Here are the socks posing with Big Apple. The socks aren't a perfect match but they are pretty close. One toe is pink and the other is green. I'm sure my mom will love them.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Harry Potter (no spoilers)
The Crafty Conservative
I finished the 6th Harry Potter book before I went to bed last night. SD doesn't read as quickly as me so I've been dying to talk about what happens. It'll be weeks before he's done.
I just have to mention a couple of things (this will not give away anything). Harry and Dumbledore go to visit an old Hogwarts professor. Dumbledore wants to give Harry a chance to speak with him alone so he goes to the bathroom (this is in a Muggle house). He is there for a while and when he comes back, he comments on how he loves Muggle magazines...especially the knitting patterns! Secondly, Mrs. Weasley's sweater for Ron isn't the usual initial...it's a sweater with a golden snitch on it. Hmmm. When will we start seeing patterns for this? Although, I'm still wanting a pattern for the socks that Harry, Ron, & Hermione bought in Hogsmeade (book 4) for Dobby. One has broomsticks and the other has snitches.
I don't have much time to write anything else as I should be getting myself and my family ready for church. Just had to get this off my chest. Much, much more later.
p.s. I also re-read The Hobbit this week.
I finished the 6th Harry Potter book before I went to bed last night. SD doesn't read as quickly as me so I've been dying to talk about what happens. It'll be weeks before he's done.
I just have to mention a couple of things (this will not give away anything). Harry and Dumbledore go to visit an old Hogwarts professor. Dumbledore wants to give Harry a chance to speak with him alone so he goes to the bathroom (this is in a Muggle house). He is there for a while and when he comes back, he comments on how he loves Muggle magazines...especially the knitting patterns! Secondly, Mrs. Weasley's sweater for Ron isn't the usual initial...it's a sweater with a golden snitch on it. Hmmm. When will we start seeing patterns for this? Although, I'm still wanting a pattern for the socks that Harry, Ron, & Hermione bought in Hogsmeade (book 4) for Dobby. One has broomsticks and the other has snitches.
I don't have much time to write anything else as I should be getting myself and my family ready for church. Just had to get this off my chest. Much, much more later.
p.s. I also re-read The Hobbit this week.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Elmo has Mail!
The Crafty Conservative
Frog will go around the house for hours singing "Elmo has mail!". I felt like singing that yesterday when 3 weeks worth of mail arrived at my house. It took me a long time to go through it and it looks like only 2 of the bills that arrived since 6/24 were due before yesterday. Not bad. I was worried about that since we're new here and I don't know when the utility bills come yet. Two very exciting things were waiting for me in the pile.
1. Big Apple's birth certificate!!! I don't know if you know this but, once the adoption is finalized the certificate lists SD and me as the parents (which we are, of course). When Frog's came I didn't know this and I was so excited! Even with knowing, it still gives me a little jolt of happiness to see our names on Big Apple's.
2. Neil Diamond tickets!!! Is it wrong that I was debating which one to list first? I hope I don't misplace them. I'm getting really excited about the concert. The first time I saw him was so awesome and I'm sure he won't disappoint this time around.
It's still early and the kids aren't up yet. Frog wouldn't go to sleep in his own bed at a decent hour so for my sake, I brought him in with me. He slept fine. I got kicked all night. Oh well. SD gets home TONIGHT!!! I better go get a shower while I can so we can go get my Harry Potter book as soon as the kids are up and ready.
p.s. I have only one "row" (color block=22 rows) done on the Hogwarts scarf. I stopped when I had to switch to the gold b/c Frog was having too much fun playing with the skein. Maybe I'll have some time this morning...
Frog will go around the house for hours singing "Elmo has mail!". I felt like singing that yesterday when 3 weeks worth of mail arrived at my house. It took me a long time to go through it and it looks like only 2 of the bills that arrived since 6/24 were due before yesterday. Not bad. I was worried about that since we're new here and I don't know when the utility bills come yet. Two very exciting things were waiting for me in the pile.
1. Big Apple's birth certificate!!! I don't know if you know this but, once the adoption is finalized the certificate lists SD and me as the parents (which we are, of course). When Frog's came I didn't know this and I was so excited! Even with knowing, it still gives me a little jolt of happiness to see our names on Big Apple's.
2. Neil Diamond tickets!!! Is it wrong that I was debating which one to list first? I hope I don't misplace them. I'm getting really excited about the concert. The first time I saw him was so awesome and I'm sure he won't disappoint this time around.
It's still early and the kids aren't up yet. Frog wouldn't go to sleep in his own bed at a decent hour so for my sake, I brought him in with me. He slept fine. I got kicked all night. Oh well. SD gets home TONIGHT!!! I better go get a shower while I can so we can go get my Harry Potter book as soon as the kids are up and ready.
p.s. I have only one "row" (color block=22 rows) done on the Hogwarts scarf. I stopped when I had to switch to the gold b/c Frog was having too much fun playing with the skein. Maybe I'll have some time this morning...
Friday, July 15, 2005
Finito
The Crafty Conservative
I now have this year's FO #12! The Regia socks are done. I won't have a picture posted until Sunday at the earliest. But, I just had to blog about my latest FO! I'm ready to cast on now for Hogwarts scarf #2. I figured that was the most appropriate as I'm anxiously waiting for the book. I was going to pre-order it and just have it sent to me (like the last one) but I wasn't for sure that I would be back home by then. Target has them for under $17 so I'm going there as soon as I can get myself and my kids ready tomorrow. Then, I'll probably spend the rest of the day doing as much reading as possible with two kids around. Maybe I'll be inspired to work a little on my Hogwarts scarf, too.
I'm also in the market for a free baby sock pattern that will work well for my leftover Regia Jubilee. Anyone have a link or an easy pattern they're willing to share?
I now have this year's FO #12! The Regia socks are done. I won't have a picture posted until Sunday at the earliest. But, I just had to blog about my latest FO! I'm ready to cast on now for Hogwarts scarf #2. I figured that was the most appropriate as I'm anxiously waiting for the book. I was going to pre-order it and just have it sent to me (like the last one) but I wasn't for sure that I would be back home by then. Target has them for under $17 so I'm going there as soon as I can get myself and my kids ready tomorrow. Then, I'll probably spend the rest of the day doing as much reading as possible with two kids around. Maybe I'll be inspired to work a little on my Hogwarts scarf, too.
I'm also in the market for a free baby sock pattern that will work well for my leftover Regia Jubilee. Anyone have a link or an easy pattern they're willing to share?
Thursday, July 14, 2005
I was going to post this picture on Tiffany's birthday (July 11th) since she was so kind to send it to me on mine (April 11th). We both turned 30 this year. We've been friends a heck of a long time! This was taken in 1989 at camp. I don't know who bought me that leopard shirt but I really hope I only wore it at camp and not out in "public".
Regia, regia, how I love thee...
The Crafty Conservative
Well, folks, I have fallen back in love with my socks. My Regia sock yarn is turning into a mighty fine pair of socks. I'm sure this new found love comes because I'm almost to the toe shaping of the 2nd one. I can finally see an end in sight. But, I'm sure it can't be all that. Last night as I was knitting away (both kids were in bed by 9pm...Frog had been a night owl on vacation staying up until 11pm most nights) I was thinking that I might have enough left on the skein to make a pair of socks for Big Apple. I do have a lone sock from the skein that I can rip out, too, if necessary. The pattern just didn't bring out the beauty of the self-patterning yarn so I didn't finish that pair. I'm glad to be knitting again.
I woke up this morning super exited that tomorrow I would be able to go out and buy the new Harry Potter book. Then, I realized that it's not Friday. Bummer. How can it only be Thursday? I've lost track of so many days lately.
I've started thinking about the upcoming Neil Diamond concert. It's only 12 days away! Wow. I can't believe it is that soon. I need to start listening to all of my Neil cd's to get ready for some singing in the 14th ROW! I only made $54 at my garage sale so I have to come up with some other money making scheme to appease the cheapness of my Sugar Daddy (oh, the irony of his screen name). I haven't told him this yet but I'm only earning enough money for all of my ticket and just enough to cover the difference between the cheap ticket and the expensive one for him. He was perfectly happy to have me get cheap tickets without this earning money nonsense so I shouldn't have to pay for his whole ticket. He's going to love the concert.
