"I believe in the possibility that someone can always be wrong."
Labels: religion
Friday, July 31, 2009
overheard ...
when someone was asked what they believe about religion....
"I believe in the possibility that someone can always be wrong."
"I believe in the possibility that someone can always be wrong."
The second email...
First email is here.
This isn't technically the second email since there have been a few emails between myself, my trainer, my caseworker and the caseworker who is compiling families for the child's caseworker.
There are a lot of caseworkers involved.
Anyway, here is the email I got this morning...
Thank you for your interest in helping to provide waiting children with adoptive homes. I did receive your home study. It will be processed and forwarded to the child/ren’s placement liaison and caseworker.
* If your family is identified as a strong match for the child/ren then the listed caseworker/ agency representative for the licensed family will be contacted.
* The family’s caseworker will be invited to participate in a selection staffing.
* The family with the best-matched strengths that meet the needs of the child/ren will be selected as the adoptive family.
* The family’s caseworker will be notified that their family has been selected. They will also be instructed on the next steps in the process.
We are officially in the process... now it just comes down to matching her with the best family for her needs. They will have a staffing meeting to go over potential families for her and then we will find out whether we are a good match.
If we aren't, our family will be presented at the next staffing meeting for all available children that haven't yet been place on the TARE website.
For that staffing, they requested a Family Flier, which I made yesterday which shows our family and gives some basic information.
It was a little harder than I thought so I tried not to over think it and instead just went with the first things that came to mind and kept it mild.
I would have needed five pages to say everything I wanted to say and it would have made me cry to write it all :)
Anyway, we are officially on the ride now.
This isn't technically the second email since there have been a few emails between myself, my trainer, my caseworker and the caseworker who is compiling families for the child's caseworker.
There are a lot of caseworkers involved.
Anyway, here is the email I got this morning...
Thank you for your interest in helping to provide waiting children with adoptive homes. I did receive your home study. It will be processed and forwarded to the child/ren’s placement liaison and caseworker.
* If your family is identified as a strong match for the child/ren then the listed caseworker/ agency representative for the licensed family will be contacted.
* The family’s caseworker will be invited to participate in a selection staffing.
* The family with the best-matched strengths that meet the needs of the child/ren will be selected as the adoptive family.
* The family’s caseworker will be notified that their family has been selected. They will also be instructed on the next steps in the process.
We are officially in the process... now it just comes down to matching her with the best family for her needs. They will have a staffing meeting to go over potential families for her and then we will find out whether we are a good match.
If we aren't, our family will be presented at the next staffing meeting for all available children that haven't yet been place on the TARE website.
For that staffing, they requested a Family Flier, which I made yesterday which shows our family and gives some basic information.
It was a little harder than I thought so I tried not to over think it and instead just went with the first things that came to mind and kept it mild.
I would have needed five pages to say everything I wanted to say and it would have made me cry to write it all :)
Anyway, we are officially on the ride now.
Labels: adoption, Amanda, Being Mommy, Chica, Emilee, Triniti
From my email... the moodring
From Jiffinner...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Hello, have you met my friend Procrastination?
I am a horrid, horrid procrastinator.
I should be flogged.
You know, I realize that flogging is a truly unpleasant thing that shouldn't be made fun of... BUT how lame of a work is "flogging". It sounds like something that would involve a wet noodle and very little pain. When I picture flogging, it actually involves one of those floaty noodle pool toys.
See?
I am an impressive procrastinator.
I've just procrastinated posting WHY I am a procrastinator.
Top that!
Let's see... what all do I procrastinate? How about an impromptu list?
Writing
Working Out
Dieting
Laundry
Cleaning
Calling people
Uncomfortable chats
Organizing my office
Working in my greenhouse
Murder mystery dinner night
I really could go on and on... There is SO MUCH. And last night as I was laying in bed checking my email and the missed connection section of craigslist as my eyes were closing despite my every effort to keep them open, I was thinking to myself that I need to get my shit together.
All of those things listed above? I should be doing them. Daily.
But I find that I am tired and burned out and lazy.
I pat myself on the back when I make dinner AND clean up.
So during this chat I was having with myself last night, the lazy side of my brain (not sure if that is the right side or the left side) was all, "it's okay Kate, you're BUSY. You have a lot to do. You can't be on top of everything all the time!" And then the other side of my brain was all, "you're right, I am busy... I work a shitload of hours and I have kids and pets and... WAIT A MINUTE! Didn't we just watch three episodes of Heroes on Netflix?"
Yeah.
So it isn't my super busy life that is getting in the way of me accomplishing these things that I want to and should be accomplishing. It's my sitting on my ass.
Then this morning as I wasworking reading blogs, I came across this post and I thought, "Yeah, I should do that. Maybe if I commit to thirty days, I may actually change my ways." The lazy side of my brain chimed in with, "A) You are rhyming and that's lame and B) School starts this month, don't you think you will have enough to do? Let's wait until the year 2033 to start on that list, cool?"
Uhm, no. Not cool.
So, my blank? I think it is going to be the biggest and most procrastinated thing EVAR. My freaking dieting, exercising and eating better.
That's technically three blanks but whatever.
It's time.
Maybe I'll stop being so effing tired if I start changing my Heroes watching ways. So what about ya'll? Do you feel like committing yourself to something for thirty days?
I should be flogged.
You know, I realize that flogging is a truly unpleasant thing that shouldn't be made fun of... BUT how lame of a work is "flogging". It sounds like something that would involve a wet noodle and very little pain. When I picture flogging, it actually involves one of those floaty noodle pool toys.
See?
I am an impressive procrastinator.
I've just procrastinated posting WHY I am a procrastinator.
Top that!
Let's see... what all do I procrastinate? How about an impromptu list?
Writing
Working Out
Dieting
Laundry
Cleaning
Calling people
Uncomfortable chats
Organizing my office
Working in my greenhouse
Murder mystery dinner night
I really could go on and on... There is SO MUCH. And last night as I was laying in bed checking my email and the missed connection section of craigslist as my eyes were closing despite my every effort to keep them open, I was thinking to myself that I need to get my shit together.
All of those things listed above? I should be doing them. Daily.
But I find that I am tired and burned out and lazy.
I pat myself on the back when I make dinner AND clean up.
So during this chat I was having with myself last night, the lazy side of my brain (not sure if that is the right side or the left side) was all, "it's okay Kate, you're BUSY. You have a lot to do. You can't be on top of everything all the time!" And then the other side of my brain was all, "you're right, I am busy... I work a shitload of hours and I have kids and pets and... WAIT A MINUTE! Didn't we just watch three episodes of Heroes on Netflix?"
Yeah.
So it isn't my super busy life that is getting in the way of me accomplishing these things that I want to and should be accomplishing. It's my sitting on my ass.
Then this morning as I was
Uhm, no. Not cool.
So, my blank? I think it is going to be the biggest and most procrastinated thing EVAR. My freaking dieting, exercising and eating better.
That's technically three blanks but whatever.
It's time.
Maybe I'll stop being so effing tired if I start changing my Heroes watching ways. So what about ya'll? Do you feel like committing yourself to something for thirty days?
Labels: Being a Chic, being a Home Owner, Being Mommy, my crazy life
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I think I'm in love...
Many, MANY months ago, I was searching for a way to shop and cook less but still be able to feed my children the legally required amount of times a day. I ran across a site that you could use to buy and cook EVERYTHING you needed to eat for AN ENTIRE MONTH.
My head exploded.
The end.
Ok, not really... but at the time, the whole ordeal looked so cool and so frightening that I forewent it. Instead I opted for my own version of once a month cooking and planned out my own meals... things like chicken nuggets and fish sticks and corn dogs. Why? Because I had little picky children and no energy to fight them on their picky ways.
But my kids are older now.
Well two of them anyway.. and Triniti practically lives on cheese and soy milk so I think we are ready to attempt [duhn duhn duhhhhnnnn] Grown Up Food.
But I've heard that actually preparing these things called "meals" can be time consuming and whenever I start to try it, I end up longing for the days of tater tots and frozen pizza - even though there isn't a bone in my body that really wants frozen pizza.
Except stuffed crust Digorno.
I [heart] stuffed crust Digorno.
So today I was surfin' the web and bothering Google by seeing how many different ways you can search for preplanned menus with shopping lists.
