Meimei has turned into The Beast again. Don't know what's going on, could be molars, could be growing pains or acid reflux, but she's been a complete basket case for 3 days. Wild screaming fits. Mood swings. Willful misbehaving. She's an imp, but she's usually not malicious about it. She purposefully dumped a cup of water on the table today and then pretended to drink out of the empty cup when I called her on it. Grrr.
I believe that my foot problems have developed into Plantar Fasciitis. Which is to say, my feet really hurt if I'm not wearing very expensive shoes. Many of my sandals either got worn to death last summer or are causing blisters, so I'm on the hunt for a new pair. I found a fabulous pair of Ettienne's that are a bit dressier in black, but I need a brown pair. I bought a pair of Borns, but I'm actually pretty unhappy with them. I might have to go buy the expensive pair. When I get paid again, I guess.
In the end, it's all another symptom of TFF. Too Fucking Fat. I'm up over 200 again because of our recent spate of fast food dinners. Ick. Nothing fits and my body can't take this.
I'm fighting off another viscious round of athlete's foot as well. I think I'm on the tail end of it now that I know specifically how to cure it when it gets that bad. And as an added bonus, my heels have been well-buffed and moisturized and my toenails are painted.
Product Plug: If you are looking for an awesome quick nail polish, try Sally Hansen's Insta Dry. It honestly goes on with one swipe, one coat, and dries in 60 seconds as promised. It will start wearing off in just a day or two at the tips of your nails, so it's not particularly long lasting, but if you're on your way somewhere and looking for a quick fix, this is the one. Not that I've ever polished in the car on the way to say, a wedding or anything.
Pants and I are looking into the purchase of a new water softener. We have a tiny bit of extra money from the garage sale/regular monthly budget, which could nearly pay off another credit card. However, our water softener doesn't work any longer so all of our dishes are covered in mineral deposits. You hate to invite anyone over when it looks like the glasses are covered in soap. So we're starting to feel that the water softener is a "must do now" project, but we don't want to skimp, either. We want to make a smart purchase, not just the cheapest purchase. In that vein, Pants also wants to replace the water heater with a tankless unit and move the water softener to where the water heater was. This turns a $600 project into a $2000 project, but I can't say he's wrong. It gives us more room in the laundry/utility room and makes the sink in there actually functional (currently the water softener is kind of in front of it, making it difficult to access). Plus, it's energy efficient, thus saving us money on our gas bill and getting us a credit on this year's taxes. But it means putting the purchases mainly on a credit card (which is running a deal for no interest for 12 months on appliances) and having another bill to pay.
But I'm really tired of our dishes looking gross and weird.
Oh. And we are now a nukkie-free household. Cold turkey.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
In the News
So, Minnesota still is a one Senator state. As opposed to a Senate race, Norm Coleman has decided to drag Minnesotans slowly, painfully, through an entire marathon. On our faces. Over a dirt road. Thanks Norm.
And at last count before the appeal was filed, Al Franken was ahead by 315 votes.
Governor Tim Pawlenty took the state budget and made some line item cuts to programs to keep the state on budget. He technically has the right, but it smacks of campaigning for 2012. Poorly. It seems quite early to start, especially with something so risky and which could backfire in a huge way. So, good luck with that Republican bid for president in 2012, Gov. Pawlenty. And best of luck in 2010 when the state and the country decide if you did something difficult but wise, or somthing that was clearly a transparent bid for a nomination that was too early and too cruel.
In other MN news, a mother has absconded with her 13-year old son, who suffers from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, because the state was going to force him to receive chemo and radiation. The family believes in "alternative" medicines, like vitamins, to cure cancer. She's on her way to Mexico with him to avoid chemo. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. This is sad. Doctors say this cancer is 90% curable with chemo and radiation.
But. This family, with two adult parents and a child who would be old enough for the court to ask who he wanted to live with if his parents were divorcing, can certainly make their own decisions. I'm actually a little embarrassed that the government is interfering (yeah, I'm still a democrat). I think this family should be able to decide to let their son die if they want to. Is it completely idiotic and tragic? Yes. But idiocy is not illegal in this country. I think it's wrong for the government to be involved.
And at last count before the appeal was filed, Al Franken was ahead by 315 votes.
Governor Tim Pawlenty took the state budget and made some line item cuts to programs to keep the state on budget. He technically has the right, but it smacks of campaigning for 2012. Poorly. It seems quite early to start, especially with something so risky and which could backfire in a huge way. So, good luck with that Republican bid for president in 2012, Gov. Pawlenty. And best of luck in 2010 when the state and the country decide if you did something difficult but wise, or somthing that was clearly a transparent bid for a nomination that was too early and too cruel.