I hear some commotion in the other room so I better be done for today. Happy knitting all!
Well, folks, I have fallen back in love with my socks. My Regia sock yarn is turning into a mighty fine pair of socks. I'm sure this new found love comes because I'm almost to the toe shaping of the 2nd one. I can finally see an end in sight. But, I'm sure it can't be all that. Last night as I was knitting away (both kids were in bed by 9pm...Frog had been a night owl on vacation staying up until 11pm most nights) I was thinking that I might have enough left on the skein to make a pair of socks for Big Apple. I do have a lone sock from the skein that I can rip out, too, if necessary. The pattern just didn't bring out the beauty of the self-patterning yarn so I didn't finish that pair. I'm glad to be knitting again.
I woke up this morning super exited that tomorrow I would be able to go out and buy the new Harry Potter book. Then, I realized that it's not Friday. Bummer. How can it only be Thursday? I've lost track of so many days lately.
I've started thinking about the upcoming Neil Diamond concert. It's only 12 days away! Wow. I can't believe it is that soon. I need to start listening to all of my Neil cd's to get ready for some singing in the 14th ROW! I only made $54 at my garage sale so I have to come up with some other money making scheme to appease the cheapness of my Sugar Daddy (oh, the irony of his screen name). I haven't told him this yet but I'm only earning enough money for all of my ticket and just enough to cover the difference between the cheap ticket and the expensive one for him. He was perfectly happy to have me get cheap tickets without this earning money nonsense so I shouldn't have to pay for his whole ticket. He's going to love the concert.
I hear some commotion in the other room so I better be done for today. Happy knitting all!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I'm Back, People!
The Crafty Conservative
I made it back to Nebraska last night. My dad drove back with a load of furniture and I had Sugar Daddy arrange for some guys to be here to help unload. I now have my piano, a "new" couch and chaisse lounge, another tv, vcr, and dvd player. Not a bad haul.
Nothing super interesting happened to me on my trip so I can't provide a fabulous travelogue a la Melessa. Although, it was great visiting with her and my other homegirls in Oklahoma (HI TIFFANY!).
Big Apple was a dream baby on the trip. Now I have some witnesses for some of her super baby antics...like already being very mobile! She gets in her crawling stance and scoots along. She'll also push herself up from crawling position to her hands and feet and kind of launch herself forward. She's good at this but not at determining when it is not safe to do so. She has bumped her head on walls, fireplaces, couches, etc...
I also have witnesses to some of Frog's famous tantrums. He's done worse but I think I just reacted poorly because I have been alone and tired for 3 weeks. I'll be glad when SD gets home (Sat night!).
I started working on the Regia socks again and when I have some more time, I'll update my sidebar with the progress. I haven't even added the via diagonale purse yet. I feel so out of the loop! I need to catch up on some of my blog reading but that's going to have to wait until I can get back out from under this new set of boxes. I have a little bit of work to do around here before it feels like home again. That probably sounds funny because I've really only physically lived in this house for three weeks but it does feel like home.
Both kids are up now and I think I'm going to tackle giving them baths. We didn't have a regular bath routine on vacation because one of the bathrooms where I was staying was "under construction" and the other was not designed for conveniently bathing children. They did get bathed there (I'm not THAT bad of a mother to avoid bathing my children because it was inconvenient for me), but they are definitely due for another. Today's the day.
I should be back to blogging most every day now. Glad to be back!
I made it back to Nebraska last night. My dad drove back with a load of furniture and I had Sugar Daddy arrange for some guys to be here to help unload. I now have my piano, a "new" couch and chaisse lounge, another tv, vcr, and dvd player. Not a bad haul.
Nothing super interesting happened to me on my trip so I can't provide a fabulous travelogue a la Melessa. Although, it was great visiting with her and my other homegirls in Oklahoma (HI TIFFANY!).
Big Apple was a dream baby on the trip. Now I have some witnesses for some of her super baby antics...like already being very mobile! She gets in her crawling stance and scoots along. She'll also push herself up from crawling position to her hands and feet and kind of launch herself forward. She's good at this but not at determining when it is not safe to do so. She has bumped her head on walls, fireplaces, couches, etc...
I also have witnesses to some of Frog's famous tantrums. He's done worse but I think I just reacted poorly because I have been alone and tired for 3 weeks. I'll be glad when SD gets home (Sat night!).
I started working on the Regia socks again and when I have some more time, I'll update my sidebar with the progress. I haven't even added the via diagonale purse yet. I feel so out of the loop! I need to catch up on some of my blog reading but that's going to have to wait until I can get back out from under this new set of boxes. I have a little bit of work to do around here before it feels like home again. That probably sounds funny because I've really only physically lived in this house for three weeks but it does feel like home.
Both kids are up now and I think I'm going to tackle giving them baths. We didn't have a regular bath routine on vacation because one of the bathrooms where I was staying was "under construction" and the other was not designed for conveniently bathing children. They did get bathed there (I'm not THAT bad of a mother to avoid bathing my children because it was inconvenient for me), but they are definitely due for another. Today's the day.
I should be back to blogging most every day now. Glad to be back!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Oklahoma, O-K!
The Crafty Conservative
I made it to Oklahoma, and once again, I am reminded of my stupidity of insisting on visiting in the summer. I haven't stopped sweating since my arrival. My sister was kind enough to chop off my hair (pics to come after my epic journey has been completed).
Frog has been busy playing in the water almost every day. Big Apple is content to coo, roll around the house, sleep, and eat. I've been trying not to get too sweaty and have been catching up on some of my favorite shows on cable.
I'm only a few days in on this trip and I'm already asking myself which is worse: spending 3 weeks alone in a city where I have no friends or spending 3 weeks with my family?
On that note, I'm about to leave Tulsa and head back to Norman where I have no computer. I won't be able to blog again unless Melessa or Tiffany take pity on me.
I made it to Oklahoma, and once again, I am reminded of my stupidity of insisting on visiting in the summer. I haven't stopped sweating since my arrival. My sister was kind enough to chop off my hair (pics to come after my epic journey has been completed).
Frog has been busy playing in the water almost every day. Big Apple is content to coo, roll around the house, sleep, and eat. I've been trying not to get too sweaty and have been catching up on some of my favorite shows on cable.
I'm only a few days in on this trip and I'm already asking myself which is worse: spending 3 weeks alone in a city where I have no friends or spending 3 weeks with my family?
On that note, I'm about to leave Tulsa and head back to Norman where I have no computer. I won't be able to blog again unless Melessa or Tiffany take pity on me.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Few and Far Between
The Crafty Conservative
My posts, I'm afraid, are destined to be few and far between these next three weeks. I'm going to Oklahoma to stay and my mom's old house and get it ready to be sold. She has no phone service there anymore and no computer. I think I'll make it. She left the cable on for us, at least! That's better than our rabbit ears here in Lincoln. Now I can watch Dancing With the Stars without fuzz and in and out color. :)
We're leaving tomorrow morning. It should take just over 8 hours. Sugar Daddy will leave from there on Thursday to go to Massachussets for a summer camp where he teaches principles of flight to 11 yr. old geniuses. He'll be there until July 16th. He's flying back to Omaha. So, I just have to be back from Oklahoma by then. I'm going to try and get back on the 14th, though. We'll see.
I have some really big plans (sarcasm) for while I'm in Oklahoma. My mom is taking us to an ice cream social this Friday. Wow. It really shouldn't be too bad. The only roommate I've ever had will be there with her 4 kids (Lora B. now R...for those who care). We'll probably stay the whole weekend in Tulsa and then spend the rest of the time in Norman.
So, it may be a while before I post again but I should have lots to share when I get back to a computer!
My posts, I'm afraid, are destined to be few and far between these next three weeks. I'm going to Oklahoma to stay and my mom's old house and get it ready to be sold. She has no phone service there anymore and no computer. I think I'll make it. She left the cable on for us, at least! That's better than our rabbit ears here in Lincoln. Now I can watch Dancing With the Stars without fuzz and in and out color. :)
We're leaving tomorrow morning. It should take just over 8 hours. Sugar Daddy will leave from there on Thursday to go to Massachussets for a summer camp where he teaches principles of flight to 11 yr. old geniuses. He'll be there until July 16th. He's flying back to Omaha. So, I just have to be back from Oklahoma by then. I'm going to try and get back on the 14th, though. We'll see.