Observe:
week menu shopping list
meal planning menu
two week menu grocery list
menu planning grocery list two weeks
planning list menu two weeks
It went on longer, but I will spare you. I think Google is going to start billing me. It'll come in my gmail and the subject line will say "redundancy fees".
But somewhere in my random googling, I came across a website. One where you could hear that angelic music in the background. The kind of music that can only occur when there is such precise organization as MONTH LONG MENU PLANNING accompanied by THE ENTIRE SHOPPING LIST NEEDED FOR SAID MENU and STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS for TWO PEOPLE.
Am I still here or have I gone to heaven?
And not just ANY two people but two separate family representatives.
Like, you make enough food for TWO FAMILIES. Together. For a month.
And it gets better.
I know, I KNOW, HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY GET BETTER??
Excel, that's how.
Oh yes my pretties.
THE WHOLE THING IS IN EXCEL.
With printable workbooks and auto calculating cells.
I need a paper bag so I don't start hyperventilating.
And the cherry on top of this Organizational Sundae is that they even provide you with printable labels so you can label the food with the date and reheating instructions for when you pop it out of the freezer.
If this site had been invented and run by a man, I would capture him and make him my love slave.
My head exploded.
The end.
Ok, not really... but at the time, the whole ordeal looked so cool and so frightening that I forewent it. Instead I opted for my own version of once a month cooking and planned out my own meals... things like chicken nuggets and fish sticks and corn dogs. Why? Because I had little picky children and no energy to fight them on their picky ways.
But my kids are older now.
Well two of them anyway.. and Triniti practically lives on cheese and soy milk so I think we are ready to attempt [duhn duhn duhhhhnnnn] Grown Up Food.
But I've heard that actually preparing these things called "meals" can be time consuming and whenever I start to try it, I end up longing for the days of tater tots and frozen pizza - even though there isn't a bone in my body that really wants frozen pizza.
Except stuffed crust Digorno.
I [heart] stuffed crust Digorno.
So today I was surfin' the web and bothering Google by seeing how many different ways you can search for preplanned menus with shopping lists.
Observe:
week menu shopping list
meal planning menu
two week menu grocery list
menu planning grocery list two weeks
planning list menu two weeks
It went on longer, but I will spare you. I think Google is going to start billing me. It'll come in my gmail and the subject line will say "redundancy fees".
But somewhere in my random googling, I came across a website. One where you could hear that angelic music in the background. The kind of music that can only occur when there is such precise organization as MONTH LONG MENU PLANNING accompanied by THE ENTIRE SHOPPING LIST NEEDED FOR SAID MENU and STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS for TWO PEOPLE.
Am I still here or have I gone to heaven?
And not just ANY two people but two separate family representatives.
Like, you make enough food for TWO FAMILIES. Together. For a month.
And it gets better.
I know, I KNOW, HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY GET BETTER??
Excel, that's how.
Oh yes my pretties.
THE WHOLE THING IS IN EXCEL.
With printable workbooks and auto calculating cells.
I need a paper bag so I don't start hyperventilating.
And the cherry on top of this Organizational Sundae is that they even provide you with printable labels so you can label the food with the date and reheating instructions for when you pop it out of the freezer.
If this site had been invented and run by a man, I would capture him and make him my love slave.
Labels: Being Mommy, cooking, menu planning
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Love Food Hate Waste
In my search to try and find some predone menus for one to two weeks that also come with shopping lists, I came across this site.
I guess I'll have to send them to Woman Atop Her Soapbox for translation though because everything is in the freaking metric system and I have no idea how many grams of tomatoes I buy.
Nonetheless, a lot of these recipes look very good and very kid friendly and since they seem to hail from the UK, some of them are new to us altogether.
And we need to mix things up a little.
I am so bored with eating.
Check them out, see what you think.
I guess I'll have to send them to Woman Atop Her Soapbox for translation though because everything is in the freaking metric system and I have no idea how many grams of tomatoes I buy.
Nonetheless, a lot of these recipes look very good and very kid friendly and since they seem to hail from the UK, some of them are new to us altogether.
And we need to mix things up a little.
I am so bored with eating.
Check them out, see what you think.
Labels: cooking, menu planning, RBATOTD, recipes
Monday, July 27, 2009
my favorite picture from this weekend
Labels: Noah
Our Lady Peace - Dreamland
Our mother sets the dinner table
Sun crashes to the pavement, yeah
Our father workin' just to make ends
We spend our lives just tryin' to make sense, of it
But, I feel love I feel a power
It comes to me in the darkest hour
And I, oh well I feel it again...
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming down
not coming down
Summer ends, the ocean dries up
A stranger dies, and no one gives a....fuck
I take a look over my shoulder
All my friends have gotten older
Oh yeah, Oh yeah
But, I feel love I feel a power
It comes to me in the darkest hour
And I, oh well I feel it again
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming...
Change just to change
Break just to break
Blame just to blame
My head in the clouds
Feet off the ground
I'm not coming down
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming down, yeah
I'm not coming down
I'm not coming down, yeah
I'm not coming down
Sun crashes to the pavement, yeah
Our father workin' just to make ends
We spend our lives just tryin' to make sense, of it
But, I feel love I feel a power
It comes to me in the darkest hour
And I, oh well I feel it again...
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming down
not coming down
Summer ends, the ocean dries up
A stranger dies, and no one gives a....fuck
I take a look over my shoulder
All my friends have gotten older
Oh yeah, Oh yeah
But, I feel love I feel a power
It comes to me in the darkest hour
And I, oh well I feel it again
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming...
Change just to change
Break just to break
Blame just to blame
My head in the clouds
Feet off the ground
I'm not coming down
In this Dreamland, the kids are alright
And the sky is blue
We all got wings that know how to fly
I'm headed to the moon
The sun on my face
My head in the clouds
Time on my side
My feet off the ground
I'm not coming down, yeah
I'm not coming down
I'm not coming down, yeah
I'm not coming down
Labels: music
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Our Lady Peace - All You Did Was Save My Life
You looked at me as you walked in the room
Like the red sea, you split me open
Somehow knew these wings were stolen
All you did was save my life
I tried to run but I couldn’t move
I’ve paid for these concrete shoes
But like the singer that sings the blues
You saw hope in the hopeless
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
Save my life
I’m not for sale but I’ve been sold
The more I hear, the less I know
And the lies I swallow whole
And their insignificance
The stories been told a million times
But it’s different when it’s your life
I won the lottery tonight
The lottery tonight
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
I started to come around
The dogs are backing down
I'm not afraid to see
The devil's gone underground
This tightropes been cut down
And I can finally breathe
You looked at me as you walked in the room
Like a red sea, you split me open
Somehow knew these wings were stolen
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
All you did was save my life
(Put the heartbeat back inside)
All you did was save my life
(Put the heartbeat back inside)
All you did was save my life
Like the red sea, you split me open
Somehow knew these wings were stolen
All you did was save my life
I tried to run but I couldn’t move
I’ve paid for these concrete shoes
But like the singer that sings the blues
You saw hope in the hopeless
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
Save my life
I’m not for sale but I’ve been sold
The more I hear, the less I know
And the lies I swallow whole
And their insignificance
The stories been told a million times
But it’s different when it’s your life
I won the lottery tonight
The lottery tonight
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
I started to come around
The dogs are backing down
I'm not afraid to see
The devil's gone underground
This tightropes been cut down
And I can finally breathe
You looked at me as you walked in the room
Like a red sea, you split me open
Somehow knew these wings were stolen
I’m not dying
All you did was save my life
Pulled me out of that flat line
Put the heartbeat back inside
I’m not dying
All you did was get me through
I owe every breath to you
Heart and soul, un-paralyzed
All you did was save my life
All you did was save my life
(Put the heartbeat back inside)
All you did was save my life
(Put the heartbeat back inside)
All you did was save my life
Labels: music
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Our Lady Peace - Never Get Over You
She said it's quiet, in the shadow of the sun.
She looks tired, the life that's come undone.
She turns, turns, turns, turns.
She likes hockey, and summers by the lake.
We're not talkin' because of my mistakes.
I burn, burn, burn, burn.
If you walk out that door, I just don't know what i'd do.
I'll never get over you.
If my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
In this silence, It's never been so loud.
I try and fight it, but the words just don't come out.
