw up parts of my carpet. I'm really worried that when I move out, I'll have to pay to have it replaced because he has decided it's the perfect way to sharpen his claws. I've thought about getting him declawed, but I don't know how much that costs. I've also thought about giving him away. But as annoying as he can be, it's nice to have company in my apartment sometimes. Even if I do have to clean a litterbox to have said company.
Last time I talked to K, he mentioned that he missed Noodle. I can't give him away while K's gone.
It's hard to think about K so much and wonder what he's doing or how he's doing, when he'll be home. About 1,000 times a day, I look at the clock and add 9.5 hours to figure out what time it is there. Right now, it's a little before noon there. He's probably been up at least 6 hours and done PT. Usually, if he calls, it's at 12:30 or 1 a.m. here so I'm guessing he's not calling tonight.
I know he thinks of me a lot there. I know that. I know he's busy, too. But it sucks that the only contact I have right now with the person I want to talk to the most in my life is pretty much one three- or four-paragraph e-mail and a 20-minute phone conversation a week.
I think about what it must have been like in WWI and WWII, the Vietnam War and even Desert Storm. I'm sure any spouse or significant other or family member of any vet from those wars would think I'm so spoiled and ridiculous for complaining that having contact twice a week with my loved one who is fighting on the other side of the world is not enough.
At the same time, there are so many couples who get to talk to each other every single day. I saw on Oprah once -- in one of those "We'll pay for your wedding" episodes, I think -- this man who said since the day he met his wife, they'd talked every single day -- even before they became a couple. I thought that was so cool. K and I never had a shot with that, since they're not even supposed to (read: supposed to) take their cell phones with them when they train out in the field. (I think most of the guys sneak them out there, anyway)
I knew K was in the military the night I met him. I knew K was probably going to be a career military man the night I met him. I considered all those things before I decided he was worth it and that I couldn't not see how things would go with him because I knew there was something special about him and between us. I knew we wouldn't get to talk much when he left. I hate that I'm frustrated, because I know he's busy. But still, you can't change how you feel.
Last time I talked to him, K was apologizing because the gaps are now so big between conversations and e-mails. I told him I understand he's busy. I mean, he's in Afghanistan, commanding his own battery and doing humanitarian aid. I understand. He said, "I know, but seriously -- how long does it take to just shoot you an e-mail and say, 'Hey, I'm doing well. I love you and miss you ... talk to you soon.'?" He said he'd be better about sending more e-mails. I got one from him this week. Which is one less than last week.
I think the problem is we started off so well. It took him a while to get to the area where he is now. When he first got overseas (especially before he got to Afghanistan from the surrounding countries), he called me every day. It almost felt like he was just off training somewhere else in the U.S. or something, like the only reason I couldn't call him on his cellphone was because it wasn't with him. Right before he took command over there, he started getting busier, but I still heard from him every three or four days. He was moving around Afghanistan to all the bases where his soldiers were. Some had better phone capabilities or connections, which affected how often I'd hear from him.
The base he's mainly at now doesn't have the best phone connection, but it's not the worst we've talked on since he's been there. K doesn't stay on the phone for long because he wants to let his soldiers use it or because others are always waiting for the phone, too. I understand all that.
But I'm still frustrated, and I feel bad about it.
I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but sometimes part of me -- for just a split second -- feels like it's all a lie or like he doesn't really exist, like he's some figment of my imagination or something. I know how dumb that sounds. I don't get it. And like I said, the feeling is only there for a second before I dismiss it because it's completely ridiculous. I mean, there are reminders of him everywhere -- pictures, my necklace he gave me, his shirt hanging in my closet ... But I still get that feeling from time to time. I wonder if other girlfriends/wives/significant others have had that feeling, too.
And then there's Noodle. He's driving me crazy. Not he himself, but what he's doing. He continues to claw up parts of my carpet. I'm really worried that when I move out, I'll have to pay to have it replaced because he has decided it's the perfect way to sharpen his claws. I've thought about getting him declawed, but I don't know how much that costs. I've also thought about giving him away. But as annoying as he can be, it's nice to have company in my apartment sometimes. Even if I do have to clean a litterbox to have said company.
Last time I talked to K, he mentioned that he missed Noodle. I can't give him away while K's gone.
It's hard to think about K so much and wonder what he's doing or how he's doing, when he'll be home. About 1,000 times a day, I look at the clock and add 9.5 hours to figure out what time it is there. Right now, it's a little before noon there. He's probably been up at least 6 hours and done PT. Usually, if he calls, it's at 12:30 or 1 a.m. here so I'm guessing he's not calling tonight.
I know he thinks of me a lot there. I know that. I know he's busy, too. But it sucks that the only contact I have right now with the person I want to talk to the most in my life is pretty much one three- or four-paragraph e-mail and a 20-minute phone conversation a week.
I think about what it must have been like in WWI and WWII, the Vietnam War and even Desert Storm. I'm sure any spouse or significant other or family member of any vet from those wars would think I'm so spoiled and ridiculous for complaining that having contact twice a week with my loved one who is fighting on the other side of the world is not enough.
At the same time, there are so many couples who get to talk to each other every single day. I saw on Oprah once -- in one of those "We'll pay for your wedding" episodes, I think -- this man who said since the day he met his wife, they'd talked every single day -- even before they became a couple. I thought that was so cool. K and I never had a shot with that, since they're not even supposed to (read: supposed to) take their cell phones with them when they train out in the field. (I think most of the guys sneak them out there, anyway)
I knew K was in the military the night I met him. I knew K was probably going to be a career military man the night I met him. I considered all those things before I decided he was worth it and that I couldn't not see how things would go with him because I knew there was something special about him and between us. I knew we wouldn't get to talk much when he left. I hate that I'm frustrated, because I know he's busy. But still, you can't change how you feel.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Best commercial ever
K's cousin's wife just sent me this commercial, and
it
is
awesome.
http://www.herosalute.com/states/big_game_ad.html
I totally cried. At work.
it
is
awesome.
http://www.herosalute.com/states/big_game_ad.html
I totally cried. At work.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Strengthening my assetts
My gym partner is a guy, so he always wants to do chest and shoulders. Being a girl, I'd rather do abs and butt. Jeremy says he never notices a difference in abs, so he doesn't like to do them. And butt? Well, he's a guy.
I made him promise me on Monday night that we'd do butt on Wednesday. And we did. (I know it's cheesy, but I thought it was funny that we worked out our butts on Hump Day.)
I was afraid I'd be a total wuss at the gym because my tooth is being so annoying. I even warned Jeremy before that he might have to push me a little bit. But I was on a roll! I hopped on the elliptical and ran over two and a half miles on level 10 in 22 minutes. I burned over 300 calories in that time. I beat Jeremy's time by like 3 minutes.
Then, I went straight to the leg curl and this other leg curl that works more of your butt. Instead of breaking between each, I went from the first leg curl to the second. After that, Jeremy announced that he was done. He had promised me we'd do lunges, though. I reminded him of this, but he said something about how he never promised he'd do them. I still wanted to, so I made him stay to make sure my technique was right. He had me grab a 10-pound weight to hold in each hand while I lunged. I didn't feel anything, really. So he bumped me up to 25 pounds in each hand. That worked.
I'm a little sore today, but I can feel myself getting progressively more sore as the day goes on. I might not be able to move tomorrow, but at least I'm getting closer to buns of steel (especially since K's a butt guy)!
I made him promise me on Monday night that we'd do butt on Wednesday. And we did. (I know it's cheesy, but I thought it was funny that we worked out our butts on Hump Day.)
I was afraid I'd be a total wuss at the gym because my tooth is being so annoying. I even warned Jeremy before that he might have to push me a little bit. But I was on a roll! I hopped on the elliptical and ran over two and a half miles on level 10 in 22 minutes. I burned over 300 calories in that time. I beat Jeremy's time by like 3 minutes.
Then, I went straight to the leg curl and this other leg curl that works more of your butt. Instead of breaking between each, I went from the first leg curl to the second. After that, Jeremy announced that he was done. He had promised me we'd do lunges, though. I reminded him of this, but he said something about how he never promised he'd do them. I still wanted to, so I made him stay to make sure my technique was right. He had me grab a 10-pound weight to hold in each hand while I lunged. I didn't feel anything, really. So he bumped me up to 25 pounds in each hand. That worked.
I'm a little sore today, but I can feel myself getting progressively more sore as the day goes on. I might not be able to move tomorrow, but at least I'm getting closer to buns of steel (especially since K's a butt guy)!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Can I go back to college?
Prepare for randomness ...
- I went to bed last night at 10:45, and it was awesome. Until I woke up at 5 a.m. with a headache from the extreme toothache I had because my wisdom tooth is coming in. My third one in the last year. Ugh! My throat has been swollen since yesterday afternoon. I was just relieved when I realized it was because of my tooth and not because I was getting sick. I took an Advil, then went to sleep just long enough for Noodle to go stir crazy and wake me up because he was streaking across my apartment like he was on fire. Of course, by the time I got up to get ready for work, the punk was just resting peacefully on the living room floor. I should start making all kinds of noise next time he wants to sleep.\
- I noticed not long after I got to work today that the hem in the bottom of my left pant leg has started to come undone. Sweet. Luckily, a co-worker had a safety pin. Whew!
- Since I'm full time now, I will be getting benefits soon. I know nothing about any of that stuff. I don't understand the language, and I have no idea which options to choose. And I certainly hate having to make a decision on it. Luckily, they were having seminars on that stuff today. It was supposed to be a question-and-answer session, complete with handouts, so we'll be guaranteed to leave with a complete understanding of all things health care-related and know exactly what plan fits us best. I went to the little seminar, which turned out to be a Power Point presentation. The people in there seemed to already have benefits, so they already knew what was going on and just had questions about switching their plans. What I took away from this presentation was little more than I'd gone in with -- a website to look up for more information that "will answer all your questions." I didn't even get handouts.
