*While watching a police car chase on tv which resulted in the suspect's car careening into a ditch:
JC: "Oh no! He fall down, Mommy! He fall down! He needs Mater!"
Too cute.
(By the way, we don't purposely tune the tv to car chases. We were flipping through the channels and happened to land on that show at that moment.)
1/30/12
Negative Nancy has invaded!
Okay, I've been pretty negative for the past few posts. I'm sorry, readers! I've been under some stress associated with the move ("Hello, NHGirl, we're coming to pack your stuff today!".... "Um, no, you're supposed to come next month..."), so I will try to put a positive spin on whatever I was bitching about these past few weeks.
Yes, the house, it's cold... however, fires at night are so New England, and I really love the smell of it. Plus, we get to make hot chocolate, hot tea, pop some popcorn, etc. And, it's pretty romantic to be snuggled up with Hubby in front of a fire with two steaming cups of hot chocolate.
LB's 4th birthday... I can't believe he's growing up so fast, but with increasing age comes increasing maturity (for the most part). His temper has evened out and he's much better behaved in public lately. Plus, he can be reasoned with as far as eating, therefore has tried new foods. He still is picky, but I'm so proud that he is willing to at least try!
My resolutions... alright, I don't know why I keep making them! :) Honestly, they are going to be put on hold until after we get settled into a routine in WA, which means I will stop bitching about them. Promise!
New car battery... it was expensive, but you know what? I won't have to worry about that for another few years. Plus, how much worse would it have been if the battery had died the day the shippers picked it up? Yikes. It worked out much better to have it replaced now than later.
Groton Medical Clinic...
.............
...... Nope, still can't put a positive spin on it. Sorry, I tried. :)
Happy Monday, everyone! It really can be happy!
Yes, the house, it's cold... however, fires at night are so New England, and I really love the smell of it. Plus, we get to make hot chocolate, hot tea, pop some popcorn, etc. And, it's pretty romantic to be snuggled up with Hubby in front of a fire with two steaming cups of hot chocolate.
LB's 4th birthday... I can't believe he's growing up so fast, but with increasing age comes increasing maturity (for the most part). His temper has evened out and he's much better behaved in public lately. Plus, he can be reasoned with as far as eating, therefore has tried new foods. He still is picky, but I'm so proud that he is willing to at least try!
My resolutions... alright, I don't know why I keep making them! :) Honestly, they are going to be put on hold until after we get settled into a routine in WA, which means I will stop bitching about them. Promise!
New car battery... it was expensive, but you know what? I won't have to worry about that for another few years. Plus, how much worse would it have been if the battery had died the day the shippers picked it up? Yikes. It worked out much better to have it replaced now than later.
Groton Medical Clinic...
.............
...... Nope, still can't put a positive spin on it. Sorry, I tried. :)
Happy Monday, everyone! It really can be happy!
1/27/12
Rant, v. \'rant\ : to utter in a bombastic declamatory fashion
Wow, love the definition of rant btw...
Anyway, if I have said that I love our house in CT, I take it all back. This house is a mess. Where's Mike Holmes when you need him??
Our house is leaking heat like a sieve. You can feel a draft on your feet while standing in the kitchen. There's zero insulation between the floor of the first floor and the basement ceiling, and zero insulation between the ceiling of the first floor and the floor of the attic, and zero insulation between the attic ceiling and the roof. Not to mention, our furnace kicks on maybe once every two hours, so there's not enough heat getting into the house and way too much leaving the house.
Our thermostat reads 57 degrees consistently. Fifty seven. Not good for someone with a thyroid issue and two little boys. We've resorted to fires and a space heater to heat this place, and hung cheap blankets over the doorways to the kitchen to attempt saving the heat. So lame. Haven't used a space heater since college.
The plaster walls literally crumbled when Hubby had to replace the thermostat. The wiring in this house is wrapped in some old-school fabric material (YIKES). And there are a ton of scary-looking wires hanging around in the basement... pretty sure they're not to code. I'm no expert, but seeing a bunch of wires that go nowhere and are just hanging from the ceiling doesn't seem right.
Speaking of code, the back door has a deadbolt that needs a key on either side. Yup, if I want to leave my house OR enter my house, I need a key. Pretty sure that's a huge no-no as far as fire code.