I burn, burn, burn, burn.
If you walk out that door, I just don't know what I'd do.
I'll never get over you.
Ir my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
There's no hiding, from your silence.
There's no hiding.
If you walk out that door, I Just don't know what I'd do.
I'll never get over you.
If my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
She looks tired, the life that's come undone.
She turns, turns, turns, turns.
She likes hockey, and summers by the lake.
We're not talkin' because of my mistakes.
I burn, burn, burn, burn.
If you walk out that door, I just don't know what i'd do.
I'll never get over you.
If my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
In this silence, It's never been so loud.
I try and fight it, but the words just don't come out.
I burn, burn, burn, burn.
If you walk out that door, I just don't know what I'd do.
I'll never get over you.
Ir my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
There's no hiding, from your silence.
There's no hiding.
If you walk out that door, I Just don't know what I'd do.
I'll never get over you.
If my heart hits this floor, I just don't know what I'll do.
I'll never get over you.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
Don't you go.
Labels: music
Friday, July 24, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Shadow Lantern
Today's RBATOTD comes to us from the fabulous Jiffinner who had undoubtedly felt like I was never going to post one again since I've been all silent for several days.I suck.
Sue me.
Jiffinner came over to my house on Saturday night for Fairy's birthday party. I had invited an adorable and WAY too young for me boy. As Jiffinner and I were getting everything set up for the impending par-tay, we were discussing the WAY too young for me boy and WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME. And Jiffinner just shrugged and said who effing cares? I mean, if he's fun and you like him, do what you want to do, don't worry about how old he is.
I pondered the possibilities while we cracked open some sangria and lit a bazillion candles.
I [heart] candles.
Then Jiffinner said, if something happens, you're going to blog about it right?
and I was like OH HELL YEAH I'M GOING TO BLOG ABOUT IT. Of course, if something does happen and I do blog about it, my readers would all die of heart attacks not only from the news of how WAY too young for me he is but also because OMG, SHE ACTUALLY HAD SEX??
I just don't have sex any more.
It is the absolute crap of all that is crappy.
Jiffinner laughed to herself and then said, you could title it "Not recycled but still totally bad-ass."
Which is one of a gazilliondy reasons I love her.
Jiffinner sent me an email last night and the subject line read:
Recycled? check. Bad-Ass? check.
Then there was a link to yet another awesome Etsy shop. I ask you readers, how did we survive prior to Etsy? I just don't know.
But 'check" indeed.
This chic is making light covers from old cans and once she carves the design into them, they throw the coolest shadows.
I do love them.
And I love you Jiffinner.
Labels: my crazy life, My pathetic excuse for a love life, RBATOTD, recycling, soul sisters
Our Lady Peace - Paper Moon (my favorite off the new cd)
Comes a time when you get turned around, and
Life itself just wears you out, but
You keep getting ready for the big parade
Oh, you shine your shoes and you fake a smile
Salute the players with that famous style
Cause, keeping up has kept you in chains
I was thinking that if you know a way out then I'd like to go with you
And we can burn out like candles under that paper moon
They just don't know anything at all
They just don't know anything at all
You'll fight traffic jams and big TVs, and
Hipsters trapped in their own irony, but
You finally think about settling down
Oh you quit your job and you sell your car
You burn your clothes and pray to the stars, cause
You swore to God that you'd never end up this way
I was thinking that if you know a way out then I'd like to go with you
And we can burn out like candles under that paper moon
They just don't know anything at all
They just don't know anything at all
At all
At all
At all
At all
Comes a time when you get turned around, and
Life itself just wears you out, but
You keep getting ready for that big parade
Life itself just wears you out, but
You keep getting ready for the big parade
Oh, you shine your shoes and you fake a smile
Salute the players with that famous style
Cause, keeping up has kept you in chains
I was thinking that if you know a way out then I'd like to go with you
And we can burn out like candles under that paper moon
They just don't know anything at all
They just don't know anything at all
You'll fight traffic jams and big TVs, and
Hipsters trapped in their own irony, but
You finally think about settling down
Oh you quit your job and you sell your car
You burn your clothes and pray to the stars, cause
You swore to God that you'd never end up this way
I was thinking that if you know a way out then I'd like to go with you
And we can burn out like candles under that paper moon
They just don't know anything at all
They just don't know anything at all
At all
At all
At all
At all
Comes a time when you get turned around, and
Life itself just wears you out, but
You keep getting ready for that big parade
Labels: music
Our Lady Peace - Burn Burn
Several years ago my sister turned me onto Our Lady Peace.
She was PSYCHO about them and her and her friends had went to the concert and had their shoes signed and OHMYGOD THEY ARE SO COOL!
She was in high school at the time.
I figured it was gonna be crap.. but the thing is, my sister kinda has pretty good taste in music. We don't always see eye to eye and she likes stuff that tends to be a little too NOT mainstream for me but every once in awhile, she hands me a cd and I am in love.
Our Lady Peace was one of those times.
And the best thing about falling in love with a band is finding out that they have five records out. That is a lot of new music.
A. Lot.
And even as recently as a few months ago, after having learned every word to just about every song, I will still go on an Our Lady Peace kick and listen to their entire discography for an entire week at work.
Now you may, if you are not in the know, be sitting there right now scratching your head and thinking Who the hell is Our Lady Peace?
You may remember Somewhere Out There which actually got some radio play... you may have even thought you were hearing some Smashing Pumpkins.
Uh - you weren't...
The last record, Healthy In Paranoid Times, was one of my favorite records ever. Clumsy and Gravity got a ton of play for me as well... And maybe it was because I started listening to them around the time of Clumsy and Gravity that I don't agree with the reviews that are coming out for Burn Burn right now.
I mean, sure, Burn Burn doesn't exactly sound like Naveed or Spiritual Machines or even Happiness Is Not A Fish You Can Catch, but why should it? I mean bands change and grow. And the music scene changes and grows. If OLP put out a record right now that sounded just like Naveed did back in 1994, they wouldn't be picking up a whole new gang of flannel wearing teenagers because there aren't any. We've all grown up and stopped wearing flannel (thank god) and are music tastes have matured with us.
Does that mean I won't bust out some old school OLP and rock out? Absolutely not. I love the old OLP. But I also can appreciate their new stuff and in the two days I've had Burn Burn on repeat play, I'm liking it.
She was PSYCHO about them and her and her friends had went to the concert and had their shoes signed and OHMYGOD THEY ARE SO COOL!
She was in high school at the time.
I figured it was gonna be crap.. but the thing is, my sister kinda has pretty good taste in music. We don't always see eye to eye and she likes stuff that tends to be a little too NOT mainstream for me but every once in awhile, she hands me a cd and I am in love.
Our Lady Peace was one of those times.
And the best thing about falling in love with a band is finding out that they have five records out. That is a lot of new music.
A. Lot.
And even as recently as a few months ago, after having learned every word to just about every song, I will still go on an Our Lady Peace kick and listen to their entire discography for an entire week at work.
Now you may, if you are not in the know, be sitting there right now scratching your head and thinking Who the hell is Our Lady Peace?
You may remember Somewhere Out There which actually got some radio play... you may have even thought you were hearing some Smashing Pumpkins.
Uh - you weren't...
The last record, Healthy In Paranoid Times, was one of my favorite records ever. Clumsy and Gravity got a ton of play for me as well... And maybe it was because I started listening to them around the time of Clumsy and Gravity that I don't agree with the reviews that are coming out for Burn Burn right now.
I mean, sure, Burn Burn doesn't exactly sound like Naveed or Spiritual Machines or even Happiness Is Not A Fish You Can Catch, but why should it? I mean bands change and grow. And the music scene changes and grows. If OLP put out a record right now that sounded just like Naveed did back in 1994, they wouldn't be picking up a whole new gang of flannel wearing teenagers because there aren't any. We've all grown up and stopped wearing flannel (thank god) and are music tastes have matured with us.
Does that mean I won't bust out some old school OLP and rock out? Absolutely not. I love the old OLP. But I also can appreciate their new stuff and in the two days I've had Burn Burn on repeat play, I'm liking it.
Labels: music
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The first email...
Last night, I was laying on my couch watching So You Think You Can Dance with my kids and I absentmindedly picked up my phone to check my email. I check my email on my phone a hundred times a day. It's this constant stream of junk mail and bills and the occasion update from facebook... every once in a while there is an email from a real live person but mostly it is just stuff I sent to Deleted Items.
