Wednesday, December 30, 2009

TV: January Premieres+

Getting ready for the onslaught of TV shows for January as the new year commences. Some of which will inhabit temporary space on the DVR and others will be saved on OnDemand. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Heroes, Monday, January 4, 8PM NBC
The Biggest Loser: Couples, Tuesday, January 5, 8PM NBC
Ugly Betty, Wednesday January 6, 10PM ABC
Fringe, Thursday, January 7, 9PM Fox
Ghost Whisperer, Friday, January 8, 8PM, CBS
Medium, Friday, January 8, 9PM, CBS
Dollhouse, Friday, January 8, 9PM Fox
Numb3rs, Friday, January 8, 10PM, CBS
Chuck, Sunday, January 10, 9PM, NBC
House, Monday, January 11, 8PM Fox
Heroes, Monday, January 11, 9PM NBC
American Idol, Tuesday, January 12, 8PM Fox
Bones, Thursday, January 14, 8PM Fox
CSI, Thursday, January 14, 9PM CBS
Human Target, Sunday, January 17, 8PM Fox
Supernatural, Thursday, January 21, 9PM CW
Psych, Wednesday, January 27, 10PM, USA
Lost, Tuesday, February 2, 9PM, ABC
FlashForward, Thursday, March 4, 8PM ABC

Of course I probably neglected some of your shows so take a peek here or here. Happy viewing!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Quotes of 2009


  • It is always during a passing state of mind that we make lasting resolutions.~Marcel Proust JANUARY 2009

  • If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? ~ Anonymous FEBRUARY 2009

  • We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like? - - Jean Cocteau MARCH 2009

  • Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents? ~Peg Bracken APRIL 2009

  • I know how to do anything - I'm a mom. -- Rosanne Barr MAY 2009

  • Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen JUNE 2009

  • We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. ~William Faulkner JULY 2009

  • A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I'm afraid of widths. ~Steven Wright AUGUST 2009

  • Don't knock the weather: nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while. ~ Kin Hubbard SEPTEMBER

  • Double, double toil and trouble;
    Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
    -- William Shakespeare OCTOBER 2009

  • Old is always fifteen years from now. – Bill Cosby NOVEMBER 2009

  • To shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring.
    ~W.J. Vogel DECEMBER 2009

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Men: Daniel Conn

Name: Daniel Conn (Daniel William Conn)
Best Known For: Rugby Player
Year of Birth: 1986
Status: Single?
Height: 6'
Fun Fact: He can cook.

Here's my other rugby player...sort of got my days switched around. Does it really matter? He is definitely a youngin' though at 23. Oh, and there's a lot more to that picture than I'm showing.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Chocolate: Ferrero Garden

I really dislike white chocolate. I even hate putting chocolate after the word white, because it isn't chocolate at all. It's just wrong. BUT I received some chocolates as a gift - my favorite Ferrero Rondnoir in a threesome with the hazelnut and Ferrero Garden.

Ferrero Garden is a white chocolate ball of sweet with coconut and cookie wafer. Because I like coconut, I liked this candy. I still feel like I'm betraying the category though.

Another review and description here.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Books: Barbie and the Beast

I am so thankful to be reading again! My actual last read was Robb's Promises in Death. Mentioned the series before and it has, in fact, been all I have been able to read since summer.

Well, except for now... I just read a book by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom called Barbie and the Beast. Girl falls for boy who is a werewolf. Of course if you've read any of my posts I've demonstrated an affinity for the supernatural. The back of the book was intriguing. The premise is good...conflict for her is that she hears her biological clock ticking and can't seem to find a good boy and conflict for him is that he can't seem to find the right girl except that his issue is being a werewolf.

I liked the banter, but the lack of immediate action and prolific word use was daunting. We didn't get to where they see each other clearly (and not under cover of the moonless night) until about page 90 and the date this happens in doesn't end until page 152. That is a loooong date. The reviews were divided, some liked it and some felt the way I did. Read at your own risk.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

TV: What?

I love vacations. Anyone who has spent any time with me when a vacation is coming or during one can see how my excitement just bubbles over. But there is one thing about them that irks me...TV takes a vacation too.

All of the shows take a break at the same time I take a break. Normally this would be an ideal time to catch up with everything on the DVR, but one sort of gets into a routine of catching up along the way lest the DVR run out of space. So I'm left with a severe lack of shows to watch during vacation. The alternate really isn't appealing...football? Reality TV? Old movies? Ick.

My TV post is a complaint that TV shows shouldn't be on my timetable.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Miscellaneous: Free Range Kids

I came across this article at work, and while I can't share the article here I can share some links that refer to it. So what was it about? It was about how much we protect our children...overprotect. Kids are no longer allowed to do things we used to do as kids because of all the dangers in society today. While I agree that we need to become a little more vigilant, I don't think we are doing our kids any favors if we hover too much.

My kids attend a school that is not only nut free, but fish free. I'm not supposed to send my kids to school with tuna on the off chance that it should make its way into an allergy prone mouth. Don't get me wrong - I completely understand the dangers of allergies. But I've noticed that there is a higher percentage of kids allergic in schools in affluent areas - areas in which parents often have more time and money to protect their kids from every known danger. I think keeping our kids from playing in the dirt because of germ phobia has made our kids unable to handle allergens.

Well anyway, stuff to think about. Here's your links:
America's Worst Mom, Lenore Skenazy
Free Range Kids Blog, Skenazy
Dr. Resa
Jennifer and Dawn of 5 Minutes for Books

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Men: Ben Cohen

Name: Ben Cohen (Ben Christopher Cohen)
Best Known For: Rugby Player
Year of Birth: 1978
Status: Married
Height: 6'2"
Fun Fact: Public knowledge that he isn't circumcised

Okay, this rugby cutie is married and before I looked up his name I knew nothing about him. Funny that I should be posting two rugby men in a row, huh? Okay, so the comment about his privates...he was explaining that although his last name indicates it, he is not Jewish and therefore is "intact."

Funny the stuff we see online.
BTW, the picture comes from a calendar 07-08 True Blue

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Chocolate: Dagoba Mint

waxy, hint of mint, dark, melty only after several chews

Those are the notes I took while I was eating the dark chocolate Dagoba Mint. B and I happened upon a largely organic little shop while on our mini-vay-cay (LOL). When I saw the large array of Dagoba, I decided one MUST be purchased. Having already tried the milk, I went for the dark. You see my notes.

I probably wouldn't buy that bar again, which is somewhat disappointing. I'm starting to think I may need to purchase all the bars I've reviewed and revisit them (which would be AWESOME!). I could have had a weird food day or been in a mood and not really given an objective opinion (oxymoron). Anyway, I could definitely taste the flowery/fruity part donated by the rosemary and many like the bar. I just wasn't sold on it.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Books: How Babies Are Made

The topic of the birds and the bees has come up in conversation with several people I know. Questions and answers...how did you find out? How is it being taught in school? When did you teach your kids?

The B and I have always told our kids the truth. That doesn't mean we don't use funny words to describe private parts and such, but we also use the real words. And, much to my chagrin, the kids have picked up quite a bit from watching the TV shows we do or listening to the music we like. We have always been clear about explaining what they hear or see.

But since the topic had been coming up lately (and I've been neglecting my posting duties) I decided to share with you the book that I use with my kids. How Babies Are Made. It was a book I picked up while on the hunt for cheap pregnancy books at the Good Will stores. I thought it was cute and appropriate then. I've found it extremely helpful now. You can check out the reviews at Amazon from the link. They are nearly all positive.

The copy I have was printed in 1968, but many of the reviewers have indicated no change in the 1980's version. It starts with how flowers are made and progresses through animals and then to humans. The pictures are not realistically graphic as they are created with cut paper, but they are very accurate and non threatening. I read it to A when she was nearing the end of third grade. She was already experiencing body changes and I wanted her to know why.

M is a little different in that she sees how her sister is developing. She just saw me take the book off the shelf.

Her: When did Abby read that book?
Me: In third grade. (pause) Did you want to read it?
Her: Maybe, yeah. But can I read it by myself?

I think she's ready.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Overwhelmed!