- While I was asking my boss a question about my benefits, I remembered I've been getting these retirement package letters in the mail. I thought Fidelity was just rubbing it in my face that I wasn't full time yet. I didn't have a 401k! Well, last week, I got a letter with a dollar amount on it. Whoops. And if I don't know about insurance plans, I sure as heck don't know about 401ks and stocks! My boss proceeded to try to explain it all to me, and it pretty much did no good.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
That's what I get
I don't venture out of my little box very often. I prefer to go to the same restaurants and order the same thing. If I go to Chili's, I'll order the chicken strips (kiddie size!) with honey mustard sauce, unless I really want a burger, so I'll order that. If I eat Mexican, I always get cheese enchiladas -- hold the onions. If I eat Italian, it's always chicken parmigiana, unless I'm hungry for baked ziti. Yes, it's not very adventurous, but I know I like those things, and I'd much rather not be disappointed with what I order.
Today, though, I did two things I don't usually do: 1) I went to lunch with a friend from another department. I usually just bring my lunch and eat at my desk. 2) I let her pick the restaurant, since the last time we went two months ago, I picked Corner Bakery. And the time we went a month or two before, I picked Corner Bakery. And the time before that, Corner Bakery -- my choice. It's only fair.
My friend did some research on different restaurants around our office, and she checked out some ratings of a few. So I still leave the choice to her, and she chooses this little place I'd never heard of. "It's on the back side of [I'm not telling you because it's too much information and you might be able to stalk me]," she said. We set out on our way to this little restaurant, and I was horrified when we stopped in front of this little cafe-like business I'd seen before and knew I'd never care to eat at. But it was my friend's choice, and she had said it was supposed to be good. And the other girl with us had eaten there before. She didn't seem opposed. It couldn't be that bad, right?
Wrong. I ordered a turkey melt because I was wanting to eat something a little healthier, since my dinner tonight will be leftover pizza from last night's dinner. I figure it's good to throw something lighter in there from time to time.
I got my turkey melt, which was cut in half, both parts filled with grilled onions and grease. The turkey looked less-than appetizing. The two pickles and pathetic pile of lettuce on the side were not even enough for one half of the sandwich. The fries were unseasoned and definitely slightly soggy. Luckily, though, today is one of the rare days when my office actually has snacks in the kitchen, so I knew it'd be alright.
What I didn't realize, though, is that the restaurant left with me. I figured it out when I got in the elevator in my building. I noticed a strong odor, and when I smelled my hair, I was horrified. We all reaked of the crappy restaurant. So my hair and my clothing smell of fried disgustingness. And there's nothing I can do about it.
I carry Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena body splash in my work tote for just this sort of situation. I coated myself in that stuff. Twice. But guess which smell won?
I'm going to have to walk around the building for the remainder of the day smelling like cheap truck stop food. Then, I'm going to have to sit on my crowded means of mass transportation, and whoever sits next to me will be thinking, "God, who is this girl? What is that terrible smell? She's disgusting!"
And then, I'm going to have to go to the gym smelling like this because, hello, who showers before the gym? So when I'm running on the elliptical, everyone around me will be thinking, "Girl, you are disgusting. I am so not using that equipment after you."
Basically, I'm looking at another 7 1/2 hours of smelling like an old corndog that's been sitting in the warmer at 7-Eleven for six months. Fabulous.
And it's all because I tried something different.
Today, though, I did two things I don't usually do: 1) I went to lunch with a friend from another department. I usually just bring my lunch and eat at my desk. 2) I let her pick the restaurant, since the last time we went two months ago, I picked Corner Bakery. And the time we went a month or two before, I picked Corner Bakery. And the time before that, Corner Bakery -- my choice. It's only fair.
My friend did some research on different restaurants around our office, and she checked out some ratings of a few. So I still leave the choice to her, and she chooses this little place I'd never heard of. "It's on the back side of [I'm not telling you because it's too much information and you might be able to stalk me]," she said. We set out on our way to this little restaurant, and I was horrified when we stopped in front of this little cafe-like business I'd seen before and knew I'd never care to eat at. But it was my friend's choice, and she had said it was supposed to be good. And the other girl with us had eaten there before. She didn't seem opposed. It couldn't be that bad, right?
Wrong. I ordered a turkey melt because I was wanting to eat something a little healthier, since my dinner tonight will be leftover pizza from last night's dinner. I figure it's good to throw something lighter in there from time to time.
I got my turkey melt, which was cut in half, both parts filled with grilled onions and grease. The turkey looked less-than appetizing. The two pickles and pathetic pile of lettuce on the side were not even enough for one half of the sandwich. The fries were unseasoned and definitely slightly soggy. Luckily, though, today is one of the rare days when my office actually has snacks in the kitchen, so I knew it'd be alright.
What I didn't realize, though, is that the restaurant left with me. I figured it out when I got in the elevator in my building. I noticed a strong odor, and when I smelled my hair, I was horrified. We all reaked of the crappy restaurant. So my hair and my clothing smell of fried disgustingness. And there's nothing I can do about it.
I carry Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena body splash in my work tote for just this sort of situation. I coated myself in that stuff. Twice. But guess which smell won?
I'm going to have to walk around the building for the remainder of the day smelling like cheap truck stop food. Then, I'm going to have to sit on my crowded means of mass transportation, and whoever sits next to me will be thinking, "God, who is this girl? What is that terrible smell? She's disgusting!"
And then, I'm going to have to go to the gym smelling like this because, hello, who showers before the gym? So when I'm running on the elliptical, everyone around me will be thinking, "Girl, you are disgusting. I am so not using that equipment after you."
Basically, I'm looking at another 7 1/2 hours of smelling like an old corndog that's been sitting in the warmer at 7-Eleven for six months. Fabulous.
And it's all because I tried something different.
Monday, October 23, 2006
It's all Greek to me (even if it's Italian)
I would love to cook, really. It's just hard, though, since I live by myself. I get home, and I'm starving. The last thing I want to do is spend 45 minutes preparing a meal that will take me 15 minutes to eat. I would rather spend 15 minutes "cooking" something in the microwave, then spend those other 30 minutes watching TV and letting my food settle so I can go to the gym, come home, shower and go to bed.
Excuses? Probably. But I'm okay with that.
A co-worker was just talking to me about how easy it is to cook and how it doesn't really take that long. "Go to FoodNetwork.com," she said. "It's got great recipes that take 30 minutes or less."
So I visit the site, filled with promise and a hope that even I can become a cook before I ever go off and get married and have someone else to cook for.
I click "Quick & Easy" at the top of the page. I click on "One-Pot Meals." Sounds easy. I am directed to a page with videos for three different meals: Giada's Frittata, 30-Minute Chili and Hearty Chicken Stew. Chili is good, but not exactly what I'm looking for right now. Stew? Um, no thanks. We'll try Giada's Frittata. So I click on the recipe to see what exactly is in Giada's Frittata and to try to find out, to begin with, what the heck Frittata is.
The heading over a yummy-looking picture reads "Frittata with Asparagus, Tomato and Fontina." Sounds good; still intrigued. But what the heck is Frittata? By now, I'm guessing some type of pasta.
Then, there's the recipe:
- 6 large eggs (I can do that!)
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream (I've used that before!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch (I can totally do a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (I'm not sure it's freshly ground, but what's the difference?)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (I can SO do this recipe!)
- 1 tablespoon butter (Yummy dinner, here I come!)
- 12 ounces asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces (Whoa ... getting harder here. I can probably do that. Of course, I'll be really proud of myself after.)
- 1 tomato, seeded, diced (Dang it! Pizza it is ...)
- Salt (Again?! I thought we already did salt! How much am I supposed to add?! Agghhh!)
- 3 ounces Fontina, diced (What the heck is Fontina, and why am I dicing it? How do you "dice" something?)
I decide FoodNetwork.com is not all that helpful for me, but I read the directions, just in case:
Preheat the broiler. (I think that means turn on the stove? I can do that.) Whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. (Eek ... I have a whisk, but that doesn't mean I use it. I thought you only use a whisk to make scrambled eggs.) Set aside.
Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. (Argh! I have a 10-inch skillet, and I hope it's nonstick. But it's not 9 1/2 inches! I think they just have a more-equipped kitchen than I do. I live by myself, people! And why does a skillet need to be ovenproof? It only goes on the stove! Is that a special kind of skillet, or are they all "ovenproof"? But if that's the case, why do they specify? Is it just to make people like me feel inadequate in the kitchen?)
Add the asparagus and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. (Saute? That sounds hard.) Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the tomato and a pinch of salt and saute 2 minutes longer. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus mixture and cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. (Whoa ... asking for a kitchen judgement call from someone who's not in the position to make those.) Place the skillet under the broiler. (What's a broiler?!) Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Let the frittata stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide the frittata onto a plate.
I'm exhausted already. I definitely think that little "quick & easy" recipe would take me more than 30 minutes. Especially since I still don't even know what the heck Frittata is!
Excuses? Probably. But I'm okay with that.
A co-worker was just talking to me about how easy it is to cook and how it doesn't really take that long. "Go to FoodNetwork.com," she said. "It's got great recipes that take 30 minutes or less."
So I visit the site, filled with promise and a hope that even I can become a cook before I ever go off and get married and have someone else to cook for.
I click "Quick & Easy" at the top of the page. I click on "One-Pot Meals." Sounds easy. I am directed to a page with videos for three different meals: Giada's Frittata, 30-Minute Chili and Hearty Chicken Stew. Chili is good, but not exactly what I'm looking for right now. Stew? Um, no thanks. We'll try Giada's Frittata. So I click on the recipe to see what exactly is in Giada's Frittata and to try to find out, to begin with, what the heck Frittata is.
The heading over a yummy-looking picture reads "Frittata with Asparagus, Tomato and Fontina." Sounds good; still intrigued. But what the heck is Frittata? By now, I'm guessing some type of pasta.
Then, there's the recipe:
- 6 large eggs (I can do that!)
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream (I've used that before!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch (I can totally do a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (I'm not sure it's freshly ground, but what's the difference?)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (I can SO do this recipe!)
- 1 tablespoon butter (Yummy dinner, here I come!)
- 12 ounces asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces (Whoa ... getting harder here. I can probably do that. Of course, I'll be really proud of myself after.)
