today's useless information

• As excited I am for this election to be over (I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it doesn't drag on for days and days), I'm really going to miss purposely trying to rile people up with my responses to their political posts on Facebook.
• Speaking of the election, I am glued to the tv watching the results and it's giving me major panic attacks.  I don't want to miss anything by going to the kitchen and making something to eat so I ordered pizza.  If only I could add a couple of Xanax on to my order, life would be good.
• I recently signed up for Couchsurfing and I'm super excited about it.  I love the idea of having people come to stay from all over.  I am operating under the assumption that a.) someone actually wants to come here and b.) they won't be psychotic and kill me.
• I have stopped doing my hair.  I've discovered that because I have awesomely fabulous hair, if I use special shampoo and let it air dry, it goes all curly.  Fortunately, it's more like this:

 than this:

• My car still has not been found.  Or at least I have not heard anything from the police.  For all I know, they found it a week ago and just never called me.
• I keep meaning to post this link but haven't yet.  In honor of election night, here ya go . . .  Which Romney Son is Creepiest? 

And now it's October!!!

My cousin lovingly and kindly brought to my attention that it's been a while since I updated. Wendy, your wish is my command. Here's what's been happening:

• I ended up applying for and getting the management job. I told them I would commit to two years. It's good so far-the hours are definitely better. Being on salary is also great. I have a feeling, though, that being the only single and childless member of management is going to mean a lot of travel for me. I went to Laramie last week and I have to go to Casper next week. I volunteered for the Laramie trip and was informed that I was going on the Casper trip. I can't be too bitter, though, since it's for Special Olympics and I love Special O.
  
• My roommate moved out, which really, really sucks, but it's good for her, so I guess I have to be happy. :(
• My parents are coming up to visit this weekend and since I now have a free second bedroom, they're staying with me instead of at a motel. I was going to go buy a cheap bed from the Penny Pincher, but my mom informed me that she didn't want to sleep on a used bed, so I bought a new bed yesterday. Fortunately my parents paid for most of it. I currently have a full size bed and the new one is a queen, so it's totally going in my room and the full is going in the spare bedroom. This whole thing means that I have a place for people to sleep when they come and stay! This means people need to come visit me!
  
• This has all made me feel very grown up. At 30 I finally have a career-type job, my own place without a roommate and actual furniture. Yay me!!!
• Last weekend was my roommate's last weekend in town, and because she requested it, I went with her and other friends to the bar. A guy asked me if I wanted to go next door (to the hotel) and have a good time. I politely declined. Maybe next time.
  
• Did I mention that you should come visit me? Seriously. No excuses.
  

I am currently enjoying . . .

• The Seventeen Magazine Project
• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
• The FURminator (Seriously-if you have a pet, you need this.)
• Being outside (Yes, Traci, my deck does count as the great outdoors!!!)
• Tootsie Rolls
• Hoppipolla by Sigur Rós
• Masterpiece Classic's adaptation of Little Dorrit
• the countdown for the season finale of Glee tonight
  

Georgia Day 2

Yesterday we all went to get our nails did and . . . AND . . . I got my very first pedicure! I know, you would think that with my obsession with all things beauty related, this would have happened a long time ago. I now plan on making this a regular occurrence. Well, as regular as my budget will allow.

Later we did the wedding rehearsal and I'm happy to report that my whole lighting the memory candle thing is not quite as scary as I had thought, and fortunately, there will be someone there to supervise all flame-related activities, so if I do manage to burn down the church, it won't be solely my fault. After the rehearsal, we went to the rehearsal dinner out at Jon's (Erin's fiance) property. They had it catered by The Varsity and it was delicious. I've gone off of my vegan healthy lifestyle for the weekend because really, I don't think it's possible to be vegan in the south. Or at least it isn't if you're just visiting and aren't cooking for yourself. Anyway, at the rehearsal dinner I had chili dogs and onion rings. Best chili dogs and onion rings ever. During the dinner I hung out with my cousin, Jenny, who I don't think I had ever really talked to much before. Erin and Lindsay are more my age, so I've always hung out with them. It was nice to visit with Jenny and get to know her a little bit better.