I have some really big plans (sarcasm) for while I'm in Oklahoma. My mom is taking us to an ice cream social this Friday. Wow. It really shouldn't be too bad. The only roommate I've ever had will be there with her 4 kids (Lora B. now R...for those who care). We'll probably stay the whole weekend in Tulsa and then spend the rest of the time in Norman.
So, it may be a while before I post again but I should have lots to share when I get back to a computer!
Monday, June 20, 2005
The Crimson Petal and the White
The Crafty Conservative
I finished this book. It was really long and it kept my interest. I love historical fiction. It's a little more "sexy" than books I normally read although, I must admit, it didn't overpower the novel. I've read some books where they throw in outrageous sex scenes that make me cringe and ask "WHY???".
Here's what I hated about the book. THE ENDING!! It was way too abrupt. It didn't bring closure to any of the characters. I found myself hurrying up to get to the ending and was left feeling really cheated. I'm not the type of person that likes to imagine my own endings for the characters. At least not as much as I'm expected to do on my own as Faber suggests.
I'd give it 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I finished this book. It was really long and it kept my interest. I love historical fiction. It's a little more "sexy" than books I normally read although, I must admit, it didn't overpower the novel. I've read some books where they throw in outrageous sex scenes that make me cringe and ask "WHY???".
Here's what I hated about the book. THE ENDING!! It was way too abrupt. It didn't bring closure to any of the characters. I found myself hurrying up to get to the ending and was left feeling really cheated. I'm not the type of person that likes to imagine my own endings for the characters. At least not as much as I'm expected to do on my own as Faber suggests.
I'd give it 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Bubba's Banana Bread
The Crafty Conservative
My great-grandma passed away several years ago. Her name was Thelma Hipwell but everyone called her Bubba. She was all of 5 feet tall and probably weighed no more than 100 lbs. her whole life. But, she had spunk. Everyone that knew her loved her. She had a recipe for Banana Bread that could beat any other I've ever tried. I made a batch on Friday so I've been thinking about her a lot. I thought I would pass on the recipe. It's the only banana bread recipe I've ever seen that uses 7up. It makes it nice and airy and DELICIOUS!
Bubba's Banana Bread
4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 c. butter or shortening (butter is best)
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup 7up
2 cups bananas (3 or 4)
1/2 cup walnuts
Cream sugar, butter and eggs. Beat after each egg. Add vanilla, bananas, and sifted dry ingredients alternating with 7up. Fold in nuts. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Makes 3 loaves.
I sometimes add chocolate chips to the recipe. You can never go wrong with chocolate chips!
My great-grandma passed away several years ago. Her name was Thelma Hipwell but everyone called her Bubba. She was all of 5 feet tall and probably weighed no more than 100 lbs. her whole life. But, she had spunk. Everyone that knew her loved her. She had a recipe for Banana Bread that could beat any other I've ever tried. I made a batch on Friday so I've been thinking about her a lot. I thought I would pass on the recipe. It's the only banana bread recipe I've ever seen that uses 7up. It makes it nice and airy and DELICIOUS!
Bubba's Banana Bread
4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 c. butter or shortening (butter is best)
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup 7up
2 cups bananas (3 or 4)
1/2 cup walnuts
Cream sugar, butter and eggs. Beat after each egg. Add vanilla, bananas, and sifted dry ingredients alternating with 7up. Fold in nuts. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Makes 3 loaves.
I sometimes add chocolate chips to the recipe. You can never go wrong with chocolate chips!
Friday, June 17, 2005
A Woman's Worth
The Crafty Conservative
I'm about to enter into negotiations with Sugar Daddy for an allowance. It's for our own good. I know we're now richer than we ever have been and it's all I can do not to go squander every last cent (not really, but it's a lot easier to justify spending $10 on an outfit for Big Apple than hoping for hand me downs or a Wal-mart clearance).
Salary.com says that a stay at home mom should be earning (on average) $131,471 a year. They got this number by averaging the salaries of the following:
1. Day Care Center Teacher
2. Van Driver
3. Housekeeper
4. General Maintenance Worker
5. Cook
6. CEO
7. Nurse
They counted a 40 hour work week plus 80 hours of overtime. I know I'm not worth getting paid as a housekeeper, general maintenance worker, or a nurse. Sugar Daddy pretty much takes over in those cases. He's also great to take care of the kids whenever I need him to so the overtime hours could be cut in half. That still makes me worth quite a chunk of change. I know that a lot of my "salary" is used for my share of the living expenses. Let's say that taking away the overtime and the jobs I don't do, my salary would be $45K/yr. Two-thirds of that can be used as living expenses (food, shelter, basic needs). So I'm down to around $16K/yr. That's still quite a bit of an allowance.
Here's the dilemma. I'm thinking of asking for anywhere from $5-$15 a day. That would be $1825-$5475/yr. The range is because I don't know what I would be responsible for buying with my allowance. If it is just frivolous money (lunch out with my still non-existent friends, yarn, purses, Neil Diamond concerts, etc...) I would go for the lower range. But, if I'm expected to budget household items (like new furniture and outdoor toys for the kiddos) I may go for the upper range.
I haven't discussed any of this with the spouse as of yet. I'm still trying to formulate my "game plan". Any advice?
I'm about to enter into negotiations with Sugar Daddy for an allowance. It's for our own good. I know we're now richer than we ever have been and it's all I can do not to go squander every last cent (not really, but it's a lot easier to justify spending $10 on an outfit for Big Apple than hoping for hand me downs or a Wal-mart clearance).
Salary.com says that a stay at home mom should be earning (on average) $131,471 a year. They got this number by averaging the salaries of the following:
1. Day Care Center Teacher
2. Van Driver
3. Housekeeper
4. General Maintenance Worker
5. Cook
6. CEO
7. Nurse
They counted a 40 hour work week plus 80 hours of overtime. I know I'm not worth getting paid as a housekeeper, general maintenance worker, or a nurse. Sugar Daddy pretty much takes over in those cases. He's also great to take care of the kids whenever I need him to so the overtime hours could be cut in half. That still makes me worth quite a chunk of change. I know that a lot of my "salary" is used for my share of the living expenses. Let's say that taking away the overtime and the jobs I don't do, my salary would be $45K/yr. Two-thirds of that can be used as living expenses (food, shelter, basic needs). So I'm down to around $16K/yr. That's still quite a bit of an allowance.
Here's the dilemma. I'm thinking of asking for anywhere from $5-$15 a day. That would be $1825-$5475/yr. The range is because I don't know what I would be responsible for buying with my allowance. If it is just frivolous money (lunch out with my still non-existent friends, yarn, purses, Neil Diamond concerts, etc...) I would go for the lower range. But, if I'm expected to budget household items (like new furniture and outdoor toys for the kiddos) I may go for the upper range.
I haven't discussed any of this with the spouse as of yet. I'm still trying to formulate my "game plan". Any advice?
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Mirror, Mirror
The Crafty Conservative
We came from a house with no mirrors. We had one in the bathroom that I had to stand on my tiptoes to see my whole face. I also had a decorative mirror in the dining room where I could see my whole face without being on my tiptoes. No full-length mirrors anywhere. I trusted Sugar Daddy to tell me if my outfit was horrendous. Or, I would go on the porch and hope the sun would cooperate and then I could see myself in the door. Pathetic, I know.
This house we're in now has better mirrors. The bathroom mirror is at the perfect height for me. I can see my whole face and then some. We also have a full-length mirror on the door to Big Apple's room (at the end of a hallway). Frog loves this mirror. Sometimes I catch him having conversations with himself. He'll say, "Hi Frog*! What's up?". Then he'll laugh hysterically and start jumping up and down like a maniac (his favorite activity). This is what I saw from him this morning...
Frog: jumping up and down, spinning in circles, then bumping his head on the mirror Ouch! Oh FREAK!
more laughing, more jumping, more spinning all the while saying oh freak oh freak oh freak.
*names have been changed (could you tell?)