- 1 tomato, seeded, diced (Dang it! Pizza it is ...)
- Salt (Again?! I thought we already did salt! How much am I supposed to add?! Agghhh!)
- 3 ounces Fontina, diced (What the heck is Fontina, and why am I dicing it? How do you "dice" something?)
I decide FoodNetwork.com is not all that helpful for me, but I read the directions, just in case:
Preheat the broiler. (I think that means turn on the stove? I can do that.) Whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. (Eek ... I have a whisk, but that doesn't mean I use it. I thought you only use a whisk to make scrambled eggs.) Set aside.
Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. (Argh! I have a 10-inch skillet, and I hope it's nonstick. But it's not 9 1/2 inches! I think they just have a more-equipped kitchen than I do. I live by myself, people! And why does a skillet need to be ovenproof? It only goes on the stove! Is that a special kind of skillet, or are they all "ovenproof"? But if that's the case, why do they specify? Is it just to make people like me feel inadequate in the kitchen?)
Add the asparagus and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. (Saute? That sounds hard.) Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the tomato and a pinch of salt and saute 2 minutes longer. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus mixture and cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. (Whoa ... asking for a kitchen judgement call from someone who's not in the position to make those.) Place the skillet under the broiler. (What's a broiler?!) Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Let the frittata stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide the frittata onto a plate.
I'm exhausted already. I definitely think that little "quick & easy" recipe would take me more than 30 minutes. Especially since I still don't even know what the heck Frittata is!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
With new hope for Afghanistan
K called me last night. He's doing well. He's enjoying doing humanitarian aid. He's really enjoying it, I think. He said that he has his soldiers greet the Afghani people by saying hello in their language. He said a lot of Afghanis, though, are learning English, so they often respond with, "Hello, how are you?"
He said there were women there who handmade these blankets and sold them for $10 each. He bought two, and he said all his soldiers bought at least two apiece. They really try to interact with the Afghani people, and they find out the things they need to take care of that. He said that they often wind up buying things from them because they sell things for so cheap. K said that all those things together -- saying hello in their language, helping them out, buying things from the Afghanis -- shows that the soldiers are there to help and it keeps them from appearing to just walk in carring guns. K said they do have their guns with them, of course, but they're not pointing them or being aggressive toward the locals or anything.
He said they still don't know when they'll get to come home. The date they're supposed to find out keeps getting pushed back, ironically enough. But K's first group of soldiers on R&R are back in the states. That's good. He said they really needed a break. I'd imagine so, since they've been there since last February.
K said one day when they were walking around the town helping out, this little Afghani girl ran up to him and -- in clear, good English -- said, "I love you!" He said he just laughed and asked her, "What did you just say?" He said the little girl giggled and ran away.
I don't know about you, but it makes me feel really good knowing that the future of Afghanistan has such good taste. :)
He said there were women there who handmade these blankets and sold them for $10 each. He bought two, and he said all his soldiers bought at least two apiece. They really try to interact with the Afghani people, and they find out the things they need to take care of that. He said that they often wind up buying things from them because they sell things for so cheap. K said that all those things together -- saying hello in their language, helping them out, buying things from the Afghanis -- shows that the soldiers are there to help and it keeps them from appearing to just walk in carring guns. K said they do have their guns with them, of course, but they're not pointing them or being aggressive toward the locals or anything.
He said they still don't know when they'll get to come home. The date they're supposed to find out keeps getting pushed back, ironically enough. But K's first group of soldiers on R&R are back in the states. That's good. He said they really needed a break. I'd imagine so, since they've been there since last February.
K said one day when they were walking around the town helping out, this little Afghani girl ran up to him and -- in clear, good English -- said, "I love you!" He said he just laughed and asked her, "What did you just say?" He said the little girl giggled and ran away.
I don't know about you, but it makes me feel really good knowing that the future of Afghanistan has such good taste. :)
Sleepy ...
Friday night I was at work until about 8. About 15 minutes of that, though, was talking to the second-in-command in our department. I used to think she didn't like me, but the last few months she'd been warming up to me. Well, since I've been doing the job of two people, I've been working with her more lately, and I really think she really likes me now. In fact, on Friday I stopped in her office to ask me a question, and she said, "Can I just keep working with you? Can you just switch places with [the new girl who starts on Monday so I get to just be me again] so we can keep working together? I've enjoyed it." So that was cool!
I came home and started baking cookies again. I'd made some earlier in the week to send in a care package to K, but these were for a package for my brother. In talking to him since he's moved, I realized he doesn't really have any pictures of family in his apartment. I printed some off and bought a couple frames, and I resolved that problem! I also found him a cute Halloween card and put a bunch of cookies in there along with this cute little light-up jack-o-lantern that I'm sure I think is way cuter than my 22-year-old brother and his 21-year-old roommate will think it is. But it's the thought that counts. And what I think is the best part is that my brother doesn't know the package is coming. It's a surprise! :)
Of course, while I was at it, I got another package together for K, complete with everthing that wouldn't fit in the package I sent him the other day. I did manage to find room for a few more cookies. I can't eat all the ones that wouldn't fit in my brother's package!
I didn't get to bed until 2:30 Friday night from everything I had to do and getting ready for bed. I was pretty exhausted -- especially since I'd been working late every day on top of that. As soon as I woke up this morning, though, ER called me. She was going to be closer to where I live looking at some apartments. She wanted to know if I wanted to look with her. So I hurried and got dressed, then went to the post office to mail my packages and met her at the complex. She's looking at a really nice area, and what's cool is she'll be much closer to me than the 25-minute drive she is now. I'm all for that. :) A friend of mine I've met through my mode of mass transportation on weekdays also lives in that area, so we met him for lunch. I'm hoping they hit it off.
After that, I came home and took a nap -- a long nap. It was about 2 hours long. I got up just in time to see about the last minute of the Notre Dame-UCLA game, which was amazing. Brady Quinn is really good. I love football. :)
I watched Washington tie it up to go into overtime against Cal, and then I switched to the Tennesse-Alabama game. I wanted Alabama to win, but they couldn't pull it off. It was close, though, and I flipped back after it was over to see that Cal had pulled through in overtime. All the games I saw today didn't seem like they'd be that good by looking at just who was playing, but they all wound up being some pretty good football games.
I went to a co-worker's wedding party tonight. They had a destination wedding, so they had a party downtown complete with an open bar to celebrate. It was fun, but I really wished K was there. Since it was kind of a wedding reception, there were a lot of couple people there. I sat at a table with two co-workers and their spouses. It just seemed like something K and I would've enjoyed together. I really miss him. I haven't heard from him since Tuesday. I know he's fine and that he's just busy. He's started doing more humanitarian aid, which is usually reserved for infanry batteries, which his is not. He was excited when he was asked to do that. I'm anxious to hear how it's going next time I talk to him.
But for now, I'm exhausted. My two-hour nap was desperately needed, as is a full night's sleep before I get up for church tomorrow at 9:30. I fully intend on being more productive tomorrow and doing something other than sleep, watch football and drink wine. :) I'll let you know how that goes.
I came home and started baking cookies again. I'd made some earlier in the week to send in a care package to K, but these were for a package for my brother. In talking to him since he's moved, I realized he doesn't really have any pictures of family in his apartment. I printed some off and bought a couple frames, and I resolved that problem! I also found him a cute Halloween card and put a bunch of cookies in there along with this cute little light-up jack-o-lantern that I'm sure I think is way cuter than my 22-year-old brother and his 21-year-old roommate will think it is. But it's the thought that counts. And what I think is the best part is that my brother doesn't know the package is coming. It's a surprise! :)
Of course, while I was at it, I got another package together for K, complete with everthing that wouldn't fit in the package I sent him the other day. I did manage to find room for a few more cookies. I can't eat all the ones that wouldn't fit in my brother's package!
I didn't get to bed until 2:30 Friday night from everything I had to do and getting ready for bed. I was pretty exhausted -- especially since I'd been working late every day on top of that. As soon as I woke up this morning, though, ER called me. She was going to be closer to where I live looking at some apartments. She wanted to know if I wanted to look with her. So I hurried and got dressed, then went to the post office to mail my packages and met her at the complex. She's looking at a really nice area, and what's cool is she'll be much closer to me than the 25-minute drive she is now. I'm all for that. :) A friend of mine I've met through my mode of mass transportation on weekdays also lives in that area, so we met him for lunch. I'm hoping they hit it off.
After that, I came home and took a nap -- a long nap. It was about 2 hours long. I got up just in time to see about the last minute of the Notre Dame-UCLA game, which was amazing. Brady Quinn is really good. I love football. :)
I watched Washington tie it up to go into overtime against Cal, and then I switched to the Tennesse-Alabama game. I wanted Alabama to win, but they couldn't pull it off. It was close, though, and I flipped back after it was over to see that Cal had pulled through in overtime. All the games I saw today didn't seem like they'd be that good by looking at just who was playing, but they all wound up being some pretty good football games.
I went to a co-worker's wedding party tonight. They had a destination wedding, so they had a party downtown complete with an open bar to celebrate. It was fun, but I really wished K was there. Since it was kind of a wedding reception, there were a lot of couple people there. I sat at a table with two co-workers and their spouses. It just seemed like something K and I would've enjoyed together. I really miss him. I haven't heard from him since Tuesday. I know he's fine and that he's just busy. He's started doing more humanitarian aid, which is usually reserved for infanry batteries, which his is not. He was excited when he was asked to do that. I'm anxious to hear how it's going next time I talk to him.
But for now, I'm exhausted. My two-hour nap was desperately needed, as is a full night's sleep before I get up for church tomorrow at 9:30. I fully intend on being more productive tomorrow and doing something other than sleep, watch football and drink wine. :) I'll let you know how that goes.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I thought this might be fun ...
I was thinking about all the more-about-me surveys that I've seen on people's blogs, and I thought it might be fun to do a little switcheroo. :)
If you do decide to post your answers, feel free to do it anonymously if you'd like.
1) What one post of mine do you remember most or what post has stuck with you or affected you for some reason?