After the dinner I went with Erin, Lindsay and several of her friends to a hotel bar for drinks, then we went back to the hotel room and hung out for a little while. It's been nice getting to know some of Erin's friends. I always see their names on email forwards and their pictures on Facebook, so I was excited to get to actually meet them.

Being here has actually made me think about moving down here. I have this itch to do something and move somewhere when I'm done with school in August. I think the only thing stopping me would be having to find new products for the whole hair/humidity issue. Well, that and finding a job and a place to live, I guess. We'll see what happens. I do really like it down here. Maybe I'll do it for like a year and just see how things go.

Georgia Day 1

My dad and I flew to Georgia this morning for my cousin Erin's wedding. When we arrived at the airport and tried to check in, I learned that since my last flight, I have somehow managed to earn a spot on the no-fly list. Yeah. We had to go to a special line to check in and I had to go through a rigorous process of verifying my identity (meaning that I had to verify my date of birth). The lady at the counter told me the next time I book a flight I should use my middle initial. Unfortunately, I have no middle name. Maybe all common and generic names are put on the list or something, I don't know. At dinner we all decided that I should go ahead and give myself a middle name, and that it should be Hussein, because what are they gonna do-put me on the no-fly list? Oh that's right, they already did.

Anyway, we finally made it to Georgia and met up with my aunt, uncle, and cousins for some good ole southern BBQ. It was great to see everyone and it's great to be down here. The last time I was in Georgia was like 1992. My hair apparently has missed the humidity since the moment I stepped off the plane (not even out of the airport, mind you), it immediately started to frizz. I think it and my skin have just been soaking up every bit of moisture they can. Ahh, the joys of living in the desert!

I also decided that since my mom is from North Carolina, I am only half Yankee, and therefore I have the right to freely use the word y'all, and to discuss, with righteous indignation, the war of northern aggression. It is my birth right.

today's highlights

1. I finally got my dress for my cousin's wedding. Also got a little black shrug to wear with it and black heels. I'm not entirely sure about the shoes, but at this point I've already started breaking them in and I just can't be bothered to find shoes that will not only match a little bit better, but that also come in my size and are actually at the store and don't have to be ordered. (I have big feet-size 11. Oprah wears 11 too. And so does Paris Hilton, but she doesn't get to be in my big foot club because well, she's Paris Hilton.)



2. I watched yesterday's episode of Kell on Earth and loved that Kelly and Andrew crashed Tandrew's blind date. If you aren't watching this show, you need to be. Not getting Bravo is no excuse-they put the episodes online.

3. While I was in Vegas over the weekend (don't you love how I just threw that in there, nonchalantly, like I'm this world traveler and have this fabulous life!), I stopped at Trader Joe's because they have a great vegan selection. One of the things I got was a Vegetable Panang Curry (third item down), which I ate today. It was so good. So good. BTW, Trader Joe's needs to be opening up a store somewhere along the Wasatch Front ASAP. If you can open stores in Wisconsin and Minnesota, surely you can branch out into Utah.

4. This actually occurred last night, but I'm still riding the high from it . . . Gossip Girl is finally back after an exceedingly long hiatus!!! And if Gossip Girl's back, that means Daily Intel's Gossip Girl Recap is also back!!!

5. Even more sassiness!!!!

November 11, 2009 (and updates)

Outside my window . . . it's dark. And still too warm for this time of year. Supposedly a cold front is arriving tomorrow. We shall see. We shall see.

I am thinking . . . I'm feeling much better. I've had the flu (not swine, just regular) for the last few days. I actually managed to drag myself out of bed and shower today for the first time since Sunday. Gross, I know, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I think when I'm sick I develop a sudden allergy to water. I'm pretty sure it makes me even more sick to be clean and to be in clean clothes. I'm sure this can somehow be scientifically proven.

