I know that people really get into the spirit of things with Halloween. And that's fine and dandy. I love this holiday. But what I love more is having a baby finally take a nap after protesting all morning.
So when scary music started to shake my walls and wake LB up, I went from gossip-mag-reading mode to instant-bitch mode. I think the neighborhood kids had something to do with my irritability, as usual. I went outside my house to see which of my neighbors was blaring the music, and realized it was from a house two houses down and across a street.
Seriously? Am I the only one who found that annoying??
These are the same people that participate in a Christian rock band that practices every week at night. A live band. At night. I'm surprised I'm the only person that has said something to these people.
Now, if you know me, you know that I love music. And I love Halloween. But can't they exist without obnoxiousness? I understand that he was just testing to see how loud it was, or whatever lame-ass excuse he said, but this is my neighborhood, too, and this is my house that his music was penetrating, so I think I had a right to be mad. I wasn't mean. I didn't swear. I just explained that LB was taking a nap, and the music was waking him up and shaking my house. Simple. Straightforward. But I think the guy took it wrong anyway, because he kind of rolled his eyes at me.
Whatever.
I've made my point, and I hope that LB can now continue his nap in peace.
10/31/08
My fat ass
This morning, Hubby came out of the bathroom to announce his weight. He's not pleased with it, but I think he looks just fine. Anyway, I got curious to see what I weighed, so I jumped on the scale.
Now, aren't you supposed to weigh less in the morning?? If that's the case, then I'm in serious trouble. I haven't weighed this much (or put this much weight on so quickly) since I was preggers with LB. It was really shocking to see that number! And, despite my trips to the gym and eating well (most of the time), I'm actually seeing the numbers go up. Depressing.
This morning, just after I finish this post, I'll be heading to a kickboxing class at the gym. I'm still pretty sore from the last class (if you're a 24hr Fitness member, I highly recommend the 24Lift class.... kicks your ass). But maybe if I can just work myself to the point of exhaustion, I can lose those extra fifteen (actually, now more like twenty) pounds.
And just one last thought, when do I have to stop calling it "baby weight" and call it "fatass"? This weight was put on because of the baby, so there's my argument for calling it "baby weight", but now that I'm actually heavier than when I delivered, I'm thinking I've lost the rights to that title and now have to call myself "just fat". Bummer.
Now, aren't you supposed to weigh less in the morning?? If that's the case, then I'm in serious trouble. I haven't weighed this much (or put this much weight on so quickly) since I was preggers with LB. It was really shocking to see that number! And, despite my trips to the gym and eating well (most of the time), I'm actually seeing the numbers go up. Depressing.
This morning, just after I finish this post, I'll be heading to a kickboxing class at the gym. I'm still pretty sore from the last class (if you're a 24hr Fitness member, I highly recommend the 24Lift class.... kicks your ass). But maybe if I can just work myself to the point of exhaustion, I can lose those extra fifteen (actually, now more like twenty) pounds.
And just one last thought, when do I have to stop calling it "baby weight" and call it "fatass"? This weight was put on because of the baby, so there's my argument for calling it "baby weight", but now that I'm actually heavier than when I delivered, I'm thinking I've lost the rights to that title and now have to call myself "just fat". Bummer.
10/27/08
Feeling good
I called my bestest friend today, and it's funny how just talking to her about anything puts me in a great mood.
I've been a little bummed out lately. Not really emotional or anything, just feeling blah and bitchy. Hubby's been tied to the boat lately, so I haven't seen him much. And rehearsals have been a little frustrating. Plus, I'm feeling extra-unmotivated to work out, which makes me more out of shape, which makes me more unmotivated, etc. It's a vicious cycle.
Anyway, my friend M was online this afternoon (her night), so I IMed her via facebook. Between typing and getting the baby from his nap, I just finally decided to call her. And I'm so glad I did!
She can read me so well. I didn't even have to say much, she just knew I needed to vent. And vent I did! She's the kind of friend where TMI isn't in our vocabulary, and she knows literally everything about me.
So we chatted for about a half hour, and it was like therapy. No, better than therapy. I spilled, she spilled, we talked about... I don't even know... everything, it seems. I love those conversations with M. I love having someone I can call up that just gets me. And yes, Hubby gets me, but it's good to have a girlie friend that gets me, too.
Luckily, I have several friends that get me, that can read me like a book. But M is my oldest "gets me" friend, and she is the first person to know something about me, good or bad. She's the first friend I see when I'm home, and the first one I call up hang out with. I'm not sure what I'd do without our friendship! It's been 14 years, but it doesn't seem like that at all...
While flipping through my yearbook the other day, I came across M's message to me... more like a novel. It made me laugh so hard just remember the things we've done, and it made me miss M so much! M, if you're reading (and I know you probably are), I love you, MWA! :)
I've been a little bummed out lately. Not really emotional or anything, just feeling blah and bitchy. Hubby's been tied to the boat lately, so I haven't seen him much. And rehearsals have been a little frustrating. Plus, I'm feeling extra-unmotivated to work out, which makes me more out of shape, which makes me more unmotivated, etc. It's a vicious cycle.
Anyway, my friend M was online this afternoon (her night), so I IMed her via facebook. Between typing and getting the baby from his nap, I just finally decided to call her. And I'm so glad I did!
She can read me so well. I didn't even have to say much, she just knew I needed to vent. And vent I did! She's the kind of friend where TMI isn't in our vocabulary, and she knows literally everything about me.
So we chatted for about a half hour, and it was like therapy. No, better than therapy. I spilled, she spilled, we talked about... I don't even know... everything, it seems. I love those conversations with M. I love having someone I can call up that just gets me. And yes, Hubby gets me, but it's good to have a girlie friend that gets me, too.