We came from a house with no mirrors. We had one in the bathroom that I had to stand on my tiptoes to see my whole face. I also had a decorative mirror in the dining room where I could see my whole face without being on my tiptoes. No full-length mirrors anywhere. I trusted Sugar Daddy to tell me if my outfit was horrendous. Or, I would go on the porch and hope the sun would cooperate and then I could see myself in the door. Pathetic, I know.
This house we're in now has better mirrors. The bathroom mirror is at the perfect height for me. I can see my whole face and then some. We also have a full-length mirror on the door to Big Apple's room (at the end of a hallway). Frog loves this mirror. Sometimes I catch him having conversations with himself. He'll say, "Hi Frog*! What's up?". Then he'll laugh hysterically and start jumping up and down like a maniac (his favorite activity). This is what I saw from him this morning...
Frog: jumping up and down, spinning in circles, then bumping his head on the mirror Ouch! Oh FREAK!
more laughing, more jumping, more spinning all the while saying oh freak oh freak oh freak.
*names have been changed (could you tell?)
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Secret Crush
The Crafty Conservative
Is it wrong that I have a crush on Murray Wiggle? It must be. How could something so wrong feel so right? ha ha.
Is it wrong that I have a crush on Murray Wiggle? It must be. How could something so wrong feel so right? ha ha.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Frog Lives
The Crafty Conservative
That previous post is Frog's way of saying..."I'm feeling so well today that I thought I'd help mommy blog!".
He really is back to his normal level of crankiness and cuteness. I'm so glad. To celebrate we went to Cici's Pizza for lunch. We met dad there on his lunch hour. Frog is back to his normal eating habits as well. I was getting worried when all he would eat was a little bit of applesauce and popsicles. After that, I went to check out the zoo. It's kind of expensive for a small zoo ($6 adults/$5 kids). I wasn't willing to shell out $11 for us to check it out right before prime nap time. So, we took a $2 train ride around the zoo instead. Frog saw goats, llamas, ponies, and a peacock. He was most interested, however, in the cars and trucks driving by. I should save my $2 next time and just stroll him down a busy street (on the sidewalk, of course)! He liked going through the tunnel and when the conductor would toot the horn. Frog would say "CHOO CHOO!". I know he liked it when he was screaming bloody murder and flopping out on the floor so it was nearly impossible to remove him from the train w/ Big Apple in tow as well (asleep in her carseat). He's definitely feeling better.
That previous post is Frog's way of saying..."I'm feeling so well today that I thought I'd help mommy blog!".
He really is back to his normal level of crankiness and cuteness. I'm so glad. To celebrate we went to Cici's Pizza for lunch. We met dad there on his lunch hour. Frog is back to his normal eating habits as well. I was getting worried when all he would eat was a little bit of applesauce and popsicles. After that, I went to check out the zoo. It's kind of expensive for a small zoo ($6 adults/$5 kids). I wasn't willing to shell out $11 for us to check it out right before prime nap time. So, we took a $2 train ride around the zoo instead. Frog saw goats, llamas, ponies, and a peacock. He was most interested, however, in the cars and trucks driving by. I should save my $2 next time and just stroll him down a busy street (on the sidewalk, of course)! He liked going through the tunnel and when the conductor would toot the horn. Frog would say "CHOO CHOO!". I know he liked it when he was screaming bloody murder and flopping out on the floor so it was nearly impossible to remove him from the train w/ Big Apple in tow as well (asleep in her carseat). He's definitely feeling better.
Monday, June 13, 2005
The Good News and the Bad News
The Crafty Conservative
The BAD news:
I can't get cable internet here without permission from the landlord to drill a big hole in the side of the house. Not happening.
The GOOD news:
I can get DSL for the same price a month with no drilling of aforementioned holes. Just waiting for spousal approval on that.
The BAD news:
Sugar Daddy is a little mad at me and I'm now forced to find some way to earn $150 in the next 2 months. I'm thinking a couple eBay auctions are in order and I'm having a garage sale at my mom's house when I'm going to visit later this month. That should cover it.
The GOOD news:
The reason I need to earn the money is because I splurged and bought NEIL DIAMOND TICKETS!!!! Can you blame me for getting the more expensive seats? We're going to be in the 14th row!!!!
The BAD news:
Frog is still sick and grumpy. He cried for almost two hours straight this morning. He kept asking for different things and then when I would get him those things he'd throw himself down on the floor and cry even harder. What's up with that?
The GOOD news:
Frog and the Big Apple are both asleep at the moment giving me some time to myself. I'm going to read and knit. I'll use my time tonight when SD gets home to actually work on cleaning the house. :)
The BAD news:
My brother-in-law is very secretive with his personal life.
The GOOD news:
My friend isn't very secretive. So, Eric...how ya been?
The BAD news:
I can't get cable internet here without permission from the landlord to drill a big hole in the side of the house. Not happening.
The GOOD news:
I can get DSL for the same price a month with no drilling of aforementioned holes. Just waiting for spousal approval on that.
The BAD news:
Sugar Daddy is a little mad at me and I'm now forced to find some way to earn $150 in the next 2 months. I'm thinking a couple eBay auctions are in order and I'm having a garage sale at my mom's house when I'm going to visit later this month. That should cover it.
The GOOD news:
The reason I need to earn the money is because I splurged and bought NEIL DIAMOND TICKETS!!!! Can you blame me for getting the more expensive seats? We're going to be in the 14th row!!!!
The BAD news:
Frog is still sick and grumpy. He cried for almost two hours straight this morning. He kept asking for different things and then when I would get him those things he'd throw himself down on the floor and cry even harder. What's up with that?
The GOOD news:
Frog and the Big Apple are both asleep at the moment giving me some time to myself. I'm going to read and knit. I'll use my time tonight when SD gets home to actually work on cleaning the house. :)
The BAD news:
My brother-in-law is very secretive with his personal life.
The GOOD news:
My friend isn't very secretive. So, Eric...how ya been?
Sunday, June 12, 2005
"New" Car
The Crafty Conservative
We're the proud new owners of a 2002 Honda Accord LX (silver). I was starting to really feel "trapped" by not having my car during the day. The chances of me actually loading up the kids to do anything substantial is usually pretty slim, but not at least having the option was killing me. We got the car for under blue book value but they accepted our offer without any haggling so we're wondering if we could have gone lower...we'll never know. But, we got our payments where we wanted them with no money down (very important since Sugar Daddy won't get his paycheck until the end of the month).
I've been knitting a little bit on my Via Diagonale. It goes slowly and I hope it doesn't turn into another Clapotis. I still really like the yarn and the pattern is interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
I've also been reading books like crazy. I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (for the 3rd time...getting ready for the next installment!), The Pearl Diver (I would recommend this book; quick read, interesting), a couple of parenting books (nothing of note, just trying to get some ideas for the Frog), and I've just started The Crimson Petal and the White (I think that's what it's called; recommended by a gal at book group--given *** meaning it's kind of naughty!).
I better go. I've got a Frog wanting to crawl all over me and I'm willing to oblige since he's been pretty sick this weekend. He's a little more clingy than normal.
I get my cable internet tomorrow! Wahoo!
We're the proud new owners of a 2002 Honda Accord LX (silver). I was starting to really feel "trapped" by not having my car during the day. The chances of me actually loading up the kids to do anything substantial is usually pretty slim, but not at least having the option was killing me. We got the car for under blue book value but they accepted our offer without any haggling so we're wondering if we could have gone lower...we'll never know. But, we got our payments where we wanted them with no money down (very important since Sugar Daddy won't get his paycheck until the end of the month).
I've been knitting a little bit on my Via Diagonale. It goes slowly and I hope it doesn't turn into another Clapotis. I still really like the yarn and the pattern is interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
I've also been reading books like crazy. I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (for the 3rd time...getting ready for the next installment!), The Pearl Diver (I would recommend this book; quick read, interesting), a couple of parenting books (nothing of note, just trying to get some ideas for the Frog), and I've just started The Crimson Petal and the White (I think that's what it's called; recommended by a gal at book group--given *** meaning it's kind of naughty!).
I better go. I've got a Frog wanting to crawl all over me and I'm willing to oblige since he's been pretty sick this weekend. He's a little more clingy than normal.
I get my cable internet tomorrow! Wahoo!