AFN Broadcast TIME SENSITIVE Texas Families Only: Meet "Carebear", 6 yrs
So it's starting.
Deadline to express interest: July 23, 2009; 5 pm
I try to pay attention to the times that something in my life could be drastically changing. I don't want to look back and think, I had no idea that everything was about to change.
I want to know that change is possible and coming. I want to feel it all, experience it.
Does this email and the fact that I've "expressed interest" mean that I am going to have a new family member in a few weeks? Not at all.
There is this whole long process from where I am to when we have a new person in our family.
But last night? Getting that email?
That was an initiation of sorts.
I paused the TV and went to my computer as I mumbled something to the girls about an email from "the adoption people". We all huddled around the screen to read about this little girl.
Her description was riddled with fantastic things including a very in-depth comparison of her to various carebear characters. She is from a home where she has two older siblings (who aren't available for adoption) and her profile states that she would like to be adopted into a home where she can have a sibling close to her own age.
I read everything to my mom last night and it broke her heart.. I don't think she realized how many kids are out there. She was concerned about this little girl's emotional state and how it could possibily affect my daughters... I had to explain to her and my girls that there isn't a single child available for adoption who hasn't suffered somehow. There isn't a child who doesn't feel abandoned, confused, scared, insecure... All of these kids are damaged. All we can do is offer to give them a place to heal and become part of a family who loves them and wants them and will always be there for them.
This is the first step for us. "Expressing interest." Maybe this little carebear won't be the one for us. Maybe she will be the one for someone else. But I will always remember how I felt last night when I realized that she could be the one. And I will always remember the butterflies in my stomach this morning when I sent the email to my caseworker and let her know that we would like to be considered as her new family.
An aside: I usually use my children's real names here but seeing as how this sweet little girl isn't mine yet and may not be, I feel a certain responsibility to offer her a tiny bit of anonymity. Should she become a member of my family, I will reintroduce her here with pictures and an actual name...
AFN Broadcast TIME SENSITIVE Texas Families Only: Meet "Carebear", 6 yrs
So it's starting.
Deadline to express interest: July 23, 2009; 5 pm
I try to pay attention to the times that something in my life could be drastically changing. I don't want to look back and think, I had no idea that everything was about to change.
I want to know that change is possible and coming. I want to feel it all, experience it.
Does this email and the fact that I've "expressed interest" mean that I am going to have a new family member in a few weeks? Not at all.
There is this whole long process from where I am to when we have a new person in our family.
But last night? Getting that email?
That was an initiation of sorts.
I paused the TV and went to my computer as I mumbled something to the girls about an email from "the adoption people". We all huddled around the screen to read about this little girl.
Her description was riddled with fantastic things including a very in-depth comparison of her to various carebear characters. She is from a home where she has two older siblings (who aren't available for adoption) and her profile states that she would like to be adopted into a home where she can have a sibling close to her own age.
I read everything to my mom last night and it broke her heart.. I don't think she realized how many kids are out there. She was concerned about this little girl's emotional state and how it could possibily affect my daughters... I had to explain to her and my girls that there isn't a single child available for adoption who hasn't suffered somehow. There isn't a child who doesn't feel abandoned, confused, scared, insecure... All of these kids are damaged. All we can do is offer to give them a place to heal and become part of a family who loves them and wants them and will always be there for them.
This is the first step for us. "Expressing interest." Maybe this little carebear won't be the one for us. Maybe she will be the one for someone else. But I will always remember how I felt last night when I realized that she could be the one. And I will always remember the butterflies in my stomach this morning when I sent the email to my caseworker and let her know that we would like to be considered as her new family.
An aside: I usually use my children's real names here but seeing as how this sweet little girl isn't mine yet and may not be, I feel a certain responsibility to offer her a tiny bit of anonymity. Should she become a member of my family, I will reintroduce her here with pictures and an actual name...
Labels: adoption, Being Mommy
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Swallowed the frog.
Isn't that what it's called? When you suck it up and do something you don't want to do? Swallowing the frog... that's what it feels like, that's for damn sure.
I know I've barely been on here and I have to apologize but also let ya'll know it was necessary.
You see when I have to deal with something big, I have a tendency to take away things that distract me from dealing with it. Because I will immerse myself in things that keep me from thinking about what I need to deal with like blogging, watching movies, reading books... Anything that keeps my mind off of my big girl stuff. I procrastinate by ignoring and/or thinking about other things.
However, this particular bit of discomfort had to be dealt with and I had put it off for three weeks.
The thing I dislike most in this world is confrontation.
I loathe and abhor it.
It's one of the main reasons I am not in a relationship.
It's one of the main reasons I don't get along with my family.
Conflict sucks ass.
And I dislike it.
So the thought of confronting my boss about the fact that he completely blew off my raise and then gave the commission I was busting my ass to start getting to the new ops manager made my stomach do flip flops and my ass clench up.
But after closely evaluating my budget and realizing that without the raise, I was going to start going under, I had to rethink my avoidance.
Avoidance: Rethought.
And this morning, after going over my numbers for the millionth time, it became so ridiculously crystal clear that I had to do something that there was no more avoiding it.
So I printed up a list of everything that I do (four pages long, thankyouverymuch) and a review sheet and I went into my boss's (boss'? bosses? bossssssss?) office, shut the door (I originally typed "shit the door", it felt the same I assure you) and sat down.
He said, jokingly, "uh oh, the doors shut".
I had him sign some things I needed signed and then told him I needed to talk to him. I told him, truthfully, that it's hard for me to talk to him about this kind of stuff because he is my boss and my friend and it makes me uncomfortable. Then I told him that I needed to discuss my salary. That I had explained to him before we hired the new ops manager that I needed to start making more money because my brother was moving out... in fact, if he remembered, we'd had this same chat back in August of last year when he gave me my last raise. Now my brother is moved out and I'm in a bind and I can't put off talking to him about. I reminded him that he had said we'd revisit this subject in December and let him know that I didn't bring it up because we were firing admin staff across the company and it obviously wasn't a good time.
I then handed him the four page list of what I do here and reminded him of all of us sitting down two weeks ago to cover everything on there and how much of it I'm doing. I also told him that I think I am doing a good job and that I hope he does as well and handed him a review form to review my performance. He jumped in and said he hoped he hadn't said anything to make me think he was unhappy with my work, which he hasn't and I told him as much.
He said he would be happy to get with his boss about my getting a raise and asked me how much I needed. I told him and he said he'd talk to him.
So people, cross your freaking fingers for me. If he gets it approved, I will be able to breathe again.
I haven't breathed in weeks.
I know I've barely been on here and I have to apologize but also let ya'll know it was necessary.
You see when I have to deal with something big, I have a tendency to take away things that distract me from dealing with it. Because I will immerse myself in things that keep me from thinking about what I need to deal with like blogging, watching movies, reading books... Anything that keeps my mind off of my big girl stuff. I procrastinate by ignoring and/or thinking about other things.
However, this particular bit of discomfort had to be dealt with and I had put it off for three weeks.
The thing I dislike most in this world is confrontation.
I loathe and abhor it.
It's one of the main reasons I am not in a relationship.
It's one of the main reasons I don't get along with my family.
Conflict sucks ass.
And I dislike it.
So the thought of confronting my boss about the fact that he completely blew off my raise and then gave the commission I was busting my ass to start getting to the new ops manager made my stomach do flip flops and my ass clench up.
But after closely evaluating my budget and realizing that without the raise, I was going to start going under, I had to rethink my avoidance.
Avoidance: Rethought.
And this morning, after going over my numbers for the millionth time, it became so ridiculously crystal clear that I had to do something that there was no more avoiding it.
So I printed up a list of everything that I do (four pages long, thankyouverymuch) and a review sheet and I went into my boss's (boss'? bosses? bossssssss?) office, shut the door (I originally typed "shit the door", it felt the same I assure you) and sat down.
He said, jokingly, "uh oh, the doors shut".