Luckily, I have several friends that get me, that can read me like a book. But M is my oldest "gets me" friend, and she is the first person to know something about me, good or bad. She's the first friend I see when I'm home, and the first one I call up hang out with. I'm not sure what I'd do without our friendship! It's been 14 years, but it doesn't seem like that at all...
While flipping through my yearbook the other day, I came across M's message to me... more like a novel. It made me laugh so hard just remember the things we've done, and it made me miss M so much! M, if you're reading (and I know you probably are), I love you, MWA! :)
10/25/08
Friday recipe
Yes, I know it's Saturday- I'm a slacker. :) Here's this weekend's recipe.
Risotto with Mushrooms, Peas, and Sausage
Ingredients:
6 cups (48 oz.) meat stock
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 lb. italian sausage, casings removed and meat chopped
1/2 lb. white mushrooms, sliced
2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
How To:
Pour the stock into a saucepan and bring barely to a simmer. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of the butter with the olive oil. Add the onion and saute 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cooked about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook until the kernels are hot and coated with oil, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until liquid is absorbed. Add the stock 1/2 cup at a time- make sure the liquid has been absorbed before adding more. When the rice is about halfway cooked, add the peas, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter and parmsan cheese.
*DO NOT try to be healthy and use brown rice- it does not cook the same! Also, use the salt sparingly, since the stock will most likely have loads of salt in it already.
Risotto with Mushrooms, Peas, and Sausage
Ingredients:
6 cups (48 oz.) meat stock
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 lb. italian sausage, casings removed and meat chopped
1/2 lb. white mushrooms, sliced
2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
How To:
Pour the stock into a saucepan and bring barely to a simmer. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of the butter with the olive oil. Add the onion and saute 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cooked about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook until the kernels are hot and coated with oil, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until liquid is absorbed. Add the stock 1/2 cup at a time- make sure the liquid has been absorbed before adding more. When the rice is about halfway cooked, add the peas, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter and parmsan cheese.
*DO NOT try to be healthy and use brown rice- it does not cook the same! Also, use the salt sparingly, since the stock will most likely have loads of salt in it already.
10/24/08
Reminiscing...
My 10 year high school reunion is coming up. I'm not going, since it's on the other side of the country and airfare is ridiculous right now, but it got me thinking. I also was IMing a friend from high school that I don't talk to very frequently, and we were just trying to remember names and chat about old times.
It's funny how things work out- people always change just when you think they won't. I was flipping through my yearbook (initially, looking for a last name for said friend, but then got distracted), and reading what people had written in there. What a different time. I didn't realize how many people wrote nice things in mine... maybe because I was too busy being a bitch (I'll admit it, I wasn't the nicest person in high school).
And with all those great people, I remember all the not-so-great people. The ones that called me a "fat cow", and the ones that said I should have never been born, because every unwanted pregnancy should result in an abortion (ouch). And it's funny to see the people who were genuinely nice, but caught up in a circle of bitchy friends. High school can be so dramatic...
But it's even more entertaining to see how people have changed (or haven't changed, really) and what they are doing now. One girl who I thought was totally all-american is now living in England. One girl who I thought was really nice turned out to be a snob. It's funny how people's true colors show once they get away from the stereotypes and the cliques... You can really see who was true to themself in high school, and who was just faking it to be accepted.
It makes me a little sad that I won't be going to the reunion. It would be fun to see most of those people again. And given that I am always living so far away, it would be nice to see ANYONE from back home again! Perhaps I'll try for the 15 year, or 20 year one.
10/23/08
Am I the only one?
Last night, I came home from my meeting, and there was a printed email sitting next to the computer. I picked it up, and it said that we are getting a new ensign to the boat and Hubby is his sponsor and his wife wanted more info about the move, the area, etc. Above the original email was another one from someone in the FRG saying, uh, what do we do?
Is it really that hard? How about reaching out to the family? How about instead of wondering what to do, just do it? So I took the matter into my own hands and emailed her back, giving her my cell number and told her I'd help her out. She called this morning and was so thankful. Hmm, why am I not surprised?
It seems like so many people talk and talk and talk, but they don't DO anything. Even if we didn't know what info to give her, doesn't it make sense to at least respond, just to say, hey, we didn't forget about you or are ignoring you, but we'll get back to you? Sheesh.
She seems very nice. Her hubby has done almost exactly the same Navy career my hubby has, so we'll have a lot in common. She seems intelligent and normal, so she'll have no problem getting along with the other girls, too. She also seems very interested in the FRG, which is great.
Is it really that hard? How about reaching out to the family? How about instead of wondering what to do, just do it? So I took the matter into my own hands and emailed her back, giving her my cell number and told her I'd help her out. She called this morning and was so thankful. Hmm, why am I not surprised?
It seems like so many people talk and talk and talk, but they don't DO anything. Even if we didn't know what info to give her, doesn't it make sense to at least respond, just to say, hey, we didn't forget about you or are ignoring you, but we'll get back to you? Sheesh.
She seems very nice. Her hubby has done almost exactly the same Navy career my hubby has, so we'll have a lot in common. She seems intelligent and normal, so she'll have no problem getting along with the other girls, too. She also seems very interested in the FRG, which is great.
10/21/08
Our future
So it begins. My week of not seeing Hubby at all. Tonight and Thursday is band rehearsal. I would cut them to half a rehearsal, but we have a big concert coming up, and practice is *ahem* needed. Hubby has duty on Friday, so I won't see him until Saturday morning. It sucks, but at least he'll be able to be with LB while I'm at rehearsals/meetings.