I am thankful for . . . sick dreams. Not sick in a bad way. When I'm sickly, my dreams are more vivid and interesting.

From the kitchen . . . I ate rice and scrambled eggs today! Whoohoo! And they stayed down-double whoohoo!

I am wearing . . . pajamas, but here's the kicker-they're clean pajamas!

I am going . . . to go to bed shortly.

I am reading . . . I'm rereading "Eat, Pray, Love." The Italy section has been making me think of all sorts of delicious things I want to make.

I am hoping . . . that because I've already had the flu, I won't get it again this year, meaning I will have immunity from the swine flu.

I am hearing . . . Theme from "The Mission" by Ennio Morricone. I don't listen to much classical-ish music but I absolutely love this song. From about 50 seconds in, until 1:50ish, it sounds like heaven. I believe this song is on my current playlist on the side bar if you want to check it out. Ooh! The song just switched to Yanni's "Aria" which I also think sounds like heaven.

Around the house . . . I have a sudden, overwhelming urge to change my sheets. I'm just thinking of all the sick germs on them, as well as the greasy hair nastiness on my pillow case from the last few days.

One of my favorite things . . . Glee!!! Did anyone watch tonight? I love Sue Sylvester and the scene with her sister made me get a little misty. Oh, and Quinn needs to stop being such a biotch to Finn, especially since he's not the baby daddy.

A picture . . . Me and the neti pot. I blogged about this. You can read about it here.



UPDATES:

• Unfortunately, I was forced to clean out the garage like I feared in my last blog post.
  
• I see the ob/gyn surgeon dude tomorrow. Hopefully all will go well and I will have something to report.
• Not an update, but an aside: Did anyone see Carrie Prejean on The View this week? If not, could someone (Traci) please go watch the clip on YouTube so that we can discuss her hostility and stupidity. Thanks!
  

November 7, 2009

Outside my window . . . Wow, Friday was gorgeous! Perfect weather. I think it's supposed to be a little cooler today, but still pretty nice.

I am thinking . . . it would be really awesome if I could go ahead and go back to sleep now. It's about 5 a.m.

I am thankful for . . . great new co-workers. Well, great for the most part! I was worried that work wouldn't be as much fun with all these new people, but everyone seems really cool so far-again, for the most part-there are definite exceptions! Fortunately I make the schedule!

From the kitchen . . . I still haven't done anything with the apples. I have a rotisserie chicken carcass in the freezer, so maybe I'll make some soup today. I love the extra little bit of flavor you get when you make broth with rotisserie chicken.

I am wearing . . . pajamas.

I am going . . . to go back to bed in a few minutes.

I am reading . . . I've been struggling lately to find novels that hold my attention. Any suggestions? I have plenty of non-fiction that I'm working on, but sometimes you just need a good fiction book to snuggle up with.

I am hoping . . . that I can somehow avoid cleaning out the garage today. I can foresee my dad going on one of his little cleaning rampages again today.

I am hearing . . . the wind rustling through the trees.

Around the house . . . I'm still working on decluttering. I need to stop making excuses about why I need to keep every little thing. "I might need it some day" is not a valid excuse when it's been sitting around for several years already and it hasn't been needed. I'm paranoid that as soon as I get rid of something, I'm going to need it. I have a feeling that I'm going to end up being a hoarder. Maybe someday you'll see me on that A&E show!

One of my favorite things . . . sunflower seeds in the shell. I love the saltiness.

A picture . . . Proof that I am capable of camping and fishing, even though I prefer not to. And look at Mark in this picture! He was so little!

November 4, 2009

Outside my window . . . there's not a cloud in the sky. I guess this could be a good thing, but I'm missing Fall. It feels too warm for this time of year.

I am thinking . . . I hate watching tv live. DVR and fast forwarding through commercials has spoiled me.