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Neil Diamond
The Crafty Conservative
As some of you remember, I love Neil Diamond. At the end of this past school year I even took time out of class to show my 8th graders the "joy of Neil" by having them watch him sing on the Today Show. As soon as we got close enough to Omaha on our drive out here, I started hearing that he was going to be in concert on July 25th. I didn't get my hopes up too much. I've already seen him in concert (2001) and I told Sugar Daddy that it would be enough. At the time, I was telling the truth. But, now I want to go again. Sugar Daddy must want to as well because he didn't put up a fight at all when I asked him if I could get tickets. Unfortunately, there weren't any good seats left. That was the best deterrent for me. I'm not going to shell out all that dough to go to a concert and have rotten seats. I wasn't that disappointed. It is saving me a lot of logistical planning not the least of which is who can we get to watch the kids? We don't even know anyone here yet.
Someone is playing a dirty trick on me. They just added another date, July 26th. The tickets don't go on sale until Monday. I have a chance of getting good seats. I'm torn. I'll give you the update on Monday.
As some of you remember, I love Neil Diamond. At the end of this past school year I even took time out of class to show my 8th graders the "joy of Neil" by having them watch him sing on the Today Show. As soon as we got close enough to Omaha on our drive out here, I started hearing that he was going to be in concert on July 25th. I didn't get my hopes up too much. I've already seen him in concert (2001) and I told Sugar Daddy that it would be enough. At the time, I was telling the truth. But, now I want to go again. Sugar Daddy must want to as well because he didn't put up a fight at all when I asked him if I could get tickets. Unfortunately, there weren't any good seats left. That was the best deterrent for me. I'm not going to shell out all that dough to go to a concert and have rotten seats. I wasn't that disappointed. It is saving me a lot of logistical planning not the least of which is who can we get to watch the kids? We don't even know anyone here yet.
Someone is playing a dirty trick on me. They just added another date, July 26th. The tickets don't go on sale until Monday. I have a chance of getting good seats. I'm torn. I'll give you the update on Monday.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Laughing
The Crafty Conservative
Big Apple is laughing now. It takes quite a bit from me to get a laugh out of her. But, all Frog has to do is be in her line of sight and she will smile and crack up. She loves her brother.
Big Apple is laughing now. It takes quite a bit from me to get a laugh out of her. But, all Frog has to do is be in her line of sight and she will smile and crack up. She loves her brother.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Just Call Me June
The Crafty Conservative
I am embracing my inner homemaker. I finally live in a home I feel proud of and I'm working really hard to take care of it. I'm also excited that Sugar Daddy is living up to his blog name and has joined the working force. It's odd having him gone 8-5. I've had dinner waiting for him each night that he's come home. I have put Frog on a schedule (or am still trying to...) and Big Apple is still the sweet little girl she's always been. While there are still some boxes about, I felt good enough to break out some knitting. While I should have been working on one of the many projects I have started or in my line-up, I couldn't resist the lime green pima cotton I bought for Via Diagonale. For the contrast color I have a lime green/purple/dark green/white yarn. It's going to be gorgeous. I wound the cotton into balls last night and cast on. I got through one row (192 stitches) before it was time to call it a night. Let me tell you though, there is much knitting in my future. I can't remember being this excited about a project in a long time. I'm coming out of my Clapotis calamity.
I am embracing my inner homemaker. I finally live in a home I feel proud of and I'm working really hard to take care of it. I'm also excited that Sugar Daddy is living up to his blog name and has joined the working force. It's odd having him gone 8-5. I've had dinner waiting for him each night that he's come home. I have put Frog on a schedule (or am still trying to...) and Big Apple is still the sweet little girl she's always been. While there are still some boxes about, I felt good enough to break out some knitting. While I should have been working on one of the many projects I have started or in my line-up, I couldn't resist the lime green pima cotton I bought for Via Diagonale. For the contrast color I have a lime green/purple/dark green/white yarn. It's going to be gorgeous. I wound the cotton into balls last night and cast on. I got through one row (192 stitches) before it was time to call it a night. Let me tell you though, there is much knitting in my future. I can't remember being this excited about a project in a long time. I'm coming out of my Clapotis calamity.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Welcome to Nebraska!
The Crafty Conservative
We had our "official" welcome to Nebraska last night. We got to try out the basement for the tornado warning. Being from Oklahoma and having gone through this many times, it was no big deal...and actually, kind of fun. It's awesome having a finished basement. Sure beats huddling down in a closet or bathtub.
I know you are all dying to know...we got rabbit ears. We get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, lots of religious stations, and a Spanish speaking station (with some tweaking). So, no cable for us. I think we're going to "splurge" and get Netflix again. We went to the library here and they don't have DVDs to checkout. Our library in Lafayette had all of the newest ones available. Oh well. The library here in Lincoln seems really nice, though. They have a PLETHORA of children's DVDs and multiple copies of each. They also have lots of copies of some of the best and newest books so I won't have to wait so long for holds.
We had our "official" welcome to Nebraska last night. We got to try out the basement for the tornado warning. Being from Oklahoma and having gone through this many times, it was no big deal...and actually, kind of fun. It's awesome having a finished basement. Sure beats huddling down in a closet or bathtub.
I know you are all dying to know...we got rabbit ears. We get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, lots of religious stations, and a Spanish speaking station (with some tweaking). So, no cable for us. I think we're going to "splurge" and get Netflix again. We went to the library here and they don't have DVDs to checkout. Our library in Lafayette had all of the newest ones available. Oh well. The library here in Lincoln seems really nice, though. They have a PLETHORA of children's DVDs and multiple copies of each. They also have lots of copies of some of the best and newest books so I won't have to wait so long for holds.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Lincoln, USA
The Crafty Conservative
Well, I am finding myself in Lincoln, Nebraska for the second day in a row. I have a computer, my bed and the rest of my belongings in this strange home. I'm still not quite used to things...but, it's getting better. How's this for priorities? We've got the computer up and running but Big Apple's still without a crib. But, really, what's a few more days in a bassinet going to hurt?
Here are some things I wanted to mention before I forget:
1. They now have Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. It's about time! I am now giving up my Diet Cherry Coke habit and switching back to my first love...Pepsi.
2. Unleaded Plus gasoline is cheaper here than regular unleaded because of the ethanol.
3. I read The Da Vinci Code while we were housesitting. Better than I had imagined.
4. I don't think that I ever mentioned that I finished reading The Nanny Diaries by someone I don't remember but narrated by Julia Roberts (okay for an audio book...glad I didn't waste actual reading time with it, though). I also read The Lonely Boy by Lois Lowry. It's typical Lois Lowry.
5. The Frog has been having a really hard time being a good boy. So much so that I broke down and bought the Nanny 911 book at Wal-Mart the other day. I haven't done much to change yet but he is getting better. I think living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks was a little too much to handle. Now that his toys are back out and he has his room, things have been going much, much better.
6. I didn't cast on for the 2nd Hogwarts sweater like planned. I read instead (see #3). I haven't even thought about knitting (big lie...I'm really wanting to make Via Diagonale from knitty but trying to forget about it as I have a ton of other things in the works. But, I have the perfect yarn for it! We'll see how long I can hold off on that one.
7. I'm getting cable internet on June 13th.
8. I'm probably not getting cable because they want to charge us $53 a month!!! What the heck? We can get regular channels plus CNN for $17 or basic cable (HGTV, Food, etc...) for $53. There is nothing in between. What a rip-off. I told Sugar Daddy that if we can get at least CBS (SURVIVOR/THE AMAZING RACE) with rabbit ears, I'll be able to deal with that but he'll have to foot the bill for Netflix.
9. I'm retired. I am no longer a school teacher and I am also done selling Pampered Chef. They both served their purpose and I am now moving on to super FULL TIME stay at home mom status.
10. We opened a new checking account today and got a free cooler. I love America. :)
Well, I am finding myself in Lincoln, Nebraska for the second day in a row. I have a computer, my bed and the rest of my belongings in this strange home. I'm still not quite used to things...but, it's getting better. How's this for priorities? We've got the computer up and running but Big Apple's still without a crib. But, really, what's a few more days in a bassinet going to hurt?