I've been doing a lot of planning and thinking about our future. I know it's kind of futile, since the Navy will change just about anything at the last minute. But, it's nice to know what general direction our lives are headed in. So far, we will probably be headed to CA in Nov 2009. The shore duty should be about two years long. Then after that, who knows. So at least we have the next couple years tentatively mapped. :)
Hubby and I have been doing a lot of thinking about our permanent life (after he retires from the Navy). We're undecided about where we want to live, but we both like the northeast and the northwest. Colorado is also an option. We're finding, though, that it's easier to pick out where we don't want to live! No offense to those who are from there, but we despise the south. We also don't want to live anywhere that is too city-like. So that narrows it down a little bit. I've been (just for fun) looking at houses in NH for sale, just to ballpark what we will be able to afford, and it's been pretty fun to daydream about it! It's amazing what you can get in NH- for the same price, it can buy you a wonderful sh!tbox here in Hawaii, haha. :P
Naturally, the kids (yes, plural, as in we will have one more) will factor into our decision quite a bit. I want them to attend great schools and have the opportunity to play freely in the neighborhood, so low crime is important. I want to be able to take the family hiking through the woods, then go to a symphony that night.
I did the quiz on www.findyourspot.com, and it came back with a bunch of places in Washington state. Hubby did the same quiz, and we got a lot of the same cities. It's been entertaining to see what the website comes up with! (I highly recommend that site, even if it's just for fun)
Well, it's years away, so I guess I don't need to worry about it too much right now. :)
I've been doing a lot of planning and thinking about our future. I know it's kind of futile, since the Navy will change just about anything at the last minute. But, it's nice to know what general direction our lives are headed in. So far, we will probably be headed to CA in Nov 2009. The shore duty should be about two years long. Then after that, who knows. So at least we have the next couple years tentatively mapped. :)
Hubby and I have been doing a lot of thinking about our permanent life (after he retires from the Navy). We're undecided about where we want to live, but we both like the northeast and the northwest. Colorado is also an option. We're finding, though, that it's easier to pick out where we don't want to live! No offense to those who are from there, but we despise the south. We also don't want to live anywhere that is too city-like. So that narrows it down a little bit. I've been (just for fun) looking at houses in NH for sale, just to ballpark what we will be able to afford, and it's been pretty fun to daydream about it! It's amazing what you can get in NH- for the same price, it can buy you a wonderful sh!tbox here in Hawaii, haha. :P
Naturally, the kids (yes, plural, as in we will have one more) will factor into our decision quite a bit. I want them to attend great schools and have the opportunity to play freely in the neighborhood, so low crime is important. I want to be able to take the family hiking through the woods, then go to a symphony that night.
I did the quiz on www.findyourspot.com, and it came back with a bunch of places in Washington state. Hubby did the same quiz, and we got a lot of the same cities. It's been entertaining to see what the website comes up with! (I highly recommend that site, even if it's just for fun)
Well, it's years away, so I guess I don't need to worry about it too much right now. :)
10/20/08
Just a recap
Hubby and I took LB pumpkin picking on Saturday. We plopped him next to a big pumpkin, and he seemed really intrigued- slapping it, making noises, etc. We bought two pumpkins, which we'll carve whenever Hubby isn't working late (which is not often, lately). They also had fresh veggies, and we got some corn on the cob and red peppers. They were SO fresh and sweet! I forgot how good corn on the cob is.
Hubby had duty Sunday, which was alright with me, because I was taking LB to do the Race for the Cure thingie. A bunch of people from the boat signed up, but I was a little late getting to the start line, so I walked with one lady and her three (cute) kids. It's nice to talk with the other wives and not mention the boat at all. I think we talked about it once, when we were discussing where we were both going after getting off it. Her daughter loved LB and fed him his bananas after the race. There were a TON of people there, both running and walking. It was nice to see that kind of turnout for something that benefits a charity.
I mentioned that Hubby had duty last night, which means he sleeps on the boat. So you can imagine when I heard the garage open and him walk through the door! Turns out, one of the other officers singled him up (took his workload so he could go home.... it's acceptable when there are two qualified duty officers). In return, Hubby's going to single that guy up when they are in port on westpac. Although LB was already asleep, it was nice to see him when we weren't expecting him! He did catch me watching "Bring It On: All Or Nothing", hahahaha. But that's my thing when he has duty- that's my night to do the girlie things that he hates. :)
This week will be busy for me at night, which sucks, because that's when Hubby and I have time together. I have rehearsal Tuesday as usual, and an additional on Thursday night, because we have a big concert coming up next Sunday. Plus, Wednesday night is an FRG meeting. I doubt Hubby will want to come, but maybe I can get him to, just so we can see each other more!
This weekend, we also discussed Christmas presents for each other. I will be getting his Emeraldback certificate framed, and I asked him to get me a bread machine. I like the idea of making my own bread, but I really don't have the patience to let it rise for several hours, so I think the machine is a great idea. We haven't thought much about LB, but I have a feeling it will be easy to shop for him!
Hubby had duty Sunday, which was alright with me, because I was taking LB to do the Race for the Cure thingie. A bunch of people from the boat signed up, but I was a little late getting to the start line, so I walked with one lady and her three (cute) kids. It's nice to talk with the other wives and not mention the boat at all. I think we talked about it once, when we were discussing where we were both going after getting off it. Her daughter loved LB and fed him his bananas after the race. There were a TON of people there, both running and walking. It was nice to see that kind of turnout for something that benefits a charity.
I mentioned that Hubby had duty last night, which means he sleeps on the boat. So you can imagine when I heard the garage open and him walk through the door! Turns out, one of the other officers singled him up (took his workload so he could go home.... it's acceptable when there are two qualified duty officers). In return, Hubby's going to single that guy up when they are in port on westpac. Although LB was already asleep, it was nice to see him when we weren't expecting him! He did catch me watching "Bring It On: All Or Nothing", hahahaha. But that's my thing when he has duty- that's my night to do the girlie things that he hates. :)
This week will be busy for me at night, which sucks, because that's when Hubby and I have time together. I have rehearsal Tuesday as usual, and an additional on Thursday night, because we have a big concert coming up next Sunday. Plus, Wednesday night is an FRG meeting. I doubt Hubby will want to come, but maybe I can get him to, just so we can see each other more!