I am thankful for . . . reality shows that let me participate in the drama without actually having it in my life.

From the kitchen . . . I haven't made much lately since I've been feeling crappy. We have a ton of apples I need to do something with, though. Any ideas? I'm not a huge fan of apple pie, so I need some good recipes other than that.

I am wearing . . . my Mia Michaels pants.

I am going . . . to eventually be productive today. Hopefully.

I am reading . . . I just finished "The Last Girls." I forget who it's by. It was pretty good. Three out of five stars.

I am hoping . . . that I can survive another week until "Glee" is back on.

I am hearing . . . the sound of the t.v. I'm watching "Little House" and it's one of the episodes with Jason Bateman.

Around the house . . . I'm trying to declutter. I'm going through my books and trying to get rid of the ones I've already read. It's so hard to part with them, though!

One of my favorite things . . . snuggly dogs.

A picture . . . I don't remember where I got this from, but I thought it was hilarious. That kid is awesome.

October 6, 2009

Outside my window . . . there's not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking . . . I had a freakin' awesome hair day yesterday and I'm hoping it repeats itself today.

I am thankful for . . . parents who will still spend several hundred dollars on back to school clothes for me even though I am 28.

From the kitchen . . . I made my root vegetable stew over the weekend and it was delicious. It was actually more than just root vegetables because once I started throwing stuff in there, I just couldn't stop. It had sweet potatoes, potatoes, turnips, celery root, carrots, parsnips, barley, garbanzo beans, hominy, lentils, onions, garlic, diced stewed tomatoes, V8 juice and Italian sausage in it. I was originally going to make it vegetarian, but it just seemed off with no meat in it.

I am wearing . . . PJ's still. I love late mornings.

I am going . . . to go to lunch with Grandma in a little bit. Ooh, and I'm also going to Wyoming on Thursday! Whoohoo! I think the high temperature the entire time I'm there is supposed to be like 42 degrees.

I am reading . . . almost done with "Crossing to Avalon." I should be getting the other book I ordered in the mail either today or tomorrow.

I am hoping . . . people actually show up to be trained today. Yesterday only one person showed up, and I couldn't do a whole lot with that.

I am hearing . . . "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega.

Around the house . . . I really need to clean my room and get rid of a bunch of stuff. I'm feeling stiffled by the clutter.

One of my favorite things . . . good cheese.

A picture . . . apparently someone stole my neck right before this picture was taken.

September 26

Outside my window . . . it's a little cooler in the evenings now. I think we're supposed to get a storm next week, so I'm looking forward to some nice cold weather.

I am thinking . . . Sissy Spacek freaks me out. I just watched the end of Carrie and I swear her big eyed, jerky stare thing at the end is far more scary than any special effects could be.

I am thankful for . . . naps and how they can magically cure a bad mood.

From the kitchen . . . I made cake mix cookies this afternoon. They are soooo much easier and faster than real cookies.

I am wearing . . . shorts and a t-shirt.

I am going . . . to finish a book if it kills me.

I am reading . . . I've given up on "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" again. Yes, again. I'll probably pick it up again too, but it's just not holding my interest like I want it to. Now I'm reading "Crossing to Avalon" by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. I got it used on Amazon for a penny. Of course then you have to pay to ship it, but whatever.

I am hoping . . . that I can sleep in tomorrow morning. The dogs have learned that if my parents don't get up and go to work, then they're probably going to get a walk, so all I heard this morning was the click, click, click of toenails, racing up and down the hallway. Beyond irritating.

I am hearing . . . "Lay Back Down" by Eric Lindell.

Around the house . . . I was forced to participate in cleaning out the garage. Every couple of months my dad freaks out about all the crap in the garage and makes us clean it out so that theoretically, if he wanted to, he could park his car in there. Not that he ever does, but just in case he wants to, that space is now available.

One of my favorite things . . . turnips. This is a new favorite thing. I had never eaten a turnip until this week and now I love them.