The hot water lasts about four or five minutes in our shower, which means I've been shaving and washing my hair in the sink (huge pain in the ass). And no matter how much I scrub, mold keeps reappearing on the window frames.
I have never been more excited to leave a house.
And Mike Holmes, if you read this, I will bake for you, give you a private flute concert, and give you a foot massage if you could just come take a look.
Anyway, if I have said that I love our house in CT, I take it all back. This house is a mess. Where's Mike Holmes when you need him??
Our house is leaking heat like a sieve. You can feel a draft on your feet while standing in the kitchen. There's zero insulation between the floor of the first floor and the basement ceiling, and zero insulation between the ceiling of the first floor and the floor of the attic, and zero insulation between the attic ceiling and the roof. Not to mention, our furnace kicks on maybe once every two hours, so there's not enough heat getting into the house and way too much leaving the house.
Our thermostat reads 57 degrees consistently. Fifty seven. Not good for someone with a thyroid issue and two little boys. We've resorted to fires and a space heater to heat this place, and hung cheap blankets over the doorways to the kitchen to attempt saving the heat. So lame. Haven't used a space heater since college.
The plaster walls literally crumbled when Hubby had to replace the thermostat. The wiring in this house is wrapped in some old-school fabric material (YIKES). And there are a ton of scary-looking wires hanging around in the basement... pretty sure they're not to code. I'm no expert, but seeing a bunch of wires that go nowhere and are just hanging from the ceiling doesn't seem right.
Speaking of code, the back door has a deadbolt that needs a key on either side. Yup, if I want to leave my house OR enter my house, I need a key. Pretty sure that's a huge no-no as far as fire code.
The hot water lasts about four or five minutes in our shower, which means I've been shaving and washing my hair in the sink (huge pain in the ass). And no matter how much I scrub, mold keeps reappearing on the window frames.
I have never been more excited to leave a house.
And Mike Holmes, if you read this, I will bake for you, give you a private flute concert, and give you a foot massage if you could just come take a look.
1/24/12
Birthdays
LB had his 4th birthday recently. Really. FOUR. When did my sweet little baby grow up??
That's Uncle M. We'll get back to him in a minute. But first, fourth birthday pics!
A cardboard city for the superheros to save (which they decorated with markers first)!
Superhero masks for the kids to decorate and take home.
My superhero!! Happy 4th birthday, LB!!
And speaking of birthdays, a VERY HAPPY 30th birthday to Uncle M today!!!!!!!! :)
That's Uncle M. We'll get back to him in a minute. But first, fourth birthday pics!
A cardboard city for the superheros to save (which they decorated with markers first)!
Superhero masks for the kids to decorate and take home.
My superhero!! Happy 4th birthday, LB!!
And speaking of birthdays, a VERY HAPPY 30th birthday to Uncle M today!!!!!!!! :)
1/20/12
A few Martha recipes with reviews
Last week, in an attempt to sway karma in a positive direction (which ultimately FAILED), I went all out in the kitchen, trying new recipes. They all came from the March 2009 issue of Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine. And though my karma still sucks, these recipes sure don't.
First up was the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Stew with Carrots. This was super easy to make, since it used one of my favorite appliances ever, the slow cooker. I used chicken breasts instead of thighs, which made the meat a little drier, but I think healthier. And, I omitted the cilantro leaves because we didn't have them on hand. However, this meal mostly uses common ingredients, which means no half-empty condiments that have no other use hogging my fridge space! Overall, the taste was okay... didn't knock my socks off. But it was pretty good and I would make it again.
Next up was Emeril's Turkey Bolognese. Holy amazingness, this was fantastic!! I could have eaten the entire batch. Hubby wasn't as blown away as I was... perhaps it's the italian in me that loved this so much. Super easy and pretty healthy, if you omit the turkey bacon, which is what I did. I will make this again and again and again, and give it five stars for ease, taste (including leftovers taste... because let's face it, not everything reheats well), and healthiness.
Last came the Linguine with Spring Vegetables. I subbed the green beans for chicken to ramp up the protein content (and it really didn't detract from the nutrition of the dish, since it also contained asparagus and zucchini). I also used half and half for the heavy cream, which decreased the fat and also used up the half and half from the turkey bolognese. Adding some parmesan cheese also adds flavor and thickens the sauce. Overall, this was the fastest of the three meals to prepare and it tasted really good- Hubby approved, so it's a keeper!