2) Do you ever think about me in your personal life? If so, what reminds you of me?
3) What's one thing -- if any -- that you've learned from reading my blog?
4) Do you remember what was the topic of the first blog you read of mine?
5) Do you want Noodle?
6) What's one thing you want to know about me?
7) What do you think I do for a living? (if you know this already, please don't answer)
8) If we knew each other in real life, do you think we'd be friends?
9) Has reading my blog ever put you in a better mood?
10) What one piece of advice do you want to give me or do you think I should take to heart?
Thanks for filling this out if you do, and if you don't, thanks for just reading my blog. :) I thought it would be neat to see what you all had to say.
Seriously, though, if you want Noodle ...
If you do decide to post your answers, feel free to do it anonymously if you'd like.
1) What one post of mine do you remember most or what post has stuck with you or affected you for some reason?
2) Do you ever think about me in your personal life? If so, what reminds you of me?
3) What's one thing -- if any -- that you've learned from reading my blog?
4) Do you remember what was the topic of the first blog you read of mine?
5) Do you want Noodle?
6) What's one thing you want to know about me?
7) What do you think I do for a living? (if you know this already, please don't answer)
8) If we knew each other in real life, do you think we'd be friends?
9) Has reading my blog ever put you in a better mood?
10) What one piece of advice do you want to give me or do you think I should take to heart?
Thanks for filling this out if you do, and if you don't, thanks for just reading my blog. :) I thought it would be neat to see what you all had to say.
Seriously, though, if you want Noodle ...
Liking Dallas is getting harder
My route to work involves getting onto a major highway in Dallas. The person who designed this major highway should be fired, because whoever tries to enter it on any onramp must fight to merge onto the road through people who are trying to get off of it. (Did you follow that?)
And where I enter the road is even worse because I only have so many yards to merge over at least two lanes to the left so I don't wound up heading onto a different major highway that goes a direction I'm not intending to go.
Yesterday morning, I had managed to move over one lane to the left. I had one more to go, and there was a break in traffic. However, as I had tried to gain speed, the person in front of me stopped. I had room to merge over, but there wasn't enough time to gain speed so the person I was merging in front of wouldn't have to slow down. The old hag behind me (I'm only calling her that because she looked like she was in her 40s, which isn't old, but it's old enough she shouldn't drive like this or be so cranky because she had to hit her brake) threw up her arms like I had dangerously cut her off or had pulled in front of her specifically so she'd have to slow down.
And this morning, as soon as I entered the highway, I looked for a place I could squeeze in and merge into the next lane to the left. I put on my blinker, and as I did that, I saw the man in the car behind me immediately throw up his hands.
So to you, impatient driver of the black car behind me, I offer you an apology. I'm sorry that I needed to go east instead of south. It was rude of me to not immediately slam my car into the white van in the lane next to me so you could continue your route uninterrupted (that is, until someone else needed to merge to the right to go the same route as you).
I apologize for forgetting that your time is WAY more important than mine. It was selfish of me to think that it would be acceptable to hold you up while I looked for a place to merge into traffic. I'm sorry for thinking that you could have just moved over to pass me on the wide shoulder like the logical people who want to head south do; clearly, you're too important to have to turn your wheel to get where you need to go when I could solve the problem simply by crashing my car so I could be out of your way and you could be on yours.
In case I wind up in front of you again, I'll try to do better tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Driver of the red Honda who is clearly in the wrong here
And where I enter the road is even worse because I only have so many yards to merge over at least two lanes to the left so I don't wound up heading onto a different major highway that goes a direction I'm not intending to go.
Yesterday morning, I had managed to move over one lane to the left. I had one more to go, and there was a break in traffic. However, as I had tried to gain speed, the person in front of me stopped. I had room to merge over, but there wasn't enough time to gain speed so the person I was merging in front of wouldn't have to slow down. The old hag behind me (I'm only calling her that because she looked like she was in her 40s, which isn't old, but it's old enough she shouldn't drive like this or be so cranky because she had to hit her brake) threw up her arms like I had dangerously cut her off or had pulled in front of her specifically so she'd have to slow down.
And this morning, as soon as I entered the highway, I looked for a place I could squeeze in and merge into the next lane to the left. I put on my blinker, and as I did that, I saw the man in the car behind me immediately throw up his hands.
So to you, impatient driver of the black car behind me, I offer you an apology. I'm sorry that I needed to go east instead of south. It was rude of me to not immediately slam my car into the white van in the lane next to me so you could continue your route uninterrupted (that is, until someone else needed to merge to the right to go the same route as you).
I apologize for forgetting that your time is WAY more important than mine. It was selfish of me to think that it would be acceptable to hold you up while I looked for a place to merge into traffic. I'm sorry for thinking that you could have just moved over to pass me on the wide shoulder like the logical people who want to head south do; clearly, you're too important to have to turn your wheel to get where you need to go when I could solve the problem simply by crashing my car so I could be out of your way and you could be on yours.
In case I wind up in front of you again, I'll try to do better tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Driver of the red Honda who is clearly in the wrong here
Thinking about quitting my job and becoming a bouncer
I broke up two fights last night. I was at my dining room table, which is in an area that connects my kitchen and living room. I was checking some things online when all of a sudden, I heard these terrible screams. I realized it was a cat fight. Noodle was outside. I ran to my window that looks out onto my porch, and sure enough, Shitbag (since you now know his real nickname, I might as well use it) had managed to jump onto the landing to the next floor even though I'd moved my table and chairs in hopes of preventing it. There he was, hissing and screaming at this Siamese stray cat that had made a visit or two by that landing before. I yelled at him to run away, and he did. I went outside my apartment and grabbed Noodle from the landing.
I normally leave my bedroom door cracked so he can come in my room if he wants but still be able to get to his litterbox, food and toys in the living room and kitchen. Last night, as usual, he was being a punk and clawing at things on my bedside table, so I closed the door so I could sleep without him bugging me. At 4:30 a.m., I awakened to screaming. It took just a second for me to be sure it was coming from inside my apartment. I jumped out of bed and was wondering how this other cat had managed to get into my living room. Yes, the window was open, but it was only just enough so air can get in but Shitbag can't claw his way out. I was hoping this other cat hadn't been in my apartment long enough to claw up my couch or spray everywhere.
I opened my bedroom door, and there was Noodle, perched rigidly at the window, screaming at whatever was outside on my balcony. I peered through the window, and there was the same stupid Siamese cat that Noodle had fought with hours before. I glared at him and said sternly, "You get off my porch now." Amazingly enough, he paused only for a second, as if translating my demand into kitty language, then leapt from my balcony onto the landing. Whatching him jump made me decide that cats are very aware of the fact that they have nine lives. Or this cat was very intimidated by my anger.
So now, I'm stuck. There are two stray cats that run around my area. Am I supposed to rig something to cover the space from my balcony to the landing so they can't jump onto my porch and so Shitbag can't be a shitbag and jump up there himself? Am I supposed to call my apartment office to let them know about the problem?
At this point, I think Noodle has lost his privilege of going outside, since he insists on jumping up to that landing, which always leads to trouble -- either through him running away, cat fights or through leaving scratches on me when I pick him up because he's so scared and stiffened because he doesn't know what to do now that he's up there.
Is leaving my window open any more than slightly cracked now completely out of the question, since Noodle can escape and since other cats have figured out how to get on my balcony?
This cat is totally not worth all these problems ...
I normally leave my bedroom door cracked so he can come in my room if he wants but still be able to get to his litterbox, food and toys in the living room and kitchen. Last night, as usual, he was being a punk and clawing at things on my bedside table, so I closed the door so I could sleep without him bugging me. At 4:30 a.m., I awakened to screaming. It took just a second for me to be sure it was coming from inside my apartment. I jumped out of bed and was wondering how this other cat had managed to get into my living room. Yes, the window was open, but it was only just enough so air can get in but Shitbag can't claw his way out. I was hoping this other cat hadn't been in my apartment long enough to claw up my couch or spray everywhere.
I opened my bedroom door, and there was Noodle, perched rigidly at the window, screaming at whatever was outside on my balcony. I peered through the window, and there was the same stupid Siamese cat that Noodle had fought with hours before. I glared at him and said sternly, "You get off my porch now." Amazingly enough, he paused only for a second, as if translating my demand into kitty language, then leapt from my balcony onto the landing. Whatching him jump made me decide that cats are very aware of the fact that they have nine lives. Or this cat was very intimidated by my anger.
So now, I'm stuck. There are two stray cats that run around my area. Am I supposed to rig something to cover the space from my balcony to the landing so they can't jump onto my porch and so Shitbag can't be a shitbag and jump up there himself? Am I supposed to call my apartment office to let them know about the problem?
At this point, I think Noodle has lost his privilege of going outside, since he insists on jumping up to that landing, which always leads to trouble -- either through him running away, cat fights or through leaving scratches on me when I pick him up because he's so scared and stiffened because he doesn't know what to do now that he's up there.
Is leaving my window open any more than slightly cracked now completely out of the question, since Noodle can escape and since other cats have figured out how to get on my balcony?
This cat is totally not worth all these problems ...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Who'd have thought?
Having a boyfriend overseas is expensive. And tiring. I just finished everything I needed to do tonight after getting his care package ready.
I got off work late, so by the time I ran to GNC to get K's Mega Man vitamins and to Borders to get Maxim -- which, by the way, I had no idea you couldn't buy at Wal-Mart -- and finally got home, it was 8:30. I cooked myself some dinner, then watched TV for all of about 10 minutes. Then, I set to work on some homemade chocolate chip cookies to send to him. While they were baking, I wrote him a letter and planned how I'd get everything in the box to determine which size of tupperware to put in, which affected how many cookies I could send. I finally opted for the largest tupperware container that would fit. I'm going to just have to send another smaller package this weekend because not everything I wanted to send would fit.
In this package: a letter sprayed down with perfume; two crimson pillowcases, also sprayed with perfume and double-wrapped in freezer bags to preserve the scent; 4 pictures, including the "bridesmaid's dress" pic; Maxim; Men's Health; XMen III on DVD; 3 packages of Crystal Light individual mixes (since they can only drink the bottled water there); small package of animal crackers (big one to be put in this weekend's package); and Mega Man vitamins. I think that's all that's in there, but it'd completely packed.