A picture . . . Those cute penguins I made last year. I am still quite proud of myself.

September 22

Outside my window . . . it is blessedly cool. I love Autumn.

I am thinking . . . I want some new shoes.

I am thankful for . . . visiting teachers.

From the kitchen . . . I made veggie spaghetti and scallops again tonight. I added squash to the spaghetti this time. So good.

I am wearing . . . I wore a cardigan today. Whoohoo!

I am going . . . to make sure to watch Oprah tomorrow because Mackenzie Phillips is going to be on and it sounds like it's going to be super scandalicious.

I am reading . . . I'm back to "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." It was irritating me that I let it get the best of me. BTW, I just read that they're coming out with, or have already come out with, "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters."

I am hoping . . . that I find the motivation to write my essay that's due tomorrow.

I am hearing . . . "Shoop" by Salt-n-Pepa. That's right, kickin' it old school!

Around the house . . . I've been burning a Pine and Citrus (or something like that) Hobble Creek candle.

One of my favorite things . . . anything mint chocolate flavored.

A picture . . . Mmmm. Squeaky cheese.

September 20

Outside my window . . . there is a moth trying to get in.

I am thinking . . . that Neil Patrick Harris is doing an awesome job.

I am thankful for . . . adorable nieces.

From the kitchen . . . I just made some Crystal Light. Does that count for anything? I did combine one Raspberry Ice with one Pink Lemonade for a little something special.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm about to put on some nightie night clothes.

I am going . . . to go to bed soon, but I took a major nap today, so I probably won't be falling asleep any time soon.

I am reading . . . still working on "Rituals of the Season."

I am hoping . . . that the Emmy's end soon. I'm always afraid I'll miss something if I don't watch. As if anything exciting won't be replayed and discussed ad nauseum over the next week.

I am hearing . . . Glenn Close give an acceptance speech. I was fast forwarding, but then I caught up, which is always a sad moment.

Around the house . . . a massive amount of dog hair has just been vacuumed up. It's amazing how much these dogs shed.

One of my favorite things . . . Australian accents.

A picture . . . I was an exceedingly attractive child whose mother dressed me in exceedingly attractive clothing.

September 19

Outside my window . . . it's a whole lot cooler than it is inside. The air really needs to be kicking on pretty quick here. (Speaking of which, Melissa, if you read this, you should be aware that when you called and asked me what the weather was like up here and I told you it's cold, I had been watching a t.v. show online in which it was like the worst winter ever and all of the nuclear bombs had knocked out the electricity and people were freezing to death, and so that's what I was thinking about when in reality, it was probably like 90 degrees that day. Sorry about that. I was really, really into my show!)

I am thinking . . . that I shouldn't be happy about my niece falling and bonking her head. It's just that it made her all snuggly and lovey for like an hour, so . . . yeah. She fell over and I reaped the benefits.

I am thankful for . . . adorable nieces.

From the kitchen . . . the girls and I made chocolate chip cookies tonight.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a t-shirt, but I'm about to put on some nightie night clothes.

I am going . . . to go to bed soon. I'm tired.

I am reading . . . I'm rereading "Rituals of the Season" by Margaret Maron, who is one of my favorite authors. I love her Deborah Knott series, especially since it takes place in North Carolina, which I adore.

I am hoping . . . that the house cools off. I feel like I'm having hot flashes or something.

I am hearing . . . I'm listening to the "Rent" soundtrack again. I can't get enough of it.

Around the house . . . we finally finished putting together the trundle bed, which the girls refer to as the magic bed.

One of my favorite things . . . my bed. There's nothing better than getting into bed at night and laying there for a second, just absorbing the comfyness.

A picture . . . I know I've put this picture on here before, but I love it. It makes me laugh every time I see it. The look on my face perfectly summarizes my feelings about not only day camp, but also about camping and being in the dirt in general. Anyone who went to Girl's Camp with me can attest to this.