This weekend, we also discussed Christmas presents for each other. I will be getting his Emeraldback certificate framed, and I asked him to get me a bread machine. I like the idea of making my own bread, but I really don't have the patience to let it rise for several hours, so I think the machine is a great idea. We haven't thought much about LB, but I have a feeling it will be easy to shop for him!
10/18/08
*yawn*
Yeah... it's 6am. LB has decided that he wants to be an early bird. Yesterday, he woke up at 5am, so I guess today's a little better for Mommy!
It always seems like whenever I figure out his schedule, he changes it. He used to take naps at 10am and 2pm- now, he takes them whenever, sometimes at 11am, sometimes just one nap. Sometimes he's tired at 5:30pm, sometimes he stays up until 7:30pm, like last night. *sigh* I'm not liking this whole indecisive thing he's got going on!
It always seems like whenever I figure out his schedule, he changes it. He used to take naps at 10am and 2pm- now, he takes them whenever, sometimes at 11am, sometimes just one nap. Sometimes he's tired at 5:30pm, sometimes he stays up until 7:30pm, like last night. *sigh* I'm not liking this whole indecisive thing he's got going on!
10/17/08
Recipe Day
Pasta Salad with Roasted Autumn Veggies
Ingredients:
1 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 lb eggplant, peeled and diced
4 plum tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt (or table salt- I prefer sea salt)
1/2 tsp black ground pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 oz crumbled feta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano
1/2 lb cellentani (the corkscrew pasta)
How To:
Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine veggies, oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stir in garlic and cool. Once cool, put in tupperware and put in fridge. Combine cheese and herbs, and put in separate tupperware in fridge. Chill both containers overnight. Cook pasta, then rinse under cold water. Toss pasta with both veggie and cheese mixtures. Serve immediately, or put in fridge to chill the pasta even more.
Ingredients:
1 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 lb eggplant, peeled and diced
4 plum tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt (or table salt- I prefer sea salt)
1/2 tsp black ground pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 oz crumbled feta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano
1/2 lb cellentani (the corkscrew pasta)
How To:
Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine veggies, oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stir in garlic and cool. Once cool, put in tupperware and put in fridge. Combine cheese and herbs, and put in separate tupperware in fridge. Chill both containers overnight. Cook pasta, then rinse under cold water. Toss pasta with both veggie and cheese mixtures. Serve immediately, or put in fridge to chill the pasta even more.
10/15/08
The Debate
YES!!!! Finally, McCain said something that I've been thinking and that I've been wishing he'd say! "Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run 4 years ago." GO MCCAIN!
Plus, he completely challenged Obama, asking how many times he's stood up to his party leaders. Obviously, Obama couldn't give a straight answer. He's the ultimate, beat-around-the-bush politician. And McCain called him on it.... that, and his ridiculous spending on negative ads.
It seems to me that Obama's view on our economy is almost socialist-like. He wants to build up the middle class- what happens when we're all middle class? In a democracy, there are people at the top and people at the bottom. We can't just give away money to people so they have just as much as the ones that work hard! That's not democracy, that's socialism. And it seems to be the democratic view... ironic, huh?
Obama feels so sleazy to me. McCain puts everything out on the table. You never have to guess where he stands, and you never have to wonder where he'll take the country. He answers questions directly. Obama talks an awful lot, but never seems to have anything to say. And I get the impression that he's hiding something.
I don't think Obama would be a bad president. In fact, this is first time I haven't felt imminent doom about the election. If either candidate wins, the country's economy will turn around... eventually. I think Obama really does care about the future of the country, but I feel like McCain has a better plan on how to follow through and turn it around quicker.
Not to mention the VP picks. To me, Biden also seems like he's hiding something. Palin may be a little different and full of character, but she's pretty direct, like McCain, and despite her short career in the government, I feel like she has a natural talent for politics.
Fuel was also a topic they debated. I don't understand why Obama won't consider nuclear power. I'm glad to hear he is open to alternative energy, but to assume nuclear power is unsafe, when the military has been using it on subs for decades, is crazy. Also, I thought he was opposed to off-shore drilling, but tonight he said that he supports it. Huh?????
I wonder what Obama and McCain think about Clinton signing NAFTA. Personally, I think that was the beginning of the end.
.... okay, there's my answer (I'm writing this as I watch the debate). :)
Oh geez, healthcare....
Hahahahahaha, the question was, should we worry about cost or coverage more? Of course, Obama says "both"- what else would a democrat say?? So, he wants people without health insurance to buy into the same coverage he gets as a federal employee, but at a fraction of the cost? How would that work? Wouldn't the federal employees have to pay more so these other people could get coverage? Is it fair that someone who works hard to have the same benefits as a person that doesn't work hard?
McCain emphasizes fitness and nutrition.... the thing about McCain is that he's always thinking about prevention of a crisis. Obama is always thinking about managing the crisis. Doesn't it make sense to avoid the crisis in the first place?? Whether it's obesity, the economy, energy, etc??? I feel like that's a major difference between the two, not just with healthcare, but with all their views.
McCain said that the difference between him and Obama is that Obama wants the government to mandate health care, while McCain wants the people to decided for themselves. It's all about accountability and responsibility.