I had him sign some things I needed signed and then told him I needed to talk to him. I told him, truthfully, that it's hard for me to talk to him about this kind of stuff because he is my boss and my friend and it makes me uncomfortable. Then I told him that I needed to discuss my salary. That I had explained to him before we hired the new ops manager that I needed to start making more money because my brother was moving out... in fact, if he remembered, we'd had this same chat back in August of last year when he gave me my last raise. Now my brother is moved out and I'm in a bind and I can't put off talking to him about. I reminded him that he had said we'd revisit this subject in December and let him know that I didn't bring it up because we were firing admin staff across the company and it obviously wasn't a good time.
I then handed him the four page list of what I do here and reminded him of all of us sitting down two weeks ago to cover everything on there and how much of it I'm doing. I also told him that I think I am doing a good job and that I hope he does as well and handed him a review form to review my performance. He jumped in and said he hoped he hadn't said anything to make me think he was unhappy with my work, which he hasn't and I told him as much.
He said he would be happy to get with his boss about my getting a raise and asked me how much I needed. I told him and he said he'd talk to him.
So people, cross your freaking fingers for me. If he gets it approved, I will be able to breathe again.
I haven't breathed in weeks.
Labels: At work, being a Home Owner, my crazy life
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: cassette and VHS tapes
For my generation, I don't think there is anything more obsolete and "retro" than the cassette tape. Do you remember rewinding?? It makes me smile to myself when I see one of my daughters, who will undoubtedly think of cds & dvds the same way we think of cassettes and video tapes, complaining about their ipods.
Ipods!
Are you kidding me?
What I would have GIVEN for an ipod loaded with everything I wanted to listen to when I was thirteen. I'd have given just about anything... including all of my posters of Johnny Depp and River Phoenix and the Corey's...
*Sigh*
Of course, now when I run across a cassette tape or a VHS video, I am unsure of what the hell to do with it. I think I still have a VCR somewhere... but I know for a fact that there isn't a cassette player anywhere in my house. But I can't just toss Marky-Mark and The Funky Bunch in the trash can I? I mean, besides being a memento of my childhood and the first concert I ever went to, I have issues with throwing perfectly good (albeit perfectly useless) things away.
Some people who have less hoarding issues than I apparently do pull the tape out of their cassettes and VHS tapes and use it in the garden to freak the birds out. There is actually a metallic tape product which one can buy to hang from trees and confuse the pesky birds.
I guess it is a lot less work than building a scarecrow huh?
And since the tape itself is the only part of a cassette or video which isn't recyclable, it seems like a good alternate use which leaves the other parts of the tape ready for your recycling bin.
Over on My Recycled Bags (you remember them from the Plarn post a few days ago right?), she is doing what she does best and crocheting bags from the tape.
Just want to unload them?
I don't blame you... I have two or three boxes of VHS tapes just sitting in my shed, most of which have recorded tv shows on them.
You can freecyle them. Bound to me some people out there still rockin' the old school VCR.
Or you can send them off to be recycled. There was an article in Woman's Day about how.
"To keep them out of landfills, drop them in the mail to Alternative Community Training, a nonprofit Missouri company that provides jobs to people with disabilities.
Workers erase the tapes, reselling the ones that are in good shape and recycling the plastic parts of the rest. They’ve recycled more than 1 million tapes so far. Mail the tapes (at the cheaper USPS media mail rate) to:
ACT
2200 Burlington
Columbia, MO 65202"
Want to buy something made from recycled tapes? The options are endless... you can get coin purses and belt buckles and pretty much anything else that's crossed someone's mind...
Now if you have an ipod nano and dig rocking the retro look, you could get (or make?) yourself one of these little bad-asses.
You can also buy this tie which "is woven from 50% recorded audio cassette tape and 50% colored thread the fabric is actually audible if you run a tape head over it! (if you’d like a demo, please visit my youtube channel at alyceobvious"...
Do you know about something bad-ass and recycled? Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Ipods!
Are you kidding me?
What I would have GIVEN for an ipod loaded with everything I wanted to listen to when I was thirteen. I'd have given just about anything... including all of my posters of Johnny Depp and River Phoenix and the Corey's...
*Sigh*
Of course, now when I run across a cassette tape or a VHS video, I am unsure of what the hell to do with it. I think I still have a VCR somewhere... but I know for a fact that there isn't a cassette player anywhere in my house. But I can't just toss Marky-Mark and The Funky Bunch in the trash can I? I mean, besides being a memento of my childhood and the first concert I ever went to, I have issues with throwing perfectly good (albeit perfectly useless) things away.
Some people who have less hoarding issues than I apparently do pull the tape out of their cassettes and VHS tapes and use it in the garden to freak the birds out. There is actually a metallic tape product which one can buy to hang from trees and confuse the pesky birds.
I guess it is a lot less work than building a scarecrow huh?
And since the tape itself is the only part of a cassette or video which isn't recyclable, it seems like a good alternate use which leaves the other parts of the tape ready for your recycling bin.
Over on My Recycled Bags (you remember them from the Plarn post a few days ago right?), she is doing what she does best and crocheting bags from the tape.
Just want to unload them?
I don't blame you... I have two or three boxes of VHS tapes just sitting in my shed, most of which have recorded tv shows on them.
You can freecyle them. Bound to me some people out there still rockin' the old school VCR.
Or you can send them off to be recycled. There was an article in Woman's Day about how.
"To keep them out of landfills, drop them in the mail to Alternative Community Training, a nonprofit Missouri company that provides jobs to people with disabilities.
Workers erase the tapes, reselling the ones that are in good shape and recycling the plastic parts of the rest. They’ve recycled more than 1 million tapes so far. Mail the tapes (at the cheaper USPS media mail rate) to:
ACT
2200 Burlington
Columbia, MO 65202"
Want to buy something made from recycled tapes? The options are endless... you can get coin purses and belt buckles and pretty much anything else that's crossed someone's mind...
Now if you have an ipod nano and dig rocking the retro look, you could get (or make?) yourself one of these little bad-asses.
You can also buy this tie which "is woven from 50% recorded audio cassette tape and 50% colored thread the fabric is actually audible if you run a tape head over it! (if you’d like a demo, please visit my youtube channel at alyceobvious"...
Do you know about something bad-ass and recycled? Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Labels: being Earth Friendly, RBATOTD, recycling, shopping
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: race car crayons
I also hate candles made from crayons.
Can you tell me what little boy wouldn't LOVE these race car crayons???
The seller has several different types and styles of these recycled crayons available here. Too cute.Do you know about something bad ass and recycled? Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Monday, July 13, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: vinyl billboard bag
Ok, it seems I love anything made from old billboards.
These bags are no exception.
As with all cool things in the world, these too are found on Etsy.
Do you know about something bad-ass and recycled? Shoot me an email. Link's on the right.
Labels: RBATOTD, recycling, shopping, stuff I like
Friday, July 10, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Plarn
Ok, I have to tell ya'll something.
I can crochet.
But only in straight lines.
Which is to say that I can make blankets and scarves that are either square or rectangular. And that is all.
I cannot make hats, shirts, sweaters, mittens, or even blocks.
I don't know how.
And I've tried, believe you me. I have tried so hard to understand how to.
I've bought crocheting books, watched videos on youtube.
I'm hopeless.
And truthfully, a little resentful that other chics can do all of these "girly" things like cooking, gardening and crocheting and I struggle.
Poor poor me.
:P
Anyway, I can crochet some so I guess that is something. But I would very much like to learn how to make something like this:
Yeah, sure it just looks like a crocheted purse right?
Except it isn't made from yarn people, it's made from Plarn. Plarn is made from plastic grocery bags. Observe:
And you can use plarn similarly to how you use yarn to crochet things.
The genius behind this is My Recycled Bags. She can apparently make yarn out of just about anything...
And you know what? *I* think that is pretty effing bad-ass.
Tux? What do you think?
Do you know about something bad ass and recycled? Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
I can crochet.
But only in straight lines.
Which is to say that I can make blankets and scarves that are either square or rectangular. And that is all.
I cannot make hats, shirts, sweaters, mittens, or even blocks.
I don't know how.
And I've tried, believe you me. I have tried so hard to understand how to.
I've bought crocheting books, watched videos on youtube.
I'm hopeless.
And truthfully, a little resentful that other chics can do all of these "girly" things like cooking, gardening and crocheting and I struggle.
Poor poor me.
:P
Anyway, I can crochet some so I guess that is something. But I would very much like to learn how to make something like this:
Yeah, sure it just looks like a crocheted purse right?