And I'm completely exhausted. And I still have to shower ...
I got off work late, so by the time I ran to GNC to get K's Mega Man vitamins and to Borders to get Maxim -- which, by the way, I had no idea you couldn't buy at Wal-Mart -- and finally got home, it was 8:30. I cooked myself some dinner, then watched TV for all of about 10 minutes. Then, I set to work on some homemade chocolate chip cookies to send to him. While they were baking, I wrote him a letter and planned how I'd get everything in the box to determine which size of tupperware to put in, which affected how many cookies I could send. I finally opted for the largest tupperware container that would fit. I'm going to just have to send another smaller package this weekend because not everything I wanted to send would fit.
In this package: a letter sprayed down with perfume; two crimson pillowcases, also sprayed with perfume and double-wrapped in freezer bags to preserve the scent; 4 pictures, including the "bridesmaid's dress" pic; Maxim; Men's Health; XMen III on DVD; 3 packages of Crystal Light individual mixes (since they can only drink the bottled water there); small package of animal crackers (big one to be put in this weekend's package); and Mega Man vitamins. I think that's all that's in there, but it'd completely packed.
And I'm completely exhausted. And I still have to shower ...
Monday, October 16, 2006
The cat came back
Noodle ran away last week. I came home from my girls' night on Wednesday, and when I opened my door, Noodle wasn't standing right there like he always does. I didn't think too much of it, but when I didn't hear the little bell ringing on his collar like he was running to the door, I knew something was wrong.
I started looking around my apartment, and I couldn't find him. I happened to look in the corner of my living room to see that my window screen had been messed up. There was a gap just big enough for a cat to fit through. The punk!
He'd already messed up the screen in my room, and I had to white trash/ghetto tape it up with packaging tape. I'd left my windows open for weeks in a row before since I've had Noodle, and I never had a problem. The difference now is that the punk figured out that there are stray cats that run around and who will stop by and meow at him from the landing above my balcony when I'd let him outside.
Here I thought I was being a nice person by letting him take a break from being cooped up all day. How does he repay my kindness? By clawing through my screen, hopping on the chair and then the table on my porch, and leaping onto the landing above me.
I wasn't that upset about what had happened. Honestly, Noodle had been driving me nuts. He keeps me up at night; he licks constantly. He's ruining my things by clawing them or knocking them over and breaking them. I spent $15 on a stupid picture frame from Sea World because it was cute and it's something I'll have for a long time with the picture of K and me from our trip inside it. It has three orcas on it, and when Noodle knocked it over, it broke the tail and dorsel fin off of one. Super glue fixed it, but still -- you can tell it was broken if you look closely.
I have a flimsy little three-legged, round table next to my bed, and there's a white tablecloth on it. I've only had that table cloth for, like, four months or something. Well, Noodle has managed to claw it and ruin it.
I take care of my things. They last for years. I like it that way.
At the same time, it is kinda cool to have a cat, and I didn't want Noodle to get sick or hurt. He's microchipped, so I knew he'd eventually make his way back somehow. I was hoping a nice family would find him, take him to the vet and discover he was chipped, and I could tell them they could just hang on to him because I'm not home enough to have a pet.
All my stuff would be saved, I wouldn't have to worry about what happens with him when I leave and I might even have a chance at getting rid of all the cat hair in my apartment.
But that wasn't the case. I was turning off my laptop in my living room when I heard (from my open window) a bell ringing and a cat's meow. It was Noodle. I opened my front door, and in the little punk ran. He laid right down on my floor like he'd only walked outside for a second. I started inspecting him for fleas, ticks, worms or any other disgusting thing when he got up and started scarfing down cat food. He then used his litter box. Thanks. All those hours he spent outside, and he waits until he gets inside to go to the bathroom.
Oh, well ... I already have the litterbox and cat food. And he is kinda cool sometimes.
I started looking around my apartment, and I couldn't find him. I happened to look in the corner of my living room to see that my window screen had been messed up. There was a gap just big enough for a cat to fit through. The punk!
He'd already messed up the screen in my room, and I had to white trash/ghetto tape it up with packaging tape. I'd left my windows open for weeks in a row before since I've had Noodle, and I never had a problem. The difference now is that the punk figured out that there are stray cats that run around and who will stop by and meow at him from the landing above my balcony when I'd let him outside.
Here I thought I was being a nice person by letting him take a break from being cooped up all day. How does he repay my kindness? By clawing through my screen, hopping on the chair and then the table on my porch, and leaping onto the landing above me.
I wasn't that upset about what had happened. Honestly, Noodle had been driving me nuts. He keeps me up at night; he licks constantly. He's ruining my things by clawing them or knocking them over and breaking them. I spent $15 on a stupid picture frame from Sea World because it was cute and it's something I'll have for a long time with the picture of K and me from our trip inside it. It has three orcas on it, and when Noodle knocked it over, it broke the tail and dorsel fin off of one. Super glue fixed it, but still -- you can tell it was broken if you look closely.
I have a flimsy little three-legged, round table next to my bed, and there's a white tablecloth on it. I've only had that table cloth for, like, four months or something. Well, Noodle has managed to claw it and ruin it.
I take care of my things. They last for years. I like it that way.
At the same time, it is kinda cool to have a cat, and I didn't want Noodle to get sick or hurt. He's microchipped, so I knew he'd eventually make his way back somehow. I was hoping a nice family would find him, take him to the vet and discover he was chipped, and I could tell them they could just hang on to him because I'm not home enough to have a pet.
All my stuff would be saved, I wouldn't have to worry about what happens with him when I leave and I might even have a chance at getting rid of all the cat hair in my apartment.
But that wasn't the case. I was turning off my laptop in my living room when I heard (from my open window) a bell ringing and a cat's meow. It was Noodle. I opened my front door, and in the little punk ran. He laid right down on my floor like he'd only walked outside for a second. I started inspecting him for fleas, ticks, worms or any other disgusting thing when he got up and started scarfing down cat food. He then used his litter box. Thanks. All those hours he spent outside, and he waits until he gets inside to go to the bathroom.
Oh, well ... I already have the litterbox and cat food. And he is kinda cool sometimes.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Long (but good) weekend
Friday night I worked late again. Overtime will be nice, but I was definitely ready to go. I had planned on going to the gym, but by the time I got home, I just wanted to eat and chill, so I did.
I woke up Saturday morning at 8:30, so I went to the gym. After that, I went home and cleaned my refrigerator, took a shower and then met K's roommate's girlfriend and her mother, who were in town visiting a relative. It was so good to see Cathy. I became such good friends with so many of K's friends, and I miss them all!
We went to lunch, then shopping. I had needed a new light jacket that's not denim so I can wear it with jeans. I found the cutest jacket at J. Crew for $20. I couldn't decide between green or khaki, so I bought them both! You can't beat $20!
We stopped by the Michael Kors store, and I found the perfect bridesmaid dress for when K and I get married.
Relax, I'm kidding. We thought it was pretty funny, though.
We all spent pretty much the whole day together -- Cathy, me, her mom, her cousin. It was really good to see her, and it was a really good day.
I actually finally heard from K. He'd e-mailed me twice last week and had told me he was going to call. In the second e-mail, though, he said the phones were down and he'd call when they were back up. I knew everything was fine, but it's just that when I don't hear from him for a while, part of me starts to feel like he's almost a figment of my imagination or something. I know that doesn't make sense and it probably sounds insane, but it's hard to explain exactly what I mean. It's just weird to have all these pictures and memories of a person and to miss him like crazy and think of him pretty much all the time. To have everyone asking me about him and wondering how he's doing and praying for him, and then to not get to hear from him very often. It definitely sucks.
So K called me Saturday afternoon. He's doing well. He finds out soon when he's supposed to be coming home. Just because they tell him one time, though, doesn't exactly mean that's when he'll be back. The bad thing, though, is that it's looking like it may be the end of February. He's supposed to let me know as soon as he does. I'm really hoping it's not that long.
Today, I lounged around doing laundry until I went to ER's parents' going away party. They're about to move to China. They're like my second parents. It was good to spend time with them before they leave.
The only bad thing that happened this weekend was the news of Adrian Peterson. He's out for the season due to a broken collarbone. He's practically our whole team! I wanted to cry when I found out. This will likely get rid of his chances for the Heisman. I didn't think he'd get it this year, anyway. He really should have gotten it his freshman year instead of Matt Leinart. Peterson will probably go pro after this year. I think he should, anyway. We'll have a new quarterback again next year, so it'll be another couple of years before we're back up to the level of playing Sooner fans had gotten accustomed to. Trying to look at the bright side, I think at least it's good that our team will have to fend for itself rather than relying on Adrian to pull us out of everthing. It'll give the team a taste of what it'll be like next year. I hate it for him, though. Just Saturday morning when I was getting ready to meet Cathy, I was watching ESPN Game Day. Kirk Herbstreit was talking about how Peterson's the best player in college football right now, and Chris Fowler and Lee Corso weren't putting up an argument. Saturday was the first game Peterson's dad had gotten to see him play since he was 12 because he just got out of prison. At least his dad got to see him play once ...
I had a really good weekend, but I still can't believe how slowly they go by. After pretty much 15 months of feeling like I blink on Friday and it turns to Monday, it's weird to have Saturday and Sunday feel like two distinctly separate days. Sometimes, two distinctly separate days that crawl by. I really hope K gets back before February.
I woke up Saturday morning at 8:30, so I went to the gym. After that, I went home and cleaned my refrigerator, took a shower and then met K's roommate's girlfriend and her mother, who were in town visiting a relative. It was so good to see Cathy. I became such good friends with so many of K's friends, and I miss them all!
We went to lunch, then shopping. I had needed a new light jacket that's not denim so I can wear it with jeans. I found the cutest jacket at J. Crew for $20. I couldn't decide between green or khaki, so I bought them both! You can't beat $20!
We stopped by the Michael Kors store, and I found the perfect bridesmaid dress for when K and I get married.