McCain wants to overturn Roe vs. Wade. I'm not sure I agree with him. If I were ever in a situation where I needed that procedure, I don't know if I would back out, so I can't say that I'm completely in agreement with him on that. However, I personally would not be affected if he were to overturn it (and honestly, there are so many people out there that are pro-choice, it would take longer than a 4 year president term to pass). So, that's not an issue with me.
However, I do not view children as "punishment", wanted or unwanted, like Obama has said in the past..... this is probably going to open a huge can of worms, so I'll pass on this subject.
Whew. I think I'll stop for now. This debate is getting me all fired up!
Plus, he completely challenged Obama, asking how many times he's stood up to his party leaders. Obviously, Obama couldn't give a straight answer. He's the ultimate, beat-around-the-bush politician. And McCain called him on it.... that, and his ridiculous spending on negative ads.
It seems to me that Obama's view on our economy is almost socialist-like. He wants to build up the middle class- what happens when we're all middle class? In a democracy, there are people at the top and people at the bottom. We can't just give away money to people so they have just as much as the ones that work hard! That's not democracy, that's socialism. And it seems to be the democratic view... ironic, huh?
Obama feels so sleazy to me. McCain puts everything out on the table. You never have to guess where he stands, and you never have to wonder where he'll take the country. He answers questions directly. Obama talks an awful lot, but never seems to have anything to say. And I get the impression that he's hiding something.
I don't think Obama would be a bad president. In fact, this is first time I haven't felt imminent doom about the election. If either candidate wins, the country's economy will turn around... eventually. I think Obama really does care about the future of the country, but I feel like McCain has a better plan on how to follow through and turn it around quicker.
Not to mention the VP picks. To me, Biden also seems like he's hiding something. Palin may be a little different and full of character, but she's pretty direct, like McCain, and despite her short career in the government, I feel like she has a natural talent for politics.
Fuel was also a topic they debated. I don't understand why Obama won't consider nuclear power. I'm glad to hear he is open to alternative energy, but to assume nuclear power is unsafe, when the military has been using it on subs for decades, is crazy. Also, I thought he was opposed to off-shore drilling, but tonight he said that he supports it. Huh?????
I wonder what Obama and McCain think about Clinton signing NAFTA. Personally, I think that was the beginning of the end.
.... okay, there's my answer (I'm writing this as I watch the debate). :)
Oh geez, healthcare....
Hahahahahaha, the question was, should we worry about cost or coverage more? Of course, Obama says "both"- what else would a democrat say?? So, he wants people without health insurance to buy into the same coverage he gets as a federal employee, but at a fraction of the cost? How would that work? Wouldn't the federal employees have to pay more so these other people could get coverage? Is it fair that someone who works hard to have the same benefits as a person that doesn't work hard?
McCain emphasizes fitness and nutrition.... the thing about McCain is that he's always thinking about prevention of a crisis. Obama is always thinking about managing the crisis. Doesn't it make sense to avoid the crisis in the first place?? Whether it's obesity, the economy, energy, etc??? I feel like that's a major difference between the two, not just with healthcare, but with all their views.
McCain said that the difference between him and Obama is that Obama wants the government to mandate health care, while McCain wants the people to decided for themselves. It's all about accountability and responsibility.
McCain wants to overturn Roe vs. Wade. I'm not sure I agree with him. If I were ever in a situation where I needed that procedure, I don't know if I would back out, so I can't say that I'm completely in agreement with him on that. However, I personally would not be affected if he were to overturn it (and honestly, there are so many people out there that are pro-choice, it would take longer than a 4 year president term to pass). So, that's not an issue with me.
However, I do not view children as "punishment", wanted or unwanted, like Obama has said in the past..... this is probably going to open a huge can of worms, so I'll pass on this subject.
Whew. I think I'll stop for now. This debate is getting me all fired up!
PLEASE SLEEP!
LB woke up this morning at 7am. He's usually up between 6am and 6:30, but he slept a little more today. It was fine, because I had to drag him to a meeting at 9:30. He was fine, even though the meeting dragged on until 11:30. He was getting cranky toward the end, and even fell asleep in the five minute drive back home. But as soon as I put him in his crib, he started fussing, and eventually crying. I rocked him, and he started to snooze on my shoulder, then woke up again when I put him down. By then, it was 1:30pm, and he was hungry, so he cried and cried. I tried feeding him some carrots, but he suddenly decided he didn't like them any more. So I gave him a bottle and put him in his crib, crossing my fingers that he'd finally sleep. Nope. He was awake and fussy for another hour. Now it's 2:30pm, and he's finally sleeping.
Now don't judge me for putting him to bed with a bottle. I know it's bad for his teeth, but it was just this one time, and I was at my wit's end. He was obviously exhausted, since he hadn't napped at all this morning, so I was willing to do anything to get this kid to sleep!
PS- Why don't kids realize how good sleep is? Isn't it funny that we fight it when we are little and can sleep however long we want, then when we're older and want / need sleep, it's so hard to get!
Now don't judge me for putting him to bed with a bottle. I know it's bad for his teeth, but it was just this one time, and I was at my wit's end. He was obviously exhausted, since he hadn't napped at all this morning, so I was willing to do anything to get this kid to sleep!
PS- Why don't kids realize how good sleep is? Isn't it funny that we fight it when we are little and can sleep however long we want, then when we're older and want / need sleep, it's so hard to get!
10/14/08
It's Tuesday!
This post really has no point. Actually, it does- its only objective is to keep my readers (aka: family and two friends) updated with my life, so here goes.
The band I play with had a concert Sunday at the Ala Moana Mall. It was a lot of fun- we played the Wizard of Oz medley, another medley of jazz tunes, themes from "Hawaii", theme from "Somewhere in Time", and this piece called the Lotus Sutra (movement 3). We sounded pretty good, despite missing three people due to health issues. Hubby's captain and his wife and kids came to watch, which was so great. And my neighbor came, too, with her kids (her hubby is currently deployed). It was nice to have that kind of support! :) We have another concert coming up on the 26th, and we'll be playing even more pieces, since it's our 35th anniversary concert.