Except it isn't made from yarn people, it's made from Plarn. Plarn is made from plastic grocery bags. Observe:
And you can use plarn similarly to how you use yarn to crochet things.
The genius behind this is My Recycled Bags. She can apparently make yarn out of just about anything...
And you know what? *I* think that is pretty effing bad-ass.
Tux? What do you think?
Do you know about something bad ass and recycled? Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Labels: Being a Chic, RBATOTD, stuff I like
Thursday, July 09, 2009
"If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?"
~Stephen Levine
I'm feeling very introverted and introspective today.
I've interrupted your regularly scheduled blog reading to bring you the following message:
Send a few emails, write out a few note cards, make a few phone calls, or go visit some people who matter. What ever time you were going to spend here today? Take it and remind someone of why they are important to you.
Go.
Get off my blog.
I'll be back tomorrow.
ps. In case you didn't know? You guys are all super important to me.
*mwah*
I'm feeling very introverted and introspective today.
I've interrupted your regularly scheduled blog reading to bring you the following message:
Send a few emails, write out a few note cards, make a few phone calls, or go visit some people who matter. What ever time you were going to spend here today? Take it and remind someone of why they are important to you.
Go.
Get off my blog.
I'll be back tomorrow.
ps. In case you didn't know? You guys are all super important to me.
*mwah*
Labels: my crazy life, The Universe
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: thyme to weed here plant stake
I have a green house.
But I do not have a green thumb unfortunately.
Sometimes if I rub my thumb, I can see a little teeny, tiny amount of green but it fades away before I can take a picture of it so I don't have any proof...
Right now, in my green house, I have a passion fruit vine which has the most gorgeous purple flowers, several tomato plants, a few herbs which smell great, an "irish clover" bush which constantly blooms white flowers, a hibiscus, a crown of thorns, two banana trees and sseveral sunflowers.
I have no idea how they manage to stay alive.
But I think that they would be extremely happy to have these decorating their pots...
It's no secret how much I love things made from recycled silverware. This seller is no exception to that rule.
Need I say more?
But I do not have a green thumb unfortunately.
Sometimes if I rub my thumb, I can see a little teeny, tiny amount of green but it fades away before I can take a picture of it so I don't have any proof...
Right now, in my green house, I have a passion fruit vine which has the most gorgeous purple flowers, several tomato plants, a few herbs which smell great, an "irish clover" bush which constantly blooms white flowers, a hibiscus, a crown of thorns, two banana trees and sseveral sunflowers.
I have no idea how they manage to stay alive.
But I think that they would be extremely happy to have these decorating their pots...
It's no secret how much I love things made from recycled silverware. This seller is no exception to that rule.
Need I say more?
Labels: RBATOTD, recycling, shopping, stuff I like
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Amanda's braces interview at one month in...
So you've had your braces on for one month now...
Yes I have...
How does it feel?
Well I can't sing anymore because whenever I bite down, my tongue is in the way. My teeth are obviously straighter, you can tell... You're putting the pictures up right?
Yes.
Did you put the teeth obviously straighter thing I just said?
Yes I did.
Ok.
What is the worst part?
The fact that they've trained themselves to hurt on the days closest to going to the ortho again. Like today, they hurt. Couldn't even eat cereal and I could eat cereal yesterday. They are all "oh no, have to go to the ortho, start hurting now so we can be used to the pain."
Best part?
Uhhhhm, the colors & the fact that my teeth will be straight soon and the fact that they will come off and the fact that retainers aren't as bad as braces.
What have your friends said?
Kate thinks it makes me look older, Camille says my mouth puffs out.
You can obviously see who's more supportive here.
What is the one thing you didn't expect that you wouldn't like?
The fact that when I did get braces, I couldn't eat certain things anymore.
Oh and I couldn't eat breakfast that morning because I was so nervous.
What is the one thing you kind of like that you didn't think you would?
Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm....
Oh, I got it!
It doesn't hurt when you actually have them put on.
Do you think it's going to suck having to brush your teeth at school in a few months?
YES. Immensely.
That's why I'm hoping Kate gets braces too so I won't feel left out, we can go together.
We'll be The Brace Team.
And then when Camille gets hers, she can come along too.
How has it affected playing your flute?
Not at all.
Do you have anything else to add?
Uhm... *sigh*
You should try playing "Tap Tap Revenge" for your Ipod Touch. It's fun.
I want to show you your pictures so you can see the differences.
Ready?
Yes...
Hooo, look at that, they're all nice and straight... except for that one over there...
(pointed to bottom right side of second to last picture)
Before the braces went on...
The day the braces were put on...
This morning before we went to see the orthodontist...
After her appointment this morning... notice the fly new rubberband colors.
Braces recap:
Part One...
Part Two...
Part Three...
Part Four...
Part Five...
Part Six...
Yes I have...
How does it feel?
Well I can't sing anymore because whenever I bite down, my tongue is in the way. My teeth are obviously straighter, you can tell... You're putting the pictures up right?
Yes.
Did you put the teeth obviously straighter thing I just said?
Yes I did.
Ok.
What is the worst part?
The fact that they've trained themselves to hurt on the days closest to going to the ortho again. Like today, they hurt. Couldn't even eat cereal and I could eat cereal yesterday. They are all "oh no, have to go to the ortho, start hurting now so we can be used to the pain."
Best part?
Uhhhhm, the colors & the fact that my teeth will be straight soon and the fact that they will come off and the fact that retainers aren't as bad as braces.
What have your friends said?
Kate thinks it makes me look older, Camille says my mouth puffs out.
You can obviously see who's more supportive here.
What is the one thing you didn't expect that you wouldn't like?
The fact that when I did get braces, I couldn't eat certain things anymore.
Oh and I couldn't eat breakfast that morning because I was so nervous.
What is the one thing you kind of like that you didn't think you would?
Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm....
Oh, I got it!
It doesn't hurt when you actually have them put on.
Do you think it's going to suck having to brush your teeth at school in a few months?
YES. Immensely.
That's why I'm hoping Kate gets braces too so I won't feel left out, we can go together.
We'll be The Brace Team.
And then when Camille gets hers, she can come along too.
How has it affected playing your flute?
Not at all.
Do you have anything else to add?
Uhm... *sigh*
You should try playing "Tap Tap Revenge" for your Ipod Touch. It's fun.
I want to show you your pictures so you can see the differences.
Ready?
Yes...
Hooo, look at that, they're all nice and straight... except for that one over there...
(pointed to bottom right side of second to last picture)
Braces recap:
Part One...
Part Two...
Part Three...
Part Four...
Part Five...
Part Six...
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Herd Of Elephants
This is totally something I would buy for Amanda.
Made from recycled perspex from a sign makers factory, these super cute bracelets would be the perfect gift for any animal lovin' preteen :)
Don't have a preteen?
You can send it to mine ;)
Do you knwo about something bad-ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Made from recycled perspex from a sign makers factory, these super cute bracelets would be the perfect gift for any animal lovin' preteen :)
Don't have a preteen?
You can send it to mine ;)
Do you knwo about something bad-ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Labels: Amanda, being Earth Friendly, Being Mommy, RBATOTD, shopping, stuff I like
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: baby stuff
I've had babies on the brain.
THANK THE UNIVERSE I DON'T HAVE A UTERUS ANYMORE.
Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.
Yesterday, my baby-itis was only further fueled by the fact that the lovely Fairy is considering having one. I will WILL it to be a girl.
Universe? Do you hear me?
I WANT ANOTHER BABY GIRL!
Uhm, for Fairy of course.
Not for me.
I have three, goin' on four.
Of course, she was probably just teasing me yesterday with the possibility of having a baby AND buying the house next door.
But if she does, I will so be buying her stuff like this.
Come on!
Little baby fairy shoes made from recycled satin.
Shut up.
Or these (which aren't recycled, which is why they didn't headline this post, but ARE resuable):
How pretty are they? And the seller makes a TON of stuff and uses AMAZING fabrics.
Ok, back to work, Big Boss is here today.
Can't get caught bloggin' at work ;)
THANK THE UNIVERSE I DON'T HAVE A UTERUS ANYMORE.
Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.
Yesterday, my baby-itis was only further fueled by the fact that the lovely Fairy is considering having one. I will WILL it to be a girl.
Universe? Do you hear me?
I WANT ANOTHER BABY GIRL!
Uhm, for Fairy of course.