For anyone who reads my blog (all 2 of you), I'm just too overwhelmed to put in my new entries. This project at work has taken my weekends away too! So I will be back, probably this coming weekend (no guarantees!)

In my absence try to think of what I'll post next ;)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Frightful

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful..."
And this month is far from delightful.

Yeah, so not the holiday spirit. But I'm trying not to feel like scrooge so hard it's causing more stress. The kiddies are full of the sickies. If it's not one it's the other, like their having a race to see who can vomit first and best. Okay, a little exaggeration, but the tummy hurts, the head hurts, there's a fever here, and a lot of snot there...

I bought Christmas cards early, but they aren't addressing and signing themselves. Imagine that! I think another year is going to go by without a tree...or decorations. 'Cuz the house won't clean itself either, and there isn't anywhere to put the tree.

Last but surely not least, this month always starts with the dreaded work project. Every year it's the worst time of the year. The stress is palpable.

Here's to hoping that a few days before Christmas, there's honest to goodness joy around here.

Monday, November 30, 2009

TV: Part Two

So I never did get back to everyone about the other shows I watch. Bones, Medium, Numb3rs, CSI and Dollhouse. Well, my last TV post covered Dollhouse. Let's take a moment of silence shall we?

Bones has been interesting. We've been waiting forever for Brennan and Booth to get together even though we know that it will ruin everything. Yet they've managed to get a step closer without getting anywhere near the two of them as a couple. They added a little sizzle with Angela and Wendell. Who saw that coming?

Medium is back to normal. Switching networks didn't do any damage. Sometimes...just sometimes I get a little heated when Joe doesn't take her visions seriously or understand how they work. Sometimes...just sometimes Allison overreacts to what she sees. But I'm happy - and of course that's what counts.

Numb3rs is still living the easy life, still being slightly irritating with the math bites (although they are different now. Yeah, I noticed that change), and still has Fleinhardt doing his weirdness. I'm sort of just waiting for the wedding. And I feel about the same with CSI. Seems like everyone is gone and they are just doing formula. At least I like trying to figure out who did what. They did change things up with the arc.

Oh, and I have to backtrack and say I was wrong about Gretchen - it was Becky. Gretchen still gives me the willies.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Miscellaneous: Word on the Street

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Hope everyone had a wonderful day with family, love, fun, and GAMES!

One game I love to play is Apples to Apples, originally made by Out of the Box Publishing and now owned by Mattel. Well, OotBP has a new game called Word on the Street. It is a low tech and much more fun version of Scrabble in my opinion.

Players ranging from 2 to plenty pit against each other to spell words in a category given by a stack of cards. They must spell only one word that will help them capture letters. The letters are arranged on a "street" with lanes on either side. As the word is spelled, the team pulls the letters toward their side of the street, one move for each time the letter is said. If your team pulls a letter off the street during the spelling of the word, then the letter is yours. The side to get 8 letters wins. And of course you're timed. Check out the play on this game by going here, my favorite place to see how board games are played.

I can think of several friends who would love this game, and it is educational (always a plus for me). Just a warning...don't play this with friends and family who aren't decent spellers. ;)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Men: Greg Vaughn

Name: Greg Vaughan (James Gregory Vaughan Jr.)
Best Known For: Actor, General Hospital
Year of Birth: 1973
Status: Married (Touriya Haoud)
Height: 6'
Fun Fact: He's another guitar player

I watched model turned actor Greg when he was on GH, and I was not impressed. Less so because he took the part previously held by Jonathan Jackson, who I felt played Lucky Spencer well. Suddenly Greg was playing the part with his boyish face and bulky muscles. It just wasn't right. Now that years have gone by he's grown into his muscles and the face isn't boyish anymore. He's such a handsome little devil. :)

But he also got married. C'est la vie.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Chocolate: Endangered Species "Crane"

Out on vacation...still :)... and we stopped in this organic store to get ginger. I was getting car queasy :(. Anyway, they had all those nice organic chocolate bars like Dagoba YUM! So I bought a new brand, Endangered Species, so named because they give 10% of the proceeds to help endangered species. After much thought we chose the crane bar which is milk chocolate with almonds and has a 48% cacao content. It was just right! The right amount of milk with that somewhat dark chocolate taste, crisp break, and wonderful almonds. I've only had two squares (which I plan to rectify after breakfast) so I can't remember how it melted. It also had a very distinct fruity taste to it.

I will buy this again :)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Books: City of Bones

I realized my book post was coming up soon, but work was so...work that I didn't get much time to read. Then I went on vacation. It was the perfect chance to read, but unfortunately I still lacked reading material. I grabbed City of Bones by Michael Connelly off of my MILs bookshelf and then forced myself to read. And I really did force.

I like books that I can't put down and I found myself putting down this book several times or simple getting distracted. The premise is one I usually like...detective gets a case that starts with the finding of the bones of a child. There's some personal angst and things that ruin the detective's focus. Eventually the murderer is found, and there's a few surprises that have nothing to do with the case.

I don't really know if it was the writing style, the mood of his books in general, or the overall flow of the book. It just wasn't what I enjoy. Maybe I would have felt differently if I had begun with the first book - this was the eighth. Regardless, I likely would not recommend this series to anyone, although many of the reviewers who are familiar with series really like it. Make your own decisions.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

TV: NOOOOO!

Fox sucks. Really sucks.

Okay, so right before this posted I watched the last episode of Supernatural. Have I said how utterly delectable Ackles is lately? Anyway, "The Real Ghostbusters" was HIlarious! Laughed so hard..."maybe we should put a bungee on these things." It really served to lighten my mood.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Miscellaneous: Crochet Six

Cute caps I made for my friend's baby shower. The pattern is here. But I modified the pattern for the bunny. Cute, huh?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Men: Matthew Bomer

Name: Matthew Staton Bomer
Best Known For: TV Show, Chuck
Year of Birth: 1977
Status: Single
Height: 5' 11"
Fun Fact: Plays guitar

I've tried to resist. I didn't like Bomer in Chuck - he was evil. I'm not quite warming up to White Collar either - still a little evil. But he's cute. Cute as a button. And really hard to resist.

Now, there's some news in his Wiki that suggests that if I were blonde, big boobed, long legged, and famous enough to catch his eye, that he still wouldn't be interested...if you get my meaning. But that doesn't make him any less pleasing to the eye.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Chocolate: Snickers Fudge

I would like to say my nose led me through the aisles to find this chocolate bar, but that wasn't the case. Whatever, I'm pleased to have found it...Snickers Fudge. The packaging says it's limited edition but it was at the All Candy Expo at the beginning of summer and it had been scheduled for release in August.

A quarter inch layer of peanut butter nougat, a nearly half inch layer of "fudge" with peanuts, all covered with chocolate. At first I was somewhat disappointed in the number of nuts. I guess they figured that since it had peanut butter in the nougat then there didn't need to be many in the fudge. I love peanuts in my chocolate so I'm biased. After several bites the peanut taste was more distinct and I could really taste the fudge. I miss the caramel...I wonder what would happen to the bar with a layer of that?...but the bar is good all on its own.

Only two things would keep me from buying this again: it's price...I rarely just buy a candy bar and for someone who remembered 5 for a $1.00 signs, 50 cents is heartbreaking; and it's size...it is apparently the smallest Snickers bar in the line.

Candy Blog's Review
Candy Addict's Review

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Books: Cake Mix Creations

Taste of Home: Cake Mix Creations

I saw this book and after realizing that the reason "Cake Mix" was in the title was because these cakes aren't made from scratch, I just had to look through it. One of the things I liked immediately was the picture with each recipe. No guessing what the final creation should look like. And the pictures look good enough to eat.

The second thing I noticed was the that the table of contents included recipes for cookies, bars and other desserts. I already have my eye on a couple of the recipes because there are only a couple of other ingredients besides the cake mix. There's also at least 5 trifles - none containing alcohol - which is a big plus with me.

I am dying for an opportunity to bake one of these!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Time

When did getting old happen?

Abraham Lincoln: And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Yes, that is true. Life your life to the fullest and get the most out of everyday. But what if what I really want is to not do much? Will I still feel like I've lived my life to the fullest? I want to believe that I should be just as pleased with my years if I do what I want than if I go skydiving or travel.

"Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative."
"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

That's also been a problem in my thoughts lately. If I think I'm getting older then so are my parents, my in-laws. Being old isn't so bad when you think of it that way.

Satchel Paige: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?

I think this is the way I should think about my age. Forget my BMI and the wii Fit giving me grief about my balance or muscle tone. If I didn't say my age, how old would I be?

Saturday, October 31, 2009

TV: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

I'm completely going against every peer of mine by saying that I wasn't that much of a fan of Peanuts television specials. I read the comics and my dad used to give me Peanuts' themed birthday cards, but I really didn't like watching the specials. The Thanksgiving dinner made me cringe, I hated the fake adult voice they used (along with the horrible lack of adult supervision) and I felt so bad for Charlie Brown. I thought Lucy and Peppermint Patty were the meanest, Pig Pen made me itch, and while I actually like Snoopy, why is it that the dog gets all the good stuff?

I can actually hear the tirade, people. I understand these are classics. I understand the Schulz and his cartoon were extremely well liked and popular for years, but I don't like the TV specials. I guess if I'm going to be Peanuts, then I'll stick with the short strip.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Miscellaneous: Specs

I just got new glasses (above). They are much different than my usual selection. They are purple (well, the color says mauve, but that's close enough). Okay, I'm rambling.

My eye doctor has asked me about contact lenses the last few times I've gone. The idea is a good one especially since contacts have come a long way since I last wore them. But, there's an ease to slapping on my glasses first thing in the morning knowing I can see (which is extremely accurate - I can't see clearly at about 4 inches from my face without lenses).

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I needed my contacts when I wanted to look pretty and find a boyfriend. I'm married now...what's the point?

On the third hand, it would be nice to put on sunglasses whenever I needed them and they help keep my vision from changing (as the contact on the eye is more effective than a lens 3/4 of the way from my eye).

And my insurance covers lens...but do I really want to have to buy lens care?

You just got a taste of things that run through my mind. I apologize.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Men: Empire's List

I have no clue who these people are, but they made a list of 100 sexiest movie stars. Fifty of them I'm not interested in because they're women (I already feel inferior, why rub it in?) However, the other 50 are very interesting. Most interesting is #47 (Love. Him.), #44 (I didn't know about him...nice.), #41 (Hmmm.), #23 (One of my favs.), and #4 (I have to admit he's a cutie, but he's too...everything.)

So instead of just one, here's 50. Enjoy :o)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Chocolate: World Classics Chocolate Obsession

...Swiss Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs. 69% cacao.

B bought one for us. Read: FOR ME. 'Cuz that's how chocolate rolls around here.

It has a waxy feel on the outside and crisp bite. After getting it in the mouth it has a creamy feel (the Swiss part I'm sure). Then you chow down on the nibs and get the bitter, which only sticks for a short time and back in the throat. It's decent. I like that it isn't dry and bitter which usually makes me long for something to drink.

If I have B go out and get more of this brand for "us" then I'd like to try their Majestic Mint or the Hazelnut Heaven.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Books: The Halloween Tree

In a couple of weeks we'll have all the ghoulies and monsters, ... well, all the commercialized TV & movie related costumed children out banging down our doors for candy. One show that might air on TV is The Halloween Tree, a cartoon version of the book by Ray Bradbury. When I watched it for the second time (the first was a little confusing and scary for me) I realized what a perfect educational cartoon it was for explaining Halloween. If it comes on I'm going to encourage A and M to watch. For the rest of you, I suggest the book.

Friday, October 16, 2009

TV: Big Deal

I don't even want to write the words because the whole world is probably Googling them. Maybe I could use the traffic, but I don't want it if it's going to be because of "The Boy." By now you're probably aware of the whole $$$ debacle.

So I'm sitting at lunch and someone comes in apologizing for being on her cell phone. Apparently her mother was sitting on the edge of her chair because a boy was hovering 8000 ft above earth in a balloon made by his parents. Being the tech saavy [okay, that's how I get my news] person that I am, I immediately got streaming video. At that point the balloon had landed and "The Boy" was no where to be found. Many were worried that "The Boy" had fallen out, but not me. I knew "The Boy" was hiding.

Later, reason appeared. I had to go back to work, but everyone had their opinions and some were thinking about the events. How could "The Boy" be in the basket if the balloon was tipping back and forth? Who actually saw "The Boy" get into the balloon? Oh, but I knew. That kid would show up safe and sound at home, costing $$$. At first I thought it was just the kid, but now charges are being brought up. The latest being that the parents had been planning this for at least two weeks.

Now I really feel for "The Boy." You can't pick your parents.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Miscellaneous: Costumes

We finally went to our friend's Halloween party last year dressed as hippies. They were last minute costumes, but functional. We'd like to go again this year, but haven't a clue what to be. I still have to make costumes for the kiddos!

So I did a little surfing. There was one site with some very cool costumes, not so many ideas though. WTF Costumes has some really crappy, but also some really cool costumes (some not safe for little kiddos). One of the costumes shown on the site is to the right. Too cute!

I had the kids dress up as the princess and the pea one year when the youngest couldn't walk. I've seen two other girls a few years apart dress up as Miss Clavel and Madeline. A Google search yielded a baby lobster costume...the cute part was that he was in a bucket. Kids have all the great costumes. Got any ideas for us

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Chocolate: Rachel Dunn Chocolates

I may be giving a lot away by posting this, but I absolutely have to post about the chocolate, caramel, and almond covered apples from Rachel Dunn Chocolates. The apples are to die for and if you go to their site you can see why. [As of this posting the site is under construction.]

The company used to be Grand Avenue Chocolates [Here's an article explaining the change.] and I would be one of those in the long lines to pick out apples as gifts. I wasn't alone. Oprah features the apples in one of her favorite things episodes. I'm almost salivating at getting one this year. It's been a couple of years since the article so I hope that things are still booming as they were two years ago. The windows are ominously dark when I drive by.

Here's pictures...

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Books: Avatar

We've been a little crazy here. Well, more crazy than usual. I finally got to sit and read a book (Salvation in Death) but since I've written about the In Death series before, I didn't really have anything for this post. Then A & M sat in front of the TV for a couple of hours and sounds of Avatar: The Last Airbender made their way to the back of the house. I love Avatar: TLA. The show reminded me that after we bought the entire season on DVD, (Yes, we did =) ) B also bought a short four book set called The Lost Scrolls.

I was excited about them for two reasons: One, A's costume this year is Katara. Getting good pictures of her costume was a must. Two, there is some information in there that I'm always forgetting like where airbenders learned to air bend or what are all the earth kingdom cities.
But I was somewhat disappointed because the books only focus on the first season. There's no Toph or Azula. I also thought there would have even more historical information, but instead there are just summaries of some of the episodes.

So if these books, one for each of the four nations (air, earth, water, and fire), are only for the first season, does that mean we'll have to shell out more $$$ to read the other seasons? And if so, do I really want to buy them? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

TV: More New Stuff

The big week came and all the awesome TV shows tried to live up to their awesome status. So what did you think?

It's so sweet of you to let me go first! Another episode of The Biggest Loser has come and gone. What a tearjerker! I swear it isn't about losing weight anymore. It's about turning me into a sobbing puddle of goo. At least it happened at the end after that crazy Tracey woman drove the others to distraction. Boy, is she nuts! Where was karma at her weigh in?

Another episode of Supernatural down. Should have known THAT was coming. I've been waiting for the brother vs brother showdown since the whole demon blood thing started. Now we have Lucifer/Sam against Sword of Michael/Dean. Yeah...

Caught Eastwick. So...I don't know. I'm not with it by any means. It starts very much like the movie only faster. I'm not sure how they're going to carry it into a series with stuff happening so fast. But there is a little bit about Van Horne having been in the town before. That puts something in that was lacking in the movie. Still...I don't know.

Warehouse 13 ended with a bang! I don't like that the bad guy got away nor do I like that some of the warehouse stuff is probably very damaged, but I think Neilsen is alive. The Phoenix medallion sort of disappeared in all the ruckus. I bet he had it in his pocket. The bad thing is the reprecussions of using it. Who's going to die? Oh, and HOLY COW what the heck did they do to Leena? I really liked her and now we won't get to learn more about what she can do. I have to say I still love Lattimer and Claudia. Their personalities make the show.