Hubby had yesterday off, since it was Columbus Day. We didn't do anything special, but I loved that. We just stayed home and had a massive cleaning day, plus a quick trip to the commissary. And we sold our old vacuum (we got a Dyson Animal to replace it- score!). Then we watched DVDs of the Muppet Show. So entertaining!
Today, Hubby is playing golf with the captain in lieu of going to work. We're also getting our new couch delivered! I'm really excited about that. It's a long, black leather sectional. We've been dying to replace our old couch, just because it doesn't seat a lot of people, and it's really easy to spot anything that gets on it. The leather will be easier to clean, and that's important now that we have kids! :)
Tonight I have rehearsal, tomorrow I have a SOWC Auction meeting, then Thursday I have a SOWC general meeting. On Saturday, Hubby and I are taking LB pumpkin picking (YAY!!!!), then we are going to see the HSO put on a few piano concertos with some guest pianists.
We're also gearing up for deployment, even though it's still several months away. Just getting everything he needs day-to-day is a huge task, not to mention pretty expensive. Imagine buying everything you need just for toiletries for 6 months (shampoo, toothpaste, contact lens solution, mouthwash, floss, soap, etc). It's pretty insane. He's filled up one huge bag just with that stuff, and he still needs uniforms, civilian clothes (for port calls), shoes, socks, etc. Plus, I don't know if any of you have seen the inside of a fast attack, but the living space is small. I seriously don't know how they do it- they must teach a course in boot camp on how to cram as much stuff into a tiny space as possible.
Anyway, so that's what's going on in my life right now. Not that exciting, huh? :P
The band I play with had a concert Sunday at the Ala Moana Mall. It was a lot of fun- we played the Wizard of Oz medley, another medley of jazz tunes, themes from "Hawaii", theme from "Somewhere in Time", and this piece called the Lotus Sutra (movement 3). We sounded pretty good, despite missing three people due to health issues. Hubby's captain and his wife and kids came to watch, which was so great. And my neighbor came, too, with her kids (her hubby is currently deployed). It was nice to have that kind of support! :) We have another concert coming up on the 26th, and we'll be playing even more pieces, since it's our 35th anniversary concert.
Hubby had yesterday off, since it was Columbus Day. We didn't do anything special, but I loved that. We just stayed home and had a massive cleaning day, plus a quick trip to the commissary. And we sold our old vacuum (we got a Dyson Animal to replace it- score!). Then we watched DVDs of the Muppet Show. So entertaining!
Today, Hubby is playing golf with the captain in lieu of going to work. We're also getting our new couch delivered! I'm really excited about that. It's a long, black leather sectional. We've been dying to replace our old couch, just because it doesn't seat a lot of people, and it's really easy to spot anything that gets on it. The leather will be easier to clean, and that's important now that we have kids! :)
Tonight I have rehearsal, tomorrow I have a SOWC Auction meeting, then Thursday I have a SOWC general meeting. On Saturday, Hubby and I are taking LB pumpkin picking (YAY!!!!), then we are going to see the HSO put on a few piano concertos with some guest pianists.
We're also gearing up for deployment, even though it's still several months away. Just getting everything he needs day-to-day is a huge task, not to mention pretty expensive. Imagine buying everything you need just for toiletries for 6 months (shampoo, toothpaste, contact lens solution, mouthwash, floss, soap, etc). It's pretty insane. He's filled up one huge bag just with that stuff, and he still needs uniforms, civilian clothes (for port calls), shoes, socks, etc. Plus, I don't know if any of you have seen the inside of a fast attack, but the living space is small. I seriously don't know how they do it- they must teach a course in boot camp on how to cram as much stuff into a tiny space as possible.
Anyway, so that's what's going on in my life right now. Not that exciting, huh? :P
10/10/08
Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Crushed walnuts
How To:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease bottom and sides of jelly roll pan. Beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in raisins, if using them. Spread in pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 2 hours. While cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost the bars and sprinkle with walnuts. Cut into 7 rows by 7 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
*I used a 13 x 9 pyrex pan, and it worked fine. I did not add the raisins, so I don't know if that actually tastes good! :) I also cheated and used canned frosting in the picture. Baby = Lack of spare time to make homemade frosting, heehee.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Crushed walnuts
How To:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease bottom and sides of jelly roll pan. Beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in raisins, if using them. Spread in pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 2 hours. While cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost the bars and sprinkle with walnuts. Cut into 7 rows by 7 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
*I used a 13 x 9 pyrex pan, and it worked fine. I did not add the raisins, so I don't know if that actually tastes good! :) I also cheated and used canned frosting in the picture. Baby = Lack of spare time to make homemade frosting, heehee.
10/8/08
Rapunzel, rapunzel!
I'm sure you all know about the story of Rapunzel, who was held captive in a tower by an evil witch (I think), and her prince charming rescued her by climbing up her hair which she dangled out the window. Yuck... I kind of threw up a little bit, too. But, I supposed those cheesy fairy tales really do happen in real life. I will now tell you a modernized version of Rapunzel...
Once, there lived a Queen Mommy, in a house in Hawaii. She had a Little Prince, who she loved very much. But, although he wanted her to, she could not hold him all day long, because she had to clean the magical toilet and scrub the enchanted floors. So, she would let him crawl on the floors, playing with his toys.
One day, the Queen Mommy and the Little Prince came home from the gym. She was very tired from slaying the Dragon of the Spare Tire, so she placed the Little Prince on the floor and flopped face down on the bed.... just for a minute.