If you're looking for something new to make, I would recommend these, especially the turkey bolognese (so delicious and comforting on a freezing cold day).
What's been cooking in your kitchen??
First up was the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Stew with Carrots. This was super easy to make, since it used one of my favorite appliances ever, the slow cooker. I used chicken breasts instead of thighs, which made the meat a little drier, but I think healthier. And, I omitted the cilantro leaves because we didn't have them on hand. However, this meal mostly uses common ingredients, which means no half-empty condiments that have no other use hogging my fridge space! Overall, the taste was okay... didn't knock my socks off. But it was pretty good and I would make it again.
Next up was Emeril's Turkey Bolognese. Holy amazingness, this was fantastic!! I could have eaten the entire batch. Hubby wasn't as blown away as I was... perhaps it's the italian in me that loved this so much. Super easy and pretty healthy, if you omit the turkey bacon, which is what I did. I will make this again and again and again, and give it five stars for ease, taste (including leftovers taste... because let's face it, not everything reheats well), and healthiness.
Last came the Linguine with Spring Vegetables. I subbed the green beans for chicken to ramp up the protein content (and it really didn't detract from the nutrition of the dish, since it also contained asparagus and zucchini). I also used half and half for the heavy cream, which decreased the fat and also used up the half and half from the turkey bolognese. Adding some parmesan cheese also adds flavor and thickens the sauce. Overall, this was the fastest of the three meals to prepare and it tasted really good- Hubby approved, so it's a keeper!
If you're looking for something new to make, I would recommend these, especially the turkey bolognese (so delicious and comforting on a freezing cold day).
What's been cooking in your kitchen??
1/18/12
So much for resolutions
1/17/12
Not exactly what I had in mind, 2012....
It's only January 17th and already this year is not going well.
First, a week of asbestos removal, which required no heat for three days (I'm pretty good at building a fire now, though!).
Then, my car battery died, and I popped the hood to find a mouse staring back at me and little chomp-chomp holes all over.
Now, our furnace just went kaput.
Seriously, 2012, I want a redo!
First, a week of asbestos removal, which required no heat for three days (I'm pretty good at building a fire now, though!).
Then, my car battery died, and I popped the hood to find a mouse staring back at me and little chomp-chomp holes all over.
Now, our furnace just went kaput.
Seriously, 2012, I want a redo!
1/13/12
Impressions
Recently, I've received some great and not-so-great impressions from a few companies, and I'd like to share my experiences with you all.
Melissa & Doug- I found a small defect with one of their toys and shot them a quick email. A person called me! They took the product information and told me they would be sending a replacement. Just amazing that they take a lot of pride in the quality of their products and are willing to do what needs to be done to uphold that standard.
AT&T- Yep, I'm still at odds with them. After my experience with Ann in November, the $150 charge has still not been taken off my account. Either she thinks I will pay it without thinking, or she just didn't follow through. I'm guessing it's a combination of both. And even after she assured that may payment put my account in good standing, it's still showing a $258 outstanding balance. Plus, they sent a $16 bill, saying that my previous account still had a small balance... if I'm the same person, and the residence is at the same address, and I'm with the same company, why did I have two accounts? The way their whole company is run is so inefficient and backwards... can't wait to cancel next month.
North Face- "Not Me", that pesky little elf who has been creating mischief around our house, put my fleece jacket in the dryer (honestly, it probably was me, but I really don't remember doing it). It damaged it slightly, so I wrote to the company asking for any advice. A person (I see a trend here...) emailed me back, affirming that the damage was probably permanent, but did offer some suggestions about future care of the jacket.
Groton Medical Clinic- It's January... I've been talking to LB's PCM about an OT referral for months now. By the time we get a referral, we will be moving! VERY unimpressed with the communication (really, lack of communication) and willingness to do the work.
Melissa & Doug- I found a small defect with one of their toys and shot them a quick email. A person called me! They took the product information and told me they would be sending a replacement. Just amazing that they take a lot of pride in the quality of their products and are willing to do what needs to be done to uphold that standard.