Relax, I'm kidding. We thought it was pretty funny, though.
We all spent pretty much the whole day together -- Cathy, me, her mom, her cousin. It was really good to see her, and it was a really good day.
I actually finally heard from K. He'd e-mailed me twice last week and had told me he was going to call. In the second e-mail, though, he said the phones were down and he'd call when they were back up. I knew everything was fine, but it's just that when I don't hear from him for a while, part of me starts to feel like he's almost a figment of my imagination or something. I know that doesn't make sense and it probably sounds insane, but it's hard to explain exactly what I mean. It's just weird to have all these pictures and memories of a person and to miss him like crazy and think of him pretty much all the time. To have everyone asking me about him and wondering how he's doing and praying for him, and then to not get to hear from him very often. It definitely sucks.
So K called me Saturday afternoon. He's doing well. He finds out soon when he's supposed to be coming home. Just because they tell him one time, though, doesn't exactly mean that's when he'll be back. The bad thing, though, is that it's looking like it may be the end of February. He's supposed to let me know as soon as he does. I'm really hoping it's not that long.
Today, I lounged around doing laundry until I went to ER's parents' going away party. They're about to move to China. They're like my second parents. It was good to spend time with them before they leave.
The only bad thing that happened this weekend was the news of Adrian Peterson. He's out for the season due to a broken collarbone. He's practically our whole team! I wanted to cry when I found out. This will likely get rid of his chances for the Heisman. I didn't think he'd get it this year, anyway. He really should have gotten it his freshman year instead of Matt Leinart. Peterson will probably go pro after this year. I think he should, anyway. We'll have a new quarterback again next year, so it'll be another couple of years before we're back up to the level of playing Sooner fans had gotten accustomed to. Trying to look at the bright side, I think at least it's good that our team will have to fend for itself rather than relying on Adrian to pull us out of everthing. It'll give the team a taste of what it'll be like next year. I hate it for him, though. Just Saturday morning when I was getting ready to meet Cathy, I was watching ESPN Game Day. Kirk Herbstreit was talking about how Peterson's the best player in college football right now, and Chris Fowler and Lee Corso weren't putting up an argument. Saturday was the first game Peterson's dad had gotten to see him play since he was 12 because he just got out of prison. At least his dad got to see him play once ...
I had a really good weekend, but I still can't believe how slowly they go by. After pretty much 15 months of feeling like I blink on Friday and it turns to Monday, it's weird to have Saturday and Sunday feel like two distinctly separate days. Sometimes, two distinctly separate days that crawl by. I really hope K gets back before February.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Enjoying it while I can
A girl in my office was just talking about how she doesn't eat beef or fried foods. She's 24. She's a very healthy eater -- kudos to her for that.
At the same time, I'm 23 years old. I'm 5'9" or 5'10"-ish, and my metabolism probably isn't ever going to get any higher than it is right now. I think it's already slowed since high school, but I'm still thin.
I go to the gym. But I don't worry so much about what I eat. A year ago, though, I ate pizza literally 3 times a week. I didn't ever consume anything that said "diet" -- why eat something that's bound to taste disgusting?
Since K, I eat better. He's not the world's healthiest eater, but he's pretty dang healthy. Now, thanks to him, I drink Coca-Cola Zero. I drink Diet Lipton Green Tea (with citrus flavor!) from time to time. I pay attention to labels that say "Light" and "Zero grams trans fat."
Granted, I still think the double chocolate fudge chunk ice cream in my freezer is healthy because it says "Light" and "Zero grams trans fat" and even "1/3 fewer calories than regular ice cream." I still eat pizza three times a week every two or three weeks.
But the thing is, I don't eat much of the ice cream when I eat it. I eat it out of the tub because it's only me who eats it anyway. If I were to put ice cream in a bowl, I'd put a lot in there. But when I eat it right out of the tub, I don't eat as much. I've broken into my tub 3 or 4 times and, combined, had less than what I would have put in a bowl in one serving. It's all about portion control. Lucky for me, I have a small stomach that has always been filled quickly, which also means it needs filled more frequently.
I had a turkey burger last Sunday for dinner, but it was only because I realized as I was cooking it that my BEEF hamburger patty had a black spot on it that made it seem like a bad idea to eat it. I'm sure it's much better to go to a place that offers soy burgers instead of Fuddruckers, with its wonderfully delicious, greasy cheeseburgers.
But we only live once. I'm sure I'm lucky to not care about labels and eliminating beef from my diet. At the same time, why sweat the small stuff? Like I said, I'm 23, and my metabolism isn't going to get any higher.
At the same time, I'm 23 years old. I'm 5'9" or 5'10"-ish, and my metabolism probably isn't ever going to get any higher than it is right now. I think it's already slowed since high school, but I'm still thin.
I go to the gym. But I don't worry so much about what I eat. A year ago, though, I ate pizza literally 3 times a week. I didn't ever consume anything that said "diet" -- why eat something that's bound to taste disgusting?
Since K, I eat better. He's not the world's healthiest eater, but he's pretty dang healthy. Now, thanks to him, I drink Coca-Cola Zero. I drink Diet Lipton Green Tea (with citrus flavor!) from time to time. I pay attention to labels that say "Light" and "Zero grams trans fat."
Granted, I still think the double chocolate fudge chunk ice cream in my freezer is healthy because it says "Light" and "Zero grams trans fat" and even "1/3 fewer calories than regular ice cream." I still eat pizza three times a week every two or three weeks.
But the thing is, I don't eat much of the ice cream when I eat it. I eat it out of the tub because it's only me who eats it anyway. If I were to put ice cream in a bowl, I'd put a lot in there. But when I eat it right out of the tub, I don't eat as much. I've broken into my tub 3 or 4 times and, combined, had less than what I would have put in a bowl in one serving. It's all about portion control. Lucky for me, I have a small stomach that has always been filled quickly, which also means it needs filled more frequently.
I had a turkey burger last Sunday for dinner, but it was only because I realized as I was cooking it that my BEEF hamburger patty had a black spot on it that made it seem like a bad idea to eat it. I'm sure it's much better to go to a place that offers soy burgers instead of Fuddruckers, with its wonderfully delicious, greasy cheeseburgers.
But we only live once. I'm sure I'm lucky to not care about labels and eliminating beef from my diet. At the same time, why sweat the small stuff? Like I said, I'm 23, and my metabolism isn't going to get any higher.
Monday, October 09, 2006
I jinxed us!
I was afraid today would be kind of rough at work. I'm the only Sooner fan in my department, which is definitely not short of texas fans. I haven't heard a harsh word, though, and honestly, I expected at least a bit of ragging. I couldn't blame them for a little, "Hook 'em horns!" or something like that. But no -- nothing. One big fan even stopped by my office, paused briefly and said, "Well, ya can't win 'em all. Texas can't either. We've certainly lost our fair share."
I wasn't expecting to be beraded by any means, but I was prepared for at least a little trash-talking. It is football in the South, after all. I'm not complaining, by any means, but I'm really surprised.
The big Ohio State fan in our office mentioned it to me as well. He said he was at a gas station Saturday and saw some people in a car with Oklahoma plates on it, and he thought, "Well, at least she doesn't have to make that long, sad drive" (talking about me). That made me realize that I never made that "long, sad drive." It was always a happy drive for me. Every time I came from Norman to Dallas to watch the game, we went home doing the longhorn-down with our hands and making O-Us with our arms out the window at other Sooners who were making the happy trek back along I-35 with us.
We won five years in a row. Last year, we lost. This year, we lost. Both years, I was living in Dallas. Both years, I went to the fair to watch the game, but didn't have tickets. Instead, I watched from a tent.
It's all my fault. Next year, I'll either have to shell out $200+ for a ticket, or I'll have to drive all the way up to Norman a couple days before the game, only to come down to Dallas on Friday like the Sooner fans in Oklahoma.
Or our team could play better next year. But that's beside the point.
I wasn't expecting to be beraded by any means, but I was prepared for at least a little trash-talking. It is football in the South, after all. I'm not complaining, by any means, but I'm really surprised.
The big Ohio State fan in our office mentioned it to me as well. He said he was at a gas station Saturday and saw some people in a car with Oklahoma plates on it, and he thought, "Well, at least she doesn't have to make that long, sad drive" (talking about me). That made me realize that I never made that "long, sad drive." It was always a happy drive for me. Every time I came from Norman to Dallas to watch the game, we went home doing the longhorn-down with our hands and making O-Us with our arms out the window at other Sooners who were making the happy trek back along I-35 with us.
We won five years in a row. Last year, we lost. This year, we lost. Both years, I was living in Dallas. Both years, I went to the fair to watch the game, but didn't have tickets. Instead, I watched from a tent.
It's all my fault. Next year, I'll either have to shell out $200+ for a ticket, or I'll have to drive all the way up to Norman a couple days before the game, only to come down to Dallas on Friday like the Sooner fans in Oklahoma.
Or our team could play better next year. But that's beside the point.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
You can't win 'em all ...
This weekend was a good weekend. I worked Friday night until about 10, so I got overtime. That's good, right? Then, I joined Jeremy and one of his good friends at the West End for the annual OU-tx festivities. I only stayed for about 20 minutes or so. I guess everyone had been drinking for quite some time, because the majority of the people there were already so drunk they couldnt walk in a straight line. I watched one guy try to fight a girl and two other guys starting to get into a fight, and I decided to leave. Last year, it had been fun with K, his roommate and my old roommate. Not so much this year.
I got up early Saturday morning to watch the Pride rehearse. They're so good! I really miss the band. I have so many wonderful memories and had so many great experiences from that organization. I remember when my parents came up for Pride Parents' Day my freshman year. They'd started talking to this guy who was a Pride alum. He told them the 4 years he was in Pride was the best four years of his life. I thought about that as I watched them rehearse. I know what he means on one hand, but on the other, I hope I never think or say, "That was the best time of my life," because it seems like a sad thing -- like you peaked and things won't be so good again. I hope I remember my time in Pride as a time when I was able to grow close to so many people, have a blast being in band and experience things the typical Sooner fans (and most football fans in general) don't get to experience. I hope I remember different phases of my life fondly for their own unique reasons.