September 17

Outside my window . . . it's dark and a little windy. I love the sound of the wind in the trees.

I am thinking . . . the nieces will be here tomorrow! The nieces will be here tomorrow!

I am thankful for . . . movie night with Ashlee! I love that we sit and talk for probably more time than we actually take to watch the movie.

From the kitchen . . . I made spaghetti and Simple Ceasar Salad from The Pioneer Woman's website. The salad wasn't as great as I would have hoped. I think it has potential though. I'll have to tweak some things. My sister-in-law makes awesome Ceasar Salad, so maybe the problem was just that I was comparing it to hers.

I am wearing . . . cords and a tee, but I would really like to be wearing jammies.

I am going . . . to be really pissed if the CBS website doesn't post the second season of Jericho without the audio commentary. I just discovered this show (it only has like a season and a half) and I watched the entire first season in the last two days. When I went to watch the second season, I discovered that all the episodes have the audio commentary. And it isn't a normal commentary where you can still hear the show, just not as loud; with this one you get absolutely no sound while the commentary is going on. So I've just invested all this time in this awesome show, but now I can't finish it because I'm only getting half of the story. I'm a little bit upset about this.

I am reading . . . I just finished rereading "Remember Me?" by Sophie Kinsella. I love Sophie Kinsella books. She wrote the Shopaholic series. I think she and Marian Keyes are probably my favorite chick lit writers. Ooh, and Jennifer Weiner too.

I am hoping . . . that I am able to get everything done tomorrow that I need to get done so that I can spend the entire weekend harassing/manipulating my nieces into snuggling with me. Speaking of which (the snuggling, not the harassing), aren't sleepy children the best!?! Not when they're ornery tired, but when they're snuggly sleepy and they just put their head on your shoulder and lay there.

I am hearing . . . nothing. Wow, that's kinda weird. Very rarely am I on the computer without iTunes going.

Around the house . . . the bed is still not put together.

One of my favorite things . . . The Office. The rumor Michael spread about Kevin was great. I'm still chuckling.

A picture . . . Halloween 1983.

September 15

Outside my window . . . is a lovely sunset.

I am thinking . . . it's a good thing I'm not going to be seeing anyone this evening because I just ate a ton of garlic. My tongue is actually burning.

I am thankful for . . . the fact that Gossip Girl didn't disappoint me yesterday.

From the kitchen . . . I made soup again. Recipe to follow.

I am wearing . . . back to the jeans and t-shirt. I also just noticed that my jeans have stains on them that obviously did not come out when I washed them. I hate it when you don't notice the stain is still there and then you stick whatever it is in the dryer and set it in even worse than before. Grrrrr. And of course the stain is right on the front of my thigh, so it's completely obvious.

I am going . . . to be needing some kind of treat pretty quick here.

I am reading . . . I finished "Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguez today. I read it obsessively all day today. It was really good and it made me want to go work with women in Afghanistan. I would definitely recommend it.

I am hoping . . . that my dad brings something yummy home from the grocery store. He has been sent to go get treats to send to Mark and I made it very clear that he needed to bring something home for me as well.

I am hearing . . . "Fire on the Mountain" by Rob Thomas.

Around the house . . . Have I mentioned that I love the new dryer?

One of my favorite things . . . soup on a rainy(ish) day.

A picture . . . me and Ashlee, my Hallmark Hall of Fame partner in crime.

September 14, the Gossip Girl Edition

Outside my window . . . it is nice and cool. I love thunderstormy evenings.

I am thinking . . . only 14 minutes until Gossip Girl!

I am thankful for . . . Gossip Girl and more specifically, Chuck B(ad)ass.

From the kitchen . . . my dad made fresh salsa yesterday, so that's what I had for dinner tonight. Delicious.

I am wearing . . . check this out, it's not jeans! Brown cords and a green v-neck hoodie thing.

I am going . . . to hyperventilate if Gossip Girl doesn't start soon.