In other MN news, a mother has absconded with her 13-year old son, who suffers from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, because the state was going to force him to receive chemo and radiation. The family believes in "alternative" medicines, like vitamins, to cure cancer. She's on her way to Mexico with him to avoid chemo. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. This is sad. Doctors say this cancer is 90% curable with chemo and radiation.
But. This family, with two adult parents and a child who would be old enough for the court to ask who he wanted to live with if his parents were divorcing, can certainly make their own decisions. I'm actually a little embarrassed that the government is interfering (yeah, I'm still a democrat). I think this family should be able to decide to let their son die if they want to. Is it completely idiotic and tragic? Yes. But idiocy is not illegal in this country. I think it's wrong for the government to be involved.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Random Thoughts
I burnt the crap out of my face today. I was so windy and cold, I never thought to put on sunscreen.
On the bright side, we completed the garage sale today and I hear we might have made over $300. And I got rid of all that crap. And we may be having another one in the fall at MIL's house.
We sent the nukkies to the nukkie fairy tonight. I ran to Target at 9:30 to pick up gifts from the fairy, but at least Meimei was asleep by the time I got back. The nukkie fairy very nearly went overboard with a pony barn and a keyboard, but found she might be overcompensating and got them each a plastic monkey cup and plate instead. She even put back the new purses in the checkout lane.
In other gifting news, Kitten's birthday is today and we got her a scooter. However, since she's totally "Careful Carol", she basically pushes it like she's walking, she doesn't really ride on it. Four years today. I'll always remember her birth as the one that didn't make me want to chew off my own limbs.
I finished the vamp crack, including the new book, and now I'm not sure how I'm going to wait for the next one. I felt like the last two didn't really tie together very well, but maybe they don't have to. They're far enough into the story that the books can be a little bit more random and the fans will still read and enjoy.
And now I'm on the waiting list for the Book Crack selection.
On the bright side, we completed the garage sale today and I hear we might have made over $300. And I got rid of all that crap. And we may be having another one in the fall at MIL's house.
We sent the nukkies to the nukkie fairy tonight. I ran to Target at 9:30 to pick up gifts from the fairy, but at least Meimei was asleep by the time I got back. The nukkie fairy very nearly went overboard with a pony barn and a keyboard, but found she might be overcompensating and got them each a plastic monkey cup and plate instead. She even put back the new purses in the checkout lane.
In other gifting news, Kitten's birthday is today and we got her a scooter. However, since she's totally "Careful Carol", she basically pushes it like she's walking, she doesn't really ride on it. Four years today. I'll always remember her birth as the one that didn't make me want to chew off my own limbs.
I finished the vamp crack, including the new book, and now I'm not sure how I'm going to wait for the next one. I felt like the last two didn't really tie together very well, but maybe they don't have to. They're far enough into the story that the books can be a little bit more random and the fans will still read and enjoy.
And now I'm on the waiting list for the Book Crack selection.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Book Selection Voting - Descriptions
Ning didn't have a polling option, so I'm using my blog to run a poll for the book selections. Use the comments to suggest others. This is a way to see in which genres everyone's interests lie, as well, please vote on all. Scroll to the bottom for the polls.
The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson Nonfiction
The 1893 Chicago World's Fair is the setting for this true story contrasting Daniel H. Burnahm, the designer and builder assigned the mammoth task of constructing all the structures for the fair and Herman Webster Mudgett, a serial killer who traps and kills women in his hotel located only blocks from the fair site. A well-researched and gripping tale.
2003
Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl - Barry Lyga Teen Fiction
A fifteen-year-old "geek" who keeps a list of the high school jocks and others who torment him, and pours his energy into creating a great graphic novel, encounters Kyra, Goth Girl, who helps change his outlook on almost everything, including himself.
2007
The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - Oscar Diaz Fiction
Oscar, an overweight ghetto nerd in New Jersey dreams of becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien and of finding love. But he may never get what he wants because of an ancient curse that has haunted Oscar's family for generations. Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize.
Waterland - Graham Swift Fiction
History teacher Tom Crick, on the verge of a forced retirement, regales his students with a tale of love and murder in England’s Fen country, from Victorian times to the present.
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie Fiction
Saleem Sinai, who was born at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 15, 1947 (the moment of India's independence from Britain), finds his life, like the lives of the 1,001 other children born at the same time, bound up with India's fate as an independent nation. In 1993, Midnight’s Children was awarded the Booker of Bookers prize as the best novel to be awarded the Booker Prize in its first 25 years.
Galatea 2.2 - Richard Powers Fiction
An English professor uses his literary knowledge to help a cognitive neurologist create a thinking machine that can pass a comprehensive master's exam for an advanced degree in English; in the process, he discovers that Helen has developed a mind of her own.