The Little Prince was fascinated by his surroundings. The Queen Mommy's beautiful t-shirts and socks lay in the laundry basket, waiting for bluebirds to sweep in the windows and start folding them. After attempting to fold them himself, the Little Prince looked for something else to do. And that's when he saw the Queen Mommy.
She was being held captive by the bed! I must rescue her, the Little Prince thought. So he crawled to the bed, but could not reach her. There must be a way, he thought, and then he saw it- a dangling, golden ponytail.
The Little Prince was delighted that he was going to be able to rescue his Queen Mommy, and laughed out loud. The Queen Mommy was too pooped to see what he was laughing at. Then, he shouted courageously, "I will save you!" (which sounded more like "da da duh sh duh". The Little Prince extended his little fist, grabbed the glistening (okay, sweaty) ponytail, and gave it one big tug to pull him up onto his feet.
Success! He had done it! The Little Prince had pulled up onto his feet and could now rescue the Queen Mommy. However, it appears the Queen Mommy was NOT being held captive, because she promptly leapt off the bed and seemed a little peeved.
THE END
Once, there lived a Queen Mommy, in a house in Hawaii. She had a Little Prince, who she loved very much. But, although he wanted her to, she could not hold him all day long, because she had to clean the magical toilet and scrub the enchanted floors. So, she would let him crawl on the floors, playing with his toys.
One day, the Queen Mommy and the Little Prince came home from the gym. She was very tired from slaying the Dragon of the Spare Tire, so she placed the Little Prince on the floor and flopped face down on the bed.... just for a minute.
The Little Prince was fascinated by his surroundings. The Queen Mommy's beautiful t-shirts and socks lay in the laundry basket, waiting for bluebirds to sweep in the windows and start folding them. After attempting to fold them himself, the Little Prince looked for something else to do. And that's when he saw the Queen Mommy.
She was being held captive by the bed! I must rescue her, the Little Prince thought. So he crawled to the bed, but could not reach her. There must be a way, he thought, and then he saw it- a dangling, golden ponytail.
The Little Prince was delighted that he was going to be able to rescue his Queen Mommy, and laughed out loud. The Queen Mommy was too pooped to see what he was laughing at. Then, he shouted courageously, "I will save you!" (which sounded more like "da da duh sh duh". The Little Prince extended his little fist, grabbed the glistening (okay, sweaty) ponytail, and gave it one big tug to pull him up onto his feet.
Success! He had done it! The Little Prince had pulled up onto his feet and could now rescue the Queen Mommy. However, it appears the Queen Mommy was NOT being held captive, because she promptly leapt off the bed and seemed a little peeved.
THE END
10/7/08
F*****************************ck
The bad day continues. Actually, it was only this one incident.
I was rearranging the kitchen and dropped a glass on the floor. Naturally, I was barefoot. For some reason, I decided to put LB in his playpen in the living room, so thank god he wasn't there when it happened. So there I was, stuck in the kitchen, and no foot protection (plus, my vision was all skewed after last night's run-in with a wall). So, I stepped really carefully around the big pieces, but still was poked with tiny shards. I managed to sweep it all (or what I hope was all) up.
But now I'm worried that I missed some huge piece, and LB is going to see it and think, ooooooh, shiny! And he'll put it in his mouth and we'll end up at the ER, and I'll have to explain to the doctor that it was an accident and I wasn't trying to make my baby eat glass. LB will probably stay in the playpen (he's actually pretty quiet right now, just babbling to himself) until I deem it safe enough for a baby to crawl on the floor. That may mean sweeping my bare feet across it, just so if there are any shards left, they'll stick me instead.
*Ironically, the glass I broke was given to me by L, who is notorious for breaking her own glasses. I'll have to call her up and see if she's broken any lately- perhaps the curse has rubbed off on me! :)
I was rearranging the kitchen and dropped a glass on the floor. Naturally, I was barefoot. For some reason, I decided to put LB in his playpen in the living room, so thank god he wasn't there when it happened. So there I was, stuck in the kitchen, and no foot protection (plus, my vision was all skewed after last night's run-in with a wall). So, I stepped really carefully around the big pieces, but still was poked with tiny shards. I managed to sweep it all (or what I hope was all) up.
But now I'm worried that I missed some huge piece, and LB is going to see it and think, ooooooh, shiny! And he'll put it in his mouth and we'll end up at the ER, and I'll have to explain to the doctor that it was an accident and I wasn't trying to make my baby eat glass. LB will probably stay in the playpen (he's actually pretty quiet right now, just babbling to himself) until I deem it safe enough for a baby to crawl on the floor. That may mean sweeping my bare feet across it, just so if there are any shards left, they'll stick me instead.
*Ironically, the glass I broke was given to me by L, who is notorious for breaking her own glasses. I'll have to call her up and see if she's broken any lately- perhaps the curse has rubbed off on me! :)
10/6/08
Bad Day Rant
Holy crap- it's only Monday and I'm seriously about to throw furniture out the windows. I don't know what it is, but I'm in a foul mood, and I've been like that almost all day. First, I went to Tripler for an appointment. It's something that I've been there for before, and it's just the most annoying thing ever. I won't go into it, because it's TMI, but there you have it.
The parking was atrocious. I had to park on the lower level in the grass, and had to walk up the hill (it's steep, since the hospital was built on a mountain). Hubby had the stroller in his car, and he's on duty, but fortunately I remembered the sit 'n' stroll, so I was able to push LB up. The appointment went well- it was the only thing that went smoothly all day. The pharmacy was ridiculous- I think we wait a half hour just to get to the counter. LB was exhausted since it was an hour past his naptime, so I was frustrated when my number was called. Then the pharmacist gives me two out of the three prescriptions. I asked her about the other one, and she said the doc never wrote it, but "I can call him if you'd like". Yeah, right. And wait another half hour with a wailing baby? No thanks.