I am reading . . . "Kabul Beauty School" but I don't remember who it's by and it's in the other room and I don't feel the need to go check.

I am hoping . . . that Gossip Girl is everything I am hoping for and more. Oh, how I've missed C, N, S and B. (But not so much D as he is semi irritating.)

I am hearing . . . the dog barking.

Around the house . . . I just emptied the dishwasher. That's about it.

One of my favorite things . . . Chuck Bass. That was yesterday's favorite thing. I really should come up with another one, but what the heck, let's go crazy. It is Gossip Girl Premier Night, after all!

A picture . . . yup, you guessed it . . . Chuck Bass!!!

September 13

Outside my window . . . I'm hearing thunder. Hopefully we'll get a good Fall storm. I love it when it rains.

I am thinking . . . I have to remember to turn in my add/drop card tomorrow seeing as how it's the last day to do so.

I am thankful for . . . GOSSIP GIRL SEASON PREMIER TOMORROW!!!

From the kitchen . . . I made soup again for dinner. We're a soup family. We could live on the stuff. I made a spinach and kale soup that was delicious. Recipe to follow.

I am wearing . . . nightie-night clothes.

I am going . . . to go to bed early tonight. I am determined.

I am reading . . . I think I've officially given up on "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." I'll have to start something new tonight.

I am hoping . . . that my new co-worker is cool. I have my first lab meeting of the semester tomorrow. All of my previous co-workers have abandoned me (mostly by graduating), so I'm going to have to train some people.

I am hearing . . . the "Rent" soundtrack. This is definitely my favorite musical of all time. I saw it when I was 16 or 17 and have been obsessed with it ever since.

Around the house . . . the Ikea bed is like half finished. We've lost a little steam.

One of my favorite things . . . Chuck Bass.

A picture . . . two of my favorite people. And that nasty Vanessa girl.

September 12

Outside my window . . . it looks kinda bare. We only had one tree taken out of the back yard, but it left a huge gap.

I am thinking . . . that I'm stuffed and I really want to watch a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie tonight.

I am thankful for . . . Diet Coke.

From the kitchen . . . tonight for dinner I made a delicious pasta (spaghetti, fresh basil, grape tomatoes, zucchini and garlic, tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar) and pan-seared scallops.

I am wearing . . . paint splattered sweats and a t-shirt.

I am going . . . to go get some cinnamon bears after I'm done with this. Dinner isn't complete without some kind of treat.

I am reading . . . "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" still and I also still can't decide whether or not I like it. I'm leaning towards no. I don't know if I'll finish it.

I am hoping . . . that the headache I feel coming on doesn't turn into a migraine.

I am hearing . . . "Oh Darling" by The Beatles.

Around the house . . . we finished painting the bedroom, now we just need to put together the bed and go buy some bedding and curtains.

One of my favorite things . . . cooking. I've been doing a lot more of it lately than usual and I am loving every minute of it.

A picture . . . My parents. I think it's right after they got married, just before they left for their honeymoon.

September 11

Outside my window . . . is the sound of a chainsaw. We've got a guy cutting down a sick tree in our backyard.

I am thinking . . . I should really attempt to be productive. Hahaha! That'll happen!

I am thankful for . . . America. And candy corn.

From the kitchen . . . holy shiz, my soup from yesterday was amazing. You must make this. It's a definite keeper.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a t-shirt. I should probably just take this question out, since this is all I ever really wear.

I am going . . . nowhere. Not metaphorically in life or anything; I'm just staying home this evening.

I am reading . . . "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" still. I can't decide whether or not I like it.

I am hoping . . . that it will cool off soon.

I am hearing . . . "Praan" by Garry Schyman.

Around the house . . . I'm really enjoying the new washing machine. I just want to wash everything, even if it's already clean.

One of my favorite things . . . good music.

A picture . . . Me and a monkey, Gibraltar, 1987. Unfortunately he couldn't come home with us.