Heroes was starting to wear on me last season. I was almost afraid to watch. It has been interesting so far. I hate Gretchen, and I can't make out this circus guy or the whole compass thing. So it's a wait and see. What's going to happen to Petrelli when Sylar breaks through? And I really liked Matt, but he was always a hothead. Is he absorbing Sylar or what? (And, yes, I do know Gretchen is in with the circus people.)

Still loving my Fringe and Lie to Me :o)

My takes on Bones, Medium, Numb3rs, CSI and Dollhouse next time. Right now I'm headed off to look up NCIS - I never watch it, but the new one has LL Cool J...hmmm.

Eggs

Lots of eggy things happening. I finished the latest round of Hatchlings in first place for my area. YEA! I can't handle that kind of stress right now though. So no going this round. I don't think I'll be up for devoting that kind of time until next spring or summer.

I have another friend with a baby girl on the way. That's a happy egg ;) I'll be using my former egg hunting time to crochet. I can't give it away more than that because she might be reading.


B bought some sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit things at the store the other day. They are supposed to be healthy because they are made with low fat sausage and egg white. What kills me (somewhat literally) is the sodium content - yikes! Now that's if I can get past eating eggs at all. Yes, I tried one. No, I didn't puke. Can we get another yea? I still can only eat one a week.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Miscellaneous: Hairstyles for Girls

School picture day is here! Well, it was here. The dreaded day came and went. I haven't had a whole lot of time to do fun things with A & M's hair. A likes it down without any embellishment if possible. M hates the way it gets in her face and always - no exaggeration - wants it in a pony tail. With the massive amount of hair the two have, we could have a virtual field day on hair styles. Do I get to experiment? No.

What I hate about picture day is that even if I got to experiment I'd still have no idea how the picture turned out until a month after the day. That's what makes it so difficult. Well, that and what the heck do I do with their hair. This is just the long way of saying I did an Internet search and stumbled on this site: Hairstyles for Girls.

Can we say awesome?! I love all the variations on ponytails and braids and twists and you name it. I'm so going to do this to A & M's hair soon. They'll have to fight me. They may have black eyes (just kidding people) but their hair will be gorgeous =)

I may come back and post a picture. In the meantime, cross your fingers that they look good for picture day. It's costing me $100!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Men: Marcus Patrick

Name: Marcus Patrick (Patrick Marcus Osbourne)
Best Known For: Actor, Passions, All My Children, Days
Year of Birth: 1974
Status: Single
Height: 6'1"
Fun Fact: He's a vegan

I keep getting drawn back to the cuties I've already posted about, so it was nice to find someone new. Born in England, he's been or is a fighter, a dancer in a club, a singer, and an actor. I found out he's a pretty cocky guy from this interview I read about him. Apparently PlayGirl thought so too (ahh, puns :)) because he also did a spread that cost him a soap job. He was engaged to a adult movie star and has a large gay fan base. I don't think I'd want to know this guy personally, but he's nice to look at.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Chocolate: Blogs

I'm not getting any chocolate love over here. I know that if you knew where "over here" was, then you'd send me some. But alas, I'm chocolate-less. As such, I can only indulge with pictures. So I went searching for blogs where pictures were very clear and close up.

Chocablog
Blog Chocolate - the last time she posted was in March, but there is the most awesome song posted (YouTube vid) about chocolate you have to hear.
Chocolate Blog - and no, they aren't the same!
My Chocolate Blog
Choklit - UK blogger

Now that I'm done, I need to get some towels to clean up the drool on my screen. Eeeew, you say? Send chocolate.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Books: Old Books

I haven't been able to read and one book I want to write about will work best in October. So I went searching my bookshelves for something I wanted to share - and found nothing... until I spotted Checklist for Expectant Mothers. It was a book I picked up from a Goodwill store years ago. Even then it was just for fun - it was written in 1965.

Talk about funny. To be fair, there is a lot of advice in the book that really still applies to today. However, the stuff that doesn't is so far off it's alien. For one, the book recommends that you talk to your doctor about your smoking and drinking habits as in, how much can you still do. Especially because you'll need those cigarettes and a lighter in your hospital bag. Another is the constant reference to your MALE doctor. Maybe they just used he to be easy, but I highly doubt it.

There are 2 full pages about the steps required to sanitize cloth diapers. Rinse immediately and store in a container of disinfectant. Three hot water rinses, four sudsings, six rinsings, thirty minute boil, vinegar rinse, spin dry, doctor recommended antiseptic treatment, and finally line dry. That would have put me off having kids right there.

I got a good laugh at clothing recommendations to stay away from bright dresses and prints. You know, so as not to draw attention to your changing shape. There is absolutely no advice at all about wearing pants - because you wouldn't do that at all (I'm exaggerating, it just isn't on the list of good dos). Definitely ask yourself if your husband would enjoy seeing you in a particular maternity outfit before buying.

Don't even get me started on the paragraphs describing how well rested your husband should be before going to work so he can't be bothered with you or baby at all. In fact, he needs to come home to a "quiet, restfull, well organized house and a fresh looking wife."

Lastly, there are the financials. How much does having a baby in a hospital cost? $160 dollars a day. I know! But it doesn't make up for making arrangements to have your husband's meals and clothing taken care of while you're away.

HA, HA, HA!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

TV: New Stuff

I'm enjoying the start of the new season. I watched Mr. Super Hottie on Supernatural Thursday last week. I'm not sure how I feel about the rise of Lucifer or how they get him to go back where he came from. I'm feeling really cautious about it right now. So I'm happy to just keep watching those nice close ups. Hey, B even rewound so I could see him close up a second time. Love that B.

I also watched The Biggest Loser. It looks like it's going to be a good season...some very interesting people. One is the heavest person ever on the show, another passed out when they had to "run" their first mile, and yet another who's been on the show before. The theme is second chances so I get that one. Of course, I had to cry during the premiere. One woman lost her husband, 5 year old daughter, and 2 1/2 week old baby to a car accident. I couldn't fathom losing my family.

So...anyway...there's lots of good TV coming up. Looking forward to House and Fringe for sure. Make sure you tune in.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Miscellaneous: The Prodigy

I haven't posted much about music. I listen to several different things. Right now I can't get enough of The Prodigy. I can't seem to get enough of some of the songs - playing them over and over in the car on repeat. They are described as being big beat, electronica, electropunk, and rave. I mostly love the last three LPs, Fat of the Land; Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned; and Invaders Must Die.

Anyone who knows me might be a little freaked out by the album covers and the look of The Prodigy. And they are labeled with explicit lyrics (only on some of the songs). Medusa's Path is my favorite repeat off AONO. Love. Them.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Men: Sean D. Sullivan

Name: Sean D. Sullivan
Best Known For: Model
Year of Birth: ca. 1984
Status: Single
Height: 6'2"
Fun Fact: Seriously?

Second man who is a gorgeous hunk of a model. Used to play football too. But now he's a commercial real estate broker in SF who does modeling on the side. There are pics of him with the curls instead of the cut and he looks good both ways. Although the curls make him look more like Matthew McConaughey. As with this pic and the last man, there is a little more to the picture I didn't show. Hubba hubba.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Chocolate: Recipes

This is a really short blog entry. Some recipes I've found...

Kevin at his Closet Cooking blog featured a recipe for chocolate cheesecake. The photo is truly drool worthy. The only travesty of his site is the severe lack of chocolate tags so I can locate the chocolate recipes easier.

A while ago B. wanted me to try this recipe for making a chocolate cake in a mug. I can't find the one he emailed me, but here's one from WikiHow.

Chocolate Cookies from Nathalie at SerialCooking, le blog. They look delicious! Beware some of the recipe includes metric measurements.

For some reason we can't keep fresh eggs in our house (Not true, I can't eat eggs anymore, but the statement sounded good.) I found this recipe which really intrigued me at The Natural Madison Blog. The cake is make with a can of pumpkin and chocolate cake mix. How easy is that?