AT&T- Yep, I'm still at odds with them. After my experience with Ann in November, the $150 charge has still not been taken off my account. Either she thinks I will pay it without thinking, or she just didn't follow through. I'm guessing it's a combination of both. And even after she assured that may payment put my account in good standing, it's still showing a $258 outstanding balance. Plus, they sent a $16 bill, saying that my previous account still had a small balance... if I'm the same person, and the residence is at the same address, and I'm with the same company, why did I have two accounts? The way their whole company is run is so inefficient and backwards... can't wait to cancel next month.
North Face- "Not Me", that pesky little elf who has been creating mischief around our house, put my fleece jacket in the dryer (honestly, it probably was me, but I really don't remember doing it). It damaged it slightly, so I wrote to the company asking for any advice. A person (I see a trend here...) emailed me back, affirming that the damage was probably permanent, but did offer some suggestions about future care of the jacket.
Groton Medical Clinic- It's January... I've been talking to LB's PCM about an OT referral for months now. By the time we get a referral, we will be moving! VERY unimpressed with the communication (really, lack of communication) and willingness to do the work.
1/11/12
Milspouse Quiz
For all you readers who still are getting to know me, here's a little quizzie that's been making the rounds of the milspouse blogosphere.
How did you and your spouse meet?
Blind date. He was home on leave and I was home on Christmas break from college. My friend met his friend at a bar and wanted to double date. The girl that was supposed to be set up with Hubby got sick the day of the date, so my friend called me last minute. I very reluctantly went with zero expectations. Needless to say, it went well.
How old were you when you two met?
I was 18, he was 22.
How long have you been together?
We met in 1998, married since 2004.
Where are you and your spouse originally from?
We're both from NH, though he was stationed in Kings Bay at the time we met... we did the long distance thing until I graduated from college, which is why it took us so long to get married.
How did you feel about him joining the military?He was already in when we met, but that was cool with me. I always knew I'd marry some servicemember!
Where did your spouse go to Basic Training?
Like, boot camp? The Navy one in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Has your spouse ever been deployed?
Yes. A lot.
Ever been to his promotion ceremony?
Not when he was enlisted (I was in college in NH, and he was stationed in GA). I was there at the BOOST (now STA-21) graduation, commissioning ceremony to pin on his shoulder boards, and when he received his gold dolphins, though.
How long have you been a military wife?
Seven years.
Did you marry him before or after he joined?
After.
How did your husband propose?
He took me to a nice restaurant in Cincinnati. When dessert came, he got down on one knee. I think we were given free glasses of champagne. I was so not expecting it, so I was very surprised!
Where did you get married?
NH, where it all started. :)
How old were you two when you got married?
I was 24 and he was 27.
Did he wear his uniform on your wedding day?
No. We try to see the military as being his job, not his life.
Where are you and your spouse currently stationed?Groton, CT.
Do you live on base?
No.
How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation?
We were fortunate that he had one more year of college, then one year of prototype, and SOBC, so it was over 2.5 years after getting married that we were separated.
What is your favorite base so far?
I like Groton, but Pearl Harbor was so much more organized. I'd say that was definitely our best base experience!
Does your spouse look good in his uniform?
YES!! (Um, don't they all, heehee??)
Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life?
Advanced??? What in the hell does that mean? Every lifestyle has its challenges- I hate comparing mine to anyone else's. The whole "you think being separated for a week is hard? try it military wife style!" thing irritates me.
Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent?In general, yes. I love having a second government ID. I like that the healthcare is for the most part free. And I love what the bases do to help families as much as they can (ITT, MWR, etc).
Do you have a lot of military wife friends?No. I wish I had more, but it gets tough when you have two little kids.
What is the hardest part of being a military wife?The lack of consistency. It's getting harder and harder for me to move, since we do it so much. And it's tough to go from having a partner in everything, to being all alone, to suddenly having a partner again.
Do you own any military wife stuff?
No. I have an old PT shirt that says "Navy" on it... I think it picked it up in a thrift store. I probably won't ever buy any of that, but it doesn't mean I'm not proud of what Hubby does (and, in consequence, what I do).
Do you support your spouse as a member of the military?
100%!!