Not for me.
I have three, goin' on four.
Of course, she was probably just teasing me yesterday with the possibility of having a baby AND buying the house next door.
But if she does, I will so be buying her stuff like this.
Come on!
Little baby fairy shoes made from recycled satin.
Shut up.
Or these (which aren't recycled, which is why they didn't headline this post, but ARE resuable):
How pretty are they? And the seller makes a TON of stuff and uses AMAZING fabrics.
Ok, back to work, Big Boss is here today.
Can't get caught bloggin' at work ;)
Labels: At work, being Earth Friendly, Being Mommy, RBATOTD
Monday, July 06, 2009
Sorry for my absense.
Three things happened to contribute to my being off the net for three days:
1. Everyone moved out of my house Friday. It's just me, my three girls, three dogs, two birds and one turtle.
2. My AC went out.
3. It was 105 degrees.
1. Everyone moved out of my house Friday. It's just me, my three girls, three dogs, two birds and one turtle.
2. My AC went out.
3. It was 105 degrees.
Labels: being a Home Owner, family drama, my crazy life, Texas
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Reclaimed Kimono Shoelaces
Bring a hint of traditional Japanese fashion to your modern-day wardrobe with shoelaces handmade from vintage kimono fabric. Each print is unique and features a beautiful ornamental design characteristic to kimono fabric.
Designed by Joe Wayno, who while living in Japan was inspired by how Japanese youth mix and match traditional kimono material with their fashion. It turns out that there is a surplus of kimono fabric in Japan. After WWII, kimono wearers became a minority in Japan, but the fabric was still produced. Joe purchased excess bolts of overstocked kimono fabric from the 70s and 80s and has been designing his own line of traditional-meets-modern accessories ever since. Handmade in Japan.
Designed by Joe Wayno, who while living in Japan was inspired by how Japanese youth mix and match traditional kimono material with their fashion. It turns out that there is a surplus of kimono fabric in Japan. After WWII, kimono wearers became a minority in Japan, but the fabric was still produced. Joe purchased excess bolts of overstocked kimono fabric from the 70s and 80s and has been designing his own line of traditional-meets-modern accessories ever since. Handmade in Japan.
Labels: RBATOTD, shopping, stuff I like
Saturday, July 04, 2009
"Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty." ~Louis D. Brandeis
Labels: being American
We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.
~Robert J. McCracken
Labels: being American
Happy Birthday America.
The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
By Francis Scott Key 1814
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
By Francis Scott Key 1814
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Labels: being American
"If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace." ~Hamilton Fish
Labels: being American
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Amanda's pigs in a blanket
Now, I am no Pioneer Woman, so I barely even thought to grab my camera while Amanda was making these Monday night. And even then, it was less for the purposes of putting the recipe here on LOC and more about taking pictures of Amanda looking all grown up and rolling biscuit dough.
*dabs tear*
Amanda's chief complaint about me as a mother would involve a lack of cooking and meat. Amanda is a MEAT-EATER. No joke. She likes red meat and a lot of it. She'd have it every night if ONLY HER MOTHER WOULD BUY IT FOR HER!!
I, on the other hand, am more of a chicken eater.
Hence, we clash.
Since I am such a horrible border line vegetarian of a mother, Amanda has had to take some things into her own hands in the kitchen.
And thank goodness because I am so ready to hand over my apron and keys to the kitchen.
So, Monday night, she took on the VERY time consuming task of making pigs in a blanket. And while very, very good, I rarely make these because it takes SO LONG.
But she decided the reward was worth the time and got busy.
And in getting busy, she quadrupled the recipe.
And they still only lasted two days.
So first, here is our biscuit recipe, which is REALLY good.
You need:
2 cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup milk
a couple sticks of butter (depending on how many times you double the recipe)
all-purpose flour
We often run out of self rising flour but if you have baking powder and a couple other ingreients, you can make your own.
Mix all your dry stuff together and then add the milk.
Once combined, Amanda covers her hands in butter so the batter doesn't stick to her and goes to work rolling them out.
Once rolled out, she cuts strips with a butter knife that is also coated in butter.
I help by watching, taking her picture, keeping her company, telling her what a good job she's doing and trying to decide whether to use my flash or not.
I know, I'm such a giver.
Now we use either Little Smokies or skinless pork sausage cut into strips.
And by "we", I mean Amanda.
she rolls the sausage into the strip of biscuit dough and then sets them on the tray. Now this is where I help out.
I use a basting paint brush thingy and brush them with butter. We used to dip them in butter but then I realized butter has calories in it and maybe we should use a little less.
Then we bake at 425 for like ten or fifteen minutes until golden brown.
Then we clean up the ridiculous mess and eat them all :)
*dabs tear*
Amanda's chief complaint about me as a mother would involve a lack of cooking and meat. Amanda is a MEAT-EATER. No joke. She likes red meat and a lot of it. She'd have it every night if ONLY HER MOTHER WOULD BUY IT FOR HER!!
I, on the other hand, am more of a chicken eater.
Hence, we clash.
Since I am such a horrible border line vegetarian of a mother, Amanda has had to take some things into her own hands in the kitchen.
And thank goodness because I am so ready to hand over my apron and keys to the kitchen.
So, Monday night, she took on the VERY time consuming task of making pigs in a blanket. And while very, very good, I rarely make these because it takes SO LONG.
But she decided the reward was worth the time and got busy.
And in getting busy, she quadrupled the recipe.
And they still only lasted two days.
So first, here is our biscuit recipe, which is REALLY good.
You need:
2 cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup milk
a couple sticks of butter (depending on how many times you double the recipe)
all-purpose flour
We often run out of self rising flour but if you have baking powder and a couple other ingreients, you can make your own.
Mix all your dry stuff together and then add the milk.
Once combined, Amanda covers her hands in butter so the batter doesn't stick to her and goes to work rolling them out.
Once rolled out, she cuts strips with a butter knife that is also coated in butter.
I help by watching, taking her picture, keeping her company, telling her what a good job she's doing and trying to decide whether to use my flash or not.
I know, I'm such a giver.
Now we use either Little Smokies or skinless pork sausage cut into strips.
And by "we", I mean Amanda.
she rolls the sausage into the strip of biscuit dough and then sets them on the tray. Now this is where I help out.
I use a basting paint brush thingy and brush them with butter. We used to dip them in butter but then I realized butter has calories in it and maybe we should use a little less.
Then we bake at 425 for like ten or fifteen minutes until golden brown.
Then we clean up the ridiculous mess and eat them all :)
Labels: Amanda, Being Mommy, cooking, recipes
Rob Thomas - Still Ain't Over You
I should have never let you go (always another)
I need this more than you will know, but there's always another
a million byways and highways and there's always another
someone else to pay your way and try to take your innocence
there's always heartbreak
-CHORUS-
I hold steady while you're shaking me loose
you keep breaking me down but I still ain't over you
I've been living like there's nothing to lose
and I'm telling you now that I still ain't over you
I keep your letters by my bed and there's always another
I hear your voice inside my head and there's always another
a waste of time wasted our days and there's always another
someone else to make you suffer
make you think this whole thing over
-CHORUS-
I still ain't over you
you're breaking me down and I still ain't over you
and I got nothing to lose and I still ain't over you
I hold steady while you're shaking me loose
you keep breaking me down but I still ain't over you
I've been living like there's nothing to lose
and i'm telling you now that I still ain't home
I ain't home
I've been sleeping around but I still ain't over you
I got nothing to lose, oh no
I still ain't over you
Labels: Matchbox Twenty, music
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: Tavern Puzzle
There is a guy who I work with that LOVES puzzles and brain teasers.
The first week I worked here he righted my rubix cube. The rubix cube that had been messed up since I had gotten it months, maybe even years before I started working here.
In one afternoon, he righted it.
Which left me without anything to do when I was on hold...
Since then I've brought in a few metal brain teasers, I didn't realize that they were called "Tavern Puzzles" until I saw these though...
"Whether you trying your hand at Twenty-One, taking your revenge out on Captain Blackbeard or testing your Patience, these rustic tavern puzzles will put your jigsaw to shame. Traditionally forged by blacksmiths to amuse friends and sailors at taverns, these wrought-iron brainteasers require a sharp mind and determination. But don't worry; if you can't solve it on the first try, we won't make you walk the plank. Handmade in the USA of recycled steel."