Here are some things I wanted to mention before I forget:
1. They now have Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. It's about time! I am now giving up my Diet Cherry Coke habit and switching back to my first love...Pepsi.
2. Unleaded Plus gasoline is cheaper here than regular unleaded because of the ethanol.
3. I read The Da Vinci Code while we were housesitting. Better than I had imagined.
4. I don't think that I ever mentioned that I finished reading The Nanny Diaries by someone I don't remember but narrated by Julia Roberts (okay for an audio book...glad I didn't waste actual reading time with it, though). I also read The Lonely Boy by Lois Lowry. It's typical Lois Lowry.
5. The Frog has been having a really hard time being a good boy. So much so that I broke down and bought the Nanny 911 book at Wal-Mart the other day. I haven't done much to change yet but he is getting better. I think living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks was a little too much to handle. Now that his toys are back out and he has his room, things have been going much, much better.
6. I didn't cast on for the 2nd Hogwarts sweater like planned. I read instead (see #3). I haven't even thought about knitting (big lie...I'm really wanting to make Via Diagonale from knitty but trying to forget about it as I have a ton of other things in the works. But, I have the perfect yarn for it! We'll see how long I can hold off on that one.
7. I'm getting cable internet on June 13th.
8. I'm probably not getting cable because they want to charge us $53 a month!!! What the heck? We can get regular channels plus CNN for $17 or basic cable (HGTV, Food, etc...) for $53. There is nothing in between. What a rip-off. I told Sugar Daddy that if we can get at least CBS (SURVIVOR/THE AMAZING RACE) with rabbit ears, I'll be able to deal with that but he'll have to foot the bill for Netflix.
9. I'm retired. I am no longer a school teacher and I am also done selling Pampered Chef. They both served their purpose and I am now moving on to super FULL TIME stay at home mom status.
10. We opened a new checking account today and got a free cooler. I love America. :)
Thursday, May 26, 2005
My life in a box
The Crafty Conservative
The computer is about to go into a box. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm scared. I won't be back until we are up and running in Lincoln. That could be a week. I don't know what I'll do in the meantime. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll be neck-high in boxes trying to put my life back together in a different city 10 hours away.
The computer is about to go into a box. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm scared. I won't be back until we are up and running in Lincoln. That could be a week. I don't know what I'll do in the meantime. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll be neck-high in boxes trying to put my life back together in a different city 10 hours away.
FO #11 is here! It's the Hogwart's scarf. My young model is joined by his ever cute sister (which was made official May 24th...the adoption is final!). I'm about to cast on for the next Hogwart's scarf and I hope to finish it this weekend so I can leave it with the person I'm giving it to before we leave for Nebraska.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Packing Day Drama
The Crafty Conservative
Because we have a week between the packing and the moving, we had to set aside certain things that we need before we make it to our sweet home in Nebraska. We had certain areas in each room designated as "safe". If we wanted it to stay, we put it in the safe area. Apparently, one of the areas I thought was safe was not. When I got home from school, I realized that my knitting bag got packed. I KNOW! THE HORROR! I was really starting to have a panic attack. I was only mildly worried about the fact that there are library books in there. I mean, a little postage from Lincoln would remedy that. But...my KNITTING! Now that everything is packed, I have a lot more "free" time on my hands. I NEED KNITTING! I was feeling really sick. I asked the movers what box it was in. They didn't remember but said I was welcome to open up some of the boxes that were in the general vicinity. First try...I found it! I took out that bag and breathed a sigh of relief. There's no way they're leaving me without that for a whole 10 days!
Sitting here by the computer (they just left some extra boxes for us to pack it up by ourselves...yeah!) I've noticed that they packed our cordless phone. It's beeping from a box. It has a low battery. That could get annoying. Oh well. I've got two sleeping kids (which is a minor miracle) so I better take advantage and pay bills or something (knit).
Oh yeah, I had a pic of the Frog to post as well but Hello is being lame and won't upload it. Maybe later.
Because we have a week between the packing and the moving, we had to set aside certain things that we need before we make it to our sweet home in Nebraska. We had certain areas in each room designated as "safe". If we wanted it to stay, we put it in the safe area. Apparently, one of the areas I thought was safe was not. When I got home from school, I realized that my knitting bag got packed. I KNOW! THE HORROR! I was really starting to have a panic attack. I was only mildly worried about the fact that there are library books in there. I mean, a little postage from Lincoln would remedy that. But...my KNITTING! Now that everything is packed, I have a lot more "free" time on my hands. I NEED KNITTING! I was feeling really sick. I asked the movers what box it was in. They didn't remember but said I was welcome to open up some of the boxes that were in the general vicinity. First try...I found it! I took out that bag and breathed a sigh of relief. There's no way they're leaving me without that for a whole 10 days!
Sitting here by the computer (they just left some extra boxes for us to pack it up by ourselves...yeah!) I've noticed that they packed our cordless phone. It's beeping from a box. It has a low battery. That could get annoying. Oh well. I've got two sleeping kids (which is a minor miracle) so I better take advantage and pay bills or something (knit).
Oh yeah, I had a pic of the Frog to post as well but Hello is being lame and won't upload it. Maybe later.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Great Nelson Giveaway
The Crafty Conservative
Our Giveaway begins in full force today. I'm looking forward to seeing all of our friends and having them take away all of our stuff. It's going to be good!
I have a TON TON TON of knitting books ranging from the 1940's-1970's. I bought them at an estate sale years ago (before I even learned to knit). Some of the patterns are timeless. Some aren't. But, they're great fun to look at. And who knows, maybe hairspray cozies will be in style someday! I'd love to share these books with those of you that actually care about knitting. Unfortunately, time and logistics won't allow for it. However, if you're in the Lafayette area and you'd like to stop by anytime from 9am-9pm today, you're welcome to any and all of the books that are left. Shoot me an email for my physical address. sra_nelson at yahoo dot com.
Our Giveaway begins in full force today. I'm looking forward to seeing all of our friends and having them take away all of our stuff. It's going to be good!
I have a TON TON TON of knitting books ranging from the 1940's-1970's. I bought them at an estate sale years ago (before I even learned to knit). Some of the patterns are timeless. Some aren't. But, they're great fun to look at. And who knows, maybe hairspray cozies will be in style someday! I'd love to share these books with those of you that actually care about knitting. Unfortunately, time and logistics won't allow for it. However, if you're in the Lafayette area and you'd like to stop by anytime from 9am-9pm today, you're welcome to any and all of the books that are left. Shoot me an email for my physical address. sra_nelson at yahoo dot com.
Monday, May 16, 2005
A Conversation With my MIL
The Crafty Conservative
My mother-in-law was here visiting (along with FIL) for Sugar Daddy's graduation. She brought along some recipes to see if I might like to copy them.
MIL: Here's one for Zuchinni Rice Casserole. But, you probably won't like that one.
Me: Why not? That one actually sounds like the best one so far, to me.
MIL: It's too healthy for you.
Me: Hmmm. Well, that was kind of rude.
The conversation kept going on...no apology or explanation for her rationale behind the comment and Sugar Daddy was giving me a sympathetic look. The kind where he's sorry for what his mom just said but not sorry enough to say anything or get me out of the situation. A few recipes later...
MIL: I have two recipes for lentil soup but it looks like I only brought one. Do you want this one? You probably don't have one because I got it out of a health cookbook.
Me: Actually, I do have a recipe for lentil soup because I have some healthy cookbooks myself.
MIL: Well, it looks like these are the only recipes I brought. Drat. I thought I had packed more. So, you don't want to copy any of these then?
Me: I guess not.
Because I don't eat broccoli (gross) or wheat bread (unless it's homemade...but they probably don't know that) they think I don't like or eat anything healthy. Well, I wasn't the one that ate the half pan of rice krispy treats that were left over from a group picnic or the half dozen snicker cookies left from my recipe group!
My mother-in-law was here visiting (along with FIL) for Sugar Daddy's graduation. She brought along some recipes to see if I might like to copy them.
MIL: Here's one for Zuchinni Rice Casserole. But, you probably won't like that one.
Me: Why not? That one actually sounds like the best one so far, to me.
MIL: It's too healthy for you.
Me: Hmmm. Well, that was kind of rude.