I was starving and thirsty so I hit up Wendy's (it was on the way home). They forgot my drink- I don't think that place has ever gotten an order right. I must be crazy to keep going there and expect better service.
LB took a nap went we got home, and I was laid out on the recliner with bad back pain (related to the appointment). Finally it subsided and LB woke up so we could go to the NEX and commissary.
I don't know why I subject myself to these places. Obviously, they are way cheaper than civilian stores, but the place is usually mobbed, and you can't honestly tell me that everyone in these stores is DoD, dependent, or retired. You could probably flash a copied ID and they'd take it. Anyway, the checkout SUCKED. I did the self-checkout, and it kept telling me the weight in the bag was incorrect. Plus, they suddenly decided to sell loose carrots, but not make it an option in the checkout computer. The oh-so-highly-trained teenager-in-angst cashier wandered over and helped me out, but all while talking to her equally-emo friend. I swear, courtesy and customer service is a dying art. And, my turkey roast rang up twice as much as advertised, but by that point, I was ready to get the hell out of there.
My unlucky day continued at home. Hubby is prepping for deployment, so there is shit everywhere. He's also working on our spice rack, so everything that was neatly shoved into the cupboard is strewn all over the counters. In my attempt to tidy up and rearrange the storage closet, I squished my head between the wall and Christmas tree box (I jerked it suddenly and didn't expect it to move so fast), and I bent my glasses, so now my vision is all warped.
LB has been whiny today, too. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, so I notice it more, but he was really driving me absolutely crazy. Getting into the dog food, whining, and now he's gotten major separation anxiety. *sigh* So I think I'm just going to postpone anything I was going to get done until tomorrow. Hubby has duty so he won't be home tonight anyway. :)
The parking was atrocious. I had to park on the lower level in the grass, and had to walk up the hill (it's steep, since the hospital was built on a mountain). Hubby had the stroller in his car, and he's on duty, but fortunately I remembered the sit 'n' stroll, so I was able to push LB up. The appointment went well- it was the only thing that went smoothly all day. The pharmacy was ridiculous- I think we wait a half hour just to get to the counter. LB was exhausted since it was an hour past his naptime, so I was frustrated when my number was called. Then the pharmacist gives me two out of the three prescriptions. I asked her about the other one, and she said the doc never wrote it, but "I can call him if you'd like". Yeah, right. And wait another half hour with a wailing baby? No thanks.
I was starving and thirsty so I hit up Wendy's (it was on the way home). They forgot my drink- I don't think that place has ever gotten an order right. I must be crazy to keep going there and expect better service.
LB took a nap went we got home, and I was laid out on the recliner with bad back pain (related to the appointment). Finally it subsided and LB woke up so we could go to the NEX and commissary.
I don't know why I subject myself to these places. Obviously, they are way cheaper than civilian stores, but the place is usually mobbed, and you can't honestly tell me that everyone in these stores is DoD, dependent, or retired. You could probably flash a copied ID and they'd take it. Anyway, the checkout SUCKED. I did the self-checkout, and it kept telling me the weight in the bag was incorrect. Plus, they suddenly decided to sell loose carrots, but not make it an option in the checkout computer. The oh-so-highly-trained teenager-in-angst cashier wandered over and helped me out, but all while talking to her equally-emo friend. I swear, courtesy and customer service is a dying art. And, my turkey roast rang up twice as much as advertised, but by that point, I was ready to get the hell out of there.
My unlucky day continued at home. Hubby is prepping for deployment, so there is shit everywhere. He's also working on our spice rack, so everything that was neatly shoved into the cupboard is strewn all over the counters. In my attempt to tidy up and rearrange the storage closet, I squished my head between the wall and Christmas tree box (I jerked it suddenly and didn't expect it to move so fast), and I bent my glasses, so now my vision is all warped.
LB has been whiny today, too. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, so I notice it more, but he was really driving me absolutely crazy. Getting into the dog food, whining, and now he's gotten major separation anxiety. *sigh* So I think I'm just going to postpone anything I was going to get done until tomorrow. Hubby has duty so he won't be home tonight anyway. :)
10/3/08
Recipe
Oops- I didn't post one for last week. Probably because I had yet another cold, courtesy of the boat. So, to make up for it, here is a full, complete meal, which Hubby and I loved (and Puppy, because that sneaky little guy stole some off my plate when I wasn't looking).
Steak with Slow Roasted Tomatoes and Artichoke Crostini (for two... you can always double this for more people)
Ingredients:
1 large top sirloin steak (or two smaller ones, depending on how much steak you want to eat)
McCormick Montreal Steak seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
4 plum or roma tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Salt and fresh ground pepper
4 slices of french bread
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 jar (6.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
How To:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare the artichoke crostini topping. Finely chop artichokes and combine with parmesan, 1 tbsp oil, and parsley. Chill in fridge until ready to top the bread. Halve the tomatoes lengthwise. Place in rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle on thyme and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 90 minutes. When there is 15 minutes left, brush bread slices with remaining 1 tbsp oil and top with artichoke filling. Place on baking sheet and put into oven for the last 12 minutes of the tomato cooking time. Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Season both sides of the steak with the steak seasoning. Cook in hot oil for 4-5 minutes on each side, longer if the steak is thick. When the steak has turned light pink on the inside, place on heat-resistant cutting board (wood is good to use) and slice the steak into long strips. Serve all together.
*I made a few variations. I topped the crostini with mozzerella, since we had it in the house. I also used oregano instead of thyme on the tomatoes- I guess you can use whatever spice you like with them. Pictures are courtesy of marthastewart.com.
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