1/10/12
Dear white Kia Optima, CT license plate# 517 TEZ,
I understand that your oh-so-urgent run to Dunks probably made you late for your nail appointment, but here's a tip: when you're turning left and crossing two lanes of traffic, you do not have the right of way.
My reaction to beep and you and ask "What the fuck are you doing?!" was totally warranted. You were turning into MY lane- that means, you need to yield to me. Slowly inching your car across three lanes of traffic is not the way to yield. By definition, "yield" means to concede, to allow, to grant, etc. Given that I was already traveling on the road that you were trying to turn into, I had the right of way. Perhaps if you spent less time on your fake blonde hair and more time in driver's ed, you'd understand the rules of the road and stop potentially causing collisions.
I know you were mad, as evident by your gratuitous use of the middle finger. I returned the gesture, mostly accompanied by laughter at your complete stupidity. But guess what, biatch- you've made my shit list, and your crappy Kia Optima better be equipped with security cameras because if I see it, I will key it.
I sincerely hope your Kia drives off a cliff and rids the world of yet-another clueless bimbo driver,
Me
My reaction to beep and you and ask "What the fuck are you doing?!" was totally warranted. You were turning into MY lane- that means, you need to yield to me. Slowly inching your car across three lanes of traffic is not the way to yield. By definition, "yield" means to concede, to allow, to grant, etc. Given that I was already traveling on the road that you were trying to turn into, I had the right of way. Perhaps if you spent less time on your fake blonde hair and more time in driver's ed, you'd understand the rules of the road and stop potentially causing collisions.
I know you were mad, as evident by your gratuitous use of the middle finger. I returned the gesture, mostly accompanied by laughter at your complete stupidity. But guess what, biatch- you've made my shit list, and your crappy Kia Optima better be equipped with security cameras because if I see it, I will key it.
I sincerely hope your Kia drives off a cliff and rids the world of yet-another clueless bimbo driver,
Me
Adios, naps
I thought that maybe JC would give up naps after the move, but apparently he's ready NOW. Not tomorrow, not in a few weeks, NOW.
He's still getting very cranky at the end of the day without them, but it's been an easier transition than I thought it would have been. He still will fall asleep in the car, if it's late afternoon, but LB sometimes does that, too. Sidenote: hopefully they will both doze off in the afternoons on our cross country drive!
It makes things a lot easier. I don't have to stop my day so he can get home to nap. And, he wouldn't be getting much sleep this week anyway, with all the work going on in our basement (asbestos removal... which really deserves its own post, but I'm preoccupied with other things, like the move and the bday party).
*sigh* He's growing up. No naps. Soon, no diapers. And next fall, preschool. Yikes... it's all going so fast.
He's still getting very cranky at the end of the day without them, but it's been an easier transition than I thought it would have been. He still will fall asleep in the car, if it's late afternoon, but LB sometimes does that, too. Sidenote: hopefully they will both doze off in the afternoons on our cross country drive!
It makes things a lot easier. I don't have to stop my day so he can get home to nap. And, he wouldn't be getting much sleep this week anyway, with all the work going on in our basement (asbestos removal... which really deserves its own post, but I'm preoccupied with other things, like the move and the bday party).
*sigh* He's growing up. No naps. Soon, no diapers. And next fall, preschool. Yikes... it's all going so fast.
1/6/12
Cut, cut, cut
So maybe it's because of the impending move, but I'm feeling the need to down-size just about everything. I've revamped my facebook friends list, adding a few more people to my restricted list. I just don't think everyone on FB needs to know everything... especially when someone makes every conversation about herself. *ahem* But, now I've turned my attention to my blog.
I love keeping up with my bloggy friends, but there are a few blogs on my list that have gone MIA or are just not fun to read any more. It's too bad, but it kind of bums me out to see blogs that have given up. I've also chosen a new background for mine, although I'm still up in the air over whether I'm keeping it. It's fairly simple, with a little red, and the lady to the side reminds me that I should get out of the sweatpants and into fashion a little more. Honest opinions are welcome, and I really do mean honest!