Get a couple, they are super fun.
Do you know about something bad ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
The first week I worked here he righted my rubix cube. The rubix cube that had been messed up since I had gotten it months, maybe even years before I started working here.
In one afternoon, he righted it.
Which left me without anything to do when I was on hold...
Since then I've brought in a few metal brain teasers, I didn't realize that they were called "Tavern Puzzles" until I saw these though...
"Whether you trying your hand at Twenty-One, taking your revenge out on Captain Blackbeard or testing your Patience, these rustic tavern puzzles will put your jigsaw to shame. Traditionally forged by blacksmiths to amuse friends and sailors at taverns, these wrought-iron brainteasers require a sharp mind and determination. But don't worry; if you can't solve it on the first try, we won't make you walk the plank. Handmade in the USA of recycled steel."
Get a couple, they are super fun.
Do you know about something bad ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Labels: At work, RBATOTD, shopping, stuff I like
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Rob Thomas - Mockingbird
here we standsomewhere in between this moment and the end
will we bend?
or will we open up and take this whole thing in?
everybody else is smiling and their smiles dont fade
and you dont even wonder why you just dont think that way
maybe you and me got lost somewhere, we can't move or we can't stay here
well maybe we've just had enough, well maybe we aint meant for this love
you and me tried everything
but still that mocking bird wont sing
well man this life seems hard enough
well maybe we aint meant for this love
Take my hand
and I will lead you through the broken promise land
yes I can, ah yes I can
I can be there when you need it, i'll give it all till you can't feel it anymore
I don't wanna love you now, if you'll just leave someday
I don't wanna turn around, if you'll just walk away
maybe you and me got lost somewhere, we can't move or we can't stay here
well maybe we've just had enough, well maybe we aint meant for this love
you and me tried everything
but still that mocking bird wont sing
well man this life seems hard enough
well maybe we aint meant for this love
maybe you and me got lost somewhere, we can't move or we can't stay here
well maybe we've just had enough, well maybe we aint meant for this love
you and me tried everything
but still that mocking bird wont sing
well man this life seems hard enough
well maybe we aint meant for this love
maybe we aint meant for this love
maybe we aint meant for this love
Labels: Matchbox Twenty, music, stuff I like
recycled bad-ass thing of the day: recycled shower curtains
With my brother moving into his new place, I have been paying attention to the types of things one needs when moving and not really having the basic things you need for a new place.
One of those things that you don't really have that you need is shower curtains.
I bought one when we moved into my new place without even giving so much as a second thought to whether they sold them recycled.
They do.
So today, two very different recycled shower curtains.
The first shower curtain is made from recycled billboard signs. The shower curtain is made from two different billboards and sewn together. Silver grommet rings. Hooks not included. Handmade in Tucson, Arizona by Iraqi and Afghani refugees.
Truthfully, I think the recycled billboard sign shower curtain is my favorite. A lot of color and character.
The second is a shower curtain made from recycled sails... as in sail boats.
This would be so perfect for someone's beach house!
Either way, you are recycling. AND I bet these last considerably longer than the ten dollar shower curtains you get at Walmart.
Do you know about something bad-ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Peace.
One of those things that you don't really have that you need is shower curtains.
I bought one when we moved into my new place without even giving so much as a second thought to whether they sold them recycled.
They do.
So today, two very different recycled shower curtains.
The first shower curtain is made from recycled billboard signs. The shower curtain is made from two different billboards and sewn together. Silver grommet rings. Hooks not included. Handmade in Tucson, Arizona by Iraqi and Afghani refugees.
Truthfully, I think the recycled billboard sign shower curtain is my favorite. A lot of color and character.
The second is a shower curtain made from recycled sails... as in sail boats.
This would be so perfect for someone's beach house!
Either way, you are recycling. AND I bet these last considerably longer than the ten dollar shower curtains you get at Walmart.
Do you know about something bad-ass and recycled?
Shoot me an email, link's on the right.
Peace.
Labels: being a Home Owner, Noah, RBATOTD, shopping, stuff I like
Who: katehopeeden
Where: San Antonio, Texas Yeah, so I am all that you see here. I am friendly and kind, crazy and bitchy, playful and flirty... sometimes I am funny but mostly I just write the first thing that comes to mind and then stop when it ends. I love life and I am lucky to be living the one that I am. Want to know more?
Click here!
12/14/84 - 1/26/05
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"The most wasted day is one in which we have not laughed"
"Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while you might miss it."
"Guys are like stars, there's a million of them out there but only one of them can make your dreams come true."
"Reach for the moon, even if you miss you will still land among the stars"
Veronique
Yoda
Hot Toddy
Finding Liz
The Adorable DB
Tux Baby
Malcolm (he'll be back)
They'll All Fall
we grabbed the lion
Red Hot Sexy Papa
Snow
dooce
Madi (my stalker)
Did I miss you?
Do you feel left out and sad?
Click that link up there
and email me your blog!
Yoda
Hot Toddy
Finding Liz
The Adorable DB
Tux Baby
Malcolm (he'll be back)
They'll All Fall
we grabbed the lion
Red Hot Sexy Papa
Snow
dooce
Madi (my stalker)
Did I miss you?
Do you feel left out and sad?
Click that link up there
and email me your blog!
New Blog!
A few years later...
Things change...
last night
The Red Princess Detective
Song of the day - Cover Me
slacker.
Enchiladas and Spanish rice for my sister
Kale, leeks and pesto over pumpkin ginger rice noo...
bedding and barstools and dinnerware, OH MY!
A few years later...
Things change...
last night
The Red Princess Detective
Song of the day - Cover Me
slacker.
Enchiladas and Spanish rice for my sister
Kale, leeks and pesto over pumpkin ginger rice noo...
bedding and barstools and dinnerware, OH MY!
Childhood Memories
My Mother
The Story of AZ
The Time In Between
The Beginning Of NY
The man from my dreams
The End Of NY
Growing and Changing
Learning to Cope
These are a work in progress. They are in the right order, but more will fill in the blank spaces in time as I write them.
"I just got done reading the history lessons on your blog (yes, I've been lurking on your blog). All the respect I had for you...has increased, like, tenfold. I don't think I could have done it. To go through what you have and not only still be able to discuss it with such wit and poise, but also to raise those three gorgeous girls. You are truly an inspiration. You are honestly one of the strongest people I have ever known, either online or IRL. Thank you so much." -Stef
My Mother
The Story of AZ
The Time In Between
The Beginning Of NY
The man from my dreams
The End Of NY
Growing and Changing
Learning to Cope
These are a work in progress. They are in the right order, but more will fill in the blank spaces in time as I write them.
"I just got done reading the history lessons on your blog (yes, I've been lurking on your blog). All the respect I had for you...has increased, like, tenfold. I don't think I could have done it. To go through what you have and not only still be able to discuss it with such wit and poise, but also to raise those three gorgeous girls. You are truly an inspiration. You are honestly one of the strongest people I have ever known, either online or IRL. Thank you so much." -Stef
www.flickr.com
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The one and only Matchbox Twenty
Teddy Geiger
Rob Thomas
James Blunt
The Trews
Jack Johnson
Mark Broussard
Gavin DeGraw
Bowling For Soup
Switchfoot
Tabitha's Secret
Our Lady Peace
Citizen Cope
Teddy Geiger
Rob Thomas
James Blunt
The Trews
Jack Johnson
Mark Broussard
Gavin DeGraw
Bowling For Soup
Switchfoot
Tabitha's Secret
Our Lady Peace
Citizen Cope
That cracked my shit up! TM
Kate went to Dallas?
You asked Kate questions?
Kate was stung by a Scorpion?
Kate met Mr. I?
Kate got pissed?
There was a mouse?
Kate shared?
Kate confessed?
Kate turned 25?
Kate shared some more?
"There are some of us out here who are living vicariously through you, okay?! So for god's sake, let us have some fun and excitement!" -Educated Liberal
Kate went to Dallas?
You asked Kate questions?
Kate was stung by a Scorpion?
Kate met Mr. I?
Kate got pissed?
There was a mouse?
Kate shared?
Kate confessed?
Kate turned 25?
Kate shared some more?
"There are some of us out here who are living vicariously through you, okay?! So for god's sake, let us have some fun and excitement!" -Educated Liberal