I haven't tried any of these recipes...yet. Time is kinda short around here. But I really hope to try at least the egg free one soon. Enjoy! Oh, and if you try one comment about it please.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Books: The Ones They Make You Read

I was sitting with some of my coworkers and there was a short discussion about one of their favorite books, To Kill A Mockingbird. I remember being forced, and I do mean forced, to read that book. I hated it. My coworkers couldn't believe I felt that way about such a classic book. I cannot read depressing. It doesn't matter what pretty prize winning wrapper it's encased in.

Since I haven't been able to read lately, I decided to post the titles of a few other books that I was forced to read that I absolutely hated.

The Good Earth
Patty Reed's Doll
The Chosen
The Scarlet Letter
Crime and Punishment


Just to name a few.

B. says, "But the books are good because of the writing, not the entertainment value." For me, the writing didn't outshine the pain I felt reading these books. I don't like pain.

*BTW, I do understand the significance of the books - just hated reading them.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

TV: Fall Lineup

The fall lineup is long out from TV Guide. I like the little table format laying out each day for us, even putting in what shows will disappear and appear through sports and reality shows. I was waiting for Ain't It Cool's view because he usually gives us a little preview of the new shows, but as of my writing (yeah, back in late August) there isn't anything. I will add an update if necessary.

Back to the lineup. Here's a run down of my nights.
Monday: NBC/8=Heroes; FOX/8=House...9=Lie to Me
Tuesday: NBC/8=The Biggest Loser
Wednesday: NOTHING, but I might like Eastwick ABC/10
Thursday: FOX/8=Bones...9=Fringe; CW/9=Supernatural; CBS/9=CSI
Friday: CBS/8=Ghost Whisperer...9=Medium...10/Numb3rs; FOX/9=Dollhouse; ABC/9=Ugly Betty
Saturday: NADA
Sunday: ZIP, but I might end up watching Family Guy FOX/9

While I'm interested in what ABC can do with Eastwick, B wants to see what they can do with The Forgotten. So we may be watching that as well. There are some heavy nights with so much on, I won't be able to keep my head straight. In comes our wonderful cable complete with DVR and OnDemand. Take a look at the line up and make your plans before the shows premiere. You might look at some of the new shows by going to the network page and watching their promos. :)

Chaos

The movements were frenetic. The volume was deafening. The atmosphere was filled with nervous energy. As a defense mechanism I pulled away from the noise and the swirling action. I hovered like an out of body experience over the din, thankful for the reprieve from the chaos. But the doom was quick to settle over me, a cloud on a clear horizon. It was reality, the knowledge that I couldn't live on the periphery forever. I felt it tug on my tether, and I dreaded my return.

And thus begins September.

Sigh. I know. I'll live.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Miscellaneous: Crochet Five

EmilyMy latest project is a baby blanket for a friend. I think I like making the large granny square. I had this great book with bunches of granny square variations. The flower square on this crochet came from that book. Well, the book is missing so I had to go out and get another book to spark my creativity. The edge square has a flower in the center instead of the typical double crochet stitch in the granny. I think it turned out pretty well.Emily2

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Men: Jed Hill

Jed HillName: Jed (Jedediah) Hill
Best Known For: Model, Former Footballer
Year of Birth: 1985
Status: Single
Height: 6'2"
Fun Fact: Crime, law, justice major

I really am hoping that I get this all right. Model pictures of this gorgeous beefcake come with info that he used to play football. Search for any pictures some really dull pictures of Jed Hill pop up. They have to be the same guy, but take my info with a grain of salt as I got it from the football info not the model info. So young, so drool worthy. It's a good thing he has a background in crime - his body is breaking all kinds of laws.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Chocolate: What's Hershey?

I came upon this article talking about Hershey Gifts (online service) closing. The author of the article talked about why, when many other chocolate makers are doing well at online sales, Hershey closed their online shop. It was a very interesting read. Further down in the comments he talks about Hershey's attempt to manufacture their chocolate with less chocolate. There's even video from MSN on the topic.

All of this might explain (to a certain extent) why I don't buy Hershey's so much anymore.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Books: Generation T

My book post is a little late (If you didn't notice then ignore that previous remark.) The reason is that the books I wanted to write about hadn't yet been delivered by Amazon.

Backstory: After dinner with B one night, we took the kidless opportunity to walk around a bookstore and just browse. This book on modifying t-shirts caught my eye, but I didn't buy it thinking that I could come back later and make sure that this was a good t-shirt modifying book (as opposed to a bad one, you know.) Well, it's a good book. Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt

Lots of no sew options as well as sew options. It will be awesome as the kiddos become teenos because a lot of the styles have a young look to them. That doesn't mean there aren't a whole lot of choices for the older set. Many of the crisscross tying and safety pin methods could easily be sewn and the halters could have straps and the skirts could be made longer. Just getting the ideas is the first step to using many of the unused t-shirts in my wardrobe.

I have two in particular, mens tees, that I bought specifically to modify and haven't yet. I also have some that are too small that would be perfect for the kiddos (A needs a cute, short dress to wear with leggings.) Before I get started though, I have to look through the sequel, Generation T, Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt. I can't wait. And you shouldn't either. Check it out at the bookstore first.

Monday, August 17, 2009

TV: Being Human

BBC America has a new show, Being Human, (I've seen about 5 episodes so far) about a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost living together trying to be human. So far I like it and I'm always a little surprised at how things turn out in each episode. British TV is slightly different from American TV so I don't always know what to expect. If you want the lowdown you should read the Wiki on the show. You can tune in Saturdays at 9.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Miscellaneous: Myers-Briggs Test

I took psychology when I was in college, and I remember getting a hold of the Myer-Briggs test, a personality test. At this moment it is making the rounds on Facebook reminding me that I took it oh so long ago. I thought the results were a pretty good description of me - whatever they were at the time. Since I hate doing all those little tests on Facebook I searched the net instead and took one of the quick quizzes available.

I'm an ISTJ - Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging person. Using the Keirsey Tempermants chart I'm an Inspector. And the description sounded pretty accurate. I thought it could be like the zodiac in which little things about all of the signs sound good. So I looked at the description for a friend who was the opposite (ENFP - Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving) on all but one of the "types." The description was so NOT me.

What bugs me is that this particular personality is not suited to my job (This is not the right time to go job hunting) or B. Oh, well. B is stuck with me.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Men: Ty Davin

Name: Tyler Davin
Best Known For: Model
Year of Birth: ca. 1985
Status: Single?
Height: 5'10"
Fun Fact: :(

I can't find much on this hunk. He's young, not so tall, and may or may not have a significant other. I think we need to be a little less intellectual about this one and just enjoy. I have two pics because one shows the mag bod and the other shows a pair of smoldering eyes. Oh, to be young again.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Chocolate: Hershey's ANEDPDCWCB&A

Yeah, it was just too long to type in the title. Hershey's All Natural Extra Dark Pure Dark Chocolate with Cranberries, Blueberries & Almonds (60%).

I'm not a person who likes fruit in my chocolate, but B purchased this bar... oh, let me say that he bought two bars of chocolate, shows me the fruit one, waits for me to say I don't think I like it, and then turns away. I swear he had a Cheshire grin because he would have the whole bar to himself.

Stopped that! I took two squares just to see what it would taste like. Unfortunately, I focused more on how the fruit tasted with the chocolate than the chocolate itself. I have to say that it wasn't too bad. The fruit was tiny and chewy. It was doable.

I still don't like chocolate covered strawberries.

Books: Pants on Fire

I read Pants on Fire by Maggie Alderson and 25 pages in wished I hadn't started. Let me say that the boy sticking with the girl took the whole book and I liked that. The other characters in the book also seemed to be where they needed to be and I like that. But everything else I could have done without.

It was chick lit and focused on hipness, but the indulgence in drugs which happens quickly from the start and frequently throughout the story completely turned me off. I don't drink, I don't smoke, and I've never touched a non-prescription drug. It was so alien and uncomfortable to me.

I do not recommend this book. I wouldn't push you away from the author because there are fans of her books out there (POF got 4 stars at Amazon) and others might not get the cringe factor I experienced while reading, but I had to push myself to finish the story. Oh well.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

TV: Two Train Wrecks

I'm completely a TV watcher, which is very difficult when you're traveling. I've started watching and subsequently missed a couple of train wreck shows. They are horrible or uncomfortable, but I can't stop watching to see what happens next.