I've also been cutting excessive sugar out of my diet. It's been hard- there's sugar in just about everything now! So sad. But the switches have been interesting and kind of fun to make. Like, soda has been replaced with sparkling water (not that I was much of a soda drinker, anyway). Commercial granola bars have been replaced with Lara bars (oh man, LOVE those). And if something needs a little sweetening, like my coffee, I use a natural creamer instead of the fake stuff. My parents love that sugar-free creamer, but have you looked at the artificial ingredients in that stuff? Yikes.
Goodwill is on the agenda today, too. We're donating a ton of toys and clothes that the boys have outgrown. It feels good to pare down while helping people in need. And while I'm out, I may as well stop at the battered women's shelter. I have a bunch of crazy-couponing stuff to donate, like shampoo and floss and mouthwash.
Does anyone else suddenly get the urge to down-size once in awhile?
I love keeping up with my bloggy friends, but there are a few blogs on my list that have gone MIA or are just not fun to read any more. It's too bad, but it kind of bums me out to see blogs that have given up. I've also chosen a new background for mine, although I'm still up in the air over whether I'm keeping it. It's fairly simple, with a little red, and the lady to the side reminds me that I should get out of the sweatpants and into fashion a little more. Honest opinions are welcome, and I really do mean honest!
I've also been cutting excessive sugar out of my diet. It's been hard- there's sugar in just about everything now! So sad. But the switches have been interesting and kind of fun to make. Like, soda has been replaced with sparkling water (not that I was much of a soda drinker, anyway). Commercial granola bars have been replaced with Lara bars (oh man, LOVE those). And if something needs a little sweetening, like my coffee, I use a natural creamer instead of the fake stuff. My parents love that sugar-free creamer, but have you looked at the artificial ingredients in that stuff? Yikes.
Goodwill is on the agenda today, too. We're donating a ton of toys and clothes that the boys have outgrown. It feels good to pare down while helping people in need. And while I'm out, I may as well stop at the battered women's shelter. I have a bunch of crazy-couponing stuff to donate, like shampoo and floss and mouthwash.
Does anyone else suddenly get the urge to down-size once in awhile?
1/4/12
Things that make me happy right now
1. Our future house in WA- we got a lease, it's official. I've been daydreaming about how I want it to look and what goes where. Of course, building and decorating rooms takes money, soooooo... I may keep daydreaming until we've been there awhile!
2. Naked Green Machine, aka Monster Juice. If I told the boys what was in it, they'd never touch it again. But if I call it Monster Juice, suddenly they beg for it. Apples, bananas, kiwi, mango, pineapple, broccoli, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, blue green algae, garlic, barley grass, wheat grass, ginger, and parsley... oh my! Super awesome for LB, who won't go near vegetables with a 39 and a half foot pole.
3. BOGO Slim Fast... gotta keep to those New Year resolutions.
4. Smart Wool socks. Holy cow, how did I go through life without them??
5. Night time fires. Once that sun goes down, it is frigid around here, but a fire is so toasty and nice.
6. Hearing people say they think I'm a good mom. I'm sure everyone feels less than stellar once in awhile, but it's nice to know that it's all in my head and that I'm doing a good job.
7. Curls Rock Amplifier, Curlesque Catwalk by Tigi.... once again, Amy, you know exactly what my hair needs!!
8. Peaceful (albeit, fast) showers... thank you, boys. :)
9. Warm and fashionable clothes.
2. Naked Green Machine, aka Monster Juice. If I told the boys what was in it, they'd never touch it again. But if I call it Monster Juice, suddenly they beg for it. Apples, bananas, kiwi, mango, pineapple, broccoli, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, blue green algae, garlic, barley grass, wheat grass, ginger, and parsley... oh my! Super awesome for LB, who won't go near vegetables with a 39 and a half foot pole.
3. BOGO Slim Fast... gotta keep to those New Year resolutions.
4. Smart Wool socks. Holy cow, how did I go through life without them??
5. Night time fires. Once that sun goes down, it is frigid around here, but a fire is so toasty and nice.
6. Hearing people say they think I'm a good mom. I'm sure everyone feels less than stellar once in awhile, but it's nice to know that it's all in my head and that I'm doing a good job.
7. Curls Rock Amplifier, Curlesque Catwalk by Tigi.... once again, Amy, you know exactly what my hair needs!!
8. Peaceful (albeit, fast) showers... thank you, boys. :)
9. Warm and fashionable clothes.
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