The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl Fiction
Someone is killing prominent Bostonians in 1865 according to punishments meted out in Dante's Inferno. Members of the Dante Club speed up their translation of The Divine Comedy to try and stop the murders.
Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry - Elizabeth McCracken Fiction, Short Stories
An American Library Association Notable Book, this collection of marvelously inventive short stories introduces many quirky characters and weird situations, all described in a down-to-earth voice and endearing language.
The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson Nonfiction
The 1893 Chicago World's Fair is the setting for this true story contrasting Daniel H. Burnahm, the designer and builder assigned the mammoth task of constructing all the structures for the fair and Herman Webster Mudgett, a serial killer who traps and kills women in his hotel located only blocks from the fair site. A well-researched and gripping tale.
2003
Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl - Barry Lyga Teen Fiction
A fifteen-year-old "geek" who keeps a list of the high school jocks and others who torment him, and pours his energy into creating a great graphic novel, encounters Kyra, Goth Girl, who helps change his outlook on almost everything, including himself.
2007
The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - Oscar Diaz Fiction
Oscar, an overweight ghetto nerd in New Jersey dreams of becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien and of finding love. But he may never get what he wants because of an ancient curse that has haunted Oscar's family for generations. Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize.
Waterland - Graham Swift Fiction
History teacher Tom Crick, on the verge of a forced retirement, regales his students with a tale of love and murder in England’s Fen country, from Victorian times to the present.
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie Fiction
Saleem Sinai, who was born at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 15, 1947 (the moment of India's independence from Britain), finds his life, like the lives of the 1,001 other children born at the same time, bound up with India's fate as an independent nation. In 1993, Midnight’s Children was awarded the Booker of Bookers prize as the best novel to be awarded the Booker Prize in its first 25 years.
Galatea 2.2 - Richard Powers Fiction
An English professor uses his literary knowledge to help a cognitive neurologist create a thinking machine that can pass a comprehensive master's exam for an advanced degree in English; in the process, he discovers that Helen has developed a mind of her own.
The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl Fiction
Someone is killing prominent Bostonians in 1865 according to punishments meted out in Dante's Inferno. Members of the Dante Club speed up their translation of The Divine Comedy to try and stop the murders.
Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry - Elizabeth McCracken Fiction, Short Stories
An American Library Association Notable Book, this collection of marvelously inventive short stories introduces many quirky characters and weird situations, all described in a down-to-earth voice and endearing language.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Book Crack has begun
Check my links - it's there. I believe Jay may have sent you invitations via email. Thankfully, because my outlook address book still sucks since i switched computers.
Sign up, log in, put in your requests for the first selection. I will announce it May 15 so we can all finish up what we're currently reading or get our requests in the hat.
Sign up, log in, put in your requests for the first selection. I will announce it May 15 so we can all finish up what we're currently reading or get our requests in the hat.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Anyone oinks, they're dead meat
So yeah, I think the kids and I have the flu. I don't know if it's THE flu, but it's definitely some kind of flu. We have fevers, runny noses, fatigue, coughing.
So I don't feel very good and I don't know how long I'll be out of work. I stayed home with the kids today and will tomorrow too if their fevers don't break. Lame. I guess it's not the worst time for me to be out of work, but I might sneak in tonight to get my laptop. Or tomorrow morning.
The kids are mood-swinging between laying on the couch, bouts of playing, and screaming at each other. Good times.
So I don't feel very good and I don't know how long I'll be out of work. I stayed home with the kids today and will tomorrow too if their fevers don't break. Lame. I guess it's not the worst time for me to be out of work, but I might sneak in tonight to get my laptop. Or tomorrow morning.
The kids are mood-swinging between laying on the couch, bouts of playing, and screaming at each other. Good times.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
New Idea?
So, I was trolling the library website this morning (did you know they now have audio downloads???) and I came across book club kits - 8-10 copies of a book and discussion questions. That gave me an idea...
Would anyone be interested in a quarterly book club? We can start a new site, like Recipeeps but with books, and use it to discuss books. Everyone can kind of rustle up their own copy from whatever library you are located with and we'll try not to choose anything too popular so we can ensure it will be available.
Because really, aren't you just dying sometimes to discuss a book with someone?
P.S. - Am currently on book 5 of Kashka's Vamp Crack.
Would anyone be interested in a quarterly book club? We can start a new site, like Recipeeps but with books, and use it to discuss books. Everyone can kind of rustle up their own copy from whatever library you are located with and we'll try not to choose anything too popular so we can ensure it will be available.
Because really, aren't you just dying sometimes to discuss a book with someone?
P.S. - Am currently on book 5 of Kashka's Vamp Crack.
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