Show #1: Battle of the Bods
Produced by Fox and shown on Fox Reality Channel, it typically shows new episodes on Saturdays and repeats them throughout the week. Five women dressed in robes stand with the hostess. The hostess talks them up and then asks them to rank the beauty of their faces in order from one to five based on how they think three men (hidden behind a one way mirror) would rank them. They get money for each correct match.

That was the first "round." For the second round, they redress in bathing suits. Ahead of time they were asked which body part they would like to be judged on, such as bottoms or abdominals. Again they rank, again they are given money for matches.

For the third round, they redress in lingerie and are judged on the "total package." For the finale, the men are judged by the women. Money dispensed, yada yada. TRAIN WRECK! Yet I can't look away. I can't ignore the way the women argue over who they think is the prettiest. I can't close my ears over the comments the men make about the women. Mostly, I find it interesting what people think is attractive, especially when it comes to judging myself.

Show #2: Dating in the Dark
An ABC show, it airs on Mondays at 10/9c. Three men and three women go to a house in which the men and women are separated by one or two dark rooms. Each "date" they are sent on takes place in one of the pitch dark rooms. The goal is to see if personality will trump looks.

The first date is a group date in which all six go into the dark room for a meet and greet. Then the host offers them a tidbit, a whiff of the other genders' clothing or a rifling through their luggage. They then use computers to send messages to the other about who they would like to date. All the dates are arranged in the dark room. After the dates, the host informs them that they were actually matched with one particular person. The first two episodes I watched all the contestants matched best with the person the show had chosen. Those couples then spend the next couple of days dating the person they want.

The host comes in with one more activity, such as asking them to draw what they think their date looks like. Afterwards, they get to see their dates and a decision has to be made: should they go on a real date (the show provides with a limo) or leave the house. This is the worst part because one party starts this final round by standing on a balcony overlooking the front door. If their dates liked the way they looked they will show up, if not the wounded one gets to see the other walk out the front door. TRAIN WRECK!

This one is more serious than Battle of the Bods, and I do find it more intellectually stimulating. In one episode the woman was completely superficial (hated her!) and in another the man thought their religious views would cause issues with them - even on the limo date. It is interesting to see what people are like when they date by personality.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Traveling

This has been an interesting summer. I've been able to devote many hours to Hatchlings, of which I'm completely addicted. I've been able to read, even checking out a new branch of the library and thus expanding my pool of reading material. But the highlights include traveling - yup, from the person who hates to travel.

Don't get me wrong, I still hate to travel. Here's a news article that just exacerbates my fears. (What gets me is that they didn't do a thing until someone important got something stolen.) However, I did some amazing things with family and friends, like get more of my family tree filled in, visit a city and its sites that I'd never seen, see an old friend, and pick up a new hobby! (I know, like I need one - couldn't resist.)

So anyway interesting summer!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Miscellaneous: Be Funky

I'm always looking for avatars that show the real me for all the various online activities I participate in. Facebook has little advertisements all the time for how to cartoonize yourself. Of course I never click on those. I have done several searches looking, especially when I first started creating online identities, but I hadn't run across this one until now.

I love it!

Be Funky takes your photos and lets you create all kinds of photo effects. It's free and there's no sign up required. Music to my ears! Here's a little sample below:

Monday, July 27, 2009

Men: Lance Gross

Lance GrossName: Lance Gross
Best Known For: TV, House of Payne
Year of Birth: 1981
Status: Engaged (Eva Marcille aka Pigford)
Height: 6'
Fun Fact: Could have been a Pro Track and Field Athlete

I was watching reruns of America's Next Top Model, wikied the show to see previous winners, and checked out where the models ended up after the show. Voile, Lance Gross. He is very handsome and has a nice bod. I'm not a big fan of the tats, but he carries them well. Too bad he's soon to be off the market :( Eva is a lucky lady, Lance is anything but gross!

Photo credit www.KevynMajorHoward.com

Friday, July 24, 2009

Chocolate: Green & Black's Organic Dark 70%

I'm going to simplify. Dark, bitter, tangy, but chalky. I wouldn't buy it again, because it was just too much dark chocolate for me. The tangy part was interesting. I had to let the flavor roll over my tongue, but no, not again. HOWEVER, I found this review - this lucky dude who got Green & Black's to send him a whole bleepin' box - and he likes them and has more info on them. Makes me want to see if Green & Black's milk chocolate is too sweet or just right. I think the almond or mint...

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Books: Heiress for Hire

I'm in full on fluff mode for the summer because the books I want will cost me an arm, a leg, and a severe loss of square footage in my house, thus I must use the library. Don't get me wrong, I love the library, but the books I want are just not available (Not there at all or already checked out). Since I only have a short time to enjoy books I can't spend days on multiple hold lists. Fluff is in my immediate future.

I scoured the aisles looking for any book that would tide me over until I could look through more book recommendations at Amazon (from the thriller books and authors I like) and found Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy. Basically rich girl ends up stuck in the boonies without money, but with a hunky farmer who just found out he was a father to an 8 year old.

I really enjoyed it. One, the personalities of the main characters jumped out at me. I liked them and the supporting characters. Two, it was doggone funny. Sixty-five percent of the reviewers on Amazon gave the book 5 stars.

I'm off to read another of her books now, but couldn't resist checking on the fluff piece that leads to this one, A Date With the Other Side. The reviews for this one weren't as positive, which is a shame because the main characters are mentioned in Heiress. While not true for Heiress IMHO, many reviewers felt her other books were high on the horizontal mambo and low on plot or character development.

I won't recommend Erin McCarthy as an author (yet?), but if you're looking for a little romance try this book.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

TV: Warehouse 13

Syfy, no longer SciFi, has debuted a new show called Warehouse 13. Basically it's the warehouse from Raiders where they put that ark into a wooden box. There are other wooden boxes in the warehouse each containing items with unusual properties. The warehouse is watched over by some special branch of the FBI, head honcho, played by C. C. H. Pounder, and quirky watcher, played by Saul Rubinek. Similar to X-Files, two FBI agents, a no nonsense practical woman, played by Joanne Kelly, and a paranormal sensitive man, played by Eddie McClintock, are recruited to help "bag and tag" more unusual items.

With the basic plot out of the way, it's a shame that it sounds so much like other shows because I think it has potential. They are just beginning to scratch the surface of the characters. I believe there is a lot of depth that we haven't seen yet. Also, there are hints of several larger more difficult hurdles than the single episode item collection.

It's not without it's quirks. One thing that takes getting used to is the devices used for completing their tasks. They look old fashioned but are really more advanced than our current computers, cellphones, etc. Hopefully it will stay on long enough for us to get used to it.

Tuesday nights on Syfy.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Miscellaneous: Crochet Four

Lion Brand Pattern 40515The dollar store sometimes has some amazing finds. I found some Lion Brand Suede yarn in two shades of brown at the 99 Cent store near me. There was this cute pattern for a really simple shawl on the packaging. I thought, "For a dollar a package I could make this." Especially since a package would normally cost 4 or 5 times as much. If you register with Lion Brand Yarn, you can access their free patterns (I haven't done it so I don't know how much spam wrath you will incur). So here's a picture above of the shawl they made and of the one I made below.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Men: Michael Copon

Name: Michael Sowell Copon
Best Known For: TV, Beyond the Break, Power Rangers
Year of Birth: 1982
Status: Married (Brittany Padre)
Height: 6'1"
Fun Fact: He sings too.

He's just a baby, so young, but what a cutie. It was hard to find just the right picture. One showed his awesome bod and another his gorgeous smile and so on. So Google Image searches will do the guy justice. Don't know how I could have missed him before?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Chocolate: Objets d'art

Things made out of chocolate. I think it's a waste of a delicacy, but they are interesting to look at!

Objets d'art here at Oddee.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Books: Judi McCoy

I've only been able to make it to the library twice:( and the plan was to go to more than one library because the selection would be different. Especially with romance books. A combination of factors have kept me from making a third trip: sickies, house cleaning goal, and the kiddos not finishing the books they checked out. This latter to be rectified pretty quickly.