The conversation kept going on...no apology or explanation for her rationale behind the comment and Sugar Daddy was giving me a sympathetic look. The kind where he's sorry for what his mom just said but not sorry enough to say anything or get me out of the situation. A few recipes later...
MIL: I have two recipes for lentil soup but it looks like I only brought one. Do you want this one? You probably don't have one because I got it out of a health cookbook.
Me: Actually, I do have a recipe for lentil soup because I have some healthy cookbooks myself.
MIL: Well, it looks like these are the only recipes I brought. Drat. I thought I had packed more. So, you don't want to copy any of these then?
Me: I guess not.
Because I don't eat broccoli (gross) or wheat bread (unless it's homemade...but they probably don't know that) they think I don't like or eat anything healthy. Well, I wasn't the one that ate the half pan of rice krispy treats that were left over from a group picnic or the half dozen snicker cookies left from my recipe group!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
We Have Packers!!!!
The Crafty Conservative
We're having professionals pack our belongings. Having shingles was good for something. Here's the downside: they will be here to pack up on the 19th. Uh huh. That's 1-9. Thursday. This coming Thursday. Five days away. Somehow I've got to sort our belongings into basically three categories: 1) Things to pack; 2) Things we need between the 19th and 31st; 3) Trash/what we're putting in the Great Giveaway.
They won't be loading up the truck until the 27th. That will be 8 days living out of a suitcase but still with the benefit of having our beds. After the 27th, we're "homeless". I lucked out after just one phone call, though. Some friends are going out of town and we're going to stay at their place until we go to Chicago on the 30th. We'll spend 1 day/1 night there and leave from Chicago on the 31st to get to Lincoln. The truck will deliver our belongings to us on the 1st. I'm not too excited about all the things we're going to have to do because of the packing schedule. However, I think these inconveniences are much better than having to pack our own house.
Because of this, my knitting has gone to pot. I can barely even take the time to blog but I'm justifying it because I have to be at the computer anyway. I'm printing out certifiates for the outstanding Spanish students of the year. Multi-tasking. That's the way to do it. After I'm done with this entry I'll continue my multi-tasking by trying to clean up all the trash around the computer desk. I'm going to miss my computer. But, I'll still have access at the school (where I should have the time to blog...don't fret little lambs).
We're having professionals pack our belongings. Having shingles was good for something. Here's the downside: they will be here to pack up on the 19th. Uh huh. That's 1-9. Thursday. This coming Thursday. Five days away. Somehow I've got to sort our belongings into basically three categories: 1) Things to pack; 2) Things we need between the 19th and 31st; 3) Trash/what we're putting in the Great Giveaway.
They won't be loading up the truck until the 27th. That will be 8 days living out of a suitcase but still with the benefit of having our beds. After the 27th, we're "homeless". I lucked out after just one phone call, though. Some friends are going out of town and we're going to stay at their place until we go to Chicago on the 30th. We'll spend 1 day/1 night there and leave from Chicago on the 31st to get to Lincoln. The truck will deliver our belongings to us on the 1st. I'm not too excited about all the things we're going to have to do because of the packing schedule. However, I think these inconveniences are much better than having to pack our own house.
Because of this, my knitting has gone to pot. I can barely even take the time to blog but I'm justifying it because I have to be at the computer anyway. I'm printing out certifiates for the outstanding Spanish students of the year. Multi-tasking. That's the way to do it. After I'm done with this entry I'll continue my multi-tasking by trying to clean up all the trash around the computer desk. I'm going to miss my computer. But, I'll still have access at the school (where I should have the time to blog...don't fret little lambs).
Friday, May 13, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Moving on Up
The Crafty Conservative
Oh my! Two posts in one day. Two posts within one hour. What's going on?
Well, the Forbes list of the best places is up. Lafayette, Indiana (where we live now) is listed as number 23. Mind you, this list is for small metro areas. There is another list entirely for the more metropolitan cities. Lincoln, Nebraska (our new home...in 3 weeks!) is ranked number 7. Not bad. You can check and see if your own city made the list here.
The movers are coming tomorrow to do an estimate. If everything works out according to my master plan, we will be able to have them pack everything, move it, and still have some moving expenses left to pay my dad to drive up the rest of our stuff from Oklahoma.
Oh my! Two posts in one day. Two posts within one hour. What's going on?
Well, the Forbes list of the best places is up. Lafayette, Indiana (where we live now) is listed as number 23. Mind you, this list is for small metro areas. There is another list entirely for the more metropolitan cities. Lincoln, Nebraska (our new home...in 3 weeks!) is ranked number 7. Not bad. You can check and see if your own city made the list here.
The movers are coming tomorrow to do an estimate. If everything works out according to my master plan, we will be able to have them pack everything, move it, and still have some moving expenses left to pay my dad to drive up the rest of our stuff from Oklahoma.
To my dear Frog:
The Crafty Conservative
Frog,
I know you're almost 28 months old and all you want to do is drive us batty with your tantrums and entertain us more than any high-paid celebrity ever could. I just have a tiny suggestion. Could you please grow up a little slower? I don't even mean developmentally. I mean physically! You're getting too big for your britches (literally) and I'm not emotionally ready for you to be in 4T clothes yet. So, can you keep on squeezing into those 3T for a little while longer...maybe 18 more months? Think about it. And don't even get me started on your shoes! Do you really need size 11?
Your loving Mommy
Frog,
I know you're almost 28 months old and all you want to do is drive us batty with your tantrums and entertain us more than any high-paid celebrity ever could. I just have a tiny suggestion. Could you please grow up a little slower? I don't even mean developmentally. I mean physically! You're getting too big for your britches (literally) and I'm not emotionally ready for you to be in 4T clothes yet. So, can you keep on squeezing into those 3T for a little while longer...maybe 18 more months? Think about it. And don't even get me started on your shoes! Do you really need size 11?
Your loving Mommy
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
An Open Letter
The Crafty Conservative
To the apparently two different people that decided the back of my van was a good place to leave your shopping carts:
STOP IT!!!!
To the bloggers that don't know the difference between loose and lose:
GET A DICTIONARY!!!!
To those who smoke:
If you like smoking so much, why do you insist on smoking with your window down? The smoke blows into my van through the vents and it is icky. Granted...I'm a super-smeller. I can smell even trace amounts of cigarette smoke in unlikely places. It's a curse. But, back to the point. Why don't you keep your smoke in your own car?
To my blog readers:
Excuse my crabbiness this day. That second shopping cart was the last straw!
Thank you.
To the apparently two different people that decided the back of my van was a good place to leave your shopping carts:
STOP IT!!!!
To the bloggers that don't know the difference between loose and lose:
GET A DICTIONARY!!!!
To those who smoke:
If you like smoking so much, why do you insist on smoking with your window down? The smoke blows into my van through the vents and it is icky. Granted...I'm a super-smeller. I can smell even trace amounts of cigarette smoke in unlikely places. It's a curse. But, back to the point. Why don't you keep your smoke in your own car?
To my blog readers:
Excuse my crabbiness this day. That second shopping cart was the last straw!
Thank you.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
FO # 10 is here! Okay, I finished it a while back but now I have the pics to prove it. It's my Clapotis. I'm so glad it's over. It's the first thing I've made that I've really started to hate before I finished (except an ugly poncho that I crocheted). But, now that it's done and I've taken the pics, I'm going to try and heal and think happy thoughts about it.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Ipoddy Goodness
The Crafty Conservative
Most of you will remember that my mom got me an Ipod Shuffle for my birthday. I love it so much. I keep it in my pocket. When I get a chance, I listen to some of my favorite upbeat music and dance around the house. I have some of my favorites on there already.
What's missing? NEIL DIAMOND! I haven't imported any of my music from my Neil CD's. What the heck am I waiting for? He is my all time favorite singer of all time. He was on the Today show this morning and I was going to miss it because I had to work. Well, not so! I decided to turn on the TV and I watched it with my class. Unprofessional, you say? I don't think so! Most of them DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS!!! Oh, the horror! So, I consider it extremely educational. It was just to see two songs...America and Sweet Caroline (one of my faves).
Most of you will remember that my mom got me an Ipod Shuffle for my birthday. I love it so much. I keep it in my pocket. When I get a chance, I listen to some of my favorite upbeat music and dance around the house. I have some of my favorites on there already.