Anyway, so a few friends all met back at my place to carpool to the State Fair. We watched the game on a big-screen TV at some Toyota tent. It was fun. And there's definitely nothing like the State Fair of Texas.
The Midway, where the carnival-like part of the fair is.
They pretty much fry everthing!
My friend and I had to try a fried Coke. They're good to start out with, but I think it's impossible to finish one. And they don't really taste like Coke.
Big Tex, one of the most famous parts of the fair.
The texas fans celebrating after their win ... not something I wanted to see.
We lost the game. Not only did we lose, but we lost by 17 points. Our second-half team played terribly in the second half -- especially in the 4th quarter. The thing about being a fan when your team goes to national championships 3 out of 5 years is that it's easy to get used to winning. It's easy to be a fan when your team is so close to the top. Watching the Sooners struggle, though, makes me an even bigger fan because I'm proud of them no matter what. We lost a game -- it happens. From the way both teams played, the longhorns deserved to win that game. There's no doubt about that.
All I have to say, though, is, no matter what the outcome of the game, at least Sooner fans don't dress like this!
I got up early Saturday morning to watch the Pride rehearse. They're so good! I really miss the band. I have so many wonderful memories and had so many great experiences from that organization. I remember when my parents came up for Pride Parents' Day my freshman year. They'd started talking to this guy who was a Pride alum. He told them the 4 years he was in Pride was the best four years of his life. I thought about that as I watched them rehearse. I know what he means on one hand, but on the other, I hope I never think or say, "That was the best time of my life," because it seems like a sad thing -- like you peaked and things won't be so good again. I hope I remember my time in Pride as a time when I was able to grow close to so many people, have a blast being in band and experience things the typical Sooner fans (and most football fans in general) don't get to experience. I hope I remember different phases of my life fondly for their own unique reasons.
Anyway, so a few friends all met back at my place to carpool to the State Fair. We watched the game on a big-screen TV at some Toyota tent. It was fun. And there's definitely nothing like the State Fair of Texas.
The Midway, where the carnival-like part of the fair is.
They pretty much fry everthing!
My friend and I had to try a fried Coke. They're good to start out with, but I think it's impossible to finish one. And they don't really taste like Coke.
Big Tex, one of the most famous parts of the fair.
The texas fans celebrating after their win ... not something I wanted to see.
We lost the game. Not only did we lose, but we lost by 17 points. Our second-half team played terribly in the second half -- especially in the 4th quarter. The thing about being a fan when your team goes to national championships 3 out of 5 years is that it's easy to get used to winning. It's easy to be a fan when your team is so close to the top. Watching the Sooners struggle, though, makes me an even bigger fan because I'm proud of them no matter what. We lost a game -- it happens. From the way both teams played, the longhorns deserved to win that game. There's no doubt about that.
All I have to say, though, is, no matter what the outcome of the game, at least Sooner fans don't dress like this!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Reasons today is/will be awesome
- I got to work and checked my e-mail, and I had this awesome e-mail from K -- the perfect way to start my day.
- It's Thursday.
- It's Thursday of OU-tx week.
- I'm wearing crimson for the 4th day in a row, and I pretty much plan on wearing it for the next four in a row too, no matter what the outcome of the game.
- I redid my MySpace page last night to look as awesome as my blog. (Hey, ya gotta be festive!)
- I found these awesomely bad (but great!) OU hip hop songs last night on MySpace. If you have a page, do a music search for Boomer Sooner. Click on the one that says "hip hop" for the genre. There are two songs -- "Sooner Bounce" and "Sooner Girl." Remember: I said they're awesomely BAD.
- I ordered a blue Razor phone last night for $100. When I get it next week, I'm so returning this crap phone I paid $200 for because Tyson at Cingular said I can.
- I'm having pizza and salad for lunch. For the second day in a row.
- I'm having a good hair day.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
On K and crimson
K called me last night. It was so good to hear his voice, since it's been five days since his last call. He had a change-of-command ceremony on Saturday, so he's officially over the soldiers in his battery now. I guess things have gotten pretty hectic since then.
He got the package I sent to him a couple weeks ago. I'd sent him beef jerky, which was molded by the time he got it; Jiff peanut butter he specifically requested, which is still awesome; a perfume-scented pillowcase, which still smells like perfume, he said; and a CD that I burned for him.
I had wanted to get The Fray's CD for quite a while, so I finally bought it online and burned a copy for myself and for him. I had started making a list of songs to send him, so I added those at the end: "Chasing Cars," by the Snow Patrol (because I love it and it always makes me think of him); "Looking Glass," by Stone Sour (because I had started liking it a lot right before he left); "Bad Medicine," by Bon Jovi (because it was his ringtone for me on his cell phone); "Sexy Back," by Justin Timberlake (because K is bringing sexy back, too); and "Boomer Sooner," performed by the 2004 Pride of Oklahoma marching band (because, hello, all the cool kids have a copy of it, AND because it's a recording from my senior year).
K told me that he'd listened to the CD many times, and he'd even fallen asleep the first night to The Fray. It's a really good, relaxing CD. If you like Howie Day (and you should, because his album is awesome), you'll like The Fray.
---------------------------------------------------
One of my co-workers came by today to give me kudos for following through on a statement I made Monday. I can't believe you doubted me.
In case you haven't heard (or haven't looked at my blog since Sunday), this week is OU-texas week. As a showing of my appreciation and love for the Sooner football team and the University of Oklahoma, I told my co-workers I'd be wearing crimson every day this week. And I have. Duh.
So she stopped by my office and said, "Wow ... you're really doing it." She's anxious to see what all I have that's crimson. I went to OU for four years. Trust me, there's plenty. :) Besides, it's just such a flattering color.
He got the package I sent to him a couple weeks ago. I'd sent him beef jerky, which was molded by the time he got it; Jiff peanut butter he specifically requested, which is still awesome; a perfume-scented pillowcase, which still smells like perfume, he said; and a CD that I burned for him.
I had wanted to get The Fray's CD for quite a while, so I finally bought it online and burned a copy for myself and for him. I had started making a list of songs to send him, so I added those at the end: "Chasing Cars," by the Snow Patrol (because I love it and it always makes me think of him); "Looking Glass," by Stone Sour (because I had started liking it a lot right before he left); "Bad Medicine," by Bon Jovi (because it was his ringtone for me on his cell phone); "Sexy Back," by Justin Timberlake (because K is bringing sexy back, too); and "Boomer Sooner," performed by the 2004 Pride of Oklahoma marching band (because, hello, all the cool kids have a copy of it, AND because it's a recording from my senior year).
K told me that he'd listened to the CD many times, and he'd even fallen asleep the first night to The Fray. It's a really good, relaxing CD. If you like Howie Day (and you should, because his album is awesome), you'll like The Fray.
---------------------------------------------------
One of my co-workers came by today to give me kudos for following through on a statement I made Monday. I can't believe you doubted me.
In case you haven't heard (or haven't looked at my blog since Sunday), this week is OU-texas week. As a showing of my appreciation and love for the Sooner football team and the University of Oklahoma, I told my co-workers I'd be wearing crimson every day this week. And I have. Duh.
So she stopped by my office and said, "Wow ... you're really doing it." She's anxious to see what all I have that's crimson. I went to OU for four years. Trust me, there's plenty. :) Besides, it's just such a flattering color.
Great things you can't see
I blogged this morning about last night. It was an awesome post, but my computer at work chose to act up and not post it, so it's gone. Too bad. You'd have loved it.
And the new look of my page? It's not quite what it's supposed to be. I've tried to fix it, but it won't work. Whenever I hit "preview" after making changes, I'm directed to the most beautiful, perfect page I've ever seen. The "About Me" text on the right is lined up so perfectly with the date header of my blog posts, and the wonderful cream, textured background goes in a perfect rail all the way to the bottom of the page. The text on the links/about me rail to the right has a slight margin so it's not bumping into the white background of the posts. It's gorgeous.
It's probably good that you can't see it, because I'm sure you'd probably just sit at your computer screen all day staring at how wonderful the page looks. You'd be very unproductive, and your boss would fire you, or your spouse would be mad at you, or your child would starve because you're so awestruck that you've forgotten to feed the poor kid. And my post was so magnificent you'd read it over and over, producing the same results as the glorious page.
So I hope you're glad that the Internet isn't being so cooperative right now. I just don't think I could handle having such bad things happening to you on my conscience.
And the new look of my page? It's not quite what it's supposed to be. I've tried to fix it, but it won't work. Whenever I hit "preview" after making changes, I'm directed to the most beautiful, perfect page I've ever seen. The "About Me" text on the right is lined up so perfectly with the date header of my blog posts, and the wonderful cream, textured background goes in a perfect rail all the way to the bottom of the page. The text on the links/about me rail to the right has a slight margin so it's not bumping into the white background of the posts. It's gorgeous.
It's probably good that you can't see it, because I'm sure you'd probably just sit at your computer screen all day staring at how wonderful the page looks. You'd be very unproductive, and your boss would fire you, or your spouse would be mad at you, or your child would starve because you're so awestruck that you've forgotten to feed the poor kid. And my post was so magnificent you'd read it over and over, producing the same results as the glorious page.
So I hope you're glad that the Internet isn't being so cooperative right now. I just don't think I could handle having such bad things happening to you on my conscience.
Just in time!
I'm really glad I went ahead and got my crappy new phone yesterday because K was finally able to call last night. He'd had his change-of-command ceremony on Saturday, and things have been hectic since then. He's doing well, and he actually got the second package I sent him about two weeks ago (the one with the pillowcase). Unfortunately, the beef jerky my dad made didn't last through the trip. K said it was covered in mold.