This was a problem because the book I wanted (next book on my list from Robb's series) is on hold and others are not at my branch of the library. In the meantime, I will write a little about a couple of books by Judi McCoy. Unlike some of the other authors I like to read (Former romance novelists turned thriller), McCoy focuses on the romance. The fluff stuff. I refuse to be embarrassed by my affinity for the romance novel. So there.

Anyway, McCoy likes to write trilogies and I read one book from each of two trilogies. Making Over Mr. Right is the third in a goddess series (One Night with a Goddess, Almost a Goddess) in which three muses are sent to earth to inspire mortals and fulfill their destinies. One condition from their father Zeus is that they not fall in love with a mortal. Well, you know that isn't going to happen. That theme follows in the book...that you know something is or isn't going to happen. There were no surprises, just a straight-forward falling in love stuff. The biggest hurdle to overcome is the love/mortal thing.

The other book I read, Match Made in Heaven, and its partners (Heaven in Your Eyes, Heaven Sent) focus on a guardian angel whose job it is to make people find and marry their soulmates. In these three books he is getting cast-offs from the full-fledged guardians and is trying to get a promotion. There was a little more of a barrier here in the woman's inability to be less rigid, the man's horrible secret, and obstacles for the guardian angel. Still there weren't many if any real twists or turns.

The thing is that now I want to read the other four books, just to complete the trilogy. I wouldn't recommend these books if you like a little adventure, but if you're looking for simple fluff...

Friday, July 3, 2009

TV: Torchwood: Children of Earth

Too excited for words! Torchwood will be back!

Unfortunately, it will be for an excrutiatingly short 5 days (July 20, BBC America). You may recall that I've written about the show before. You may have heard me upset in another post about how it wasn't showing anymore :( Now it's back, and I can' hardly wait for the first episode. B had me check out the forums at the first link above. Apparently, the lead male actor John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack Harkness, is unhappy with the short number of episodes even though they have done well in the ratings. Get a gander here.

But I refuse to be depressed. I will enjoy every minute.

UPDATE 7/20: And holy cow! I hate when there is such a gap between the season finale and the premiere of the new season. Not knowing if Torchwood was coming back made this even harder. I looked forward to the new episode with trepidation. It blew me away - Day One was brilliant!

UPDATE 7/25: I'm shocked, dismayed, saddened and speechless. It was awesome, but the ending - Day Five - was surreal. It didn't end the way I thought it would, and describing why would only ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it. Just whoa.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Summer

Ah, summer! I still have my list of things to accomplish, but it's been super nice to wake up when I want and wear pjs all day. The last few months have been busy and I haven't had posts on my blogs ready to go like usual. So the day rolls around and no post. I do apologize.

But you can see how having more time hasn't made me more attentive.

Well, we did go on a trip back to my hometown which kept me away from the computer for a bit. It was nice to see family from both sides in one place. B's family was having a reunion in my hometown. I caught up on some genealogy and took a bunch of pictures. Of course, I became an immovable ball of mush when we returned. Travel stresses me.

So I'm enjoying the sun and the pool and my Kindle. Life can be nice.

Oh, and I forgot to say...with over 200 posts it's time to reorganize the tags. This may take a few days. :)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Miscellaneous: Crochet Three

Quick post: Here is a scarf I made a while back. I thought it was really cute, but I didn't have the colors in my wardrobe, so I changed it to colors that I did. The pattern is in The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stroller. She has some other cute patterns in there that I haven't had the opportunity to try. B's mother really likes the drawn guides for the patterns called crochet charts. They can be much easier than learning (or until you learn) the short names for the stitches.

Anyway, what do you think?

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Men: "Cliff St. Paul"

Geek/Nerd: Cliff St. Paul
Show/Movie: Ugly Betty
Actor Name: David Blue
Year of Birth: 1979
Status: Single
Height: 6'
Fun Fact: Self-taught piano, guitar, and Champion Swing Dancer

Also Eli Wallace (Stargate Universe) and Logan Griffen (Moonlight), I've known the actor best as the lovable, nerdy, and unfortunately gay, Cliff St. Paul of Ugly Betty. While I love buff bodies and dimples...the cute bear types hover over my heart.

The actor is not gay, which is a relief, and he's no longer on Ugly Betty, which is a bummer.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Chocolate: Chocolate Madness

While the family was vacationing I had the opportunity to visit a place called North End Treats just outside Boston. A mini chocolate cake and a Key Lime Bomb (both 3 inches high and 5 inches in diameter) were waved in front of my face at a family event. Unfortunately, I didn't get even a taste. So I made B drive me to their place to buy some treats for myself :)

I tasted a mini strawberry cake (B and B's mom loved that one), the Key Lime Bomb (which I liked), and a slice of Chocolate Madness, in lieu of the mini chocolate cake. I have to say that the Chocolate Madness was the real bomb. There was cake, pudding cream, chocolate crumb crust, and chunks of brownie. Loved. It.

There are no pictures of the special treats on their webpage, which is a crying shame, and the three set me back almost $15, but if you are in their area that's what I would recommend.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Books: The Sisters Grimm

The summer is here, and I'm ready to celebrate! It's time to visit the local library because I have time to read. Of course I'm going to continue to read Robb's in Death series, but I'm on the lookout for new books and authors.

On our first library visit, A and M came first. While I was there (unsuccessfully trying to help A find a book she would enjoy) I found The Fairy Tale Detectives from The Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley. There isn't much on Wiki for Buckley so you'll have to take a look at the book series through Amazon. I've only read the first book and read the reviews for the first two books in the series. Buckley is on his seventh book, with two more planned.

It centers around two sisters, ages 11 and 7 when the books starts, who were left as orphans. The foster parent circle the kids end up in reminded me of Series of Unfortunate Events, but that's where that similarity ends. The sisters' last chance is a woman claiming to be their grandmother. The older sister, Sabrina, doesn't believe in the woman because their father told them there was no other family. I won't spoil anything by telling you here who the old woman really is, but be warned that the reviews give it all away.

The woman and now the girls live in a town made up of fairy tale characters. For example, the mayor is Prince Charming. There is a whole back story on how this came to be, plenty more make believe, and magic. The names some of them have (What is Little Red Riding Hood's real name anyway?) is reminiscent of Harry Potter, but again the rest of the story is a little different.

Anyway, if the kiddos are looking for something to occupy time. Check it out. M, no, not A, has taken a liking to the first book and my library copy is a hefty 284 pages (It's a small sized book). I think it's interesting. I'll have to remember to update when I've read more.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

TV: The Othersiders

The Othersiders is a television show for kids on the Cartoon Network. "A team of teens who go to these places like the Queen Mary or Lincoln Heights Jail and they look for ghosts," says M. The teens actually look for ghosts by collecting evidence and then take a vote to decide if the place is haunted. They leave the evidence on their website so you can decide for yourself.

First, it never ceases to amaze me how much we rub off on our kids. It would be wonderful if that continued through the teenage years :) I watch stuff like Ghost Whisperer and Supernatural so it seems appropriate they would like to watch this show.

Second, how real is it? I'm convinced that it pushes the boundaries of reality. Most of the actions of the cast are real, but I wonder just how much of their evidence is.

I guess it is pretty harmless as far as shows go and somewhat scientific (hypothesis, data collection, conclusion). It's better than Spongebob Squarepants.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Miscellaneous: Dunkin' Donuts

I miss Dunkin' Donuts. I used to live where they had many stores. Now I have to wait to visit relatives (like I am now!) to get them. For the most part they are just like any other donuts, but there is one that makes them the best for me: the creme filled. They are my favorite! Chocolate or vanilla, powdered to perfection. Krispy Creme has a similar donut however it is glaze and sometimes comes with a chocolate topping. It's okay, but Dunkin' Donuts has the best.

It isn't the slightest bit healthy.