What's missing? NEIL DIAMOND! I haven't imported any of my music from my Neil CD's. What the heck am I waiting for? He is my all time favorite singer of all time. He was on the Today show this morning and I was going to miss it because I had to work. Well, not so! I decided to turn on the TV and I watched it with my class. Unprofessional, you say? I don't think so! Most of them DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS!!! Oh, the horror! So, I consider it extremely educational. It was just to see two songs...America and Sweet Caroline (one of my faves).
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Response from Wrigley
The Crafty Conservative
Dear Christy,
Thank you for visiting Wrigley.com, to let us know about the difficulty
you've had finding Extra Cool Green Apple gum in your neighborhood.
Because we share your interest in having our products available to anyone
who wants to buy them, we appreciate hearing from you.
We've checked in our database to learn that the following stores
regularly carry this product:
*Amoco, 706 Western Ave, West Lafayette, IN
*Express Mart, 808 W. National Ave, West Terre Haute, IN
*Shell, 1160 W. US HWY 40, West Terre Haute, IN
Please check the candy aisle as well as the check-out counter displays.
If one of these stores is temporarily out of stock, you might want to
ask the manager to order some for you.
If you are still unable to find this product you may purchase them
on-line at www.elite-distributing.com, www.candydirect.com, www.hometown
favorites.com or www.candyfavorites.com.
Again, we appreciate your interest in our products and thank you for
contacting the Wrigley Company.
Sincerely,
WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Melissa Griffin
Consumer Affairs Representative
Dear Christy,
Thank you for visiting Wrigley.com, to let us know about the difficulty
you've had finding Extra Cool Green Apple gum in your neighborhood.
Because we share your interest in having our products available to anyone
who wants to buy them, we appreciate hearing from you.
We've checked in our database to learn that the following stores
regularly carry this product:
*Amoco, 706 Western Ave, West Lafayette, IN
*Express Mart, 808 W. National Ave, West Terre Haute, IN
*Shell, 1160 W. US HWY 40, West Terre Haute, IN
Please check the candy aisle as well as the check-out counter displays.
If one of these stores is temporarily out of stock, you might want to
ask the manager to order some for you.
If you are still unable to find this product you may purchase them
on-line at www.elite-distributing.com, www.candydirect.com, www.hometown
favorites.com or www.candyfavorites.com.
Again, we appreciate your interest in our products and thank you for
contacting the Wrigley Company.
Sincerely,
WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Melissa Griffin
Consumer Affairs Representative
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Lovely Lincoln
The Crafty Conservative
Did I mention that Lincoln is the home of the National Museum of Roller Skating? It's even free! If this doesn't make you want to come stay at Hotel Nelson, I don't know what will!
Did I mention that Lincoln is the home of the National Museum of Roller Skating? It's even free! If this doesn't make you want to come stay at Hotel Nelson, I don't know what will!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Green Apple Gum Mystery Solved!
The Crafty Conservative
I found some of the Extra gum. Alas, I was disappointed. It's not that great.
I still have shingles. But, now I have meds. I also have an eye infection. More meds.
Sugar Daddy has agreed to having professionals pack up our house! Wahoo! So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm SO HAPPY about that.
We had our post placement visit for Big Apple today. It's just a formality to make sure everything is okay before the adoption is finalized. I'm glad it's over.
I think I may knit some this afternoon. What a novel concept!
I found some of the Extra gum. Alas, I was disappointed. It's not that great.
I still have shingles. But, now I have meds. I also have an eye infection. More meds.
Sugar Daddy has agreed to having professionals pack up our house! Wahoo! So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm SO HAPPY about that.
We had our post placement visit for Big Apple today. It's just a formality to make sure everything is okay before the adoption is finalized. I'm glad it's over.
I think I may knit some this afternoon. What a novel concept!
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Ever Elusive Green Apple Extra
The Crafty Conservative
Have you seen the commercials for the new flavor of Extra gum? It's cool green apple. I have a feeling that I will LOVE LOVE LOVE this gum. But........I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!! I've searched in two states and in many different types of stores. Nowhere. Watch out Wrigley. I'm gonna send you an email.
Have you seen the commercials for the new flavor of Extra gum? It's cool green apple. I have a feeling that I will LOVE LOVE LOVE this gum. But........I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!! I've searched in two states and in many different types of stores. Nowhere. Watch out Wrigley. I'm gonna send you an email.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
We have a house! But, I'm the one with SHINGLES.
The Crafty Conservative
We're back from Nebraska. We were so busy trying to find a suitable place to live in 2 days, but we did it! I'll post pictures later.
Due to my weakened immune system (from the huge viral infection of a few weeks ago), and my increased stress level (uh, like see a couple of posts down) I have shingles. I had them once before when I was a senior in high school. My parents were divorcing and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. Figures that I would get an illness that is most common in people over 60. I'm going to try to get an appointment tomorrow for some antiviral medication. Unfortunately, I opted against getting insurance this semester thinking that last semester I had a big physical (for the adoption) and this summer we would be getting insurance through SD's work. Luckily, I can go to PUSH (Purdue Univ. Student Health Center...so, why isn't it PUSHC?) for only $40.
So, enough about me. Let me talk about the house. It's exactly what we were looking for! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big fenced in yard, a finished basement, a family room, a living room, a dining area, and it's in a wonderful neighborhood (a big step up from our ghetto mansion that we live in now). The only downside is that the kitchen is pretty small. But, it has new appliances. They also just replaced the roof and the furnace. We're good to go! It's nice knowing that we have a place to go to in a few more weeks.
Oh! I revealed myself to my Secret Pal, Allena. Go check out her blog. She always has lots of fun things to say and pictures of her adventures!
I still haven't heard from mine, yet. But, it's only May 1st. I can wait. I got See's Candies...who can complain about that? NOT ME! I'm still working on some of those lollipops (my fave: Butterscotch). The candy only lasted a few days, though.
Needless to say, I haven't been knitting much. I took the Hogwarts scarf to Lincoln but it didn't make it out of the suitcase. We really spent the whole time searching for a place to live. We found it at 5:30pm Saturday night, decided at 8:30pm, signed the lease at 9:30am the next morning, checked out of the hotel, ate lunch, got on a plane, and came home! I'm sure I'll have more knitting news someday. I can't go for too long without picking up the sticks.
We're back from Nebraska. We were so busy trying to find a suitable place to live in 2 days, but we did it! I'll post pictures later.
Due to my weakened immune system (from the huge viral infection of a few weeks ago), and my increased stress level (uh, like see a couple of posts down) I have shingles. I had them once before when I was a senior in high school. My parents were divorcing and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. Figures that I would get an illness that is most common in people over 60. I'm going to try to get an appointment tomorrow for some antiviral medication. Unfortunately, I opted against getting insurance this semester thinking that last semester I had a big physical (for the adoption) and this summer we would be getting insurance through SD's work. Luckily, I can go to PUSH (Purdue Univ. Student Health Center...so, why isn't it PUSHC?) for only $40.
So, enough about me. Let me talk about the house. It's exactly what we were looking for! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big fenced in yard, a finished basement, a family room, a living room, a dining area, and it's in a wonderful neighborhood (a big step up from our ghetto mansion that we live in now). The only downside is that the kitchen is pretty small. But, it has new appliances. They also just replaced the roof and the furnace. We're good to go! It's nice knowing that we have a place to go to in a few more weeks.
Oh! I revealed myself to my Secret Pal, Allena. Go check out her blog. She always has lots of fun things to say and pictures of her adventures!
I still haven't heard from mine, yet. But, it's only May 1st. I can wait. I got See's Candies...who can complain about that? NOT ME! I'm still working on some of those lollipops (my fave: Butterscotch). The candy only lasted a few days, though.
Needless to say, I haven't been knitting much. I took the Hogwarts scarf to Lincoln but it didn't make it out of the suitcase. We really spent the whole time searching for a place to live. We found it at 5:30pm Saturday night, decided at 8:30pm, signed the lease at 9:30am the next morning, checked out of the hotel, ate lunch, got on a plane, and came home! I'm sure I'll have more knitting news someday. I can't go for too long without picking up the sticks.
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