The peanut butter was just fine, though, so K's enjoying that. :) He said the pillowcase I sent still smells like my perfume, so that's good. I'd also just downloaded and burned the Fray CD, so I sent him a copy. I put some other songs on the end of it that I knew he'd like: "Chasing Cars," by the Snow Patrol (that one always reminds me of him), "Looking Glass," by Stone Sour (I was really liking it right about the time he left), "Sexy Back," by Justin Timberlake (because K's bringin' sexy back, too) :), "Bad Medicine," by Bon Jovi (because it's K's ringtone for me on his cell phone), and "Boomer Sooner," performed by the 2004 Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band (my senior year!). K said he'd listened to the CD several times, and he really likes it. He thought The Fray's CD was good, and he said he'd actually fallen asleep to it the first night he got it. It's really relaxing.
So he's doing well, and he's staying busy. It had been five days since I'd heard from him before last night. He said it won't be so long next time. He also said he'll find out in a couple weeks whether they're still on schedule to be back around Thanksgiving, so keep your fingers crossed!
The peanut butter was just fine, though, so K's enjoying that. :) He said the pillowcase I sent still smells like my perfume, so that's good. I'd also just downloaded and burned the Fray CD, so I sent him a copy. I put some other songs on the end of it that I knew he'd like: "Chasing Cars," by the Snow Patrol (that one always reminds me of him), "Looking Glass," by Stone Sour (I was really liking it right about the time he left), "Sexy Back," by Justin Timberlake (because K's bringin' sexy back, too) :), "Bad Medicine," by Bon Jovi (because it's K's ringtone for me on his cell phone), and "Boomer Sooner," performed by the 2004 Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band (my senior year!). K said he'd listened to the CD several times, and he really likes it. He thought The Fray's CD was good, and he said he'd actually fallen asleep to it the first night he got it. It's really relaxing.
So he's doing well, and he's staying busy. It had been five days since I'd heard from him before last night. He said it won't be so long next time. He also said he'll find out in a couple weeks whether they're still on schedule to be back around Thanksgiving, so keep your fingers crossed!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Buyer's remorse
My cell phone died. It happened slowly. A few weeks ago, the vibrate option stopped working. I used to never use it, but with K gone, it's become pretty important.
Last Saturday, I woke up, and the display that shows the time or who is calling me when my flip phone is closed was no longer working. It was just blank.
Sunday, my display when I opened my phone wasn't being cooperative. Many times, it just showed a solid blue screen. I could turn it off and back on to solve the problem. By Monday night, it was all blue, all the time. I couldn't see who was calling me or what time it was. I couldn't set the alarm on my phone. I couldn't see if I'd managed to sleep through K calling me last night, although I'm pretty sure I didn't. I couldn't see if I missed calls today when I stepped away from my phone for a second.
Clearly, this couldn't continue.
I went to the Cingular store today after work. Electronics aren't that big a deal to me. I like the look of the new Razor phones, but I just can't justify spending so much money on something when I can get a phone for much cheaper that pretty much does all those same things. I looked around at the different phones and decided on a Nokia cell phone that was priced at $119 (It was the second-cheapest phone there.).
Honestly, I'd always gotten the free phones before -- the ones that cost at first, but you get your money back through the rebate. Those worked just fine. The phone that died on me today I'd had for about three years. It had survived being in the chest pockets of my band uniform in 100-plus degree temps. It made it through freezing temps in that same pocket, as well as in my purse. It made it through being poured on inside my purse on the 4th of July. It survived sand and salty air on beaches in California, Hawaii and Florida (and Galveston, Texas, if you can call that a beach). It made it through many, many falls, including two very rough ones in the last month and a half -- one at the gym from the elliptical, falling first from the screen onto the hard plastic running boards and onto the floor; and just a couple weeks ago, falling from my overloaded hands onto the hard concrete and bouncing onto a stone step after a stone step after more stone steps before finally landing on the second-to-last step.
Normally I'm not so hard on my phones, but taking a phone with you everywhere you go every second of the day can wear it out. My phone was just too old to take it. It was definitely time for a new one. But Cingular doesn't have the free ones anymore.
The phone I decided on was actually $69 without this service bundle thing, but I got it because it was supposed to be cheaper. The phone was supposed to be $119 when I got the bundle, which included a car charger and a bluetooth headset, as well as a carrying case. I also got a $50 rebate on the phone if I got a service bundle. I figured I'd be getting a car charger very soon anyway, and the bluetooth is pretty handy, so why not just save in the long run by buying them now?
Well, somehow my little $119 phone cost $194 by the time all the fees and taxes were added. That's one-fifth of the price of my brand new, awesome, has-everthing-I'll-ever-need laptop AND printer combined! The crappy part is that I can barely hear out of the phone, and I have good hearing. Luckily, I have 30 days to return or exchange it. I'm pretty sure I'll be revisiting Cingular on Saturday. Maybe I'll even already have a new phone from online.
Last Saturday, I woke up, and the display that shows the time or who is calling me when my flip phone is closed was no longer working. It was just blank.
Sunday, my display when I opened my phone wasn't being cooperative. Many times, it just showed a solid blue screen. I could turn it off and back on to solve the problem. By Monday night, it was all blue, all the time. I couldn't see who was calling me or what time it was. I couldn't set the alarm on my phone. I couldn't see if I'd managed to sleep through K calling me last night, although I'm pretty sure I didn't. I couldn't see if I missed calls today when I stepped away from my phone for a second.
Clearly, this couldn't continue.
I went to the Cingular store today after work. Electronics aren't that big a deal to me. I like the look of the new Razor phones, but I just can't justify spending so much money on something when I can get a phone for much cheaper that pretty much does all those same things. I looked around at the different phones and decided on a Nokia cell phone that was priced at $119 (It was the second-cheapest phone there.).
Honestly, I'd always gotten the free phones before -- the ones that cost at first, but you get your money back through the rebate. Those worked just fine. The phone that died on me today I'd had for about three years. It had survived being in the chest pockets of my band uniform in 100-plus degree temps. It made it through freezing temps in that same pocket, as well as in my purse. It made it through being poured on inside my purse on the 4th of July. It survived sand and salty air on beaches in California, Hawaii and Florida (and Galveston, Texas, if you can call that a beach). It made it through many, many falls, including two very rough ones in the last month and a half -- one at the gym from the elliptical, falling first from the screen onto the hard plastic running boards and onto the floor; and just a couple weeks ago, falling from my overloaded hands onto the hard concrete and bouncing onto a stone step after a stone step after more stone steps before finally landing on the second-to-last step.
Normally I'm not so hard on my phones, but taking a phone with you everywhere you go every second of the day can wear it out. My phone was just too old to take it. It was definitely time for a new one. But Cingular doesn't have the free ones anymore.
The phone I decided on was actually $69 without this service bundle thing, but I got it because it was supposed to be cheaper. The phone was supposed to be $119 when I got the bundle, which included a car charger and a bluetooth headset, as well as a carrying case. I also got a $50 rebate on the phone if I got a service bundle. I figured I'd be getting a car charger very soon anyway, and the bluetooth is pretty handy, so why not just save in the long run by buying them now?
Well, somehow my little $119 phone cost $194 by the time all the fees and taxes were added. That's one-fifth of the price of my brand new, awesome, has-everthing-I'll-ever-need laptop AND printer combined! The crappy part is that I can barely hear out of the phone, and I have good hearing. Luckily, I have 30 days to return or exchange it. I'm pretty sure I'll be revisiting Cingular on Saturday. Maybe I'll even already have a new phone from online.
Get in the game!
Song you need to hear (Click on "Longhorns Point Down")
Shirts you need to wear
Where it all goes down (and where to get such wonderful Southern food such as fried anything -- including Coke! -- and where to see a butter statue of Marilyn Monroe)
Who will come out on top
Countdown to Red River Shootout: 4 days!
Shirts you need to wear
Where it all goes down (and where to get such wonderful Southern food such as fried anything -- including Coke! -- and where to see a butter statue of Marilyn Monroe)
Who will come out on top
Countdown to Red River Shootout: 4 days!
Monday, October 02, 2006
It's 12:19 ...
AND texas STILL SUCKS!!!!!
(In case you were wondering, today marks Day One of the annual OU/tx week, which is also known as the Red River Rivalry and the Red River Shootout.)
Get excited!
(In case you were wondering, today marks Day One of the annual OU/tx week, which is also known as the Red River Rivalry and the Red River Shootout.)
Get excited!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Better late than never
My stupid apartment office held my laptop hostage for a day. Actually, they close before I get home from work, so when I checked online and saw my computer had been delivered, I called the office to make sure the package was in there. The apartment manager lied to me and said it wasn't. Considering that I called at about 5:30, I know UPS couldn't have delivered it after I called.
I got home that night and sure enough, there was the "Oops, we missed you" slip from UPS. I went to the office first thing Saturday morning and picked up my laptop. It's totally awesome. It's the first new, nice electronic I've ever owned. In fact, it's really the most expensive new thing at all that I've ever owned. I've always gotten used cars. My clarinets (I have a plastic one and a wooden one, as do most people who play clarinet up until high school and beyond) were both used.
I'm pretty excited about this computer. :)
As promised, though a bit delayed, here are pictures of what K sent me from Afghanistan.
Noodle wasn't being very friendly.
So that's my gift from K. The little Army hat on it says "Bagram, Afghanistan." I named him Warrior. It works perfectly for so many reasons. K is mainly at Task Force Warrior in Afghanistan. He's a warrior in himself for what he's doing there. Plus, the little camel's face looks really hardcore for a camel. :)
I got home that night and sure enough, there was the "Oops, we missed you" slip from UPS. I went to the office first thing Saturday morning and picked up my laptop. It's totally awesome. It's the first new, nice electronic I've ever owned. In fact, it's really the most expensive new thing at all that I've ever owned. I've always gotten used cars. My clarinets (I have a plastic one and a wooden one, as do most people who play clarinet up until high school and beyond) were both used.
I'm pretty excited about this computer. :)
As promised, though a bit delayed, here are pictures of what K sent me from Afghanistan.
Noodle wasn't being very friendly.
So that's my gift from K. The little Army hat on it says "Bagram, Afghanistan." I named him Warrior. It works perfectly for so many reasons. K is mainly at Task Force Warrior in Afghanistan. He's a warrior in himself for what he's doing there. Plus, the little camel's face looks really hardcore for a camel. :)
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