In a few days I will get my 5 year fix. Celebrate with me :o)

Friday, June 12, 2009

Men: Paul Telfer

Name: Paul Telfer
Best Known For: TV Miniseries, Hercules
Year of Birth: 1979
Status: Partner (Carmen Cusack)
Height: 6'2"
Fun Fact: He was a teacher at one time

Stumbled across this one while looking at Squarehippies. I had never heard of him before. He was born in Scotland, though. Can you hear the accent? Ooh la la. Oddly enough, I actually prefer him with the longer hair and the goatee (Google him). The way he looks in Hotel Babylon (another show he worked on) isn't as attractive. Anyway, enjoy! I am.

BTW, that pic actually goes a lil' bit lower. ;)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Chocolate: See's

Happiness!

Good things come in threes. Number two is this one pound box of chocolates I've gotten my hands on. See's Assorted Chocolates (That's what my box looks like on the left). I rarely get one. So happiness! Although See's Candies sells a variety of chocolates including peppermints, truffles, and fudge, if I'm in the vicinity of See's it's usually a box of soft centers, nut & chews, or the assortment.

There are 20+ different chocolates in the assorted box. I particularly like the marshmallow with caramel, chocolate covered almonds, the chocolate buttercream filled, and the chewy almond with chocolate bottom. I dislike the walnuts (chewy or nut cream), the bordeaux, and the rum filled. I generally like their chocolates.

What I don't like is not knowing what's in them without the bite. I don't get them often enough to remember the pattern. I'll bite into a nasty rum and spit it back out (I know, eeeww! Right?) So if I have a gripe it's about not having a "key" for determining the chocolate I'm biting into. If you'd like to look at the different chocolates, click on Custom Mix. You'll get to see each piece.

Anyway, I have chocolate to eat.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Books: Child Behavior

I consider myself very lucky. My kids are pretty good and well behaved. What I mean is: no tantrums in public places ever, do what they are told 95% of the time, polite and respectful in others' homes (no running, screaming or jumping on furniture), rarely talk back to me, and have good grades in school. I think it's because they know who is in charge of this household and it's not them.

I have seen children who are not well behaved. I don't just mean a temper tantrum from a stranger's child, I mean I see the same child every day for months or I've heard the parent complain about how their child behaves. While many times all it takes is for a phase to pass, sometimes I start to wonder what the child will be like when they get older.

I have a friend who was having a really hard time with her child. Temper tantrums, blatant refusal to follow directions, disrespect, and physically striking out at her any time she asked her child to do something that was within reason. She found a book, Beyond Time Out: From Chaos to Calm by Dr. Beth Grosshans. Now my friend says she has a brand new child.

Her child is extremely bright and one of the things she noticed that she was doing was reasoning with the child as if the child was a peer. She made a list for me, because I was very interested, of the things she needed to remember when dealing with her child.

Over-explaining, reasoning, and negotiating
Apologizing too often
Seeking the child's permission and approval
Not owning parental decisions and directions
Manipulating with too many bribes and threats
Repeating the same diresction over and over
Blaming the child and looking to him/her for answers

Before I go on, let me point out that I have not read this book. I don't want anyone thinking I endorse it. With one friend who has changed her life and another who wants to, I thought it warranted a little consideration in one blog post.

I read the reviews for the book and out of 29, 4 were very negative. But I found that the people who didn't like the book complained that it was too controlling. They believed Grosshans' methods did not allow for child freedom. First, why are they reading the book? They are obviously having issues with their children as a result of how they are raising them now. If they aren't open to the idea that there is something wrong with the way they are handling things then why bother to look for a better way. Second, the people in need of this book are those who give their children too much freedom. Again, it's a discipline book on behavior, not a book on self-esteem.

I think the list is on target. When one has a bright child, there is a tendency to treat the child as if he/she is an equal. The child seems to understand so much about daily life. But I think parents forget that the child IS a child and not an adult. As such, the child does not deserve all the rights and privileges an adult has.

Of course one book cannot be a panecia for misbehaving children. There are other books out there. One, 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Whelan, Ph.D., has some of the same philosophies as the book above(child not in charge). Again, I have not read his book, but one of his others (there is 1-2-3 Magic for Kids, 1-2-3 Magic for Teachers, 1-2-3 Magic for Christian Parents,...).

The point of this post? I just see too many out of control kids, and I worry about how they will turn out later without intervention of some kind. I just want people to remember that books are great resources. Rather than buy one, check one out from the library (It's summer reading program time!)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

TV: Pushing Daisies 2

Three missing episodes are being aired. One has already shown on May 30. The other two are slated for June 6 & 13. We're happy because we get to see a little more of our poor cancelled show, but we're unhappy that three is all we get. And we really don't get to see a conclusion.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Mountains

There will be several of them that I have to overcome this month. One, I have a major project due at work. I'm going to be working my tail off, which I think will sue me for vacation time. Second, I'm going on a trip. I stress about these things, but I'm hoping that everything will go smoothly. Let's not get into all the reasons I stress over travel. Focusing on the good, I'm planning to look into my genealogy as I'll be in my hometown. Third and finally, I absolutely have to tackle the mountain of crud that's taken over my home. It seems like I did nothing last summer, and I can no longer take it.

Deep breath. One mountain at a time.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Men: Scott Herman

Absolutely couldn't resist. He isn't cute in the face to me, but the bod is so rockin' I...I'm speechless.

Name: Scott Edward Herman
Best Known For: Model, TV Show The Real World
Year of Birth: 1984
Status: Single
Height: 5'10"
Fun Fact: BA in Business

Monday, May 25, 2009

Chocolate: Macadamia Islands

We had a box of Mauna Loa Macadamia Islands milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts left over from our trip. I'm shocked that they were still edible. It was a nice sweet (trying to deal with the flip flop from dark to milk) bite. On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the best nut to put in chocolate, I rate macadamia at a 5. It's okay, but really not my first pick. At least the chocolate didn't have the after taste I get with Hershey.

Have you had your sweet treat today?

Friday, May 22, 2009

Books: Big Book of Everything

If you don't already know, I have children. So of course I was a victim of Adult-watching-children's TV Syndrome. There were several years in which I was forced to watch television directed at 3 to 8 year olds. One such show was Stanley. I wish I could tell you when it comes on Disney or if it even airs anymore, but the kiddos are a little too old to watch.

Anyway the kid had a Big Book of Everything in which he collected photos and information about the animal kingdom. When the oldest was younger we made our own book. Paper bag covered binder, construction paper, colored paper, magazine and computer printed pictures. It was too cute and super informative. The kids learned so much by making this book themselves. They still pull the book down and read the pages.

I'm somewhat brain dead right now, but when I collect my wits I will post a picture of their book. Right now I'm just trying to catch up with my blog posts! Oh, and then I'll think about how we can turn this into some new summer projects :o)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

TV: Sneek Peeks

If there's one thing I like from E!Online it's "Watch With Kristin." She finds out all the little goodies about TV shows. So here's the scoop...

BTW, I'm posting this a little early because there's no sense in seeing the sneek peeks after they've aired. That means my posts are going out of order and will be back on track after this cycle. (I had to decide which would irk me more ;) )

UPDATE: Not on E!Online, but I've heard that Medium wasn't renewed by NBC :( However it seems to have been picked up by CBS :)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Miscellaneous: Gotcha!

The radio station I listen to has a feature in which they try to trap someone into admitting infidelity. Let me make this more clear. For example, a man calls the station and says he believes his girlfriend/wife is cheating. The host calls the unsuspecting girlfriend/wife while the man is on the phone and offers some kind of service. The girlfriend/wife is supposed to take the bait so the man can prove to the world that the girlfriend/wife is cheating.

Hmmmm. I don't know what to say. For many of the couples, a simple conversation would have sufficed. I would think it's embarrassing for the caller to find out the significant other chooses to send the fake item (that's usually how the station approaches the "cheater") to the caller. More than embarrassing, any trust that was in the relationship before is gone.

For other couples, I don't understand the need to confront the cheater through the show. I'm sure the intent is to shame the cheater, but the caller ends up looking like an idiot for calling the show to solve the problem. I think we're supposed to feel happy that the cheaters get caught. I just feel pity for the caller.

Of course, I could put my own head in the sand for listening. Hey, it's only a 5 minute part of my 15 minute drive to work. It isn't worth changing the channel. And I could probably devote my posts to more worthwhile irritants, like an online dating service that's specifically for adulterers.